E-LETTER on Systems, Control, and Signal Processing

ISSUE No. 128, April 1, 1999.


      E-LETTER on Systems, Control, and Signal Processing
                 ISSUE No. 128,  April 1, 1999


E-mail:    eletter-request@win.tue.nl

Editors:   Anton A. Stoorvogel
           Dept. of Mathematics & Computing Science
           Eindhoven University of Technology
           P.O. Box 513
           5600 MB Eindhoven
           the Netherlands
           Fax     +31 40 246 5995

           Siep Weiland
           Dept. of Electrical Engineering
           Eindhoven University of Technology
           P.O. Box 513
           5600 MB Eindhoven
           the Netherlands
           Fax     +31 40 243 4582


Contents


1.      Editorial

2.      Personals

3.      General announcements
        3.1  On-line nonlinear Model based Predictive Control Simulation Package
        3.2  Tai-Ji ID version 2.4
        3.3  Call for nominations major impact papers in control
        3.4  Proposals invited for research in control theory and tools
        3.5  FFTW 2.1: New Parallel Transforms

4.      Positions
        4.1  Several Tenure track positions Queen's University, Ontario
        4.2  Postdoctoral positions ad PhD position in data fusion
        4.3  Research position University of Ghent
        4.4  Postdoctoral position in control systems, Univ. of Alberta
        4.5  Postdoctoral position in computing science, University of Groningen
        4.6  Postdoctoral position EE Department K.U. Leuven

5.      Books
        5.1  "Mathematical Theory of the Motion Stability," Zubov
        5.2  New textbook in Hybrid Systems by Vladimir Denisenko

6.      Journals
        6.1  New journal: Asian Journal of Control
        6.2  New journal: J. of Computational Analysis ad Applications
        6.3  TOC Automatice: Vol 35:4,5
        6.4  TOC Control Engineering Practice, Vol 7:3
        6.5  TOC J. of Dynamical and Control Systems, Vol 5:1
        6.6  TOC LAA, Vol 291:1-3

7.      Conferences
        7.1  Spring school automatic control  in Marrakesh
        7.2  IEE Workshop on MPC, London
        7.3  Workshop on LMI Methods, Compiegne
        7.4  Workshop "from intelligent control to behavioral systems", Groningen
        7.5  CFP IEEE Conf. on Control and Automation- MED'99, Haifa
        7.6  CFP Workshop Vistas in Control, Santa Barbara
        7.7  CFP INT-PEC'99, Gippsland, Australia
        7.8  CFP Workshop on climbing and walking robots, Portsmouth
        7.9  CFP Astrom Symposium on Control, Lund
        7.10 CFP Workshop on Active and real-time database systems, Dagstuhl


              ******************************************
              *                                        *
              *              Editorial                 *
              *                                        *
              ******************************************


Welcome to E-letter number 128!!!

We plan to send out the E-letter monthly. The next issue of E-letter will
appear May 1. Please send contributions before this date. We encourage
contributors to provide essential information only and reserve the right
to require contributors to cut certain parts of their contribution.

We remind you of the following.

-1- Contributions have to be sent to: "eletter-request@win.tue.nl"

    It would be useful if articles are already sent in the format that we
    use, starting with a "Contributed by:..." and a title centered in the
    next line. Each line should be no more than 80 characters wide. Please
    respect the MAXIMUM LENGTH OF 6 Kb per contribution.

-2- You can subscribe to the E-letter by sending an (empty) e-mail message
    to "eletter@win.tue.nl" carrying the subject 'add' or 'subscribe'. You
    will be automatically subscribed and included in our mailing list.
    To unsubscribe from this list, send an (empty) e-mail message to
    "eletter@win.tue.nl" with the subject 'remove', 'delete' or
    'unsubscribe'.

-3- If your address changed first unsubscribe (using your old E-mail address)
    and then subscribe again (using your new E-mail address). If you can not
    use your old E-mail address any longer then send an E-mail to
    "eletter-request@win.tue.nl" and your old address will be removed
    manually. In case of any problems please send an E-mail to
    "eletter-request@win.tue.nl" and we will try to resolve the problem.

-4- Further information about the E-letter can be obtained by sending an
    (empty) e-mail message to "eletter@win.tue.nl" carrying the subject
    'info' or via the finger command: "finger eletter@wsbs08.win.tue.nl"

-5- If you are using an editor to read this mailing and if at any point you
    wish to skip to the next article, you can accomplish this by searching
    for the string: *.**


              ******************************************
              *                                        *
              *              Personals                 *
              *                                        *
              ******************************************

*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.**
Contributed by: Jeff Shamma

        CHANGE OF ADDRESS

Please note my new contact information:

Professor Jeff Shamma
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Dept
37-146 Engineering IV
UCLA
Box 951597
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1597

Tel: (310) 794-4337
Fax: (310) 206-2302

http://www.seas.ucla.edu/~shamma/



              ******************************************
              *                                        *
              *        General announcements           *
              *                                        *
              ******************************************

*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.**
Contributed by:  Eric Ronco 

 On-line nonlinear Model based Predictive Control Simulation Package

We have developed an on-line simulation package based on a practical
nonlinear Model Based Predictive Controller, namely the "Open-Loop
Intermittent Feedback Optimal" (OLIFO) controller. It is possible to
test this algorithm with various nonlinear systems. Although still
a prototype, we believe that such an online control simulation package
should be most valuable as an-online control benchmark where people
could test there own controllers as well.

See below for an introduction to the simulation package or have
a look at the real thing at:

http://merlot.ee.usyd.edu.au/OLIFO

Introductory abstract:
This simulation package is intended to test the performance of
a practical nonlinear Model based Predictive Controller,
namely the Open-Loop Intermittent Feedback Optimal
(OLIFO) controller, while applied to various complicated
non-linear systems. Default settings are provided for each
system. However, you are encouraged to experience the
behaviour of this controller by changing some of the few
parameters. This should demonstrate the power of this
approach and provid a benchmark to compare the OLIFO
controller performance with any other non-linear controllers.

*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.**
Contributed by:  Yucai Zhu , 

Tai-Ji ID Version 2.4: Test signal design added

Tai-Ji ID Version 2.4 is released. The new version includes test signal
design, the first and the most important step in industrial identification.
The test design method is based on the asymptotic theory of L. Ljung and
over 50 industrial application experience of Y.C. Zhu. The user only need
to select a process name, or, to specify the time to steady state (settling
time) of the process. The recommended test design includes the test time,
number of signals per test, and generated PRBS signals. The design result
can be used for both open-loop and closed-loop tests. Many default designs
are included for refinery/petrochemical processes, such as main
fractionator, reactor/regenerator, debutanizer, ethylene furnace, ...

Tai-Ji ID is an identification software that carries out identification
automatically from test design to model validation. Both open-loop and
closed-loop data can be treated. Tai-Ji ID is developed for model based
process control such as MPC (model predictive control) and linear robust
control. In Tai-Ji ID, special attention is paid to deal with large scale
industrial processes which have slow dynamics, high level of disturbance
and many process
variables.

A robust PID auto-tuner is included that is based on closed-loop
identification.

Literature on ASYM Approach to MIMO Process Identification:
1) Zhu, Y.C. and T. Backx (1993). Identification of Multivariable
Industrial Processes: for Simulation, Diagnosis and Control.
Springer-Verlag, London.
2) Zhu, Y.C. (1998). Multivariable process identification for MPC: the
asymptotic method and its applications. Journal of Process Control. Vol. 8
No. 2, pp 101-115.
3) Zhu, Y.C., E. Arrieta, F. Butoyi and F. Cortes (1999). Parametric versus
nonparametric models in industrial process identification for MPC. To
appear in Hydrocarbon Processing.

