E-LETTER on Systems, Control, and Signal Processing Issue 242, 2008 Editor: Pradeep Misra Dept. of Electrical Engineering Wright State University Dayton, OH 45435 USA Tel +937 775 5062 Fax +937 775 3936 Submit articles at: http://www.ieeecss.org/newssubmission.php Contents 0. Editorial 1. Personal 1.1 Change of Address for Herbert Tanner 2. General Announcements 2.1 Distinguished Lecture at UAH on Applied Mathematics 2.2 VERSOFT software package 3. Books 3.1 Modeling and Control of Antennas and Telescopes, Wodek Gawronski 4. Journals 4.1 Contents: Int. J. Systems, Control and Communications 4.2 CFP: special issue IJSCC 4.3 Contents: Automatica Volume 44/10, October 2008 4.4 Contents: International Journal of Control, Volume 81 Issue 11 4.5 Contents: IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control 4.6 CFP: Special Issue on Short Distance Sensor Telemetry 4.7 Contents: International Journal of Control - Vol 81 Issue 12 4.8 Contents: Multidimensional Systems and Signal Processing 4.9 Special Issue on Vehicle Terrain Interaction for Mobile Robots 4.10 Contents: SIAM Journal on Control and Optimization 4.11 Contents: Control Engineering Practice 4.12 Contents: Circuits, Systems, and Signal Processing 4.13 CFP: Control Engineering Practice 4.14 Contents: IET Control Theory & Applications 4.15 CFP: Asian Journal of Control 4.16 Contents: JSSC 4.17 CFP: Applied and Computational Mathematics, Special Issue on Bioinformatics 5. Conferences 5.1 2009 IEEE Conference on Decision and Control (48th CDC) 5.2 5th IEEE Vehicle Power and Propulsion Conference (VPPC'09) 5.3 2nd IFAC Conference on Analysis and Control of Chaotic Systems 5.4 FIRA Congress Korea 2009 5.5 Early Deadlines for CDC 2009 5.6 4th International Conference on Rough Sets and Knowledge Technology (RSKT2009) 5.7 CFP: RoboComm 2009 5.8 Recent Advances in Space Technologies 5.9 Econometrics, Time Series Analysis and Systems Theory 5.10 6th IFAC Symposium on Robust Control Design (ROCOND'09) 5.11 CFP: 12th International Conference on Information Fusion 6. Workshops 6.1 CDC08 Workshop: Stochastic Hybrid Systems: Theory and Applications -- 6.2 Pedictive Control 6.3 Second International Workshop in Sequential Methodologies 7. Positions 7.1 Faculty: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 7.2 Post-Doc: University of Maryland, USA 7.3 Faculty Position: University of Colorado at Boulder, USA 7.4 Post-Doc: Université Libre de Bruxelles, BE 7.5 Research Scientist: Spanish Council for Scientific Research, Spain 7.6 Faculty: University of Delaware, USA 7.7 PhD: K.U. Leuven, Belgium 7.8 Faculty: EE, UT Dallas, USA 7.9 Head: Mechanical Engineering, UT Dallas, USA 7.10 Head, Computer Science: UT Dallas, USA 7.11 Faculty: 5 positions, Tech Univ Munich, DE 7.12 Faculty: Idaho State University, USA 7.13 Software Engineer: PikeTec Germany 7.14 PhD: University of Orleans, France 7.15 Post-Doc: University of Tennessee, Knoxville 7.16 Post-Doc: Nancy University – CRAN-CNRS, France 7.17 Postdoc: Ben-Gurion University, Israel 7.18 Post-Doc: Università del Sannio, IT 7.19 Post-Doc: Modeling and control of a multi stage bioreactor 7.20 Post-Doc: Centrum Wiskunde en Informatica, NL 7.21 PhD: Texas Tech University, USA 7.22 Post-Doc: Queen's University, Canada 7.23 Research Fellows: Italian Institute of Technology, IT 7.24 PhD: KULeuven, Belgium 7.25 PhD: Illinois Institute of Technology, USA 7.26 Post-Doc: City University, Hong Kong 7.27 PhD: Toshiba Research Europe, UK 7.28 Post-Doc: Ryerson University, Canada 7.29 Chair: University of Delaware, USA 7.30 Faculty (3): ME, Univ of Massachusettes, USA +----------------------------------------+ | | Editorial | | +----------------------------------------+ Welcome to the 242-th issue of the E-LETTER on Systems, Control, and Signal Processing. As always, search for .** to navigate. The next issue of eletter will be mailed out in December 2008. Please forward this eletter to your colleagues. They can subscribe to eletter at: http://www.ieeecss.org/newssubmission.php To unsubscribe, send an email to p.misra@ieee.org A web version of this eletter with Table of Contents hyperlinked to contents is located at: http://www.ieeecss.org/currentnews.php +----------------------------------------+ | | Personal | | +----------------------------------------+ *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.** 1.1 Change of Address for Herbert Tanner Contributed by: Herbert Tanner, btanner@udel.edu I have moved to the University of Delaware. My new coordinates are: Dr. Herbert Tanner 110 Spencer Lab Mechanical Engineering University of Delaware Newark DE 19716 tel: 302/831 6888 E-mail: btanner@udel.edu URL: http://research.me.udel.edu/~btanner +----------------------------------------+ | | General Announcements | | +----------------------------------------+ *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.** 2.1 Distinguished Lecture at UAH on Applied Mathematics Contributed by: S.S. Ravindran, ravinds@uah.edu Distinguished Lecture at UAH on Applied Mathematics 3:00-4:00p.m, Friday, November 14 Shelby Center 109 University of Alabama in Huntsville Title: Mathematics: The Enabling Science For Ultra Large Space Structures, Ultra Small Nano-Devices and Net Zero Energy Buildings Prof. John Burns, Hatcher Professor of Mathematics Interdisciplinary Center for Applied Mathematics Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0531, USA Abstract: Computational science has already become one of the key tools in modern engineering. However, engineering design in the 21st century will require new and advanced computational tools for simulation, optimization, design and control of complex systems of partial differential equations (PDEs). The construction of practical approximation schemes for optimal design is much more complex than one might first imagine. The issue of approximation is of paramount importance in the practical design, optimization and implementation of control laws for PDE systems. A key question is: when should this approximation take place? The construction of a reduced order or lumped model is one form of approximation. Approximating a PDE system by a numerical scheme developed primarily for simulation and using the corresponding lumped model for optimization based design and control of the PDE system leads to technical and practical issues that are not present if one is interested only in simulation. This observation is often stated in the form: An approximation scheme good for simulation may not be suitable for design, control or optimization. In this presentation we discuss several theoretical and computational issues that arise in the development and analysis computational algorithms for optimal design and control of complex infinite dimensional systems . We motivate the talk by discussing examples from nano-technology, inflatable space structures, aerodynamic design and high performance buildings. Several of these problems involve shape as one of the design variables and fall into a class of design problems known as shape optimization. We provide a general methodology based on infinite dimensional optimization theory and close with numerical examples to illustrate the ideas. The examples also demonstrate the efficiencies that can be obtained with algorithms based on the delaying the introduction of approximations. *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.** 2.2 VERSOFT software package Contributed by: Jiri Rohn, rohn@cs.cas.cz http://www.cs.cas.cz/rohn/matlab you can find a software package VERSOFT consisting of about 50 verification files for computing verified solutions of various linear problems. It is available for free. Included are, e.g., files for - verified eigenvalues and eigenvectors of a complex (or real) matrix, - verified thin singular value decomposition of a rectangular complex (or real) matrix, - verified description of all solutions of a system of linear equations, - verified linear programming, - verified roots of a complex (or real) polynomial, - verified matrix function of a square complex (or real) matrix, - verified solution of the matrix equation A*X*B+C*X*D=F, etc. Each VERSOFT file either gives a verified solution, or fails (produces an output consisting of NaN's); unverified solutions are not outputted. The package is written in INTLAB, a MATLAB toolbox developed by Prof. S. M. Rump, University of Technology Hamburg-Harburg, Germany. +----------------------------------------+ | | Books | | +----------------------------------------+ *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.** 3.1 Modeling and Control of Antennas and Telescopes, Wodek Gawronski Contributed by: Wodek Gawronski, wodek.k.gawronski@jpl.nasa.gov Modeling and Control of Antennas and Telescopes Wodek Gawronski Publisher: Springer 2008, XVI, 232 p. 171 illus., Hardcover ISBN: 978-0-387-78792-3 Online version available http://www.springer.com/engineering/book/978-0-387-78792-3 The book presents the author’s research and field experience in the area of antenna modeling, dynamics, and control. The required spacecraft tracking accuracy of 1 mdeg was the impetus for the new approaches to the antenna controls that use model based controllers (LQG and H¥ ). Consequently, modeling also required a new approach using system identification techniques. Most of the material presented is new in the telescope industry. The methods have been not only analyzed and tested, but actually implemented, giving confidence in the final result, which is significantly increased antenna pointing accuracy. The author explains two different approaches to telescope modeling: analytical and experimental. The analytical approach combines the structural and drive model, using Matlab and Simulink. The experimental, uses the test data to obtain the equations of the antenna model. Both models are excessively large and the model reduction techniques included make the model size small enough for the controller design purposes. The book also covers the wind models based on the wind tunnel data (steady-state), and on the field data (gusts) since wind gusts are the main antenna disturbance. The book shows the PI and feedforward controller tuning and their performance as a benchmark for measuring the pointing improvement when the LQG and H¥ are implemented. The properties, performance, and tuning of the LQG and H¥ are also presented. The material explains the nonlinear control issues such as velocity and acceleration limits, friction, and backlash. It also covers RF beam control techniques (scanning and monopulse), and the open loop control of the track level unevenness. Contents 1. Introduction 1.1. Examples of antennas and telescopes 1.2. Short description of the antenna control system 1.3. Antenna and telescope literature 2. Analytical models 2.1. Rigid antenna model 2.2. Structural model 2.3. Drive model 2.4. Velocity-loop model 2.5. Drive parameter study 3. Models from identification 3.1. White noise testing of the antenna 3.2. Identification of the velocity-loop model 4. Model reduction 4.1. Why reduction? 4.2. Balanced model reduction 4.3. Modal model reduction 5. Wind disturbance models 5.1. Steady-state wind disturbance model 5.2. Wind gusts disturbance models 6. Preliminaries 6.1. Performance criteria 6.2. Transformations of the velocity-loop model 7. PI and feedforward controllers 7.1. Properties of the PI controller 7.2. PI controller tuning steps 7.3. Closed-loop equations of a flexible antenna with PI controller 7.4. Performance of the PI controller 7.5. PI and feedforward controller 8. LQG controller 8.1. Properties of the LQG controller 8.2. LQG controller tuning steps 8.3. Performance of the LQG controller 8.4. Tuning LQG controller using GUI 8.5. LQG controller in the velocity loop 9. H_infinity controller 9.1. Definition and gains 9.2. Tracking H_infinity controller 9.3. Closed-loop equations of the tracking H_infinity controller 9.4. 34-meter antenna example 9.5. Limits of performance 10. Single-loop control 10.1. Rigid antenna 10.2. 34-meter antenna 11. Nonlinear control 11.1. Velocity and acceleration limits 11.2. Friction 11.3. Backlash 12. RF beam control 12.1. Selecting the RF beam controller 12.2. Monopulse 12.3. Scanning 13. Track level compensation 13.1. Description of the track level problem 13.2. Collection and processing of the inclinometer data 13.3. Estimating azimuth axis tilt 13.4. Creating the TLC table 13.5. Determining pointing errors from the TLC table 13.6. Antenna pointing improvement using the TLC table +----------------------------------------+ | | Journals | | +----------------------------------------+ *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.** 4.1 Contents: Int. J. Systems, Control and Communications Contributed by: G Guo, geguo@yeah.net Int. J. Systems, Control and Communications No.1, Vol.1, 2008 Contents 1 Exact controllability of semilinear evolution equation and applications Hugo Leiva 13 Random access game in ad hoc networks with cooperative and noncooperative users X. Guan, B. Yang, G. Feng and C. Long 31 Online estimation of Image Jacobian Matrix for uncalibrated dynamic hand-eye coordination Jianbo Su, Yanjun Zhang and Zhiwei Luo 53 Fault estimations for linear systems with polytopic uncertainties Heng Wang and Guang-Hong Yang 72 Decentralised coordination of groups of autonomous mobile robots Andrey V. Savkin 82 A global canonical form for nonlinear singular control systems Xiaoping Liu 98 Analysis of formation control and networking pattern in multi-robot systems: a hexagonal formation example Chou-Yuan Mai and Feng-Li Lian 124 DSC-backstepping based robust adaptive NN control for strict-feedback nonlinear systems via small gain theorem T.S. Li, B.G. Hong and G.Y. Shi http://www.sciencenet.cn/blog/user_content.aspx?id=31413 ------------- Int. J. Systems, Control and Communications, Vol. 1, No. 2, 2008 Contents 147 Linear hybrid systems with time-varying delays: H8 stabilisation schemes Magdi S. Mahmoud 170 LMI-based criterion for global asymptotic stability of BAM neural networks with time delays Ju H. Park and O.M. Kwon 179 Robust chaotic communication via high gain observer Wen Yu, América Morales and Guillermo Fernández 193 Intelligent integrated control of combustion process of coke oven based on determination of operating state Min Wu, Qi Lei, Wei-Hua Cao and Jin-Hua She 215 Global asymptotic stability of internet adaptive congestion control algorithm Hong-yong Yang and Si-ying Zhang 227 Group decision making with multiple leaders: local rules, weighted networks and consensus Fei Chen, Zengqiang Chen, Zhongxin Liu, Linying Xiang and Zhuzhi Yuan 240 Structural modelling and analysis of Object Oriented Systems: a graph theoretic system approach Nitin Upadhyay 256 Delay-dependent H8 control for LPV systems with time delays Man Sun, Yingmin Jia, Junping Du and Shiying Yuan http://www.sciencenet.cn/blog/user_content.aspx?id=41150 *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.** 4.2 CFP: special issue IJSCC Contributed by: G. Guo, geguo@yeah.net Special Issue on: “Advanced Control and Filtering Techniques in Robotics” International Journal on Systems, Control and Communications (IJSCC) 1. Description [aims/objectives/content/readership/etc] This special issue aims at exhibiting the latest research achievement, findings and ideas in the field of application of advanced control and filtering techniques in various areas of modern robotics. Contributions are invited from researchers from academia and industry. 2. Subject coverage Topics including but not limited to: - Navigation and Guidance on Mobile Robots - Vision Based Control of Robots - Multi-agent Robotic Systems, Flocking, Consensus Building - Decentralized Control and Coordination of Robot Formations - Biomimetics and Bio-inspired Control of Robots - Filtering Based SLAM - Control of Unmanned Aerial and Underwater Vehicles - Distributed Multi-robot Networks with Limited Communication - Path Planning and Collision Avoidance 3. Deadlines for submission Submission Deadline: 15 January, 2009 4. Any specific instructions for submissions All papers are refereed through a peer review process. Submitted papers should present original work and should not have been previously published, nor be currently under consideration for publication elsewhere. Potential authors of this special issue are invited to electronically submit paper manuscripts to one of the Guest Editors of this special issue with a copy to: IEL Editorial Office E-mail: ijscc@inderscience.com Please include in your submission the title of the Special Issue, the title of the Journal and the name of the Guest Editor. 5. Guest Editor(s) Prof. Andrey V. Savkin (a.savkin@unsw.edu.au) School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. Dr. Pubudu Pathirana (pubudu@deakin.edu.au) School of Engineering and Information Technology, Deakin University, Australia. Prof. António M. Pascoal (antonio@isr.ist.utl.pt) Department of Electrical Engineering and Institute for Systems and Robotics (ISR) Instituto Superior Técnico (IST) Lisbon, Portugal *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.** 4.3 Contents: Automatica Volume 44/10, October 2008 Contributed by: Becky Lonberger, automatica@autsubmit.com Table of Contents of Automatica Volume 44 (2008), Issue 10 (October) Regular Papers Multi-period portfolio optimization with linear control policies Giuseppe Calafiore A non-equilibrium analysis and control framework for active queue management Tansu Alpcan, Paul Wang, Prashant G. Mehta, and Tamer Basar A generalized multi-period mean-variance portfolio optimization with Markov switching parameters Oswaldo Luiz V. Costa, Michael Araujo MHD channel flow control in 2D: Mixing enhancement by boundary feedback Eugenio Schuster, Lixiang Luo, Miroslav Krstic Approximately bisimilar symbolic models for nonlinear control systems Giordano Pola, Antoine Girard, Paulo Tabuada Magnetohydrodynamic state estimation with boundary sensors Rafael Vazquez, Eugenio Schuster, Miroslav Krstic Adding robustness to nominal output feedback controllers for uncertain nonlinear systems: A nonlinear version of disturbance observer Juhoon Back, Hyungbo Shim Robustness analysis of holonic assembly/disassembly processes with Petri nets Fu-Shiung Hsieh Iterative minimization of $H_2$ control performance criteria Alexandre S. Bazanella, Michel Gevers, Ljubisa Miskovic, Brian D.O. Anderson Control of frictional dynamics of a one-dimensional particle array Yi Guo, Zhihua Qu Brief Papers Efficient computation of $l_1$ uncertainty model from an impulse response set Marco Casini, Andrea Garulli, and Antonio Vicino Consensus protocols for discrete-time multi-agent systems with time-varying delays Feng Xiao, Long Wang Constrained linear system with disturbances: Convergence under disturbance feedback Chen Wang, Chong-Jin Ong, Melvyn Sim Robust tracking control of nonholonomic dynamic systems with application to the bi-steerable mobile robot Markus Mauder An adaptive tracking control from current measurements for induction motors with uncertain load torque and rotor resistance Riccardo Marino, Patrizio Tomei, Cristiano Maria Verrelli Exponential stabilization controller design for interconnected time delay systems Changchun Hua, Qing-Guo Wang, Xinping Guan Localized adaptive bounds for approximation based backstepping Yuanyuan Zhao, Jay A. Farrell Local $l_2$ gain of bifurcation stabilization Tiebao Yang, Xiang Chen Simultaneous Schur stability of interval matrices Mau-Hsiang Shih, Chin-Tzong Pang Robust high-order repetitive control: Optimal performance trade-offs Goele Pipeleers, Bram Demeulenaere, Joris De Schutter, Jan Swevers Control for discrete singular hybrid systems Yuanqing Xia, Jinhui Zhang, El-Kebir Boukas Control design with arbitrary information structure constraints Aleksandar I. Zecevic, Dragoslav D. Siljak A connection between formation infeasibility and velocity alignment in kinematic multi-agent systems Dimos V. Dimarogonas, Kostas J. Kyriakopoulos Design of $H_infty$ filter for Markov jumping linear systems with non-accessible mode information Huaping Liu, Daniel W. C. Ho, Fuchun Sun Robust adaptive $H^infnty$ control using integral quadratic constraints Ian Petersen Local stability analysis using simulations and sum-of-squares programming Ufuk Topcu, Andrew K. Packard, Peter Seiler Technical Communiques H-infinity Optimal Terminal Control for Linear Systems with Delayed States and Controls Marco Ariola, Alfredo Pironti New stability criteria for linear systems with interval time-varying delay Xiefu Jiang, Qing-Long Han Robust $H_2$ optimal filtering for continuous-time stochastic systems with polytopic parameter uncertainty Kwan Ho Lee, Biao Huang Delay-range-dependent control synthesis for time-delay systemswith actuator saturation Lixian Zhang, El-Kebir Boukas, Ahmad Haidar *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.