Control Systems Society

   


Newsletter
November 2004

1. Personals
 1.1Change of Address: Emilio Frazzoli
2. Awards Honors
 2.1AACC Awards: Call for Nominations
 2.2Call for Nominations: SIAM Awards
 2.3Naomi Leonard named MacArthur Fellow
3. General Announcements
 3.12005 ACC Workshop on Engineering Applications in Genomics
 3.2Course on Identification in Closed Loop
 3.3New Submission System: Wiley Control Journals
 3.4Workshop on Stochastic Hybrid Systems at CDC
4. Positions
 4.1Design Engineer: GE China
 4.2Endowed Chair: Georgia Tech USA
 4.3Faculty: California Institute of Technology USA
 4.4Faculty: ETHZ Switzerland
 4.5Faculty: Nat Taiwan Universty Taiwan
 4.6Faculty: Oklahoma State University
 4.7Faculty: Southern Illinois University USA
 4.8Faculty: Univ Catholique de Louvain Belgium
 4.9Faculty: University of Birmingham UK
 4.10Faculty: University of Delaware USA
 4.11Faculty: University of New Orleans USA
 4.12Faculty: University of Wyoming USA
 4.13PhD: Carnegie-Mellon University USA
 4.14PhD: DLR Oberpfaffenhofen Germany
 4.15PhD: Oklahoma State University USA
 4.16PhD: TU Delft Netherlands
 4.17PhD: University of Pretoria South Africa
 4.18PhD Post-Doc: UCSC USA
 4.19Post-Doc: EPFL Lausanne Switzerland
 4.20Post-Doc: TU Delft: Netherlands
 4.21Post-Doc: University of Maryland USA
 4.22Post-Doc: University of Virginia USA
5. Books
 5.1Biomimicry for Optimization Control and Automation
 5.2Constrained Control and Estimation. An Optimisation Approach
 5.3Feedback Control of Computing Systems
 5.4Flight Dynamics
 5.5Handbook of Learning and Approximate Dynamic Programming
 5.6Variable Structure Systems: from Principles to Implementation
6. Journals
 6.1CFP: IEEE Trans on Automation Science and Engineering
 6.2Contents: Automatica
 6.3Contents: Control Engineering Practice
 6.4Contents: European Journal of Control
 6.5Contents: IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control
 6.6Contents: ISA Transactions
 6.7Contents: International Journal of Control
 6.8Contents: International Journal of General Systems
 6.9Contents: International Journal of Systems Science
 6.10Contents: Nonlinear Dynamics and Systems Theory
 6.11Special Issues: Asian Journal of Control
7. Conferences
 7.115th International Conference on Process Control
 7.21st Int Conf on Control and Optimization with Industrial Applications
 7.39th Annual IEEE Advanced Process Control Applications for Industry Workshop
 7.4Clustering High-Dimensional Data and its Applications
 7.5Joint 20th IEEE ISIC and MED 05
 7.6Second International Symposium on Neural Networks

1. Personals
    1.1 Change of Address: Emilio Frazzoli
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    Change of Address: Emilio Frazzoli
    
    Contributed by: Emilio Frazzoli, frazzoli@ucla.edu
    
    My new contact information:
    
    Emilio Frazzoli
    Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
    University of California at Los Angeles
    37-138 Engineering IV
    420 Westwood Plaza
    Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
    
    Web: http://rigoletto.seas.ucla.edu/
    Email: frazzoli@ucla.edu
    Tel: (310) 206-2533
    Fax: (310) 206-4830
    
    
    
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2. Awards Honors
    2.1 AACC Awards: Call for Nominations
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    AACC Awards: Call for Nominations
    
    Contributed by: Pradeep Misra, pmisra@cs.wright.edu
    
    2005 AACC Awards Nominations due December 1, 2004
    
    Nominations for the five AACC (American Automatic Control Council) awards
    for 2004 are now being solicited. The awards consist of a certificate and an 
    honorarium, and they will be presented at the Awards Luncheon during the 2005 
    ACC to be held in Portland, OR. Nomination packages should be prepared in
    accordance with the AACC Award Nomination Form and include the following: 
    biographical information, a statement identifying and evaluating the 
    accomplishments on which the nomination is based (not to exceed two double 
    spaced pages), a minimum of three and a maximum of five reference letters, a 
    current list of publications and patents, and any additional supporting 
    material that could have bearing on the award. Please submit the nomination
    electronically (see instructions on www.a2c2.org/awards/) by Dec. 1, 2004.
    
    Professor Pradeep Misra
    Department of ELectrical Engineering
    Wright State University
    3640 Col. Glenn Hwy
    Dayton, OH 45435
    Tel: (937) 775-5062
    pmisra@cs.wright.edu
    
    ****Nomination Forms**** may be downloaded from http://www.a2c2.org/
    
    The awards are described as follows:
    
    Richard E. Bellman Control Heritage Award. For distinguished career 
    contributions to the theory or applications of automatic control. The nominee 
    is to have spent a significant part of his or her career in the United 
    States. Posthumous nominations are not allowed.
    
    Donald P. Eckman Award. For outstanding accomplishments by a young engineer 
    in the field of automatic control. Nominees must be younger than 35 years on 
    January 1 of the year of award. The award is based on contributions made 
    while the nominee was a resident of the United States. 
    
    John R. Ragazzini Award. For outstanding contributions to automatic control 
    education in any form. The awardee normally is a teacher, but there is no 
    formal requirement that nominees be members of a university faculty. 
    
    Control Engineering Practice Award. For significant contributions to the 
    advancement of control practice including the application and implementation 
    of innovative control concepts, methodology, and technology, for the 
    planning, design, manufacture, and operation of control systems. 
    
    O. Hugo Schuck Best Paper Award. For the best two papers presented at the 
    previous American Control Conference. The papers must have been presented by 
    the author or a co-author at the conference. Selection criteria include 
    quality of the written and oral presentation, technical contribution, 
    timeliness, and practicality, with one award emphasizing contributions to 
    theory and the other emphasizing significant or innovative applications.
    
    
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    2.2 Call for Nominations: SIAM Awards
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    Call for Nominations: SIAM Awards
    
    Contributed by: J.M. Littleton, littleton@siam.org
    
    SIAM Activity Group on Dynamical Systems J. D. Crawford Prize
    
    The SIAM Activity Group on Dynamical Systems will present the award at the
    SIAM Conference on Applications of Dynamical Systems at Snowbird, May 22-26,
    2005.  
    
    The prize is awarded for recent outstanding work on a topic in dynamical
    systems and nonlinear science.  The research of the candidate must contain
    significant contributions to the field of nonlinear science, as evidenced by
    papers published in English in a peer-reviewed journal bearing a publication
    date within the four calendar years preceding the award date.
    
    The term "nonlinear science" is used in the spirit of the SIAG/DS meetings;
    specifically it includes dynamical systems theory and its applications as 
    well as experiments and computations/simulations.
    
    Description of the Award
    The award will consist of a plaque, a certificate containing the citation, 
    and a cash award of $750.  SIAM will reimburse reasonable travel expenses 
    for the recipient to attend the conference.
    
    Nominations
    A letter of nomination, including a description of the work, should be sent 
    by
    NOVEMBER 15, 2004, to:
    
    J. D. Crawford Prize Selection Committee
    Dr. Edgar Knobloch, Chair
    c/o J. M. Littleton
    SIAM
    3600 University City Science Center
    Philadelphia, PA   19104-2688
    E-mail: littleton@siam.org
    Telephone: 215-382-9800
    Fax: 215-386-7999
    
    The SIAG/DS Moser Lecture
    
    The SIAM Activity Group on Dynamical Systems will present the award at the
    SIAM Conference on Applications of Dynamical Systems at Snowbird, May 22-26,
    2005.  The prize is awarded to a person who has made distinguished
    contributions to nonlinear science.  
    
    The term "nonlinear science" is used in the spirit of the SIAG/DS meetings;
    specifically it includes dynamical systems theory and its applications as 
    well as experiments and computations/simulations.
    
    Description of the Award
    The award will consist of a plaque, a certificate containing the citation, 
    the invitation to give a plenary lecture at the conference, and a cash award 
    of $500.  SIAM will reimburse reasonable travel expenses for the recipient to
    attend the conference and give the lecture.
    
    Nominations
    A letter of nomination, including a description of contributions, should be
    sent by NOVEMBER 15, 2004, to:
    
    Jurgen Moser Lecture Selection Committee
    Professor Mark Levi, Chair
    c/o J. M. Littleton
    SIAM
    3600 University City Science Center
    Philadelphia, PA   19104-2688
    E-mail: littleton@siam.org
    Telephone: 215-382-9800
    Fax: 215-386-7999
    
    
    The James H. Wilkinson Prize in Numerical Analysis and Scientific Computing
    
    The James H. Wilkinson Prize will be awarded at the 2005 SIAM Annual Meeting
    to be held July 11-15, 2005, in New Orleans, Louisiana.
    
    The prize, established in 1979, is awarded every four years for research in,
    or other contributions to, numerical analysis and scientific computing during
    the six years preceding the award.  The purpose of the prize is to stimulate
    younger contributors and to help them in their careers.
    
    Description of the Award
    The award will include a cash prize of $1,000 and a certificate containing 
    the citation.  The recipient will be requested to present a lecture as part
    of the prize ceremony.  SIAM will reimburse travel expenses to attend the
    award ceremony and give the lecture.
    
    Nominations
    A letter of nomination, including a description of the contribution(s), 
    should be sent by December 31, 2004, to:
    
    Wilkinson Prize Selection Committee
    Professor Thomas Y. Hou, Chair
    c/o J. M. Littleton
    SIAM
    3600 University City Science Center
    Philadelphia, PA   19104-2688
    E-mail: littleton@siam.org
    Phone: 215-382-9800
    Fax: 215-386-7999
    
    
    The Ralph E. Kleinman Prize
    
    SIAM will present the Ralph E. Kleinman Prize at the 2005 SIAM Annual Meeting
    to be held July 11-15, 2005, in New Orleans, Louisiana.
    
    The prize is awarded to an individual for outstanding research or other
    contributions that bridge the gap between mathematics and applications.  Work
    that uses high-level mathematics and/or invents new mathematical tools to
    solve applied problems from engineering, science, and technology is
    particularly appropriate.  The prize may be awarded for a single notable
    achievement or for a collection of such achievements.
    
    Description of the Award
    The award will consist of a hand-calligraphed, framed certificate and a cash
    award of $5,000.  SIAM will reimburse reasonable travel expenses for the
    recipient to attend the award ceremony.
    
    Nominations
    A letter of nomination, including a curriculum vitae and description of the
    achievement(s), should be sent to the address below.  You are encouraged to
    send electronic files via e-mail.  Supporting letters are welcome. 
    Nominations must be received in the SIAM office by February 15, 2005.
    
