Plenary Lecture

On the Detection and Quantification of Dynamical Temporal Changes on Complex Signals

Professor Vincenzo Niola
Department of Mechanical Engineering for Energetics
University of Naples Federico II
Via Claudio 21, 80125 Naples
Italy
E-mail: vincenzo.niola@unina.it

Abstract: The aim of this lecture is to present the main methodologies employed for quantifying the dynamics of complex signals showing sudden changes, hence not predictable, of their pseudo-deterministic time series.
The techniques which we are going to explain are commonly defined as non-linear.
We illustrate the case of a signal that suddenly present a set of spike (or only one). To better illustrate the problem we will refer to a specific space-time. As showed in the following we will show how we can investigate on complex signals with a detail that, until now, the usual techniques are not capable of achieving. Therefore, the dynamical pattern will be analyzed by means of a particular space-time system: the state or phase space.
As the theory of nonlinear dynamics clearly shows, the space of the state is the natural domain for quantifying the properties of non-linear dynamics. These properties would never be detected in a normal time domain or by the sequential reading of the time series representing the dynamical phenomenon observed.
An important consideration is that the basic measurements proposed are not based on special non-linear models, nor they depend in some way, directly or indirectly, from a priori detailed knowledge of the mechanisms that underlie and are responsible for the generation of data to be analyzed. These techniques belong to those families so called non-parametric.

Brief Biography of the Speaker:
Vincenzo Niola is professor of Applied Mechanics at Naples University Federico II since 31 march 1987. After he got an Univerisity Degree in Mechanical Engineering, he started in january 1978 didactics activity as helper at course of Applied Mechanics and Machines et as member of their committee of examination. Since september 1979 he carried on that collaboration as owner of a scholarship from C.N.R. (National Research Council). Since december 1981 to march 1987 he was a researcher carrying on the practice course for Applied Mechanics, taking a part at examination meeting and working as proposer in many degree thesis. Since 1981 to 1984 he carried on his didactics activity as university teacher for Bioengineering course of locomotive apparatus at Orthopaedy and Traumathology specialization school of 2th Department of Medicine and Surgery of Naples University. Since 31 March 1987 is professor of Applied Mechanics at Naples University Federico II, and since A.A. 86/87 to A.A. 92/93 he carried on the Applied Mechanics and Machines course for electronic engineers, and since A.A. 93/94 to today carry on the Applied Mechanics course for computer science engineers. Since A.A. 88/89 to 89/90 he carried on as supply teacher the Applied Mechanics course for building engineers at Salerno Engineering University. By A.A. 94/95 to A.A. 97/98 he carried on as supply professor Tribology course at Naples University Federico II. By A.A. 2001/2002 he holds the chair of Applied Mechanics for University Degree of “Orthopaedic Technician” at 2th Department of Medicine and Surgery of Naples University. Since A.A. 2005/2006 is professor of Tribology and of Complements of Mechanics. During this years Prof. Vincenzo Niola has been the chairman of his courses examination meetings, and was proposer of many degree thesis.. During his activity Prof. Vincenzo Niola was owner of financings from MURST and (in past and present) cooperate scientifically with research corporation and national industries (MERISINTER, MONTEFLUOS, INDESIT, ALENIA, C.I.R.A.). He's scientific member of Naples research unit for PRIN 2003. He's fellow of Italian Association of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics (AIMETA). He's member of IFToMM Linkages on cams committee. He belongs to the International Scientific Committee of the "World Scientific and Engineering Academy and Society (WSEAS). He is President of the WSEAS Italy Chapter on the “Analysis of the Mechanical Systems”. He was been Chairman and "invited author" in some session of Internatinal Conferences. He's author of more than 130 national and international papers.