9, 300159 Timişoara, România Phone Fax ISSN Research Annual Report Politehnica University of Timişoara Structure of the report Introducing the Report

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2012

Research

Annual

Report

Politehnica

University

of Timişoara

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Research Report, 2012

No part of this booklet may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system now known or to be invented, without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper, or broadcast.

Editorial team Editor:

Prof. Marius-Emil OTEȘTEANU, PhD Co-Editors:

Iris MIHAI

Simina DĂRĂBANŢ

Layout & cover design: IDEAtm

Editura Politehnica

Bv. Republicii, nr. 9, 300159 Timişoara, România Phone: +40 256 403823 Fax: +40 256 403021

ISSN 1841-2769

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Research

Annual

Report

Politehnica

University

of Timişoara

2012

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Structure of the report

Introducing the Report ... 5

Research Centers... 7

Projects supported by public funds... 11

Projects supported by private funds... 89

Patents... 127

Doctor Honoris Causa and Honorary Professor ... 129

Habilitation Theses ... 131

PhD Theses ... 135

Scientific conferences and events ... 147

Scientific Journals... 149

ISI Publications... 151

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Introducing the Report

Politehnica University of Timisoara (UPT) is more than a simple teaching institution, it stands as a bastion of knowledge, a university of advanced research and education, which undertakes with devotion its goal to fulfill the requirements for competences of the societal environment by ensuring superior professional training for students and graduates.

The present document gathers the main results obtained through the research activities carried out within the university, Politehnica being renowned as a remarkable actor on the stage of scientific research, both at national and international level. Our research activity is facilitated by the existence of twenty-five research centres specialized in fields that are capital for the sustainable development of any modern society. Each of these research centres brings together various prestigious researchers, whom, by their effort and vision, provide UPT with the incentives needed to contribute to the progress of our society.

Most of the research activity carried out by our institution is financed through external sources, obtained either from national and international calls for projects, or through agreements with private companies. This represents a confirmation of the superior quality of the research, but also of the prestige and professional deontology of the researchers affiliated to our institution. Politehnica’s reputation as an institution of advanced research is emphasized also by the patents obtained by its researchers, by the medals and prizes obtained in both national and international competitions, and by the collaborations with important research centres and institutes from Romania and from abroad.

Each year, we select the most talented young researchers for our doctoral school, providing them with the opportunity to transform their knowledge and ideas into the innovations of tomorrow. Many of them take part in peer learning programs consolidating the relationship between our university and similar partner institutions. They strive for becoming doctors in science and for making the world a better place.

This report is divided into ten sections, each one presenting a specific component of the research activity performed within the institution. Therefore, we will start by presenting the research infrastructure, comprising the twenty-five research centres hosted by the university. The order in which they are presented is given by the research fields.

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The second and third sections include the research projects implemented by the university.

The second section includes the projects supported by public funds, both national and international, while the third one includes the projects supported by private funds awarded by companies. For the purposes of this report, we have chosen the most relevant projects for our research capacity, encompassing 42 public funded projects and 36 private funded ones.

Within each section, the projects are arranged by research fields.

In 2012 our institution was awarded five patents, having also submitted applications for another seven. Besides these twelve patents, some of our researchers have been nominated inventors as part of research projects carried out within other institutions and for which there have been submitted applications for patents. All these will be presented in the fourth section.

The fifth section presents two of our honorary members, one that has been awarded the Professor Honoris Causa recognition and one that has become Honorary Professor.

Section six and seven include habilitation theses and PhD theses. In 2012, four of our colleagues became habilitated, while 109 of our PhD research students became doctors.

Section eight presents an overview of the most relevant scientific conferences and events that brought together professionals from Romania and from abroad, hosting and encouraging the dialogue, exchange of ideas and the opportunity for new collaborations.

The ninth section gathers the scientific journals that have been edited by our institution. This cathegory includes 12 journals specialized in various fields like computer science, chemistry and environmental engineering, electronics and communications, electrical engineering, hydrotechnics, physical education and sport, modern languages etc.

And, finally, the tenth section includes a bibliographic list of the ISI publications that were realized in 2012, comprising the results obtained by our researchers in several fields, papers that obtained recognition from some of the most prestigious journals, both from Romania and from abroad.

Through research we generate ideas, through ideas we generate innovation and through innovation we contribute to the improvement of the quality of life; this is why research is our priority.

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Research Centers

Research Centre for Computers and Information Technology Director: prof. Crețu Vladimir-Ioan

Contact: [email protected], http://www.cs.upt.ro/~vcretu

Research projects under implementation can be found at pages: 11-16; 89;

Research Centre for Automatic Systems Engineering Director: prof. Precup Radu – Emil

Contact: [email protected] http://www.aut.upt.ro/centru-cercetare

Research projects under implementation can be found at pages: 17-22;

Research Centre for Power Systems Analysis and Optimization Director: prof. Kilyeni Ştefan

Contact: [email protected]

Research projects under implementation can be found at pages: 23-26; 90-91;

Research Centre for Smart Energy Conversion and Storage Director: prof. Muntean Nicolae

Research Centre for Intelligent Electronic Systems Director: prof. Oteşteanu Marius

Contact: [email protected] http://www.ccesi.etc.upt.ro/index.php/ro

Research Centre for Intelligent Signal Processing Director: prof. Isar Alexandu

Contact: [email protected], http://www.tc.etc.upt.ro/isprc

Research Centre for Multimedia Director: prof. Vasiu Radu

Contact: [email protected], http://www.cm.upt.ro

Research Centre for Environmental Science and Engineering Director: prof. Pode Rodica

http://www.chim.upt.ro/Facultatea-de-Chimie-Industriala-si- Ingineria-Mediului-Centru_GF.html

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Research Centre for Inorganic Materials and Alternative Energies Director: prof. Lazău Ioan

Contact: [email protected], http://www.chim.upt.ro/Facultatea- de-Chimie-Industriala si-Ingineria-Mediului-Centru_Zx.html

Research Centre for Organic, Macromolecular and Natural Compounds’ Chemistry and Engineering

