E-LETTER on Systems, Control, and Signal Processing

ISSUE No. 77, January 1, 1995


              Happy New Year      Feliz ano nuevo


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     +31-40-465995

           Siep Weiland
           Dept. of Electrical Engineering
           Eindhoven University of Technology
           P.O. Box 513
           5600 MB Eindhoven
           the Netherlands
           Fax     +31-40-434582


Contents

1.      Editorial

2.      Personals

3.      General announcements
        3.1  Fuzzy Controller Design Software
        3.2  SCAD update

4.      Positions
        4.1  Faculty position, University of Michigan-Dearborn
        4.2  Ph.D. and Postdoc positions, Simon Fraser University
        4.3  Senior Engineer, Research Centre, Australia
        4.4  Faculty Position, University of Waterloo
        4.5  Postdoc position, University of New Brunswick
        4.6  Postdoc position, Dutch Institute of Systems and Control
        4.7  Faculty Position, University of Bath, UK
        4.8  Postdoc position, University of British Columbia
        4.9  Faculty Position, Univ. Texas, San Antonio
        4.10 Faculty Position, Univ. of Michigan

5.      Books
        5.1  Hierarchical Decision Making in Stochastic Manufacturing Systems
        5.2  Dynamic Noncooperative Game Theory

6.      Journals
        6.1  TOC Math of Control, Signals, and Systems
        6.2  TOC SIAM J. of Optimization
        6.3  TOC IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control
        6.4  TOC J. of Mathematical Systems, Estimation, and Control

7.      Conferences
        7.1  Allerton Conf. on communication, control,  and computing
        7.2  IEEE Int. Conf. on systems, man and cybernetics
        7.3  3rd IEEE Mediterranean Symposium Control and Automation.
        7.4  SIAM Travel Grants for ICIAM 95
        7.5  IEEE Conference on Control Applications
        7.6  Workshop Event-driven Operations in Process Systems
        7.7  IFAC Workshop on Distributed Computer Control Systems

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Contributed by: M. Vidyasagar 
Contributed by: Shaohua Tan 

        FlexControl --- A platform for real-time fuzzy
         control system design and rapid prototyping


We have developed a fuzzy controller design software, called FlexControl,
for REAL-TIME fuzzy control applications. The demo version of the software
is available via anonymous ftp (described at the end of this message).
If you are interested, please ftp a copy for yourself and play with it.

Below is a more detailed description of the software.

Why FlexControl?
================

>From engineering viewpoint, a complete design process of a real-time
fuzzy control system is seen as a cycle consisting of four phases:
Controller Design, Simulation, Prototyping, and Field Test.
For a real-world control problem, the cycle often needs to be repeated
many times to generate an effective fuzzy controller.

The current fuzzy control software systems available
in the market appear to have only addressed the issue of controller design.
Neither simulation nor prototyping and field test  are
considered, not to mention to carry them out directly on the same platform.
This results in difficulties in evaluating the controller performance, thus
lengthen the time for the controller design and prototyping. In addition,
going through the design phases separately places a strong demand on
the part of the control system designer in terms of the skill and knowledge.
This is often compromised at the expense of more people and additional cost
for the equipment.

FlexControl, which consists of a PC-Windows based CAE
(Computer-Aided-Engineering, to be distinguished with Computer-Aided Design)
system and an (optional) FlexUC universal controller card for fuzzy control
system design and rapid prototyping, is introduced to address these
difficulties, and to bring the fuzzy control technology even closer to
field engineers.


Features of FlexControl
=======================

Rather than aiming at the general fuzzy application, FlexControl
is particularly designed to cater to Real-time Fuzzy Control applications.
It has the following distinct features:


1.  As a CAE  system for control system design, it offers a platform
    so that all the phases of the design process can be carried out on
    the same software platform. More importantly, it is such that the
    real-time part of the system is as easy as clicking a mouse button.
    FlexControl is therefore ideal for those who would like to perform
    real-time testing and Prototypying of their fuzzy control, but do not
    have necessary knowledge and tools.

2.  The fuzzy controller design is made easier by  a simple Windows based
    user interface complete with the editing, debugging, and visualization
    facilities. The design can also start with a meta-rule set with standard
    choice of membership functions to facilitate the design by novice
    fuzzy control system designers.

3.  The designed fuzzy controller can be simulated directly with a process
    model to evaluate the control performance. This simulation is not the
    simple visualization of the control surface, which is not very meaningful
    for actually control design (because you never know what is the desired
    control surface beforehand). This is simulating the whole control system
    with the process model and the fuzzy controller you just designed.
    The simulation results allow you to evaluate your fuzzy controller, and
    make appropriate changes. FlexControl allows you to acquire a process
    model by one of the following three ways: you can choose  a benchmark
    model supplied by FlexControl; you can enter a model using the model
    entry facility in case you know the transfer function of the model;
    and you can perform Real-time identification to acquire a model.

4.  There are two ways in which you can work Real-time with FlexControl.
    One is by using the optional FlexUC Universal controller card.
    In this mode, FlexControl lets you generate the fuzzy control code
    directly in  ANSI C, and then translates the code into the code for the
    FlexUC card. The translated code can be downloaded to the FlexUC for
    field test. All the translation and downloading are done directly on
    FlexControl by simple click of mouse buttons.

    Another is by using an AD/DA card. In this mode, you simply choose your
    card as if you choose a printer driver. FlexControl will take care of the
    rest.

5.  The control operation on FlexUC can be monitored directly on
    the software platform, and some critical parameters of the fuzzy
    controller can be modified on-line to improve further the controller
    performance.

6.  For the purpose of comparison, a PID controller with autotuning
    feature is also included in the system.


Who should use FlexControl
==========================

The intended users of FlexControl are those who intend to design fuzzy
control for Real-time applications. They may have relevant control
background and are able to design controllers for their process control
applications. However, they may not have experience in fuzzy control,
nor in the implementation (or real-time) aspects of a control system.
They will find FlexControl a convenient productivity tool for
designing a new fuzzy control system or modifying an existing one.

The university teaching staff may also find this an interesting system
for their research projects, and for their students to gain better
exposure to and develop valuable experiences  in fuzzy control design
and prototyping. They can quickly customize their fuzzy control related
laboratory assignments using the system.

Where to get the Software?
==========================

The Demo version of the software can be obtained by anonymous ftp
at the following site

ftp.ee.nus.sg:/pub/control/fuzzy/flexctrol.zip

if you are in North America and Europe, you can also get it at

ftp.tamu.edu:/pub/Dos/flexctrol.zip

Please contact me if you would like to know more about the software. I can
be reached at

eletansh@leonis.nus.sg

Cheers,

Shaohua Tan

*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.**

Contributed by  Raimund J. Ober 
                Xu Huang 

        UPDATE ON SCAD DATABASE --

        December 1994

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               Systems and Control Archive at Dallas

                 gopher:      gopher.utdallas.edu
                 ftp address: ftp.utdallas.edu
                 IP number:   129.110.10.14
                 queries:     scad@utdallas.edu
******************************************************************************

New contents:
=============

eletters:
=========
   Number 76 parts 1,2.


