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NL-KR Digest Volume 14 No. 41
NL-KR Digest Mon Jul 3 15:40:51 PDT 1995 Volume 14 No. 41
Today's Topics:
CFP: Theories and Metaphors of Cyb. (EMCSR'96), Apr 96, Vienna
CFP: ETCE '96 Session NL in HCI New Deadline, Jul 95, Houston
* * *
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Date: Wed, 28 Jun 1995 19:41:19 +0100
To: computers-and-psychology@mailbase.ac.uk,
From: fheyligh@vnet3.vub.ac.be (Francis Heylighen)
Subject: CFP: Theories and Metaphors of Cyb. (EMCSR'96), Apr 96, Vienna
CALL FOR PAPERS
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * **
* Symposium : *
* THEORIES AND METAPHORS OF CYBERSPACE *
* *
* modelling the cognitive and social implications of global networking *
* *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * **
as part of the
13th European Meeting on Cybernetics and Systems Research
EMCSR'96, Vienna, April 9-12, 1996
Symposium URL: http://pespmc1.vub.ac.be/cybspasy.html
About the Symposium:
-------------------
A symposium organized by the Principia Cybernetica Project (PCP) will be
held at EMCSR'96. Chaipersons are F. Heylighen and S. Umpleby. The
objective is to better understand the implications of the present explosive
growth in global computer networks, like the Internet or the World-Wide
Web. We wish to develop models of how these networks will further develop
and how they will affect individuals and society on all levels.
Soon, the whole of human knowledge will be directly available to any person
with access to a networked computer. Moreover, communication between
individuals will become much easier, faster and more transparent. "Smart"
computer systems will allow novel applications (virtual reality,
intelligent agents, distributed processing, automated indexing...) that no
one before ever would have dreamt of. These changes will affect and deeply
transform all aspects of society: education (distance learning, electronic
universities), work (telework, groupware), commerce (electronic cash and
banking), the media, government (electronic democracy), health, science and
technology... It seems as though society's collective intelligence will
increase manifold, perhaps producing an evolutionary transition to a higher
level of intelligence.
As these developments are so fast, and so difficult to predict, precise
models are usually not possible. In that case, comprehension may be helped
by using analogies. Examples of such metaphors for global network functions
are the "Information Superhighway", the network as a "Super-brain", which
emphasizes the collective intelligence of all users and computers connected
by the network, Jacques Vallee's notion of an "information singularity",
which notes that networked information becomes instantaneously available
everywhere, and "Cyberspace" itself, which visualizes networked information
as an immense space through which one can "surf".
Metaphors, however, only express one or a few aspects of a multidimensional
phenomenon. Therefore, we should move to more detailed and comprehensive
models, which can be tested by observation, implementation or simulation.
Cybernetics, as a theory of communication, information and control, seems
most directly applicable to such model-building, but valuable insights may
come from the most diverse domains: sociology, futurology, AI, complex
systems, man-machine interaction, cognitive psychology, etc. Our emphasis
is on concepts, principles, and observations, rather than on technical
protocols or implementations, although existing systems may provide a
concrete illustration from which more general implications can be derived.
The Conference
The European Meetings on Cybernetics and Systems Research are possibly the
most important and best organized large congresses in their domain. Though
they are called "European" by tradition, they really bring together
researchers from all continents. Among the distinctive features are the
high quality, well-distributed Proceedings, which are available at the
start of the Conference. Therefore, papers should be submitted quite a
while before the start of the conference.
Submission of papers
Full papers on the above themes should be directly submitted to the
Conference Secretariat (mentioning you wish to submit to Symposium L), not
to the Symposium Chairs. However, we would like you to already send a 1 to
2 page abstract of your paper to F. Heylighen (fheyligh@vnet3.vub.ac.be),
so that we can tell you quickly whether this topic is suitable for the
symposium, and so that the abstract can be made available on the World-Wide
Web for other participants to read. We would like to receive the abstract
well enough in advance so that you would be able to get your full paper
ready by the October 12, 1995 deadline. (note that acceptance of the
abstract does not necessarily imply acceptance of the full paper).
About Principia Cybernetica:
----------------------------
The Principia Cybernetica Project (PCP) is a collaborative attempt to
develop a complete cybernetic and evolutionary philosophy. Such a
philosophical system should arise from a transdisciplinary unification and
foundation of the domain of Systems Theory and Cybernetics. Similar to the
metamathematical character of Whitehead and Russell's "Principia
Mathematica", PCP is meta-cybernetical in that we use cybernetic tools and
methods to analyze and develop cybernetic theory.
