Here is another suggestion that can be profiled (can be combined with other suggestions for further optimization). Note, the loop here is O(number of set bits) .
Bit shifts are really cheap. Lookup tables cost cache space, and your lookup also have integer multiplication. Just brute-force will be faster than clever techniques, I expect.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.