For more information about Tai-Ji ID, please contact:

Dr. ir. Yucai Zhu
Tai-Ji Control
Hageheldlaan 62, 5641 GP Eindhoven, The Netherlands
Phone +31.40.2817192, fax +31.40.2813197
y.zhu@tip.nl, www.tip.nl/users/y.zhu
y.zhu@tue.nl

*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.**
Contributed by: Tamer Basar 

                           CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

                        MAJOR IMPACT PAPERS IN CONTROL

Plans are underway for putting together, under the auspices of the IEEE
Control Systems Society, a `Major Impact Papers' Volume, comprising
annotated reprints of 20-25 papers on control published in this century,
which have made major impact on the field of control. The plan is for this
volume to be published in the year 2000. The final selection of the papers
to be included in the volume, as well as the final editing of the volume,
will be carried out by a twelve-member editorial board, chaired by
Tamer Basar, of the University of Illinois. Other members of the editorial
board are B.D.O. Anderson, K.J. Astrom, J. Baillieul, B.A. Francis,
A. Isidori,  P.V. Kokotovic, H. Kwakernaak, W.S. Levine, L. Ljung, D. Mayne,
and J.C. Willems.

This is an open call to recipients of this Newsletter to nominate papers for
inclusion in this volume. Papers on control published in any journal  are
eligible. Each nomination should include the title and name(s) of author(s) of
the paper, the complete journal reference (journal title, volume, publication
date, page numbers), and a supporting statement as to how the paper being
nominated has impacted the field of control. More than one nomination could be
submitted by any individual, and nominations could be made by email.

Please submit all nominations by MAY 15, 1999, to:

Professor Tamer Basar
Coordinated Science Laboratory
University of Illinois
1308 West Main Street
Urbana, IL 61801-2307 / USA

Email: tbasar@decision.csl.uiuc.edu
Tel: +1 217 333-3607
FAX: +1 217 244-1653

*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.**
Contributed by: Alexander Kott  

PROPOSALS INVITED FOR RESEARCH IN CONTROL THEORY AND TOOLS

Researchers in Control may find this DARPA announcement of considerable
interest.
Proposals are due on 12 Noon,18 May 1999.
Details can found at http://www.darpa.mil/iso/jfacc

This is a brief excerpt from the announcement:
"AGILE CONTROL OF MILITARY OPERATIONS
The Joint Force Air Component Commander (JFACC) Project in the
Information Systems Office (ISO) of the Defense Advanced Research
Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting proposals (technical and cost)
from qualified corporations, research centers, and universities in the
area of "Agile Control of Military Operations" under BAA 99-18.
The JFACC Project aims to catalyze a revolutionary change in military
command and control (C2) of the future by tackling one of its toughest
problems - the agile and stable control of distributed and dynamic
military operations conducted in an uncertain and rapidly changing
environment. The first Proposal Category is Theoretical Techniques
and Tools to develop theoretical techniques and tools in one or more
of the following areas of interest: a) Distributed Control, b) Human
Embedded Systems, c) Symbolic Control, d) Dynamic Plant & Online System
Identification, e) Hostile Counteractions, f) State Estimation, and
g) Other (to be proposed by the proposer). The second Proposal Category
is Air Operations Enterprise Model to build an enterprise model of the
Joint Air Operations domain to enable, conduct, and analyze experiments
that will provide insights into possible dynamic phenomena; verify the
value or contribution of various control and other techniques and tools
that will be developed under the other solicitation category; and identify
the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of proposed functional
component technologies."

*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.**
Contributed by: Matteo Frigo and Steven G. Johnson 

                  FFTW 2.1: New Parallel Transforms

We are pleased to announce version 2.1 of FFTW, available from our web site:

                   http://theory.lcs.mit.edu/~fftw

FFTW is a free collection of fast C routines for computing the
Discrete Fourier Transform in one or more dimensions. It includes
complex, real, and parallel transforms, and can handle arbitrary array
sizes efficiently.

This release contains many improvements in the parallel transforms,
besides various miscellaneous changes (see the release notes at
http://theory.lcs.mit.edu/~fftw/release-notes.html).

We now support parallel real-complex transforms, in addition to
complex transforms, for both shared-memory threads and MPI.
Distributed one-dimensional transforms with MPI are also newly
included.  All of the parallel transform code is now folded into the
main documentation and the autoconf-based installation process of
FFTW.



              ******************************************
              *                                        *
              *              Positions                 *
              *                                        *
              ******************************************


*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.**
Contributed by: Karen Rudie 


The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Queen's University at
Kingston, Ontario, Canada. As a result of new initiatives in the areas of
communications engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering and
software engineering, the Department invites applications for several tenure-
track positions in key areas of its teaching and research activities. The
positions are available immediately and will be at either the Assistant or
Associate Professor level, depending upon the qualifications and experience
of the successful applicants. The preferred areas for the appointments are
(1) digital communications with an emphasis on wireless communication theory,
wireless propagation, mobile and satellite communications, and lightwave
communications; (2) microelectronics with an emphasis on ASIC design as
applied to RF, microwave or lightwave communications, analog devices/circuits/
systems, computer systems, and digital signal processing; (3) computer engineering
with an emphasis on software engineering and software systems, distributed
computer systems, computer networks and protocols, real-time computer systems,
digital VLSI systems, and computer architecture and hardware organization; (4)
signal processing with an emphasis on communications, including sensor array
processing, signal compression and multimedia; (5) control systems with an
emphasis on discrete-event systems, hybrid control systems, real-time
computer control, linear/nonlinear control, robotics and (6) power systems
with an emphasis on power electronics, and electric machines and drives.

Candidates should have a Ph.D. in electrical or computer engineering.
Responsibilities include effective teaching at the undergraduate and graduate
levels, development of a strong research program that involves graduate student
supervision and industrial interaction, and participation in the administrative
affairs of the Department, Faculty and University. Professional Engineering
registration or eligibility and commitment to register as a Professional
Engineer is a necessary condition for appointment. The Department has 19 faculty
members with five IEEE Fellows. $2.9M in annual research funding, 375 undergraduate
students and 100 graduate students. More information on the Department is
available at http://www.ece.queensu.ca.  Applicants should send a curriculum
vitae, the names of three referees, and a statement on teaching and research
interests to, Dr. J.C. Cartledge, Chair, Appointments Committee,
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Queen's University, Kingston,
Ontario, Canada, K7L 3N6. Applications will be accepted until suitable candidates
are selected. Queen's University is committed to employment equity and welcomes
applications from all qualified women and men, including visible minorities,
aboriginal people, persons with disabilities, gay men and lesbians. The
appointments are subject to budgetary approval. This advertisement is directed to
both Canadian and international candidates.

*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.**
Contributed by: M. Verhaegen

POST DOCTORAL POSITION AND Ph.D. POSITION IN DATA FUSION:

Detection of buried landmines via Ground Penetrating Radar.
Recently the Delft University of Technology in The Netherlands was granted a
project entitled: Advanced Re-locatable Multi-Sensor System for Buried Landmine
Detection. The grant was given by the Dutch Technology Foundation STW. The
project was set up as a four year program with an evaluation after two years.

In the project the participating groups are: the International Research Centre
for  Telecommunications-transmission and Radar (IRCTR), the Control Engineering
Laboratory,  the Centre for Applied Geophysics (CTG) and the Laboratory for
Electromagnetic Research. The research environment for the below vacancies is
the IRCTR.

