Control Systems Society

   


eletter
Issue 151, March 2001

1. Personals
 1.1Adress change
2. General Announcements
 2.1Control Systems Society Technology Award
 2.2UKACC Lecture: Design of Fly-By-Wire Flight Control Systems
 2.3W.T. and Idalia Reid Prize
3. Positions
 3.1Control andor Power Systems Engineer
 3.2Intelligent Systems at Oklahoma University
 3.3Ph.D. Position at Eindhoven and Tilburg Universities
 3.4PhD Studentship in Systems Biology
 3.5Position: Train-Traffic in Large Networks
 3.6Post-Doc Position in Robust MPC at Imperial College
 3.7Post-Doctoral Position: Autonomous Underwater Vehicles
 3.8Post-doctoral Fellow: Metal spray tooling process
 3.9Post-doctoral Research in Kernel-based Non-linear Adaptive Filtering
 3.10Postdoc Fellow in Control of Smart Structures
 3.11Postdoctoral Position in Biomedical Signal-Processing
 3.12Research Position: Real Time Systems
 3.13Research Positions Xerox PARC
4. Books
 4.1Fixed Interval Smoothing for State Space Models
 4.2IFAC Proceedings Recently Published
5. Journals
 5.1Contents: Asian Journal of Control
 5.2Contents: Automatica
 5.3Contents: Control Engineering Practice
 5.4Contents: Control Systems Magazine
 5.5Contents: IEEE Trans. on Control Systems Technology
 5.6Contents: International Journal of Control
6. Conferences
 6.15th Int Symposium on QFT and Robust Freq Domain Methods
 6.2CFP: 4th Symposium on Intelligent Data Analysis
 6.3Call for Papers: 7th International Conference MMAR
 6.4Control and Measurement Engineering Education
 6.5Fourth SIAM Conf on Linear Algebra in Signals Systems and Control
 6.6Summer School on Mathematical Control Theory

1. Personals
    1.1 Adress change
    Contributed by: Ayeley Philippe TCHANGANI, tchangani@geii.iut-tarbes.fr
    
    Please find my new adress:
    
    Ayeley Ph. TCHANGANI
                                                                   
    Département GEII, IUT de Tarbes, Université Toulouse III
    1, rue Lautréamont, BP 1624
    65016 Tarbes Cedex, France
                                                                   
    Phone:		+33 (0)5 62 44 42 53
    Fax: 		+33 (0)5 62 44 42 19
    E-Mail:	tchangani@geii.iut-tarbes.fr
    
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2. General Announcements
    2.1 Control Systems Society Technology Award
    Contributed by: Mike Masten, m.masten@ieee.org
    
    Nominations are solicited for the 2001 IEEE Control Systems Technology
    Award.  This annual award is given for outstanding contributions to control
    systems technology, either in design and implementation or in project
    management.  It may be conferred on either an individual or a team.  The
    award is presented at the annual Control Systems Society awards ceremonies 
    held at the IEEE Conference on Decision and Control.  The deadline for 
    nominations is 15 May, 2001.  Please send nominations, together with 
    supporting documentation, to the Chair of the CSS Technology Award Committee, 
    Dr. Michael K. Masten, 2309 Northcrest, Plano, TX 75075, USA, telephone: +1 
    972 480 4334, fax: +1 972 761 6966, email: m.masten@ieee.org.
    
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    2.2 UKACC Lecture: Design of Fly-By-Wire Flight Control Systems
    Contributed by: Sophie Curwen, scurwen@iee.org.uk
    
    2001 UKACC Lecture to be held on 21 March at the Royal Aeronautical Society, 
    London, UK. 18.00hrs (refreshments at 17.15hrs).
    Speaker:Mr Chris Fielding, Flight Control Systems Technologist, BAE Systems
    
    The design of an advanced flight control system is a technically challenging 
    task for which a range of engineering disciplines have to align their skills 
    and efforts in order to achieve a successful system design.  This 
    presentation gives an overview of some of the factors, which need to be 
    considered and is intended to serve as an introduction to this stimulating 
    subject. Specific aspects covered are: flight dynamics and handling 
    qualities, mechanical and fly-by-wire systems, flight control laws and air 
    data systems, stores carriage, actuation systems, flight control computer 
    implementation and flexible airframe dynamics.
    
    More information http://www.iee.org.uk/Events/b21mar01.htm
    
    The Lecture is FREE and everyone is welcome!
    
    
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    2.3 W.T. and Idalia Reid Prize
    Contributed by: Allison Bogardo, bogardo@siam.org
    
    DEADLINE APPROACHING                       
                                 CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
                                         for
                             W. T. AND IDALIA REID PRIZE
           
    The Reid Prize
         
    SIAM will present the W.T. and Idalia Reid Prize at the 2001 SIAM 
    Annual Meeting at the Town and Country Hotel in San Diego, July 9-13.
    The award will be given for research in, or other contributions
    to, the broadly defined areas of differential equations 
    and control theory.  The prize may be given either for a single 
    notable achievement or for a collection of such achievements.
              
    Eligibility
         
    The prize is awarded to any member of the scientific community who 
    meets the general guidelines of the prize description above.
         
    Description of Award
         
    The award consists of an engraved medal and a $10,000 cash prize, plus 
    travel expenses to attend the prize ceremony.
              
    Nominations
         
    A letter of nomination, including a description of achievement(s) 
    should be sent by February 28, 2001 to:
         
                    Professor John A. Burns
                    Chair, Reid Prize Selection Committee
                    c/o A. G. Bogardo
                    SIAM
                    3600 University City Science Center
                    Philadelphia, PA 19104-2688
                    Telephone: (215) 382-9800
                    Fax:       (215) 386-7999
                    E-mail:    bogardo@siam.org
         
    Selection Committee
         
    Members of the selection committee are John A. Burns, Chair (Virginia 
    Institute of Technology and State University); Ruth F. Curtain 
    (University of Groningen); James G. Glimm (State University of New 
    York at Stony Brook); John Guckenheimer (Cornell University); and 
    Arthur J. Krener (University of California, Davis).
    
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3. Positions
    3.1 Control andor Power Systems Engineer
    Contributed by: Dr Eduardo Gallestey, Eduardo.Gallestey@ch.abb.com
    
    ABB is one of the largest industrial, energy and automation
    companies in the world. We are looking for qualified engineers to
    work in control technologies for power stations and power systems,
    and problems related to distributed power generation. Your tasks
    will include the creation of mathematical models for these processes,
    identification of model parameters, validation of the process models
    and the development of appropriate control strategies. Additionally,
    our "Automation and Control Team" is attaching increasing importance
    to process optimisation and economic modelling. Typical projects within
    the team could thus include estimation of the lifetime of power station
    components, the effect of distributed power generators on the electricity
    grid, power systems stability, and risk analysis of participation 
    in energy markets.
    
    A strong foundation in mathematics and physics coupled with an element
    of pragmatism will enable you, the control engineer, power systems
    engineer or information technologist, to contribute your knowledge to
    the automation and optimisation of complex processes. You will work
    independently, using a great deal of initiative, in a friendly research
    and development environment. 
    
    If you are interested, please, send your application (cover letter with a 
    statement of interests, full CV and publication list) to the address below 
    
    Dr Eduardo Gallestey
    Department of Information Technologies
    ABB Corporate Research Ltd
    CH-5405 Baden-Dättwil
    Switzerland
    
    or electronically to
    
    Eduardo.Gallestey@ch.abb.com
    
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    3.2 Intelligent Systems at Oklahoma University
    Contributed by: Jerry Crain, Director ECE, crain@ou.edu
    
    Electrical and Computer Engineering at OU is participating in a 
    Multi-disciplinary Aerospace Engineering program in Intelligent Systems.  
    Candidates interested in intelligent control systems are especially encouraged 
    to respond to the advertisement below:
    
    UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA
    Faculty Positions for Intelligent Aerospace Systems Program
    
    The College of Engineering at the University of Oklahoma invites applications 
    for 3 to 5 new faculty positions at all levels in the area of Intelligent 
    Systems. The initial thrust of the program will be Intelligent Aerospace 
    Systems.   Preference will be given to applicants who have experience and/or 
    training in this field, with research interests in one or more of these areas: 
    intelligent design, intelligent control, and autonomous systems.
    