New activities!!!!!!!!!!!!: Gophers to be linked to SCAD
===============

  We have started to set up an
         `Other related gopher servers'
  choice on our gopher menu. Anyone who would like their gopher site
  linked to SCAD should send an email to
          scad@utdallas.edu
  with their gopher address.


************ Remember to send your tech reports and other material! *********

How to access scad:
===================
   Using gopher:
        gopher gopher.utdallas.edu
   Select `UT-Dallas Research' and then `Systems and Control Archive at
   Dallas'
   Using ftp:
        ftp ftp.utdallas.edu
   Then cd /pub/scad

   More detailed instructions can be obtained by sending an email to

         scad@utdallas.edu

   After accessing SCAD you can find a README file which contains
   more information about SCAD.


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Contributed by: Sridhar Lakshmanan 

FACULTY POSITION IN AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRONICS AND SYSTEMS

The Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, University of
Michigan-Dearborn has an opening for a faculty position at the
Assistant/Associate Professor level starting Fall 1995.  the selected
candidate will have an earned Ph. D. in Electrical Engineering or closely
related field and is expected to be active in research, and teach
graduate/undergraduate courses in analog/digital electronics, power
electronics, micro-processors and VLSI circuits.  The selected candidate
will also be required to actively participate in the research efforts of
the newly established Vehicular Electronics Design Laboratory.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.  Send resumes
to:  Chairman, ECE Dept., University of Michigan-Dearborn, 4901 Evergreen
Rd., Dearborn, MI  48128, U of M is an equal opportunity educator and
employer and specifically invites and encourages applications from women
and minorities.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE FROM THE CONTRIBUTOR: A strong research interest in automotive
electronics
and systems is key for serious consideration.

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Contributed by: William A. Gruver 

RESEARCH POSITIONS IN ROBOTICS AND MANUFACTURING AUTOMATION
AT SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY

Qualified individual wanted to conduct postdoctoral research in the
development of flexible tooling for agile manufacturing. Requires PhD in
mechanical engineering and experience in assembly automation, robotics,
design for assembly, mechanism design, kinematics and dynamics. Strong
publication record required. Two MASc/PhD assistantships are also available
on this project.  Application deadline March 1, 1995.  In accordance with
Canadian Immigration requirements, this advertisement is directed to
Canadian citizens and permanent residents.  Send resume, publication list,
and list of three references to Prof. W. A. Gruver, School of Engineering
Science, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada V5A 1S6.

Qualified individual wanted for laboratory staff position of Mechanical
Design Engineer. Duties include design, specification, and integration of
robotic systems and manufacturing processes; coordination with industrial
sponsors; preparation of proposals, reports, and publications.  Requires
BS/MS in mechanical engineering and 5 years experience involving the design
and integration of automation systems.  Application deadline March 1, 1995.
In accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, this advertisement
is directed to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.  Send resume and
list of three references to Prof. W. A. Gruver, School of Engineering
Science, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada V5A1S6.

*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.**

Contributed by: Manfred Claasz 

                Advertisment for Senior Engineer


The Cooperative Research Centre for Robust and Adaptive Systems is a joint
venture between the Australian National University (ANU), the Defence Science
and Technology Organisation (DSTO), CSIRO Division of Radiophysics and BHP
Research Melbourne Laboratories.

The Centre's aim is to establish world standard research in Control Systems
and Signal Processing with the emphasis on postgraduate education and
end-user
interactions.

A Senior Research Engineer is required to work in the Centre's Robust Control
Project.  One of the aims of this project is to develop advanced feedback
control and estimation techniques to apply these to industrial problems.

The successful applicant will be a leader in their field and be able to
design, develop, and implement solution strategies.  Highly developed
communication and presentation skills are mandatory requirements.
The position will be based at the ANU in Canberra, but travel to other Centre
sites and relevant industry sites will be required.Applicants should have a
PhD in engineering or other equivalent qualification. Applicants with a
strong Honours degree combined with several years of relevant experience
may also be suitable.  Additional computing experience or qualifications
would be an advantage. It is also highly desirable to have knowledge of
Control Systems and Signal Processing theory and the ability to program at
an advanced level.

A  salary package will be negotiated commensurate with the appointee's
qualifications and experience.Further information is available from Mr
Manfred Claasz on Ph.  (06) 249 5149, Fax (06) 249 2698 or E-mail
manfred.claasz@syseng.anu.edu.au.

Technical contact: Dr Michael Green, phone (06) 249 2739 or E-mail
michael.green@anu.edu.au.

Written applications including a Curriculum Vitae should be addressed to
Secretary,ANUTECH Pty Ltd, Canberra ACT 0200 or fax to (06)257 1433 by
Friday 2 December 1994

*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.**

Contributed by: E.R. Vrscay  
                 (Acting Chairman)

        TENURE-TRACK FACULTY POSITION - CONTROL THEORY
  DEPARTMENT OF APPLIED MATHEMATICS, UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO

Applications are invited for a tenure-track faculty position in the
Department of Applied Mathematics, University of Waterloo, Ontario,
Canada, in the area of Control Theory, to begin on or after 1 September
1995. Applicants will normally have at least two years' post-doctoral
experience by the time of the appointment. Experience with applications
of Control Theory in Engineering or Science would be an advantage. Salary
and rank, at the Assistant or Associate Professor level, will be
commensurate with qualifications and experience. A curriculum vitae and
three letters of recommendation should be sent to F.O. Goodman, Chairman,
Department of Applied Mathematics, University of Waterloo, Waterloo,
Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1.  The closing date for applications is 31 January
1995.

The Department of Applied Mathematics is one of five Departments in the
Faculty of Mathematics at the University of Waterloo.  The Department members
have interests in a wide variety of areas, including Control Theory,
Dynamical
Systems, Electroacoustics, Fluid Mechanics, Ordinary and Partial Differential
Equations, Quantum Theory, Relativity and Scientific Computation.  There are
also close collaborations with the Faculties of Engineering and Science in
the University.

In accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, this advertisement is
directed to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.  The University of
Waterloo
encourages applications from qualified women and men, members of visible
minorities,
native peoples and persons with disabilities.  This appointment is subject to
the
availability of funds.

*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.**

Contributed by: Jim Taylor 

            Post Doctoral Fellowship in Intelligent Control

The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)
has approved funding for a Post Doctoral Fellow to work with the Senior
Industrial Research Chair in Advanced Instrumentation and Control at the
University of New Brunswick.  The specific focus will be on combining
control technology, optimization methods and applied artificial intel-
ligence to conceive, develop and demonstrate self-optimizing model-based
control systems.  Likely target application areas include but are not
limited to power systems, processes (e.g., pulp & paper, refining) and
electro-mechanical systems.  The duration of this position is from two
to four years, to be determined as part of the selection process de-
pending on mutual interests and constraints; the starting date is also
negotiable (summer 1995 preferred).