** 4.4 Contents: International Journal of Control, Volume 81 Issue 11 Contributed by: Lorna Morris, lorna.morris@tandf.co.uk *Stability of digital control systems implemented in error-recoverable computers Authors: A. Tejada; O. R. Gonzlez; W. S. Gray *Classification and characteristics of Floquet factorisations in linear continuous-time periodic systems Author: Jun Zhou *Robust adaptive control for a class of perturbed strict-feedback non-linear systems with unknown Prandtl-Ishlinskii hysteresis Authors: Ying Feng; Yue-Ming Hu; Camille Alain Rabbath; Chun-Yi Su *Output tracking control for networked control systems with time delay and packet dropout Authors: Yu-Long Wang; Guang-Hong Yang *LQ suboptimal decentralised controllers with disturbance rejection property for hierarchical systems Authors: Javad Lavaei; Ahmadreza Momeni; Amir G. Aghdam *H8 control for non-linear stochastic systems: the output-feedback case Authors: N. Berman; U. Shaked *Contact force regulation in wire-actuated pantographs via variable structure control and frequency-domain techniques Authors: Alessandro Pisano; Elio Usai *Vision-based tracking using intelligent excitation Authors: Chengyu Cao; Naira Hovakimyan *Reduced-rank unscented Kalman filtering using Cholesky-based decomposition Authors: J. Chandrasekar; I. S. Kim; D. S. Bernstein; A. J. Ridley *Mitter conjecture for low dimensional estimation algebras in non-linear filtering Authors: Wen-Lin Chiou; Woei-Ren Chiueh; Stephen S. -T. Yau *Non-linear output feedback tracking control for AUVs in shallow wave disturbance condition Authors: Shuyong Liu; Danwei Wang; Engkee Poh *Finite-time stability of linear time-varying singular systems with impulsive effects Authors: Shouwei Zhao; Jitao Sun; Li Liu *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.** 4.5 Contents: IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control Contributed by: C. Stewart, trac@bu.edu Volume: 53 Issue: 7 Date: Aug. 2008 Adaptive Boundary Control for Unstable Parabolic PDEs—Part I: Lyapunov Design Krstic, M.; Smyshlyaev, A. Page(s): 1575-1591 Optimal Nonblocking Directed Control of Discrete Event Systems Huang, J.; Kumar, R. Page(s): 1592-1603 Feedback Control in the Presence of Noisy Channels: “Bode-Like” Fundamental Limitations of Performance Martins, N. C.; Dahleh, M. A. Page(s): 1604-1615 Optimal Control of Spatially Distributed Systems Motee, N.; Jadbabaie, A. Page(s): 1616-1629 Generalized Lyapunov Equation Approach to State-Dependent Stochastic Stabilization/Detectability Criterion Zhang, W.; Zhang, H.; Chen, B.-S. Page(s): 1630-1642 Asymptotically Optimal Decentralized Control for Large Population Stochastic Multiagent Systems Li, T.; Zhang, J.-F. Page(s): 1643-1660 An Iterative Identification Method for Linear Continuous-Time Systems Campi, M. C.; Sugie, T.; Sakai, F. Page(s): 1661-1669 Necessary and Sufficient Conditions for Dynamical Structure Reconstruction of LTI Networks Goncalves, J.; Warnick, S. Page(s): 1670-1674 On Inexact LPV Control Design of Continuous–Time Polytopic Systems Daafouz, J.; Bernussou, J.; Geromel, J. C. Page(s): 1674-1678 Nonlinear Stabilization of Shock-Like Unstable Equilibria in the Viscous Burgers PDE Krstic, M.; Magnis, L.; Vazquez, R. Page(s): 1678-1683 On Compensating Long Actuator Delays in Nonlinear Control Krstic, M. Page(s): 1684-1688 On the Liveness of Guidepath-Based, Zone-Controlled Dynamically Routed, Closed Traffic Systems Roszkowska, E.; Reveliotis, S. A. Page(s): 1689-1695 Robust $H_{infty}$ Control for Nonlinear Stochastic Systems: A Sliding-Mode Approach Niu, Y.; Ho, D. W. C.; Wang, X. Page(s): 1695-1701 Switched Controllability via Bumpless Transfer Input and Constrained Switching Ge, S. S.; Sun, Z. Page(s): 1702-1706 Stability of Networked Control Systems Under a Multiple-Packet Transmission Policy Hu, S.; Yan, W.-Y. Page(s): 1706-1711 Disturbance Attenuation of Feedforward Systems With Dynamic Uncertainty Chen, T.; Huang, J. Page(s): 1711-1717 Razumikhin-Type Theorems on Stability of Neutral Stochastic Functional Differential Equations Huang, L.; Deng, F. Page(s): 1718-1723 Stability-Preserving Rational Approximation Subject to Interpolation Constraints Karlsson, J.; Lindquist, A. Page(s): 1724-1730 Optimal Model Predictive Control of Timed Continuous Petri Nets Mahulea, C.; Giua, A.; Recalde, L.; Seatzu, C.; Silva, M. Page(s): 1731-1735 Hybrid Output Feedback Stabilization for LTI Systems With Single Output Lin, H. Page(s): 1736-1740 Adaptive Synchronization for Generalized Lorenz Systems Liang, X.; Zhang, J.; Xia, X. Page(s): 1740-1746 Receding Horizon Controls for Input-Delayed Systems Park, J. H.; Yoo, H. W.; Han, S.; Kwon, W. H. Page(s): 1746-1752 Adaptive Tracking Controller Design of Nonlinear Systems With Time Delays and Unknown Dead-Zone Input Hua, C.-C.; Wang, Q.-G.; Guan, X.-P. Page(s): 1753-1759 Stability of a Random Riccati Equation With Markovian Binary Switching Xie, L. Page(s): 1759-1764 An Extension of LaSalle's Invariance Principle and Its Application to Multi-Agent Consensus Cheng, D.; Wang, J.; Hu, X. Page(s): 1765-1770 Growth Conditions for the Global Stability of High-Speed Communication Networks With a Single Congested Link King, C.; Shorten, R. N.; Wirth, F. R.; Akar, M. Page(s): 1770-1774 Lyapunov-Based Range Identification For Paracatadioptric Systems Hu, G.; Aiken, D.; Gupta, S.; Dixon, W. E. Page(s): 1775-1781 Author's Reply Hamamci, S. E. Page(s): 1781-1781 Linear Systems: Optimal and Robust Control Sinha, A. Page(s): 1782-1782 *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.** 4.6 CFP: Special Issue on Short Distance Sensor Telemetry Contributed by: M K Ebrahimi, m.ebrahimi@bradford.ac.uk The Journal of Measurement and Control The Special Issue will describe selected methods for sensor telemetry and recent trends in methodologies and applications of data and power transfer. It provides an update on the evolution of short distance telemetry and its applications. Papers are invited on original investigations relating to sensor telemetry with specific topics of interest include, but are not limited to: Power transmission and drive systems Medical applications Engine telemetry Building and structural engineering Short Distance Sensor Telemetry is a system to capture sensor output signals and transmit data over a short distance (less than a millimetre up to a few meters), to a receiver. The system comprises of a sensor and signal conditioning, which may be combined as a smart sensor, an encoding system and transmitter, an antenna and a power source. The receiver is connected to a host, usually in the form of a PC that performs analysis and displays results. As encoding occurs before transmission, the sensors can be either analogue or digital. This is an important telemetry method because it can be used in small confined spaces or harsh environments that were previously inaccessible. With the use of micro and nano technology, the systems can be modular, compact and take advantage of the low power and low voltage requirements of these technologies. Embedded systems or integrated ‘systems on a chip’ are low cost and low weight, eliminate cables and use wireless radio technology. Power sources are available from Inductive coupling to rechargeable batteries, and determined by application for suitability. Applications for these systems vary from industrial to medicine. Industries such as aerospace, automotive and civil engineering use telemetry for data acquisition or monitoring of rotating, stationary or mobile applications, whilst medical applications include monitoring of physiological functions from joint movement to electrocardiogram pulses. Data acquisition systems can vary from single or multiple channel sensors with high speed Bluetooth transmission to networks of single function sensors utilising low speed ZigBee transmission. Although the PC is the most common host for the receiver utilising the USB port, with suitable software development, PDAs or mobile phones can act as receivers. *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.** 4.7 Contents: International Journal of Control - Vol 81 Issue 12 Contributed by: Lorna Morris, lorna.morris@tandf.co.uk International Journal of Control: Volume 81 Issue 12 is now available online at informaworldTM. This new issue contains the following articles: Robust H 2 control based on dynamic multipliers Pages 1831 - 1848 Authors: G. O. Corrêa; E. S. Freire Sliding mode control of underactuated multibody systems and its application to shape change control Pages 1849 - 1858 Authors: Hashem Ashrafiuon; R. Scott Erwin Switched model predictive control for performance enhancement Pages 1859 - 1869 Authors: Lalo Magni; Riccardo Scattolini; Mara Tanelli Design and stability analysis of an indirect variable structure model reference adaptive control Pages 1870 - 1877 Authors: J. B. Oliveira; A. D. Araujo Control theoretic analysis of a target search problem by a team of search vehicles Pages 1878 - 1885 Authors: Myungsoo Jun; David E. Jeffcoat What is a limit cycle? Pages 1886 - 1900 Authors: Rush D. Robinett, III; David G. Wilson Spin-axis stabilisation of underactuated rigid spacecraft under sinusoidal disturbance Pages 1901 - 1909 Authors: H. -H. Zhang; F. Wang; Pavel M. Trivailo State feedback control of asynchronous sequential machines with adversarial inputs Pages 1910 - 1929 Authors: Jung-Min Yang; Jacob Hammer One-sided adaptation for infinite-horizon linear quadratic N-person non-zero-sum dynamic games and sensitivity analysis Pages 1930 - 1945 Authors: Xiaohuan Tan; Jose B. Cruz Jr Data-driven simulation and control Pages 1946 - 1959 Authors: Ivan Markovsky; Paolo Rapisarda Dynamic inversion for multivariable non-affine-in-control systems via time-scale separation Pages 1960 - 1967 Authors: Naira Hovakimyan; Eugene Lavretsky; Chengyu Cao *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.** 4.8 Contents: Multidimensional Systems and Signal Processing Contributed by: N. K. Bose, bkn@engr.psu.edu Special Issue:Recent Advances in Multidimensional Systems and Signals Volume 19,Nos.3/4,December 2008 Editorial ...............................................N.K.Bose 267 Guest Editorial .........................Eva Zerz and Krzysztof Galkowski 269 Stabilization of multidimensional behaviors .....................Paula Rocha 273 Dead-beat estimation problems for 2D behaviors ..........................Mauro Bisiacco and Maria Elena Valcher 287 The discrete multidimensional MPUM............................Eva Zerz 307 A direct-construction approach to multidimensional realization and LFR uncertainty modeling .......Li Xu,Huijin Fan,Zhiping Lin and N.K.Bose 323 Generalized convolution as a tool for the multi-dimensional filtering tasks ....... ...............................Przemyslaw Korohoda and Adam Dabrowski 361 Anisotropic filtering of multidimensional rotational trajectories as a generalization of 2D diffusion processes.........Bartosz Jablonski 379 Multidimensional velocity lters for visual scene analysis in automotive driver assistance systems ..........Joerg Velten,Sam Schauland and Anton Kummert 401 Maximum principle for optimal control of two-directionally continuous linear repetitive processes .....................Dariusz Idczak 411 On the Kalman Yakubovich Popov lemma and the multidimensional models ...... ........................Olivier Bachelier,Wojciech Paszke and Driss Mehdi 425 A geometric theory for 2-D systems including notions of stabilisability .......... ............Lorenzo Ntogramatzidis,Michael Cantoni and Ran Yang 449 On control laws for discrete linear repetitive processes with dynamic boundary conditions ....Lukasz Hladowski,Eric Rogers,Krzysztof Galkowski and Virendra R.Sule 471 *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.** 4.9 Special Issue on Vehicle Terrain Interaction for Mobile Robots Contributed by: Danwei Wang, edwwang@ntu.edu.sg Special Issue on Vehicle Terrain Interaction for Mobile Robots Special Issue Guest Editors: Danwei Wang, Nanyang Technological University, Philippe Martinet, Université Blaise Pascal & Karl Iagnemma, Massachusetts Institute of Technology This special issue focuses on state-of-the-art developments in modeling, estimation, motion planning, and control of all terrain mobile robots with significant vehicle-terrain interaction effects. Mobility in outdoor unstructured or semi-structured environments is an important consideration for mobile robotic systems. Modeling and estimation of the contact between tire (or track, foot, or other appendage) and ground, control performance robustness to uncertainties and disturbances, path/trajectory generation over 3D terrain, and precise trajectory tracking in dynamic environments, represent challenging issues in our scientific community. This special issue will stimulate interest and provides motivation for further research and development in intelligent transportation and autonomous robotics. Details can be found in http://www.journalfieldrobotics.org/Special_Issues.html We invite papers that exhibit theory and methods applied to modeling, estimation, path planning and control of all terrain mobile robots with vehicle-terrain interactions. Topics are including, but not limited to: 1. *modeling of interaction between the robot running gear and terrain, including analysis of the interaction between wheels, tracks, feet, or other appendages with soil, vegetation, or other natural materials; 2. *description of uncertainties to vehicle motions, such as skidding/ slipping, and methods for explicit consideration of these uncertainties in planning and control; 3. *methods for sensing, sensor fusion, and estimation in the presence of terrain-induced perturbations 4. *experiments in posture estimation, data fusion, and control implementation; Papers for this special issue must also provide technical descriptions of systems and results and analysis of experimentation. For this special issue, experimental verification via field experiments is considered essential. Important Dates: February 1, 2009- Submission of manuscripts May 1, 2009- Reviews sent to the authors August 1, 2009- Final manuscripts due for publication Authors interested in submitting to this issue can discuss submissions with the special issue editors: Danwei Wang (edwwang@ntu.edu.sg), Philippe Martinet (Philippe.Martinet@lasmea.univ-bpclermont.fr) and Karl Iagnemma (kdi@mit.edu) *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.** 4.10 Contents: SIAM Journal on Control and Optimization Contributed by: Brian Fauth, fauth@siam.org Journal: SIAM Journal on Control and Optimization Volume: 47 Issue: 5 Optimal Dividend Payments and Reinvestments of Diffusion Processes with Both Fixed and Proportional Costs Jostein Paulsen pp. 2201-2226 On Local Transverse Feedback Linearization Christopher Nielsen and Manfredi Maggiore pp. 2227-2250 Necessary Conditions for Multiobjective Optimal Control Problems with Free End-Time B. T. Kien, N.-C. Wong, and J.-C. Yao pp. 2251-2274 A Riesz Basis Methodology for Proportional and Integral Output Regulation of a One-Dimensional Diffusive-Wave Equation Boumediene Chentouf and Jun-Min Wang pp. 2275-2302 Approximate Fixed Point Iteration with an Application to Infinite Horizon Markov Decision Processes Anthony Almudevar pp. 2303-2347 Dirichlet Problems for some HamiltonJacobi Equations with Inequality Constraints Jean-Pierre Aubin, Alexandre M. Bayen, and Patrick Saint-Pierre pp. 2348-2380 Mean-Variance Hedging Under Partial Information Michael Mania, Revaz Tevzadze, and Teimuraz Toronjadze pp. 2381-2409 A Knowledge-Gradient Policy for Sequential Information Collection Peter I. Frazier, Warren B. Powell, and Savas Dayanik pp. 2410-2439 Kernel Density Estimation and Goodness-of-Fit Test in Adaptive Tracking Bernard Bercu and Bruno Portier pp. 2440-2457 Important Moments in Systems and Control Christopher I. Byrnes and Anders Lindquist pp. 2458-2469 Efficient On-Line Computation of Constrained Optimal Control Mato Baotic, Francesco Borrelli, Alberto Bemporad, and Manfred Morari pp. 2470-2489 Partially Observed Inventory Systems: The Case of Rain Checks Alain Bensoussan, Metin Cakanyildirim, J. Adolfo Minjarez-Sosa, Suresh P. Sethi, and Ruixia Shi pp. 2490-2519 Stability of Solutions for Some Classes of Nonlinear Damped Wave Equations Genni Fragnelli and Dimitri Mugnai pp. 2520-2539 Stochastic Dynamic Optimization with Discounted Stochastic Dominance Constraints Darinka Dentcheva and Andrzej Ruszczynski pp. 2540-2556 Numerical Verification of Optimality Conditions Arnd Rosch and Daniel Wachsmuth pp. 2557-2581 Fast Switching Analysis of Linear Switched Systems Using Exponential Splitting M. Porfiri, D. G. Roberson, and D. J. Stilwell pp. 2582-2597 A Constructive Approach to a Class of Ergodic HJB Equations with Unbounded and Nonsmooth Cost Patrick Cattiaux, Paolo Dai Pra, and Sylvie ROElly pp. 2598-2615 Dynamic Programming Principle for One Kind of Stochastic Recursive Optimal Control Problem and HamiltonJacobiBellman Equation Zhen Wu and Zhiyong Yu pp. 2616-2641 Robust Stability of Polytopic Systems via Affine Parameter-Dependent Lyapunov Functions Guang-Hong Yang and Jiuxiang Dong pp. 2642-2662 Mesh Independence of KleinmanNewton Iterations for Riccati Equations in Hilbert Space J. A. Burns, E. W. Sachs, and L. Zietsman pp. 2663-2692 Probabilistic Robustness AnalysisRisks, Complexity, and Algorithms Xinjia Chen, Kemin Zhou, and Jorge Aravena pp. 2693-2723 Robustness of $ambda$-Tracking in the Gap Metric Achim Ilchmann and Markus Mueller pp. 2724-2744 *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.** 4.11 Contents: Control Engineering Practice Contributed by: Fernando Camisani, cep@up.ac.za Journal: Control Engineering Practice Volume : 16 Issue : 12 Date : December, 2008 Editorial Board, Page IFC. S. Garcia-Nieto, M. Martinez, X. Blasco, J. Sanchis, Nonlinear predictive control based on local model networks for air management in diesel engines, Pages 1399-1413. Kevin Guelton, Sebastien Delprat, Thierry-Marie Guerra, An alternative to inverse dynamics joint torques estimation in human stance based on a Takagi-Sugeno unknown-inputs observer in the descriptor form, Pages 1414-1426. Zhiqiang Ge, Zhihuan Song, Online monitoring of nonlinear multiple mode processes based on adaptive local model approach, Pages 1427-1437. Mahera Musallam, Paul P. Acarnley, C. Mark Johnson, Len Pritchard, Volker Pickert, Power electronic device temperature estimation and control in pulsed power and converter applications, Pages 1438-1442. Olivier Auchet, Pierre Riedinger, Olaf Malasse, Claude Iung, First-principles simplified modelling of glass furnaces combustion chambers, Pages 1443-1456. Nurkan Yagiz, Yuksel Hacioglu, Backstepping control of a vehicle with active suspensions, Pages 1457-1467. C. Centioli, F. Iannone, G. Mazza, M. Panella, L. Pangione, S. Podda, A. Tuccillo, V. Vitale, L. Zaccarian, Maximization of the lower hybrid power coupling in the Frascati Tokamak Upgrade via extremum seeking, Pages 1468-1478. Junmin Wang, Air fraction estimation for multiple combustion mode diesel engines with dual-loop EGR systems, Pages 1479-1486. Yangdong Pan, Jay H. Lee, Modified subspace identification for long-range prediction model for inferential control, Pages 1487-1500. Claudio Scali, Claudio Ghelardoni, An improved qualitative shape analysis technique for automatic detection of valve stiction in flow control loops, Pages 1501-1508. Johan Bijker, Willem Steyn, Kalman filter configurations for a low-cost loosely integrated inertial navigation system on an airship, Pages 1509-1518. C. Poussot-Vassal, O. Sename, L. Dugard, P. Gaspar, Z. Szabo, J. Bokor, A new semi-active suspension control strategy through LPV technique, Pages 1519-1534. *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.** 4.12 Contents: Circuits, Systems, and Signal Processing Contributed by: Regina Gorenshteyn, reginag@birkhauser.com Circuits, Systems, and Signal Processing Volume 27, Issue 5 Table of Contents: * A Bandwidth Efficient Turbo Coding Scheme for VDSL Systems Sreekanth Marti and M. O. Ahmad * A Novel Diversity-Controlled Genetic Algorithm for Rapid Optimization of Bandpass FRM FIR Digital Filters Over CSD Multiplier Coefficient Space Sai Mohan Kilambi, Behrouz Nowrouzian, and Yifan Wu * Robust H-infinity Control for Class of Discrete-Time Markovian Jump Systems with Time-Varying Delays Based on Delta Operator Jiqing Qiu, Hongjiu Yang, Peng Shi, and Yuanqing Xia * Robust Output Feedback Passification of Linear Systems with Unmodeled Dynamics Ning Wang, Wenli Xu, Feng Chen * Real-Time Optimized Error Protection Assignment for Scalable Image and Video over Wireless Channels Abdullah Muhit and Teong Chee Chuah * A New Current-Mode Current-Controlled Universal Filter Based on CCCII (+-) Chunhua Wang, Haiguang Liu, and Yan Zhao * Detection of Cardiac Signal Characteristic Point Using Log-Domain Wavelet Transform Circuits Li Hongmin, He Yigang, and Yichuang Sun * I2--I-infinity Filtering for Multirate Systems Based on Lifted Models Bo Yu, Yang Shi, and Haining Huang * Efficient Realization of Large Size Two's Complement Multipliers Using Embedded Blocks in FPGAs Shuli Gao, Dhamin Al-Khalili, and Noureddine Chabini * A Study of the Partially Adaptive Concentric Ring Array Yunhong Li, Luis M. Vincente, K. C. Ho, Chiman Kwan, Daniel P. K. Lun, and Y. H. Leung * Determination of Isomorphism and Its Applications for Arbitrary Graphs Based on Circuit Simulation Feng Li, Huiling Shang, and Peng-Yung Woo * ROI-based Watermarking Scheme for JPEG 2000 Yu-Cheng Fan, Arvin Chiang, and Jan-Hung Shen For ordering information as well as electronic back issues, please visit: http://www.birkhauser.com/journal/34 Recent Special Issues: Volume 27, Issue 2 (April, 2008): Special Issue on Digital Watermarking and Multimedia Security http://www.springerlink.com/content/t044847q70wr/? p=aa892f162d88494c99d6a7ae70bd8ad4p=2 Volume 26, Issue 4 (August, 2007): Special Issue on Signal Processing for Uncertain Systems http://www.springerlink.com/content/q345q4821113/? p=4c5453d20b4e46f9b26413bf629e94a9p=6 *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.