    Ralph E. Kleinman Prize Selection Committee
    Professor William W. Symes, Chair
    c/o J. M. Littleton
    SIAM
    3600 University City Science Center
    Philadelphia, PA   19104-2688
    E-mail:  littleton@siam.org
    Telephone:  215-382-9800
    Fax:  215-386-7999
    
    
    SIAM Activity Group on Control and Systems Theory Prize
    
    The SIAM Activity Group on Control and Systems Theory Prize (SIAG/CST Prize)
    will be awarded at the Sixth SIAM Conference on Control and Its Applications,
    to be held July 11-14, 2005, jointly with the 2005 SIAM Annual Meeting in New
    Orleans, Louisiana.
    
    The SIAG/CST Prize, established in 1997, is awarded every three years to a
    young researcher for outstanding research contributions, as determined by the
    prize committee, to mathematical control or systems theory. Contributions
    must be contained in a paper or papers published in English in peer-reviewed
    journals.
    
    Eligibility
    The awardee's work must be a significant research contribution to the
    mathematical theory of systems and control, as commonly defined in the
    mathematical and engineering literature.  At least one of the papers
    containing this work must be published in English in a peer-reviewed journal,
    bearing a publication date within the award period, and at least one
    of the following two requirements is met at the publication date: either (1)
    the author is not more than 35 years old, or (2) not more than six years have
    elapsed since the author received a Ph.D. or equivalent degree.
    
    Description of the award
    The award will consist of a plaque and a certificate containing the citation.
     An invitation will be extended to the prize recipient to attend the award
    ceremony to receive the award and to present the paper.
    
    Nominations
    A letter of nomination, including citation of paper(s), should be sent by
    January 15, 2005, to:
    
    SIAM Activity Group on Control and Systems Theory Prize
    Professor Steven I. Marcus, Chair
    c/o J. M. Littleton
    SIAM
    3600 University City Science Center
    Philadelphia, PA   19104-2688
    E-mail:  littleton@siam.org
    Telephone:  215-382-9800 ext. 303
    Fax:  215-386-7999
    
    
    SIAM Activity Group on Optimization Prize
    
    The SIAM Activity Group on Optimization Prize (SIAG/OPT Prize) will be 
    awarded at the SIAM Conference on Optimization to be held May 15-18, 2005, in
    Stockholm, Sweden.
    
    The SIAG/OPT Prize, established in 1992, is awarded to the author(s) of the
    most outstanding paper, as determined by the prize committee, on a topic in
    optimization published in English in a peer-reviewed journal.  The award
    period is the four calendar years preceding the year of the conference.
    
    Eligibility
    Candidate papers must be published in English in a peer-reviewed journal
    bearing a publication date within the award period.  Thus, to be eligible for
    the prize, a paper must appear with a publication date in the 2001-2004
    calendar years.  Candidate papers must contain significant research
    contributions to the field of optimization, as commonly defined in the
    mathematical literature, with direct or potential applications.
    
    Description of the award
    The award will consist of a plaque and a certificate containing the citation.
    At least one of the prize recipients is expected to attend the award 
    ceremony and to present the paper at the conference. 
    
    Nominations
    A letter of nomination, including a citation of the paper, should be sent by
    January 15, 2005, to:
    
    SIAM Activity Group on Optimization Prize
    Professor Robert Vanderbei, Chair
    c/o J. M. Littleton
    SIAM
    3600 University City Science Center
    Philadelphia, PA   19104-2688
    E-mail:  littleton@siam.org
    Telephone:  215-382-9800
    Fax:  215-386-7999
    
    
    SIAM Student Paper Prize
    
    The 2005 SIAM STUDENT PAPER PRIZE will be presented at the 2005 SIAM Annual
    Meeting scheduled for July 12-16, 2005, in New Orleans, Louisiana.
    
    Principal Guidelines
    The SIAM Student Paper Prize is awarded every year to the student author(s) 
    of the most outstanding paper(s) submitted to the SIAM Student Paper 
    Competition.
     This award is based solely on the merit and content of the student's
    contribution to the submitted paper.  Up to three papers will be selected for
    the prizes.
    
    The purpose of the Student Paper Prize is to recognize outstanding 
    scholarship by students in applied mathematics and scientific computing.
    
    Selection Procedures
    Eligibility is restricted to students in good standing who have not received
    their Ph.D. prior to March 1 of the year in which the award is given.
    
    Submissions may be based on co-authored papers, provided that the student's
    advisor will attest that the student's work played a pivotal role in the
    results.  A letter from the student's advisor or department chair must
    accompany each entry to verify these conditions.
    
    To enter the competition, a student must submit: (1) an extended abstract, in
    English, of a paper, and (2) a short biography.  The total length of the
    submitted abstract (including bibliography) may not exceed five pages.  The
    student also must submit (3) the complete paper, which will be used for
    clarification of any questions the committee may have about the extended
    abstract.  In addition, the student's advisor or an interested faculty member
    must submit (4) a letter describing and evaluating the paper's contribution 
    to the literature and the student's role in the scholarship.
    
    Deadline for Submissions
    All papers and accompanying documentation must be received at the SIAM office
    by February 1, 2005.
    
    Notification of Prize Winner(s)
    The SIAM President will notify the recipient(s) at least six weeks before the
    award date.  
    
    Each recipient is required to present his or her paper at the meeting where
    the prize(s) are awarded.  If attending the meeting poses a serious hardship,
    an exception may be granted by the SIAM President.
    
    Description of the Award
    Each recipient of the SIAM Student Paper Prize shall receive a framed
    certificate and a cash award of $1,000.  Winners also receive $500 toward
    travel expenses and gratis registration for the meeting.
    
    Student Paper Prize Selection Committee
    Professor William L. Briggs, Chair
    c/o J. M. Littleton
    SIAM
    3600 University City Science Center
    Philadelphia, PA   19104-2688
    USA
    
    
    W. T. and Idalia Reid Prize
    
    SIAM will present the W. T. and Idalia Reid Prize at the 2005 SIAM Annual
    Meeting to be held July 11-15, 2005, in New Orleans, Louisiana.
    
    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.  Committee Chair John Burns wishes to stress the breadth 
    of the eligible fields.
    
    Description of the Award
    The award consists of an engraved medal and a $10,000 cash prize.  The prize
    winner is requested to present a lecture at the meeting.
    
    Nominations
    A letter of nomination, including a description of achievement(s), should be
    sent to the address below.  Nominations must be received in the SIAM office 
    by January 15, 2005.
    
    W. T. and Idalia Reid Prize
    Professor John A. Burns, Chair
    c/o J. M. Littleton
    SIAM
    3600 University City Science Center
    Philadelphia, PA   19104-2688
    E-mail: littleton@siam.org
    Telephone:  215-382-9800
    Fax:  215-386-7999
    
    
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    2.3 Naomi Leonard named MacArthur Fellow
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    Naomi Leonard named MacArthur Fellow
    
    Contributed by: Pradeep Misra, pmisra@cs.wright.edu
    
    Naomi Leonard of Princeton University was named a MacArthur Fellow for
    her research involving building miniature, autonomous underwater vehicles
    that mimic schooling fish.
    
    The MacArthur Fellows Program (supported by The John D. and Catherine
    T. MacArthur Foundation) underscores the importance of the creative
    individual in society.  Fellows are selected for their originality,
    creativity, and the potential to do more in the future.
    
    Candidates are nominated, evaluated, and selected through a rigorous
    and confidential process.  No one may apply for the awards, nor are
    any interviews conducted.
    
    She will receive $500,000 in "no strings attached" support over the
    next five years.
    
    
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3. General Announcements
    3.1 2005 ACC Workshop on Engineering Applications in Genomics
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    2005 ACC Workshop on Engineering Applications in Genomics
    
    Contributed by: Aniruddha Datta, datta@ee.tamu.edu
    
    ACC Workshop on Engineering Applications in Genomics
    Title: Engineering Applications in Genomics
    Workshop Dates: June 6 & 7, 2005 (Monday & Tuesday)
    
    Instructor: Aniruddha Datta,     Department of Electrical Engineering,
    Texas A & M University, College Station, TX 77843-3128.
    
    Description
    Genomics concerns the study of large sets of genes with the goal of 
    understanding collective function, rather than that of individual genes.
    Such a study is important since cellular control and its failure in disease 
    result from multivariate activity among cohorts of genes. Very recent 
    research indicates that engineering approaches for prediction, signal 
    processing and control are quite well suited for studying this kind of 
    multivariate interaction. The aim of this workshop will be to provide the 
    attendees with a state of the art account of the research that has been 
    accomplished in this field thus far and to make them aware of some of the 
    open research challenges.
    
    The workshop will provide a tutorial introduction to the current engineering 
    research in genomics. The necessary Molecular Biology background will be 
    presented and techniques from signal processing and control will be used to 
    (i) unearth intergene relationships (ii) model genetic regulatory networks 
    and (iii) alter (i.e. control) their dynamic behavior. The workshop will be 
    divided into two parts. On the first day, we will focus on building up the 
    necessary molecular biology background. NO PRIOR EXPOSURE TO MOLECULAR 
    BIOLOGY WILL BE ASSUMED. On the second day, we will discuss the application 
    of engineering approaches for attacking some of the challenging research 
    problems that arise in genomics related research. A more detailed 
    description of the material to be covered on each day is available at 
    http://www.ee.washington.edu/conf/acc2005/
    
    
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    3.2 Course on Identification in Closed Loop
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    Course on Identification in Closed Loop
    
    Contributed by: Eduardo F. Camacho, eduardo@esi.us.es
    
    Course on:
    Identification in Closed Loop - a Powerful Design Tool 
    (Theory, Algorithms and Applications)
    
    Lecturer : Ioan D. Landau
               Emeritus Research Director at CNRS
               Laboratoire d’Automatique de Grenoble, France
    Date: November 22-26,2004 
    Place : Dept. Ing. de Sistemas y  Automatica
            Escuela Superior de Ingenieros, Universidad de Sevilla
    
    System identification in closed loop operation has known a very important
    development in the last ten years. This development has been driven on one
    hand by the frequent requirement for system identification in closed loop
    (either because the system is unstable or have important drift in open loop
    operation or because a controller exists already) and on the other hand by 
    the important discovery, that models for control design identified in closed 
    loop are in general better than those identified in open loop (provided that
    appropriate algorithms are used).
    
    Identification in closed loop is also a very useful tool for controller 
    reduction.
    
    The objectives of the course are:
    - to give a global view upon the subject,
    - to present the most efficient algorithms for identification in closed loop
    - to present the methodology as applied in practice
    - to illustrate the methodology by  several applications 
    - to present a method for controller reduction 
    
    The course viewgraphs, the corresponding toolboxes (matlab) and data will be
    made available to the participants.
    