Director: prof. Davidescu Corneliu

Contact: [email protected],

http://www.chim.upt.ro/Facultatea-de-Chimie-Industriala-si- Ingineria-Mediului-Centru_VT.html

Research Centre for Mechanics of Materials and Structural Safety Director: prof. Dubină Dan

57-58; 83-84;

Research Centre for Hidrotechnics Director: prof. Man Teodor Eugen

Contact: [email protected], http://www.ct.upt.ro/centre/cchpm.htm Research projects under implementation can be found at page: 100;

Research Centre for Building Services Director: prof. Borza Ioan

Research Centre for Retrofitting of Constructions Director: prof. Stoian Valeriu

Contact: [email protected] http://www.ct.upt.ro/centre/reco.htm Research projects under implementation can be found at pages: 43-44;

55-56; 99;

Research Centre for Construction and Transportation Substructures

Director: prof. Marin Marin Contact: [email protected]

Research Centre for Mechatronics and Robotics Director: prof. Maniu Inocenţiu

Research Centre for Medical Engineering Director: prof. Toth-Taşcău Mirela

Contact: [email protected], http://cmpicsu.upt.ro

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Research Centre for Integrated Engineering Director: prof. Drăghici George

Research Centre for Processing and Characterization of Advanced Materials

Director: prof. Şerban Viorel-Aurel

Contact: [email protected], http://eng.upt.ro/ccpcma Research projects under implementation can be found at pages: 65-70; 101-103; 105-107;

Research Centre for Complex Fluid Systems Engineering Director: prof. Susan-Resiga Romeo

Contact: [email protected], http://mh.mec.upt.ro/cnisfc Research projects under implementation can be found at pages: 71-72; 121;

Research Centre for Thermal Machines and Equipments, Transportation and Environmental Pollution Control Director: prof. Ionel Ioana

Research projects under implementation can be found at pages: 73-80; 108-120;

Research Centre for Engineering and Management Director: prof. Izvercianu Monica

http://www.mpt.upt.ro/pag/centru%20cercetare.html Research projects under implementation can be found at pages: 81-82; 122-123;

Research Centre for Urban Planning Director: prof. Radoslav Radu

Contact: [email protected] http://ccddt.blogspot.ro Research Centre for Advanced Study Methods for Physical Phenomena

Director: prof. Toader Dumitru Contact: [email protected]

Research Institute for Renewable Energy Contact: www.icer.ro

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Projects supported by public funds

* Structural Funds - European Regional Development Fund, European Social Fund and the Romanian National Authority for Scientific Research

** National Funds – funds awarded by the Romanian govern through UEFISCDI

***International Programs – EU 7^th Framework Program, Research Fund for Coal and Steel or the Information and Communication Technologies Policy Support Program

Field Source of financing Number of projects

Computers and 4 Structural Funds* 1

Information Technology Cross-border Cooperation HU-RO 1

National Funds** 2

Systems Engineering 3 National Funds 3

Energetic Engineering 3 National Funds 3

Electrical Engineering 1 National Funds 1

Electronics and International 2 International Programs*** 1

Telecommunication National Funds 1

Engineering

Chemistry 3 National Funds 3

Chemical Engineering 2 National Funds 1

Cross-border Cooperation HU-RO 1

Civil Engineering 7 International Programs 3

National Funds 3

Industrial Engineering 3 International Programs 2

National Funds 1

Materials Engineering 4 National Funds 4

Mechanical Engineering 7 International Programs 2

National Funds 3

Management and Engineering 1 National Funds 1

Architecture and urbanism 1 National Funds 1

Mathematics 1 National Funds 1

Total number of projects

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Goal of the project: Research of the various types of advanced software applications for stateof-the-art multi-core systems, with focus on the field of multimedia on mobile phones, and development of appropriate semi-automatic tools and processes to increase the productivity of such applications.

Short description of the project: The field of mobile devices and applications is currently of key interest for the scientific and industrial communities in the world.

In this field, Movidius Ltd. Ireland and its branch in Timisoara have been developing a state-of-the-art multi-core processing platform for advanced multimedia applications. For instance, this architecture is able to perform complex real-time image and video processing. This project aims to study and implement the necessary software development processes and tools, to cover and optimize all the layers involved in the production of advanced multimedia applications for mobile devices, from design to operation and testing.

Project implemented by: Research and development partnership between Movidius SRL. and “Politehnica” University of Timisoara.

Implementation period:

04.06.2010 - 03.06.2012 Main activities:

• Analysis of state of the art applications for the next generation of mobile devices;

•Development of a hardware accelerator architecture model for advanced multimedia and mobile applications;

•Tools for low-level software development and automatic code generation on the Movidius multi-core execution platforms;

•Tool for automatic partitioning of advanced application code on multi-core architectures;

• VLIW compiler for the Movidius devices.

Results:

•Models and implementations of hardware interface modules in a multiprocessor systemon-chip simulator;

•Specification and requirements of a real- time multiprocessor operating system for multimedia applications;

•moviTest automatic application validation environment;

•moviOS multi-core real-time and parallel operating system;

•moviSim multi-core simulator;

•moviAsm assembler for the Sabre processor;

FALX DACIAE: Software Development Tools and Processes for Advanced Multimedia Applications on Mobile Phone Multi-Core Architectures

“Computer Science is no more about computers than astronomy is about telescopes”

Edsger Wybe DIJKSTRA

...

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•moviDebug application loader and debugger for the Movidius execution platforms;

•moviCompile C and C++ compiler;

• 2 patent applications filed at the OSIM and WIPO patent offices;

• 9 scientific papers published at international conferences and symposiums;

•11 new jobs created for highly-qualified personnel.

Fields of interest: Multimedia, mobile applications, multi-core architectures, digital image and video processing, real- time systems, parallel processing, compilers and software tools.

Financed through/by: European Regional Development Fund, European Social Fund and the Romanian National Authority for Scientific Research, ANCS. Total value:

~506400 EUR.