** 4.13 CFP: Control Engineering Practice Contributed by: A. Tayebi, atayebi@lakeheadu.ca Call for Papers: Control Engineering Practice Special Issue on : Aerial Robotics: Applications, open problems and new trends. Aerial robotics has been an active area of research for several decades. Motivated by the tremendous number of civil and military applications, this area of research has expanded steadily over the years. Despite the significant efforts of many researchers in this field, there are still several theoretical and practical challenges related to the control, estimation, and real time implementation that have yet to be overcome. Control Engineering Practice invites submissions for a special issue on Aerial Robotics. The special issue is devoted to recent results in this area, especially those that identify pertinent practical and theoretical open problems in this field, as well as efficient implementations in practical applications. Papers must contain high-quality original contributions and be prepared in accordance with the Control Engineering Practice standards. As CEP is an applications journal, papers with strong industrial relevance are encouraged. Submitted papers must not have been previously published or be under consideration for publication elsewhere. All papers will be rigorously reviewed. Papers must be submitted at http://ees.elsevier.com/conengprac/ and authors should note in the "Comments to the Editor" field that their paper belongs to the “Aerial robotics” special issue. The due date for submissions is April 1, 2009. Authors are encouraged to send a prior notice (by February 1, 2009) to one of the Guest Editors indicating their intention to submit a paper. Authors will be notified of the peer review results by October 1, 2009. Expected publication is March 2010. For additional information, please contact one of the Guest Editors. Guest Editors: Tarek Hamel Universite de Nice Sophia Antipolis Sophia Antipolis, France Tel: +33(0) 4 92 94 27 55 E-mail: thamel@i3s.unice.fr Robert Mahony Department of Engineering, The Australian National University Canberra, Australia Tel: +61 (0)2 61.25.86.13 Email: Robert.Mahony@anu.edu.au Abdelhamid Tayebi, Department of Electrical Engineering Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada Tel.: +1 807 343 8597 E-mail: atayebi@lakeheadu.ca *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.** 4.14 Contents: IET Control Theory & Applications Contributed by: Joanna Lawrie, jlawrie@theiet.org Contents for IET Control Theory & Applications Volume 2 Issue 11, November 2008 For more information on this journal, please go to: http://www.ietdl.org/IET-CTA To submit a paper, please go to: http://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/iet/iet-cta CONTENTS: Robust fault detection and isolation technique for single-input/single-output closed-loop control systems that exhibit actuator and sensor faults S.M. Mahdi Alavi R. Izadi-Zamanabadi M.J. Hayes New delay-dependent stability criterion for stochastic systems with time delays R. Yang P. Shi H. Gao Stabilisation of feedback linearisable uncertain nonlinear systems with time delay using scaled sliding-surface M.-S. Koo H.-L. Choi J.-T. Lim Stochastic observer-based guaranteed cost control for networked control systems with packet dropouts X. Fang J. Wang Optimal fault diagnosis for systems with delayed measurements G.-Y. Tang J. Li Decoupling control of a twin rotor MIMO system using robust deadbeat control technique P. Wen T.-W. Lu Robust disturbance attenuation for uncertain networked control systems with random time delays D. Huang S.K. Nguang Model-based torsional vibration control of internal combustion engines F. Östman H.T. Toivonen *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.** 4.15 CFP: Asian Journal of Control Contributed by: Li-Chen Fu, lichen@ntu.edu.tw Recent Developments in Multidimensional Systems, Control and Signals—Theory and Applications A Special Issue of Asian Journal of Control http://www.ajc.org.tw The key unique feature of a multidimensional (nD) system is the dependency of the plant or process dynamics (input, output, and state variables) on more than one indeterminate and hence information is propagated in many independent coordinate directions. Many physical processes have a clear nD structure. Additionally, the nD approach frequently is used as an analysis tool to assist, or in some cases to enable, the solution of a wide variety of problems. What makes multidimensional systems theory to an exciting field of research in the fact that applications areas for such system classes can be found within a broad spectrum of disciplines like Systems, Control and Signal Processing (and many others). The purpose of this issue is to provide the choice of recent interesting developments in various aspects of multidimensional (nD) systems, related to theory and applications. Guest Editors: Prof. Krzysztof Galkowski University of Zielona Gora and Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun Poland E-mail: k.galkowski@issi.uz.zgora.pl Prof. Eric Rogers University of Southampton United Kingdom E-mail: etar@ecs.soton.ac.uk Important Dates: June 30, 2008 Call for Papers Dec. 30, 2008 Deadline for Paper Submission May 30, 2009 Completion of First Review Sep. 30, 2009 Completion of Final Review Mar. 30, 2010 Publication (Tentatively Vol.12, No.2) ----------------- Petri Nets for System Control and Automation A Special Issue of Asian Journal of Control The rapid evolution of computing, communication, network, and sensor technologies has brought about the proliferation of computer-integrated systems, mostly technological and often highly complex. These systems, indispensable for our modern life, include air traffic control systems; automated manufacturing systems; computer and communication networks; embedded and networked systems; and software systems. The challenge for the researchers and engineers is the planning, modeling, analysis, verification, control, scheduling, and control implementation. Petri nets are increasingly becoming one of the most important mathematical tools to handles the above problems. Although the last two decades have seen more and more significant contributions to the area, which are based on Petri net theory, many problems remain open. This special issue intends to present the recent developments in the following, but not limited to, targeted subject areas: - Control and monitoring of factory automation systems using Petri nets - Petri net based supervisory control theory - Supervisory control implementation techniques based on Petri nets - Petri nets based system scheduling - Intelligent control and scheduling based on Petri nets and artificial intelligence - Petri net-based deadlock resolution - Computationally efficient deadlock control and scheduling algorithms - Performance comparison of deadlock control policies - Petri net-based real-time control of complex systems - Novel Petri net modeling strategies and methodologies - System analysis and verification based on Petri nets - Petri nets in system biology - Reliable computation using Petri nets - Novel applications of Petri nets to system control and automation Guest Editors: Prof. MengChu Zhou New Jersey Institute of Technology USA E-mail: zhou@njit.edu Prof. ZhiWu Li Xidian University China E-mail: zhwli@xidian.edu.cn Important Dates: Aug. 20, 2008 Call for Papers Feb. 15, 2009 Deadline for Paper Submission July 15, 2009 Completion of First Review Nov. 30, 2009 Completion of Final Review May 31, 2010 Publication (Tentatively Vol.12, No.3) Potential authors are strongly encouraged to upload the electronic file of their manuscript (in Postscript, PDF or WORD format) through on-line submission interface on the journal website http://www.ajc.org.tw . In case you encounter any submission problem, you are free to contact Prof. Li-Chen Fu, Editor-in-Chief of Asian Journal of Control at the following address: Professor Li-Chen Fu Department of Electrical Engineering, EE II-524 National Taiwan University Taipei 10617, Taiwan Tel: +886-2-3366-3558 Fax: +886-2-2365-4267 E-mail: lichen@ntu.edu.tw All submission should include a title page containing the title of the paper, full names and affiliations, complete postal and electronic address, phone and fax numbers, an abstract and a list of keywords. The contacting author should be clearly identified. For more detailed information about manuscript preparation, please visit the web site of Asian Journal of Control at http://www.ajc.org.tw. *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.** 4.16 Contents: JSSC Contributed by: Lei Guo, jssc@amss.ac.cn Contents: Journal of Systems Science and Complexity Journal of Systems Science and Complexity (JSSC) Volume 21, Issue 3, September 2008 Edited by: Academy of Mathematics and Systems Science Chinese Academy of Sciences Published by: Springer Boston ISSN: 1009-6124 (Print) 1559-7067 (Online) www.springer.com/journal/11424 Optimal Target Trajectory Estimation and Filtering Using Networked Sensors (325-336) Jiangping HU, Xiaoming HU DOI: 10.1007/s11424-008-9116-8 Flocking of Multi-Agent Dynamic Systems with Guaranteed Group Connectivity (337-346) Xiaoli LI, Yugeng XI DOI: 10.1007/s11424-008-9117-7 Relaxed Conditions for Consensus in Multi-Agent Coordination (347-361) Qin LI, Zhongping JIANG DOI: 10.1007/s11424-008-9118-6 Stability of Switched Polynomial Systems (362-377) Zhiqiang LI, Yupeng QIAO, Hongsheng QI, Daizhan CHENG DOI: 10.1007/s11424-008-9119-5 Identification for Wiener Systems with Internal Noise (378-393) Qijiang SONG, Hanfu CHEN DOI: 10.1007/s11424-008-9120-z >From Hedging to Speculation--An Explanation Based on Prospect Theory (394-405) Qingwei LIU, Yi LI, Shouyang WANG DOI: 10.1007/s11424-008-9121-y Robust Consensus and Soft Control of Multi-Agent Systems with Noises (406-415) Lin WANG, Lei GUO DOI: 10.1007/s11424-008-9122-x On the Almost Surely Asymptotic Bounds of a Class of Ornstein-Uhlenbeck Processes in Infinite Dimensions (416-426) Yuhong LI DOI: 10.1007/s11424-008-9123-9 A Stage-Structured SI Eco-Epidemiological Model with Time Delay and Impulsive Controlling (427-440) Xinzhu MENG, Lansun CHEN DOI: 10.1007/s11424-008-9124-8 Pre-Image Entropy of Nonautonomous Dynamical Systems (441-445) Xianjiu HUANG, Xi WEN, Fanping ZENG DOI: 10.1007/s11424-008-9125-7 The M/M/c Queue with (e,d) Setup Time (446-455) Xiuli XU, Naishuo TIAN DOI: 10.1007/s11424-008-9126-6 Accuracy Analysis for Quasi-Carey Element (456-462) Dongyang SHI, Xiaobin HAO DOI: 10.1007/s11424-008-9127-5 Asymptotic Normality of Maximum Quasi-Likelihood Estimators in Generalized Linear Models with Fixed Design (463-473) Qibing GAO, Yaohua WU, Chunhua ZHU, Zhanfeng WANG DOI: 10.1007/s11424-008-9128-4 Strong Convergence of Monotone Hybrid Method for Fixed Point Iteration Processes (474-482) Yongfu SU, Xiaolong QIN DOI: 10.1007/s11424-008-9129-3 For submission and subscription information please visit the Journal website at www.springer.com/journal/11424 or email to jssc@amss.ac.cn Editor-in-Chief Professor Lei Guo Academy of Mathematics and Systems Science Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100190, China lguo@amss.ac.cn Editorial Office: Academy of Mathematics and Systems Science Chinese Academy of Sciences No.55 Zhongguancundonglu Beijing 100190 China Email: jssc@amss.ac.cn Homepage: www.sysmath.com; www.springer.com/journal/11424 *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.** 4.17 CFP: Applied and Computational Mathematics, Special Issue on Bioinformatics Contributed by: Fikret Aliev, f_aliev@yahoo.com Applied and Computational Mathematics (ISSN 1683-3511, www.science.az/acm) Special Issue on Bioinformatics Bioinformatics is the unified discipline formed from the combination of biology, computer science, and information technology. It is a fast growing field of biology in the genomics and post-genomics era, with a huge impact on the healthcare and agriculture productivity of any country, and a lot of future biological R&D is going to be based around this field of study, including the earlier diagnostics of diseases, the development of novel therapies and new drugs, which can give a huge boost to the pharmaceutical industry. This research area has thus a huge potential of impact on the healthcare of any country, a cost which is difficult to calculate at this time. Guest editors: Prof. Ilham Shahmuradov (Azerbaijan, Pakistan), Dr. Alexander Kel (Germany) Topics of interest for this special issue include, but are not limited to the following: - Tools for sequence analysis - Tools for analysis of Gene Expression Data - Databases and other WEB resources - Genomics - Proteomics - Gene expression - Systems biology - Data and text mining - Phylogenetics - Genetic and population analysis - Medical Informatics - Pharmacogenomics - Computational Biology Submission of high quality work is solicited in all areas of bioinformatics, development of tools and their applications. Only original and unpublished work will be considered. All manuscripts should be sent by e-mail to ilham@comsats.edu.pk, f_aliev@science.az, f_aliev@yahoo.com and must be in MS Word and PDF format. Important Dates: Submission Deadline: December 31, 2008 Reviews Completed: January 31, 2008 Publication of the special Issue: March, 2008 +----------------------------------------+ | | Conferences | | +----------------------------------------+ *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.** 5.1 2009 IEEE Conference on Decision and Control (48th CDC) Contributed by: Jing Sun, jingsun@umich.edu 2009 IEEE Conference on Decision and Control (48th CDC) December 16-18, 2009 Shanghai International Convention Center Shanghai, China http://www.ieeecss.org/CAB/conferences/cdc2009 The 48th IEEE Conference on Decision and Control will be held in conjunction with the 28th Chinese Control Conference from Wednesday through Friday, December 16--18, 2009 at the Shanghai International Convention Center, Pudong, Shanghai, China. The conference will be preceded by technical workshops on Monday and Tuesday, December 14,15, 2009. The annual IEEE Conference on Decision and Control (CDC) is internationally recognized as the premier scientific and engineering conference dedicated to the advancement of the theory and practice of systems and control. The CDC brings together an international community of researchers and practitioners to discuss new research results, perspectives on future developments, and innovative applications relevant to decision making, automatic control, and related areas. For the first time, CDC will be held in China – in its historically important city of commerce, Shanghai. Shanghai has been the nexus in space and time of all points in the world's oldest civilization. Located in the Yantze River delta, it has served as a gateway connecting the vast and fertile interior of China to the outside world. Today, with well in excess of twenty million inhabitants, it ranks as the world's eleventh largest city. Part of the allure of modern Shanghai is the way it blends the urban landscape of ultramodern skyscrapers with a vast collection historically important sites. The 48th CDC is hosted by the IEEE Control Systems Society and is held in cooperation with the Chinese Automation Association, the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM), the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS), the Japanese Society for Instrument and Control Engineers (SICE), and the European Union Control Association (EUCA). The 48th CDC will feature several kinds of presentations including contributed and invited papers, as well as interactive sessions, invited tutorial sessions, and workshops. We expect to have approximately 35% of paper presentations done in the format of interactive sessions. Call for Contributed Papers: Papers are invited in the form of regular manuscripts (allotted 6 Proceedings pages). Note that short manuscripts are not considered. Papers must conform to the submission policy, detailed in the conference web page, requiring in particular that all manuscripts be written in English, be in 2-column format, and meet strict page limits. Call for Invited Sessions: Invited sessions consist of six papers presenting a unifying theme from a diversity of viewpoints. Proposals must clearly describe the motivation and relevance of the session. Proposals must be accompanied by full versions of each paper, which will be individually reviewed together with the proposal itself. Individual papers may be removed from a proposed session and replaced by appropriate contributed papers. In case an entire proposed session is rejected, selected papers may be accepted as contributed ones. Call for Workshops: Workshops to be held prior to the conference are solicited on all related topics. Proposals for workshops addressing novel control methodologies and nonstandard control applications, as well as workshops with strong tutorial value are encouraged. Exhibits related to control education, control theory, and industrial applications are invited. All papers and session proposals must be submitted through the conference submission website, http://css.paperplaze.net. Submissions must conform to the policy found at the conference web page http://www.ieeecss.org/CAB/conferences/cdc2009 requiring, in particular, that all submissions must be written in English. KEY DATES * Deadline for all submissions and proposals: February 1, 2009 * Notification of Acceptance/Rejection: July 14, 2009 * Final manuscript submission deadline: September 8, 2009 Note that due to the expectation of large numbers of submissions to the combined CDC and CCC, all initial submission deadlines are February 1, 2009. For the most up to date information please continue to visit the conference website http://www.ieeecss.org/CAB/conferences/cdc2009 or contact the following conference organizers: General Co-Chairs Lei Guo, Chinese Academy of Sciences John Baillieul, Boston University Program Co-Chairs, Daizhan Cheng, Chinese Academy of Sciences Faryar Jabbari, University of California, Irvine *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.** 5.2 5th IEEE Vehicle Power and Propulsion Conference (VPPC'09) Contributed by: Xiang Chen, xchen@uwinsor.ca The 5th IEEE Vehicle Power and Propulsion Conference (VPPC'09) September 7-11, 2009, Dearborn, Michigan, U.S.A. http:// www.vppc09.org/ CALL FOR PAPERS The 2009 IEEE Vehicle Power and Propulsion Conference (VPPC09) will be held in Dearborn, Michigan, USA. The conference is co-sponsored by IEEE Power Electronics Society (PELS) and IEEE Vehicular Technology Society (VTS). This year the conference will feature the theme of sustainability: hybrid, plug-in, fuel cell and battery technology. The conference also features keynote speakers from top executives of the major automotive companies, and a banquet at the Henry Ford Museum. Chris Mi, Ph.D, General Chair James Gover, Ph.D, Vice Chair Fang, Z. Peng, Ph.D, Program Chair Conference Tracks Technical Track Track Chair Vehicular Electric Power Systems and Loads Abul Masrur Vehicular Power Electronics and Motor Drives Taehyung Kim Advanced Vehicles Fang Z. Peng Energy Storage Components/Systems Sonya Gargies Modeling, Simulation, Dynamics, and Control David Gao Special Sessions Fang Z. Peng Important Dates Abstract and digest (optional full paper): March 1, 2009 Notification of acceptance: May 1, 2009 Camera ready copy due: July 1, 2009 Author Registration: July 15, 2009 Submission Guidelines of Regular Papers Prospective authors are asked to submit their paper through the conference website (http://ewh.ieee.org/conf/vppc/). Papers should make a timely contribution to state-of-the-art technology, be of high technical and editorial quality, and be devoid of commercialism. Each paper proposal must include: technical track number and name, paper title, name(s) of author(s), business affiliation(s), mailing address(es), phone and fax numbers, and e-mail address(es) and corresponding author. An abstract of 50-100 words and a digest of 3-5 pages (including figures and tables) stating the objective of the paper, outlining the problem requiring solution or the method of approach to research, being explicit with respect to the type of data to be included in the full paper, and summarizing the conclusions being made. Author may optionally choose to submit a full paper for review. Technical Forum Authors who would like to present their work but do not wish to contribute a regular paper may select to do so. The abstract deadline is the same as the regular paper (50-100 words). Authors must indicate so during the process of submission of their abstracts. Research still in early stages and doctoral research proposals can choose to submit their work to this technical forum. A regular paper is not required. Tutorials Proposals for tutorials must be submitted directly to the Workshop Chair no later than April 15, 2009. The workshops and tutorial will be open to all conference registrants (including students) free of charge. Please email to kravi@kettering.edu. Ride-n-Drive A ride-n-drive will be featured at the conference. Companies wish to display their products and sponsor the conference should contact the sponsorship chair. *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.