Candidates must have a recent PhD with a strong research background in
systems and control.  Interest and expertise in optimization, applied AI
and/or sensing will be advantageous, as will experience in a suitable
application domain.  Willingness to collaborate with industry and to be
involved in transfer of technology to industry are also important.
Candidates from Chemical, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering are all
equally encouraged to apply.

The University of New Brunswick is committed to the principle of employ-
ment equity.  In accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements,
priority will be given to Canadian citizens or permanent residents.  The
closing date for nominations and applications is 28 February 1995 or
until the position is filled.  Nominations, applications and requests
for information should be forwarded to:

      Dr. James H. Taylor
      NSERC/Monenco AGRA Professor
      Department of Electrical Engineering
      University of New Brunswick
      PO Box 4400
      Fredericton, NB  CANADA  E3B 5A3
      (506) 453-5101; jtaylor@unb.ca

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Contributed by: Huibert Kwakernaak 


         FOUR POSTDOC POSITIONS AVAILABLE IN THE NETHERLANDS

The Dutch Institute of Systems and Control DISC announces four one-year
postdoc positions on the following research projects:

        --Representations of open dynamical systems
        --Mathematical modelling of open physical systems
        --Integration of systems identification and robust control design
        --Identification of nonlinear system behavior

The salary is according to the Dutch academic scales. The starting date
for the positions is not later than September 1, 1995.

The Dutch Institute of Systems and Control is an interuniversity graduate
school and research institute founded by the universities of Delft,
Eindhoven and Twente in association and cooperation with the universities
of Groningen, Wageningen, Limburg, Rotterdam and Tilburg, the Free University
of Amsterdam and the Center of Mathematics and Computer Science (CWI) in
Amsterdam. The Institute continues and expands the activities of the
Dutch Network on Systems and Control. Its participants include practically
all the academic systems and control groups in The Netherlands.

Each postdoc will be assigned to the group best suited to act as host.
Enquiries and applications should be addressed to the Scientific Director,
Prof. Huibert Kwakernaak, University of Twente, P. O. Box 217, 7500 AE
Enschede, The Netherlands (e-mail address h.kwakernaak@math.utwente.nl),
before February 15.

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Contributed by: Hartmut Logemann 

      UNIVERSITY OF BATH, UK  ---  TWO POSTS IN MATHEMATICS

>From September 1 1995 there will be two vacancies in the Mathematics Group
and appropriately qualified candidates may be appointed to Readerships.
It is hoped that one appointment will be made in each of Pure Mathematics
and Applied Mathematics.

Appointments will be made of candidates with excellent research records
or excellent potential for research in areas related to the following:
Analysis, Geometry, Differential Equations, the Calculus of Variations,
Solid Mechanics, Mathematical Biology, Control Theory, Numerical
Analysis, Mathematical Modelling and Dynamical Systems.
The person appointed will be expected to teach at undergraduate and
postgraduate levels in the School as well as possibly doing some service
teaching.  At the beginning, the teaching load will be commensurate with age
and experience.  The new lecturer will be expected to develop independent
research and to play an active role in the research activities of the
School.

Candidates seeking further information may contact Alastair Spence
(Telephone:  (+44 1225) 826011, fax:  (+44 1225) 826492,
email:  as@maths.bath.ac.uk or na.spence@na-net.ornl.gov ).

Those who wish their names to be considered for the post should send to Peter
J Hill, Director of Personnel, University of Bath, Claverton Down, BATH,
Avon, BA2 7AY, an application which contains a statement of the candidate's
experience, qualifications, and published work, and the names and addresses
of
three persons to whom reference may be made.

The closing date for applications is 23 January 1995.

*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.**

Contributed by: Michael Davies 

              POST DOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP
              Pulp and Paper Centre
              University of British Columbia
              Vancouvfer, B.C., Canada


Applications are invited for a one year position as Post Doctoral Fellow
in the area of process control systems.  The position is funded as part
of the Process Control component of Phase II of the NCE Mechanical and
Chemimechanical Pulps Network. The successful applicant will be expected
to take up this position in early 1995.

Applicants should have recently completed their doctoral degree.  The
position requires familiarity with current techniques in a broad area
of process modelling, estimation and control, as well as research
experience in a specialized field.  Knowledge of process control methods,
and familiarity with pulp and paper processes would be a definite advantage.

This PDF will be expected to contribute immediately to research in
Papermaking Control.  Areas of interest include: wet end chemistry, pH
monitoring and control, multivariable control of sheet properties including
coating and filler application.

The position will be in the process control group of graduate students,
engineers and faculty, led by Professors Guy Dumont and Michael Davies,
and located in the UBC Pulp and Paper Centre.  The Centre is housed in a
modern building adjacent to the Engineering Departments on the UBC campus.
Excellent hardware and software facilities are available as well as access
to industrial collaborators for mill trials.

Applications should include a covering letter, curriculum vita and the
names and addresses of three referees.  Further information can be obtained
by contacting Michael Davies by e-mail at "miked@unixg.ubc.ca".
Applications should be submitted as soon as possible, but before January 31,
1995, and should be sent to:

Michael Davies
Department of Electrical Engineering
The University of British Columbia
2356 Main Mall
Vancouver, B.C.   V6T 1Z4
Canada

*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.**

Contributed by: Sumit Roy 

   FACULTY POSITIONS at U. TEXAS, SAN ANTONIO

The University of Texas at San Antonio has two tenured/tenure-track positions
available in Electrical Engineering (one at Asst. Prof. and the other at
Assoc.
Prof. level), pending budget approval. Successful applicants must have a
Ph.D.
in Electrical/Computer Engineering by Sep. 1, 1995 with an interest in
teaching
in undergraduate and graduate levels. The Asst. Prof. level applicants must
have
a dedication to developing a strong program of funded research while the
Assoc.
Prof. level aplicants must have a demonstrated ability for funded research
and
leadership qualities in guiding a new Ph.D. program. Applications are invited
in
the areas of digital systems, communications and controls - of particular
interest
are candidates at the interface of two areas as applied to
computer/communication
networks - e.g. multiple access protocols and performance analysis,
multiprocessing
architectures,parallel processing, scientific computing, wireless networks.
Please
send resume, names, postal and e-mail addresses of three references and a
description
of teaching and research interests to:

Chair, Search Committee
Electrical Engineering
University of Texas
6900 North Loop 1604 West
San Antonio, TX 78249-0665.

Applicants who are not U.S. citizens must state their current visa status.
Please
indicate the position you are applying for in your cover letter. UTSA is an
equal
opportunity and affirmative action employer. Women and minorities are
particularly
encouraged to apply.

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Contributed by:  Alfred Hero 

            FACULTY POSITION IN THE AREA OF SIGNAL PROCESSING

           DEPT OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING AND COMPUTER SCIENCE
                      THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
                              ANN ARBOR

The Dept. of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at The University of
Michigan, Ann  Arbor, is soliciting  applications at all   ranks for a tenure
track or tenured  faculty position in the  area of signal processing.  Junior
candidates should have an outstanding academic record and a strong commitment
to  teaching and research   in signal processing.  To   be  considered for  a
tenured position candidates should have demonstrated that they are leaders in
the field  and have a  first class record  of research and teaching.   We are
particularly interested  in   candidates with strong  and   broad theoretical
backgrounds who also have interests in inter-disciplinary applications.