    Faculty in this new interdisciplinary program will have joint appointments in 
    two schools within the College. Applicants should indicate a primary and 
    secondary school from the following: Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering 
    (AME), Computer Science (CS), Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), and 
    Industrial Engineering (IE). The primary school should represent the 
    discipline most closely aligned with the applicant's research interests and 
    background. The secondary school should reflect the breadth of the applicant's 
    knowledge.
     
    This innovative Intelligent Systems program will aid initially in modernizing 
    the scope and content of the current Aerospace Engineering program, which has 
    an excellent and long-standing legacy and reputation. Thus, the successful 
    candidate is expected to be an integral part of this effort while being 
    capable of performing well in interdisciplinary teams. Future growth plans for 
    the Intelligent Systems program include broadening its scope to include 
    thrusts in other disciplines within the College of Engineering.
      
    The mission of the College of Engineering is to produce graduates most sought 
    after by industry and investors. The College strategic plan includes 
    development of multi-disciplinary partnerships, innovative learning 
    technologies, and a balanced mix of publicly and privately funded graduate 
    research.  The four schools partnering in the Intelligent Systems program all 
    have comprehensive and recognized programs. Further details for each school 
    can be found at these web sites: www.ame.ou.edu, www.cs.ou.edu, 
    www.ece.ou.edu, and www.ie.ou.edu.
    
    Candidates are expected to hold a Ph.D. in a relevant area. Experience with 
    industry is desirable. Applicants are requested to submit a letter of intent 
    along with a curriculum vitae and the names and addresses of three references 
    to the address below. The first screening will begin on March 15, 2001, and 
    the search will continue until the positions are filled.
    
    Dr. William Sutton, Director
    School of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, The University of Oklahoma
    865 Asp Avenue, Room 212, Norman, OK 73019-1052
    Phone: (405) 325-5011  Fax: (405) 325-1088    e-mail: sutton@ou.edu 
    
    The University of Oklahoma is a comprehensive university located in Norman, 
    Oklahoma. Norman has a population of around 100,000 and has one of the best 
    public school systems in the nation. The University and the Norman area offer 
    a wide range of cultural and recreational activities. Norman is located near 
    Oklahoma City, which has a metropolitan population of around 1 million. The 
    University of Oklahoma's beautiful 2,000 acre Norman Campus serves over 21,000 
    students from all 50 states and 111 countries
    
    The University of Oklahoma is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action 
    Employer.  Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.  OU has a policy of 
    being responsive to the needs of dual-career couples.
    
    
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    3.3 Ph.D. Position at Eindhoven and Tilburg Universities
    Contributed by: Maurice Heemels, w.p.m.h.heemels@tue.nl
    
    Contributed by: Maurice Heemels 
    
    	A Ph.D. position on "Dynamics and Complementarity"	
    
    	under guidance of 
    
    	Prof. Hans Schumacher, Dr. Peter Kort
    	Department of Econometrics and Operations Research
     	Tilburg University (www.kub.nl)
    	The Netherlands
    
    	and 
    
    	Dr. Maurice Heemels, Prof. Paul van den Bosch
    	Control Systems Group
    	Department of Electrical Engineering
    	Eindhoven University of Technology (www.tue.nl)
    	The Netherlands
    	
    Recent technological innovations have caused a considerable interest in the 
    study of dynamical processes of a mixed continuous and discrete nature. Such 
    processes are called hybrid dynamical systems (HDS) and are characterized by 
    the interaction of continuous models used by control engineers on one hand 
    and logic rules and discrete event systems studied by computer scientists
    on the other. A typical example of HDS is formed by automatic control of
    physical plants, which involves the interaction between a continuous-time
    process and a time-asynchronous digital controller. Besides these human-made
    HDS also various physical systems can be described by a multi-modal
    behavior. Examples include stick-slip friction in mechanics, and switching
    electrical circuits.
    
    The general class of HDS is very large and as a consequence it seems 
    reasonable and necessary to restrict oneself to a subclass of HDS that 
    carries a clear additional structure so as to facilitate a detailed
    analysis and control system design. At the same time, such a class
    should be nontrivial and relevant to many practical problems preferably
    in many interesting application areas. Complementarity systems (CS)
    form such a tractable class that consists of the interconnection of
    differential (or difference) equations and a special combination of
    inequalities which is known from the linear complementarity problem of
    mathematical programming. These systems describe for instance 
    piecewise linear and variable-structure systems (e.g. relay systems), 
    unilaterally constrained mechanical systems, switched electrical circuits, 
    optimal control problems with control or state constraints, mixed logical 
    dynamical systems, projected dynamical systems, and they also occur in 
    solution methods for HJB equations with discrete choice sets. So, a broad 
    range of interesting applications in both the engineering and economical 
    domain fall within the class of complementarity systems. 
    
    Research has focussed up to now on questions related to well-posedness 
    (existence and uniqueness of solution trajectories), modelling issues and 
    numerical simulation methodologies. Based on this fundamental framework we 
    aim at developing analysis and synthesis techniques. For instance, the 
    characterization of invariant sets (e.g. equilibria or periodic solutions)
    is widely open and standard techniques do not apply due to the mixed 
    continuous/discrete nature. Concepts of controllability, observability, 
    identifaction, stability, stabilizability and optimal control will receive 
    more attention in this project.  
    
    We are looking for a candidate having an M.Sc. degree and a strong background 
    in mathematics and systems and control theory. Candidates are expected to be 
    interested in fundamental research and in working on the boundary of several 
    research domains. A good command of the English language is required. The 
    appointment will be for four years and as an employee of the university you 
    will receive a competitive salary as well as excellent secondary benefits. 
    Since the PhD project is sponsored by the joint research pool of Eindhoven 
    and Tilburg universities, the position may be taken at either of these 
    universities. The cities of Tilburg and Eindhoven are located close to each 
    other in the Southern part of the Netherlands. Knowledge of the Dutch 
    language is not required, as even outside the university knowledge of
    English is sufficient to make oneself understood.
    
    If you are interested in this position, send a detailed curriculum vitae, a 
    publication list, your course programme and corresponding grades, references 
    and all other information that might be relevant to your application to the 
    address below. For further information on the project you can also contact 
    Hans Schumacher (jms@kub.nl). 
    
    Maurice Heemels
    Control Systems group
    Department of Electrical Engineering
    Eindhoven University of Technology
    P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB  Eindhoven, The Netherlands
    Tel: +31.40.2473587    Fax: +31.40.2434582  URL: http://www.er.ele.tue.nl/
    E-mail: w.p.m.h.heemels@tue.nl
    
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    3.4 PhD Studentship in Systems Biology
    Contributed by: Dr Olaf Wolkenhauer, Control Systems Centre UMIST, o.wolkenhauer@umist.ac.uk
    
    Applications are invited for a three-year PhD research studentship in DNA 
    Microarray Data Analysis to Investigate Gene Function and Regulation, at the 
    Department of Biomolecular Sciences, UMIST in collaboration with the Control 
    Systems Centre, UMIST. The post is available from September 2001.
    
    The project is designed for graduates with a degree in Engineering, Computer 
    Science or Mathematics and who are interested to work in an interdisciplinary 
    research environment. Systems Biology is an emerging field of biological 
    research that aims at a system-level understanding of the organisation and 
    dynamics of genetic pathways through mathematical modelling. The project is 
    to focus on the analysis data from DNA microarray time course experiments, 
    clustering of time-series data and parametric modelling of gene interactions. 
    Microarrays or “Gene Chips” are a revolutionary technology to measure gene 
    activity levels.
    
    The candidate will have the opportunity to conduct research in a unique 
    interdisciplinary environment. The Control Systems Centre, one of the world's 
    leading centres in control systems with all academic staff members engaged in 
    cutting-edge research on a variety of topics as detailed on the groups 
    website: http://www.umist.ac.uk/csc/. 
    
    The Department of Biomolecular Sciences was rated 5A in the last Research 
    Assessment exercise. All members of academic staff are involved in a broad 
    spectrum of research activities ranging from human problems such as Leukaemia 
    and Malaria to fundamental studies on Genetics, Biochemistry and 
    Biotechnology that are often studied in microorganisms. Further details can 
    be found on our departmental website http://www.bi.umist.ac.uk/ .
          
