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When a person is working with large scale Markov Decision Processes, he normally uses the policy iteration approach developed by Howard [1] and modified by White [3]. White's modification makes use of the method of successive approximations. Computational experience has shown that for many processes, the rate of convergence of the successive approximation is very slow. In this paper, techniques for speeding convergence are discussed. Numerical examples and computational experience which show the relative merits of the various approaches are presented.

An innovative form of treatment for children helps meet some of the demands to increase the quality and quantity of direct services in a child guidance clinic

AbstractIn this paper we consider computation techniques associated with the optimization of large scale Markov decision processes. Markov decision processes and the successive approximation procedure of White are described. Then a procedure for scaling continuous time and renewal processes so that they are amenable to the White procedure is discussed. The effect of the scale factor value on the convergence rate of the procedure and insights into proper scale factor selection are given.

Mr. Nicolas Burckhardt, Director of the International Tracing Service, will be leaving his post at the end of June 1970. The position, which he has occupied since 1955, will immediately be taken over by Mr. Albert de Cocatrix, who is at present Assistant Director.

Maintaining contact between captives and their families; seeking persons who are missing; reuniting families dispersed by events (international conflicts, civil wars, internal disturbances)—such are the main duties of the ICRC Central Tracing Agency in Geneva, where it maintains its principal working instrument, a card-index system of more than 45 million entries. The Agency also sets up, when circumstances require, offices which act as its correspondents in other countries.

The year 1975 was a twofold anniversary year for the International Tracing Service (ITS). Not only was it the thirtieth year of that unique international Service's existence; it was also the twentieth year of the ICRC's presence in Arolsen. To mark the thirtieth anniversary a short ceremony took place on 6 May in the main hall of the ITS. Each member of the staff was presented with a copy of the booklet published for the occasion.