Research team:

Project management: Dr. eng. Valentin Muresan (Movidius, project director), A/

Prof. Dr. eng. Mihai Micea (UPT, project manager), eng. Cristian Cuna (Movidius, tools team leader);

Scientific council (UPT): Prof. Dr. eng. Vladimir Cretu, Prof. Dr. eng. Mircea Vladutiu, Prof.

Dr. eng. Horia Ciocarlie, A/Prof. Dr. eng.

Doru Todinca, Lect. Dr. eng. Mihai Udrescu- Milosav, Lect. Dr. eng. Lucian Prodan;

R&D team (UPT): Dr. eng. Alexandru Amaricai- Boncalo, Dr. eng. Oana Amaricai- Boncalo, Dr. eng. Georgiana Macariu, Gheorghe Guran, Andrei Tanase, Valentin Stangaciu, Cristina Stangaciu, Luminita Daraban, Cristiana Crisan, Caius Brindescu, Catalin Mihai, Raluca Veleanu, Camelia Valuch, Teodor Tite, Ancuta Ivascu, Ivan Velciov, Adelina Vig, Alexandru Dura, Demis Diaconescu, Madalina Ghidovit, Marius Cosma;

Support team (UPT): ec. Florian Miclea, eng.

Dorina Ruset, eng. Claudia Micea, eng.

Mihaela Ciuleanu, Lidia Jebelean, Alina Mondoc, Alina Atanasescu, Nicolina Adamescu.

Research centre: Research Center for Computers and Information Technology,

“Politehnnica” University of Timisoara Aplicability and transferability of the results: All the results have been directly assimilated by Movidius. Patent application

“Method and System for Detecting Frame Compatible 3D Content” filed at national (OSIM, no. A00376/05.2012) and international (WIPO, no. PCT/

RO2012/000010/05.2012) patent offices.

Contact information:

Project Website: http://www.falx-daciae.ro/

SC. Movidius SRL.

2/A, Paris Str., Room 01, 300003, Timisoara Tel: +40 356 170271

Fax: +40 356 170272

[email protected]

Assoc. Prof. Dr. eng. Mihai V. Micea, Dept.

of Computer and Software Engineering DSPLabs - Digital Signal Processing Laboratories

“Politehnica” University of Timisoara 2, Vasile Parvan Blvd., 300223, Timisoara Tel: +40 256 403271

E-mail: [email protected]

Web: http://dsplabs.cs.upt.ro/~micha/

...

“Computer Science is no more about computers than astronomy is about telescopes”

Edsger Wybe DIJKSTRA

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Goal of the project: The project implementation is carried out on two main directions: (1) to strengthen the education process of both universities in the fields of image processing, mobile applications development and data mining and (2) to propose and develop an image based recommendation solution running on mobile devices for educational purposes within the border region.

Short description of the project: The educational process is developed by an extensive exchange of know-how and by joint development of a real life mobile client-server application. The knowledge is transferred between universities and also between experts and students involved in the project development. Therefore a number of joint seminaries have been proposed and delivered to the team of students. The development process of a mobile application involved the students in lifecycle of a mobile application.

Project implemented by: Mobile Computing, Sensors Network and Embedded Systems Laboratory and Real- Time Systems, Robotics and Digital Signal Processing Laboratory

01.01.2012-31.01.2013

Main activities: Development activities address three research domains: (1) image processing and image retrieval, (2) data mining algorithms applied to images and (3) mobile applications development using augmented reality and user context detection. Using the theoretical and practical knowledge transferred to the participating students, an image-based recommendation solution has been developed.

The recommendation solution is based on clientserver architecture. The client side is running on the mobile devices and the server side is deployed within the server infrastructure. Mobile client application takes the input from the users as picture, then augments the picture with relevant information for data mining process and sends this information to the server component.

The user can add specific keywords to the taken pictures and sends them together with the other information. The server stores the received images together with their associated augmented information and applies the data mining algorithms.

“Innovation distinguishes between aleader and a follower.”

Steve Jobs

...

Cross border academic development of an image-based recommendation system for regional educational purposes MobileAssistant

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“Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.”

Steve Jobs

When the user searches for specific keywords, the server responds with relevant information and associated images stored in the database. The retrieved information is displayed on the mobile screen and the user can select and view the requested data.

Results: This project addresses the main aspects of the smart growth strategy in Europe 2020 program: education, research/

innovation and digital society. We try to use our common research experience on mobile devices, image recognition and data mining to introduce and adapt educational process to the modern mobile digital society. We aim this targeting two directions: (1) to integrate an already existing resource – mobile devices – in the educational process; (2) to increase the attractiveness of programs of study by using this infrastructure and based on a stronger orientation to labor market needs.

Fields of interest: image processing and image retrieval, data mining algorithms applied to images and mobile applications development.

Financed through/by: The Romanian partner of the project was funded by European Regional Development Fund through Hungary-Romania Cross-Border Co-operation Programme 2007- 2013 (www.huro-cbc.eu) with 89,202 EUR as follows 75,822 EUR ERDF contribution, 11,596 EUR national contribution and 1,784 EUR own contribution.

Research team: University of Debrecen (Lead Partner) and Politehnica University of Timisoara - Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eng. Marius Marcu – teaching expert and principal investigator; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eng. Horatiu Moldovan, Prof. Dr. Eng. Vasile Gui – teaching expert; Prof. Dr. Eng. Mircea Popa – teaching expert; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eng.

Mihai Micea – teaching expert; Assist. Prof.

Dr. Eng. Alexandru Amaricai-Boncalo – software expert; Assist. Prof. Dr. Eng. Razvan Cioarga – software expert; As. drd. Eng. Dan Chiciudean – software expert; Eng. Mihaela Ciuleanu – project assistant; Ec. Marinela Balut - financial assistant; Eng. Dan Cuc (MS student); Eng. Silvia Martin (MS student);

Andrei Sirbu (student IV CTI); Georgia Papp (student III CTI); Cornel Isbiceanu (student III CTI); Robert Raut (student III CTI).