Because of the international character of the existing research groups we expect
that the new employees have a good written and oral ability to express themselves
in English and will be  able to work in a team.

In this project we have two vacancies, i.e. for one PostDoc and one PhD candidate,
on the subject of  Multi Sensor Data Fusion and Object Classification.

The Post Doc positions are for two years, continuation for another two years
will be decided after the evaluation. Normally the PhD candidate positions are
for four years.

The detectability of mines respectively the power of classification is a function
of many environmental as well as mine composition factors.  MSDF (multi-sensor
data fusion) is a sophisticated technique that combines data from different
sensors to enhance landmine detection. Because algorithms for signal processing
and image construction in different sensor modes have their own different parameter
features, as well as because the characteristics of the sensors are often
different, it is necessary that the measurements from the different sensors
should be fused together so as to extract as much desirable information as possible. The topics
of the research are:
* Methods of fusing data from different-hierarchical outputs of the multi-sensor
  system.
* Algorithms for fusing the features or characteristic vectors output from the
  different processing methods.
* Extraction of the features from the fused-data space and construction of the
  pattern-space for object classification.
* Classification methods and algorithms.
The research is done in a collaboration between IRCTR and the Control Engineering
Laboratory.

The PhD candidate (or junior scientist) will focus his attention on
the first 2 topics of algorithm development for data fusion using recently
developments in the control laboratory on the topic of non-equidistant Kalman
Filtering. The postdoctoral fellow will focus on the last 2 topics. Classification
and feature extraction using neuro-fuzzy modeling methodologies.

Further information can be obtained from Dr. Michel Verhaegen,
e-mail: M.Verhaegen@its.tudelft.nl

*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.**
Contributed by: Rene Boel, Universiteit Gent (rene.boel@rug.ac.be)

The SYSTeMS Group of the University of Ghent has a vacancy for a
researcher (pre-doctoral or post-doctoral level) for the period of August 1999
till end of 2000. Subject to availability of funds, an extension of sufficient
length may be possible for a successful candidate, so that, in case of a pre-
doctoral candidate, the research can be the first step towards a Ph.D. within
the SYSTeMS group.
The research will be funded by a grant for fundamental research in
broadband telecommunications networks. The first phase of the project
will develop models of Internet and multimedia traffic over broadband
communications networks. These models will then be used to predict network
load, and will form the basis for optimal routing and on-line control algorithms
for broadband networks.
The successful candidate will be expected to learn to read the existing
literature on network performance and on on-line management of broadband
networks, and develop an ability for creative research in these areas. This
assumes some interest in (and preferably a prior knowledge of at least one of)
the following topics: stochastic systems, simulation, and systems and control.
For further information, please contact dr. ir. Ren K. Boel at +32-9-2645658,
e-mail: rene.boel@rug.ac.be
Interested candidates are requested to send, as soon as possible (before May
1st, 1999 at the latest), a c.v. and names and addresses of at least 2 referees,
to:

Dr. ir. Ren K. Boel
SYSTeMS groep
Universiteit Gent
Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 9
B-9052 Gent
Belgi
e-mail: rene.boel@rug.ac.be

*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.**
Contributed by: Horacio J. Marquez


           Postdoctoral Position in Control Systems
               University of Alberta, Canada


Applications are invited for a research position at the postdoctoral
level to work in control system analysis and design of a large industrial
facility. The successful applicant will be involved in all aspects of the
project including modeling, analysis, design, and possibly control
implementation. Applicants with Ph.D. degree and expertise in one
or more of the following areas are encouraged to apply:

1) Robust control.
2) System identification and modeling, including model validation.
3) Nonlinear control.
4) Chemical process control.

The initial appointment is for one year with the possibility of extension
for up to two more years. Interested applicant should contact
either Professor H.J. Marquez or Professor  T. Chen at the following
address:

Dept. of Electrical and Computer Engineering
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada T6G 2G7
(Emails: marquez@ee.ualberta.ca; tchen@ee.ualberta.ca)

*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.**
Contributed by: rein@cs.rug.nl

     Proposition for a postdoctoral position, University of Groningen

At the Research Institute for Mathematics and Computing Science at the
University of Groningen, there is an opening for a Post-doctoral position in
research group "Fundamental Computing Science". This position takes place
within the european TMR project ALAPEDES,
see: http://www.cs.rug.nl/~rein/alapedes/

You will find below the official proposal  (which mentions also positions in
other teams of the ALAPEDES network).

Within Groningen emphazises are in the research areas "Control of Automata",
"Communication networks" and "software development".

Please note that in order to apply, you need to come from an EEC (or
associated) country and be under 35 years of age. Furthermore, if you
apply to RUG, you can not have the Dutch nationality. For more
details, see the section `CONDITIONS FOR POSITIONS AND APPLICATIONS' below.

VACANCIES FOR POST-DOC (and PH.D.) POSITIONS.

Within the framework of Research Networks, Training and Mobility
of Researchers (TMR), a programme of the European Commission, Directorate
General XII, the project

THE ALGEBRAIC APPROACH TO PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF DISCRETE EVENT SYSTEMS

More detailed information is available via the internet:
http://www.cs.rug.nl/~rein/alapedes/alapedes.html

General information regarding TMR projects can be found on the TMR
home page on the CORDIS WWW server of the internet. Location:
http://www.cordis.lu/tmr/home.html

Official applications should be done in writing (conventional mail).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT

The theory of Discrete Event Systems (DES) is a research area of current
vitality. The development of this theory is largely stimulated by
discovering general principles which are useful to a wide range
range of application domains. In particular, technological and/or
`man-made' manufacturing systems, communication networks, transportation
systems and logistic systems, all fall within the class of DES.
The dynamics of DES are event-driven as opposed to time-driven,
i.e., the behavior of a DES is governed only by occurrences of different
types of events over time rather than by ticks of a clock.
Theoretical disciplines that support the study of DES include
various branches of applied mathematics like systems theory,
operations research and theoretical computer science,
as well as several subdomains of engineering, like manufacturing,
communications and circuits.

CONDITIONS FOR POSITIONS AND APPLICATIONS

The European Union requires some conditions regarding the successful
candidates to be fulfilled. Some of them are (for the more precise
conditions see the home page, or contact the network coordinator):

1. The visiting researcher must be a holder of a doctoral degree or
of a degree from a university or equivalent institution of higher
education, which qualifies him to embark on a doctoral degree.
2. He must be a national of a member state of the European Community or
of an associate state (Austria, France, Italy, Spain, Belgium,
Germany, Luxemburg, Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, United Kingdom,
Luxemburg, Sweden, Denmark, Greece, Finland, Ireland, Portugal
and  Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Israel).
3. He must not be a national of the state in which the research team
appointing him is situated. Moreover, he must not have carried out
his normal activities in that state for more than 18 months out of
the 24 months prior to his appointment.
4. At the time of the appointment, the researcher should be aged 35
or less.

Note: No preference to sexes is expressed above; everywhere where one
reads `he' or `his', one could equally well read `he/she' or `his/her'.

*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.**
Contributed by: Bart Motmans

Postdoctoral Position available at K.U.Leuven, Dept. of Electrical Eng.
(ESAT), SISTA/COSIC

There is an opening for a post-doctoral researcher (duration approx. 1.5
years) in the European TMR project ALAPEDES (THE ALGEBRAIC APPROACH TO
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF DISCRETE EVENT SYSTEMS) in our research group
SISTA/COSIC.