** 5.3 2nd IFAC Conference on Analysis and Control of Chaotic Systems Contributed by: Henri Huijberts, H.J.C.Huijberts@qmul.ac.uk CHAOS09: 2nd IFAC Conference on Analysis and Control of Chaotic Systems, Queen Mary, University of London, United Kingdom, 22-24 June 2009, www.elec.qmul.ac.uk/chaos09 CHAOS09 is the second IFAC meeting related to analysis and control of chaotic systems. It will provide a forum for the presentation of new developments in the important interdisciplinary fields of chaos control and synchronization. The research activity in this field is driven by the needs of different application domains such as: biology (brain dynamics, heart dynamics), physics (optics, magnetics, fluid dynamics), mechanics, engineering (non-linear dynamics of electronic and power electronic systems, chaos encrypted signals), economics, chemical engineering etc. The aim of the conference is to provide the communities of control engineering, physics, economics, biology, fluid dynamics, power electronics, electronic circuits, etc. with an opportunity to exchange information and new ideas and to discuss new developments in the fields of chaos control and synchronization. Both theory and applications will be discussed. The conference will cover all topics related to chaos and synchronization within the framework of control systems theory and engineering, including (but not limited to) the following. *Recent advances in control and anti-control of chaotic/complex systems. *Recent advances in synchronization (and observer-design) for chaotic/complex systems. *Analysis of stability, controllability and observability of chaotic/complex systems. *Bifurcations in chaotic/complex systems. *New applications in chaos control, chaos-encrypted signals, optical systems, biological systems, power converters, economic systems, etc. *Nonlinear dynamics of electronic systems. *Nonlinear time series and identification. *Hybrid systems and chaos, grazing bifurcations. *Limit cycles in networks of oscillators. *Kinematics models of groups of self-propelled particles. *Synchronization of delay systems, chaotic delay systems. *Brain dynamics. *Small world networks. *Synchronization in biology. *Chaos/bifurcation control in chemical engineering. *Chaos/bifurcation control in physics *Experimental chaos and synchronization. *Bridging the gap between ergodic and deterministic approaches. *Providing a discussion forum for the physics, chaos and control system communities. More information and the Call for Papers is available at www.elec.qmul.ac.uk/chaos09. Important Dates: *Submission deadline for full papers and invited session proposals: 15th Dec 2008. *Notification of acceptance: 16th Feb 2009. *Deadline for final manuscripts: 1st Apr 2009. General Chair: Dr W Just, School of Mathematical Sciences, Queen Mary, University of London. IPC Chairs: Dr H J C Huijberts, School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary, University of London and Prof H Nijmeijer, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology. *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.** 5.4 FIRA Congress Korea 2009 Contributed by: Prahlad Vadakkepat, elepv@nus.edu.sg FIRA Congress 2009 Where Theory and Practice Meet Incheon, Korea :: 16-18 August 2009 http://robotics.nus.edu.sg/fira2009/ Technically sponsored by: Int. Neural Network Soceity Int. Fed. of Information Processing Under the official umbrella of the 12th FIRA RoboWorld Congress, Incheon, Korea, 16~18 August 2009, six international conferences will be organized under one roof with one single registration for greater impact and scientific exchange: 1. International Conference on Social Robotics (ICSR) 2. International Conference on Entertainment Robotics (ICER) 3. International Conference of Advanced Humanoid Robotics Research (ICAHRR) 4. International Symposium on Autonomous Mini-robots for Research and Edutainment (AMiRE) 5. International Robotics Education Forum (IREF) 6. 6th International Conference on Computational Intelligence, Robotics and Autonomous Systems (CIRAS) The FIRA RoboWorld Congress is hosted together with the renowned FIRA RoboWorld Cup, 18~20 August 2009, the first robotic soccer competition in the world, which started in 1996. The theme of the FIRA congress is "Where Theory and Practice Meet" which genuinely reflects its tradition of combining real-life robotic competitions and high quality presentations of scientific research in robotics, artificial intelligence, and computer vision. The Steering Committee of FIRA RoboWorld Congress and the Executive Committee of RoboWorld Cup are devoted to provide a common platform where scientists, academic researchers, robotic engineers and students meet to share their pioneering works and insights, to strive for unraveling challenges, and to propel the community to the next level of excitement, breakthrough and vision in the robotics community. The conference welcomes paper submissions from researchers, practitioners and students, and will cover myriad topics in intelligent control, autonomous systems and various robots including soccer robots, edutainment robots, service robots, personal robots and humanoid robots. IMPORTANT DATES Paper Submission: 01 Feb 2009 Special Sessions: 01 Feb 2009 Acceptance Notification: 10 March 2009 Camera ready final submission and registration: 01 April 2009 VENUE The congress will be held in the Hotel Ramada in Incheon. Incheon is the 3rd largest city of Korea which is located in the mid-west Korea peninsula abutting the Yellow Sea, 28km from the nation’s capital, Seoul. It is a gateway to Northeast Asia with both international port and international airport in its hand. The city is well known for Mun-hak Worldcup Stadium and 1st Economic Free Zone in Korea. For more information please visit http://english.incheon.go.kr More information about FIRA is available on the FIRA web site http://www.fira.net *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.** 5.5 Early Deadlines for CDC 2009 Contributed by: John Baillieul, johnb@bu.edu The 2009 IEEE Conference on Decision and Control will have significant differences from all other CDC's. For the first time, attendees from many places in the world including Europe, Australia, and North America will require visas to attend the conference. Instructions for obtaining a visa will be given on the conference web site soon DEADLINES FOR INITIAL SUBMISSIONS OF PAPERS AND INVITED SESSION PROPOSALS WILL BE **EARLY**. All submissions to CDC 2009 will be due on or before February 1, 2009. Please plan accordingly. For current information on deadlines and other conference related items, please visit the conference web site http://www.ieeecss.org/CAB/conferences/cdc2009/index.php *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.** 5.6 4th International Conference on Rough Sets and Knowledge Technology (RSKT2009) Contributed by: Paul Wen, pengwen@usq.edu.au The Fourth International Conference on Rough Sets and Knowledge Technology (RSKT2009) will be held in July 14-16, 2009, Gold Coast, Australia. Rough set theory is closely related to knowledge technology in a variety of forms such as knowledge discovery, approximate reasoning, intelligent and multi-agent system design, knowledge intensive computations, cognitive science and medicine. The cutting-edge knowledge technologies have great impact on learning, pattern recognition, machine intelligence, automation, transformation, communication, exploration and exploitation of knowledge. A principal break-through of such technologies is the utilization of methodologies that facilitate knowledge processing. The major objectives of the conference are to present the state-of-the-art scientific results, encourage academic and industrial interaction, and promote collaborative research in rough sets and knowledge technology worldwide. The 4th International Conference on Rough Sets and Knowledge Technology will be held in Gold Coast, Australia, July 14-16, 2009. Previously, we have successfully organised the RSKT’08 (Chengdu, China), JRS'07 (RSKT'07 together with RSFDGrC'07) (Toronto, Canada) and RSKT'06 (Chongqing, China). Important dates: Full paper submission: December 1, 2008 Acceptance notification: February 1, 2009 Final paper submission + Registration + Copyright: March 15, 2009 Submission procedure: Electronic version of full paper (not exceeding 8 pages including figures and tables) should be submitted online at: http://www.usq.edu.au/rskt2009 (all submissions must be in PDF format). Publication: All accepted papers will be published in the conference proceedings by Springer-Verlag in the series of Lecture Notes in Computer Science / Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence (LNCS/LNAI, pending). Extensions of selected papers from the RSKT2009 proceedings will be considered for publication in special issues of Fundamental Informatics (FI, SCI indexed) and International Journal of Computational Intelligence Systems (IJCIS). For further information please visit our website at http://www.usq.edu.au/rskt2009 or contact Chair_RSKT2009@usq.edu.au *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.** 5.7 CFP: RoboComm 2009 Contributed by: Sonia Martinez, soniamd@ucsd.edu We invite you to submit a paper or a proposal for a half-day or full-day tutorial and workshop to the Second International Conference on Robot Communication and Coordination RoboComm 2009, to be held in Odense Denmark on 31 March--2 April 2009. Scope The Second International Conference on Robot Communication and Coordination targets the convergence of robotics and communications, acting as a common forum for the two communities. The event will promote cross-pollination of these two areas, adding to our understanding of the interaction between these two exciting computer science research areas. Robotics is an interdisciplinary field, having benefited greatly from interactions with mechanics, control theory, and electronics. Lately, with the unprecedented growth of wireless communication technologies, the growing attention devoted to sensor networks and ad-hoc networks, and the emergence of commodity robotics platforms, networked robotics represents an exciting new research direction. Networked robotics offers a framework for coordination of complex mobile systems, thus providing the natural common ground for convergence of information processing, communication theory and control theory. It poses significant challenges, requiring the integration of communication theory, software engineering, distributed sensing and control into a common framework. Furthermore, robots are unique in that their motion and tasking control systems are co-located with the communications mechanisms. This allows the co-exploitation of individual subsystems to provide completely new kinds of networked or distributed autonomy. Thematic Areas ROBOCOMM is a leading-edge conference where prominent researchers with different backgrounds can exchange ideas for a common framework that will enable new applications based on large scale networks of mobile or modular robots. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to: * Robotic interactions with sensors * Communication protocols for tele-operatated and tele-reflexive robots * Intra-sensor communications within individual robots * Communication protocols for flocks and swarms of networked robots * Distributed coordination of modular robots or mobile robots * Situated and embodied communication * Biologically inspired or biomimetic robot communication * Exploiting the interactions betweeen communications and autonomy * Localization and tracking using robotic communications * Industrial applications of networked robotics * Real-time software for mobile robots or modular robots * Wired networking for robots * Advanced communication systems for single tele-operated robots ROBOCOMM will encompass the above mentioned aspects and will encourage the largest possible involvement of industrial partners who are involved in networked robotics and controls. This will provide a dialog between the academic and the industrial communities that will promote the growth of networked robotics. Submission Instructions: Please visit www.robocomm.org for instructions of how to submit your paper/proposal. *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.** 5.8 Recent Advances in Space Technologies Contributed by: Okyay Kaynak, Okyay.kaynak@boun.edu.tr 4th International Conference on Recent Advances in Space Technologies Space for the Developing World, RAST 2009 11-13 June 2009, Istanbul, TURKEY www.rast.org.tr Organized by the Air Force Academy, Turkey, with the technical cosponsorship of IEEE Aerospace & Electronic Systems Society IEEE Geoscience & Remote Sensing Society AIAA (American Inst. for Aeronautics & Astronautics) Summaries and special session proposals 15 December 2008 Notification of acceptance 25 January 2009 Camera-ready submission of full papers 01 March 2009. You are cordially invited to participate in this conference. *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.** 5.9 Econometrics, Time Series Analysis and Systems Theory Contributed by: Wolfgang Scherrer, wolfgang.scherrer@tuwien.ac.at Econometrics, Time Series Analysis and Systems Theory A Conference in Honor of Manfred Deistler Institute for Advanced Studies, Vienna June 18-20, 2009 http://www.ihs.ac.at/etsast Submit an abstract by February 1, 2009 to: etsast@ihs.ac.at Organizers: Benedikt M. Pötscher, Wolfgang Scherrer and Martin Wagner The purpose of this conference is to celebrate Manfred Deistler’s scientific achievements over a lifetime devoted to academic research and teaching at the occasion of his retirement from the University of Technology Vienna. The conference will consist of a series of invited and contributed presentations. The scope of the program is intended to cover the wide range of Manfred Deistler's scientific activities. Therefore this invitation is posted to people from the econometric, time series analysis and system theory scientific communities. We hope that the conference will serve as an opportunity for a fruitful exchange of ideas. The invited speakers are: Brian D.O. Anderson (Australian National University), Laurent Baratchart (INRIA Sophia Antipolis), A. Ronald Gallant (Duke University), Michel Gevers (Université Catholique de Louvain), Marco Lippi (University of Rome – La Sapienza), Ingmar Prucha (University of Maryland), Peter M. Robinson (London School of Economics), and Jan Willems (Katholieke Universiteit Leuven). Please visit the conference homepage on which further information will be put in due course: http://www.ihs.ac.at/etsast *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.** 5.10 6th IFAC Symposium on Robust Control Design (ROCOND'09) Contributed by: Per-Olof Gutman, peo@technion.ac.il 6th IFAC Symposium on Robust Control Design (ROCOND'09), 16-18 June 2009, Haifa, Israel http://www.technion.ac.il/~rocond09/ IMPORTANT DATES January 5, 2009 DRAFT PAPERS / INVITED SESSIONS SUBMISSION DEADLINE March 15, 2009 Notification of acceptance March 15, 2009 Registration opens April 15, 2009 Final paper submission deadline May 1, 2009 Early registration deadline All papers and session proposals should be submitted electronically through in PDF format. You can find submission instructions at: http://www.technion.ac.il/~rocond09/authors.html REGISTRATION FEES The early registration fee is €380. It includes access to technical sessions, an industrial tour, tea/coffee breaks, full lunches, welcome and farewell receptions, symposium banquet, as well as a CD-ROM with the symposium preprints and a printed book of abstracts. Zalman J. Palmor General Chair of ROCOND'09 Mario Sznaier IPC Chair of ROCOND'09 *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.** 5.11 CFP: 12th International Conference on Information Fusion Contributed by: Shanchieh Jay Yang, jay.yang@rit.edu 12th International Conference 12th International Conference on Information Fusion on Information Fusion (http://www.fusion2009.org) Grand Hyatt Seattle Grand Hyatt Seattle Seattle, Washington, USA, 6 Seattle, Washington, USA, 6 – 9 July 2009 Overview The 12th International Conference on Information Fusion will be held in Seattle, Washington, USA, at the Grand Hyatt Seattle Hotel. Authors are invited to submit papers describing advances and applications in information fusion, with submission of non-traditional topics encouraged. Conference Site Pacific Northwest is one of the most scenic parts of United States and Seattle is the home of some of the world’s biggest technology companies such as Boeing and Microsoft. Seattle is easily accessible from other parts of North America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific region. The Grand Hyatt Seattle has been selected as the site for Fusion 2009. Nestled conveniently in the heart of downtown's thriving retail and theatre district, Grand Hyatt Seattle redefines luxury, design and technology. Topics of interest include (but not limited to) the following: 1. Theory and Representation Probability theory, Bayesian inference; Fuzzy sets, Fuzzy logic; Dempster-Shafer, evidential reasoning, belief functions; Logic based fusion, preference aggregation, vote; Random sets; Neural networks; Ontology & Category Theory. 2. Algorithms Data Registration, sensor registration; Detection, combined detection and tracking; Classification, Automatic Target Recognition; Nonlinear Filtering and Smoothing; Particle filters, Markov chain Monte Carlo; Target Tracking and Localization; Feature Aided Tracking; Data association; Video tracking, radar tracking; Situation assessment; Pattern analysis; Behavior modeling; Predictive and Impact assessment; Process management; Sensor Resource Management; Active and Passive Data Fusion; High level fusion; Image Fusion; Hard soft data fusion; Database Fusion; Distributed Fusion; Data Mining; Machine learning. 3. Modeling, simulation and evaluation Target modeling; Sensor modeling; Simulation tools, benchmarks; Testbeds; Fusion performance modeling; Fusion performance evaluation. 4. Application Areas Sensor networks; Defense and intelligence; Aerospace; Public Security; Computer Security; Robotics and; Automation; Intelligent Transportation; Logistics; Automotive; Manufacturing; Economics and Financial; Environmental Monitoring; Medical Care. Paper Submissions. Prospective authors are invited to submit papers electronically. Follow the Paper Submission link from http://www.fusion2009.org. Paper submissions are due by 2 March 2009 and should be no more than 8 pages in length. Each additional page beyond 8 pages will be charged $35 per extra page. Special Session Proposals. Please submit your proposals including the theme of the special session as well as a list of committed papers by following the Paper Submission link from http://www.fusion2009.org. Proposals for special sessions are due by 2 February 2009. Papers for special sessions must also be submitted for review on 2 March 2009. Tutorial Proposals. The first day of the conference will be devoted to tutorials on information fusion. Proposals for tutorials are invited. A title and description of the tutorial and biographical sketch of the instructor should be submitted by following the the Paper Submission link from http://www.fusion2009.org by 2 February 2009. Student Paper Program. Fusion 2009 is featuring a student paper program to encourage the involvement of young engineers and scientists in information fusion. Conference fees will be discounted for all student attendees. Further details will be available at the conference website (http://www.fusion2009.org). Important Deadlines: Special session proposal 2 February 2009 Tutorial proposal 2 February 2009 All papers submission 2 March 2009 Acceptance of papers 10 April 2009 Final papers 15 May 2009 Early registration 15 May 2009. Organizing Committee General Co-Chairs Robert Lynch, Naval Undersea Warfare Center, USA Chee-Yee Chong, BAE Systems, USA Executive Chair Robert Lobbia, Boeing, USA Technical Co-Chairs Kuo-Chu Chang, George Mason University, USA Mahendra Mallick, Georgia Institute of Technology, USA +----------------------------------------+ | | Workshops | | +----------------------------------------+ *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.