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Are random walks random?

Author

Listed:
  • Nogués, J.
  • Costa-Krämer, J.L.
  • Rao, K.V.

Abstract

Random walks have been created using the pseudo-random generators in different computer language compilers (BASIC, PASCAL, FORTRAN, C++) using a Pentium processor. All the obtained paths have apparently a random behavior for short walks (∼214 steps). From long random walks (233 steps) different periods have been found, the shortest being 218 for PASCAL and the longest 231 for FORTRAN and C++, while BASIC had a 224 steps period. The BASIC, PASCAL and FORTRAN long walks had even (2 or 4) symmetries. The C++ walk systematically roams away from the origin. Using deviations from the mean-distance rule for random walks, 〈d2〉∝N, a more severe criterion is found, e.g. random walks generated by a PASCAL compiler fulfills this criterion to N< 10000.

Suggested Citation

  • Nogués, J. & Costa-Krämer, J.L. & Rao, K.V., 1998. "Are random walks random?," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 250(1), pages 327-334.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:phsmap:v:250:y:1998:i:1:p:327-334
    DOI: 10.1016/S0378-4371(97)00540-2
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    Cited by:

    1. Cianelli, Daniela & Uttieri, Marco & Strickler, J. Rudi & Zambianchi, Enrico, 2009. "Zooplankton encounters in patchy particle distributions," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 220(5), pages 596-604.

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