Research centre: Research Centre for Computers and Information Technology Applicability and transferability of the results: The seminaries developed during the project implementation take part of the curricula offer of Computer and Information Technology Department. The mobile recommendation application is available for free on Google Play market.

“Politehnica” University of Timisoara Automation and Computers Faculty

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eng. Marius Marcu Address: 2 V. Parvan Blv., 300223 Tel. 0256-403263,

Fax. 0256-403214

E-mail.: [email protected] Web page: www.mobileassistant.ro Google Play: TravelPAL

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Goal of the project:

This project proposes to develop dedicated floating point architectures on FPGAs to suit the growing demand of graphic application on these platforms.

Short description of the project:

Recent studies indicate that FPGAs provide better watts/flops performance compared to graphical processing units (GPUs).

Adding features such as flexibility and high degree of parallelism makes suitable candidates for implementing graphical accelerators on future embedded systems.

The major novelty of the proposal consists in the design of high performance FP units using an efficient exploitation of the FPGA arithmetic resources, such as the embedded multipliers or block RAM modules. Thus, dedicated arithmetic units for reconfigurable devices will be provided. Two types of FP operations are targeted: multiply and multiply- accumulate architectures (used for matrix products, vector and matrix products and dot products) and combined division and square roots (used for matrix inversions, Euclidean distance computations, etc).

These units will be the backbone of dedicated hardware accelerators (for vertex, geometry and pixel shader operations) for these types of applications.

Project implemented by:

University Politehnica of Timisoara, Computer Engineering Department

October 2011 - October 2014

Aplicability and transferability of the results:

A major goal of the research is represented by providing adequate floating point support for Open Hardware initiatives. We intend to add high performance floating point functionality to open source graphics accelerators, such as the one provided for OpenRISC based platforms.

Main activities:

1. Development of FP multiply and MAF architectures for FPGA. FP multiply and MAF operations are especially important in multiplications between vector and matrices.

2. Development of FP combined division and square root for FPGA.

3. Development of hardware accelerators for graphic operations and applications implementation based on designed hardware.

Results: We have provided floating point units for very high radix division and square root. These units have the smallest DSP count for multiplication based division/

square root methods. On the other hand, we have researched floating point units for multiplication and multiply-add fused operations. We have provided a hybrid integer-floating point multiplier and a high performance floating point multiply-add fused which relies on architectures of the DSP blocks in modern FPGAs. Our research has resulted in one ISI rated journal paper and four published or accepted conferences.

Research centre: Research Centre for Computers and Information Technology.

Financed through/by: CNCS PNII Human Resources - Young Researchers

Research team: Dr. Alexandru Amaricai - Principal Investigator, Assoc. Prof. Marius Marcu, Prof. Mircea Popa, Dan Chiciudean, Ovidiu Sicoe.

Dr. Alexandru Amaricai

Email: [email protected] Telephone: +40256403272

Web: www.cs.upt.ro/~amaricai/flag.html

...

“People who are really serious about software should make their own hardware.”

Alan Kay

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FLoating point Arithmetic units for Graphical applications in FPGAs

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GreenEr Mobile Systems by Cross LAyer Integrated energy Management GEMSCLAIM

The GEMSCLAIM project aims at introducing novel approaches for reducing the “greed for energy” of modern battery powered systems, thereby improving the user experience and enabling new opportunities for mobile computing.

Short description of the project: Mobile terminals and consumer devices are among the fastest growing markets in computing.

In the long term, further growth is endangered by the “power/ energy wall”.

The purpose of GEMSCLAIM is to explore new techniques in energy optimization via an interdisciplinary vertical approach:

a novel combined optimization across the major HW/SW system layers (compiler/OS/

HW platform).

Project implemented by: Mobile Computing, Sensors Network and Embedded Systems Research Laboratory Implementation period:

01.09.2012-31.08.2015

Main activities: In a world of de-facto standards as well as huge amounts of legacy HW and SW, it is very difficult to achieve real breakthrough in system-wide energy savings beyond fragmented point solutions, e.g. at the HW or OS level.

GEMSCLAIM´s mission is to overcome this hurdle by a novel cross layer energy optimization approach that combines the following major research activities:

(1) Development of an energy-aware optimizing and parallelizing compiler;

(2) Component aware energy-efficient operating system and (3) Customizable HW modelling with energy monitoring facilities.

Results: (1) The Virtual Prototype of the experimental HW/OS/Compiler platform and (2) FPGA Prototype experimental HW/

OS/Compiler with Power Monitors.

Fields of interest: Heterogenous multi- core embedded systems

Financed through/by:

CHIST-ERA partnership projects, PNII-IDEI – 1/CHIST-ERA/01.10.2012

Research team: Innsbruck University (LP), Queen’s University Belfast, RWTH Aachen University, Politehnica University of Timisoara:

Assoc. Prof. Marius Marcu (PI) Dr. Oana Boncalo

Dr. Sebastian Fuicu Dr. Gabriel Garban Dr. Alexandru Amaricai Dr. Razvan Bogdan Eng. Lucian Bara

Research centre: Research Centre for Computers and Information Technology Aplicability and transferability of the results:

Mobile HW/OS/SW solutions development.

Marius MARCU, 2 V. Parvan Blv., Timisoara E-mail.: [email protected]

...

“People who are really serious about software should make their own hardware.”

Alan Kay

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Enhance the existing techniques and develop new techniques dedicated to the improvement of control system performance using experimental data.

The project aims to:

•Enhance and develop data-based (data- driven) techniques and algorithms for improving control system performances using experimental data.

•Enhance and develop nature-inspired algorithms in optimization of control system performance.

•Develop optical character recognition (OCR) applications.

•Develop new fuzzy control solutions for a wide range of industrial processes.

Project implemented by: Department of Automation and Applied Informatics.

http://www.aut.upt.ro/~rprecupgrant2011.html Implementation period: 2011-2014.

Main activities: Application of Iterative Feedback Tuning (IFT) and Simultaneous Perturbation Stochastic Approximation (SPSA) to state-feedback optimal control with Kalman filter state observers.

Application of stable Iterative Correlation- based Tuning (ICbT) to servo systems.

