Search

A comprehensive system for transformational grammar has been designed and implemented on the IBM 360/67 computer. The system deals with the transformational model of syntax, along the lines of Chomsky's Aspects of the Theory of Syntax. The major innovations include a full, formal description of the syntax of a transformational grammar, a directed random phrase structure generator, a lexical insertion algorithm, an extended definition of analysis, and simple problem-oriented programming language in which the algorithm for application of transformations can be expressed. In this paper we present the system as a whole, first discussing the general attitudes underlying the development of the system, then outlining the system and discussing its more important special features. References are given to papers which consider some particular aspect of the system in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses some of the thinking and philosophy behind changes in the communications of the journal of "Association for Computing Machines." Logistical and administrative reasons for the intended changes; Purposes and goals of the periodical; Technical papers relevant to the computer industry that are sought by the periodical.

In many recent computer system designs, hardware facilities have been provided for easing the problems of storage allocation. A method of characterizing dynamic storage allocation systems—according to the functional capabilities provided and the underlying techniques used—is presented. The basic purpose of the paper is to provide o useful perspective from which the utility of various hardware facilities may be assessed. A brief survey of storage allocation facilities in several representative computer systems is included as an appendix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the objectives of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) for 1970. The ACM's literature is its most basic service to its members. Not every ACM member attends chapter meetings regularly; only a fraction of the members attend national conferences. But every member regularly receives the ACM publications. It is suggested that a fair fraction of the issues for the next two years be assigned to the largest and most active Special Interest Groups (SIG). Each designated SIG would be responsible for selecting and obtaining subject matter for one such special issue. The process of organizing the technical program for national conferences needs overhauling. The "call for papers" philosophy too often results in mish-mash sessions. Panel sessions can be simply excuses for delivering full papers--which escape refereeing and do not appear in the proceedings. The Professional Development program has had a very successful first year. It has brought high quality technical seminars to many cities throughout the country. It needs continued support, so as to offer more subjects in more cities. How can the ACM better serve the business data processing community, which represents over one-half of the computer field, for this the ACM needs a much more vigorous program addressed to supporting the technical competence of these people.

The article presents a calendar of events about the computer industry. The "1967 Spring Joint Committee Conference," which will be held on April 18-20, 1967 in Atlantic City, New Jersey invites papers to be presented during the conference. The American Documentation Institute will hold a convention on October 3-7, 1967 in Santa Monica, California. The International Federation of Information Processing Societies will hold its "1968 Congress" on August 5-10, 1968 in Edinburgh, Scotland.