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Events for February 02, 2011
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EE-Systems Seminar
Wed, Feb 02, 2011 @ 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Ming Hsieh Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Conferences, Lectures, & Seminars
Speaker: Valentino Crespi,
Talk Title: Trackability and Machine Learning of Processes
Abstract: The effective monitoring of complex environments is related to the ability of machine learning and tracking its constituent processes.
Examples of environments in this domain include networked computer systems, autonomic computing systems and distributed and dynamic information systems. In our approach an environment consists, in its most abstract form, of multiple processes or behaviors that we typically model as Finite State Machines such as Probabilistic and nonprobabilistic Finite State Automata (DFAs/PFAs), Probabilistic Deterministic Finite State Automata (PDFAs), Probabilistic Suffix Automata (PSAs), Hidden Markov Models (HMMs), etc.
In this talk we first introduce an original and rigorous concept of "trackability" of processes in a distributed sensing system. The purpose of this notion is to determine the "complexity" of estimating state trajectories of a target process based on a discrete-time sequence of noisy "observations". We then present our new algorithms to machine learn Hidden Markov Models (HMMs) from typical realizations of the associated stochastic process. The methods are based on the non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) of higher order Markovian statistics and are structurally different from the classical Baum-Welch and associated approaches.
Host: Bhaskar Krishnamachari
Location: Hughes Aircraft Electrical Engineering Center (EEB) - 248
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: Shane Goodoff
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Viterbi Ball Ticket Sales
Wed, Feb 02, 2011 @ 11:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Viterbi School of Engineering Student Organizations
Student Activity
Come buy your tickets for Viterbi Ball! $25 each, checks made out to USC or cash accepted.
Visit the Facebook event for more info: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=170374009672457
Location: RTH Lobby
Audiences: Undergrad
Contact: VSC
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AIChE Spring Grill Out
Wed, Feb 02, 2011 @ 11:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Viterbi School of Engineering Student Organizations
Student Activity
Stop by for some free food before, between, and after classes!
Location: in front of HEDCO
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: USC American Institute of Chemical Engineers
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Asymptotic Design for Cascade Robustness in Large Coupled Systems
Wed, Feb 02, 2011 @ 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
Ming Hsieh Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Conferences, Lectures, & Seminars
Speaker: Franz Hover, MIT Mechanical Engineering
Talk Title: Asymptotic Design for Cascade Robustness in Large Coupled Systems
Abstract: Power networks and collaborating mobile robots are examples of large-scale interdependent systems that are subject to cascading failures. A recent asymptotic model of failure across two signal domains offers a random graph framework for studying such systems, and I use it to pose and solve a new robust design problem. A low-order nonlinear analysis uncovers the mechanisms by which optimized graphs can form star-like clusters, as encoded into a simple but specialized degree distribution; several other design rules can be found as well. Through examples on coupled systems of finite size, I show that degree independence in the asymptotic model can be somewhat relaxed, which is significant for the practical case of geometric connectivity. A heuristic rule that matches degrees across the domain boundary can offer further benefits in many cases.
Biography: Franz Hover received the BSME from Ohio Northern University and the MS and ScD degrees from the WHOI/MIT Joint Program in Applied Ocean Physics and Engineering. He was a consultant to industry and then a member of the research staff at MIT, where he worked in fluid mechanics, biomimetics, and ocean engineering. He is currently Finmeccanica Assistant Professor at the MIT Department of Mechanical Engineering; his research focuses on design methods and robustness for marine systems.
Host: Urbashi Mitra, ubli@usc.edu and Gaurav Sukhatme, gaurav@usc.edu
Location: Ronald Tutor Hall of Engineering (RTH) - 406
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: Gerrielyn Ramos
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Microwave Transmissions Systems: Progress, Challenges and Future Direction
Wed, Feb 02, 2011 @ 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Ming Hsieh Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Conferences, Lectures, & Seminars
Speaker: Edward Au, Corporate Research, Huawei Technologies
Talk Title: Microwave Transmissions Systems: Progress, Challenges and Future Direction
Abstract: Users want seamlessly connected advanced services delivered on-demand wherever they may be, on any platform, over any available network. But as the user experience becomes richer, the underlying technologies and networks become more complex. Further, the rapid development of mobile broadband services has brought explosive growth of bandwidth requirements, which forces operators to continuously expand their networks.
As one of the key physical media for mobile backhaul networks, point-to-point microwave is rapidly evolving to support the increasing demand on bandwidth while allowing operators to reduce network operational costs. In this seminar, we overview some recent developments, challenges, and future direction in the microwave industry.