An experiment-based approach to Reference Trajectory Tracking optimal control problem.

Validation of iterative techniques on laboratory equipment such as: liquid level control, motion control systems with motor actuation (speed and position control, inverted pendulum).

Enhancement of control systems performance by fuzzy control and IFT.

Enhancement of existing nature-inspired algorithms such as Gravitational Search Algorithm (GSA) and Charged System Search (CSS).

PI and fuzzy controller tuning to ensure a reduced sensitivity with respect to the parametric variations of processes.

Enhancement of the training algorithm of Convolutional Neural Networks using a mixed approach of Back-Propagation and Gravitational Search Algorithm.

Development of telesurgical applications and control of telerobots in space medicine, Control of nonlinear discrete-time MIMO systems.

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“What we find changes who we become.”

Peter Morville

New performance improvement techniques of control systems using experiment-based tuning

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“What we find changes who we become.”

Peter Morville

Results:

•5 papers (ISI) published in journals with impact factors in 2012 (out of 15 reported for the research contract in 2012).

•2 papers published in conference proceedings (ISI Proceedings).

•2 book chapters published in Springer- Verlag volumes.

•4 papers published in conference proceedings indexed by international databases.

•17 independent citations received in 2012 for the papers reported in the research contract in 2011 and 2012.

Fields of interest: control systems, optimization, motion control, robotics, nature-inspired algorithms, optical character recognition, fuzzy control.

Executive Agency for Higher Education, Research, Development and Innovation Funding – UEFISCDI, Bucharest, Romania.

Research team:

Prof. Dr. Eng. Radu-Emil Precup - director, principal investigator, Prof. Dr. Eng.

StefanPreitl - senior staff member, Assoc.

Prof. Dr. Eng. Florin Drăgan - senior staff member, Assist. Prof. Dr. Eng. Daniel Iercan - post doc, Assist. Prof. Dr. Eng. Mircea- Bogdan Rădac - post doc, Assist. Prof. Dr.

Eng. Claudia-Adina Dragoş -post doc, M.Sc.

Dipl. Eng. Alexandra-Iulia Stînean - Ph.D.

student, M.Sc. Dipl. Eng. Lucian-Ovidiu Fedorovici - Ph.D. student.

Research centre: Research Centre for Automatic Systems Engineering (CCISA).

Applicability and transferability of the results:

Control systems with a reduced parametric sensitivity, tools for the computer-aided design of controllers, computer-aided techniques in iterative data-based control, nature-inspired optimization algorithms in control design and image processing, tools for the systematic development of fuzzy control systems.

Prof. Dr. Eng. Radu-Emil Precup - Director of the CCISA Research Centre, “Politehnica”

University of Timişoara, Department of Automation and Applied Informatics Address: Bd. V. Pârvan 2, 300223 Timişoara, Romania

Tel.: +40-256403229 Fax: +40-256403214

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Control algorithms and optimal tuning of fuzzy models for automotive, mechatronics applications and mobile robots

...

“Research consists in seeing what everyone else has seen, but thinking what no one else has thought.”

Albert Szent-Gyorgyi

Goal of the project: Development of control structures and algorithms and optimal tuning of fuzzy models for a wide range of industrial processes, mechatronics, mobile robots and automotive applications.

The project aims at:

• Advanced control structures for automotive and mechatronics applications.

•Improvement and development of new TakagiSugeno (T-S) fuzzy models and control solutions for a wide range of industrial processes.

•Optimal tuning of fuzzy models for automotive and mechatronics applications.

•Improvement and development of control algorithms for mobile robots.

•Department of Automation and Applied Informatics as the P1partner, coordinator:

“Gheorghe Asachi”

•Technical University of Iasi (TUIASI), P2 partner:

•S.C. ROMUS Trading & Development SRL, director: Prof. Dr. Eng. Silvia Curteanu (TUIASI).

http://www.romus.com/proiecte/asachi/

pages/pages/phpsite_index.php

Implementation period: 2012-2015.

Main activities: Design of low-cost T-S state feedback fuzzy controllers for the position control of a class of nonlinear servo systems.

Sensitivity analysis with respect to the process parametric variations in the low- cost controller designs for vehicle power train systems with spark-ignition engine and continuously variable transmission.

Modelling, simulation, analysis and design of linear, fuzzy and variable structure control solutions for direct current electric drive systems with continuously variable reference input, variable moment of inertia and variable load disturbance input, applicable to rolling mills and to strip winding systems.

Development and experimental validation of simple T-S fuzzy models for several processes in automotive and mechatronics:

anti-lock braking systems, nonlinear DC drive servo systems, magnetic levitation systems, electromagnetic actuated clutch systems, inverted pendulums.

Development of two-degree-of-freedom linear and fuzzy controllers, of hybrid T-S fuzzy controllers, of hybrid PI neuro-fuzzy controllers and of adaptive sliding mode fuzzy controllers for speed and position control of brushless DC drives with variable parameters.

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“Research consists in seeing what everyone else has seen, but thinking what no one else has thought.”

Albert Szent-Gyorgyi

Optimal tuning of parameters of T- S fuzzy models using nature-inspired algorithms: simulated annealing, particle swarm optimization, gravitational search algorithms.

Continuous development of the nRobotic platform in the framework of path planning and collision avoidance for mobile robots in missions.

Derivation and testing of a new path planning algorithm as an extension of the vector field histogram algorithm.

Results:

•4 papers published in ISI journals with impact factors.

•2 papers published in journals indexed by international databases.

•13 papers published in conference proceedings indexed by international databases.

•more than 50 independent citations in 2012.

Fields of interest:

control algorithms, optimal tuning, fuzzy models, automotive, mechatronics, mobile robots, networked control systems, Programmable Logic Controllers, real-time programming, image processing.

Executive Agency for Higher Education, Research, Development and Innovation Funding (UEFISCDI), Bucharest, Romania.

Research team: Prof. Dr. Eng. Radu-Emil Precup - director, Prof. Dr. Eng. Stefan Preitl, Prof. Dr. Eng. Ioan Filip, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eng.