Interested candidates should send a resume and names of five references to:

Professor George I. Haddad, Chair
Dept. of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
1301 Beal Avenue, Room 3303
The University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2122

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

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              *                Books                   *
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Contributed by:  Q. Zhang 


                   NEW BOOK ANNOUNCEMENT

TITLE: Hierarchical Decision Making in Stochastic Manufacturing Systems

SERIES: Systems and Control: Foundations and Applications

AUTHORS: Suresh P. Sethi and Qing Zhang

ISBN: 0-8176-3735-4
ISBN: 3-7643-3735-4

PUBLISHER: Birkhauser Boston
           675 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA

SUMMARY OF THE BOOK:
Most manufacturing systems are large, complex, and subject to uncertainty.
The problem of the efficient management of such systems is of critical
importance to a nation's economic competitiveness. But obtaining optimal
feedback policies to run these systems is usually impossible. Hierarchical
feedback control policies, on the other hand, offer the promise of being
able to handle realistically complex manufacturing systems in a tractable
fashion to make their management more efficient. This book articulates
a profound new theory that shows that hierarchical decision making in the
context of a goal-seeking manufacturing system can lead to near optimization
of its objective.

The approach in the book considers manufacturing systems in which events
occur at different time scales. For example, changes in demand may occur
far more slowly than breakdowns and repairs of production machines. This
suggests that capital expansion decisions that respond to demand are
relatively longer term decisions than decisions regarding production.
Thus, longer term decisions such as those dealing with capital expansion can
be based on the average existing production capacity, and can be expected to
be nearly optimal even though the short term capacity fluctuations are
ignored. Having the longer term decisions in hand, one can then solve the
simpler problem of obtaining production rates. Multilevel decisions
constructed
in this manner are shown to be asymptotically optimal as the average time
between successive short term events becomes much smaller than that between
successive long term events. Much attention is given to establish that the
order of deviation of the cost of the hierarchical solution from the optimal
cost is small. The striking novelty of the approach is that this is done
without solving for the optimal solution.

The approach represents a new paradigm in convex production planning and
a new research direction in control theory. The research presented cuts
across the disciplines of Operations Management, Operations Research,
Economics, System and Control Theory, Industrial Engineering, Probability
and Statistics, and Applied Mathematics. It is anticipated that the book
would encourage development of new models and techniques in these
disciplines.

Table of Contents
-------------------

Chapter 1.  Concepts of hierarchical decision making
Chapter 2.  Models of manufacturing systems
Chapter 3.  Optimal control of parallel machine systems
Chapter 4.  Optimal control of dynamic flowshops
Chapter 5.  Hierarchical controls in systems with parallel machines
Chapter 6.  Hierarchical controls in dynamic flowshops
Chapter 7.  Hierarchical controls in dynamic jobshops
Chapter 8.  Hierarchical production and setup scheduling
Chapter 9.  Hierarchical feedback controls in two-machine flowshops
Chapter 10. A production and capacity expansion model
Chapter 11. Production-marketing systems
Chapter 12. Computations and evaluation of hierarchical controls
Chapter 13. Further extensions and open research problems
Chapter 14. Appendices

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Contributed by: Tamer Basar  

Title:   Dynamic Noncooperative Game Theory
         (Second Edition  --  Paperback)
Authors: Tamer Basar and Geert Jan Olsder
Date:    1995 (available now)
Publisher:  Academic Press   (ISBN 0-12-080221-X)

- From the Back Cover -

This is the second edition of "Dynamic Noncooperative Game Theory,"
which was first published in 1982, and
presents an extensive and updated treatment of static and dynamic
noncooperative game theory, with emphasis placed again (as in the
first edition) on the interplay between dynamic information patterns
and the structural properties of several different types of equilibria.

There are three main reasons for this new edition: the favourable
reception accorded to the first edition; the need to include new
theoretical developments; and the fact that the topic of dynamic games
has found its way into the curricula of many universities. This new
edition contains some substantial changes and additions,
but the flavour and the theme of the original text remain intact.

Part I of the book covers the material that is generally taught in an
advanced undergraduate or first-year graduate course on noncooperative
game theory.  The coverage includes static finite and infinite games
of both the zero-sum and nonzero-sum type, and in the latter case both
Nash and Stackelberg solution concepts are discussed.

Part II extends the theory of the first part to infinite dynamic
games in both discrete and continuous time, with the emphasis again being
on the close interrelation between information patterns and
noncooperative equilibria of such multi-person dynamic decision problems.
This part of the book will be extremely useful in providing
researchers in the field with the state-of-art in infinite dynamic game
theory; selected topics could also be used as a part of a graduate course
on dynamic optimisation, optimal control theory or mathematical economics.

The book contains several illustrative examples and exercises, and has
an extensive list of references.

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

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Contributed by: Eduardo Sontag 

     TABLE OF CONTENTS, Math of Control, Signals, and Systems
                        Volume 7, Number 1

B. d'Andrea Novel, F. Boustany, F. Conrad, and B.P. Rao,
Feedback stabilization of a hybrid PDE-ODE system: Application to an overhead
  crane,
  pp. 1-22.

George Weiss,
Regular linear systems with feedback,
  pp. 23-57.

Richard M. Murray,
Nilpotent bases for a class of non-integrable distributions with applications
to trajectory generation for nonholonomic systems
  pp. 58-75.

Takao Nambu,
Approximation algorithm for the infinite-dimensional Lyapunov equation,
  pp. 76-93.

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Contributed by: nelson@siam.org

          SIAM J. OF OPTIMIZATION, NO. 5, VOL. 1 FEBRUARY 1995
          TABLE OF CONTENTS

          1    Why a Pure Primal Newton Barrier Step may be Infeasible
          Margaret H. Wright

          13   Interior Point Methods in Semidefinite Programming with
          Applications to Combinatorial Optimization
          Farid Alizadeh

          52   Infeasible-Interior-Point Primal-Dual
          Potential-Reduction Algorithms for Linear Programming
          Shinji Mizuno, Masakazu Kojima, and Michael J. Todd

          68   A Fast Heuristic Method for Polynomial Moment Problems
          with Boltzmann-Shannon Entrophy
          J. M.  Borwein and W. Z. Huang

          100  Symmetric Quasidefinite Matrices
          Robert J. Vanderbei

          114  On the Primal-Dual Steepest Descent Algorithm for
          Extended Linear-Quadratic Programming
          Ciyou Zhu

          129  A Positive Algorithm for the Nonlinear Complementarity
          Problem
          Renato D. C. Monteiro, Jong-Shi Pang, and Tao Wang