** 6.1 CDC08 Workshop: Stochastic Hybrid Systems: Theory and Applications -- Contributed by: Alessandro Abate, aabate@stanford.edu Organizers: Alessandro Abate (Stanford University, USA), John Lygeros (ETH Zurich, Switzerland), and Shankar Sastry (University of California, Berkeley, USA) Additional Participants: Henk Blom (NLR, The Netherlands), Manuela Bujorianu (Twente, The Netherlands), Joao Pedro Hespanha (UC Santa Barbara, USA), Jianghai Hu (Purdue, USA), Joost-Pieter Katoen, (RWTH Aachen, Germany) Abstract: Engineering systems like communication networks or automotive and air traffic control systems, financial and industrial processes like market and manufacturing models, and natural systems like biological and ecological environments exhibit compound behaviors arising from the compositions and interactions between their heterogeneous components. Hybrid Systems are mathematical models that are by definition suitable to describe such complex systems. The effect of the uncertainty on the discrete and continuous dynamics---both endogenously and exogenously to the system---is virtually unquestionable for biological systems and often inevitable for engineering systems, and naturally leads to the employment of stochastic hybrid models. Stochastic Hybrid Systems are then probabilistic models suitable at describing the dynamics of variables presenting interleaved and interacting continuous and discrete components. The goal of the workshop is to present the state-of-the-art on the research in Stochastic Hybrid Systems. By bringing together a heterogeneous panel of experts that will present their research results on Stochastic Hybrid Systems, the workshop targets a wide audience: from the student, interested in learning about this model formalism; to the researcher, involved in the forefront research on these models; to the practitioner, engaged in the application of these models in various studies (for instance, in Engineering and Biology). Workshop URL: http://hybrid.stanford.edu/~aabate/SHSWSHOP08/index.htm *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.** 6.2 Pedictive Control Contributed by: Stephen Duncan, stephen.duncan@eng.ox.ac.uk To mark the recent retirement of Professor David Clarke, a half-day workshop is being held on Predictive Control: Perspectives on the Past, Present and the Future of the Field with presentations by Professor Karl Astrom Professor David Mayne Professor Manfred Morari Professor Jacques Richalet The event will take place on 9 January 2009, at St Edmund Hall of the University of Oxford, Oxford, UK. After the presentations and discussion, there will be a dinner at the college (for those who would like to attend) and accommodation at the college (for those that require it). We very much hope that you will be able to attend, and we ask that you register by returning the registration form http://www.eng.ox.ac.uk/control/Predictive_Control_workshop.pdf before the deadline of 12 December. *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.** 6.3 Second International Workshop in Sequential Methodologies Contributed by: Igor Nikiforov, nikiforov@utt.fr The second International Workshop in Sequential Methodologies (IWSM) will be held at the University of Technology of Troyes, Troyes, France, June 15-17, 2009. The workshop covers all aspects of sequential methodologies in mathematical statistics and information theory from theoretical developments in optimal stopping, sequential analysis, change detection to different applications in mathematical finance, quality control, clinical trials, signal and image processing, etc. The goal of the workshop is to bring together the researchers and practitioners from all areas within sequential methodologies. Particular themes of the workshop include, but are not restricted to: - optimal stopping - sequential analysis - sequential estimation - hypotheses testing - changepoint detection and isolation - mathematical finance - quality control - clinical trials - sequential methods in signal/image processing - sensors networks - surveillance and monitoring - fault detection and isolation - teaching sequential methodologies Prospective authors are invited to submit 2-pages extended abstracts of contributed papers before January 15, 2009. All abstracts should be submitted electronically in PDF format at IWSM 2009 submission website. Prospective organizers are invited to submit their session proposals with a short summary (goal and motivation) before December 15, 2008. Each invited paper session can be either 90 minutes or 120 minutes session with 3 or 4 presentations respectively. The goal of invited sessions is to provide a focused discussion of new theoretical trends and/or new topics in applications. All papers selected for presentation at the IWSM 2009 will be published in the form of a CD-ROM. IMPORTANT DATES: December 15, 2008 - Submission of invited sessions January 15, 2009 - Submission of contributed papers (extended abstracts) Instructions for submission to IWSM 2009 and further information will be available at the workshop website http://www.utt.fr/iwsm2009 +----------------------------------------+ | | Positions | | +----------------------------------------+ *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.** 7.1 Faculty: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Contributed by: Anna Stefanopoulou, annastef@umich.edu The Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, seeks candidates for multiple full-time tenure-track faculty positions. We are interested in all candidates who have strong background in fundamental disciplines related to mechanical engineering, especially those who can enhance the Department's research and education capability in the following thematic areas: (1) energy storage systems (part of a university-wide cluster search in energy storage, for description see http://www.mmpei.umich.edu/careers/facultypositions.html), (2) broad energy/power engineering, (3) nano-scale engineering or manufacturing, (4) manufacturing in emerging areas (e.g., manufacturing systems for products with high variety and customization, novel energy systems/devices, bio-materials/devices, sustainability), or (5) future transportation systems (e.g., alternative powertrains, autonomous vehicles/mobile robots). One can learn more about the Department through reviewing the departmental webpage at: http://me.engin.umich.edu/. For best consideration, candidates should apply now and certainly before January 5, 2009 as applications are being reviewed immediately upon receipt. *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.** 7.2 Post-Doc: University of Maryland, USA Contributed by: Susan Frazier, sue@umd.edu Post-Doctoral Research Appointment Opportunities, Fall 2009 For Ph.D. recipients in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics and related areas. The Institute for Systems Research (ISR) is an interdisciplinary research unit of the University of Maryland. Located in College Park, Md., ISR generates fundamental knowledge and technologies for integrated design for control of complex engineering systems. ISR has the following research emphases: Global Communications Systems Sensor-Actuator Networks Next-Generation Product Realization Systems Societal Infrastructure Systems Cross-Disciplinary Systems Education ISR’s research programs are at the forefront of advances in modern systems engineering, and incorporate sophisticated analytical and computational methods with state-of-the-art experimental and modeling techniques. INTEREST AREAS A multi-disciplinary team of outstanding scientists and engineers is pursuing in-depth studies in the implications and applications of modern computer technology to control and communication systems technologies. Extensive industrial collaboration is an integral part of the program. ISR’s research projects encompass a diverse set of systems problems; they include intelligent control of processes, electromechanical motion control, wireless communication networks, high-speed satellite and terrestrial communication networks, telemedicine systems, and virtual factories for the manufacture of electromechanical devices. While we welcome applications from qualified parties with interests in systems, control, and communications, we are especially seeking persons for research projects on the following topics: Air Traffic Management Collaborative Control & Swarm Intelligence Formal Methods for Systems Synthesis & Systems Engineering Game Theory Networked Control Systems Neuroscience and Sensory-Motor Feedback Loops Speech Processing Systems Biology Wed-based Social Networks, Recommendations, & Reputation Systems Wireless Network Security & Trust Please indicate the prioritized area(s) in which you are interested [not more than three]. APPOINTMENTS ISR Post-doctoral appointments are available for recipients of Ph.D. degrees who have interests in systems engineering and its applications. Candidates must have received their degrees by August 31 of the same year that the appointment begins. Typically, appointments are effective from September through August. Academic excellence and outstanding potential for basic research weigh heavily in appointment selection. BENEFITS ISR Post-Doctoral appointees enjoy the unique opportunity of participating in state-of-the-art research in systems engineering. Exceptional opportunities exist for research in collaboration with leading industrial and government research laboratories. Appointments offer generous salaries and provide excellent benefits. They are typically for one year and are renewable up to a second year based on performance and the availability of funds. APPLICATION To be considered for a post-doctoral appointment, applicants must submit the following materials: - Curriculum vitae including a list of publications, - Sample publications, (2 or 3 will suffice) - A transcript from the institution where the Ph.D. was (or will be) earned, showing grades in courses taken, - Statement of research interests and goals, including (a) the applicant’s prioritized area(s) of interest from the list above, & (b) the reason one wishes to participate in this program, - Three letters of recommendation. All materials must be received by January 15, 2009 to qualify candidates for Fall 2009 consideration. MAIL APPLICATIONS TO: Institute for Systems Research Attn: Post-Doctoral Appointment Review 2175 A.V. Williams Building University of Maryland College Park, MD 20742 For additional information, email sue@umd.edu The Institute for Systems Research is a permanent state-supported institute of the University of Maryland, within the A. James Clark School of Engineering and the Glenn L. Martin Institute of Technology. *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.** 7.3 Faculty Position: University of Colorado at Boulder, USA Contributed by: Lucy Pao, pao@colorado.edu Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering University of Colorado at Boulder Boulder, Colorado USA CONTROLS AND DYNAMICS: The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Colorado at Boulder invites applications from outstanding individuals for a tenure-track faculty position in controls and dynamics at the assistant professor level. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to: control of power and energy systems, distributed and networked control, stochastic control, robotics, and control at the micro and nano scale. The opening is targeted at the level of assistant professor, but experienced candidates with outstanding credentials may be considered for associate professor. Candidates must have a PhD in electrical or computer engineering or a related discipline, the ability to develop a successful independent research program, and enthusiasm for working with both undergraduate and graduate students. The University of Colorado at Boulder is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment. We encourage applications from women and minority candidates. Applications received by January 10, 2009 will receive priority consideration. Completed applications must include a letter of application specifying the desired position and area of specialization, complete curriculum vitae, statements of research and teaching interests, and the names and contact information of three references. Applications must be submitted using the university system's on-line application process. For more information, and the link to apply on-line, please visit: http://ece.colorado.edu/employ/faculty.html *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.** 7.4 Post-Doc: Université Libre de Bruxelles, BE Contributed by: Marianne Rooman, mrooman@ulb.ac.be Subject: Dynamical modeling of gene regulation networks The focus will be on the mathematical modeling of the time evolution of gene expression levels across the cell cycles or across the development stages of the host organisms, on the basis of available experimental data such as DNA microarray time series. Particular attention will be paid to the analysis of network modifications due to illnesses (e.g. cancer) or external stimuli. This project is within the framework of Modeling, optimization and control of biochemical processes, a topic included in the Belgian Interuniversity Attraction Pole DYSCO (Dynamical Systems, Control and Optimization). The candidate should have a PhD in physics, mathematics, bioengineering, chemistry, bioinformatics or applied mathematics engineering, with a strong expertise in dynamical modeling, nonlinear dynamics and/or systems biology. She/he should be interested in a transdisciplinary approach of both mathematical analysis and biological applications. Starting date: around January 1, 2009 Duration: 2 years Location : Université Libre de Bruxelles, Genomic and Structural BioInformatics Unit, BioSystems, BioModeling & BioProcesses Department, avenue Roosevelt 50, CP 165/61, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium Website : http://babylone.ulb.ac.be Application should include a cover letter and curriculum vitae, and should be sent to: Prof. Marianne Rooman, Email : mrooman@ulb.ac.be *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.** 7.5 Research Scientist: Spanish Council for Scientific Research, Spain Contributed by: rhaber@iai.csic.es, rhaber@iai.csic.es Call for a Research position at the Institute for Industrial Automation (IAI) of the Spanish Council for Scientific Research (CSIC). A research position is available at IAI (CSIC) located in Arganda del Rey, Madrid, Spain. This call is opened to any interested candidate, a pre-doctoral student or a post-doctoral student. Applicant will work on the following project: Networked cognitive control system for high-performance manufacturing processes (COGNETCON). The research domains are the following: algorithm and software in the field of self-optimized neuro-fuzzy systems, federated architectures with real-time specifications for intelligent networked control systems, self-evaluation and self-organization mechanisms, coordination strategies (competition). Requirements: * Good background on computer programming in Windows and/or Linux OS: C, Matlab, C++ or Java, Visual*. * Desirable, but not required: control systems, middleware, cognitive science or neuroscience, soft-computing (FL,ANN, GA, any others), any evidence of high-quality research outputs to date (journal articles, international conference papers, involvement in large research projects). * Fluent English and/or Spanish skills (written and spoken). * Required academic degree: Degree on Computer Science, Engineering, Maths or related disciplines. * Salary and contract conditions: the successful candidates will be contracted for one year. Then, after an evaluation, the contract could be extended up to three years. The initial annual gross salary will be fixed according to the candidate's skills (around 18.000-24.000 Euros gross annual salary) and will be yearly revised. * Starting date: Our interest is that the contract starts in January/2009 but the call will be opened till an appropriate candidate is found. Send your application (including a full CV) to: cognetcon.contract@gmail.com *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.** 7.6 Faculty: University of Delaware, USA Contributed by: Herbert Tanner, btanner@udel.eu Faculty Position in Mechanical Engineering (all ranks) The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Delaware invites nominations and applications for one tenure-track faculty position at the rank of assistant professor, associate professor or full professor. We are interested in candidates in any discipline of Mechanical Engineering but have particular interests in developing our research in the general areas of nanotechnology, composites, bioengineering, clean and sustainable energy, robotics/controls and environmental fluid mechanics. Our Center for Composite Materials, which boasts $9M of research funding per year and 240 affiliated faculty, staff, post-docs, graduate and undergraduate students and interns, provides a forum for nanotechnology research. Other nanotechnology initiatives are supported by a fully equipped new state-of-the-art 7,000 sq ft clean room for nano-fabrication. Bioengineering activities are closely coupled to our Center for Biomedical Engineering Research, which has 33 associated faculty members and many NIH grants, including an $11M NIH Center for Biomedical Research Excellence award. In addition, the inter-disciplinary effort at the Delaware Biotechnology Institute encompasses research, education, and economic development in the life sciences with emphasis on human health, complex environmental systems and biomaterials. This $120M initiative involves a 72,000 sq ft state-of-the-art biotechnology facility. The solar, fuel cell and other clean energy research at UD is world renowned, having over $9M/year in research expenditures, and supported by state-of-the-art fabrication facilities. Robotics/ Controls research is well established and is supported by multiple NSF awards along with ARO, AFOSR, NIH and NIST. UD is a land and sea grant university and a member of University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, a broad range of research in environmental fluid mechanics is being conducted to address phenomena in the atmosphere, ocean, and soil. Applicants should hold a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering, or closely related sciences. Successful candidates are expected to have demonstrated excellence in innovative research and show the potential for high quality teaching and mentoring. Applicants should send a curriculum vitae, a statement of research and teaching interests and achievements, and a list of at least four references to me-search@udel.edu (preferred); or by mail to ME Faculty Search Committee, 126 Spencer Laboratory, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716. Application deadline is February 1, 2009. The University of Delaware is an equal opportunity employer. *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.** 7.7 PhD: K.U. Leuven, Belgium Contributed by: Jan Swevers and Moritz Diehl, jan.swevers@mech.kuleuven.be Aim of the project is to design, simulate, optimize, build and control a power generating kite system. Final experimental aim is to build an automatically controlled tethered airfoil (approx 2m wingspan, 300m line) as a demonstrator for recently developed control mechanisms for power generating kites. Larger power generating kites promise to generate electricity from wind at costs below than coal, and are since about two years a hot research subject, with currently several start-up companies emerging in Europe and the US. The KU Leuven demonstrator shall be able to - keep flying automatically in loops - withstand natural wind changes - generate on demand high cable tension via high crosswind speed - generate on demand low cable tension (depower) The demonstrator can later be coupled to a generator at the ground that could use the line tension variations. The project is embedded into both the Fast MPC and the Kite Power Group of OPTEC (http://homes.esat.kuleuven.be/~optec/), and can benefit from synergies with optimal control software development, existing controller hardware, and external cooperations. The requirements are a strong background in control and dynamic system modelling, the ability to communicate with mathematical optimizers, strong interest and experience for work on real-world experiments, and enthusiasm for the project. Proficiency in English is a requirement, Dutch an strong advantage, German or Italian a benefit in cooperations. Apply now if you are interested in this PhD position. Send your electronic application to Professor Jan Swevers: jan.swevers@mech.kuleuven.be Subject of your email should be: “Kites PhD application”. Deadline to send in applications: December 1, 2008. Include a CV, certificates with high school and university marks, Toefl test results, a list of publications, names of two possible references, and a brief description of your research interests are most welcome. Besides a competitive salary we offer a stimulating research environment within our division PMA and the OPTEC research groups. *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.