    The stipend is approximately £9000 per annum, limited to UK and European 
    citizens. For informal enquiries contact the project supervisor Dr Olaf 
    Wolkenhauer, E-mail: olaf.wolkenhauer@umist.ac.uk, Tel./Fax: +44 (0)161 200 
    4672, http://www.umist.ac.uk/csc/people/wolkenhauer.htm
    
    For an application pack, please contact Mrs Ann Coghlan, Postgraduate 
    Admissions Secretary, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, UMIST, PO Box 88, 
    Manchester M60 1QD, UK. E-mail: ann.coghlan@umist.ac.uk, Tel.: +44 (0)161 200 
    4221. Candidates should send a detailed CV, together with the names and 
    addresses of two referees, to Dr Olaf Wolkenhauer, Control Systems Centre, 
    UMIST, PO Box 88, Manchester M60 1QD, UK
    
    
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    3.5 Position: Train-Traffic in Large Networks
    Contributed by: Volker Mehrmann, mehrmann@math.tu-berlin.de
    
    Research Position: Train-traffic in Large Networks
     
    (Mitarbeiterstelle BatIIa) for 3 years (beginning March 1. 2001)
    at Fachbereich Mathematik, TU Berlin, Numerical analysis group.
    We are looking for a scientist to work for the project:
     
    "Modelling, simulation and planning of train-traffic in large networks"
     
    which is sponsored by the german ministery of science
    and education (BMBF) and headed by Prof. Volker Mehrmann.
     
    Research Tasks:
     
    -- Participation in the research project "Train-traffic in large networks".
    -- Development and implementation of numerical methods for the simulation and
    planning of train traffic in large networks like that of Deutsche Bahn.
    -- Modelling of the train traffic and software production together
    with the companies  TLC GmbH and DB Netz.
    -- There is the possibilty to work for a doctoral degree.
     
    Requirements:
     
    -- German Diplom or equivalent Master degree
    in mathematics, computer science or engineering
    -- good knowledge in mathematical modelling, differential equations
    numerical analysis and programming
    -- good knowledge of german and english
     
    Contact:   Volker Mehrmann
    Tel.: 030-314-25736,
    email: mehrmann@math.tu-berlin.de                                           
    
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    3.6 Post-Doc Position in Robust MPC at Imperial College
    Contributed by: Professor  David Mayne, d.mayne@ic.ac.uk
    
    Applications are invited from qualified condidates for a post-doctoral
    position in the area of robust model predictive control of constrained
    dynamic systems.  The  successful candidate would participate in a 
    research programme to determine a variant of model predictive control 
    that achieves robustness in the face of several types of uncertainty 
    (state estimation error, external disturbance, model error) while 
    containing complexity.  Control of both linear and nonlinear systems 
    will be investigated.  The programmme includes development of a MATLAB 
    toolbox to implement the research results and several case studies.
    Mathematical and programming skills are required.
    
    Interested candidates should submit the following information:
    D. Q. Mayne:
    
    (i)  Curriculum vitae
    (ii) List of publications
    (iii) Copies of three relevant publications
    (iv) Names and addresses of three referees.
    
    This information should be sent to:
    
    Professor D. Q. Mayne
    Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineeering
    Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine
    Exhibition Road
    London SW7 2BT
    England, UK
    
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    3.7 Post-Doctoral Position: Autonomous Underwater Vehicles
    Contributed by: Daniel J. Stilwell, stilwell@usna.edu
    
    The Unmanned Underwater Vehicles Laboratory at the United States Naval
    Academy invites applications for 1 to 2 post-doctoral positions (subject to
    funding).  The research is directed toward the development of very small and
    modular autonomous underwater vehicles.  There exist several focus areas:
    vehicle design, novel sensors and communication, advanced guidance and
    control, and vision-based control. The ideal candidate will have expertise
    in several of the following areas:  embedded control, instrumentation,
    hydrodynamics, control theory, and computer vision.  Candidates will also
    have an opportunity to participate in the Naval Academy's educational
    mission.  Appointments are for one year and are to begin as soon as
    possible.  Appointments may be extended an additional year (subject to
    funding).  The Naval Academy has generously equipped laboratories, including
    a fully instrumented 380ft tow-tank.  The Naval Academy is located near
    Washington DC on the scenic Chesapeake Bay, with access to nearby Navy
    laboratories and government agencies.  Send resume and 3 references to
    Professor Daniel J. Stilwell, Systems Engineering Department, United States
    Naval Academy, 118 Maryland Ave, Annapolis, MD 21402.  For more information,
    email stilwell@usna.edu.  The Naval Academy is an equal
    opportunity/affirmative action employer.
    
    
    
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    3.8 Post-doctoral Fellow: Metal spray tooling process
    Contributed by: Stephen Duncan, stephen.duncan@eng.ox.ac.uk
    
    Postdoctoral Fellowship in Control System Design
    
    UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD
    DEPARTMENT OF ENGINEERING SCIENCE
    
    Applications are invited for a two year post-doctoral Fellowship in control 
    system design for a metal spray tooling process.
    
    Tooling is essential for all manufacturing processes such as die casting, 
    injection moulding, powder processing, stamping etc.  A major new £1.5m 
    research project at the Departments of Engineering Science and Materials at 
    Oxford University is investigating the development of a novel, flexible and 
    economic process that creates steel tools by spray deposition.  In this 
    process, accurate steel tools are formed by spraying metal from arc spray 
    guns mounted on a robot.  The research project is funded jointly by the UK 
    Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, The Ford Motor Company 
    and Sulzer Metco.
    
    Applications are invited for this 2 year postdoctoral research fellowship to 
    join an enthusiastic team of academics, researchers and technicians 
    developing a custom built production scale facility that incorporates a range 
    of on-line sensors and actuators for process control.
    
    The person appointed to this post will develop a system for controlling 
    thermal profile during the metal spraying process.  Experience of designing 
    and implementing advanced control systems is required and knowledge of 
    distributed parameter controllers and robust multivariable control systems is 
    desirable.
    
    The salary is in the RA1A range £16775 - £25,213
    
    Further particulars may be obtained from Mr C.J. Scotcher, The Senior 
    Administrator, University of Oxford, Department of Engineering Science, Parks 
    Road, Oxford, OX1 3PJ, United Kingdom; to whom written applications should be 
    made, enclosing a curriculum vitae and the names and addresses of two 
    referees.
    
    Please quote  CJS/SD/DF/01/004 in all correspondence.
    
    The closing date for applications is: March 7th, 2001. 
    
    The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
    
    
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    3.9 Post-doctoral Research in Kernel-based Non-linear Adaptive Filtering
    Contributed by: Rob Harrison, r.f.harrison@shef.ac.uk
    
    Department of Automatic Control & Systems Engineering
    The University of Sheffield UK
    
    RESEARCH ASSOCIATE IN KERNEL-BASED, NON-LINEAR ADAPTIVE FILTERING
    
    An EPSRC-funded post is available for two years for candidates with, or about 
    to receive, a PhD, to work in the field of non-linear adaptive filtering 
    based on kernel methods and support vector machines. The work centres on the 
    development of novel, adaptive algorithms and will be both analytical and 
    computational. You should have good mathematical and computational skills and 
    a methodical approach to data analysis. Applications will be particularly 
    welcome from candidates with a strong background in one or more of the 
    following: support vector and kernel machines, machine learning, neural 
    networks, adaptive systems, non-linear signal processing or functional 
    analysis.
    
    Salary:£16,775–£19,482 p.a. 
    Closing date for applications: 7 March 2001 
    Reference Number:RW2283
    
    
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    3.10 Postdoc Fellow in Control of Smart Structures
    Contributed by: Professor Song, gsong@uakron.edu
    
    Job description for the postdoc fellow position:
    
    The main thrust of this research is Active Control of Smart Materials and 
    Structures. The successful candidate must have expertise in at least two of 
    the following areas: smart materials and structures, active and passive 
    vibration control, health monitoring and/or nondestructive testing, 
    analytical and experimental mechanics, advanced composite materials and 
    structures, and characterization and material modeling of fiber-reinforced 
    polymer composites. The candidate must have the ability to write quality 
    proposals dealing with problems of national significance. The credentials of 
    the candidate include a balanced theoretical and experimental background in 
    his/her Ph.D. research in a specialty area listed above. The candidate will 
    be responsible for conducting multi-disciplinary research on smart materials 
    and structures; collaborating with and eventually leading on proposal 
    preparation efforts; advising of graduate students. The Post-Doctoral Fellow 
    will work with three faculty members from Mechanical Engineering and Civil 
    Engineering (Dr. G. Song of Mechanical Engineering and Dr. P.Z. Qiao, and Dr. 
    W.K. Binienda of Civil Engineering). Due to the collaborative nature of this 
    research, the fellow must have ability to work with multiple faculty members. 
    