Biography: As a Principal Engineer of Huawei Technologies, Edward has worked on research and product development on 100 Gb/s-and-beyond optical long-haul communications. He is now leading a project on fixed wireless transmission system that has enabled a number of cutting-edge products. Edward has actively participated in standardization organizations and industry forums. He is the primary technical representative of Huawei for Wi-Fi Alliance and an active contributor of Optical Interconnecting Forum (OIF), where he is a co-editor of the channel coding project for 100Gb/s DWDM optical transmission systems, and a member of Speakers Bureau in representing OIF at industry and academic events. He was also a working group secretary of IEEE 802.22 â the first international standards on cognitive radio networks.
Edward is also staying active in research community. He is currently an Associate Editor of IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology and a leading guest editor for the IEEE Communications Magazine Feature Topic on Advances in IEEE Standards and Testbeds for Cognitive Radio Networks. He is a founding member of Shenzhen Chapter, IEEE Communications Society.
Edward holds a Ph.D. degree in Electronic and Computer Engineering in Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST).
Host: Andreas Molisch, 04670, EEB 530, molisch@usc.edu
Location: Hughes Aircraft Electrical Engineering Center (EEB) - 539
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: Gerrielyn Ramos
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Recent Results on Discrete Memoryless Broadcast Channels
Wed, Feb 02, 2011 @ 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Ming Hsieh Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Conferences, Lectures, & Seminars
Speaker: Chandra Nair, Chinese University of Hong Kong
Talk Title: Recent Results on Discrete Memoryless Broadcast Channels
Abstract: Broadcast channel refers to a commonly occurring communication scenario where a single sender wishes to send (possibly different) messages to multiple receivers. This is one of the fundamental problems in network information theory, a generalization of Shannon's point-to-point information theory.
In this talk, I will talk about a collection of recent results that have been obtained over the last couple of years that made significant progress, both from an intuitive perspective as well as a theoretical perspective, on long standing open problems in this area. The talk will be self-contained, and the emphasis will be on the bigger picture of the results than the specific details of establishing them.
Biography: Chandra Nair is an assistant professor with the information engineering department of the Chinese University of Hong Kong. His research interests include "random" problems in combinatorial optimization, networks, and information theory. Over the last couple of years his research has primarily focused on multiuser information theory, and in particular the broadcast channel.
Chandra Nair was a Stanford graduate fellow (00-04) and Microsoft graduate fellow (04-05) during his graduate studies at Stanford University. Subsequently, he became a post-doc (05-07) with the theory group at Microsoft research, Redmond. He joined the faculty of the information engineering department in the Chinese University of Hong Kong during Fall 2007.
Website: http://chandra.ie.cuhk.edu.hk
Host: Giuseppe Caire, caire@usc.edu, EEB 528, x04683
Location: Hughes Aircraft Electrical Engineering Center (EEB) - 248
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: Gerrielyn Ramos
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AME Department Seminar
Wed, Feb 02, 2011 @ 03:30 PM - 04:30 PM
Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering
Conferences, Lectures, & Seminars
Speaker: B. Villac , Professor, University of California at Irvine
Talk Title: Humans Beyond Low Earth Orbits: Challenges and Opportunities in Astrodynamics
Abstract: The NASA plan for sending humans beyond low-Earth orbits in a sustainable manner poses many challenges (at all levels: technical, political,...), as well as a plethora of opportunities. This talk explores a few of the technical challenges and opportunities in the realm of spaceflight dynamics.
Firstly, sustained exploration implies a need for space-based infrastructure, notably for navigation and communication systems. This leads us to a discussion on constellation optimization in multi-body environments, and the associated variational problems. We show that the use of dynamical system theory and the analysis of periodic orbit families allows us to reduce this problem to a one-dimensional optimization over a graph. These results are applied to the concept of autonomous navigation constellation. The notion of family --i.e., continuous set of orbit-- is then extended to transfer problems, demonstrating some limitations of classic design methodologies and possible techniques to go around these.
Secondly, humans in space also implies safety issues. This is notably amplified with the current vision of sending humans to asteroids, where the dynamics present short time scales and is generally poorly characterized before encounter. Here the questions addressed are the techniques to ensure mission recovery --or at least avoiding critical events such as impacts or uncontrolled escape when orbiting a small body-- in the face of potential engine failure. The analysis of the resulting optimal control problems and orbital stability issues leads to new transfer and mission concepts and the challenging problem of orbital motion characterization under large parameter uncertainties.
Finally, a few astronauts in space means a large team of qualified engineers on the ground, planning, designing, preparing, operating, supporting the missions ans the astronauts. All this, starts with education and the formation of good engineers. The last part of the talk will briefly discuss the cubesat project pursued at UCI in order to answer this need.
Biography: Prof. Villac is currently assistant professor at the University of California, Irvine (UCI). Prior to joining UCI in 2006, Prof. Villac worked at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the California Institute of Technology, developing novel low-thrust trajectory analysis and design methods for the Jupiter Icy Moon Orbiter mission. He received his Ph.D in aerospace engineering in 2003 from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. His research is focused on astrodynamics, exploring the applications of modern dynamical system theory to the analysis and development of new space mission concepts. He is also advising the UCISAT project which is currently preparing to launch its first cubesat.
