Abstract
Today's dynamic industrial process simulation problems require systematically new methodologies and sophisticated computational tools. Such processes involve frequently discontinuities, environment structures changes and entities with high functional levels. Furthermore, there are cases where we must integrate intelligent techniques and negotiation protocols. These characteristics are crucial in distributed problems that require resource balance, low cost distribution plans, and stock optimization. In order to analyse the application of a distributed object-oriented simulation system we selected, as a case study, a gas distribution network in which we find all the referred characteristics. This paper presents a brief description of the simulation scenario, the overall system's structure, the intelligent negotiation protocol used by system's objects and the concurrent programming techniques to implement it.

Abstract
This paper describes an attempt to design an "Order Promise" system to support decision making in the so-called Virtual Enterprises. In this framework, planning and control activities are very complex, and have to take place both within the enterprise and across the whole supply network in order to achieve high levels of performance. This work is part of a broader project with a particular focus on the microelectronics industry which is a good example of Virtual Enterprise, and where a quick response to the customers needs and to unpredictable changes in production conditions is considered a major factor for success. Copyright (C) 1998 IFAC.

Abstract
P-NET is a fieldbus industrial communication standard, which uses a Virtual Token Passing MAC mechanism. In this paper we establish pre-run-time schedulability conditions for supporting real-time traffic with P-NET. Essentially we provide formulae to evaluate the minimum message deadline, ensuring the transmission of real-time messages within a maximum time bound.

Abstract
An industrial application of proportional hazards model is presented in this paper. The authors show the possibility of using both condition or quality covariates. The associated problems to the measurements and control values are evaluated. Conclusions show good agreement between predicted and real results.

Abstract
This paper describes an MPEG-2 distributed studio architecture that was proposed for the ATLANTIC (Advanced Television at Low bit rates And Networked Transmission over Integrated Communications systems) Project. This is one of the European Projects approved in the ACTS (Advanced Communication Technologies and Services) programme. The main goals of this distributed studio are to develop a system that will provide functionality for the production and distribution of TV programmes in an MPEG-2 format, with all the equipment interconnected by an ATM LAN. The architecture of the studio is compliant with the specifications issued by the Digital Audio-Visual Council (DAVIC).

Abstract