See http://www.cs.rug.nl/~rein/alapedes/ for more information about the
project or http://www.esat.kuleuven.ac.be/sista for more information about
the research group.

As an extension to the original proposal, the subject of research can be
'Traffic modelling'. SISTA/COSIC is also involved in another project on
traffic research:  'Traffic Congestion Problems in Belgium: Mathematical
Models, Analysis, Simulation and Control' (SSTC MD01/24).

SISTA/COSIC is currently doing research on identification of traffic flow
patterns and on control of traffic flows on highways.
A fundamental requirement for traffic research is knowledge of the
information on turning movements and total number of vehicles through an
intersection. The problem is then, based upon traffic flow measurements, to
identify the entries of the origin-destination (O-D) matrix, i.e., the
probabilities of vehicles entering one leg of an intersection and exiting
another in an intersection. This O-D matrix is time dependent and so we are
working on fast estimation algorithms to make on line estimation feasible.
A second important research topic in the traffic field is the model based
development of control schemes for Advanced Traffic Management Systems on
highways, such as: ramp metering, variable message signs, dynamic route
information panels ...

Please note that in order to apply, you need to come from an EEC (or
associated) country (excluding Belgium) and younger than 35 years.

For more information, you can contact

Bart De Moor
Bart Motmans
K.U.Leuven
Dept. of Electrical Engineering (ESAT)
Research group SISTA/COSIC
Kard. Mercierlaan 94
B-3001 Leuven
Belgium
Tel. +32-16-32 17 09 (secr.)
Fax. +32-16-32 19 70
Email : Bart.DeMoor@esat.kuleuven.ac.be, Bart.Motmans@esat.kuleuven.ac.be



              ******************************************
              *                                        *
              *                Books                   *
              *                                        *
              ******************************************

*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.**
Contributed by: Sergei V. Zubov (zubov@dc2.ff.phys.spbu.ru)

I am a  distributor of a  book by  Vladimir I. Zubov  "Mathematical
Theory of the Motion Stability", published by Stock Corporation Mo-
bilnost Plus, Russia, St.-Petersburg, 1997 /for individual book or-
ders price is $35.00 (US dollars), for  corporate book  orders (for
organizations) price is $70.00 (US dollars) /339 pages / softcover/
/ ISBN 5-85766-001-7 (in English). If you want to  order this book,
please, let me know.

Price is subject to change.
Below is an advertising information about mentioned book.


                         Vladimir I. Zubov
            "Mathematical Theory of the Motion Stability",
            published by Stock Corporation Mobilnost Plus,
                   Russia, St.-Petersburg, 1997
              339 pages / softcover / ISBN 5-85766-001-7
                           (in English)

            MATHEMATICAL THEORY OF THE MOTION STABILITY

                         VLADIMIR I. ZUBOV

                 Stock Corporation Mobilnost Plus,
                        St.-Petersburg, 1997

    THE AUTHOR: Professor  Vladimir I. Zubov is a Doctor of Science
(Physics and Mathematics), famous Russian mathematician, well-known
specialist in a field of control  theory, theory of ordinary diffe-
rential equations, theory of  oscillations, nonlinear mechanics and
other branches of science.

    CONTENTS: The book  consists of introduction, six chapters, ap-
pendices and bibliography.

    Chapter 1. Stability of Invariant Sets of a Dynamical System in
    Chapter 2. Investigation  of the Problem of Stability of Motion
    for Systems of Ordinary Differential Equations
    Chapter 3. Investigation of a Neighborhood of the Trivial Solu-
    tion of the Differential Equations with the Aid of Lyapunov's First
    Method
    Chapter 4. Investigation of the  Stability of Invariant Sets of
    General Systems
    Chapter 5. Solution of the  Stability Problem  for a  System of
    Partial Differential Equations
    Chapter 6. Periodic and Almost-Periodic Oscillations in Non-Li-
    near Systems

    READERSHIP: The  book is  addressed to  University graduate and
postgraduate  students, researchers in  dynamical systems, ordinary
differential equations and stability theory.


*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.**
Contributed by:  Frank L. Lewis,
                 University of Texas at Arlington.  
                 flewis@controls.uta.edu.

New textbook in HYBRID SYSTEMS
by Vladimir Denisenko.

DISCRETE-CONTINUOUS SYSTEMS WITH CONTROLLED
STRUCTURE:  THEORY, SIMULATION AND APPLICATION

M.Z. Zgurovskij, V.A. Denisenko
Odessa Institute of Technology, Ukraine
apvden@favt.ospu.odessa.ua
1998

SUMMARY

This book presents a comprehensive, new,
mathematically rigorous, and unified theory of
Hybrid Systems.

The book deals with the problems of control and
design of complicated technological systems and
complexes.  A novel theory of hybrid or discrete-
continuous networks is developed which serves a
basis of theoretical research in systems with
controlled structure.  We begin by developing a
rigorous hybrid systems mathematical model in
the discrete-continuous space.  Then, we study
properties (reachability, controllability,
liveness of structures, diagonalization), and
develop design techniques.  We confront the
problem of control with optimization algorithms.

A comprehensive and streamlined simulation
package for hybrid systems is available based on
this work.

For engineers and technical workers concerned
with problems of hybrid system simulation and
design in various fields.  For students and post-
graduates specializing in complex systems and
hybrid systems in higher educational
institutions.  This book is in Russian.

For more information please contact Professor
Vladimir Denisenko at Odessa Polytechnic
University at apvden@favt.ospu.odessa.ua




CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1

PROBLEMS OF CONTROL AND DESIGN
OF TECHNOLOGICAL SYSTEMS AND COMPLEXES

CHAPTER 2

DEVELOPMENT OF THE THEORY
OF DISCRETE-CONTINUOUS NETWORKS

CHAPTER 3

CONTINUOUS AND HYBRID PETRI NETWORKS

CHAPTER 4

DEVELOPMENT OF MATHEMATICAL MODEL OF DISCRETE-
CONTINUOUS SYSTEM WITH CONTROLLED STRUCTURE

CHAPTER 5

STUDE OF REACHABILITY, CONTROLLABILITY AND
DIAGONALIZATION

CHAPTER 6

INTEGRATION OF THE PROBLEMS OF CONTROL DESIGN-
CONTINUOUS SYSTEM WITH CONTROLLED STRUCTURE

CHAPTER 7

OPTIMIZATION METHODS AND ALGORITHMS FOR THE
SYSTEMS WITH CONTROLLED STRUCTURE IN THE
PROBLEMS OF DESIGN

CHAPTER 8

CREATION OF COMPUTING ENVIRONMENT ROF SIMULATION OF DISCRETE-CONTINUOUS SYSTEM
WITH CONTROLLED STRUCTURE

Supplement 1.   List of type units of DCNET program
Supplement 2.   Description of technological process, mathematical model and
simulation results of the plant on production of
polyvinylchloride

References



              ******************************************
              *                                        *
              *               Journals                 *
              *                                        *
              ******************************************


*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.**
Contributed by:  Li-Chen Fu


                 Announcement : A New Journal Starts in 1999


    The Asian Journal of Control, an ACPA (Asian Control Professor
Association) affiliated journal, is the first international journal
originating from the Asian Pacific region and being recognized by the
major body of control researchers in this region. The Asian Journal of
Control publishes quarterly high-quality papers on original theoretical
and experimental research and development in the areas of control, involving
all facets of control theory and its application. Functionally, this journal
not only provides a forum where control researchers and practitioners can
exchange their knowledge and experiences in the control areas, but also
serves as an educational means for students and any others whoever like
to learn some topics in the same technical area. It is strongly believed
this journal will become an important  communication channel for the
control community in the Asian Pacific region and the outside international
community.