These include the computer-based tools of hypertext, electronic mail,
electronic publishing, and knowledge structuring software. They are meant
to support the process of collaborative theory-building by a variety of
contributors, with different backgrounds and living in different parts of
the world. PCP thus naturally develops in the "cyberspace" of interlinked
documents on the World-Wide Web. PCP's web server can be found at
http://pespmc1.vub.ac.be/.
PCP is being developed as a dynamic, multi-dimensional conceptual network.
The basic architecture consists of nodes, containing expositions and
definitions of concepts, connected by links, representing the associations
that exist between the concepts. Both nodes and links can belong to
different types, expressing different semantic and practical categories.
As its name implies, PCP focuses on the clarification of fundamental
concepts and principles of the broadly defined domain of cybernetics and
systems, which includes related disciplines such as the "sciences of
complexity", AI, ALife, Cognitive Science, Evolutionary Systems, etc.
Concepts include: Complexity, Information, Entropy, System, Freedom,
Control, Self-organization, Emergence, etc.
The PCP philosophical system is to be seen as a clearly thought out and
well-formulated, global "world view", integrating the different domains of
knowledge and experience. It should provide an answer to the basic
questions: "Who am I? Where do I come from? Where am I going to?".
The PCP philosophy is systemic and evolutionary, based on the spontaneous
emergence of higher levels of organization or control (metasystem
transitions) through blind variation and natural selection. It includes:
a) a metaphysics, based on processes or actions as ontological primitives,
b) an epistemology, which understands knowledge as constructed by the
subject or group, but undergoing selection by the environment;
c) an ethics, with survival and the continuance of the process of
evolution as supreme values.
Philosophy and implementation of PCP are united by their common framework
based on cybernetic and evolutionary principles: the computer-support
system is intended to amplify the spontaneous development of knowledge
which forms the main theme of the philosophy.
PCP is managed by a board of editors, presently: V. Turchin [CUNY, New
York], C. Joslyn [NASA and SUNY Binghamton] and F. Heylighen [Free Univ. of
Brussels]. Contributors are kept informed through the PRNCYB-L electronic
mailing list. Further activities of PCP are publications in journals or
books, and the organization of meetings or symposia.
More information about PCP is available at http://pespmc1.vub.ac.be/, by
anonymous ftp to is1.vub.ac.be, directory
/pub/projects/Principia_Cybernetica, or by email request to
PCP@vnet3.vub.ac.be.
About EMCSR'96
--------------
Cybernetics - "the study of communication and control in the animal and
the machine" (N.Wiener) - has recently returned to the forefront, not
only in cyberpunk and cyberspace, but, even more important, contributing
to the consolidation of various scientific theories. Additionally, an
ever increasing number of research areas, including social and economic
theories, theoretical biology, ecology, computer science, and robotics
draw on ideas from second order cybernetics. Artificial intelligence,
evolved directly from cybernetics, has not only technological and
economic, but also important social impacts. With a marked trend
towards interdisciplinary cooperation and global perspectives, this
important role of cybernetics is expected to be further strengthened
over the next years.
Since 1972, the biennial European Meetings on Cybernetics and Systems
Research (EMCSR) have served as a forum for discussion of converging
ideas and new aspects of different scientific disciplines. As on
previous occasions, a number of sessions providing wide coverage of the
rapid developments will be arranged, complemented with daily plenary
meetings, where eminent speakers will present latest research results.
SESSIONS + Chairpersons:
A General Systems Methodology
G.J.Klir, USA
B New Developments in Mathematical Systems Theory
Y.Rav, France, and F.Pichler, Austria
C Complex Systems Analysis and Design
J.W.Rozenblit, USA, and H.Praehofer, Austria
D Fuzzy Systems, Approximate Reasoning and Knowledge-Based Systems
C.Carlsson, Finland, K.-P.Adlassnig, Austria, and E.P.Klement,
Austria
E Designing and Systems, and Their Education
B.Banathy, USA, W.Gasparski, Poland, and G.Goldschmidt, Israel
F Humanity, Architecture and Conceptualization
G.Pask, UK, and E.Prem, Austria
G Biocybernetics and Mathematical Biology
L.M.Ricciardi, Italy
H Cybernetics and Informatics in Medicine and Psychotherapy
M.Okuyama, Japan, and G.Porenta, Austria
I Cybernetics of Socio-Economic Systems and of Country Development
K.Balkus, USA, P.Ballonoff, USA, and S.A.Umpleby, USA
J Systems, Management and Organization
G.Broekstra, Netherlands, and R.Hough, USA
K Communication and Computers
A M.Tjoa, Austria
L Theories and Metaphors of Cyberspace
F.Heylighen, Belgium, and S.A.Umpleby, USA
M Knowledge Discovery in Databases
Y.Kodratoff, France
N Artificial Neural Networks and Adaptive Systems
G.Palm, Germany, and G.Dorffner, Austria
O Theory and Applications of Artificial Intelligence
V.Marik, Czech Republic, and E.Buchberger, Austria
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES: Acceptance of contributions will be
determined on the basis of Draft Final Papers. These Papers
must not exceed 10 single-spaced A4 pages (maximum 43 lines, max.
line length 160 mm, 12 point), in English. They have to contain
the final text to be submitted, including graphs and pictures.
