A large-scale system is composed of several interconnected subsystems. For such a system it is often desired to have some form of decentralization in the control structure, since it is typically not realistic to assume that all output measurements can be transmitted to every local control station. Problems of this kind can appear in electric power systems, communication networks, large space structures, robotic systems, economic systems, and traffic networks, to name only a few. Typical large-scale control systems have several local control stations which observe only local outputs and control only local inputs. All controllers are involved, however, in the control operation of the overall system. The focus of this book is on the efficient control of interconnected systems, and it presents systems analysis and controller synthesis techniques using a variety of methods. A systematic study of multi-input, multi-output systems is carried out and illustrative examples are given to clarify the ideas.

This book comprises the proceedings of the Recent Developments in Control Theory and Applications workshop held in Toronto, Canada, 29th-30th June 1998 in honor of the 60th birthday of E.J. Davison. While the scope of the workshop was quite broad, the main theme was robust control, decentralized control and applications.
Some topics include:
- robust control for car steering
- flow control for networks
- fault diagnosis in discrete event systems.
With contributions from distinguished authors of international repute, the material presented here focuses upon new findings in the field of control including interesting applications. As well as being informative, it is a useful tool for practitioners of systems and control to ascertain new developments in the field.

With contributions from distinguished international authors, the material presented here focuses upon new findings in the field of control including interesting applications. As well as being informative, it is a useful tool for practitioners of systems and control to ascertain new developments in the field.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the broader farming community often refer to the price and income support programs of the farm bill's Title I and the crop insurance and disaster assistance programs of Title XII as encompassing the farm safety net. Many policy makers and farmers consider federal support of farm businesses necessary for their financial survival, given the unpredictable nature of agricultural production and markets. In contrast, many environmental groups and budget hawks argue that farm subsidies encourage overproduction on environmentally fragile land and are a market-distorting use of tax dollars. This book provides an overview of the current farm safety net programs, proposals and overlap in producer support. Also discussed is the congressional debate that is expected to precede the next round of omnibus farm legislation in 2012 and the budget and policy issues and implications for U.S. farm policy in the context of the World Trade Organization (WTO).