    Outline:
    - Introduction (why we need identification in closed loop?) and examples
    - Brief review of open loop identification and robust control
    - Algorithms for identification in closed loop 
    - Properties of the algorithms and of the estimated models
    - Validation of models identified in closed loop
    - The methodology of identification in closed loop
    - Experimental results (flexible transmission, flexible robot arm, active
      suspension)
    - Direct controller reduction by identification in closed loop
    - Controller reduction - Experimental results ( an active suspension system)
    - Coherence of identification in closed loop and direct controller reduction
    - Concluding remarks
    
    The course is funded by the European Commission under Marie Curie action TOK 
    003092.  No fee will be charged. The number of places is limited and a first
    in first served system will be used. 
    
    Registration:  e-mail to eduardo@esi.us.es  with TOK 003092 in the subject 
    
    
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    3.3 New Submission System: Wiley Control Journals
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    New Submission System: Wiley Control Journals
    
    Contributed by: Editors-in-Chief, jdelandt@wiley.co.uk
    
    New submission system for the journals
    
    International Journal of Robust and Nonlinear Control
    International Journal of Adaptive Control and Signal Processing
    Optimal Control Applications and Methods
    
    Contribute to any of these three Control Engineering journals online:
    
    http://control-wiley.manuscriptcentral.com/
    
    
    
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    3.4 Workshop on Stochastic Hybrid Systems at CDC
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    Workshop on Stochastic Hybrid Systems at CDC
    
    Contributed by: John Lygeros, lygeros@ee.upatras.gr
    
    Stochastic Hybrid Systems: Theory and Applications
    Workshop for the 43rd IEEE Conference on Decision and Control
    Monday, December 13, 2004 Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas 
    
    Organizers: 
      John Lygeros
      Electrical & Computer Engineering
      University of Patras
      Rio, Patras, 26500, Greece
      Tel. +30 2610 996458
      Fax. +30 2610 991812
      E-mail: lygeros@ee.upatras.gr
      WWW: www.sml.ee.upatras.gr/lygeros
    	
      Arjan van der Schaft
      Department of Applied Mathematics
      University of Twente
      P.O. Box 217, 7500AE Enschede, The Netherlands
      Tel. +31-53-4893449
      Fax. +31-53-4893800
      E-mail: a.j.vanderschaft@math.utwente.nl
      WWW: www.math.utwente.nl/~schaftaj 
    
    Scope:
    The main aim of the workshop on "Stochastic Hybrid Systems: Theory and
    Applications" is to expose participants to recent research activity in the
    area of stochastic hybrid systems. Theoretical results will be illustrated and
    motivated by applications in different important fields. 
    
    Stochastic hybrid systems are systems that combine continuous dynamics with
    discrete/logic components and are affected by uncertainty. From a theoretical
    point of view, the study of this class of systems is particularly challenging
    because they exhibit the complexities that arise from the interaction of 
    -  discrete-event systems, such as finite automata, Petri nets, etc.,
    -  continuous dynamics, governed for example by differential equations and
    -  stochastic processes, either affecting the discrete-event system
    transitions or entering the continuous dynamics.
    
    Emphasis will be placed on fundamental theoretical advances for this complex
    and diverse class of systems, in particular on: stochastic hybrid modeling;
    compositional specification; reachability analysis; model checking; hybrid
    observer design
    
    Motivation for the theoretical results will be provided by a number of key
    applications: air traffic management; automotive systems; communication
    networks; mathematical finance
    
    Experts in all these areas have been invited to present their work.
    
    Target audience: 
    The workshop is addressed to graduate students and researchers with a
    background in automatic control, hybrid systems or stochastic systems. The
    material covered at the workshop will expose the participants to the state of
    the art in the area of stochastic hybrid systems as well as open research
    problems in this area.
    
    Workshop proceedings: Copies of all the presentations will be made available
    to the workshop participants.
    
    For registration and conference information please visit
    http://control.bu.edu/ieee/cdc04/
    
    
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4. Positions
    4.1 Design Engineer: GE China
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    Design Engineer: GE, China
    
    Contributed by: Dapeng Liu, Dapeng.Liu@ge.com
    
    Automation & Control System Design Engineer
    
    This is a new opening at GE Global Research Center in Shanghai, China.
    http://hr.ge-china.com and search Job #:380210 to submit your resume online. 
    Please don't send email to me directly.
    
    Business Unit:   GE Global Research 
    Function:   Engineering/Technology 
    Location:   Shanghai, CH 
    Job #:   380210 Posted:  09/29/2004 
     
    Job Description:  
    Responsibilities  
    * Lead and participate development programs of automation and control 
    technology, specifying performance standards consistent with GE business 
    needs.
    * Conduct conceptual design (control architecture, hardware/software 
    selection and evaluation) as well as detailed design and implementation of 
    industrial automation/control systems
    * Carry out and coordinate complex control software development, testing and 
    debugging on embedded controls, PLC and other related platforms
    * To be part of a development team for automation/control to develop high 
    quality, innovative technology solutions meeting customer requirements.
    
    Qualifications  
    * MS or above in electrical engineering / automation with strong industrial 
    experience in system level automation, real-time control system design and 
    implementation
    * Familiar with development process for automatic control systems and 
    various control hardware/software platforms.
    * Experienced and/or familiar with industrial PLC, DCS, embedded control, 
    and SCADA system 
    * Familiar with C/C++ programming
    * Experience in power generation control applications (wind power, hydro, 
    fuel cell, gas/steam, etc) is a plus.
    
    English written and oral skills for effective communication within global 
    team
    * Self-starter, independent thinker, proactive problem solver 
    * Driven by quality, cost and speed of execution - High energy with passion 
    for excellence
    
    General  
    CTCWe offer a competitive salary, outstanding benefits package and the
    professional advantages of an environment that supports your development and 
    recognizes your achievements. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.
    
    
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    4.2 Endowed Chair: Georgia Tech USA
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    Endowed Chair: Georgia Tech, USA
    
    Contributed by: Panagiotis Tsiotras, p.tsiotras@ae.gatech.edu
    
    The Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering at the Georgia Institute of 
    Technology has identified avionics, information technology, and decision and 
    control systems as crucial technologies for the next generation of space and 
    aerial vehicles.  Embedded software is deemed to be an enabling factor for 
    the advancement of these technologies. 
    
    To support this strategic vision, the School has created the newly endowed 
    Dutton/Ducoffe chaired professorship in Embedded Control Software and 
    invites applications and nominations for a highly qualified individual to 
    fill this position starting August 2005 or earlier. The associated faculty 
    position is tenure-track and at the rank of Assistant or Associate 
    Professor. The chair will be held for the duration of the appointment at 
    that rank.
    
    Candidates are expected to have a strong commitment to teaching at the 
    undergraduate and graduate levels as well as to the development of an 
    externally funded research program.  Industrial experience or a record of 
    working with industry is desirable. An earned doctorate in Aerospace 
    Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science/Engineering, Software 
    Engineering or a closely related field is required.  
    
    The successful candidate should work at the intersection of computer 
    science/technology and control systems theory, and should have a strong 
    background in flight dynamics and control, and software development and 
    validation (specifically for aerospace vehicles and systems), and in one or 
    more of the following areas: algorithmic control theory, digital avionics, 
    computer-controlled systems, autonomous and/or distributed agents, hybrid 
    systems, object-oriented distributed software architectures, real-time 
    embedded systems, human-machine interfaces. 
    
    Candidates should submit a detailed resume and the names of at least three 
    references to:
    Professor Panagiotis Tsiotras 
    Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering
    Georgia Institute of Technology
    Atlanta, GA 30332-0150
    Tel: (404) 894-9526, Fax: (404) 894-2760
    E-mail: p.tsiotras@ae.gatech.edu
    
    The search will continue until the position is filled.
    
    
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    4.3 Faculty: California Institute of Technology USA
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    Faculty: California Institute of Technology USA
    
    Contributed by: Richard Murray, murray@cds.caltech.edu
    
    Faculty Search in Information Science and Technology
    California Institute of Technology
    
    Caltech has initiated a program of research and teaching in Information
    Science and Technology (IST) and is currently recruiting faculty for multiple
    positions. Applicants doing research in an area of IST and with doctoral
    degrees from areas related to IST are invited to apply.
    
    Faculty recruited through the IST search may have homes in the Division of
    Engineering and Applied Science (EAS) and also in other divisions of Caltech.
    Examples of homes in EAS include (but are not limited to) the following
    options: Applied and Computational Mathematics, Applied Physics, Computation
    and Neural Systems, Computer Science, Control and Dynamical Systems, and
    Electrical Engineering.
    
    Faculty recruited through the IST search are likely to become members of one
    or more of the IST centers or related centers at Caltech.  Examples of centers
    likely to be of interest to faculty candidates in the area of information
    science and technology include: the Social and Information Sciences
    Laboratory, the Center for the Mathematics of Information, the Center for
    Biological Circuit Design, the Center for the Physics of Information, the
    Institute for Quantum Information, and the Lee Center for Advanced Networking.
    Candidates can get an idea of the kinds of research carried out at IST centers
    at Caltech by visiting these web sites.
    
    The goal of the IST initiative at Caltech is to understand the role of
    information in social, biological, physical, and engineering systems.
    Accordingly, candidates developing systems or theory, or carrying out
    experimental studies dealing with information or computation, are invited to
    apply.
    
    More information on line at
    
        http://www.ist.caltech.edu/joinus/positions.html
    
    
    
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    4.4 Faculty: ETHZ Switzerland
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    Faculty: ETHZ, Switzerland
    
    Contributed by: Petros Koumoutsakos, petros@inf.ethz.ch
    
    Assistant Professor in Computer Science (Computational Science)
    
    Applicants should have an excellent record of internationally recognized
    research which demonstrates a strong link of computational methodologies with
    application domains. The expertise of the successful candidate may encompass
    classical and novel computational methodologies in areas such as Multiscale
    Modeling and Simulation, Computer Algebra & Optimization. Interdisciplinary,
    innovative research bridging scientific fields such as Engineering,
    Mathematics, Biology and Computer Science, Nanotechnology and Medicine,
    Dynamical Systems and Social Sciences, while contributing to the development
    of innovative algorithms or systems in these fields is highly desirable.
    
    The professor is expected to establish and lead a research group within the
    Department of Computer Science at ETH Zurich. Moreover, he or she shall
    supervise graduate students, teach courses in his or her own field of
    research, and participate in core courses of computer science. Collaboration
    with existing groups, in particular with the Institute of Computational
    Science, is desired.
    
    The initial appointment is for four years, with the possibility of one 
    renewal for an additional two-year period and promotion to a permanent 
    professorship.
    