** 7.8 Faculty: EE, UT Dallas, USA Contributed by: Mark W. Spong, mspong@utdallas.edu University of Texas at Dallas Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science Faculty Positions in Electrical Engineering The Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science invites applications for the following faculty positions in Electrical Engineering: (Search # 7095) Control systems. All areas of control theory and control systems engineering will be considered. Of particular interest are candidates with interests in interdisciplinary applications of control including, but not limited to, mechatronics, robotics, embedded and networked control, biomedical and bioengineering applications, systems biology, healthcare applications, control of nanoscale systems or energy systems. (Search #7096) Multi-modal signal processing, which bridges speech, facial, movement, and images, using sensors, to develop models for improved interactive systems. (Search # 7097) Biological applications of Electrical Engineering including, but not limited to, applications involving analog electronics and sensors. (Search # 7098) Engineering education including innovative learning and problem solving techniques; cross-disciplinary and interactive learning; development and validation of assessment tools; authentic assessment of student work; and other related areas. Priority will be given to applicants at the Assistant Professor level. However, outstanding candidates at all levels will be considered. In addition to excellence in research and attracting external funding, the successful applicants will be expected to teach undergraduate and graduate classes, and be actively involved in service to the university and the profession. Substantial start-up packages are budgeted for these positions. The Department offers the Ph.D. and M.S. degrees and an ABET-accredited Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering. In addition, it offers Ph.D. and M.S. degrees in two interdisciplinary fields, Computer Engineering and Telecommunications Engineering. The Engineering school has recently established a mechanical engineering, materials science and engineering, and biomedical engineering departments, which offer a number of additional interdisciplinary opportunities for new faculty. The University is located in one of the most attractive suburbs of the Dallas metropolitan area. There are hundreds of high-tech companies within few miles of the campus, including Texas Instruments, Nortel Networks, Alcatel, Ericsson, Hewlett-Packard, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Samsung, Fujitsu, Cisco Systems, EDS, Zyvex, and Intervoice. Opportunities for joint university-industry research projects are excellent. The Erik Jonsson School is experiencing very rapid growth as part of a $300 million program of funding from public and private sources. As a result, the school is expanding its existing programs, recruiting outstanding faculty and Ph.D. students, increasing funded research, and establishing new programs. A $100 million state-of-the art building was recently inaugurated. Applicants should mail their resume, research and teaching plans, and the names and addresses of at least three references to : Academic Search # (indicate the search number) The University of Texas at Dallas P.O. Box 830688, M/S AD 23 Richardson, TX 75083-0688. Applications may also be submitted by email at EEsearch@utdallas.edu ; please indicate the search number in the email subject line. Early applications are strongly encouraged. Indications of ethnicity and sex are requested as part of the application but not required. UTD is an AA/EO university and strongly encourages applications from candidates who would enhance the diversity of the university’s faculty and administration. *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.** 7.9 Head: Mechanical Engineering, UT Dallas, USA Contributed by: Mark W. Spong, mspong@utdallas.edu THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT DALLAS ERIK JONSSON SCHOOL OF ENGINERING AND COMPUTER SCIENCE DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING Founding Department Head The Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) invites nominations and applications for the position of Head of the newly created Department of Mechanical Engineering. Candidates for the position must have a Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field. Qualified candidates must have a demonstrated dedication to undergraduate and graduate education, a strong record of scholarly and professional achievements, and overall qualifications commensurate with the rank of full professor in the Department. The selected candidate will be responsible for recruiting new faculty in the Department, curriculum development and building an active research program in both traditional and interdisciplinary areas (e.g., energy, healthcare, MEMS/NEMS), as well as areas capitalizing on existing strengths and excellence of the Jonsson School of Engineering . This is a unique opportunity to create a new Department, and it has the highest priority in the Jonsson School. Significant resources will be made available to the Head to attract faculty and students of the highest caliber. The newly approved Department offers the B.S and M.S. degrees, with approval for a Ph.D. Degree. In addition to the Mechanical Engineering Department, the Johnson School of Engineering is home to the Departments of Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, and Material Science & Engineering and has strong interdisciplinary programs in Computer Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering and Software Engineering. In addition, a new Biomedical Engineering program is currently being developed in collaboration with the University of Texas Southwestern Medical University, located in Dallas. The close proximity to the Medical School offers a number of additional interdisciplinary opportunities for new faculty interested in biomedical applications. The University of Texas at Dallas is situated in Richardson, one of the most attractive suburbs of the Dallas metropolitan area with several hundred high-tech companies within a few miles of the campus, including Texas Instruments, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Lennox, Rockwell-Collins, Nortel Networks, Alcatel, Ericsson, Hewlett-Packard, Samsung, Fujitsu, Cisco Systems, EDS, Zyvex, and Intervoice. Opportunities for joint university-industry research projects are excellent. The Erik Jonsson School is experiencing a very rapid growth as part of a $300 million program of funding from public and private sources. As a result, the school is expanding its existing programs, recruiting outstanding faculty and Ph.D. students, increasing funded research, and establishing new programs. A $100 million state-of-the art building for interdisciplinary research in science and engineering was recently inaugurated. For more information about the Jonsson School of Engineering visit http://www.ecs.utdallas.edu or send e-mail to Dr. Philip Loizou, Search Chair, at loizou@utdallas.edu. The search committee will begin evaluating applications as soon as they are received and will continue until the position is filled. Applicants should mail their resume with a list of at least three academic or professional references to: Academic Search # 7092 The University of Texas at Dallas P.O. Box 830688, M/S AD 23 Richardson, TX 75083-0688. The University of Texas at Dallas is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action employer and strongly encourages applications from candidates who would enhance the diversity of the University's faculty and administration. *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.** 7.10 Head, Computer Science: UT Dallas, USA Contributed by: Mark W. Spong, mspong@utdallas.edu Department Head, Computer Science Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Sciences The Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) invite nominations and applications for the position of Head of the Department of Computer Science. Candidates for the position must have a Ph.D. degree in Computer Science or a related field. Qualified candidates must have a demonstrated dedication to undergraduate and graduate education, a strong record of scholarly and professional achievements, leadership and organizational skills and overall qualifications commensurate with the rank of full professor in the Department. The selected candidate will be responsible for recruiting new faculty in the Department, curriculum development and strengthening the educational and research programs in both traditional and interdisciplinary areas, as well as areas capitalizing on existing strengths and excellence of the Jonsson School of Engineering. One of the largest departments of its kind in the country, UTD’s Department of Computer Science features an internationally recognized faculty, nearly 1,500 students and a 150,000-square-foot building with modern classrooms and state-of-the-art laboratories. Areas of research include cybersecurity, networking, embedded software, programming languages and systems, human language technology, software engineering, intelligent systems and theory. CS faculty and students publish more than 350 research papers annually. The CS Department includes multiple NSF Career Award winners, and is one of only a few departments in the U.S. offering B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in software engineering. The University of Texas at Dallas is situated in Richardson, one of the most attractive suburbs of the Dallas metropolitan area with several hundred high-tech companies within a few miles of the campus, including Texas Instruments, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Nortel Networks, Alcatel, Ericsson, Hewlett-Packard, Samsung, Fujitsu, Cisco Systems, EDS, Zyvex, and Intervoice. Opportunities for joint university-industry research projects are excellent. The Erik Jonsson School is experiencing a very rapid growth as part of a $300 million program of funding from public and private sources. As a result, the school is expanding its existing programs, recruiting outstanding faculty and Ph.D. students, increasing funded research, and establishing new programs. A $100 million state-of-the art building for interdisciplinary research in science and engineering was recently inaugurated. For more information about the Jonsson School of Engineering visit http://www.ecs.utdallas.edu or send e-mail to Dr. Bhavani Thuraisingham, Chair (bxt043000@utdallas.edu). The search committee will begin evaluating applications as soon as they are received and will continue until the position is filled. Applicants should mail their resume with a list of at least five academic or professional references to: Academic Search # 7093 The University of Texas at Dallas 800 W. Campbell Rd., AD 42 Richardson, TX 75080-3021 Indication of gender and ethnic origin for affirmative action statistical purposes is requested as part of the application process but is not required for consideration. Applications may also be submitted by email at: jobsrch@utdallas.edu. Indication of ethnicity and sex are requested as part of the application, but not required. UTD is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and encourages application from candidates who would enhance the diversity of the university’s faculty and administration. *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.** 7.11 Faculty: 5 positions, Tech Univ Munich, DE Contributed by: Sandra Hirche, Eckehard Steinbach, Dekan@ei.tum.de Juniorprofessor (W1) for Systemtheoretic Neuroscience The Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology at the Technische Universitaet Muenchen invites applications for the position of a Juniorprofessor (W1) for Systemtheoretic Neuroscience which is to be filled as soon as possible. The position is equivalent to an assistant professorship. Candidates are expected to have an excellent scientific record in the area of the control of system theory and computational neuroscience. Research experience in at least two of the following fields is expected: * Systemtheoretic methods in neuroscience * Dynamic modeling in neurophysiology * Transfer of neuroscientific models to synthesize technical systems * Systemtheory of complex systems • Informationtheoretic approaches for dynamical system Active participation in the Cluster of Excellence “Cognition for Technical Systems” (www.cotesys.org), and the Bernstein Center of Computational Neuroscience (www.bccn-muenchen.de) is expected. Furthermore, teaching contributions are expected in the bachelor, master, and diploma education of the faculty as well as in the Graduate School of Systemic Neuroscience. The appointment will be for an initial period of three years. Upon positive evaluation of the performance the position will be extended to an over-all duration of six years. Candidates must hold a degree from a university or an accredited college of applied science, pedagogical aptitude, and the qualification for academic work, which is typically proven by an excellent Ph.D./doctorate. Further academic achievements, which may have been also obtained outside the university environments, are desirable. In cases of substantially equal eligibility, preferential consideration will be given to disabled candidates. As part of the excellence initiative of the German federal and state governments, the Technische Universitaet Muenchen pursues the strategic goal of substantially increasing the proportion of women in research and education and thus expressly invites qualified female scientists to apply for this position. Applications with the usual supporting information (CV, certificates, credentials, etc., list of publications including reprints of the most important papers) should be submitted to: Dekan der Fakultaet für Elektrotechnik und Informationstechnik der TU Muenchen, Arcisstrasse 21, 80333 Munich, Germany or by Email to dekan@ei.tum.de. Deadline for applications is 30 November, 2008. -------------------------- Juniorprofessor (W1) for Multi-Robot Control which is to be filled as soon as possible. The position is equivalent to an assistant professorship. Candidates are expected to have an excellent scientific record in the area of the control of multi-robot and multi-agent systems. Research experience in at least two of the following fields is expected: * Control, optimization, and coordination of multi-robot / multi-agent systems * Higher level planning, navigation, and decision making techniques * Analysis and synthesis of complex networked systems * Autonomous vehicles (mobile robots, automobiles, aerial vehicles) Active participation in the Cluster of Excellence “Cognition for Technical Systems” (www.cotesys.org), the collaborative research center SFB/TR-28 “Cognitive Automobile” (www.kognimobil.org) and in the area of networked complex automation systems, mechatronics, and robotics is expected. The position requires the representation of the subject in research and teaching. In teaching contributions are expected in the bachelor, master, and diploma education of the faculty as well as in novel master degree programs currently being defined such as “Automotive” and/or “Mechatronics, Adaptronics and Automation”. Candidates must hold a degree from a university or an accredited college of applied science, pedagogical aptitude, and the qualification for academic work, which is typically proven by an excellent Ph.D./doctorate. Further academic achievements, which may have been also obtained outside the university environments, are desirable. In cases of substantially equal eligibility, preferential consideration will be given to disabled candidates. As part of the excellence initiative of the German federal and state governments, the Technische Universität München pursues the strategic goal of substantially increasing the proportion of women in research and education and thus expressly invites qualified female scientists to apply for this position. The appointment will be for an initial period of three years. Upon positive evaluation of the performance the position will be extended to an overall duration of six years. Applications with the usual supporting information (CV, certificates, credentials, etc., list of publications including reprints of the most important papers) should be submitted to: Dekan der Fakultaet für Elektrotechnik und Informationstechnik der TU Muenchen, Arcisstrasse 21, 80333 München, Germany or by Email to dekanat@ei.tum.de Deadline for applications is 30 November 2008 -------------------------- Juniorprofessor (W1) for Geometrical Optimization and Machine Learning which is to be filled as soon as possible. The position is equivalent to an assistant professorship. The applicant should have an excellent scientific record in the area of geometric optimization, as well as in the area of system and information theory. It is expected that the applicant is an expert in at least two of the following areas: * Numerical Methods of Geometric Optimization * Information Theoretic Methods of Machine Learning * Learning in distributed, networked and embedded systems * Methods of Multivariate Data Analysis for Unsupervised Learning * Signal-based, Sub-symbolic Learning The position requires the representation of the subject in research and teaching. Active participation in the Cluster of Excellence “Cognition for Technical Systems” (www.cotesys.org) is expected, as well as the preparation of new proposals in related areas. Furthermore, teaching contributions are expected in the bachelor and master education of the department. The appointment will be for an initial period of three years. Upon positive evaluation of the performance the position will be extended to an overall duration of six years. Preconditions for employment are a degree from a university or an accredited college of applied science, pedagogical aptitude, and the qualification for academic work, which is typically proven by an excellent Ph.D./doctorate. Further academic achievements, which may have been also obtained outside the university environments, are desirable. In cases of substantially equal eligibility, preferential consideration will be given to disabled candidates. As part of the excellence initiative of the German federal and state governments, the Technische Universitaet Muenchen pursues the strategic goal of substantially increasing the proportion of women in research and education and thus expressly invites qualified female scientists to apply for this position. Applications with the usual supporting information (CV, certificates, credentials, etc., list of publications including reprints of the most important papers) should be submitted by 30 November, 2008 to: Dekan der Fakultaet fuerr Elektrotechnik und Informationstechnik der TU Muenchen, Arcisstrasse 21, 80333 Munich, Germany or by Email to dekanat@ei.tum.de -------------------------- Juniorprofessor (W1) for Dynamic Human-Robot Interaction which is to be filled as soon as possible. The position is equivalent to an assistant professorship. Candidates are expected to have an excellent scientific record in the area of dynamical system theory and human-robot interaction. Research experience in at least two of the following fields is expected: * Probabilistic methods of dynamic system modeling in human-robot interaction and identification of skills * Stochastic optimization methods for task decomposition and resource allocation * Dynamic models of cooperative decision making processes and its synthesis * Learning and adaptation in cooperative systems * Benchmarking and quantitative evaluation of cooperative performance in human-robot interaction Active participation in the Cluster of Excellence “Cognition for Technical Systems” (www.cotesys.org) is expected, as well as the shaping of new proposals in related areas. Furthermore, teaching contributions are expected in the bachelor, master, and diploma education of the faculty as well as in novel master degree programs currently being defined such as “Mechatronics, Adaptronics and Automation”. The appointment will be for an initial period of three years. Upon positive evaluation of the performance the position will be extended to an overall duration of six years. Candidates must hold a degree from a university or an accredited college of applied science, pedagogical aptitude, and the qualification for academic work, which is typically proven by an excellent Ph.D./doctorate. Further academic achievements, which may have been also obtained outside the university environments, are desirable. In cases of substantially equal eligibility, preferential consideration will be given to disabled candidates. As part of the excellence initiative of the German federal and state governments, the Technische Universitaet Muenchen pursues the strategic goal of substantially increasing the proportion of women in research and education and thus expressly invites qualified female scientists to apply for this position. Applications with the usual supporting information (CV, certificates, credentials, etc., list of publications including reprints of the most important papers) should be submitted to: Dekan der Fakultaet für Elektrotechnik und Informationstechnik der TU Muenchen, Arcisstraße 21, 80333 Munich, Germany or by Email to dekan@ei.tum.de. Deadline for applications is 30 November, 2008. -------------------------- Juniorprofessor (W1) for Distributed Multimodal Information Processing which is to be filled as soon as possible. The position is equivalent to an assistant professorship. The applicant should have an excellent scientific record in the area of multimodal information acquisition and processing. It is expected that the applicant is an expert in at least two of the following areas: * Multimodal and distributed information acquisition (audio/video/haptik) * Cooperative multisensor-based object and 3D environment acquisition * Application of object and 3D environment models in cognitive technical systems * Cross-modal interaction and prioritization of modalities * Perception-based multimodal information processing The position requires the representation of the subject in research and teaching. Active participation in the Cluster of Excellence “Cognition for Technical Systems” (www.cotesys.org) is expected, as well as the preparation of new proposals in related areas. Furthermore, teaching contributions are expected in the bachelor, master, and diploma education of the department. The appointment will be for an initial period of three years. Upon positive evaluation of the performance the position will be extended to an overall duration of six years. Preconditions for employment are a degree from a university or an accredited college of applied science, pedagogical aptitude, and the qualification for academic work, which is typically proven by an excellent Ph.D./doctorate. Further academic achievements, which may have been also obtained outside the university environments, are desirable. In cases of substantially equal eligibility, preferential consideration will be given to disabled candidates. As part of the excellence initiative of the German federal and state governments, the Technische Universitaet Muenchen pursues the strategic goal of substantially increasing the proportion of women in research and education and thus expressly invites qualified female scientists to apply for this position. Applications with the usual supporting information (CV, certificates, credentials, etc., list of publications including reprints of the most important papers) should be submitted by 30 November, 2008, to: Dekan der Fakultaet fuer Elektrotechnik und Informationstechnik der TU Muenchen, Arcisstrasse 21, 80333 Munich, Germany or by Email to dekan@ei.tum.de *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.