Abstract
We experimentally observe a high-contrast intensity modulation in the multimode CW output of a Titanium:Sapphire laser, This modulation has a very low frequency (in the hundreds of Hz range), being stable and self-sustaining, unlike previously reported regimes which require external perturbations such as a periodic change in the resonant cavity length. This effect results from the nonlinear coupling of several longitudinal modes with very large frequency spacing (of the order of tens of THz) which arise due to mode competition violation (promoted by dispersion control within the laser cavity), associated with the large gain bandwidth of Ti:Sapphire, To our knowledge, this is a previously unreported phenomenon. for which we are currently developing an adequate theoretical model. These results may prove useful in the further understanding of the onset of mode-locked operation in ultrashort lasers and other highly nonlinear systems.

Abstract
This paper discusses the actual state of the manufacturing systems, focusing on the paradigms, requirements and problems for control and supervision. Based on the experience of the authors in those fields, a new approach to agile, distributed and cooperative manufacturing systems is presented and discussed. This new approach is based on a multi-agent platform that supports three main components: control and cooperation, communication, and re-engineering. Copyright (C) 2001 IFAC.

Abstract
Computerized analysis of rat gait is becoming an invaluable technique used by some peripheral nerve investigators for the evaluation of function. In this article we describe the use of a biomechanical model of the foot and ankle that allows a quantitative assessment and description of the ankle angle, reflecting plantarflexion and dorsiflexion during the stance phase of gait. Kinematic data of 144 trial walks from 36 normal rats were recorded with a high-speed digital image camera at 225 images per second. The ankle angular changes associated with the specific temporal events of foot placement on the ground through the stance phase were assessed. The information obtained was used to propose a new subdivision of the stance phase in the rat into three major components. This approach will provide a helpful research tool to analyze gait data that rely on the accurate determination of spatiotemporal foot events. (C) 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Abstract
This paper presents a new optimization model EPSO, Evolutionary Particle Swarm Optimization,. inspired in both Evolutionary Algorithms and in Particle Swarm Optimization algorithms: The fundamentals of the method are described, and an application to the problem of Loss minimization and Voltage control is presented, with very good results.

Abstract
Near field model predictions can be used to reduce the uncertainty about outfall sewage plume location during a monitoring mission. In this paper we present an innovative methodology that uses these models to predict the plume location, establishing a sensing strategy applicable to a monitoring mission using an AUV. The paper describes two applications that implement this methodology, accomplishing the automatic mission definition using real-time oceanographic data.

Abstract