    Applicants with internationally recognized research credentials are asked to
    send their curriculum vitae, list of publications, names of at least three
    references, and a short overview of their research interests to the President
    of ETH Zurich, Prof. Dr. O. Kübler, ETH Zentrum, CH-8092 Zurich, no later 
    than December 31, 2004. ETH Zurich specifically encourages female candidates 
    to apply with a view towards increasing the proportion of female professors.
    
    For further information about the Department of Computer Science at the ETH
    Zurich, see www.inf.ethz.ch. Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact
    the department chair, Prof. Dr. B. Meyer, at bertrand.meyer@inf.ethz.ch for
    additional details
    
    
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    4.5 Faculty: Nat Taiwan Universty Taiwan
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    Faculty: Nat Taiwan Universty, Taiwan
    
    Contributed by: Jean Wu, obswu@ntu.edu.tw
    
    The Mechanical Engineering Department of National Taiwan University is 
    seeking potential faculty candidates at all levels starting in August 2005.
    Applicants with the following backgrounds are preferred: System and Control,
    Opto-Mechtronics, Nano Technology, Bio-Technology, Signal Processing,
    Communication, Fluid and Thermal Sciences. A PhD Degree in ME, EE, or its 
    equivalent is required. The application deadline is 1st of February, 2005. 
    
    All applicants should provide (1) a curriculum vitae, (2) a research 
    plan, (3) a teaching plan, (4) reprints of selected publications, (5) 
    undergraduate and graduate transcripts, and (6) three reference letters.  
    (For non-residents or foreigners, please indicate your citizenship and 
    describe the visa status.)
    
    Please send the application materials to:
    Prof. Jia-Yush Yen, Chairman, 
    Department of Mechanical Engineering, 
    National Taiwan University, 
    Taipei 10617, Taiwan ROC.  
    
    Additional information is available at www.me.ntu.edu.tw
    Questions can be emailed to Mrs. Wu at obswu@ntu.edu.tw
    
    
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    4.6 Faculty: Oklahoma State University
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    Faculty: Oklahoma State University
    
    Contributed by: Rafael Fierro, rfierro@ieee.org
    
    Oklahoma State University invites applicants for one tenure-track faculty 
    position starting August 1, 2005 in the School of Electrical & Computer 
    Engineering (ECEN). The successful candidate will have a strong commitment 
    to expanding and strengthening our computer engineering program. Outstanding 
    candidates in all areas of computer engineering will be considered. 
    Candidates must have an earned Ph.D. or equivalent in Electrical or Computer 
    Engineering, or in Computer Science with an interest in engineering 
    applications, such as embedded systems, microprocessors, real-time systems, 
    or computer architecture. Candidates will be expected to teach, perform 
    research, and supervise graduate students. Candidates at the Assistant 
    Professor level are preferred, but outstanding candidates at all levels will 
    also be considered. ECEN has 21 full-time faculty members (including 3 IEEE 
    fellows), about 400 undergraduate and 150 graduate students, and state-of-
    the-art laboratory facilities. The department offers B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. 
    degrees. Departmental research programs center around five thrust areas: 
    telecommunications and signal processing, computer engineering, lasers and 
    photonics, Mixed Signal VLSI, and power. Oklahoma State University is an 
    Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Applications from women and 
    minorities are especially encouraged. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility 
    to work in the United States. Applications should be received by February 1, 
    2005 to receive full consideration for an August 1, 2005 appointment. This 
    search will continue until the position is filled. Please send resume and 
    names of at least three references to 
    
    Prof. Martin Hagan, 
    Faculty Search Committee
    School of Electrical & Computer Engineering
    202 Engineering South
    Stillwater, OK 74078
    
    
    
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    4.7 Faculty: Southern Illinois University USA
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    Faculty: Southern Illinois University, USA
    
    Contributed by: Keqin Gu, kgu@siue.edu
    
    Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. The Department of Mechanical and 
    Industrial Engineering is seeking to fill a tenure track position in 
    Mechanical Engineering at the Assistant Professor level beginning August 
    2005. The successful candidate must have the ability to contribute to 
    the teaching and research activities, and to participate in the service 
    activities. The candidate should have a doctoral degree in Mechanical 
    Engineering or a related area, and research interest in Control Systems with 
    interest and expertise in experimental implementation. 
    
    The large & beautiful SIUE campus is located about 20 miles from St. Louis. 
    The  Engineering Building, completed in 2000, houses Mechanical Engineering 
    laboratories, which contain many pieces of state-of-the-art equipment. 
    Mechanical Engineering at SIUE confers B.S. and M.S. degrees. The faculty 
    members are actively engaged in both fundamental and applied research.
    
    The review of the applications will start on January 15, 2004, and continue 
    until the position is filled. Interested persons should send a curriculum 
    vita with a list of at least three references to: Search Committee Chair, 
    Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Southern Illinois 
    University Edwardsville, Box 1805, Edwardsville, IL 62026-1805. Southern 
    Illinois University Edwardsville is an affirmative action/equal opportunity 
    employer. SIUE is a state university--the benefits under state sponsored 
    plans will not be available to holders of F1 or J1 visas.
    
    
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    4.8 Faculty: Univ Catholique de Louvain Belgium
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    Faculty: Univ Catholique de Louvain, Belgium
    
    Contributed by: Vincent Blondel, blondel@inma.ucl.ac.be
    
    The department of Mathematical Engineering invites applications for a 
    faculty position in Applied Mathematics. Areas of interest include, but are 
    not limited to, systems and control, numerical analysis, scientific 
    computing, mathematical modelling, differential equations, optimization, 
    discrete mathematics, and computational complexity. Of particular interest 
    are candidates with a research experience in the modelling and analysis of 
    nonlinear dynamical systems.
    
    Applicants should demonstrate both breadth of interest and promise in 
    research and teaching. The applicants should have a doctoral degree, 
    postdoctoral experience, and a recognized scientific publications record. 
    Appointment rank will depend on the candidates and their records of 
    accomplishment. Applicants will be expected to teach in French, possibly 
    after a certain transition period. 
    
    The 575-year-old Université catholique de Louvain is located on the 
    university campus of Louvain-la-Neuve, 30 km south of Brussels. The campus 
    has over 20,000 students and about 5,000 members of staff. The Department of 
    Mathematical Engineering hosts research programs in the different topics 
    listed above and maintains close ties with the Center for Operations 
    Research and Econometrics (CORE) and with the Center for Systems Engineering 
    and Applied Mechanics (CESAME).
    
    Further information can be obtained from:
    
    Professor V. Blondel
    Department of Mathematical Engineering
    Université catholique de Louvain
    1348 Louvain-la-Neuve
    Belgium
    E-mail: blondel@inma.ucl.ac.be
    URL: http://www.inma.ucl.ac.be/
    
    The closing date for submitting applications is January 15, 2005. The 
    appointment will start in September 2005. Applicants are invited to follow 
    the application procedure described at 
    http://www.crct.ucl.ac.be/vacancies.html
    
    
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    4.9 Faculty: University of Birmingham UK
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    Faculty: University of Birmingham, UK
    
    Contributed by: P. Butkovic, p.butkovic@bham.ac.uk
    
    3 Lectureships in Management Mathematics 
    (Mathematics of Operational Research and Stochastic Operational Research)
    
    The University invites applications for three lectureships in Management 
    Mathematics. Applications from researchers actively working in mathematics 
    of operational research or in stochastic operational research are 
    encouraged. Areas particularly welcome are discrete, non-linear or 
    multicriteria optimisation, heuristic and stochastic methods, but successful 
    applicants may work in any area of mathematics of operational research or in 
    stochastic operational research. Strong commitment to research and 
    enthusiasm for supervising undergraduate as well as postgraduate students is 
    required.
    
    Starting salary on scale £23,643 - £35,883 a year depending on experience 
    and qualifications.  
    
    Informal enquiries can be made to Dr Peter Butkovic, tel. +44-(0)121-41-
    46600, email: p.butkovic@bham.ac.uk.
    Application forms (returnable by 19 November 2004) and details from 
    Personnel Services, The University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham
    B15 2TT, UK, tel. 44-(0)121-41-46486, http://www.bham.ac.uk/personnel
    from 29th  October.
    
    Please quote reference S36823. Working towards equal opportunities.
    
    
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    4.10 Faculty: University of Delaware USA
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    Faculty: University of Delaware, USA
    
    Contributed by: Andras Szeri, szeri@me.udel.edu
    
    ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR IN ROBOTICS
    
    The Department of Mechanical Engineering solicits applications and 
    nominations for a faculty position at the Associate Professor level. 
    Applicants are sought with research expertise in the design, fabrication and 
    control of tiny robots, with possible applications in bioengineering, 
    biotechnology, manufacturing, alternative energy sources and/or the 
    environment. An earned doctorate in Engineering or Science is required.
    
    The Department has research prominence in robotics and controls, bio-
    mechanics, manufacturing sciences, composites and materials, and 
    environmental fluid mechanics, and is expanding into the area of small scale 
    robots. Collaborative research opportunities exist with the Delaware 
    Biotechnology Institute and the Departments of Material Science and 
    Electrical Engineering within the College of Engineering. The Department has 
    a highly successful Center for Biomedical Engineering Research, and is 
    closely affiliated with the Center for Composite Materials. 
    
    The Mechanical Engineering Department has 22 faculty members, 80 graduate 
    and 393 undergraduate students. The University of Delaware is a publicly 
    supported private university. It is located in the quiet, attractive 
    community of Newark, within commuting distance to other institutions of 
    higher learning as well as the cities of Philadelphia, Baltimore and 
    Washington DC.
    
    Applications including a detailed CV, names of three referees, and a 
    teaching and research plan should be submitted to the Robotics Search 
    Committee, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Delaware, 
    Newark, DE 19716-3140. The committee will commence reviewing applications on 
    January 1, 2005 and will give preference to applications submitted by that 
    date. The University of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity Employer and 
    strongly encourages applications from members of Minority Groups and Women.
    
    Inquiries should be directed to Professor A. Szeri at (302) 831-2008 or 
    szeri@me.udel.edu. Potential candidates and nominators may also visit 
    www.me.udel.edu for further information on the University of Delaware and 
    its Mechanical Engineering Department. The curriculum vitae and letters of 
    reference shall be shared with departmental faculty.
    
    
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    4.11 Faculty: University of New Orleans USA
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    Faculty: University of New Orleans, USA
    
    Contributed by: X. Rong Li, xli@uno.edu
    
    Appointment conditions:  Tenure Track, 9 Months, Full Time 
    Proposed Start Date:  January 10, 2005 or August 15, 2005
    
    The University of New Orleans, Department of Electrical Engineering invites 
    applications for two or more tenure-track faculty positions at the 
    Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor levels. Primary consideration for 
    one position will be given to applicants in the areas of Power Electronics 
    and Power, but strong candidates in all areas of electrical engineering will 
    be considered seriously.  Positions will be filled as applications are 
    received and the search will terminate when all positions are filled.  The 
    expected starting date is January or August 2005. Successful candidates will 
    be expected to direct graduate research at the MS and PhD levels, develop 
    externally funded research, and teach graduate and undergraduate courses.  A 
    PhD in electrical engineering or a closely related field is required.  
    Salary and academic rank will be commensurate with experience and 
    qualifications.  Interested persons should send a resume with names, 
    addresses, email addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three 
    references to 
    Mrs. Beverly Graves (BGraves@uno.edu), 
    Department of Electrical Engineering, 
    University of New Orleans, Lakefront, 
    New Orleans, LA 70148.  
    