However, these need not be of reproducible quality.
The Draft Final Paper must carry the title, author(s) name(s), and
affiliation (incl. e-mail address, if possible) in this order.
Please specify the symposium in which you would like to present
your paper. Each scientist shall submit only o n e paper.
Please send f o u r hard copies of the Draft Final Paper
to the Conference Secretariat (NOT to symposia chairpersons!)
Electronic or fax submissions cannot be accepted.
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION: October 12, 1995.
Submissions received after the deadline cannot be considered.
NOTIFICATION OF ACCEPTANCE/REJECTION: Authors will be notified
about acceptance or rejection no later than December 11, 1995.
Successful authors will be provided by the conference secretariat
at the same time with the instructions for the preparation of the
final paper, which will also be available via ftp and World-Wide
Web.
FINAL PAPERS: The final paper will be limited to a maximum of
6 pages (10-point, double column). Camera-ready copies of the
final paper will be due at the conference secretariat by
January 29, 1996. Acceptance of the final paper will be based
on compliance with the reviewers' comments.
PRESENTATION: It is understood that each accepted paper is
presented personally at the Meeting by one of its authors.
CONFERENCE FEE:
AS 2800 if received before January 31, 1996
AS 3300 if received later
AS 3800 if paid at the conference desk.
The Conference Fee includes participation in the Thirteenth European
Meeting, attendance at official receptions, and the volume of the
proceedings available at the Meeting.
Please send cheque, or transfer the amount free of charges for
beneficiary to our account no. 0026-34400/00 at
Creditanstalt-Bankverein Vienna. Please state your name clearly.
HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS will be handled by OESTERREICHISCHES
VERKEHRSBUERO, Kongressabteilung, P.O.Box 30, A-1043 Vienna,
phone +43-1-58925-118, fax +43-1-5867127. Reservation cards
will be sent to all those returning the attached registration form.
SCHOLARSHIPS: The International Federation for Systems Research
and the Austrian Society for Cybernetic Studies are willing to
provide a limited number of scholarships covering the registration
fee for the conference and part of the accommodation costs for
colleagues from weak currency countries. Applications should be
sent to the Conference Secretariat before October 12, 1995. -
The EMCSR organizers cannot handle applications for participants
to obtain support from other sources.
CHAIRMAN of the Meeting: Robert Trappl, President
Austrian Society for Cybernetic Studies
SECRETARIAT: I. Ghobrial-Willmann and G. Helscher
Austrian Society for Cybernetic Studies
A-1010 Vienna 1, Schottengasse 3 (Austria)
Phone: +43-1-53532810
Fax: +43-1-5320652
E-mail: sec@ai.univie.ac.at
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - --
EMCSR-96 THIRTEENTH EUROPEAN MEETING ON CYBERNETICS AND SYSTEMS RESEARCH
Please return to: Austrian Society for Cybernetic Studies
Schottengasse 3, A-1010 VIENNA, AUSTRIA (EUROPE)
E-mail: sec@ai.univie.ac.at
o I plan to attend the Meeting.
o I intend to submit a paper to Session .....
o I enclose the Draft Final Paper.
o My Draft Final Paper will arrive prior to October 12, 1995.
o My cheque for AS ....... covering the Conference Fee is enclosed.
o I have transferred AS ........ to your account 0026-34400/00
at Creditanstalt Vienna.
o I shall not be at the Meeting but am interested to receive
particulars of the Proceedings.
Name :
Address :
City :
Country :
Email :
_____________________________________________________
If you wish to present your paper in the session L, "Theories and Metaphors
of Cyberspace", please send a copy of this form AND a 1 to 2 page abstract
in ASCII or HTML by email to fheyligh@vnet3.vub.ac.be. (the abstract should
not be sent to the Vienna address above).