    Applications, including a resume, transcripts, and the names and e-mail 
    addresses of at least two references, should be sent to Dr. G. Song, 
    Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 
    44325-3903, E-mail: gsong@uakron.edu, Phone: (330) 972-6715.
    
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    3.11 Postdoctoral Position in Biomedical Signal-Processing
    Contributed by: Patrick De Maziere, patrick@neuro.kuleuven.ac.be
    
    Deadline for application: 15 March 2001
    
    The Computational Neuroscience Group of the Laboratory of Neuro- and
    Psychophysiology, Medical School of the Katholiek Universiteit Leuven,
    Belgium (http://simone.neuro.kuleuven.ac.be), invites applications for a
    post-doctoral position in the area of biomedical signal-processing
    (functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging). 
    
    Desired profile:
    
    The highly qualified applicant should possess a Ph.D. degree in the field
    of signal-processing, image-processing, or neural networks. He/she should
    be familiar with Independent Components Analysis (ICA) and/or related
    techniques as Projection Pursuit, Blind Source Separation, ... 
    Programming skills are an asset (C, Matlab, ...), as is a familiarity with
    UNIX and PC platforms. 
    
    We offer:
    
    1) A challenging research environment. The applicant will have access to
    data from state-of-the-art Magnetic Resonance scanners and signal-processing
    tools for examining brain activity in both humans and monkeys. 
    
    2) An attractive income. The applicant will receive 2375 Euro net per
    month, including a full social security coverage. This is comparable to
    the salary of an associate Professor at the University. Housing will be
    taken care of by the host institute. 
    
    3) Free return airline ticket, economy class (maximum 1500 Euro) and a
    reimbursement of all costs incurred for shipping luggage to Belgium
    (maximum 1000 Euro). 
    
    Please send (mail/fax/email) your CV (including bibliography, and the
    names and addresses of three references), before the deadline of 
    15 March 2001 to:
    
    Prof. Dr. Marc M. Van Hulle
    K.U.Leuven
    Laboratorium voor Neuro- en Psychofysiologie
    Faculteit Geneeskunde
    Campus Gasthuisberg
    Herestraat 49
    B-3000 Leuven
    Belgium
    Phone: + 32 16 345961
    Fax: + 32 16 345993
    E-mail: marc@neuro.kuleuven.ac.be
    URL: http://simone.neuro.kuleuven.ac.be
    
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    3.12 Research Position: Real Time Systems
    Contributed by: Eunjeong Lee, elee@utsa.edu
    
    Pre/Postdoctoral research position
    
    Desirable skills are Real-Time Programming in "C", Sensor Integration, Real-
    Time Data Acquisition and Control.  S/he will implement intelligent 
    controllers on a robot-like system and develop superconducting bearing 
    systems.  Eligibility to work in U.S. is required.
    For a postdoctoral position, salary will be $18k for 6 months.  
    
    Contact person:  
    Eunjeong Lee
    Assistant Professor
    Mechanical Engineering
    The University of Texas at San Antonio
    6900 North Loop 1604 West
    San Antonio, TX 78249
    Tel: 210)458-4952
    Fax: 210)458-5589
    elee@utsa.edu
    
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    3.13 Research Positions Xerox PARC
    Contributed by: Xenofon Koutsoukos, koutsouk@parc.xerox.com
    
                     Xerox Palo Alto Research Center
    
             Positions in signal processing algorithm development
              and software engineering/Member of Research Staff
    
    The Computation and Matter Area (CMA) at PARC is looking for dynamic
    individuals to join a multi-disciplinary team to develop algorithms
    and software systems for collaborative sensing and diagnostics:
    
    ALGORITHM DEVELOPER, SIGNAL PROCESSING: Work closely with researchers
    to design and implement algorithms, explore alternatives in the lab,
    and demonstrate performance in the field.  An M.S. or equivalent
    experience in statistical signal processing, array signal processing,
    or speech processing is required. C++ and Matlab required.
    
    SOFTWARE ENGINEER: Define and implement software platforms.  This will
    require excellent software engineering skills and 4 or more years
    experience with systems programming and inter-process communication.
    An M.S. in computer science and experience with simulation or analysis
    of algorithms are pluses. C++ and MatLab required.
    
    This research effort is part of PARC's thrust in Smart Matter, which
    is creating the ability to embed large numbers of sensors, actuators,
    and computation in the world around us.  Collaborative sensing seeks
    to make sense of the world from spatially distributed, wireless MEMS
    sensors, and Smart Matter diagnostics develops scalable techniques to
    diagnose, monitor, and manipulate a new generation of sensor-rich
    physical systems and processes.  Applications range from traffic
    monitoring, target tracking, electro-mechaical machine diagnosis, and
    robotics.
    
    To apply, please submit a cover letter explaining your interest for
    the position and a resume.  Please apply by email to
    spljobs@parc.xerox.com (Attention: Feng Zhao).  You are responsible
    for arranging 1-2 reference letters to be sent to us.  Applications
    will be processed as received and positions will be filled as suitable
    candidates are identified.
    
    SPL/CMA Administrator
    Xerox Palo Alto Research Center
    3333 Coyote Hill Road
    Palo Alto, CA 94304
    E-mail: spljobs@parc.xerox.com
    Fax: 650-812-4334
    
    Xerox is an Equal Employment Opportunity company committed to the
    principles of workforce diversity.
    
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4. Books
    4.1 Fixed Interval Smoothing for State Space Models
    Contributed by: Howard L. Weinert, howard@jhu.edu
    
          	   Fixed Interval Smoothing for State Space Models
         by Howard L. Weinert, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
    
    Fixed-interval smoothing is a method of extracting useful information from 
    inaccurate data. It has been applied to problems in engineering, the physical 
    sciences, and the social sciences, in areas such as control, communications, 
    signal processing, acoustics, geophysics, oceanography, statistics, econo-
    metrics, and structural analysis. This monograph addresses problems for which 
    a linear stochastic state space model is available, in which case the ob-
    jective is to compute the linear least-squares estimate of the state vector 
    in a fixed interval, using observations previously collected in that inter-
    val. The author uses a geometric approach based on the method of complemen-
    tary models. Using the simplest possible notation, he presents straight-
    forward derivations of the four types of fixed-interval smoothing algorithms, 
    and compares the algorithms in terms of efficiency and applicability. Results 
    show that the best algorithm has received the least attention in the litera-
    ture. This book includes new material on interpolation, fast square root 
    implementations, and boundary value models; it is the first book devoted to 
    smoothing; it contains an annotated bibliography of smoothing literature; it 
    uses simple notation and clear derivations; it compares algorithms from a 
    computational perspective; it identifies a best algorithm. "Fixed Interval 
    Smoothing for State Space Models" will be the primary source for those 
    wanting to understand and apply fixed-interval smoothing: academics, 
    researchers, and graduate students in control, communications, signal 
    processing, statistics and econometrics. Kluwer Academic Publishers, Boston 
    Hardbound, ISBN 0-7923-7299-9, January 2001, 136 pp. EUR 113.50 / USD 98.00 / 
    GBP 69.00	 
    
    
    
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    4.2 IFAC Proceedings Recently Published
    Contributed by: Martin Ruck, m.ruck@elsevier.co.uk
    
    The following IFAC Proceedings volume has recently been published and is 
    available from IFAC Publications/Elsevier Science:
    
    Robust Control Design 2000 (2 volume set)
    21–23 June 2000, Prague, Czech Republic
    Edited by V. Kucera, M. Sebek
    ISBN: 0 08 043249 2
    http://www.elsevier.com/locate/isbn/0080432492
    
    To order, please visit the web page mentioned above.
    
    For more information about IFAC Publications, including a complete list of 
    all Proceedings volumes available, please visit the web page:
    http://www.elsevier.com/locate/ifac.
    