    More information about the department can be found at 
    http://ece.engr.uno.edu/. The University of New Orleans is an Equal 
    Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.  Women and minorities are 
    encouraged to apply.
    
    
    
    
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    4.12 Faculty: University of Wyoming USA
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    Faculty: University of Wyoming, USA
    
    Contributed by: John McInroy, mcinroy@uwyo.edu
    
    The University of Wyoming Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
    seeks candidates for a tenure track assistant professor faculty position in
    the area of control systems.  A Ph.D. (or equivalent terminal degree) in
    Electrical Engineering or a closely related field is required.
    
    We prefer individuals with backgrounds in coordinated control of fully or
    partially autonomous dynamical systems to perform complex tasks.  This is an
    area that combines control systems, communications, computer networks, and
    large-scale modeling to simulate and actively control highly complex behavior
    in emerging areas of engineering systems, e.g. multi-access laser
    communications, defense and battle management, robotics, and hazardous
    environmental clean-up.  The successful applicant will be expected to
    establish a funded research program and teach at both the graduate and
    undergraduate levels.  There are interdisciplinary research collaboration
    opportunities with faculty in Electrical, Computer, and Mechanical
    Engineering, as well as Computer Science and Mathematics. 
    
    The University of Wyoming is a land-grant institution of approximately 11,000
    students, located in Laramie, Wyoming and classified as a "Doctoral/Research
    Extensive" university by the Carnegie Foundation.  Laramie, only 130 miles
    north of Denver, is a friendly town offering a reasonable cost of living;
    clean air, 300 days of sunshine, no traffic jams, cultural activities, and
    easy access to wilderness activities in the Rocky Mountains.  The 12,000 ft.
    Snowy Range is just 35 miles west of town, and smaller National Forest areas
    are within 10 miles of city limits.  Interested applicants should send a
    letter of application, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three
    professional references to:
    
    Dr. John McInroy
    Search Committee Chair	
    Dept. 3295
    1000 E. University Ave. 	
    University of Wyoming		
    Laramie, WY 82071-3295
    Phone: 307-766-6137
    e-mail: ece@uwyo.edu
    
    The search committee will begin screening applications January 15, 2005. The
    University of Wyoming is an EEO/AA employer.
    
    
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    4.13 PhD: Carnegie-Mellon University USA
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    PhD: Carnegie-Mellon University, USA
    
    Contributed by: Bruce H. Krogh, krogh@ece.cmu.edu
    
    Research Assistantships in Reliability of Large-Scale Networks
    
    The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Carnegie Mellon
    University seeks applicants for PhD Research Assistantships to work on a
    project sponsored by the National Science Foundation to develop new methods
    for designing reliable and secure large-scale networks.  A strong background
    in dynamic systems, control and signal processing is required and knowledge 
    of power systems is desirable.  Interested candidates should contact
    Marija Ilic , Jose Moura , or
    Bruce Krogh . 
    
    
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    4.14 PhD: DLR Oberpfaffenhofen Germany
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    PhD: DLR, Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany
    
    Contributed by: Remi Drai, remi.drai@cma.inria.fr
    
    A 3 year PhD position, co-jointly funded by the Deutsches Zentrum fur Luft 
    und Raumfahrt (German Aerospace Center, DLR, Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany) and 
    the European Space Agency (ESA-ESTEC, Noordwijk, The Netherlands), is open 
    for application. The position should be filled before February 1, 2005.
    The project aims at developing an integrated theoretical framework and its 
    realization in practically useful algorithms for the analysis and synthesis 
    of high accuracy magnetic attitude control of spacecraft using robust 
    adaptive and periodic control techniques such as H2/H_infinity, LMIs, etc. 
    The study results will be tested and validated on an existing representative 
    drag-free attitude control system simulator for space geodesy missions.
    The selected candidate will perform his PhD work at Ecole des Mines de Paris 
    (CMA-EMP, Sophia-Antipolis, France) and at DLR (Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany), 
    and will work in close interaction with experts from ESA.
    Applicants for the PhD position should have a strong background in modern 
    control techniques. 
    The application (including curriculum vitae, extract of undergraduate 
    studies including grades, possible recommendation letters) must be send by 
    electronic mail to:  
    Remi DRAI (EMP), remi.drai@cma.inria.fr, Tel: 33 4 92 38 79 49
    The deadline for application is December 15, 2004. The successful applicant 
    should be able to start the position shortly thereafter.
    
    
    
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    4.15 PhD: Oklahoma State University USA
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    PhD: Oklahoma State University, USA
    
    Contributed by: Rafael Fierro, rfierro@ieee.org
    
    Graduate Research Fellowship in Cooperative Control of Dynamic Networks
    
    A PhD position is available at the MARHES Laboratory, School of Electrical & 
    Computer Engineering, Oklahoma State University. Candidates should have a 
    Masters degree in electrical/computer engineering. A solid mathematical and 
    control background is required. Practical knowledge of computer vision, and 
    programming skills (C++, Matlab/Simulink) are a plus.
    
    This fellowship is ideal for candidates with strong interest in one or more 
    of the following areas: hybrid control systems, mobile sensor networks, 
    distributed optimization, and multi-vehicle (UGV, UAV) coordination.
    
    The applicants should email: CV, transcripts, GRE and TOEFL (if applicable) 
    scores, a brief statement of research interests, list of publications, and 
    the names and contact information (phone and email) of two academic 
    references.
    
    Dr. Rafael Fierro
    Tel. (405) 744 1328
    e-mail: rfierro@ieee.org
    http://marhes.okstate.edu
    
    The successful applicant is expected to start in the Spring 2005 semester. 
    Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.
    
    
    
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    4.16 PhD: TU Delft Netherlands
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    PhD: TU Delft, Netherlands
    
    Contributed by: Bart De Schutter, b.deschutter@dcsc.tudelft.nl
    
    There is a vacancy for a PhD position on Reasoning under uncertainty
    at the Delft Center for Systems and Control group (www.dcsc.tudelft.nl),
    Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands.
    
    This project is part of a larger project "Interactive Collaborative
    Information Systems - Enhanced Situation Awareness" (BSIK-ICIS/ESA) and aims
    at developing an effective framework for data fusion and interpretation
    under uncertainty using techniques based on fuzzy set theory and fuzzy
    decision making.
    
    In real-world situations, one has to cope with the uncertainty and even
    partially contradicting information in data, and uncertainty in the
    currently available knowledge. Therefore, methods must be developed for
    intelligent filtering of information, and for reasoning and action planning
    under uncertainty. In order to develop an effective framework for data fusion
    and interpretation under uncertainty, in this PhD project we will use
    techniques based on fuzzy set theory and fuzzy decision making. First
    we will design and create a common frame in which data and knowledge can
    seamlessly be combined and updated. Tools will be developed for active 
    knowledge acquisition through on-line exploratory analysis, fusion and
    interpretation of data.
    
    In order to keep this learning process manageable, the system must be able
    to control the complexity of the data and knowledge base by means of
    automated reduction/simplification tools.
    
    We are looking for a PhD candidate with an MSc degree in systems and
    control engineering, mathematics or computer science and with some
    background in fuzzy logic, fuzzy control and/or artificial intelligence
    techniques, and who is willing to start on the project as soon as
    possible. A good command of the English language is required. Knowledge
    of the Dutch language is not required, as even outside the university
    knowledge of English is sufficient to make oneself understood.
    
    We offer the opportunity to do research that is both scientifically
    challenging, and has a higher societal (and economical) relevance. The PhD
    will work with other researchers in a multidisciplinary research group.
    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. Assistance with accommodation can be arranged.
    
    If you are interested in this position, send a detailed curriculum vitae, a
    motivation why the proposed research topic interests you, a publication list,
    your course programme and corresponding grades, references and all other
    information that might be relevant to your application to both Bart De
    Schutter (b.deschutter@dcsc.tudelft.nl) and prof.dr. R. Babuska
    (r.babuska@dcsc.tudelft.nl).
    
    Additional information on this PhD position can be found at
    http://www.dcsc.tudelft.nl/~bdeschutter/vac/vac_bsik_icis_esa.html
    
    
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    4.17 PhD: University of Pretoria South Africa
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    PhD: University of Pretoria, South Africa
    
    Contributed by: Ian Craig, icraig@postino.up.ac.za
    
    Two PhD positions are available in the Control Systems Group of the 
    Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, at the 
    University of Pretoria, South Africa, for the research projects:
    
    1) Economic assessment of advanced process controllers (Prof Craig)
    The aims of this project are: to investigate continuous economic assessment 
    of advanced process controllers; and to study the link between controller 
    design to achieve maximum economic benefit and the measurement thereof.
    
    2) Non-linear control of complex systems (Prof Xia)
    This project investigates the analysis and design of control systems arising 
    from non-linear mechanisms such as switching, saturation, quantization, etc. 
    Behavioural complexity of the system is the main feature of the research. 
    This can be a theoretical or a practical study depending on the candidate’s 
    experience and proposal. 
    
    Requirements: 
    The candidates should have an M.Sc. degree (or equivalent) in control 
    engineering or a related field.  In addition, for project 1), a background 
    in the use of statistical methods in the process industries, would be an 
    advantage. 
    
    Please send applications including your Curriculum Vitae, list of 
    Publications, at least three references we may contact and a cover letter 
    stating your motivation to one of the contact persons below (preferably by e-
    mail).
    
    Project term and salary 
    The position is for three years, to start as soon as possible. The salary is 
    ZAR100 000 per annum.
    
    Contact:
    Prof. I K Craig or Prof X Xia
    Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering
    University of Pretoria, Pretoria
    South Africa 0002
    Email: icraig@postino.up.ac.za or xxia@postino.up.ac.za
    
    
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    4.18 PhD Post-Doc: UCSC USA
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    PhD, Post-Doc: UCSC, USA
    
    Contributed by: Donald Wiberg, don_wiberg@hotmail.com
    
    New control systems program at University of California Santa Cruz offers
    graduate fellowships for tuition, books and more than $1400 per month 
    stipend to qualified students.  Apply for admission for Fall 2005 by 
    December 15 to the Baskin School of Engineering at UCSC.  Research in 
    robotics is in  Computer Engineering, in queueing control in Information 
    Systems Technology and Management, nonholonomic constraints in Applied Math 
    and Statistics, and adaptive optics and also remote sensing in Electrical 
    Engineering Departments.  Please apply to one or more department 
    specifically at our website soe.ucsc.edu.
    