Florin Drăgan, Assist. Prof. Dr. Eng. Adriana Albu, Assist. Prof. Dr. Eng. Ovidiu Baniaş, Assist. Prof. Dr. Eng. Daniel Iercan, Assist.

Assist. Prof. Dr. Eng. Claudia-Adina Dragoş, Assist. Assist. Prof. Dr. Eng. Mircea-Bogdan Rădac, PhD student M.Sc. Eng. Alexandra- Iulia Stînean, PhD student M.Sc. Eng. Lucian- Ovidiu Fedorovici, PhD student M.Sc. Eng.

Constantin Purcaru.

Research centre: Research Centre for AutomaticSystems Engineering (CCISA).

http://www.aut.upt.ro/centrucercetare/

index.EN.php

Applicability and transferability of the results: Nature-inspired optimization algorithms in modelling and control design, low-cost solutions for control problems in mechatronics, electrical drives, automotive and robotics, tools for the modelling, optimization and design of fuzzy control systems, real-time programming and operating systems for control and robotics.

Prof. Dr. Eng. Radu-Emil Precup - director of theCCISA Research Centre, “Politehnica”

University of Timişoara, Department of Automation and Applied Informatics Bd. V. Pârvan 2, 300223 Timişoara, Romania Tel.: +40-256403229, Fax: +40-256403214 E-mail: [email protected]

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“At every level the greatest obstacle to transforming the world is that we lack the clarity and imagination to conceive that it could be different”

Roberto Unger

Hybrid systems for converting renewable energy of small voltage, integrated into a micro-network

The project is focused on the research, development and testing of an intelligent and flexible (configurable) small scale power system based on integration of three renewable energy sources: wind, hydro, and solar (photovoltaic) power, adapted to the available resources in Romania, in various regions of the country, working independently or connected to the grid.

The project will cover the entire power conversion structure, including the design of adequate prime movers and new types of generators and power electronic converters, storage devices, power flow management system and load control.

Some configurable structures (wind, micro-hydro and PV, all or a part of them, including their integration in a microgrid) will be proposed as experimental models, ready to be transferred to industry.

There are proposed novelty elements regarding: low power wind turbine with integrated overspeed protection system, new generators configurations, and new topologies for power electronic converters

and microgrid structures, optimal local control strategies and intelligent power system management.

”Politehnica” University of Timisoara – Project coordinator Technical University of Cluj-Napoca – Project partner

SC EETIM SA – Project partner

Implementation period: 2012 -2015

•Microgrid components modeling, simulation and design.

•Microgrid components manufacturing, individual testing and integration in the experimental setup.

•Design, implementation and validation of the control strategies for microgrid components.

•Design, implementation and validation of the microgrid control strategy.

•Results dissemination and know-how exchange.

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Results:

• A new over-speed protection system for wind turbines.

•A new electrical reactive brushless dc generator with performances comparable with high energy PM generator, at low cost.

•A new RF-IPMSG with high efficiency, maintenance-free operation, and highcontrollability.

•A new AF-PMSG optimised for modular design. A new multiphase inverter with adequate control for the proposed generators.

•New multi-input dc-dc converters with high efficiency.

•High power tandem inverters for load management.

•Hardware and software package for power management, power flow control, individual converter control, and MPPT and other control strategies.

•Experimental microgrid system with integrated photovoltaic, wind and hydro generation.

•Technical papers will be published in top international journals and conference proceedings.

Research centre: Research Centre for Automatic Systems Engineering.

Joint Applied Research Projects - Partnership in S&T priority domains financed by the Executive Agency for Higher Education, Research, Development and Innovation Funding (UEFISCDI).

Research team:

UPT: Octavian Prostean, Nicolae Muntean, Nicolae Budisan, Ioan Filip, Mircea Barglazan, Gabriela Prostean, Stefan Kilyeni, Ilarie Bordeasu, Teodor Milos, Cristian Vasar, Lucian Tutelea, Cristian Lascu, Sorin Deaconu, Dan Ungureanu, Iosif Szeidert, Adrian Bej, Radu Boraci, Octavian Cornea, Ovidiu Tirian and Rodica Badarau

All the research results are the property of the project coordinator and its partners.

Prof. eng. Octavian Prostean, PhD.

Tel: (+40) - (0)- 256 - 403.225 Fax: (+40) - (0) - 256 - 403.214

...

“At every level the greatest obstacle to transforming the world is that we lack the clarity and imagination to conceive that it could be different”

Roberto Unger

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Development and testing of high-power LED street light prototype and OHIM (EU) patented design

Developing the prototype of a high- power LED street light with superior technical performances and lower cost and developing a case with aesthetic and functional characteristics in order to be highlighted among other European producers.

This project started when the beneficiary, SC Mariomih SRL, intended to assimilate the prototype of a LED street light, with superior technical performances and lower cost compared with those of the competitors on the market.

Also, another aspect which concerned the research team was developing an esthetic and functional case for the street lamp which would consolidate its position among other European manufacturers.

This comes in a time when Chinese manufacturers monopolize the “Cobra”

design and a new Romanian manufacturer – SC Electromax SRL – had to develop a case in shape of an A4 paper. So, the research team had to combine industrial with demonstrative research.

In terms of experimental industrial research, the research team tested for energy efficiency some of the best LEDs on market (Cree and Samsung). In terms of efficiency, the team turned to those LEDs which have an efficiency of 120-140 lm/W in order to have a higher grade of luminescence than other products at 40-50 absorbed Watts. So, in order to choose the LEDs the goal of the team was to reach the best ratio between the light intensity and the power consumption and also a wider light spreading angle to fulfill the minimal imposed standards.

This final task was completed both by the LED parameters provided by the manufacturer and the shape of the case.

The arc of circle model for the case - an atypical one – is certified by both OSIM (Romania) and OHIM (EU). This model was taken over by the beneficiary of the project, using the transfer of manufacturing license, for use in the future production department, where one of the models proposed by the research team will be produced.