    
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5. Journals
    5.1 Contents: Asian Journal of Control
    Contributed by: Li-Chen Fu, lichen@ccms.ntu.edu.tw
    
                        
                            Important Information  
    
    (1) Asian Journal of Control is included in EI Compendex Database starting   
    from 2001. 
    (2) For easy memory of the web site of Asian Journal of Control, one can use 
    the following URL : http://www.ajc.org.tw or http://ajc.org.tw instead of the 
    old one : http://ajc.csie.ntu.edu.tw. 
    
    March, 2001
    
    1. Title: "Best Linear Unbiased FIR Filters for Continuous-Time State Space 
              Models,"
      Author: Wook Hyun Kwon, Pyung Soo Kim, and Soo Hee Han
    
    2. Title: "Recursive Approaches for Single Sample Path Based Markov Reward 
              Processes,"
       Author: Hai-Tao Fang, Han-Fu Chen, and Xi-Ren Cao
    
    3. Title:  "A Learning-Theoretic Approach to Model-Set Identification,"
       Authors: Yasuaki Oishi and Hidenori Kimura
    
    4. Title: "Dynamic Parameterization for Path Following Control,"
       Author: Makoto KUMON, Norihiko ADACHI
    
    5. Title: "Stability of a Trajectory-Based Control Law for an Unknown 
               Nonlinear Non-Minimum Phase System,"
       Author: Anthony Brockwell, Rob Evans, and Iven Mareels
    
    6. Title: "Just-in-Time Modeling for Function Prediction and Its  
               Application,"
       Author: Qiubao Zheng, Hidenori Kimura
    
    7. Title: "The Search of Equilibrium Strategies for Controlled Boundary 
               Value Problem,"
       Author: Olga Vasilieva
    
    8. Title: "Fuzzy-Neuron Intelligent Coordination Control for a Unit Power
               Plant,"
       Author: Jianming Zhang, Ning Wang, and Shuqing Wang
    
    9. Title: "Application of Fuzzy Logic to Vehicle Classification Algorithm in
               Loop/Piezo-Sensor Fusion Systems,"
       Author: Dong-il ¡§Dan¡¨ Cho, Sung-Wook Kim, Kwangsoo Kim, and Joo-Hyung Lee
    
    10.Title: "H¡Û Control of Linear Discrete-Time Systems with Norm-Bounded
               Nonlinear Uncertainties,"
       Author: Zhihong Peng and Zixing Cai
    
    11.Title: "On-Line Fault Diagnosis Based on B-Spline Neural Networks Using
               Asymptotic Local Apporach,"
       Author: Chan, C. W., Wang, Y., Cheung, K.C.
    
    Return to top of newsletter
    5.2 Contents: Automatica
    Contributed by: Huibert Kwakernaak, automatica@math.utwente.nl
    
    May, 2001                                                 Issue    37:5
    
    Survey Papers
    
    P. Kokotovic, M. Arcak        Constructive nonlinear control: A historical
                                  perspective
    
    Regular Papers
    
    H. Akcay, P. S. C. Heuberger  A frequency-domain iterative identification
                                  algorithm using general orthonormal basis
                                  functions
    
    A. Stenman, F. Gustafsson     Adaptive smoothing methods for
                                  frequency-function estimation
    
    M. Staroswiecki, G.           Analytic redundancy relations for fault
    Comtet-Varga                  detection and isolation in algebraic dynamic
                                  systems
    
    T. I. Fossen, J. P. Strand    Nonlinear passive weather optimal positioning
                                  control (WOPC) system for ships and rigs:
                                  Experimental results
    
    Brief Papers
    
    G-H. Yang, J. L. Wang, Y. C.  Reliable H(infinity) controller design for
    Soh                           linear systems
    
    G-H. Yang, J. L. Wang         Non-fragile H(infinity) control for linear
                                  systems with multiplicative controller gain
                                  variations
    
    F. J. D'Amato, M. A. Rotea,   New results for analysis of systems with
    et al.                        repeated nonlinearities
    
    F. Giri, F. Z. Chaoui, Y.     Parameter identification of a class of
    Rochdi                        Hammerstein plants
    
    C. Mosquera, F. Perez         Algebraic solution to the robust SPR problem
                                  for two polynomials
    
    Technical Communiques
    
    R. J. Mantz, H. De Battista,  A new approach to reaching mode of VSS using
    P. F. Puleston                trajectory planning
    
    S. Xu, C. Yang, Y. Niu, J.    Robust stabilization for uncertain discrete
    Lam                           singular systems
    
    K-K. Shyu, Y-W. Tsai, C-K.    A dynamic output feedback controllers for
    Lai                           mismatched uncertain variable structure
                                  systems
    
    M. Gevers, L. Ljung, P. M.    Asymptotic variance expressions for
    J. Van den Hof                closed-loop identification
    
    Book Reviews
    
    I. Bucher                     Mechatronics, 2nd edition, by W. Bolton
    
    J. S. Gierke                  Optimal control of soil venting: Mathematical
                                  modeling and applications, by H. H. Gerke, U.
                                  Hornung, Y. Kelanemer, M. Slodicka and S.
                                  Schumacher
    
    A. Ilchmann                   Stabilization of linear systems, by V. Dragan
                                  and A. Halanay
    
    J. Böhm                       Robust adaptive control, by P. A. Ioannou and
                                  Jing Sun
    
    P. Voulgaris                  Computational methods for controller design,
                                  by N. Elia and M. A. Dahleh
    
    M. Karpel                     Robust aeroservoelastic stability analysis, by
                                  R. Lind and M. Brenner
    
    B. De Schutter                Stability analysis of discrete event systems,
                                  by K. M. Passino and K. L. Burgess
    
    Return to top of newsletter
    5.3 Contents: Control Engineering Practice
    Contributed by: George W Irwin (Editor-in-Chief), g.irwin@ee.qub.ac.uk
    
    Journal: Control Engineering Practice
    ISSN   : 0967-0661
    Volume : 9
    Issue  : 2
    Date   : Feb-2001
    
    Visit the journal at http://www.elsevier.nl/locate/jnlnr/00123
    
    
    pp 123-124
    Pieter Eykhoff (1929-2000)
    G.W. Irwin
    
    pp 125-133
    A nonlinear industrial model predictive controller using integrated
    PLS and neural net state-space model
    H. Zhao, J. Guiver, R. Neelakantan, L.T. Biegler
    
    pp 135-148
    Application of system identification techniques to aircraft gas
    turbine engines
    C. Evans, P.J. Fleming, D.C. Hill, J.P. Norton, I. Pratt, D. Rees, K.
    Rodrguez-Vazquez
    
    pp 149-157
    Control design of spinning rockets based on co-evolutionary
    optimization
    H.-I. Lee, B.-C. Sun, M.-J. Tahk, H. Lee
    
    pp 159-167
    A nonlinear friction compensation method using adaptive control and
    its practical application to an in-parallel actuated 6-DOF
    manipulator
    J.-H. Ryu, J. Song, D.-S. Kwon
    
    pp 169-179
    Adaptive friction compensation using extended Kalman-Bucy filter
    friction estimation
    L.R. Ray, A. Ramasubramanian, J. Townsend
    
    pp 181-187
    Identification and experimental validation of a scalable elevator
    vertical dynamic model
    Y.M. Cho, R. Rajamani
    
    pp 189-190
    Preface to the Special Section on Space Robotics
    J.Z. Sasiadek
    
    pp 191-198
    An inverse kinematics algorithm for interaction control of a flexible
    arm with a compliant surface
    B. Siciliano, L. Villani
    
    pp 199-205
    Rotational motion-damper for the capture of an uncontrolled floating
    satellite
    S. Matunaga, T. Kanzawa, Y. Ohkami
    
    pp 207-215
    Coordinated control of a satellite-mounted manipulator with
    consideration of payload flexibility
    S. Taniwaki, S. Matunaga, S. Tsurumi, Y. Ohkami
    
    pp 217-225
    Calibration of controls in steering nonholonomic systems
    I. Duleba, J.Z. Sasiadek
    
    pp 227-231
    Conference Calendar
    
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    5.4 Contents: Control Systems Magazine
    Contributed by: Tariq Samad, tariq.samad@honeywell.com
    