    The scope of the journal is extensive. Topics include: the theory and
design of control systems and components, encompassing robust and distributed
control using geometric, optimal, stochastic and nonlinear methods, game
theory and state estimation; adaptive control, including robotics, neural
networks, learning, parameter estimation and system fault detection;
additional topics including artificial intelligence, fuzzy and expert
systems, hierarchical and man-machine systems, all parts of systems
engineering which consider the reliability of components and systems;
data processing; mechatronics; and computers for computer-aided design,
manufacturing, and control of various industrial processes, space vehicles
and aircraft, ships, traffic, biomedical systems, national economies, power
systems, agriculture and natural resources.

    Submitted articles may be Survey Papers (extensive reviews of
established or emerging research topics or application areas), Papers
(detailed discussion involving new research, applications or development),
or Brief Papers (brief presentations of new technical concepts and
developments). The journal also publishes the Special Issues on subjects
of increasing importance.

    There are two Editor-in-Chiefs of the journal, namely, Prof. Hidenori
Kimura (The University of Tokyo) and Prof. Li-Chen Fu (National Taiwan
University). Anyone who is interested in submitting papers to the journal,
he can contact the Editor-in-Chief, Prof. Fu at the following address
for the necessary information.

          Prof. Li-Chen Fu
          Dept. of Electrical Engineering
          National Taiwan University
          Tel: +(886-2) 2362-2209
          Fax: +(886-2) 2362-8167
          E-mail: lichen@ccms.ntu.edu.tw

or directly visit our web page at : http://ajc.csie.ntu.edu.tw.

*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.**
Contributed by: G.Anastassiou,
            editor-in-chief JoCAAA,Univ.Memphis,TN,USA

J. of Computational Analysis and Applications, an international
Kluwer/Plenum  quarterly publication has published its first issue.
Annual subscription rates $160(US), $185(non-US); $65(personal-
US), $75(personal-non-US).

For more information please visit:
    http://www.msci.memphis.edu/~anastasg/anlyjour.htm
    and
    http://www.plenum.com/title.cgi? 2211
    Plenum tel. 1-800-221-9369
Also there exists the related sister new book series on
Computational Mathematics and Applications from Kluwer/Plenum.
Please find attached the following table of contents:

 Journal of Computational Analysis and Applications
 Vol. 1, No. 1, January 1999
 CONTENTS
 Page 1.  Introductory Statement
 By:  George A. Anastassiou
 Page 3. " Some Shift-Invariant Integral Operators, Univariate Case,
 Revisited"
 By:  George A. Anastassiou and Sorin G. Gal
 Page 25. " Periodic Wavelets from Scratch"
 By:  Gilbert G. Walter and Luchuan Cai
 Page 43.  "Best Fourier Approximation and Application in Efficient
 Blurred Signal Reconstruction"
 By:  Sam Efromovich and Michael Ganzburg
 Page 63. "Metrization of Epi-Convergence: An Application to the
 Strong Consistency of M-Estimators"
 By:  Marco Dall'Aglio and Svetlozar T. Rachev
 Page 87. "Convergence Domains for Some Iterative Processes in Banach
 Spaces Using Outer or Generalized Inverses"
 By:  Ioannis K. Argyros
 Page 105. "Ewald's Method Revisited:  Rapidly Convergent Series
 Representations of Certain Green's Functions"
 By:  Vassilis G. Papanicolaou
 Page 115. " A Note on Some Inequalities for Finite Sums and an
 Application to Entropies of Probability Distributions"
 By:  Cvetan Jardas, Josip Pecaric, Rajko Roki, and Nikola Sarapa


*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.**
Contributed by:  Huibert Kwakernaak


                                   AUTOMATICA

                                Table of contents

April, 1999                                               Issue    35:4
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Editorials

H. Kwakernaak                 New editorial areas and appointments

Regular Papers

K. H. Johansson, A. Rantzer,  Fast switches in relay feedback systems
K. J. Astrom

E. Skafidas, R. J. Evans, A.  Stability results for switched controller
 V. Savkin, I. R. Petersen    systems

M. Morari, M. L. Tyler        Propositional logic in control and monitoring
                              problems

Brief Papers

P. Milliken, C. Marsh, B.     Minimax controller design for a class of
van Brunt                     uncertain linear systems

J-P. Le Cadre, S.             Optimizing the receiver maneuvers for
Laurent-Michel                bearings-only tracking

Q. P. Ha, D. C. Rye, H. F.    Fuzzy moving sliding mode control with
Durrant-Whyte                 application to robotic manipulators

O. L. V. Costa, E. O.         Constrained quadratic state feedback control
Assumpcao, et al.             of discrete- time Markovian jump linear
                              systems

L. Jaulin, J. Burger          Proving set inclusion via intervals;
                              Applications parametric robust stability

A. V. Rao, K. D. Mease        Dichotomic basis approach to solving
                              hyper-sensitive optimal control problems

A. Espada, A. Barreiro        Robust stability of fuzzy control systems
                              based on conicity conditions

N. Linard, B. D. O.           Identification of a nonlinear plant under

Anderson, F. De Bruyne        nonlinear feedback using left coprime
                              fractional based representations

A. Giua, C. Seatzu, G. Usai   Observer-controller design for cranes via
                              Lyapunov equivalence

I. E. Kase, F. Jabbari        Robust control of linear systems with real
                              parametric uncertainty

P. Hippe, C. Wurmthaler       Systematic closed loop design in the presence
                              of input saturations

W. Su, L. Xie, C. E. de       Global robust disturbance attenuation and
Souza                         almost disturbance decoupling for uncertain
                              cascaded nonlinear sytems

Z. Lin, X. Bao, B. M. Chen    Further results on almost disturbance
                              decoupling with global asymptotic stability
                              for nonlinear systems

Technical Communiques

W. Zhang, X. Xu, Y. Sun       Quantitative performance design for
                              integrating process with time delay

K. Park, et al.               Wiener-Hopf approach to derivation of rational
                               doubly coprime factorizations

A. G. Madievski, B. D. O.     Approximation of frequency response for
Anderson, Y. Yamamoto         sampled-data control systems

H. D. Tuan, S. Hosoe          On linear robust H(infinity) controllers for a
                               class of nonlinear singular perturbed systems

S. S. Ge, C. C. Hang, .       A direct adaptive controller for dynamic
Zhang                         systems with a class of nonlinear
                              parametrizations

M. S. Mahmoud, Y. C. Soh, L.  Observer-based positive real control of
 Xie                          uncertain linear systems


B. H. Wilson, B. Eryilmaz     Simplified tree-structured decomposition using
                               bond graphs

C. Edwards, I. Postlethwaite  An anti-windup scheme with closed-loop
                              stability considerations


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   AUTOMATICA

                                Table of contents


May, 1999                                                 Issue    35:5

Regular Papers

A. Garulli, A. Vicino, G.     Optimal induced-norm and set membership state
Zappa                         smoothing and filtering for linear systems
                              with bounded disturbances

A. S. Poznyak, K. Najim       Adaptive control of constrained finite Markov
                              chains

H. Fan                        Singular root distribution problem for
                              delta-operator based real polynomials

F. Blanchini, E. P. Ryan      A Razumikhin-type lemma for functional
                              differential equations with application to
                              adaptive control


Brief Papers

Jie Yu, A. Sideris            Optimal induced l1-norm state feedback control

S. Battilotti                 Sufficient conditions for global output
                              regulation of nonlinear interconnected systems

