Georgi M. Dimirovski

Towards virtual university department: running a graduate program via Internet

A growing demand is apparent for flexible and high level distance education, generated by frequent changes of knowledge in engineering applications of informatics. Computer based modeling and simulation as a practical application of virtual technologies has gained wide usage in industry environment. The well established concept of Open University in United Kingdom and the recent rapidly developing concept of virtual university employing the Internet to the full allow students to utilize similar teaching conditions as in regular universities on the grounds of suitable computer-assisted systems. On one hand, Internet-based communications enable fruitful between students and instructors, and, on the other, successful co-operating work by the department leader and academic staff involved in the study program. This work reports on one such case study for a part-time M.Sc. study program in automation and control system engineering, both as a distant learning program and a distantly run enterprise during last 4 years. This experience showed that it seems to be logical to view the modern university as an extension of the virtual world in engineering.

Mobile Non-Holonomic Robots: On Trajectory Generation and Obstacle Avoidance

Abstract The constraints of non-holonomic mobile robots are expressed as a non-integrable equations. For solving of trajectory generation problem, we have developed computer-aided technique by means of a heuristic method which is based on geometric reasoning and provides deterministic trajectories for all pairs of initial and final configurations and positions. In the cases of motion in environment with fixed obstacles, we have extended this algorithm by adding some control intelligence to the robot (AGV/MR), i.e. by applying of fuzzy-logic controller. A number of simulation experiments on several types of PCs using this technique have been done, and run time takes only a few milliseconds. It has become apparent that this approach is quite attractive for use in real-time motion planning and navigation.

A Memory NN Computing Structure for Identification of Non-Linear Process Dynamics

Identification of certain system needs search for class of functions or model for approximation of the system input-output behavior in the best possible manner. In most situations, as in dynamic systems identification, pattern recognition etc., the value of the output of the modeling system is function of the previous values of outputs and inputs. In the current circumstances, almost all efforts for using neural networks for identification and control are based on feed-forward networks. If the system order or the upper limit of the order is known, all of the necessary previous values of the inputs and outputs of the modeled system can be put as input in the network. The network can learn non-memory transformations that include the system output dependence on specified previous inputs and outputs.

Research in Robotics and Flexible Automation: What may be Feasible in Small Developing Countries?

Abstract Advanced engineering sciences and advanced technologies are indeed indispensible menas of development in all contemporary countries and societies, in particular within the current globalisation process. In this survey paper, we explore the issues on whether there are chances and room for small developing countries to undertake research actvities in robotics, flexible manufacturing systems, mechatronics, and flexible automation via the case of little R. of Macedonia. The experience presentad, in which the author has played one of the crucial roles, may well highlight the way that enables fruitful participation of small developing countries into automation and robotic systems research.

Potential of Fraser-Hipel-Kilgur Technique and Game Theory for Balkan conflicts: Pt. 1 Modelling Theory

Abstract In this paper, the potential applications of Fraser-Hipel-Kilgur methodology for conflict modelling and resolution, based on the theory of non-cooperative games theory, to the modelling analysis of Balkan conflicts is exploerd through the case study on the conflicting interests over R. Macedonia by the end of the twentieth century. Particular attention was devoted to the use of its advanced variant based on theory of digraphs and adjacent reachability matrices. The graph form takes game outcomes rather than individual decisions as the basic units for modelling conflicts, described in sufficient detail. A number of solution concepts can be formulated and employed for both two-player and multi-player games, the latter being of primary interst in here. The taxonomy of graph based solution concepts of the original methodology has been employed to account for certain anticipation horizon by each of the players. This methodology makes essential use of the fundamental axioms of game theory defined by posulates of the individual rationality, the players inertia, the limited-move stability, and the minimum effect for the opponents.