** 7.12 Faculty: Idaho State University, USA Contributed by: D Subbaram Naidu, naiduds@isu.edu Assistant Professor, Electrical Engineering, Idaho State University: College of Engineering; Faculty; Tenure-track; 9 Month Appointment Beginning August 2009. Responsibilities: Teach undergraduate and graduate level courses, strong commitment to research and professional service. The successful candidate will be actively involved in curriculum development and research efforts and will be expected to contribute to both teaching and research working with faculty and local microelectronics and electric energy industry to develop and sustain funded research programs. Minimum Qualifications: Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering with demonstrated excellence in research and electrical engineering education. Applicants must have experience in microelectronics, optical communication systems and digital signal processing. Relevant industrial experience will be considered a plus. Salary: Commensurate with education and experience; competitive benefits package. Application: Electronically submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three professional references to: Idaho State University Office of Human Resources Assistant Professor, Electrical Engineering Search 921 S. 8th Avenue, Mail Stop 8107 Pocatello, ID 83209-8107 Email: hr@isu.edu Review of applications will begin upon receipt. Applications received by December 15, 2008 will receive full consideration; search will remain open until filled. For further information about ISU and the department, please visit www.isu.edu or http://engr.isu.edu/. For questions concerning the position or college please contact Dr. S. Hossein Mousavinezhad (mousseye@isu.edu), Professor and Chair, Department of Electrical Engineering. Idaho State University is an AA/EEO Employer. Minorities, Women, and Veterans are encouraged to apply. Idaho State University is committed to an environment of civility, respect, and tolerance within the University community. *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.** 7.13 Software Engineer: PikeTec Germany Contributed by: PikeTec GmbH, Berlin-Germany, bewerbung@piketec.com We are looking for dedicated coworkers (m/f) with well-founded knowledge and experiences, which develop trend-setting and complex software solutions for the automobile industry in our team. Carried of simulation and tools of generation of code such as Matlab/Simulink/Stateflow the software development for automation systems takes place particularly in the automobile range increasingly model-basedly. Your task is to analyse new algorithms, development, implementation and testing. With the development of algorithm special topics such as code-generation, fix-point-scaling and software architecture find consideration by you. your profile - Final study within the range electro-technology, computer science or in a comparable course of studies - Experience during the regulation-technical algorithm development for controllers - first experience with MATLAB/Simulink - process orientated, structured thinking and ability to communicate - willingness to travel We offer - the access to an increasing and future-oriented company - the access to a young and highly motivated development team - an appropiate payment - varied activities - the possibility to improve one´s technical and personal skills - choice of location Stuttgart or Berlin Please send your written application with significant cover-letter, curriculum vitae and certifications by email: bewerbung@piketec.com *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.** 7.14 PhD: University of Orleans, France Contributed by: Antonio Sciarretta, antonio.sciarretta@ifp.fr Applications are invited for a currently available Doctorate (PhD) program in collaboration between IFP and the University of Orleans, France. Candidates should hold a Master's degree in Control Engineering. Previous experience in automotive applications is particularly welcomed. The project is focused on a novel powertrain concept exploiting the "thermal hybridization" of hybrid (but also conventional) powertrains. These systems include exhaust heat recovery (e.g., Rankine-cycle systems, thermoelectric generators, etc.) and consequent generation of mechanical and/or electric power. The additional power path can leave one or more additional degrees of freedom to optimize the system behaviour and save fuel energy as well as reduce pollutant emissions. A specialized controller must supervise the integrated power flows, besides guaranteeing thermal comfort and possibly managing secondary system integrations. The aim of the project is the analysis of potential recovery sources and recovery systems, analysis of the linked paths of mechanical, thermal, and electrical power, and operating modes of the concept, identification of the supervisory control actions, role and application of dynamic optimization techniques. Candidates should send a detailed CV and a letter of motivation to: Dr. Antonio Sciarretta IFP 1-4 Av. de Bois-Préau, GIR 118 F-92852 Rueil-Malmaison, France tel. +33-1-47-52-57-34 antonio.sciarretta@ifp.fr *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.** 7.15 Post-Doc: University of Tennessee, Knoxville Contributed by: Mingjun Zhang, mjzhang@utk.edu Two post-doctoral research associate positions with experimental research interest are available immediately at the Biomedical Engineering Program of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Experience on operating Atomic Force Microscopy or Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy is required. The research associates will characterize bio-physical and bio-medical properties of nanoparticles produced in nature, and use the nanoparticles for biomedical applications including medical adhesive, drug delivery and assay development. Interested applicants should send CV, along with short paragraph of interest, to: Mingjun Zhang (mjzhang@utk.edu). http://web.utk.edu/~mjzhang/ *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.** 7.16 Post-Doc: Nancy University – CRAN-CNRS, France Contributed by: Christophe Fonte, Christophe.Fonte@cran.uhp-nancy.fr Post-doctoral Research position on automatic control at Nancy University – CRAN-CNRS, FRANCE Employer: Nancy University – CRAN-CNRS, FRANCE Contract duration: 12 months fixed-term. From now The annual salary: 22 000 Euro Net This 12-month position is open to candidates with no French Ph.D. Context: This study lies within the scope of a research project between the C.R.A.N. (Automatic Control Research Center of Nancy – C.N.R.S. U.M.R. 7039) in collaboration with the L.E.M.T.A. (Theoretical and Applied Mechanics and Energetics Laboratory – C.N.R.S. U.M.R. 7563), in connection with the pole of competitiveness M.I.P.I. (Matériaux Innovants et Produits Intelligents) (Innovative materials and clever products). The final objective is to implement a control strategy for a thermoforming process. The aim of this project is to allow the optimization of the production system of the C.E.R.F.A.V. (Research and Training European Glass Arts Center) and of crystal manufactures DAUM and BACCARAT. Candidate profile: A Ph.D. thesis in automatic control or applied mathematics (Control, optimization...). The candidate must have solid background on control, state observation and identification of dynamical systems. Knowledge on systems governed by partial differential equations will be appreciated. Job description: The candidate will develop behaviour models and control design of an experimental furnace process, by first exploiting the data resulting from simulations and in the second time by using the measurements data obtained on the experimental furnace. These models will be then used for optimizing the thermoforming process. The method will consist in developing simplified input-outputs models in order to allow the synthesis of control laws. The final objective is to control the deformation of a glass plate in a thermoforming furnace process. Deposit of candidature: Please send CV and cover letter by e-mail to boutayeb@uhp-nancy.fr. For more information regarding the CRAN : www.cran.uhp-nancy.fr Applications will be considered from now until this position is filled. *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.** 7.17 Postdoc: Ben-Gurion University, Israel Contributed by: Daniel Choukroun, danielch@bgu.ac.il Applications are invited for a research position as a Postdoctoral Scholar in the area of control and estimation of hybrid stochastic systems at the Mechanical Engineering Dept. of Ben-Gurion University, Beer Sheva, Israel. The position is for a period of up to 3 years, starting in November 2008, and is available until filled. Applicants should have a recently completed PhD in control, optimization or applied mathematics and have a strong background on stochastic processes and filtering theory. Applicants with a background in aerospace systems or robotics are particularly encouraged. A good command of the English language is required. Enquiries and applications (CV with a list of publications, and names and contacts of two referees) should be sent (preferably via email) to Dr. Daniel Choukroun Mechanical Engineering Department Ben-Gurion University POB 653 Beer Sheva 84105 Israel danielch@bgu.ac.il *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.** 7.18 Post-Doc: Università del Sannio, IT Contributed by: Luigi Glielmo, glielmo@unisannio.it GRACE, the Group for Research on Automatic Control Engineering (http://www.grace.ing.unisannio.it) of Università del Sannio, Benevento, Italy, has a vacancy for a Postdoc position on "Advanced Chassis Control Systems". The goal of the research is to develop methods for designing model-based controllers for lateral vehicle dynamic control system. The control schemes resulting from this work will be experimentally tested in collaboration with Elasis s.c.p.a., FIAT Group, on real vehicles. We are looking for a candidate with a PhD degree in systems and control and a strong background and interest in control and optimization. The candidate is expected to be interested in fundamental research and in working on the boundary of several research domains. We offer the opportunity to do fundamental and scientifically challenging research. The Postdoc will work with PhD students and other researchers in a multi-disciplinary research group. More information on this position and on how to apply can be found at http://www.grace.ing.unisannio.it/ or sending email to glielmo@unisannio.it *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.** 7.19 Post-Doc: Modeling and control of a multi stage bioreactor Contributed by: J. Harmand, harmand@supagro.inra.fr The CAFE project (Computer-aided food processes for control engineering) is a large collaborative programme funded by the EC (FP7). It brings together 16 public and private partners from 7 countries for the development of new information technologies to improve the control of food processes in terms of product quality, productivity and environmental impact. Job description This postdoctoral project in the framework of the CAFE project concerns the development of an original strategy, based on a detailed knowledge of yeast metabolism, to improve the modelling and control of alcoholic fermentation in wine making conditions. In close cooperation with two other post-docs, the postdoctoral worker recruited will be in charge of the macroscopic modelling and control of a multi stage fermentor simulating different stages of a batch process. This reactor will be used both to contribute to the development of a physiology-based model and to optimise control strategies. The work will be carried out in collaboration with several project partners, namely the SPO department of INRA in Montpellier and the CESAME laboratory in Louvain-La-Neuve, Belgium. Desired profile The applicant should have a PhD in control engineering. He/she should be willing to collaborate with specialists in other disciplines: integrative physiology, biochemistry, microbiology. Good English and interpersonal skills are required to ensure effective interactions with other partners in this project, in an international and interdisciplinary context. The laboratory The job will be based in Narbonne (South of France, 100 km from Montpellier), in the "Process Engineering Group" of the "Laboratoire de Biotechnology de l'Environnement". This group (14 scientists, 4 technicians, 14 PhD students and postdoctoral workers) is a world leader in the development of innovative processes for the treatment of wastewater treatment plants. This group includes specialists in modelling and control of bioprocesses. The lab includes many many facilities for running fermentations in controlled conditions, with online measurement, either at the laboratory scale or at the pilot scale (cf. http://www1.montpellier.inra.fr/narbonne/).The advisor of this post-doctoral position is a member of the INRA-INRIA MERE project dedicated to the modelling and control of ecosystems (cf. http://www1.montpellier.inra.fr/MERE/ and http://www.inria.fr/recherche/equipes/mere.fr.html). Starting date: Early 2009, duration: 18 months Funding: European CAFE project Contact: Jérôme HARMAND, harmand@supagro.inra.fr, phone: +33 4 68 42 51 59 *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.** 7.20 Post-Doc: Centrum Wiskunde en Informatica, NL Contributed by: Pieter Collins, Pieter.Collins@cwi.nl The Control and System Theory group at the Centrum Wiskunde en Informatica (CWI), Amsterdam, has an open position for a postdoctoral researcher for eighteen months as part of the European project "Control for Coordination of Distributed Systems" (C4C). The main aim of the project is to develop theory for control of distributed systems with an emphasis on coordination control. The project also comprises five case studies. The current vacancy is for the work package "Tools for control and verification of distributed systems". The project will be carried out in close cooperation with the other teams in the network, but primarily with Prof. Tiziano Villa (U. of Verona). Distributed control systems comprise several spacially separated components. The systems The control of such systems is complicated by issues such as communication losses and delays, and nonlinear dynamics of the physical devices. The systems are typically too large to perform verification of the control protocol at a global level, so techniques are needed by which the proper functioning of the individual components can be tested independently, and the results combined to prove correctness of the system. The current research will focus on techniques for the modular analysis of nonlinear hybrid automata, which are used to model the distributed system. The main problem which we shall consider is that of verifying using rigorous numerical methods that each component functions correctly. This problems is especially challenging since (1) the system behaviour will consist of different modes of operation with rules for switching between modes, (2) that the dynamics in each mode may be nonlinear and nondeterministic, resulting in the need to solve differential inclusions and differential-algebraic equations, and (3) may require the consideration of system structure, such as cascade feedback, local clocks and constants, and invariant manifolds, to solve efficiently. The applicant will be expected to implement as part of the software package "Ariadne" for reachability analysis of hybrid systems being developed by a joint team including CWI, U. Verona and the company PARADES (Roma). Ariadne currently features support for the reachability analysis of nonlinear hybrid automata, including high-order automatic differentiation, rigorous integration of differential equations and rigorous switching detection. Requirement: The candidate for the postdoctoral position should have (or be soon to receive) a doctoral degree in mathematics, computer science or control engineering, with a clear interest in interdisciplinary work at the boundaries of these three areas. Ideally, the candidate should have some knowledge of rigorous numerical computation, control theory, and the C++ programming language. Good knowledge of English is essential, but knowledge of Dutch is not necessary. Project details: The C4C project is financially supported by the European Commission through its program FP7-ICT-2007.3.7. The project (contract 223844) started on 1 May 2008 and runs for three years until 30 April 2011. The website of the project is http://www.c4c-project.eu/. Terms of employment: The position is available from January 2008. The salary and terms of employment are in accordance with the "CAO-onderzoekinstellingen". Moreover CWI offers attractive terms of employment and working conditions, including flexibility and help with housing for foreigners. Information and application: For more information on this vacancy please contact: -- Dr. Pieter Collins, +31 (0)20 592 4094, e-mail Pieter.Collins@cwi.nl or -- Prof. Jan H. van Schuppen, +31 (0)20 592 4085, e-mail J.H.van.Schuppen@cwi.nl Official applications, together with curriculum vitae, the names and contact details of three referees and a list of publications can be sent to: - CWI Personnel and Organsiation (P&O), Postbus 94079, 1090 GB Amsterdam, The Netherlands. e-mail pd@cwi.nl . The position will remain open until filled. *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.** 7.21 PhD: Texas Tech University, USA Contributed by: Qing Hui, qing.hui@ttu.edu PhD Student Research Assistantships are available in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Texas Tech University. Applicants are expected to have solid mathematical and analytical skills. The research is in the area of cooperative networks, hybrid systems, large-scale systems, and biomedical systems. In particular, sucessful candidates are expected to work in some of the following projects: coordinated and decentralized control of large-scale networked systems, modeling and control design for biomechanics systems and drug delivery systems, transient hybrid stabilization of power systems, control of spatially distributed systems using dynamical system theory, and network flow control. Applications are invited for Spring or Fall 2009. Interested students should contact Dr. Qing Hui (qing.hui@ttu.edu) for more information and apply online for the graduate school admission at www.ttu.edu. *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.** 7.22 Post-Doc: Queen's University, Canada Contributed by: Serdar Yuksel, yuksel@mast.queensu.ca Queen's University Coleman Postdoctoral Fellowship Applications are invited for two-year postdoctoral positions beginning July 1, 2009. The position will involve teaching two one-semester courses per year. Salary will be commensurate with rank and qualifications. The candidate's research should be in one of the existing areas of strength of the Department. In the engineering mathematics area, these include non-linear control theory, geometric control theory, topological problems in control, stochastic control, decentralized control, communications and information theory, source coding and quantization theory, coding theory and applied probability. Further details on the departmental research profile and other areas of research can be found at the department's web page http://www.mast.queensu.ca/graduate/faculty.php Applications should be submitted at www.MathJobs.org. The application file should contain: Cover letter, CV, AMS cover sheet (template is provided at www.MathJobs.org), Research Statement, Teaching Statement, and four recommendation letters at least one of which addresses teaching. The recommendation letters may be submitted electronically (this is the preferred method), or sent as a hard copy to Coleman Postdoctoral Committee Department of Mathematics and Statistics Queen's University Kingston, Ontario Canada, K7L 3N6. We invite applications from all qualified individuals. Queen's University is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, visible minorities, aboriginal people, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity. All applications received by January 10th will be given full consideration. *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.