________________________________________________________________________
Dr. Francis Heylighen, Systems Researcher fheyligh@vnet3.vub.ac.be
PESP, Free University of Brussels, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
Tel +32-2-6292525; Fax +32-2-6292489; http://pespmc1.vub.ac.be/HEYL.html
________________________________________________________________________
Dr. Francis Heylighen, Systems Researcher fheyligh@vnet3.vub.ac.be
PESP, Free University of Brussels, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
Tel +32-2-6292525; Fax +32-2-6292489; http://pespmc1.vub.ac.be/HEYL.html
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Sun, 2 Jul 1995 14:49:39 -0500
From: Sy Ali <syali@sy.smsu.edu>
To: corpora@hd.uib.no, empiricists@Csli.Stanford.edu,
Subject: CFP: ETCE '96 Session NL in HCI New Deadline, Jul 95, Houston
* * * * * * * * * * * ****
* DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS NOW: JULY 23, 1995 *
* * * * * * * * * * * ****
CALL FOR PAPERS
Computers in Engineering Symposium
Session on Natural Language in Human-Computer Interfaces
Houston, TX
January 29 - February 2, 1996
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Petroleum
Division is sponsoring the Energy Week Conference & Exhibition,
at George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas. One symposium
is devoted to various aspects of using computers in engineering.
Attendees will be from both academia and industry.
This year, one session of the Computers in Engineering Symposium
will consider the use of natural language in human-computer interfaces.
The value of being able to use natural language to interact with
computers is unquestioned. A natural language interface is a
flexible and efficient means of communication. For example, a natural
language interface for processing speech provides an additional means of
communication if a human user's eyes and hands are occupied. Providing
for dialogue, whether typed or spoken, allows for humans to collaborate
effectively with computer systems that are becoming increasingly complex
to use because of their capabilities. For these reasons, a user interface
that can process natural language has the potential for simplifying an overly
complex and unfriendly working environment.
The diversity of natural applications is mirrored in the research
communities that contribute to natural language research:
computer science, engineering, medicine, geography, and business.
The use of natural language in interfaces to problem-solving systems such
as medical experts, software engineering tools, navigation tools, and
database systems is becoming an increasingly important consideration.
The aim of this session is to bring together researchers
from two communities:
1- Researchers who are working on the design and/or implementation of
systems that use natural language as a primary modality. Discussions
should be relevant to engineering applications.
2- Researchers who are working on software tools for engineering applications
where a natural language interface is being, or could be used.
Papers should indicate how natural language is useful or could
be useful in these applications.
Topics of interest include (but are not limited to):
- Empirical studies in designing human-computer interfaces with
natural language
- Multimodal interface designs that include natural language
- Use of natural language in computer-supported cooperative work
- Discussions of implemented systems that employ natural language
- Knowledge representation and reasoning to support natural language
in human-computer interfaces and cooperative work systems
- Speech recognition and synthesis in interface design
- Limitations and pitfalls of relying on natural language as
an interface
Papers submitted to this session should show how their work addresses the
issue of using natural language in the design of a human-computer interface
providing as much detail of the problem area as is necessary to evaluate the
work. Relevant examples of a system interacting with a user (either
on paper or video) are encouraged.
All presented papers will be published in the symposium proceedings.
Please contact the session organizers if you have any questions. We
look forward to your contributions.
This call for papers is available as a web page:
http://www.cs.smsu.edu/~syali/ETCE-96-CFP/CFP.html
Up-to-date information (including final schedules) will appear here
as they become available.
SESSION ORGANIZERS:
Susan Haller, Asst. Prof. Syed Ali, Asst. Prof.
Computer Science & Engineering Dept. Computer Science Dept.
University of Wisconsin - Parkside Southwest Missouri State University
Kenosha, Wisconsin 53141-2000 Springfield, Missouri 65804
USA USA
E-mail: haller@cs.uwp.edu E-mail: syali@sy.smsu.edu
Tel.: (414) 595-2343 Tel.: (417) 836-5773
FAX.: (414) 595-2114 FAX.: (417) 836-6659
SUBMISSIONS:
Send 3 copies, a maximum of 20 pages double-spaced excluding references.
SEND SUBMISSIONS TO:
Susan Haller
Computer Science and Engineering Dept.
University of Wisconsin - Parkside
Kenosha, WI 53141-2000
E-mail: haller@cs.uwp.edu
Tel.: (414) 595-2343
FAX.: (414) 595-2114
*Note: We encourage electronic submissions, either plain text or postscript.
IMPORTANT DEADLINES:
Submissions due June 30, 1995
Notification of acceptance August 25, 1995
Camera-ready copies due September 15, 1995
Computers in Engineering Symposium (Houston) Jan. 29 - Feb 2, 1996
End of NL-KR Digest
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