Iterative Learning Identification and Design of Industrial Furnace Process Control

Abstract An applications oriented control systems engineering approach for a class of well- posed thermal systems, e.g. industrial furnaces and ovens, that is consistent with most of theoretical results in systems and control sciences has been elaborated and tested in designing controls for several industrial-scale furnaces. It provides a methodology for iterative learning and resolving process identification and control design for multi-variable systems within a discrete convolution framework and using truncated k-time sequence matrices of characteristic input-output modes as well as their characteristic patterns and singular characteristic patterns, starting with standard non-parametric process time-domain models identified under operating conditions. Within computer process control environment and for practical engineering and maintenance reasons, digital implementations are sought in terms of partial steady-state decoupling and two-term laws or combination of certain MIMO and SISO controls. The pusher furnace in Skopje Steelworks is used to illustrate this methodological approach

Fuzzy-Petri Net Reasoning System and Transfering of Knowledge to the Markov Chain

This work presents an overview of a reasoning expert system we have developed and implemented in C++. It is based on fuzzified Petri nets, with rule-based decision-making and appropriate knowledge base (KB). The reasoning algorithm is consisting ofcalculating the degrees of fulfillment (DOFs) for all rules of the KB and their assigning to the places of the Petri net. After this, it follows reasoning process with firing of active transitions and calculating of DOFs for output places (propositions of KB) and determining of fuzzy-distribution for output variables, as well as their defuzzified values. As final step, we are transferring these values to the states of a Markov chain in order to perform different command and control tasks. Markov chains are efficient tool for simulation and modeling of stochastic discrete event processes, especially those in military operations, like command and control activities.

Conservation and conflict resolution in transboundary protected areas: prespa as an european case-study

Abstract Transboundary protected areas have a primary role of conserving bio-diversity and natural ecological processes protected areas in sensitive areas. However in addition to serving the nature conservation, transboundary protected areas are widely held to offer a major contribution to managing and resolving political divisions via establishing links and building trust and co-operation between individuals and communities in addressing common social and economic needs. Lake Prespa and the Desaret lake region provide an opportunity both to test and apply these ideas. The common aims and objectives for the area should be eventually articulated in a management plan, which covers not just species and ecosystem conservation, but also socio-economic objectives and mutually supportive co-existence of nations and minorities. The main players in this process will be ‘epistemic communities’ - conservation managers, academic researchers, local community representatives - all with appropriate institutional links at national and international level. Progress has already begun: the academic communities in Albania, Greece and Macedonia are already working towards this goal through a first Albano-Greko-Macedonian cross-boundary consensus as a basis for lasting co-operation between local peoples and their governments in the area. Prespa and the Desaret natural system are to take its place within an European Ecological Network as one of the key ‘ecological bricks’ of our common European Heritage.

Potential of Fraser-Hipel-Kilgur Technique and Game Theory for Balkan Conflicts: PT.2 Applications

Abstract In this paper, the potential applications of Fraser-Hipel methodology for conflict modelling and resolution, based on the theory of non-cooperative games theory, to the modelling analysis of Balkan conflicts is exploerd through the case study on the conflicting interests over R. Macedonia byl the end of the twentieth century. Particular attention was devoted to the use of its advanced variant based on theory of digraphs and adjacent reachability matrices. The graph form takes game outcomes rather than individual decisions as the basic units for modelling conflicts, described in sufficient detail. A number of solution concepts can be formulated and employed for both two-player and multi-player games, the latter being of primary interst in here. The taxonomy of graph based solution concepts of the original methodology has been employed to account for certain anticipation horizon by each of the players. This methodology makes essential use of the fundamental axioms of game theory defined by posulates of the individual rationality, the players inertia, the limited-move stability, and the minimum effect for the opponents.

Editorial Foreword to the Selected SWIIS 2000 Papers

Abstract In this overview, we present an outline of the selected papers in these Proceeding on SWIIS 2000. Plenary papers IPL1, KNP2, SP1, and SSP are outlined first, and then all other contributions. Contributed papers are grouped according the respective topics in 7 chapters on: general aggression and security modelling; game theory and general systems approaches; fuzzy information, fuzzy systems and qualitative modelling; issues of ethics, fairness and justice in SWIIS problems; hybrid solution concepts and modelling techniques; case studies on Kosovo crisis; and business management based approaches. Due to the topic of special interest, the second chapter begins with the special survey paper. Individual chapters encompass two to four contributed papers.