    Control Systems Magazine Table of Contents: February 2001
    www.htc.honeywell.com/projects/csm/
    
    Special Section on Networks and Control
    
    Guest Editorial: Networks and Control, by Linda Bushnell
    Page: 22
    
    New Technological Vistas for Systems and Control: 
    The Example of Wireless Networks, by P.R. Kumar
    Page: 24
    
    Available Bit Rate Congestion Control in ATM Networks,
    by Orhan Cagri Imer, Sonia Compans, Tamer Baºar, and R. Srikant
    Page: 38
    
    Scheduling of Networked Control Systems
    by Hong Ye
    Page: 57
    
    Performance Evaluation of Control Networks:
    Ethernet, ControlNet, and DeviceNet, 
    by Feng-Li Lian, James R. Moyne, and Dawn M. Tilbury
    Page: 66
    
    A Six-Wheeled Omnidirectional Autonomous Mobile Robot
    by Wei Zhang, Michael S. Branicky, and Stephen M. Phillips
    Page: 84
    
    Columns
    
    Feedforward: Technology Impact: Some Thoughts on 
    Deskilling and Design Responsibility, by Ron Frazzini
    Page: 8
    
    Eye on Education: Controls Laboratory Program with an Accent on 
    Discovery Learning, by Brian Armstrong and Ronald Perez
    Page: 14
    
    From Membership Activities: Control in Argentina: A Report from the 
    Joint Chapter, by María Inés Valla and José Luis Figueroa
    Page: 100
    
    Interview: CDC Returns to Florida in 2001
    Page: 105
    
    Officer's Communique: Minutes of the Control Systems Society 
    Board of Governors Meeting on 27 June 2000
    Page: 109
    
    Departments
    
    From the Editor
    Page: 4
    President's Message
    Page: 6
    Scanning the Transactions
    Page: 116
    Ph.D. Dissertations
    Page: 119
    Bookshelf
    Page: 120
    Calendar
    Page: 121
    On the Market
    Page: 123
    On the Lighter Side
    Page: 128
    
    
    
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    5.5 Contents: IEEE Trans. on Control Systems Technology
    Contributed by: Marc Bodson, bodson@ee.utah.edu
    
    IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON CONTROL SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY
                   January 2001
    
    EDITORIAL
      Publishing in a Changing World
        M. Bodson
    
    IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON CONTROL SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY
      Outstanding Paper Awards
    
    SPECIAL ISSUE ON DYNAMICS AND CONTROL OF SMART STRUCTURES
    
    GUEST EDITORIAL
      Introduction to the Special Issue on Dynamics and Control of
      Smart   Structures
        S. O. R. Moheimani and G. C. Goodwin
    
    SPECIAL ISSUE PAPERS
      Passivity-Based Stability and Control of Hysteresis in Smart
      Actuators
        R.B. Gorbert, K. A Morris, and D. W. L. Wang
      Phase Control Approach to Hysteresis Reduction
        J. M. Cruz-Hernandez and V. Hayward
      Control of Seiemically Excited Vibration Using
      Electrorheological Materials and Lyapunov Methods
        H. P. Gavin                                                               
      Spatial Resonant Control of Flexible Structures
        D. Halim and S. O. R. Moheimani
    
    SPECIAL ISSUE BRIEF PAPERS
      Modelling of Shape Memory Alloy Actuator and Tracking
      Control System with the Model
        S. Majima, K. Kodama, and T. Hasegawa
      Robust Control of Input Limited Smart Structural Systems
        S. Sana and V. S. Rao
      Analysis and Control of Monolithic Piezoelectric Nano-Actuator
        T. Chang and X. Sun
      A Principal Component Feedforward Algorithm for Active Noise
      Control: Flight Test Results
        R. Cabell, D. Palumbo, and J. Vipperman
      Noise Effect on Adaptive Command Shaping Methods for
      Flexible Manipulator Control
        S. Rhim and W. J. Book
      Decentralized Control for Multichannel Active Vibration
      Isolation
        S.-M Kim, S. J. Eliott, and M. J. Brennan
      Disturbance Rejection Using Self-Tuning ARMARKOV Adaptive
      Control with Simultaneous Identification
          H. S. Sane, R. Venugopal, and D. S. Bernstein
    
    REVIEWER LIST
      Reviewer List for Special Issue on Dynamics and Control of
      Smart Structures
    
    REGULAR ISSUE PAPERS
      Adaptive Feedforward Control for Disturbance Torque Rejection
      in Seeker Stabilizing Loop
        C. -L. Lin and Y.-H Hsiao
      Control System Design for a Rapid Thermal Processing System
        C.-A. Lin and Y.-K Jan
      Contouring Control of Machine Tool Feed Drive Systems: A Task
      Coordinate Frame Approach
        G.T.-C Chiu and M. Tomizuka
      Fuzzy Damage-Mitigating Control of a Fossil Power Plant
        M. Holmes and A. Ray
      A Dicrete Adaptive Near-Time Optimum Control for the Plasma
      Vertical Position in a Tokamak
        L. Scibile and B. Kouvaritakis
      Nonlinear Techniques for Mode C Climb/Descent Rate Estimation
      in ATC Systems
        E. Sviestins and T. Wigren
      Nonlinear H-infinity Control for an Integerated Suspension
      System via   Parameterized Linear Matrix Inequality
      Characterizations
        H. D. Tuan, E. Ono, P. Apkarian, and S. Hosoe
      An Identification Scheme Combining First Principle Knowledge,
      Neural Networks, and the Likelihood Function
        R. B. Vilim, H.E. Garcia, and F. W. Chen
    
    REGULAR ISSUE BRIEF PAPERS
      Active Noise Control for Periodic Disturbances
        M. Bodson, J. S. Jensen, and S. C. Douglas 
    
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    5.6 Contents: International Journal of Control
    Contributed by: Sharron Lawrence, sara@tandf.co.uk
    
    International Journal of Control 
    
    Volume 74, Number 4, March 2001
    
    Frequency response estimation for normalized coprime factors 315 - 328
    Tong Zhou
    
    Delay-dependent robust stability and H control of jump linear systems with 
    time-delay 329 - 340
    E. K. Boukas; Z. K. Liu; G. X. Liu
    
    Attitude determination and stabilization of a spherically symmetric rigid 
    body in a magnetic field 341 - 347
    Georgi V. Smirnov
    
    An augmented Lagrangian method for a class of LMI-constrained problems in 
    robust control theory 348 - 360
    Bassem Fares; Pierre Apkarian; Dominikus Noll
    
    Efficient non-linear model based predictive control 361 - 372
    M. Cannon; B. Kouvaritakis; Y. I. Lee; A. C. Brooms
    
    Structured time-delay systems: a graph approach 373 - 386
    O. Sename; V. Hovelaque; C. Commault; J. M. Dion
    
    Input-output stability degrees for undamped constant coefficients linear 
    partial differential equations 387 - 397
    Matei Kelemen
    
    Finite dimensional variable structure control design for distributed delay 
    systems 398 - 408
    Feng Zheng; Paul M. Frank
    
    Some properties of the general n-trailer 409 - 424
    Claudio Altafini
    
    You can read more about this journal at:
    http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals/tf/00207179.html
    
    
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6. Conferences
    6.1 5th Int Symposium on QFT and Robust Freq Domain Methods
    Contributed by: Mario Garcia-Sanz, mgsanz@unavarra.es
    
    5th INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON QUANTITATIVE FEEDBACK
    THEORY AND ROBUST FREQUENCY DOMAIN METHODS
     
    Public University of Navarre, Pamplona, Spain.
    23 - 24 August, 2001.
    
    Please visit the conference web site: 
    http://www.ayc.unavarra.es/qft/main.htm
     
    CONFERENCE ANNOUNCEMENT
    This symposium will be the fifth in series of specialist conferences on 
    quantitative feedback theory (QFT) and robust frequency domain design 
    methods. Its purpose is to bring together practitioners and researchers in 
    the field and to promote the development of these methods and their 
    practical application. Tutorial, application, and theoretical papers
    will be presented in the field of robust frequency domain design.
     
    SPONSORS
    European Office of Aerospace Research and Development (EOARD)
    IFAC, Spanish Committee (CEA - IFAC)
    Public University of Navarre
     
    SCOPE
    The Symposium will cover new developments in Quantitative Feedback Theory 
    and Robust Frequency Domain methods, algorithms and software. Papers on 
    industrial applications of these techniques will be particularly welcome.
     