          149  Practical Interior-Point Method for Convex Programming
          Florian Jarre and Michael A. Saunders

          172  An All-Inclusive Efficient Region of Updates for Least
          Change Secant Methods
          Henry Wolkowicz and Qing Zhao

          192  An Optimal Positive Definite Update for Sparse Hessian
          Matrices
          R. Fletcher

          218  Trust Region Algorithms for Solving Nonsmooth Equations
          Liqun Qi

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Contributed by: John Baillieul, Editor-in-Chief 

                IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON AUTOMATIC CONTROL

        Table of Contents - Volume 40, Number  1 - January, 1995

___________________________________________________________________________
PAPERS

Percentile Performance Criteria for Limiting Average Markov
Decision Processes .................. J. A. Filar, D. Krass, and K. W. Ross

Design and Analysis of Fuzzy Identifiers of Nonlinear Dynamic Systems
        ........................................................ L.-X. Wang

Stochastic Approximation with Averaging and Feedback: Rapidly
Convergent "On Line" Algorithms ................. H. J. Kushner and J. Yang

Exponential Stabilization of Nonholonomic Chained Systems
        ..................................... O. J. Sordalen and O. Egeland

Global Total Least Squares Modeling of Multivariable Time Series
        ............................................. B. Roorda and C. Heij

Control of Chained Systems. Application to Path Following and
Time-Varying Point-Stabilization of Mobile Robots ............... C. Samson

____________________________________________________________________________
TECHNICAL NOTES AND CORRESPONDENCE

Input-Output Robust Tracking Control Design for Flexible Joint Robots
        ............................................................. Z. Qu

The Use of Symbolic Computation in Nonlinear Control: Is It Viable?
        ....................................................... B. de Jager

Note on Decentralized Adaptive Controller Design
        ........................................................... L. Lyou

Characterization of Zeros in Two-Frequency-Scale Systems
        ...................................... H. M. Oloomi and M. E. Sawan

Semi-Global Stabilizability of Linear Null Controllable Systems
with Input Nonlinearities ...................................... A. R. Teel

Stability and Exponential Stability of An Adaptive Control Scheme for
Plants of any Relative Degree .. G. Bartolini, A. Ferrara, and A. A. Stotsky

Preservation of Reachability and Observability under Sampling with
First-Order Hold .............................................. T. Hagiwara

On Robust Asymptotic Tracking: Perturbations on Coprime Factors and
Parameterization of All Solutions ...... G. O. Correa and M. A. da Silveira

A Version of Hautus' Test for Tandem Connection of Linear Systems
        ....................................... A. Bacciotti and G. Beccari

Poisson LQR Design for Asynchronous Multirate Controllers
        ...................................................... R. P. Leland

On Solving Diophantine Equations by Real Matrix Manipulation
        ............................ M. Yamada, P. C. Zun, and Y. Funahashi

Nonlinear Versus Linear Control in the Absolute Stabilizability of
Uncertain Systems with Structured Uncertainty
        ................................... A. V. Savkin and I. R. Petersen

A Linear Algebraic Framework for Dynamic Feedback Linearization
        ................... E. Aranda-Bricaire, C. H. Moog, and J.-B. Pomet

Design of A Class of Luenberger Observers for Descriptor Systems
        ........................................... M. Hou and P. C. Muller

Comments on "On the Robust Popov Criterion for Interval Lur'e Systems"
        .................... T. Mori, T. Nishimura, Y. Kuroe, and H. Kokame

An Output Feedback Globally Stable Controller for Induction Motors
        ................................... G. Espinosa-Perez and R. Ortega

Eigenstructure Assignment in Linear Descriptor Systems
        .......................................... P. Zagalak and V. Kucera

Robust Regulation in the Presence of Norm-Bounded Uncertainty
        ............ J. Abedor, K. Nagpal, P. P. Khargonekar, and K. Poolla

Frequency-Domain Criteria of Robust Stability for Slowly Time-varying
Systems ...................................................... A. Megretski

Routing and Scheduling in Heterogeneous Systems: A Sample Path
Approach .................................................. P. D. Sparaggis
Methods and Theory for Off-Line Machine Learning ... S. Yakowitz and J. Mai

Discrete-Time Observers with Random Noises in Dynamic Block
        .................................. E. A. Lyasheko and L. B. Ryashko

Nevanlinna-Pick Interpolation Problem for Two Frequency Scale Systems
        ...................................................... H. M. Oloomi

Multiscale Smoothing Error Models ......... M. R. Luettgen and A. S. Wilsky

A Generalized Popov-Belevitch-Hautus Test of Observability
        ...................................... B. K. Ghosh and J. Rosenthal

A Note on Robust Pole Placement ................ M. K. Solak and A. C. Peng

Pole Assignment for Uncertain Systems in A Specified Disk by
State Feedback ................................. G. Garcia and J. Bernussou

Modified Output Error Identification - Elimination of the SPR Condition
        ............................................ A. Betser and E. Zeheb

Comments on "Explicit Asymmetric Bounds for Robust Stability of
Continuous and Discrete-Time Systems" ............................. J. Xiao

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Contribured by: Edwin F. Beschler  

Journal of Mathematical Systems, Estimation, and Control

Volume 5, Number 1

Table of  contents

Nonlinear Feedback Control of Flexible Robot
              Arms with Infinite Dimensional Models
              Xuru Ding, Tzyh-Jong Tarn, Antal K. Bejczy
               and Chuanfan Guo  1

Empirical Distributions in Least Squares Estimation for
              Distributed Parameter Systems
              B.G. Fitzpatrick and G. Yin  37  =20

The Extended Kalman Filter as a Local Asymptotic
              Observer for Discrete-Time Nonlinear Systems
              Yongkyu Song and Jessy W. Grizzle  59

L Sensitivity Minimization of Linear System
              Representations via Gradient Flows
             U. Helmke and J.B. Moore  79

Summary: Limit Theorems of Probability Theory in
             Linear Controlled Evolution Systems with
             Quadratic Cost
             Bozenna Pasik-Duncan  99

Summary: A Unified Representation for Nonlinear
            Discrete-Time and Samples Dynamics
            S. Monaco and D. Normand-Cyrot  103

Summary: The Spaces of Improper Rational Matrices
            and ARMA-Systems of Fixed McMillan Degree
            Filippo de Mari and Heide Gl=9Fsing-L=9Fer=A7en  107

Summary: A Modification of the Trust-Region
            Gauss-Newton Method to Solve Separable
             Nonlinear Least Squares Problems
            Christine B=9Ackmann  111

Summary: An Algorithm for Viability Kernels in H=9Alderian
            Case: Approximation by Discrete Dynamical Systems
            Marc Quincampoix and Patrick Saint-Pierre  115

Summary: An Observer for Infinite-dimensional=20
            Skew-adjoint Bilinear Systems
            J.P. Gauthier, C.Z. Xu, and A. Bounabat  119

Summary: An Intrinsic Characterization of Properness
             for Linear Time-varying Systems
             E. Delaleau and J. Rudolph  123