    Also available is a postdoc in the Laboratory for Adaptive Optics, UCO/Lick 
    Observatory, ucolick.org, to a control systems type with interest in optics 
    and astronomy.
    
    
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    4.19 Post-Doc: EPFL Lausanne Switzerland
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    Post-Doc: EPFL Lausanne, Switzerland
    
    Contributed by: Dominique Bonvin, dominique.bonvin@epfl.ch
    
    The Laboratoire d'Automatique of the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de 
    Lausanne (EPFL) invites applications for a post-doctoral position in the 
    area of Dynamic Optimization.
    
    We are looking for an outstanding candidate with a PhD degree in control or 
    optimization and who can interact with both graduate students and industry. 
    Since the expected length of stay at the EPFL is in the order of 3-4 years, 
    the position is ideally suited for a young engineer interested in building 
    up the broad and comprehensive research record necessary for a subsequent 
    career move. The duties will include the following elements:
     - Research in the broad area of dynamic optimization
     - Working closely with doctoral candidates
     - Involvement in collaborative work with industrial partners
     - Teaching doctoral-level courses
    
    The Laboratoire d’Automatique is a multidisciplinary teaching and research 
    unit that includes two professors, a senior lecturer, 4 research associates, 
    about 20 doctoral candidates as well as supporting staff. Research and 
    computing facilities are of the highest standard. More information is
    available on the laboratory’s Web site (http://lawww.epfl.ch).
    
    The position is available starting in January 2005 or later. A highly 
    competitive salary is offered. The application material should include:
    
     - Curriculum vitae with a list of publications and the name of three
       professional references with phone, postal and e-mail addresses.
     - A short description of experiences and future professional objectives.
    
    For further inquiries and application, please write to:
    Prof. Dominique Bonvin				
    Laboratoire d'Automatique				
    EPFL							
    CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
    voice   : +41 21 693 3843
    fax       : +41 21 693 2574
    e-mail  : dominique.bonvin@epfl.ch
    
    
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    4.20 Post-Doc: TU Delft: Netherlands
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    Post-Doc: TU Delft: Netherlands
    
    Contributed by: Bart De Schutter, b.deschutter@dcsc.tudelft.nl
    
    The Delft Center for Systems and Control of Delft University of Technology,
    The Netherlands has a vacancy for a postdoc position for 2 years on "Multi-
    agent control of electricity distribution networks". This project is funded 
    by the European Network of Excellence HYCON in addition to a national 
    research grant.
    
    The aim of this project is to develop control design methods and strategies
    for hierarchical multi-agent control of electricity distribution networks 
    and other infrastructure networks such as water and gas distribution 
    networks, public transportation networks, logistic networks, road networks, 
    etc. These systems can also be modeled as hybrid systems, i.e., systems with 
    both continuous and discrete dynamics. Up to now, most control methods for 
    hybrid systems and network systems are based on a centralized control 
    paradigm and/or on ad-hoc techniques. However, centralized control of large-
    scale systems is often not feasible in practice due to computational
    complexity, communication overhead, and lack of scalability. Furthermore, a 
    structured control design method is also lacking.
    
    We aim at developing a structured and tractable design methodology for
    control of large-scale hybrid network systems and electricity
    distribution networks in particular. This approach will be based on a
    hierarchical multi-agent control structure with local control agents
    at the lowest level, and one or more higher supervisory control
    levels. This will result in systematic approaches that outperform
    existing heuristic or case-dependent decentralized control strategies.
    
    In order to carry out this project we are looking for a postdoc
    candidate with a PhD degree in systems and control engineering,
    mathematics, electrical or mechanical engineering, and a background in
    modeling and control of hybrid systems, multi-agent systems, or
    electricity distribution networks.
    
    We offer the opportunity to do research that is both scientifically
    challenging, and has a higher societal and economical relevance. The
    postdoc will work with other researchers in a multidisciplinary
    research group. The postdoc appointment will be for up to 2 years. As
    an employee of the university you will receive a competitive salary as
    well as excellent secondary benefits. Assistance with accommodation
    can be arranged.
    
    More information on this position and on how to apply can be found at
    http://www.dcsc.tudelft.nl/~bdeschutter/vac/vac_hycon.html
    
    
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    4.21 Post-Doc: University of Maryland USA
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    Post-Doc: University of Maryland, USA
    
    Contributed by: Susan Frazier, sue@isr.umd.edu
    
    Post-Doctoral Research Appointment Opportunities, Fall 2005
    
    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. The following thrust areas are 
    emphasized: 
    
    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:
    Artificial Intelligence (automated planning and scheduling)
    Control Systems
    Integration of MEMS and cell-based sensing
    Networks 
    Optics
    
    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,
    - Statement of research interests and goals, including the reason one wishes 
      to participate in this program, 
    - Sample publications, 
    - Three letters of recommendation, 
    - A transcript from the institution where the Ph.D. was (or will be) earned, 
      showing grades in courses taken.
    
    All materials must be received by the Institute for Systems Research by 
    January 15, 2005 to qualify candidates for Fall 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@isr.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.
    
    
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    4.22 Post-Doc: University of Virginia USA
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    Post-Doc: University of Virginia, USA
    
    Contributed by: Ted Iwasaki, iwasaki@virginia.edu
    
    Postdoctoral position available immediately for modeling and control of 
    biological oscillators for animal locomotion. Our interdisciplinary NIH-
    funded research addresses the feedback control mechanisms that underlie 
    swimming locomotion in the medicinal leech. Our approach combines biological 
    and system theoretic modeling/control techniques. Expertise or aptitude in 
    the theoretical and computational analysis of nonlinear dynamical systems is 
    essential. Some background in nonlinear oscillators and/or differential 
    geometry is desired. The candidates are expected to have a strong interest 
    in biological feedback control systems. 
    
    Send applications (letter, CV, contact information for three references, a 
    pdf file of your best relevant paper) to teD iwasaki via email 
    (iwasaki@virginia.edu), Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, 
    University of Virginia, P.O. Box 400746, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4746, 
    USA. Web site: http://www.people.virginia.edu/~ti3q; Review of applications 
    will continue until the position is filled, but priority will be given to 
    early submissions.
    
    
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5. Books
    5.1 Biomimicry for Optimization Control and Automation
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    Biomimicry for Optimization, Control, and Automation
    
    Contributed by: Kevin Passino, passino@ece.osu.edu
    
    Biomimicry for Optimization, Control, and Automation
    Kevin M. Passino
    Ohio State University
    
    Springer-Verlag, London, 2005.
    926 pages, ISBN 1852338040
    
    
    Springer: http://www.springeronline.com/sgw/cda/frontpage/0,11855,4-164-22-
    25883266-0,00.html?changeHeader=true
    Amazon: Search on Passino
    
    This web site contains Matlab code for book examples and
    homework problems, homework hints and additional problems, 
    a sample syllabus, information on an associated laboratory
    course, and some relevant publications.
         http://www.ece.osu.edu/~passino/ICbook/ic_index.html
    
    Table of Contents:
    Preface
    
    Part I: Introduction
    
    Chapter 1: Challenges in Computer Control and Automation
    Chapter 2: Scientific Foundations for Biomimicry
    Chapter 3: For Further Study
    
    Part II: Elements of Decision Making
    
    Chapter 4: Neural Network Substrates for Control Instincts
    Chapter 5: Rule-Based Control
    Chapter 6: Planning Systems
    Chapter 7: Attentional Systems
    Chapter 8: For Further Study
    
    Part III: Learning
    
    Chapter 9: Learning and Control
    Chapter 10: Linear Least Squares Methods
    Chapter 11: Gradient Methods
    Chapter 12: Adaptive Control
    Chapter 13: For Further Study
    
    Part IV: Evolution
    
    Chapter 14: The Genetic Algorithm
    Chapter 15: Stochastic and Nongradient Optimization for Design
    Chapter 16: Evolution and Learning: Synergistic Effects
    Chapter 17: For Further Study
    
    Part V: Foraging
    
    Chapter 18: Cooperative Foraging and Search
    Chapter 19: Competitive and Intelligent Foraging
    Chapter 20: For Further Study
    
    Bibliography
    Index
    
    
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    5.2 Constrained Control and Estimation. An Optimisation Approach
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    Constrained Control and Estimation. An Optimisation Approach
    
    Contributed by: Maria Seron, seron@ee.newcastle.edu.au
    
    Constrained Control and Estimation. 
    An Optimisation Approach
    
    Graham Goodwin, Maria Seron and Jose De Dona, 
    
    Springer, Communications and Control Engineering Series 
    2004, Approx. 355 p. 109 illus., Hardcover
    ISBN: 1-85233-548-3
    
    Website: http://murray.newcastle.edu.au/cce/
    
    This new book has been published in 2004. The book provides a comprehensive 
    treatment of the principles underlying optimal constrained control and 
    estimation. The contents progress from optimisation theory, fixed horizon 
    discrete optimal control, receding horizon implementations and stability 
    conditions, explicit solutions and numerical algorithms, moving horizon 
    estimation, and connections between constrained estimation and control. 
    Several case studies and further developments illustrate and expand the core 
    principles.
    
    The book gives a self-contained treatment of the subject assuming that the 
    reader has basic background in systems theory, including linear control, 
    stability and state space methods. It is suitable for use in senior level 
    courses and as material for reference and self-study. 
    
    A companion website contains related material such as papers by the authors, 
    lecture slides, worked examples, Matlab routines, and so on (see 
    http://murray.newcastle.edu.au/cce/).
    
    Contents
    
    Part I Foundations
    
    1. Introduction
    2. Overview of Optimisation Theory
    3. Fixed Horizon Optimal Control with Constraints
    4. Receding Horizon Optimal Control with Constraints
    5. Constrained Linear Quadratic Optimal Control
    6. Global Characterisation of Constrained Linear Quadratic Optimal Control
    7. Regional Characterisation of Constrained Linear Quadratic Optimal Control
    8. Computational Issues in Constrained Optimal Control
    9. Constrained Estimation
    10. Duality Between Constrained Estimation and Control
    
    Part II Further Developments
    
    11. The Hessian in the QP Problem: Singular Value Structure and Related 
    Algorithms
    12. Output Feedback Optimal Control with Constraints
    13. Finite Alphabet Controllers and Estimators
    
    Part III Case Studies
    
    14. Rudder Roll Stabilisation of Ships
    15. Cross-Directional Control
    16. Control over Communication Networks
    
    
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    5.3 Feedback Control of Computing Systems
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    Feedback Control of Computing Systems
    
    Contributed by: Dawn Tilbury, tilbury@umich.edu
    
    Book Title: Feedback Control of Computing Systems
    Authors: Joseph L. Hellerstein, Yixin Diao, Sujay Parekh, and Dawn M. Tilbury
    Publisher:  Wiley/IEEE Press
    ISBN:  0-471-26637-X
    
    In today's computerized economy, the profitability and availability of many 
    businesses rely on a clear understanding of the dynamics of their computing
    systems, especially how they relate to changes in workloads and 
    configuration.  Frequent, dramatic changes in these areas can degrade 
    programs and even cause failures, as often demonstrated on a company's
    eCommerce site.
    