    TOPICS
    Quantitative Feedback Theory
    Robust Control
    Frequency-based Methods
    Robust Stability and Performance
    Uncertain Dynamic Systems
    Identification for Robust Control
    Fault Detection in Uncertain Systems
    Applications
    
    INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM COMMITTEE
    CHAIRMAN: Mario Garcia-Sanz (Spain)		
    MEMBERS: Edward Boje (South Africa), Constantine H. Houpis (USA),
    Eduard Eitelberg (South Africa), Isaac Horowitz (USA),
    Per-Olof Gutman (Israel), Yossi Chait (USA), 
    Alfonso Banos (Spain), Roberto Tempo (Italy),
    Pedro Albertos (Spain), Mathew A. Franchek (USA),
    Oded Yaniv (Israel), Dave Thompson (USA),
    Bor-Chyun Wang (Taiwan), Donald Ballance (United Kingdom),
    John O'Reilly (United Kingdom), Suhada Jayasuriya (USA). 	
    
    DEADLINES
    Submission of Papers: 1 April, 2001 (Extended). 
    Notification of Acceptance: 15 May, 2001 (Extended). 
    Receipt of Camera ready copies: 1 June, 2001 (Extended).  
    Advanced registration: 15 July, 2001. 
    Symposium: 23 - 24 August, 2001
    
    PREVIOUS SYMPOSIUMS
    1st.- Wright Patterson Airforce Base, Dayton, Ohio, August 1992
    2nd.- Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, August 1995
    3rd.- University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland, August 1997
    4th.- University of Natal, Durban, South Africa, August 1999
    
    SECRETARIAT
    5th International Symposium on Quantitative Feedback
    Theory and Robust Frequency Domain Methods
    Automatic Control and Computer Science Department.
    Public University of Navarra.
    31006 Pamplona, Spain.
    Fax: + 34 948 168924
    Email: qft.secretariat@unavarra.es
    
    
    
    
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    6.2 CFP: 4th Symposium on Intelligent Data Analysis
    Contributed by: Frank Hoeppner, frank.hoeppner@talknet.de
    
                            Call for Paper IDA-2001
    
          Fourth International Symposium on Intelligent Data Analysis
                       New University of Lisbon, Portugal
                            13th-15th September 2001
    
    Call for papers
    
      IDA-2001 will take place in Lisbon from  13th to 15th September 2001,
    and is organised by the  Department of Computer Science  of the Faculty
    of Science and  Technology  of the  New  University  of Lisbon. It will
    consist of a stimulating program of tutorials, invited talks by leading
    international experts in intelligent data analysis, contributed papers,
    poster sessions, and an exciting social program.
      Our aim is for  IDA-2001  to  bring  together a wide  variety of  re-
    searchers concerned  with extracting  knowledge  from  data,  including
    people  from statistics,  machine learning,  neural networks,  computer
    science, pattern recognition, database management, and other areas. The
    strategies adopted by people from these areas are  often different, and
    a synergy  results  if  this is  recognised.  IDA-2001 is  intended  to
    stimulate  interaction  between  these  different  areas, so that  more
    powerful tools emerge for extracting knowledge from  data and  a better
    understanding is developed of the process of intelligent data analysis.
    
    It is the  fourth symposium  on  Intelligent  Data  Analysis  after the 
    successful symposia in 1999 (Amsterdam), 1997 (London) and 1995 (Baden-
    Baden).
    
    IDA-2001 Organisation
    
    General Chair:       Doug Fisher, Vanderbilt University, USA
    Program Chair:       David Hand, Imperial College, UK
    Conference Chair:    Gabriela Guimaraes, New University Lisbon,Portugal
    
    Important Dates
    
    April, 23rd, 2001    Deadline for submitting papers
    June, 4th, 2001      Notification of acceptance
    July, 4th, 2001      Deadline for submission of final papers
    
    Publications
    
      The  proceedings will be  published in the  Lecture Notes in Computer
    Science  series of  Springer  (http://www.springer.de/comp/lncs/).  The
    proceedings of  Intelligent Data Analysis  97 and 99  appeared in  this
    series as LNCS 1280 and LNCS 1642.   (http://www.springer.de/comp/lncs/
    volumes/1280.htm).
    
    Additional Information
    
      A list of topics of interest, guidelines  for submissions, and infor-
    mation about the conference-site will shortly be available on the  con-
    ference web site:
    
                      http://centria.di.fct.unl.pt/ida01/
    
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    6.3 Call for Papers: 7th International Conference MMAR
    Contributed by: Zbigniew Emirsajlow, emirsaj@we.ps.pl
    
    Call for Papers (Extended Deadlines)
    
    7th IEEE International Conference on Methods and Models
    in Automation and Robotics
    
    28 - 31 August 2001,
    Miedzyzdroje, Poland
    
    SCOPE
    
    The objective of the Conference is to bring together scientists and
    engineers to present and discuss recent developments in the area of 
    mathematical methods, modeling, simulation and identification in 
    automation and robotics. This Conference is the seventh in a continuing 
    series, which started in 1994.
    
    MAIN TOPICS
    
    Control and system theory, Control engineering, Robotics
    Identification and measurements, Modeling and simulation
    Integration in manufacturing, Industrial safety, Marine automation
    Non-engineering applications
    
    SUBMISSION OF PAPERS AND PROPOSALS FOR INVITED SESSIONS
    
    Authors of regular papers should submit a structured draft paper
    being equivalent to maximum of 10 double-spaced A4 pages. The
    cover page should contain the title, author's name, affiliation,
    postal and e-mail addresses, fax and telephone numbers of each
    author, an abstract and three keywords. In case of joint
    authorship, the first name mentioned will be used for all
    correspondence, unless otherwise requested. All papers chosen for
    presentation will appear in the Conference Proceedings. At least
    one author per paper is required to register at the time of the
    submission of the camera-ready paper. Detailed instructions on
    preparation of the final version will be sent to authors of
    accepted papers.
    
    Persons wishing to organize an invited session related to the main
    topics of the Conference should submit a proposal stating the
    topic of the session, briefly describing its scope and justifying
    its inclusion in the Conference Program. The proposal should
    contain the title, a short abstract with three keywords for each
    contribution, the name, affiliation, postal and e-mail addresses,
    fax and telephone numbers of each proposed speaker.
    
    Both draft papers and proposals for invited sessions should be
    e-mailed (preferably as a PDF document, or else as a Postscript
    or, in the last resort, as a MS Word DOC file) to the Conference
    Secretariat by the deadline shown. Instead of electronic
    submission it is allowed to deliver five hard copies of the
    contribution.
    
    DEADLINES
    
    19 March 2001   Submission of draft papers and proposals for invited
    sessions (EXTENDED)
    23 April 2001   Notification of acceptance of contributed papers
    28 May 2001   Submission of camera-ready manuscripts
    16 July 2001   Distribution of the final program
    28 - 31 Aug 2001   Conference
    
    SECRETARIAT ADDRESS
    
    MMAR 2001 Conference Secretariat
    Institute of Control Engineering
    Technical University of Szczecin
    ul. Sikorskiego 37
    70-313 Szczecin, Poland
    Phone:   +48 91 4494723
    Fax:   +48 91 4889004
    E-mail:   mmar@we.ps.pl
    
    Updated information about MMAR 2001 can be found on the Internet at:
    http://www.mmar.ps.pl
    
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    6.4 Control and Measurement Engineering Education
    Contributed by: Dr. K. O. Jones, k.o.jones@livjm.ac.uk
    
    Institute Of Measurement And Control 
    Symposium On Control And Measurement Engineering Education
     
    13th September 2001, Liverpool United Kingdom
    
    Scope
    The Symposium will provide a forum for the presentation and discussion of 
    innovations in the teaching of measurement and control engineering in both 
    undergraduate and postgraduate courses.  In particular the Symposium will 
    focus on the future trends in measurement and control engineering education, 
    the impact of technology on teaching and assessment methods, the impact of 
    SARTOR 3 and the implications of the quality assurance process.
    Abstracts are requested in the areas of:
    * Innovations in teaching and assessment
    * Course content
    * Learning methods
    * Computer Aided Learning (CAL)
    * Computer Aided Assessment
    * Industrial relevance of student work
    * Software for control and instrumentation
    * Distance learning
    * Internet teaching
    * Experimental and Laboratory work
    * Engineering practice
    * Project work
    * C. P. D.
    * Future directions
    * Other topics relevant to control, measurement and instrumentation 
    engineering.
     Prospective speakers are invited to submit 3 copies of an abstract of 
    approximately 250 words for referee consideration, outlining the material 
    they propose to present (with their postal address, telephone number, fax 
    number and email address) to:
    Dr. K. O. Jones.
    School of Engineering,
    Liverpool John Moores University,
    Byrom Street,
    Liverpool,   L3 3AF.
    Tel: 0151 231 2199
    Fax: 0151 298 2624
    Email: k.o.jones@livjm.ac.uk
    
    Abstracts should arrive no later than 10 March 2001.  Authors of accepted 
    papers will be notified by 2 April 2001.  Full papers will be required by 2 
    July 2001.
    