J-M. Godhavn, A. Balluchi,    Steering of a class of nonholonomic systems
L. S. Crawford, S. S. Sastry  with drift terms

L. Jaulin, E. Walter          Guaranteed parameter bounding for nonlinear
                              models with uncertain experimental factors

G. C. Goodwin, A. R.          Fundamental limitations due to jw-axis zeros
Woodyatt, R. H. Middleton,    in SISO systems
J. Shim

Jin H. Seo, Cheol H. Jo,      Decentralized H(infinity)-controller design
S-H. Lee

R. H. Middleton, S. F.        Slow stable open loop poles: To cancel or not
Graebe                        to cancel?

S. Hashtrudi Zad, M-A.        Generic solvability of the failure detection
Massoumnia                    and identification problem

L. Mirkin, Z. J. Palmor       On the sampled-data H(infinity) filtering
                              problem

P. M. Makila, J. R.           On robustness in system identification
Partington

M. Morari, M. V. Kothare      Multiplier theory for stability analysis of
                              anti-windup control systems

Ye Xudong                     Asymptotic regulation of time-varying
                              uncertain nonlinear systems with unknown
                              control directions

S. Nishida, M. Nakamura, et   A morphological filter for extracting waveform
al.                            characteristics of single sweep evoked
                              potentials

Technical Communiques


C. Verde                      On the use of sensitivity functions to design
                              dead-beat control algorithm

Z. Gajic, R. Losada           Solution of the state-dependent noise optimal
                              control problem in terms of Lyapunov
                              iterations

Z. Wang, B. Huang, H.         Robust reliable control for a class of
Unbehauen                     uncertain nonlinear state delayed systems

Y. Rolain, R. Pintelon        Generating robust starting values for
                              frequency domain transfer function estimation

K. Hui, C. W. Chan            Noise attenuation of compensators for rate and
                               amplitude constrained systems

Hao Xia, S. M. Veres          Improved efficiency of adaptive robust control
                               by model unfalsification

X. Liu, G. Gu, K. Zhou        Robust stabilization of MIMO nonlinear systems
                               by backstepping


*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.**
Contributed by:  George W Irwin


                LIST OF CONTENTS

IFAC Journal: Control Engineering Practice
        Volume : 7 Issue  : 3   Mar-1999



pp 295-303
Fuzzy guidance of the shuttle orbiter during atmospheric reentry
MU Bikdash, K Sartor, A Homaifar

pp 305-313
Robust control of a laboratory aircraft model via fast output
sampling
H Werner, T Meister

pp 315-325
Iterative learning feedback control of human limbs via functional
electrical stimulation
H Dou, KK Tan, TH Lee, Z Zhou

pp 327-334
Development of a new hydraulic servo cylinder with mechanical
feedback
JG Lee, OH Kim

pp 335-345
Active vibration control of a flexible beam, based on flow source
control
KH Park

pp 347-356
A methodology for designing controllers for industrial systems
based on nonlinear separation model and control
M Nakamura, S Goto, T Sugi

pp 357-368
Fault detection of actuator faults in unmanned underwater vehicles
M Alessandri, M Caccia, G Veruggio

pp 369-373
Tracking control of a two-wheeled mobile robot using input-output
linearization
DH Kim, JH Oh

pp 375-380
New trends and requirements for dynamic security assessment
B Meyer, G Native

Special Section on Robot Control

pp 381-382
Preface to the special section on robot control
W Khalil

pp 383-390
6 DOF dynamic localization of an outdoor mobile robot
P Bonnifait, G Garcia

pp 391-399
Coordinating mobility and manipulation using nonholonomic mobile
manipulators
G Foulon, JY Fourquet, M Renaud

pp 401-411
Biped robots: Correlations between technological design and
dynamic behavior
P Sardain, M Rostami, E Thomas, G Bessonnet

pp 413-422
Internal forces and stability in multi-finger grasps
MM Svinin, M Kaneko, T Tsuji

pp 423-430
Adaptive calibration and control of 2D monocular visual servo
systems BE
Bishop, MW Spong

pp 439-439
Book review: Stability analysis of discrete event systems
FG Gonzalez

pp 440-440
Book review: Neural network systems techniques and applications.

Vol.3 Implementation techniques

*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.**
Contributed by:  Yuri L. Sachkov (sachkov@sys.botik.ru)

        JOURNAL  OF DYNAMICAL AND CONTROL SYSTEMS

                Vol 5, No. 1, January 1999
                        CONTENTS

Integration of Complex Differential Equations                   
50
B. Azevedo Scardua

Quantum States of Monodromy Group
51--100
V.P. Kostov

Stokes Operators Via Limit Monodromy of Generic Perturbations
101--135
A.A. Glutsuk

Topological Entropy of Free Semigroup Actions
and Skew-Products
137--142
A. Bufetov

Transformations Having Homogeneous Spectra
145--148
V.V. Ryzhikov

On Ergodic Transformations with Homogeneous Spectrum
149--152
O.N. Ageev

*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.**
Contributed by: Hans Schneider

URL: http://www.elsevier.nl/locate/jnlnr/07738

Journal: Linear Algebra and Its Applications
ISSN   : 0024-3795
Volume : 291
Issue  : 1-3
Date   : 26-Apr-1999


pp 1-14
A simple approach to matrix realizations for Littlewood-Richardson
sequences
GD Appleby

pp 15-36
Gershgorin's theorem for matrices of operators
HN Salas

pp 37-49
The contragredient equivalence for several matrices: a set of
invariants
J Gelonch

pp 51-61
Products of commutators of dilatations
H You

pp 63-82
Decomposability and structure of nonnegative bands in m_n(r)A Marwaha

pp 83-102
An alternative system of structural invariants of quadruples of
matrices
I Garcia-Planas

pp 103-113
Inequalities for c-s seminorms and lieb functions
RA Horn

pp 115-124
Multiplicities of eigenvalues of some linear search schemes
AJ Pryde

pp 125-142
Triangular powers of integers from determinants of bionomial
coefficient matrices
LJ Ratliff, DE Rush

pp 143-149
Some lowner partial orders of schur complements and kronecker
products of matrices
J Liu

pp 151-166
Perron vector ordering for a subclass of tournament matrices
S Kirkland

pp 167-184
On simultaneous similarity of matrices and related questions
JA Dias Da Silva

pp 185-199
Inverse updating and downdating for weighted linear least squares
using M-invariant reflections
J Zhao

pp 201-225
Extreme rays for cones of hermitian matrix functions that are
non-negative on the positive semi-definite matrices
TH Pate

pp 227-234
Linear algebra and its applications multivariate versions of cochran
theorems
CS Wong

pp 235-244
Not all GKK tau-matrices are stable
O Holtz

pp 245-274
Maximal abelian subalgebras of e(p,q) algebras
Z Thomova

pp 275-275
Author index


              ******************************************
              *                                        *
              *              Conferences               *
              *                                        *
              ******************************************


*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.**
Contributed by: BENZAOUIA Abdellah 

  Spring school of automatic control in Marrakesh (Morocco)
  from 04 to 07 May 1999:

I organise a spring school of automatic control from 04 to 07 May 1999 at
the University of Cadi Ayyad of Marrakesh (Morocco). The courses of this
manifestation will be lead by the following professors:

*Prof. El. Boukas from Ecole polytechnique dr Montral (Canada):
        Systme de production flexible: analyse et commande ( 6 hours)

 Prof. M. M'SAAD from ISMRA of Universit de Caen (France):
        Problme de l'Automatique. Etude de quelques cas. ( 6 hours)

*Profs. V.Wertz and G. Bastin from CESAM of Universit catholique de
Louvain-La-Neuve (Belgie):
         Identifications des systmes et applications (10 hours)


For registration and more information, please contact me at:
                 benzaouia@ucam.ac.ma

*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.**
Contributed by: Peter D Roberts (p.d.roberts@city.ac.uk)

IEE WORKSHOP ON MODEL PREDICTIVE CONTROL:
TECHNIQUES AND APPLICATIONS

On 28 and 29 April 1999, at their headqurters building at Savoy
Place in London, the UK Institution of Electrical Engineers
is holding a workshop on Model Predictive Control.