SC MARIOMIH SRL Main activities:

•developing the prototype of a high-power LED street light with superior technical performances and lower cost;

•choosing LEDs with a smaller ratio between the light beam intensity and power consumption, and also a large enough light scattering angle to fit into the minimal standards required by law;

•developing a case with superior aesthetic and functional characteristics.

...

“We cannot hold a torch to light another’s path without brightening our own.”

Ben Sweetland

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...

“We cannot hold a torch to light another’s path without brightening our own.”

Ben Sweetland

Results:

Experimental models:

•Light bulb powered by a 12 V and 1000 mA D.C. solar panel;

•Street lighting lamps for parks and parking lots fed by 12 V and 1000 mA D.C. solar panels;

•Ceiling light with 100 5mm LEDs;

•Street lighting lamp with 300 5mm LEDs;

• Street lighting lamp with 5 light bulbs in

“Cobra” case, powered directly from 230 V mains;

•Street lighting lamps with MC-H chips and Samsung LEDs - powered directly from 230 V mains - or 494 lumens Cree LEDs;

•Highway lighting lamps equipped with 3 kitsof 3000 lumens each.

29.06.2012 - 04.12.2012

Energy and Environment Financed through/by:

UEFISCDI – INNOVATION Program, Support Services for Innovation – Innovation Circles

Research team:

Flavius Dan Şurianu – Director, Aldo De Sabata, Mircea Nicoară, Ioan Silea, Daniel Dejica-Carţiş, Felix Traian Zamfir.

Research centre:

Research centre for Power Systems Analysis and Optimization.

Prof. Flavius Dan Şurianu, Ph.D.

2 Parvan Blvd., Room C112 Phone: 0256 403412

Email: [email protected]

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Modular equipment for voltage dips monitoring

...

“Intellectuals solve problems, geniuses prevent them.”

Albert Einstein

Goal of the project: The main objective of the project was to achieve the transfer of know-how from University to industry. With other words, the objective of the project was to develop a prototype for a voltage dip monitoring system designed within a postdoctoral research project.

The project was a joint venture between the University and industry. The idea of the project started from results obtained in a passed research project and the necessity of the implementing of these results in a voltage dip monitoring device.

The motivation of the project is due to the fact that in technical literature there are summarized the problems caused by a lack of power quality, stating that in Europe the costs consumer due to power quality problems is approximately 100 billion Euros, of which more than a half are due to voltage dips and short interruptions. In addition, the power quality monitoring devices currently available are made according to the existing international standards.

These standards require identifying only two parameters of voltage dips, namely voltage amplitude and dip duration, which are reported to the acceptability curve CBEMA (Information Technology Industry Council). These conclusions are found in the technical documentation of the newest voltage quality monitoring devices. In addition these devices save data in files with special format (own), which involves the acquisition of file conversion programs.

The device was designed in order to be easily used at low voltage level from all the electricity consumers: industry and domestic. It means that is small enough as it can be installed together with the classical overcurrent protections.

19.07.2012-18.12.2012

Project implemented by: Power Engi- neering Department from UPT in partnership with SC Rheal SRL Timisoara (SC Rheal is the beneficiary of the results)

Main activities: Starting from results of the postdoctoral project and considering the beneficiary’s request, the hardware of the monitoring device was redesigned. The scope of redesigned was to implement the voltage dip monitoring device in a modular way. To achieve this criteria the printed circuit board was reduced using different techniques. First it was reduced the number of acquiring channels. Second it was used different techniques to reduce the dimensions of the printed circuit board. The minimum dimensions of the device were reached by handmade design assisted with computer of the printing circuit board.

Another activity was to develop and test the device. In this sense, the necessary materials and equipments were purchased.

The electronic components were attached to the printed circuit board. The device was tested in laboratory. First it was calibrated by comparing with other equipments and then was tested with standard signals by comparing with results obtained with con- secrated monitoring devices.

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“Intellectuals solve problems, geniuses prevent them.”

Albert Einstein

Finally the device was tested with real signals obtained by applying real data to programmable signal generators

Results:

The main result of the project is the prototype of the voltage dip monitoring device. In these conditions the results can be detailed as follows:

•Prototype of the monitoring device;

•Digital document containing the electrical circuits of the printed circuit board;

•Technical details regarding mounting of electronic components;

•Technical details regarding device assembly;

•Technical documentation regarding software update;

•Technical documentation regarding using the device.

New technology used in this device and also the entire monitoring device represent intellectual properties and will be protected accordingly.

The beneficiary of the project (SC Rheal SRL) receives the prototype of the device together with all results mentioned above.

Also, the beneficiary came into possession of source code of the software part of the monitoring device. The beneficiary will make all the necessary efforts to homologate the device and to insert in mass production and commercialization.

So it can be said that the goal of the project (to transfer the know-how from University to industry) was achieved.

Fields of interest: The main fields of interest connected with the project applicability and implementation, in electrical networks, are: voltage dips (monitoring and analysis), power quality (monitoring and analysis, including all power quality parameters and indices); embedded system for power engineering.

Executive Agency for Higher Education, Research, Development and Innovation Funding trough Innovation Support Services (Innovation Checks) component of the Innovation Programme and is part- financed by SC Rheal SRL, contract id: PN-II- IN-CI-2012-1-0150.

Research team:

Dr. Eng. Florin MOLNAR-MATEI, Dr. Eng.

Mihai MOGA, Dr. Eng. Adrian PANĂ, Dr. Eng.

Alexandru BĂLOI Research centre:

Research centre for Power Systems Analysis and Optimization

The results obtained during research project were entirely transferred to the beneficiary of the research project and can be applied in industry for mass production.

The equipment can be installed in electrical network for voltage dips monitoring, at any voltage level, both by electrical energy suppliers and consumers.

As. Dr. Eng. Florin MOLNAR-MATEI

Address: V. Parvan, No. 2, 300223, Timişoara, Romania

Tel./Fax.: (0040) 256 403 428 Mob.: (0040) 766 647 539

E-mail: [email protected] [email protected]

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Implementation and testing for certification and serial production of a thermo-electric microsolar plant prototype with Fresnel lens and Stirling engine

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“If you want to find the secrets of the uni- verse, think in terms of energy, frequency and vibration.”