    
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    6.5 Fourth SIAM Conf on Linear Algebra in Signals Systems and Control
    Contributed by: SIAM, meetings@siam.org
    
                  Call for Papers
    Fourth SIAM Conference on Linear Algebra in Signals, Systems and Control 
    
    Location:          Boston Park Plaza Hotel, Boston, MA, USA
    Dates:             August 13-16, 2001
    
    To submit go to: http://www.siam.org/meetings/lc01/part.htm. 
    For general information go to:  http://www.siam.org/meetings/lc01/
    
    Extended Submission Deadlines:
    MiniSymposium Proposals - 03/07/01
    Abstracts in Lecture or Poster format - 03/14/01
    
    For additional information, contact SIAM Conference Department at 
    meetings@siam.org
    
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    6.6 Summer School on Mathematical Control Theory
    Contributed by: Yuri Sachkov, sachkov@sissa.it
    
          UNITED NATIONS EDUCATIONAL SCIENTIFIC AND CULTURAL ORGANIZATION
                                      and
                       INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY
    
            THE ABDUS SALAM INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR THEORETICAL PHYSICS
    
    Strada Costiera 11
    I-34014 Trieste
    Italy
    Telephone:   +39-040-2240111
    Telex:       460392 ICTP I
    Telefax:     +39-040-224163
    
                    SUMMER SCHOOL ON MATHEMATICAL CONTROL THEORY
    
                               3 - 28 September 2001
                              Miramare, Trieste, Italy
    
          Co-sponsored by Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico
                           e Tecnologico (CNPq), Brazil
    
                                     Directors:
    
           A. Agrachev (SISSA, Trieste and Steklov Institute, Moscow)
               B. Jakubczyk (Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw)
       C. Lobry (Institut National de Recherche Agronomique, Montpellier)
    
            The Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP)
    is organizing a Summer School on Mathematical Control Theory from 3 to 28
    September 2001.  It is intended to be the first of a series of schools on
    this topic.
    
            Mathematical Control Theory is a rapidly growing field which provides
    strict theoretical and computational tools for dealing with problems arising
    in electrical and aerospace engineering, automatics, robotics, applied 
    chemistry, biology etc.
    
            It is well known that automatic control is very useful for the
    regulation of many industrial processes, especially in "high-tech" industries
    such as aeronautics or robotics.  Less known is the fact that control methods
    are involved in questions pertaining to the development of countries in the
    South, such as wastewater treatment, agronomy, epidemiology, population
    dynamics, control of industrial and natural bio-reactors.  Since most of
    these natural processes are highly nonlinear, the tools of nonlinear control
    are essential for the modelling and control of such processes.
    
            At present regular courses in Mathematical Control Theory are rarely
    included in the curricula of universities, and very few researchers receive
    enough background in this field.  It therefore seems useful to organize
    specific activities in the form of schools to provide the necessary
    background for those embarking on research in this field.
    
    PROGRAMME
    
            The first of this planned series of schools will consist of several
    courses and minicourses intended to provide an introduction to topics of
    Mathematical Control Theory.  It will include introductory courses on Linear
    Control Theory (finite and infinite-dimensional), Nonlinear Control Theory,
    and Optimal Control.
    
            The topics to be covered by these courses and minicourses will
    include:
    
            - Controllability and motion planning
            - Observability and observers
            - Stabilization and feedback equivalence
            - Optimal control problems
            - Control of hydrodynamical systems
    
            The last week will concentrate on applications of Control Theory,
    especially those which are important for the development of non-industrialized
    countries.
    
            Preliminary list of speakers:
    
            A. Agrachev (SISSA, Trieste and Steklov Institute, Moscow)
            A. Bacciotti (Politecnico di Torino)
            G. Bastin (CESAME, Louvain-la-Neuve)
            O. Bernard (INRIA, Sophia Antipolis)
            M. Coron (Universite' Paris Sud, Orsay)
            G. Da Prato (Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa)
            H. Frankowska (CEREMADE, Paris)
            J.-P. Gauthier (Universite' de Bourgogne, Dijon)
            B. Jakubczyk (Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw)
            M. Kawski (University of Arizona, Tempe)
            C. Lobry (Institut National de Recherche Agronomique, Montpellier)
            R. Montgomery (University of California, Santa Cruz)
            W. Respondek (INSA, Rouen)
            P. Rouchon (Ecole des Mines, Paris)
            G. Sallet (University of Metz & INRIA, France)
            J.-P. Steyer (Institut National de Recherche Agronomique, Narbonne)
            J. Zabczyk (Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw).
    
            The School is intended primarily for mathematicians and mathematically
    oriented engineers at the beginning of their career.  The typical
    participant is expected to be a graduate student or young post-doctoral
    researcher interested in Mathematical Control Theory.  It will be assumed that
    the participants have sufficient background in Ordinary Differential Equations
    and Advanced Calculus.
    
            Before returning to their home countries participants will receive
    appropriate material for further study.
    
    PARTICIPATION
    
            Mathematicians from all countries that are members of the UN,
    UNESCO or IAEA can attend the School.  The main purpose of the Centre is
    to help research workers from developing countries through a programme of
    training activities within a framework of international cooperation.  However,
    students and post-doctoral scientists from developed countries are also
    welcome to attend.  As the School will be conducted in English, participants
    should have an adequate working knowledge of that language.  Participants
    should preferably have completed some years of study and research after a
    first degree.
            As a rule, all expenses of the participants should be borne by the
    home institution.  However, a limited number of financial grants are
    available for participants from developing countries.  As scarcity of funds
    allows travel to be granted only in few exceptional cases, every effort
    should be made by candidates to secure support for their fares (or at least
    half of their fares) from their home country.
    
            There is no registration fee for participation in the School.
    
            Graduate and doctoral students should include with their application
    two letters of recommendation.
    
            POSSIBILE EUROPEAN COMMISSION GRANTS FOR YOUNG EUROPEAN RESEARCHERS
    
            There may be a possibility to provide support for young researchers
    (max. 35 years) who are nationals of a Member State of the European Union*
    or an Associated State**.
    
            Eligible young researchers who are interested in applying for such
    support, in the event that this is possible, should complete and return
    - by 31 March 2001 - the attached Request for Participation form.
    
    *Member States of the European Union:
    Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy,
    Luxemburg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom.
    
    **Associated States:
    Bulgaria, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Iceland,
    Israel, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Romania,
    Slovakia and Slovenia.    Latest information on entry into force of
    agreements is available on www.cordis.lu/fp5/src/3rdcountries.htm.
    
            The closing date for submitting requests for participation is 31 March
    2001.  The decision of the organizers will be communicated to all candidates
    as soon as possible thereafter.
            The "Request for Participation" form, to be found appended to this
    Bulletin (obtainable also via electronic mail:  smr1327@ictp.trieste.it,
    using as Subject:  get announcement, or via WWW server:
    http://www.ictp.trieste.it/) should be completed, signed, and mailed to:
    
            The Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics
            Summer School on Mathematical Control Theory
            (c/o Ms. A. Bergamo)
            Strada Costiera 11
            I-34014 Trieste
            Italy
    
            Telephone:  +39 - 040 - 2240201
            Telefax:    +39 - 040 - 2240490
            e-mail:  smr1327@ictp.trieste.it
    
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