    In the first book ever to address this vital issue, “Feedback Control of 
    Computing Systems” offers program designers and computer scientists a hands-
    on resource that distills the essentials of control theory needed to
    effectively address these issues.  Primarily intended for professionals 
    engaged in the analysis and design of computing systems, who often lack the 
    conceptual tools to address the dynamics of resource management, the text 
    provides a host of valuable features:
    
    -Matlab code for the solution of problems and case studies
    -Numerous IT examples, such as tuning the Apache HTTP server and the IBM 
     Lotus Domino Server
    -Examples carefully chosen to illustrate key concepts and provide the basis
     for modeling real-world systems
    -Several appendices for handy reference
    
    A flexible “road map” approach helps different practitioners use the text in 
    highly targeted ways, depending on their particular focus, making this an 
    invaluable resource for systems designers, IT managers, computer scientists, 
    as well as other researchers in the field.
    
    The book website http://www.research.ibm.com/fbcs/ has a link to a course 
    taught at Columbia University by the first 3 authors.
    
    Table of Contents:
    PART I:  BACKGROUND
    1. Introduction and Overview
    PART II:  SYSTEM MODELING
    2. Model Construction
    3. Z-Transforms and Transfer Functions
    4. System Modeling with Block Diagrams
    5. First-Order Systems
    6. Higher-Order Systems
    7. State-Space Models
    PART III:  CONTROL ANALYSIS AND DESIGN
    8. Proportional Control
    9. PID Controllers
    10. State-Space Feedback Control
    11. Advanced Topics
    APPENDICES
    A. Mathematical Notation
    B. Acronyms
    C. Key Results
    D. Essentials of Linear Algebra
    E. Matlab Basics
    
    
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    5.4 Flight Dynamics
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    Flight Dynamics
    
    Contributed by: Robert Stengel, stengel@princeton.edu
    
    Flight Dynamics takes a new approach to the science and mathematics of
    aircraft flight, unifying principles of aeronautics with contemporary systems
    analysis. While presenting traditional material that is critical to
    understanding aircraft motions, it does so in the context of modern
    computational tools and multivariable methods. Particular attention is devoted
    to models and techniques that are appropriate for analysis, simulation,
    evaluation of flying qualities, and control system design. Bridges to
    classical analysis and results are established, and new territory that was
    treated only inferentially in earlier books is explored. This book combines a
    highly accessible style of presentation with contents that will appeal to
    graduate students and to professionals already familiar with basic flight
    dynamics.
    
    Dynamic analysis has changed dramatically in recent decades, with the
    introduction of powerful personal computers and scientific programming
    languages. Analysis programs have become so pervasive that it can be assumed
    that all students and practicing engineers working on aircraft flight dynamics
    have access to them. Therefore, this book presents the principles,
    derivations, and equations of flight dynamics with frequent reference to
    MATLAB functions and examples.
    
    By using common notation and not assuming a strong background in aeronautics,
    Flight Dynamics will engage a wide variety of readers. Introductions to
    aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, flying qualities, flight control, and
    the atmospheric and gravitational environment accompany the development of the
    aircraft's dynamic equations.
    
    See http://pup.princeton.edu/titles/7909.html for additional details.
    
    
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    5.5 Handbook of Learning and Approximate Dynamic Programming
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    Handbook of Learning and Approximate Dynamic Programming
    
    Contributed by: Jennie Si, si@asu.edu
    
    Handbook of Learning and Approximate Dynamic Programming
    Jennie Si, Andrew G. Barto, Warren Buckler Powell, Don Wunsch Eds.
    ISBN: 0-471-66054-X
    Hardcover, 672 pages, July 2004, Wiley-IEEE Press
    http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-047166054X,descCd-
    authorInfo.html
    
    While advances in science and engineering have enabled us to design and 
    build complex systems, how to control and optimize them remains a challenge. 
    This was made clear, for example, by the major power outage across dozens of 
    cities in the Eastern United States and Canada in August of 2003. Learning 
    and approximate dynamic programming (ADP) is emerging as one of the most 
    promising mathematical and computational approaches to solve nonlinear, 
    large-scale, dynamic control problems under uncertainty. It draws heavily 
    both on rigorous mathematics and on biological inspiration and parallels, 
    and helps unify new developments across many disciplines. The foundations of 
    learning and approximate dynamic programming have evolved from several 
    fields—optimal control, artificial intelligence (reinforcement learning), 
    operations research (dynamic programming) and stochastic approximation 
    methods (neural networks). Applications of these methods span engineering, 
    economics, business and computer science. In this volume, leading experts in 
    the field summarize the latest research in areas including:
    • Reinforcement learning and its relationship to supervised learning
    • Model-based adaptive critic designs
    • Direct neural dynamic programming
    • Hierarchical decision-making
    • Multistage stochastic linear programming for resource allocation problems
    • Concurrency, multiagency, and partial observability
    • Backpropogation through time and derivative adaptive critics
    • Applications of approximate dynamic programming and reinforcement learning
    in control-constrained agile missiles; power systems; heating, ventilation, 
    and air conditioning; helicopter flight control; transportation and more.
    The book is an outcome of a successful NSF Workshop on Learning and 
    Approximate Dynamic Programming held in April, 2002, in Playacar, Mexico 
    (http://www.eas.asu.edu/~nsfadp/).  Jennie Si (Arizona State University) and 
    Andrew Barto (University of Massachusetts) co-chaired the workshop. The 
    organizers of the workshop had the vision of using the workshop as a means 
    of identifying major research issues, broader and higher impact application 
    areas of learning based decision and control approaches. And therefore, the 
    primary objective of the workshop was to create greater unification of the 
    field to consider complex problems under the scope of intelligent systems.
    
    
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    5.6 Variable Structure Systems: from Principles to Implementation
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    Variable Structure Systems: from Principles to Implementation 
    
    Contributed by: Professor Sarah Spurgeon, eon@le.ac.uk
    
    This edited collection is divided into three sections which cover the 
    essential background to variable structure control systems, current topics of 
    research interest within the area and descriptions of a range of application 
    studies, respectively. The first section provides the necessary basic 
    background to enable a graduate engineer to design a variable structure 
    controller/ estimator. Formulation of the desired system performance is 
    emphasized  and practical issues such as discrete implementation and the 
    problem of noise on the output measurements are a focus. The second section 
    presents an overview of some topics which are of current research interest in 
    the area of variable structure control. Issues such as the control of 
    inherently non-minimum phase systems, the application of variable structure 
    control techniques in the field of chaos and the exciting possibilities of 
    higher order sliding regimes are considered. This section will provide 
    essential reading for anyone involved in research in the area of robust and 
    nonlinear control. The final section presents a range of application studies 
    in the area of variable structure control and will be interesting reading for 
    anyone involved in the area of control applications. A diverse range of 
    studies is considered from motion control to automobile control and from 
    sliding mode applications in fuzzy and neural network systems to sliding mode 
    applications in power electronics.
    Further details and an order form are available at:
    http://www.iee.org/Publish/Books/Control/index.cfm?book=CE%20066
    
    
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6. Journals
    6.1 CFP: IEEE Trans on Automation Science and Engineering
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    CFP: IEEE Trans on Automation Science and Engineering
    
    Contributed by: Mingjun Zhang, mingjunzhang@ieee.org
    
    A Special Issue on Automation for the Life Sciences. 
    http://www.ssm.wustl.edu/~mjz/doc/call4papers-BioAuto.pdf
    
    Automation plays an increasingly important role in life sciences. With 
    advances in automation, the human genome and other genomes have been 
    sequenced. Modern molecular biology and biotechnology have contributed new 
    assays that, when automated, provide more accurate, rapid and increasing 
    amounts of information and decreased costs. Similarly, pharmaceutical 
    industry is heavily dependent on automation, especially as it shifts from 
    products that treat diseases to analytical methods that detect and classify 
    diseases. Automation for the life sciences is thus broad and includes 
    laboratory automation for fluid handling and assay processing, automated 
    systems for high-throughput screening and drug discovery, high-throughout 
    production and analysis of protein and DNA microarrays, automated devices
    for analyzing living cells, lab-on-a-chip analysis tools, and numerous 
    detection methods. This Special Issue aims to publish original, significant 
    and visionary papers describing scientific methods and technologies that 
    improve efficiency, productivity, quality and reliability for areas 
    including laboratory, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical automations. The 
    central theme of the Special Issue is on recent progress in automation for 
    the life sciences. Special attention will be paid to papers focusing on 
    integrating automation science with biological principles, and to solve 
    related automation problems. Submissions from experts in academia and 
    industry worldwide are strongly encouraged. Topics to be covered include, 
    but are not limited to,
    - Automated lab-on-a-chip platforms.
    - Automated systems for liquid handling.
    - Fermentation reaction and process automation.
    - Genomics and proteomics software automation.
    - DNA and protein micro-array fabrication automation.
    - Pharmaceutical fabrication and drug screening automation.
    - Detection technologies that enable automation for biological processes.
    - Automated systems for DNA, protein, and cell manipulation and analysis.
    - Automated scanning probe microscopy-based systems for bio-applications.
    - Liquid chromatography (LC)/mass spectrometry (MS) bioinstrumentation  
      automation.
    - System integration including interconnects and interfaces between 
      automated modules.
    
    Important Dates
    - March 1, 2005: Paper submission deadline.
    - July 1, 2005: Completion of the first round paper review.
    - November 1, 2005: Completion of the second round paper review.
    - December 1, 2005: Final manuscripts due.
    - March 1 2006: Tentative publication date.
    
    Guest Editors
    Mingjun Zhang, Agilent Technologies (mingjunzhang@ieee.org)
    Robin A. Felder, University of Virginia (raf7k@virginia.edu)
    Eun Sok Kim, University of Southern California (eskim@almaak.usc.edu) 
    Bradley Nelson, Swiss Federal Inst of Tech (bradley.nelson@iris.mavt.ethz.ch)
    Beth L. Pruitt, Stanford University (pruitt@stanford.edu)
    Yuan F. Zheng, The Ohio State University (zheng@ee.eng.ohio-state.edu)
    
    Paper Submission
    All papers are to be submitted through the IEEE's Manuscript Central for 
    Transactions on Automation Science and Engineering 
    http://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/t-ase. Please select "Special Issue" under 
    Manuscript Category of your submission. All manuscripts must be prepared 
    according to the IEEE Transactions on Automation Science and Engineering 
    publication guidelines http://www.engr.uconn.edu/~ieeetase/.
    