** 7.23 Research Fellows: Italian Institute of Technology, IT Contributed by: Emanuele Guglielmino, emanuele.guglielmino@iit.it The Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) is a newly established Institute in Genoa, Italy. It carries out cutting-edge research in the areas of Robotics, Neuroscience, Drug Discovery and Development and Nanobiotechnologies. Within the Department of Advanced Robotics we are seeking researchers (at graduate and postdoctoral level) in the area of electro-hydraulic actuation and propulsion for robotics. All candidates should have a first/second degree in electrical/electronic engineering, mechanical engineering, or a physical science and candidates applying for postdoctoral positions should give evidence of top quality research in the form of published papers and/or patents. Candidates should be strongly results-oriented, should have a proactive attitude, a practice-oriented mindset and practical lab skills; they should have excellent interpersonal and communications skills and willingness to integrate in an international team. Some industrial experience (2-3 years) would be advantageous. A good knowledge of English is required. The appointment will be on a fixed-term contract and salary will be dependent on qualifications and experience. To apply please send a covering letter outlining experience and qualifications for the post and CV to Sara Pittaluga: sara.pittaluga@iit.it . In the e-mail subject please indicate “ADVR_Theme number_Theme title” (e.g.: ADVR_6_ Autonomous Robotic Propulsion) ----------------- Theme 1: Bio-natural Functional Locomotion Systems and Physical Principles Positions are open to work on the development of energy efficient animal-leg mechanical systems which emulate the biological systems not only from the morphology point of view but also exhibit bio-natural functional behaviour and performance. This will include the development of actuation techniques allowing this behaviour to be simulated. The ability to passively regulate the impedance of the actuator will be the key feature of the actuation units. The first position will consider the locomotion of the robot. After studying different animal gaits such as walk, trot and gallop, dynamic simulations will test stability and efficiency of different control algorithms and motion generators. Successful control methods will finally be tested and improved on the robot platform. The second position will focus on the mechanical design of the robot (CAD), including the hydraulic actuation system, adjustable stiffness mechanisms and eventually compact power systems. Applicants for this area are should ideally possess a strong background in electronic/electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, or a physical science. ------------------- Theme 2: Magnetorheologically-actuated Valve for Robotic Manipulators The IIT is looking to appoint a full time researcher with experience in the field of magnetorheological fluid systems design with particular reference to their use in magnetorheological valves and in magnetorheologically- actuated robotic manipulators. The successful candidate should have a good first/second degree in mechanical, mechatronic or electrical engineering. Research experience in an academic or industrial research lab in magnetorheological fluids and/or magnetic circuit design would be an asset. A good know-how in power electronics and control engineering would be advantageous. ------------------- Theme 3: Miniature Air Turbine for Power Generation The IIT is looking to appoint a full time researcher with experience in the field of micro turbomachinery design. The aim of the project is the design of a miniature (few millimeter-diameter) air turbine for power generation for robotic applications. The work is intended to investigate the key aspects of the turbine design, namely investigate scalability issues (efficiency and machine performance), airfoil design, rotordynamics (including appropriate bearing design) and fabrication techniques. The successful candidate should have a good first/second degree in mechanical engineering (with major in turbomachinery), and research experience in an academic or industrial research lab in turbomachinery. Knowledge of micro manufacturing technologies would be an advantage. ------------------- Theme 4: Actuation and Power Systems Actuation systems, power sources and storage of energy are vital and often overlooked features of robotic and humanoid systems. Researchers working in this area will explore novel actuation technology (braided pneumatic Muscle Actuators, Polymeric actuators, Shape Memory Alloys, compliant and hybrid actuation) and the enhancement of current technologies (hydraulics, ER Fluids, MR Fluids, piezoelectric motors). The actuation systems will be incorporated into a new generation of robots having the structure, characteristics and behaviour of humans, hominoids, and/or animals. Previous experience with these technologies would be an advantage but the programme is open to researchers with a strong background in any physical science or engineering discipline. ------------------- Theme 5: Development of Water Hydraulic Components and Systems for Robotics Water hydraulics, which uses water instead of oil as the power transmitting medium, is environmentally friendly, non-flammable, inexpensive, clean, readily available, and easily disposable. However, water is more prone to cavitation, poor lubrication, has higher leakage and requires appropriate materials and component design. The aim of the work is to develop water hydraulic components and systems. The position will focus on the development of compact, small size and light weight water hydraulic components, including modelling, simulation, prototyping, and experimental validation. The candidate should ideally have a first/second in Mechanical Engineering or related areas. Ideal candidates should have experience in fluid power and fluid dynamics, and have programming skills in C or Fortran. Experience with software tools such as AMESim, ProE, Fluent and Adams would be strongly beneficial. ------------------- Theme 6: Autonomous Robotic Propulsion The aim of the project is the design of an efficient and compact propulsion system (using conventional thermal engines, fuel cells, Stirling engines, electrical motors, hybrid solutions etc) in autonomous robots. The work will focus on the integration of conventional and non-conventional engines and motors into autonomous robots (in particular on a hydraulically actuated quadruped robot, HyQ) using a systems engineering approach. The candidate should ideally have a good first/second degree in mechanical engineering (with major in thermal engines) or an equivalent physical science. Systems engineering experience, gained in industry or academia would be an advantage. *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.** 7.24 PhD: KULeuven, Belgium Contributed by: Jan Swevers, jan.swevers@mech.kuleuven.be Aim of the project is to develop ultra-fast on-line optimization methods for path tracking of robot manipulators taking into account joint and link flexibilities and system model uncertainty. The developed algorithms optimize on-line the trajectories and feedforward commands along paths generated by high-level geometric path planners, thereby taking into account manipulator dynamics including flexibilities and actuator constraints. The optimization considers time- and/or energy-optimality and is updated during each control cycle using the geometric path information available at that time. This requires efficient solution update methods to deal with constantly varying geometric path data, thereby allowing tighter integration with and feedback to the high-level geometric path planners. This reseach project is a continuation of the research described on: http://people.mech.kuleuven.be/~dversche/timeopt/timeopt.html The requirements are a strong background in control and dynamic system modelling, numerical optimization, programming, the ability to communicate with mathematical optimizers, strong interest and experience for work on real-world experiments, and enthusiasm for the project. Proficiency in English is a requirement. Apply now if you are interested in this PhD position. Send your electronic application to Professor Jan Swevers: jan.swevers@mech.kuleuven.be Subject of your email should be: “Robot control PhD application”. Deadline to send in applications: December 31, 2008. Include a CV, certificates with high school and university marks, Toefl test results, a list of publications, names of two possible references, and a brief description of your research interests are most welcome. Besides a competitive salary we offer a stimulating research environment within our division PMA (http://www.mech.kuleuven.be/pma/). *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.** 7.25 PhD: Illinois Institute of Technology, USA Contributed by: Matthew M. Peet, mpeet@iit.edu Research Assistant Position PhD: Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL, USA Two Positions are available for exceptionally talented PhD students as Research Assistants in Cybernetic Systems and Controls Lab (CSCL) in the Department of Mechanical, Materials and Aerospace Engineering at IIT. The area of research is modern control theory, with an emphasis on computational methods. Candidates should have excellent analytic and mathematical skills, with a background in controls. Projects include but are not limited to: 1. Using computation to improve models of Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia 2. Decentralized control laws for large-scale communication and power networks 3. Computational theory of parallel computing as applied to problems in control 4. Computational analysis and control of partial-differential systems 5. The theory of Sum-of-Squares programming Particularly relevant skills can include Biological Systems, Parallel Computing, Networked Systems, Mathematical Analysis, Computational Theory, and all areas of Control. Candidates should have an undergraduate degree in Engineering, Mathematics, or a related discipline. IIT is a private, Ph.D.-granting university in Chicago, IL with highly ranked programs in engineering, science, psychology, architecture, business, design, technology, and law. One of the 16 institutions that comprise the Association of Independent Technological Universities (AITO), IIT offers exceptional preparation for professions that require technological sophistication. Through a committed faculty and close personal attention, IIT provides a challenging academic program focused by the rigor of real world. Applicants should contact Professor Matthew M. Peet (mpeet@iit.edu) for more information. Online applications for the graduate program can be found at http://www.iit.edu/graduate_admission/. *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.** 7.26 Post-Doc: City University, Hong Kong Contributed by: Gang (gary) Feng, megfeng@cityu.edu.hk Post-Doctoral Fellowships Two post-doctor fellowships, one in the area of System Biology or Biomedical Engineering and the other in the area of Switched Systems or Multi-agent Systems, are available at City University of Hong Kong. The post-doctor fellowship is valued at around HK$22,530/month, renewable for two years. Candidates with strong publication record are preferred. Applications with complete CV will be considered until the fellowship is taken. For more information on application, please contact Prof. Gang (Gary) Feng Dept. of Manufacturing Engineering and Engineering Management City University of Hong Kong Tel: 852 27889032 Fax: 852 27888423 Email: megfeng@cityu.edu.hk *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.** 7.27 PhD: Toshiba Research Europe, UK Contributed by: V. B. Tadic, v.b.tadic@bristol.ac.uk Applications are invited for a 3 year fully funded PhD studentship on the algorithmic aspects and the theoretical underpinnings of distributed estimation, and detection in wireless networks and systems. The studentships will be sponsored by the Toshiba Research Europe Ltd., Telecommunications Research Laboratory. Applicants should send a letter of motivation, a full CV and the names and contact information of at least two referees to bristol-toshiba-phd@bristol.ac.uk. Further details can be obtained from Either: Dr. Vladislav B. Tadic, University of Bristol, Department of Mathematics, Bristol BS8 1TW, UK, Email: v.b.tadic@bristol.ac.uk, Http: www.maths.bris.ac.uk/people/faculty/maxvt, Tel: +44 (0)117 928 9145, Fax: +44 (0)117 928 7999 Or Prof. Christophe Andrieu, University of Bristol, Department of Mathematics, Email: c.andrieu@bristol.ac.uk, Http: www.maths.bris.ac.uk/people/faculty/maxca, Tel: +44 (0)117 928 9134, Fax: +44 (0)117 928 7999 The present research programme follows a very successful five year collaboration between the Department of Mathematics, the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Toshiba Research Europe Ltd. Telecommunications Research Laboratory. The aim of the PhD project is to investigate the theoretical and methodological aspects of distributed estimation and detection in decentralized wireless systems with limited communication and computation resources, and to develop the corresponding efficient and reliable algorithms. The studentship benefits from excellent financial support (consisting of: maintenance of £15k, £15.5k and £16k in the first, second and third years, tuition and bench fees for the travel fund, IT equipment etc.) provided by our industrial partner Toshiba. The ideal candidate will have a first or upper second class degree (or equivalent) in mathematics, statistics, operations research or electrical engineering. Given the fundamental character of the research, candidates from any background will require strong mathematical skills. In particular, knowledge of statistics, probability and optimization would be a major advantage, while knowledge of statistical signal processing, communications and control theory would be a bonus. The position is open to applicants from all nations (i.e., no restrictions on citizenship and/or residence). The application closing date is 9th January, 2009. *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.** 7.28 Post-Doc: Ryerson University, Canada Contributed by: Krishna Kumar, kdkumar@ryerson.ca Canadian Post-Doctoral Research Fellowships (PDRF) are available in Spacecraft Dynamics and Control for a year. Applicants must be citizens of one of the countries under the Canadian Commonwealth Scholarships Program (New Zealand and United Kingdom) or the Government of Canada Awards Program (Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Russia, South Korea and Switzerland). Applicants must have completed a Ph.D. degree within the last four years or have completed the Ph.D. degree requirements before taking up the award (evidence of submission of dissertation for defence provided by the responsible department head). The total value of the fellowship is $32,000 CAD. The fellowship is not taxable in Canada. The details are available on the following website: http://www.scholarships.gc.ca/pdrf-en.html http://www.cscuk.org.uk/apply/outward_awards.asp The PDDF will work in the Department of Aerospace Engineering, Ryerson University (www.ryerson.ca/aerospace). The research will be supervised by Dr. Krishna Kumar, Canada Research Chair. Dr. Kumar’s areas of research include Nonlinear Dynamics and Control, Sliding Mode Control, Intelligent Control, Orbit and Attitude Dynamics and Control, Formation Flying, and Underactuated Systems (refer to the web page: http://www.kdkumar.com). These are challenging research and involve theoretical and experimental work. The candidate should have a Ph.D degree in dynamics and nonlinear control. The candidate must have a strong background in mathematics, dynamics and control. Experience with MATLAB is essential. Knowledge of orbital or attitude dynamics is desirable. The prospective candidate should send (preferably by email) their resumes along with names and contact information of three references as well as copies of research papers before November 16, 2008 to: Dr. Krishna Kumar, Associate Professor Canada Research Chair in Space Systems Department of Aerospace Engineering Ryerson University 350 Victoria Street, Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, Canada Tel: +1-416-979-5000 Ext. 4908; Fax: +1-416-979-5056 Email: kdkumar@ryerson.ca http://www.kdkumar.com *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.** 7.29 Chair: University of Delaware, USA Contributed by: Herbert Tanner, btanner@udel.edu The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Delaware (http://www.me.udel.edu/) invites nominations and applications for the position of Chairperson. This is an exciting time at the University as we embark on our New Strategic Initiatives and our Path to Prominence (http://www.udel.edu/prominence/). We seek someone with a national reputation for excellence in Mechanical Engineering, or closely related field, to lead the Department in this university-wide endeavor. The Center for Composite Materials (http://www.ccm.udel.edu/), which boasts $9M of research funding per year and 240 affiliated faculty, staff, post-docs, graduate and undergraduate students and interns provides a forum for composite materials and nanotechnology research. Other nanotechnology initiatives are supported by a fully equipped new state-of-the art 7,000 sq ft clean room for nano-fabrication. Bioengineering activities are closely coupled to our Center for Biomedical Engineering Research (http://www.cber.udel.edu/), which has 33 associated faculty members and a number of grants, including an $11M NIH Center for Biomedical Research Excellence award. In addition, the inter-disciplinary effort at the Delaware Biotechnology Institute (http://www.dbi.udel.edu/) encompasses research, education, and economic development in the life sciences with emphasis on human health, complex environmental systems and biomaterials. This $120M initiative involves a 72,000 sq ft state-of-the-art biotechnology facility. The solar, fuel cell and other clean energy research at UD is world renowned (http://www.udel.edu/udaily/2009/sep/energy092208.html), having over $9M/year in research expenditures, and supported by state-of-the-art fabrication facilities. Robotics and Control activities in the Department span a large range of applications that include bio-inspired designs of air vehicles, novel designs of under-actuated robots, control of multi-vehicle systems, rehabilitation and assistive devices. These projects are funded by multiple grants from NSF, NIH, and DoD. UD is a land and sea grant university and a member of University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, a broad range of research in environmental fluid mechanics is being conducted to address phenomena in the atmosphere, ocean and soil. The Chairperson of the Mechanical Engineering Department has general administrative authority over department affairs, exercises leadership in the formulation of policies, introduces educational ideas and proposals and stimulates discussions leading to the enhancement of the research and education programs of the Department. Applications and nominations should be electronically submitted (preferred method) to ME-CHAIR-search@udel.edu or may be sent to ME Chairperson Search Committee, College of Engineering, 102 Du Pont Hall, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. The University of Delaware is an equal opportunity employer. All application materials shall be shared with departmental faculty. *.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.** 7.30 Faculty (3): ME, Univ of Massachusettes, USA Contributed by: Mario Rotea, rotea@ecs.umass.edu THE UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST invites applications for three tenure track faculty positions in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering. The positions are available at the rank of assistant professor. Candidates should have a distinguished record of academic achievement, exceptional potential for basic research at the frontiers of knowledge, and a commitment to graduate and undergraduate education. We seek candidates with inter-disciplinary abilities who can contribute transformative and innovative ideas to the departmental research themes in energy systems and bioengineering. Two positions require fundamental proficiency in one or more of the following areas: control systems, dynamical systems, mechatronic systems and design. The third position requires expertise in thermal and/or fluid systems. A Ph.D. in a major engineering discipline is required. Further details and how to apply may be found on-line at http://www.ecs.umass.edu/mie/positions/ME.pdf +----------------------------------------+ | | End of eletter 242 | | +----------------------------------------+