Summary: On Abnormal Extremals for Lagrange=20
             Variational Problems
            A.A. Agrachev and A.V. Sarychev  127

Summary: Linear Quadratic Optimal Control of
            Time-Varying Systems with Indefinite Costs
            on Hilbert Spaces: The Finite Horizon Problem
            Birgit Jacob  131

Summary: Realization of Rational Matrices by
            Singular Systems
            Heide Glusing-Luerssen  135

Errata Summary: Singular Perturbation for Controlled
          Wave Equations
          Francesca Bucci  139

Cumulative Index

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

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Contributed by: Ken Zeger 

              THIRTY-THIRD ANNUAL ALLERTON CONFERENCE
             ON COMMUNICATION, CONTROL, AND COMPUTING

                       OCTOBER 4 - 6, 1994


The Thirty-third Annual Allerton Conference on Communication, Control, and
Computing will be held October 4 - 6, 1995 at Allerton House, the conference
center of the University of Illinois.  Allerton House is located twenty-six
miles southwest of the Urbana-Champaign campus of the University in a wooded
area on the Sangamon River.  It is part of the fifteen hundred acre Robert
Allerton Park, near Monticello, Illinois.

Papers presenting original research are solicited in the areas of
communication
systems, information theory and coding, detection and estimation,
communication
networks, mobile radio, vector quantization, source coding, image coding and
data compression, control systems, robust and nonlinear control, adaptive
control, optimization, dynamic games, large scale systems, robotics and
automation, manufacturing systems, discrete event systems, intelligent
control,
multivariable control, adaptive signal processing, learning theory, neural
networks, and numerical methods for signals and systems, multiple-access
communications, digital radio, high-speed packet switches for
telecommunications, queueing networks, discrete event systems, and automatic
highway systems.  Persons interested in organizing sessions on other topics
are
encouraged to discuss the proposed session(s) with the conference
co-chairmen.

Information for authors: Two kinds of papers are solicited.  The first are
regular papers for presentation in twenty minutes; these papers will be
published in the conference Proceedings.  The second are short papers
suitable
for presentation in ten minutes; only summaries of these papers will be
published in the Proceedings.  The purpose of the short paper category is to
encourage authors to present preliminary results of their work.

For regular papers, a title and a five to ten page extended abstract,
including
references and sufficient detail to permit careful reviewing are required.
For
short papers, a title and a thousand word summary are required.  Manuscripts
that are submitted as regular papers but cannot be accommodated in that
category will be considered in the short paper category, unless the authors
indicate otherwise.

Two copies of the manuscript must be received by July 24, 1995.  These should
be mailed to 33nd Annual Allerton Conference, University of Illinois at
Urbana-Champaign, Coordinated Science Laboratory, 1308 West Main Street,
Urbana, Illinois 61801.  Please specify the name and address of the author
who
is to receive all subsequent correspondence.

Authors will be notified of acceptance by August 22, 1995, at which time they
will also receive special sheets for the preparation of papers for the
Proceedings.  The length of regular papers is limited to the equivalent of
ten
single-spaced 8 1/2-by-11 inch pages.  The length of short papers is limited
to
two such pages.


             Conference Co-Chairs:  Sean Meyn and Ken Zeger
                 (email: allerton@tornado.csl.uiuc.edu)

                     COORDINATED SCIENCE LABORATORY
         AND DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING


              UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN

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Contributed by: William A. Gruver 

1995 IEEE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON SYSTEMS, MAN AND CYBERNETICS

October 22-25, 1995

Waterfront Centre Hotel
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

CALL FOR PAPERS

Theme: "Intelligent Systems for the 21st Century"

* Adaptive Systems * Artificial Intelligence * Behavorial Decision Making
* Biocybernetics * Biomedical Engineering * Cognitive Systems and Engineering
* Command and Control Systems * Computer Vision * Conflict Analysis
* Cybernetics * Database Systems * Decision Support Systems
* Decision Technologies * Discrete Event Systems
* Distributed Decision Making * Energy Systems * Expert Systems
* Flexible Manufacturing * Fuzzy systems * Genetic Algorithms
* Human Computer Interaction * Human Decision Making * Image Processing
* Information and Decision Systems * Intelligent Control and Automation
* Intelligent Highway Vehicle Systems * Intelligent Manufacturing Systems
* Knowledge Based Systems Learning Systems * Machine Intelligence
* Mechatronics * Medical Informatics * Multimedia * Neural Networks
* Neurocontrol * Pattern Recognition * Petri Nets * Process Control
* Qualitative Reasoning * Risk Management * Robotics * Search Techniques
* Software Engineering * Statistical Methods * Stochastic Systems
* Supervisory Control* System Evaluation and Design * Systems Engineering
* Technology Forecasting * Technology Transfer

Important Dates

February 1, 1995:  Send 4 copies of an extended abstract (2-3 pages) of
papers for
contributed sessions and papers for invited sessions to the Program Chair,
Clarence W. deSilva, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of
British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; Fax +1-604-822-2403,
Internet: desilva@mech.ubc.ca. Send two copies of proposals for workshops
and tutorials to the Program Chair.

April 15, 1995:  Preliminary acceptance

July 1, 1995:  Full papers due for all sessions

To be placed on the mailing list for future announcements, send name and
address to the Conference Secretariat, SMC95, Venue West, 645-375 Water
Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 5C6 Canada; Fax +1-604-681-2503.

The conference will include an exhibit of  state-of-the-art hardware and
software procucts.  Reservations for space and further information can be
obtained from the Secretariat.

For other information, contact the General Chair, William A. Gruver, School
of
Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC V5A 1S6, Canada;
Fax: +1-604-291-4371, Internet: gruver@cs.sfu.ca.

Vancouver, British Columbia, was incorporated as a city in 1886.  It is a
microcosm of Canada's rich ethnic mix, including the second largest
Chinatown in North America.  Its cultural diversity is matched only by the
natural beauty of green landscapes, stretches of ocean front and a
spectacular back drop of coastal mountains.  Shopping, entertainment,
recreation, international cuisine, and world class hotels make Vancouver an
ideal setting for the 1995 International Conference on Systems, Man and
Cybernetics.

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Contributed by: Marios Polycarpou   

                        CALL FOR PAPERS
                3RD IEEE MEDITERRANEAN SYMPOSIUM
           ON NEW DIRECTIONS IN CONTROL AND AUTOMATION

                        July 11-13, 1995

                         Sheraton Hotel
                        Limassol, CYPRUS


Co-Sponsoring Organizations:    IEEE Control Systems Society
                                University of Cyprus, Cyprus
                                The Technical University of Crete, Greece
                                IEEE Cyprus Section
                                IEE Cyprus Section
                                The Greek Chapter of the IEEE

The 3rd Mediterranean Symposium is a continuation of the 1st and 2nd
successful symposia that took place in Crete, Greece.  The site for the
3rd symposium is chosen to be on the island of Cyprus, located in the
east part of the Mediterranean Sea at the crossroads of three continents,
Europe, Asia and Africa.