    Please address inquiries to mingjunzhang@ieee.org.
    
    
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    6.2 Contents: Automatica
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    Contents: Automatica
    
    Contributed by: Becky Lonberger, rebeccal@uiuc.edu
    
    Contents: Automatica, December, 2004
    Volume 40, Issue 12
    
    To consult the cumulative table of contents 1963-present, to view the list
    of recently accepted papers or to submit a paper visit
    http://www.autsubmit.com
    
    Regular papers
    
    E. Gyurkovics and A. M. Elaiw
    Stabilization of sampled-data nonlinear systems by receding horizon
    control via discrete-time approximations
    
    M. C. Campi, Su Ki Ooi, and E. Weyer
    Non-asymptotic quality assessment of generalised FIR models with periodic
    inputs
    
    Vivek S. Borkar and D. Manjunath
    Charge based control of diffserv-like queues
    
    V.S. Patsko and V.L. Turova
    Families of semipermeable curves in differential games with the homicidal
    chauffeur dynamics
    
    Brief papers
    
    J-H. Lee and M-J. Youn
    A new continuous variable structure controller for complete prescribed
    tracking control of BLDDSM
    
    Xiaoming Hu and Torvald Ersson
    Active state estimation of nonlinear systems
    
    J. Schoukens, R. Pintelon, and Y. Rolain
    Box-Jenkins alike identification using nonparametric noise models
    
    Shengyuan Xu and Tongwen Chen
    H-infinity Output Feedback Control for Uncertain Stochastic Systems with
    Time-varying Delays
    
    Ioana Fagarasan, Stéphane Ploix, Sylviane Gentil
    Causal fault detection and isolation based on a set-membership approach
    
    Chian-Song Chiu, Kuang-Yow Lian, Tsu-Cheng Wu
    Robust adaptive motion/force tracking control design for uncertain
    constrained robot manipulators
    
    D. Nesic and A. R. Teel
    Input-to-state stability of networked control systems
    
    Z. P. Jiang, Y. Lin, and Y. Wang
    Nonlinear small-gain theorems for discrete-time feedback systems and
    applications
    
    E. Canuto and A. Rolino
    Multi-input digital frequency stabilization of monolithic lasers
    
    Wudhichai Assawinchaichote, Sing Kiong Nguang, and Peng Shi
    H-infinity fuzzy control design for singularly perturbed nonlinear
    systems: an LMI approach
    
    Rafael Becerril Arreola
    Output feedback nonlinear control for a linear motor in suspension mode
    
    M. I. Gil'
    A new stability test for nonlinear nonautonomous systems
    
    B. Sulikowski, K. Galkowski, E. Rogers, and D.H. Owens
    Output feedback control of discrete linear repetitive process
    
    Technical communiques
    
    Ilya Ioslovich and Per-Olof Gutman
    On smooth optimal control determination
    
    
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    6.3 Contents: Control Engineering Practice
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    Contents: Control Engineering Practice
    
    Contributed by: A.H. Glattfelder, ifacjcep@control.ee.ethz.ch
    
    Control Engineering Practice
    Vol 12, No. 12 (December 2004)
    - Special Issue "Guidance and control of underwater vehicles", edited by
    G.N. Roberts
    
    Contents:
    
    Special section on guidance and control of underwater vehicles
    G.N. Roberts, pp 1481-1482
    
    On the identification of non-linear models of unmanned underwater vehicles
    P. Ridao, A. Tiano, A. El-Fakdi, M. Carreras, A. Zirilli, pp 1483-1499
    
    Control of the INFANTE AUV using gain scheduled static output feedback
    C. Silvestre, A. Pascoal, pp 1501-1509
    
    Reduced order H-inf control of an autonomous underwater vehicle
    Z. Feng, R. Allen, pp 1511-1520
    
    Development of a real-time control architecture for a semi-autonomous
    underwater vehicle for intervention missions
    T.W. Kim, J. Yuh, pp 1521-1530
    
    Adaptive tuning of a Kalman filter via fuzzy logic for an intelligent
    AUV navigation system
    D. Loebis, R. Sutton, J. Chudley, W. Naeem, pp 1531-1539
    
    Preliminary field experience with the DVLNAV integrated navigation
    system for oceanographic submersibles
    J.C. Kinsey, L.L. Whitcomb, pp 1541-1549
    
    Navigation of an AUV for investigation of underwater structures
    H. Kondo, T. Ura, pp 1551-1559
    
    Experiments in laser-assisted visual sensing for AUV navigation
    F.R. Dalgleish, S. Tetlow, R.L. Allwood, pp 1561-1573
    
    Thruster fault diagnosis and accommodation for open-frame underwater vehicles
    E. Omerdic, G. Roberts, pp 1575-1598
    
    Acknowledgement of reviewers, pp 1599-1600
    Conference, pp 1601-1602
    Volume Contents autogen, pp III-XI
    Keyword Index-autogen, pp XII-XV
    Keyword Index-autogen, pp XVI-XVIII
    
    
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    6.4 Contents: European Journal of Control
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    Contents: European Journal of Control
    
    Contributed by: Danila Ferrara, ejc@elet.polimi.it
    
    Table of contents issue n. 4/2004
    
    Positive Real Control for Uncertain Singular Time-delay Systems via Output 
    Feedback Controllers
    by J. Lam and S. Xu 
    Discussion on "Positive Real Control for Uncertain Singular Time-delay 
    Systems via Output Feedback Controllers", by M. S. Mahmoud
    Discussion on "Positive Real Control for Uncertain Singular Time-delay 
    Systems via Output Feedback Controllers", by A. Bobtsov
    Reply by the authors
    
    The Non-Uniform in Time Small-Gain Theorem for a Wide Class of Control 
    Systems with Outputs
    by I. Karafyllis 
    Discussion on "The Non-Uniform in Time Small-Gain Theorem for a Wide Class 
    of Control Systems with Outputs", by B. Ingalls 
    
    Generalized LFT-Based Representation of Parametric Uncertain Models
    by S. Hecker and A. Varga
    Discussion on "Generalized LFT-Based Representation of Parametric Uncertain 
    Models", by J. J. Cockburn 
    
    A New Identification-Based Power Unit Model for Load-Frequency Control 
    Purposes
    by S. Glickman, R. Kulessky and G. Nudelman
    
    Flow Invariance and Stability Analisys for a Class of Nonlinear Systems with 
    Slope Conditions
    by M. H. Matcovschi and O. Pastravanu
    
    Robust H-infinity Control for Uncertain Fuzzy Neutral Delay Systems 
    by B. Chen, J. Lam and S. Xu 
    Discussion on "Robust H-infinity Control for Uncertain Fuzzy Neutral Delay 
    Systems", by J. Yoneyama 
    Discussion on "Robust H-infinity Control for Uncertain Fuzzy Neutral Delay 
    Systems", by E. T. Jeung and H. B. Park
    Discussion on "Robust H-infinity Control for Uncertain Fuzzy Neutral Delay 
    Systems", by Y. Y. Cao
    Reply by the authors
    
    Discussion on "New Energy-Based Nonlinear Controller for Hydraulic Piston 
    Actuators" published in European Journal of Control Vol. 10, issue n. 2
    by K. Y. Lum
    Discussion on "New Energy-Based Nonlinear Controller for Hydraulic Piston 
    Actuators" published in European Journal of Control Vol. 10, issue n. 2
    by R. Sepulchre
    
    Call for papers
    
    Special Issue on "LINEAR MATRIX INEQUALITIES IN CONTROL"
    Recent years have witnessed a great amount of results in LMI methods in 
    control theory. Using the LMI method amounts to reducing a given control 
    problem to a semidefinite programming problem (SDP: an optimization problem 
    involving matrices as decision variables, a linear objective and affine 
    matrix equality and inequality constraints). The success story of LMIs in
    control theory relies on the development of efficient interior point
    algorithms for SDP as well as its particular suitability for robust control
    purposes. In addition, in the last years, the number of industrial
    applications of LMI-based control laws is clearly increasing showing the 
    growing interest of control practitioners for flexible and systematic 
    control methodologies. Even if a large number of control and filtering 
    problems have been recognized to be reducible to LMI-based optimization 
    problems, some fundamental issues remain open. Indeed, important classes of 
    control design issues (fixed-order output feedback, multiobjective control, 
    decentralized control...), typically non-convex problems in their original
    formulation, have not been found yet to be readily interpreted into the LMI 
    framework. Tackled either by direct numerical methods, either by 
    approximations based on convex relaxations, these problems have received a 
    growing attention in the last five years and much more effort should be made 
    to get an industrial transfer comparable to the one for classical design 
    methods.
    
    The aim of the special issue is to stimulate the research in this field and 
    to publish highquality papers with new theoretical results as well as papers 
    devoted to real practical applications of LMI-based approaches. Further 
    advances in numerical methods for solving optimization problems involving 
    matrix inequalities are also welcome.
    
    Submission details
    Prospective authors are requested to submit their contributions (ps-file or 
    pdf-file) to the Editorial Assistant of the European Journal of Control, Dr.
    Danila Ferrara (ejc@elet.polimi.it) and to Denis Arzelier (arzelier@laas.fr)
    Guest Editor, no later than JANUARY 1, 2005 for review.
    Important dates
    01 January, 2005 Deadline for paper submission
    30 April, 2005 Completion of first review cycle
    31 August, 2005 Completion of final review cycle
    31 October, 2005 Final version due
    
    
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    6.5 Contents: IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control
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    Contents: IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control
    
    Contributed by: C. Stewart, trac@bu.edu
    
    Automatic Control, IEEE Transactions on
    Volume: 49,   Issue: 9,   Year: Sept. 2004
       
    Guest Editorial Special Issue on Networked Control Systems
    Antsaklis, P.; Baillieul, J., Page(s): 1421- 1423   
    
    A moving horizon approach to Networked Control system design
    Goodwin, G.C.; Haimovich, H.; Quevedo, D.E.; Welsh, J.S.,
    Page(s): 1427- 1445   
    
    Distributed control of systems over discrete Groups
    Recht, B.; D'Andrea, R., Page(s): 1446- 1452   
    
    Kalman filtering with intermittent observations
    Sinopoli, B.; Schenato, L.; Franceschetti, M.; Poolla, K.; Jordan, M.I.;
    Sastry, S.S., Page(s): 1453- 1464
    
    Information flow and cooperative control of vehicle formations
    Fax, J.A.; Murray, R.M., Page(s): 1465- 1476 
    
    When bode meets shannon: control-oriented feedback communication schemes
    Elia, N., Page(s): 1477- 1488  
    
    Decentralized control of discrete-event