The University of Genoa - Ohio State University Joint Conference on New
Trends in Systems Theory was held at the Badia di S. Andrea in Genoa on
July 9-11, 1990. This Proceedings volume contains articles based on two
of the three Plenary talks and most of the shorter presentations. The
papers are arranged by author, and no attempt has been made to organize
them by topic. We would like to thank the members of the Scientific
Committee and of the Program Committee, the speakers and authors, and
everyone who attended the conference. Approximately 120 researchers and
students from all over the world visited Genoa for the meeting,
representing a wide spectrum of areas in pure and applied control and
systems theory. The success of the conference depended on their high
level of scientific and engineering expertise, not to mention their
enthusiasm. The Conference on New Trends in Systems Theory would not
have been possible without the help of a great many institutions and
people. We would like to thank the University of Genoa, particularly
Professor Enrico Beltrametti, and the Ohio State University's Columbian
Quincentenary Committee led by Professor Christian Zacher, for
encouragement and financial assistance. The University of Genoa
Mathematics Department and Communication, Computer and System Sciences
Department supplied assistance and technical help. The staff of the
Consorzio Genova Ricerche, particularly Ms. Piera Ponta and Ms. Camilla
Marconi, worked diligently over many months and especially during the
conference itself to insure a smooth and enjoyable meeting.