The Sheraton Hotel at Limassol, Cyprus is chosen as the conference site.
The hotel is a five star hotel located on the beach a few miles away from
downtown Limassol.

The central theme of the 3rd IEEE Mediterranean Symposium is control,
automation with emphasis on the current theoretical developments as well as
the latest applications to engineering problems.  The purpose of having such
a broad theme is to bring together researchers and engineers from different
areas with overlapping interests to identify new problems and future
directions in the area of control and automation.  New and fast emerging
technologies in the areas of transportation, environmental engineering,
multimedia, robotics, manufacturing and others, open the way for new and
unique applications of control and automation that will be addressed in
the conference.  The program will include invited survey papers by leading
international authorities on several topics that cover the broad theme of
the symposium.


GENERAL CHAIRMAN:       Petros Ioannou
                        Center for Advanced Transportation Technologies
                        University of Southern California
                        3740 McClintock Avenue, Suite 200B
                        Los Angeles, CA 90089-2562
                        email: ioannou@bode.usc.edu

PROGRAM CHAIRMAN:       Frank Lewis
                        Automation and Robotics Research Institute
                        The University of Texas at Arlington
                        7300 Jack Newell Blvd. S.
                        Fortworth, TX 76118
                        email: flewis@arrirs03.uta.edu

SPECIAL SESSIONS        Anastasios Chassiakos
AND TUTORIAL CHAIRMAN:  CSU-Long Beach
                        1250 Bellflower Blvd.
                        Long Beach, CA 90840-5602
                        email: achassk@csulb.edu


Paper Submission:
FIVE copies of the full paper in final form must be received for peer
review by the Program Chairman by February 28, 1995. Papers will be reviewed
by the International Program Committee. Authors will be notified of
acceptance
or rejection by April 15, 1995. The final, camera ready papers must be
received by the Publication Chairman no later than June 1, 1995.

Special Sessions and Tutorials:
Four copies of proposals for invited sessions including all full papers and
a cover letter indicating the scope of the proposed session, or, tutorials
including a detailed outline of the proposed topic, must be submitted to the
Special Sessions Chairman by February 28, 1995.  Invited sessions may include
survey papers and possibly a panel discussion.


                         SCHEDULE SUMMARY:

Febr. 28, 1995-     Deadline for submission of contributed papers
                    and invited session proposals
April 15, 1995-     Tentative notification of invited session
                    organizers
July 1,   1995-     Camera-ready papers due at the printer


This is an abbreviated call for papers. A full CFP (including registration
forms etc.) can be obtained by sending email to the program chairman at
.

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Contributed by: bdilisi@siam.org

Travel Support

Available for ICIAM 95

SIAM is administering a travel grant program for ICIAM 95---
the third International Congress on Industrial and Applied
Mathematics---to be held in Hamburg, Germany, July 3--7. The grants,
which are funded by the National Science Foundation and the
Department of Energy, will provide partial travel support to
qualified applicants.

The awards are intended primarily for young researchers and graduate
students; women and minorities are especially encouraged to apply.
Awards will be based on merit. Preference will be given to
participants in the ICIAM 95 program and to applicants who do not
have other travel support for the meeting.

Typical anticipated awards will range from $800 to $1000. Travel
costs will be reimbursed up to the amount of the award on submission
of a signed travel expense form to SIAM.

Additional information and application forms can be accessed through
the SIAM home page on the World Wide Web (http://www.siam.org) or
the SIAM gopher server (gopher.siam.org). Application materials can
also be obtained from the SIAM office (ICIAM 95 Coordinator, SIAM,
3600 University City Science Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104-2688;
215-382-9800; 215-386-7999 (fax); meetings@siam.org).
The cutoff date for applications is March 15, and final decisions
will be made no later than April 15. Early submission of
applications is encouraged; whenever possible, SIAM will make
decisions and notify applicants as the applications are received.

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Contributed by: R. Ravi & J. H. Taylor
                

          The Fourth IEEE Conference on Control Applications
                 The Desmond Hotel, Albany, New York
                       September 28-29, 1995

                    ** FINAL CALL FOR PAPERS **

The fourth IEEE Conference on Control Applications (CCA) is being
sponsored by the IEEE Control Systems Society in cooperation with the
ASME to emphasize control applications. The CCA '95 will be held in
Albany, New York, at the Desmond Hotel on September 28-29, 1995.
For further information, contact either of the General Cochairs:

   Joe H. Chow, ECSE Department,
   Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, 12180--3590
   Phone: 518--276--6374 Fax: 518--276--6261 E-mail: chowj@rpi.edu

   K. Dean Minto, Control Systems and Electronics Technologies Laboratory,
   GE Corporate R&D Center, Schenectady, New York, 12309
   Phone: 518--387--6760 Fax: 518--387--5164 E-mail: minto@crd.ge.com

The theme of CCA '95 is POWER AND ENERGY SYSTEMS, and the Program
Committee is especially interested in papers dealing with:
Alternative energy sytems, combined cycle/Cogen, Distribution systems,
Environmental aspects, Energy management, FACTS/HVDC, Non-utility
generation, Power electronics, Power system stability, Protection
systems, Space power applications, Turbine/Generator control.

In addition, the usual broad aspects of the application of control
techniques such as: Adaptive Control, Artificial Intelligence,
Decentralized Control, Fuzzy Logic, Neural Nets, Modeling &
Diagnostics, Optimization, Robust/Nonlinear Control, Simulation,
and System Identification are equally welcome.

The 4th CCA Program Committee invites authors to submit 5 copies of
complete manuscripts for regular papers or 5 copies of extended
summaries for brief papers.  The first page of each manuscript must
contain the title of the paper, author's names and affiliations, and 4
keywords. Manuscripts should be sent to:

   The 4th IEEE Conference on Control Applications
   GE Corporate R&D Center, Schenectady, New York, 12309

The Program Committee is also soliciting proposals for invited sessions.
Prospective organizers should contact either of the Program Cochairs:

   R. Ravi, Control Systems and Electronics Technologies Laboratory,
   GE Corporate R&D Center, Schenectady, New York, 12309
   Phone: 518-387-5354  Fax: 518-387-5164  E-mail: ravi@crd.ge.com

   James H. Taylor, Department of Electrical Engineering,
   University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB CANADA E3B 5A3
   Phone: (506) 453-5101  Fax: 453--3589  E-mail: jtaylor@unb.ca


***********************************************************************
                             DEADLINES
***********************************************************************

**  Manuscripts and proposals due by  FEBRUARY 1, 1995
**  Notification of Acceptance  MAY 15, 1995
**  Camera-Ready Manuscripts due by  JUNE 30, 1995

***********************************************************************
For more information, contact any of the people listed above, see the
Call for Papers in the 1 September issue of E-LETTER, or send a blank
message to the autoresponse alias: info.cs.95conf.cca@ieee.org

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Contributed by: rotstein 

                       WORKSHOP-Call  For  Papers

            ANALYSIS  AND  DESIGN  OF  EVENT-DRIVEN  OPERATIONS
                         IN  PROCESS  SYSTEMS
         Centre for Process Systems Engineering, Imperial College,
                   London, U.K., 10-11 April, 1995


OBJECTIVES
Over the last decade, a number of researchers in the process
systems community have  approached the problem of modelling, analysis,
verification and synthesis of event-driven or hybrid operations.
Typical problems of this nature arise in plant start-up/shut-down,
emergency operating procedures, and batch operations. These are key
aspects in the development of plant automation systems. However, there
is no well established theoretical framework comparable to that
existing for the design and analysis of continuous feedback control
systems.