Nikola Tesla

Goal of the project: The main objective of the project is designing, testing and making a prototype of a micro solar plant to produce electricity and heat using Fresnel lenses and Stirling engine at the price of 1 Euro / W. The specific cost of electricity produced by PV panels is 3Euro/W. Comparing the prices; the product will be competitive on internal and external markets.

Short description of the project: Making the installation is based on the utility model certificate no.RO 2010 U 00057/29.07.2011 issued by OSIM. The model suggests as a technological innovation the use of Fresnel lenses and Stirling engine. Energy chain links will produce at the same time mechanical energy, thermal energy and electric power. The plant will use Fresnel lenses for the concentration of the radiation and Stirling engine to convert solar energy into mechanical energy. Mechanical energy is converted into electricity by an alternator. Thermal solar conversion will provide thermal energy for the hot source of the Stirling engine.

Project implemented by: This project is implemented by the Department “Physical Fundamentals of Engineering” in collaboration with SC ENERGOSOPHIA Ltd as contractorcustomer.

29.06.2012 – 05.12.2012

Main activities: Studies for this project started by reinterpreting the obtained results from previous measurements on heliothermal potential in the western part of Romania. All necessary equipment’s and parts were purchased for making this installation. On 16 Nov at BFI headquarters an important meeting took place.

The analyzed themes were: insolation and weather factors in the western part of Romania, using Fresnel lenses for concentrating solar radiation, using Stirling engine in solar applications, using an alternator and inverter, project management. A proposal of an invention was submitted for OSIM by Energosophia.

Results:

a) Measurement results indicate that local solar potential is comparable to that of other EU countries that are successfully implementing innovative solar installations.

b) At „Installations for Constructions and Ambient Comfort” Conference from 11-12 April 2013, 4 scientific papers were proposed for communication and publication.

c) The invention “Solar Thermo Electrical Plant with Fresnel Lenses” was accepted for patent litigation. This invention is intellectual property of an author from Energosophia and it will be protected.

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d) Measurements planned for the period with insolation in 2013 will lead to some papers concerning solar energy which will be presented at national and international conferences. These papers are designed to disseminate the results, and also the educational and public interest concerning renewable energy, namely solar energy.

e) The installation is part of the program called Directive 2006/32/CE and part of the new energy politics of EU from 2007, called

“20-20-20” which suggests the apparition in the market of new innovative products.

Comparative studies will be developed concerning energy efficiency, feasibility of heat pipe tubes, PV panels and Fresnel lens installation and also Stirling engine.

f) Partnership development between BFI and Energosophia

a) Areas of interest concerning this product consist of the industrial energy consumers, public and private for electricity, thermal energy and mechanical energy and also the energy supply sector.

b) It is expected that electricity prices will drop from 3euro/W at 1 euro/W; installation

possibilities generated will be attractive in the medium and long term.

c) Commercial attractiveness of the product will create for Energosophia Company the possibility of developing by increasing the turnover and the number of employees.

d) Developing the theoretical basis of the functionality of the plant will stimulate paper development to be proposed in journals.

e) Didactical processing of functionality mechanisms will be interesting for students and masters students of engineering faculties.

f) At the same time the installation will be useful for PhD students in development of solar energy conversion topics and in other forms of energy.

Research Centre: Research centre for advanced study methods for physics phenomena.

Financed through/by: Ministry of Education, Research, Youth and Sports through the Program Innovation from PN II, subprogram Services for Innovation - Innovation checks.

Research team: From BFI: 1. Assist. Prof. Dr.

Ioan Luminosu - Director; 2. Prof. Dr. Eng.

Dumitru Toader; 3. Prof. Dr. Eng. Aldo De Sabata; 4. Assist. Prof. Dr. Ciprian Sorandaru;

5 Assist. Prof. Dr. Virgil Stoica; 6. Msc student Mirela Enache. From Energosophia: 1. Assist.

Prof. Dr. Traian Zamfir; 2. Eng. Felix Zamfir;

3. Eng. I. Dinculescu.

Applicability and transferability of the results:

The results are applicable and transferable to: a) public administration, b) public and private energy consumers, c) for energy suppliers, d) industry.

Dr. Ioan Luminosu

Address: V. Parvan Street, No. 2, Timisoara Phone/fax: (0040) 256 403 391

Mobile: (0040) 731 015 456 E-mail: [email protected]

...

“Our energy is an expression of cosmic energy”

Deepak Chopra

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UNIPREG: L∞-uniqueness of pre-generators

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“Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.”

Winston Churchill

This project is based on interaction of different areas of partial differential equations, stochastic differential equations and dynamical systems whose common denominator is the theory of semigroups of linear operators. The main objective of the project is to study the L∞- uniqueness of some pre-generators from mathematical- physics.

The project fits in the CD priority areas 10 - Basic Sciences, subdomain 10.1 – Mathematics.

The specific objectives of the project concern the study of some theoretical problems such as the existence, uniqueness, perturbation and approximation of C0- semigroups on the dual of a Banach space, and some applications on the L∞- uniqueness of diffusions operators, which are pregenerators.

We expect that the methods presented here can be used to attack several uniqueness problems in the infinite dimensional case.

According to the 2010 Mathematical Subject Classification of A.M.S., the fields of interest are: 47D06 (one-parameter semigroups and linear evolution equation), 60J60 (diffusion processes), 81Q10 (selfadjoint operator theory including spectral analysis.

14.04.2011-30.11.2012 Project implemented by:

The Department of Electrical Engineering and Industrial Informatics from „Politehnica”

University of Timişoara, Romania, in partnership with the Department of Economics Defence from Military Economics Academy of Wuhan, P. R. China.

The first phase of execution was held between 14.04.2011-30.11.2011. The main activity in this phase was the visit of the Romanian research team at the Military Economics Academy of Wuhan, P.R. China, from October 9 to 25, 2011. The second phase of implementation took place from 1.01.2012 to 30.11.2012.