Optimization, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning methods / algorithms, Data Mining and Big Data, Pattern Analysis, Soft Computing, Bio-inspired computing, Image Processing, Computer Vision, Biometric security, Speech Analysis, Signal Processing theory and methods, and applications of human brain interactions. Other theory/applications of machine learning and signal processing techniques are also welcome.

Cluster and grid computing, cloud as a service, applications and infrastructure, edge computing, fog computing, enterprise software and services, multi core systems, computing in Internet of Things and embedded systems, design issues addressing architectural challenges of autonomic computing and its solutions, algorithms, theory and foundations of autonomic computing, applications, security and current trends.

Researchers from industry and academia are invited to present their research work in the area of Process Modelling, Simulation, Robot Dynamics, Control Algorithms, Vision based Control, Industrial Automation, Control and Optimization under this theme. The present theme also focuses on Fault Detection and Diagnosis. Research on contemporary issues related to process industries are invited under this theme. Apart from above mentioned topics, challenges and solutions of factory automations are also expected under this theme.

The smart grid, incorporating the distributed generation and electric vehicles (EVs), are in the realization stage. The large power grids are likely to be impacted greatly and the issues of grid stability, grid dynamics and grid monitoring requires considerations. The inclusion of power electronic converters in the form of FACTS devices, the DFIG converters, Battery controllers of EVs, active harmonic compensators etc. brings in newer challenges. The data availability and accumulations, information exchange about the power system and its component behaviour offers big data analytics and interpretation issues. This sub-theme covers the focus on intelligent technological solutions to many such power system problems.

Brief description of the theme: The energy efficiency, high power density, compact design and robust control for the electrical machines are the focus of the day. The development in the linear and rotating induction machines with controllers, switched reluctance machines, permanent magnet machines, energy efficient special machines are highly encouraging. The newer material options in transformer technology is turning to be game changer. The inclusion of IoT and embedded systems, variety of sensors in the machine offer insights to the diagnostics as well. The theme aims to invite new design and control approaches of electrical machines as well as new equipment for monitoring of the electrical machines.

Due to advancements in power electronic device technology and availability of fast computational processors, Power Electronic Converters have penetrated to all the segments of engineering, where in electrical engineering has a role to play. Also, electrical machine drives are back-bone of industrial processes. Hence, effective control of Power Electronic Converters and Drives will enable technologies and processes which in turn will lead to sustainable development. This theme aims to invite novel topologies, and control strategies of Power Electronic Converters and Drives.

Contributions are invited in the areas such as Embedded System Design, Cyber Physical System (CPS), Health and Medical Electronics, Reconfigurable Architecture, Device Modelling and Simulation, Advanced CMOS Devices, Emerging Memory Devices, Analog and Mixed-Signal Circuits, Circuit Timing and Power Models, Low Power and Near/Sub Threshold Circuit Design, Logic and Behavioral Synthesis, Placement, Routing and Floor Planning, Design Automation, Design Verification, Test, Reliability and Fault Tolerance, Formal Verification, Design For Testability, Fault Modelling, Post-Silicon Validation, Testing Memories and Regular Logic Arrays, Design for Manufacturability and Yield Analysis, Device Physics Design and Circuits using Non- Silicon Materials.

Contributions are invited in the areas such as Signal Processing for Communications, Image and Video Signal Processing, Multimedia applications, DSP algorithms and architectures, Speech and Speaker identification, Biomedical applications, Language identification, Machine learning, Pattern recognition and classification, Applications in Astronomy/ Astrophysics, Radar and Sonar signal processing.

Research in the Mathematics is a key element for the advancement of all areas of science and technology. Being one of the vital areas of science in itself, Pure and Applied Mathematics works in tandem in all the domains of engineering and technology. Moreover, it significantly contributes to research areas like Mathematical Modeling of Industrial Processes and many more of its kind. Need of the hour is to cultivate and sustain core research capability, and at the same time cross the borders to promote transformative and interdisciplinary research. Graph Theory, Modeling and Simulation Bio-Mathematics, Statistical Computation/Optimization Fuzzy logic, Algebra, Number Theory.

Pavement materials, Pavement analysis and design, Traffic operations and management, Transportation economics, Road safety and traffic awareness, Accident analysis, Transportation planning and modelling, Intelligent transportation systems, Sustainable transportation system, Public transportation system, Road construction technology.

Impact of climate change on water resources, Ground water modeling & management, Hydrological modeling & forecasting, Application of remote sensing & GIS in water resources, Irrigation planning & management, Reservoir operation & optimization, Sustainable development of water resources, Watershed management, Water quality monitoring & assessment, Environment hydraulics, Environmental impact assessment, Water and waste water treatment, Solid waste management, Air and noise pollution, Recycle and reuse of waste.

Advanced construction materials and technologies, Construction economics, Workplace management, Life cycle assessment, Construction laws, Construction productivity, Value engineering, Safety and health management, Management practices for construction equipments and materials, Innovation in construction, Construction waste management, Building energy efficiency, BIM and life cycle project management, Contract management.

Advances in cement based materials and concrete technology, Structural analysis & design of Reinforced, Steel and Prestressed concrete, Repair, Rehabilitation and Retrofitting of structural systems, Earthquake resistant design of structures, Computational techniques in structural engineering, Geotechnical investigations & design of structures, Smart material applications and Structural Health Monitoring, Response measurement and control of structures, Sustainability in concrete and structural engineering.

This theme focuses on new process design and development where it can suggest substantial alteration in equipment or process design or developing new catalyst or employing novel techniques like use of ultrasound or microwave, micro or nano technology.

Sustainable manufacturing seeks to profitably produce goods while minimizing a firm's environmental impact, natural resource use, and energy consumption. Under this theme, the research work related to methodologies, manufacturing processes and materials that contribute to sustainable manufacturing processes is invited.

Design and analysis of machines and mechanisms is the key for reduction of lead times from concept stage to detailed design stage. The static and dynamic analysis to ensure the functionality, safety and reliability of systems made up of different kinds of materials is backbone of successful machine design and development. The theme aims to invite original work in the area of computational methods, experimental work and analytical solutions for design and analysis of machines and mechanisms.

Energy is the "Energy" for growth and development. The objective of Energy Management and Conservation is to achieve and maintain optimum energy procurement and utilization to minimize energy costs / waste without affecting production, comfort and quality. The articles invited under this theme are expected to be in the area of production, utilization and conservation of energy.