Host: Prof. F. Udwadia
More Info: http://ame-www.usc.edu/seminars/2-2-11-villac.shtmlLocation: Seaver Science Library (SSL) - 150
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: April Mundy
Event Link: http://ame-www.usc.edu/seminars/2-2-11-villac.shtml
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Application of Shape Memory Alloys in Natural Hazards Mitigation
Wed, Feb 02, 2011 @ 04:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Sonny Astani Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Conferences, Lectures, & Seminars
Speaker: Reginald DesRoches, Georgia Institute of Technology
Talk Title: Application of Shape Memory Alloys in Natural Hazards Mitigation
Abstract: The recent earthquakes in Haiti and Chile underscore the importance of developing new
approaches and technologies to increase the performance of structures duringearthquakes.
The presentation will highlight the application on a new class of materials, namely shape
memory alloys (SMAs), in mitigating the effects of earthquakes in buildings and bridges. Shape
memory alloys are a unique metallic alloy which can undergo large deformations while
reverting back to their original, undeformed shape. This unique property has led to the
development of applications in the biomedical field (arterial stents), aerospace field (adaptive
wings), and commercial industry (eyeglass frames). A multi scale and multi-disciplinary
approach is taken to explore the use of SMAs for applications in earthquake engineering.
Several large scale applications are tested including a âsmartâ steel beam column connection
that uses shape memory alloys, innovative bracing systems, and recentering restraining devices
for bridges. The large scale experimental tests and complementary analysis show great
potential for the use of SMAs in seismic applications.
Biography: Reginald DesRoches is a Professor and Associate Chair of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the
Georgia Institute of Technology. His primary research interests are design of buildings and critical
infrastructure under extreme loads, and application of smart materials in rehabilitation of structures,
where has published over 180 articles in archival journals and conference proceedings. Dr. DesRoches
is Past Chair of the executive committee of the Technical Council on Lifeline Earthquake Engineering
(TCLEE), a member of the executive committee of the National Academy of Sciences Disasters
Roundtable, and is on the Board for the Earthquake Engineering Research Institute (EERI). Dr.
DesRoches has served as the key technical leader in the US in response to the Haiti earthquake. He has
traveled to Haiti eight times since the earthquake, including a trip where he led a team of 28 engineers,
architects, city planners, and social scientists to study the impact of the earthquake, and provide
recommendations on the recovery and rebuilding Dr. DesRoches has received numerous awards,
including the NSF CAREER award and Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers
(PECASE) in 2002. Most recently, he was a recipient of the 2007 ASCE Walter L. Huber Civil Engineering
Research Prize, the Georgia Tech ANAK Award for Outstanding Service, Teaching, and Research (2008),
and the Institute Outstanding Doctoral Thesis Advisor Award (2010).
Host: Sonny Astani Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Location: Kaprielian Hall (KAP) - 209
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: Erin Sigman
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Career Fest: Navigating the U.S. Job Search
Wed, Feb 02, 2011 @ 05:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Viterbi School of Engineering Career Connections
Workshops & Infosessions
In hopes of explaining what the workforce is like to international students, the Navigating the U.S. Job Search workshop will go through expectations of US companies for their employees. Topics will include dress, communication styles and the hiring process.
Location: Ronald Tutor Hall of Engineering (RTH) - 211
Audiences: All Viterbi Students
Contact: RTH 218 Viterbi Career Services
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ASBME Corporate Dinner Preparation Workshop
Wed, Feb 02, 2011 @ 06:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Viterbi School of Engineering Student Organizations
Student Activity
Our major corporate event of the year is coming soon! So get prepared with a resume and etiquette workshop with Medtronic representatives and Viterbi Career Services. We will also discuss the upcoming Corporate Dinner itself. If you would like to attend, please fill out this form: https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dENtTHJDdWMyMjdERllqV21zcTllV1E6MQ
If you are attending the Corporate Dinner, we highly recommend that you come to this general meeting!
Don't forget to sign up for our 15th Annual Corporate Dinner here:
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dDZ4dEgxVDNqNGtCVWYyS3dxS1FDSnc6MQ
The deadline is THIS week!
We look forward to seeing you at both events!Location: Ronald Tutor Campus Center (TCC) - 450
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: Associated Students of Biomedical Engineering
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Clark Construction Group Information Session
Wed, Feb 02, 2011 @ 06:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Viterbi School of Engineering Career Connections
Workshops & Infosessions
Join representatives of this company as they share general company information and available opportunities.
Location: Grace Ford Salvatori Hall Of Letters, Arts & Sciences (GFS) - 106
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: RTH 218 Viterbi Career Services
