[Soviet Cybernetics : Recent News Items], Vol. 3, No. 5.

The May issue features an article on automated management information systems in which it is clearly indicated that the Soviet labor force is feeling the effects of automation. Three articles on forecasting show that prognostics is beginning to take hold in the Soviet Union and that it is being dealt with by some very prestigious scientists. Academician G. Marchuk's article on the centralized management of the computer industry reflects the thinking of Soviet leaders in computing about the USSR's needs, particularly relative to the importance of disc storage units. Hardware discussed includes the Ruta, and Masis, the M-54, and some East German machines. Other articles describe computer-assisted and computer-managed instruction in electrical engineering; automation of a heavy machine plant; conferences on industrial and general psychology and on mathematical methods in geology and hydrogeology; research at Science City and Kiev; and development of the State Network of Computing Centers. 135 pp.