Model predictive control, probably more than any other advanced
control technique, has rapidly found significant application in the
process control industry. The aim of this event is to describe the
various techniques that are available together with latest
developments and examples of industrial applications, with the first
day concentrating mainly on techniques and second day devoted
primarily to applications. The programme contains keynote papers
from leading instigators and practitioners in the field, as well as
contributions from academia and industry. The workshop will have
a tutorial element as well as covering the latest research. The event
will benefit practicing control engineers as well as academics
interested in this important area of modern control.

For more information contact either scurwen@iee.org.uk or
p.d.roberts@city.ac.uk. The programme can be found on the web
page: http://www.iee.org.uk/Events/b28apr99.htm

*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.**
Contributed by: Laurent El Ghaoui (elghaoui@ensta.fr)

  WORKSHOP ON LMI METHODS IN
 IDENTIFICATION, OPTIMIZATION AND CONTROL


We are pleased to announce a workshop on Linear Matrix Inequality (LMI)
methods in identification, optimization and control, to be held
at

 Universite de Technologie de Compiegne (UTC)
     Compiegne, France

in May 17, 18 and 19, 1999

The workshop is sponsored by SIAM, CNRS (GDR-Automatique), INRIA, EDF,
UTC and ENSTA.

Linear Matrix Inequalities (LMIs) have recently emerged as useful
tools for solving a number of control and identification problems.
The aim of this workshop is to describe, for the researcher in the
control area, several important advances made both in algorithms and
software and in the important issues in LMI control, pertaining to
analysis, design, and applications.  Another aim is to identify
several important issues, both in control and optimization, that need
to be addressed in the future.  The workshop is based on a edited book
to be published by SIAM in 1999, entitled "Advances in LMI methods in
Control".

Topics covered in the workshop include:

 - algorithms and software for LMI problems
 - applications of LMIs in areas outside of control
 - analysis of control systems
 - synthesis of controllers
 - industrial applications

The list of speakers includes:

P. Apkarian, V. Balakrishnan, S. Boyd, S. Dussy, L. El Ghaoui,
E. Feron, J.-P. Folcher, M. Fu, K. M. Grigoriadis, T. Iwasaki,
M. Mesbahi, M.V. Nayakkankuppam, S.I. Niculescu, F. Oustry,
F. Paganini, A. Rantzer, C. W. Scherer, C. E. de Souza

To register, please visit the web site:

 http://www.hds.utc.fr/~bvidolov

DEADLINES
   Pre-registration                April 15, 1999 (mention Eletter)
   Workshop date                   May 17-18-19, 1999

CONTACT:
  L. El Ghaoui (elghaoui@ensta.fr)
  S.I. Niculescu (silviu@hds.utc.fr)


*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.**
Contributed by: H.L. Trentelman

                      Invitation to Attend

            THE MATHEMATICS OF SYSTEMS AND CONTROL:

         FROM INTELLIGENT CONTROL TO BEHAVIORAL SYSTEMS


                     A Workshop in Honour of

                         JAN C. WILLEMS
              On the Occasion of his 60th Birthday


                     September 17 and 18, 1999
                     Groningen, The Netherlands

                     Lectures will be given by

              A.C. Antoulas       (Rice University)
              R.W. Brockett       (Harvard University)
              C.I. Byrnes         (Washington University)
              J.C. Doyle          (Caltech)
              F. Fagnani          (Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa)
              G.D. Forney         (Motorola Inc.)
              K. Glover           (University of Cambridge)
              C. Heij             (Erasmus University)
              S. Mitter           (MIT)
              A.S. Morse          (Yale University)
              H. Nijmeijer        (University of Twente)
              J.W. Polderman      (University of Twente)
              P. Rocha            (University of Aveiro)
              A.J. van der Schaft (University of Twente)
              H.J. Sussmann       (Rutgers University)
              H.L. Trentelman     (University of Groningen)
              S. Weiland          (University of Eindhoven)


            The Workshop will close with a formal dinner on
                            Septemer 18, 1999

                               Organizer

                           H.L. Trentelman
                   Institute for Math. and Comp. Science
                        University of Groningen
                      Groningen, The Netherlands
                      Email: Willemsfest@math.rug.nl


        If you want to attend the workshop, please inform the organizer
                               by electronic mail


                Details on the program can be found on internet:
                          http://www.rug.nl/~Willemsfest



*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.**
Contributed by: Hector Rotstein (hector@ee.technion.ac.il)

             * * * Inviation for Participation * * *

                7TH IEEE MEDITERRANEAN CONFERENCE
                 ON CONTROL & AUTOMATION - MED99
       June 28-30, 1999, Dan Panorama Hotel, Haifa, Israel

On behalf of the sponsors of the Mediterranean Control Conference,
the Organizing Committee invites you to participate in the
7th Mediterranean Conference on Control and Automation MED99.
Co-sponsored by the IEEE Control Systems Society and Local Academic
Organizations, the conference will bring together people working in
Control, Automation and related fields.

MED99 will be held in Haifa, Israel on June 28-30, 1999 at the Dan
Panorama Hotel. The technical program consists of keynote addresses
by leading specialists in different areas of control and automation,
special sessions and contributed technical papers. The quantity and
quality of papers that have been accepted to MED99 has superseded
the most optimistic expectations. This fact allowed the Program
Committee to assemble a program covering a wide variety of topics,
providing a good balance between control and automation theory and
applications. At the same time, the Mediterranean sun and beaches
will provide a relaxed and friendly atmosphere for fruitful work.

Shalom, and le'hitraot in MED99!


FINDING MORE ABOUT MED99

The best way to find additional information about MED99 is to check
our web site at:
                 meeng.technion.ac.il/MED99.html

*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.**
Contributed by:   Bassam Bamieh

                             VISTAS IN CONTROL
                               CCEC Workshop

                Center for Control Engineering & Computation
                  University of California, Santa Barbara


A 1/2 day workshop is being held at the Center for Control Engineering and
Computation at the University of California at Santa Barbara to coincide
with the 40'th anniversary of Kalman Filtering.

Workshop attendance is free of charge, but seating is limited. If you
are planning to attened, you must register by sending an e-mail to
workshop@seidel.ece.ucsb.edu
Registration will be accepted on a first come first serve basis.

Further announcements and updates will be available at the workshop website:
http://www.ece.ucsb.edu/ccec/workshop.html

*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.**
Contributed by: Girija Chetty 

INT-PEC 99, the International power and energy conference will be held in
Australia, and is organised by Monash University, School of Engineering,
Gippsland, in co-operation with American Power Conference,USA, Institution of
Engineers, Australia, The Australian Institute of Energy and Ceramic fuel
cells limited, Australia.

Even though the title of the conference seems to be in power and energy, a
special focus on control systems, being an interdisciplinary area is being
given and hence a dedicated session  on control systems, involving  the all
aspects of control theory and practice is is being planned. One page abstract
is due by 30th April'99. Inclusion in Control session is be specially mentioned
in the abstract.