     The main difficulty with these systems is their event-driven
characteristics, which complicate their  modelling and analysis.
Researchers have therefore explored the use of a number of different
methods and tools, such as logic-based planning, Petri-Nets, Mixed
Integer Optimization and Automata Theory. Some of these approaches
are mainly theoretical, while others are oriented to specific
applications. The similarities and differences between the
approaches adopted and their applicability to practical problems are
often difficult to establish.

     The aim of the workshop is to bring together researchers and
practitioners interested in the control and operation of event-driven
chemical industrial processes so as to establish the current state of
the field and future trends. Furthermore, it is a goal to identify
successful applications in the process industry as well as relevant
benchmark case studies. Special efforts will be made to link research
in the process systems area with recent developments in the Discrete
Event Systems field.

FORMAT
In order to encourage interaction and discussions, the number of
participants will be limited to 60. Mornings will be dedicated to a
small number of invited presentations and broad reviews. Afternoons
will be structured as poster sessions, initiating  with  brief
oral  presentations  and closing with  panel  discussions. Industrial
participation is specially encouraged. Proceedings will be published
in the Journal of Process Controlas a special journal issue, after
the workshop.

DEADLINES
January 15, 1995 deadline for extended abstracts (3 pages).
February 1, 1995  notification of acceptance.
March 31, 1995   submission of full paper.

Abstract selection will be based on relevance to the  workshop
subject and  technical quality. Selected  contributions  will
appear, after peered review, in the Journal of Process
Control. Keeping with the informal spirit of the workshop,
there will be no formal proceedings of the conference. Collected
copies of the papers will be distributed at the workshop.

PRELIMINARY PROGRAM

DAY 1
     Session  1. Industrial  Challenges
Presentation 1 Bill Daly, Unilever Research
Presentation 2 (to be confirmed)
Presentation 3 (to be confirmed)

     Session  2. Modelling  and  Simulation
Presentation 1 Hassane Alla, LAG - ENSIEG (to be confirmed)
Presentation 2 Costas Pantelides, Imperial College

     Session  3. Contributions  on  Modelling  and  Simulation
Brief presentations.
Poster session and demonstrations
Panel discussion

DAY 2
     Session  4. Specification,  Verification  and  Safety  Analysis
Presentation 1 Robert Valette, LAAS (to be confirmed)
Presentation 2 Gary Powers, CMU (confirmed)

     Session  5. Controller  Design
Presentation 1 Murray Wonham, University of Toronto
Presentation 2 Jeff Kantor, Notre Dame University

     Session  6. Contributions  on  Verification  and  Controller  Design
Brief presentations.
Poster session and demonstrations
Panel discussion


REGISTRATION FEES
The registration fees is 200 sterling, and includes VAT, lunches, coffee
breaks, the workshop dinner and copies of the papers.
Participants to the workshop should complete the enclosed registration
form and return it together with the registration fee to the workshop
secretariat. In view of the limited places, early registration  is
recommended. A refund of fees for selected bona fide students
may be possible, depending on the sponsorship attracted. Please,
indicate if you wish to apply.


ACCOMODATION
List available from the Secretariat.

WORKSHOP SECRETARIAT

Mrs Diana Goreham
Centre for Process Systems Engineering
Imperial College
London SW7 2BY
Tel:  +44 (71) 694-6609
FAX: +44 (71) 594-6606
Email: d.goreham@ic.ac.uk

*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.**

Contributed by: Khalil DRIRA 

DCCS'95 : 13th  IFAC Workshop on Distributed Computer Control Systems

TOULOUSE-BLAGNAC, FRANCE ,    27-29 September 95

Scope : The workshop will consist of formal presentations, discussion and
informal meetings covering recentadvances and current issues in theory,
applications , and technology of distributed computer control systems. The
topics to be covered include, but are not restricted to :

        - The role of real-time in DCCS specifications
        - Analysis and design methods for DCCS, including software methods
        - Scheduling methods for DCCS
        - Real-time distributed operating systems
        - Testing and validation
        - Dependability issues of DCCS
        - Industrial application and experience with DCCS

Participation
Attendance will be limited to a maximum of 60 participants. Preference will
be
given to those who submit abstracts or express interest in organising
specific
sessions or panel discussions.
Participants are requested to register in advance not later than 30 June 1995

Extended abstracts
Offers of papers are welcome from individuals and groups on the topics
outlined above. Five copies of an extended abstract in English
(1000-2000 words) should be received by the workshop secretariat not
later than 1 March 95. Please include e-mail and fax numbers with the
author's address.

Papers
Full papers are to be prepared according to the instructions that will
ne sent to the author.  Accepted ppaers mist be presented in person at
the workshop.  Each registered participant will be provided with a
copy of the preprint volume including all accepted papers.

Copyright
The copyright of all accepted papers is automatically tranferred to
IFAC. Papers are also considered for publication in the IFAC journal
Automatica and Control Engineering Practice.

Important dates :
Extended abstracts- Papers due..........................01 March 95
Selection and invitation................................15 May 95
Registration............................................30 June 95
Full papers due.........................................30 June 95
Workshop................................................27-29 September 95

Sponsor
InternaTIOnal Federation of Automatic Control
Organised BY AFCET with support from LAAS-CNRS Toulouse and IUT-B BlagnaC

International Program committee
Chair : Prof J.A. De La Puente, ETSI Telecomunicacion Madrid (Spain)

L.Boullart (B), A. Crespo (E), A. Burns (UK), F. Cristian (USA), F. De Paoli
(I), J.C. Fabre (F), M. Inamoto (J), L. Ivanyoe (H), A.Keijzer (NL),
H. Kopetz (A), W. Kwon(K), R.Lauber (G), I.McLeod (SA), J. Mercier (F),
A. Mok (USA), L. Motus (Es), S. Narita (J), G. Qin (USA), K.
Ramamrithan(USA),
M.G.Rodd (UK), G. Suski (USA), J.P.Thomesse (F), G. Zhao( Singapore).

National Organising committee
A.E.K Sahraoui , Chairman
J. Alcouffe, E. Dufour, M.T.Ippolito, M. Tuffery, D. Vielle

Correspondence

DCCS'95 SECRETARIAT
LAAS-CNRS
7, AVENUE COLONEL ROCHE
31 077 TOULOUSE, FRANCE CEDEX
TEL : 33 61 33 63 11    FAX : 33 61 55 35 77  E-MAIL : dccs95@laas.fr

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