Contributed papers are solicited  in  applications of traditional and
modern control design techniques in:
Process modelling and simulation , Advanced process identification and
control, process data analysis and problem diagnosis , hazard and risk
analysis, expert systems and neural networks, operator decision support and
man/machine interface ,Robust Control , Sensor-Based Control  and Adaptive
Control .

Submission deadlines:
        One page abstarct:  30th April'99
        Full length papers:    30th June'99

All submissions to me (Girija.Chetty@eng.monash.edu.au) or to
Ms. Sally Nugent, INT-PEC executive assistant
General Manager, CPC
PO Box 2340, Mt. Waverley, VIC, 3149, Australia
e-mail: corrprev@internex.net.au
phone: +61 3 98 09 52 66
fax: +61 3 98 09 53 44
For more details visit the website:
http://www.mugc.cc.monash.edu.au/gse/intpec.html

*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.**
Contributed by G.Muscato

1st Announcement and Call for Papers
International Workshop & Conference on
CLIMBING & WALKING ROBOTS (CLAWAR)
And the Support Technologies for Mobile Machines
PORTSMOUTH, UK

Workshop 13 September 1999
Conference 14-15 September 1999

Organised by the EC CLAWAR Network

1. Scope
The aim of the Conference is to bring together academic researchers and
industrialists working in the area of mobile robotics, in order to
facilitate cross-fertilisation in the different specialities and so that
the latest developments can be reported. The interest in climbing and
walking robots has increased over recent years and there is a growing need
to widen the applications base for this area of technology; such machines
have been designed for hazardous environments, agriculture, construction,
off-shore and marine installations, petro-chemical and outdoor applications.
The Conference is organised by the Thematic Network on Climbing and Walking
Robots (CLAWAR) funded by the European Commission under the Brite Euram
programme.  The intention is to bring together not only people engaged in
developing CLAWAR robots, but also to encourage interaction with research
groups engaged in fundamental work on mobile machines and associated
support technologies. The Conference will include paper presentations, as
well as poster sessions.

2. Conference Topics
All aspects of CLAWAR machines are covered ranging from mechanical design,
electrical and computing requirements to associated power considerations.
Specific topics to be covered include (but are not restricted to): -
Actuators and sensors Locomotion aspects (wheels, tracks, legs, propellers, etc)
Static and dynamic aspects of mobile machines
Micro-machines
Theory and simulation Autonomous and tele-operated machines
Biological systems and solutions
Design modularity and system architecture
Intelligent control strategies
Co-operative machines
Man-machine interfaces

Applications:
Outdoor operations
Nuclear & Space
Underwater
Humanitarian de-mining
Pipes and duct inspection
Petrochemical

3. Venue
The Conference will be held in the Flagship City of Portsmouth, situated
centrally on the South coast of England.  Portsmouth has direct rails links
to Waterloo in London, which connects to Eurostar. The University of
Portsmouth is hosting the Conference in the Portland Building.

4. Workshop
A one-day workshop preceding the CLAWAR'99 Conference is aimed at
introducing newcomers to the area of mobile robots; it will provide a good
working base for the main conference.  A full programme with invited
speakers to give a global overview of the subject is being formulated and
details will be available on the CLAWAR'99 Conference web site.

5. Poster and Video Sessions and Industrial Exhibition
It is intended to timetable sessions for Poster and video presentations
during the Conference. In addition space will be provided for demonstration
of robots and industrial exhibits.  Organisations/institutions interested
in taking part in this and other advertising opportunities are requested to
contact the CLAWAR'99 Secretariat for further details.

6. Schedule
Prospective authors are asked to submit extended abstracts in English (the
official language of the Conference). The abstracts (approximately 1000
words and figures) must be headed as follows:
Title, Type of presentation (paper/poster)
Authors' Names, Presenter's Name and Affiliation
Contact Name and Address
Email, Phone and Fax Numbers
Key Words (see topics)
Both papers and posters will be allocated an equal number of pages in the
proceedings.  Special Sessions (comprising 4-8 papers) on appropriate
topics are also encouraged.

The schedule of events will have the following deadlines:
Submission of extended abstracts:       31 March 1999
Notification of acceptance:             30 April 1999
Submission of final papers and posters: 30 June 1999

CLAWAR Conference Secretariat
Abstracts can be sent by mail, fax or email to the following address:

CLAWAR'99 Secretariat
Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, University of Portsmouth
Anglesea Road, Portsmouth PO1 3DJ, Hampshire  UK
Tel: +44 (0)1705 842340;
Fax: +44 (0)1705 842765;
Email: gurvinder.virk@port.ac.uk

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

CLAWAR homepage: http://www.uwe.ac.uk/clawar
Conference web site: http://www.clawar99.port.ac.uk

*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.**
Contributed by: Bjorn Wittenmark

                     THE ASTROM SYMPOSIUM ON CONTROL

                             August 28, 1999

                              Lund, Sweden

Professor Karl Johan strom will retire on December 31, 1999 from the
chair in Automatic Control at Lund Institute of Technology. To honor
Karl Johan the Astrom Symposium on Control will take place in Lund. At
this occasion we will commemorate Karl Johan's impressive
contributions to science and his role as a good friend and leader.

Ten internationally renowned researchers are invited to contribute to
the seminar:
 * Roger Brockett, Harvard University
 * John Doyle, California Institute of Technology
 * Guy Dumont, University of British Columbia
 * Katsuhisa Furuta, Tokyo Institute of technology
 * Graham Goodwin, University of Newcastle
 * Alberto Isidori, University of Rome
 * P. R. Kumar, University of Illinois
 * Lennart Ljung, Linkoping University
 * Richard Murray, California Institute of Technology
 * M. Vidyasagar, Center for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics

Who: It is our pleasure to invite everyone to participate in the
symposium.

When: August 28, 1999, 10 am -- 5 pm

Where: The lecture hall "Aulan", Karhuset (Students' Union Building),
John Ericssons vg 3, Lund, Sweden

Registration form for the seminar (Registration only over WWW.) and
more information is available at
http://www.control.lth.se/seminars/astromsymp/

*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.**
Contributed by: Alceu Heinke Frigeri

                             WRTP'99 & ARTDB-99

                             Second Announcement
                                     and
                           CALL FOR PARTICIPATION

                                    Joint
              24th IFAC/IFIP Workshop on Real-Time Programming
                                     and
  The Third International Workshop on Active and Real-Time Database Systems

                    Schloss Dagstuhl, Saarland, Germany

                          May 30th - June 2nd, 1999
Scope:

     The workshop will consist of formal presentations, discussions,
     and informal meetings covering recent advances and current issues
     in theory, applications, and technology of real-time programming
     and real-time database management. It is intended to promote
     interaction among researchers and practitioners and to evaluate
     the maturity of new directions in real-time software and real-time
     database systems.

Important Dates:

 Registration: until April 10th, 1999
 Workshop:     May 30th - June 2nd, 1999

Participation:
     Attendance will be limited to approx. 60 active workers in the
     field. Participants are requested to register in advance not later
     than April 10th, 1999.

WRTP'99 & ARTDB-99 Online Registration:

     You may register yourself directly in our WWW home page.

Location:
     International Conference and Research Center for Computer Science

For more detailed information see the WWW-Servers:
     http://www.fernuni-hagen.de/IT/wrtp99/
     http://www.ifac-control.org



              ******************************************
              *                                        *
              *               THE END                  *
              *                                        *
              ******************************************