Short Term Scientific Missions (STSM) are institutional visits aimed at supporting individual mobility, fostering collaboration between individuals. STSM applicants must be engaged in an official research programme as a PhD Student or postdoctoral fellow or can be employed by, or affiliated to, an institution, organisation or legal entity which has within its remit a clear association with performing research. The institutions / organisation or legal entity where applicants pursue their main strand of research are considered as Home institutions. The Host institution is the institution / organisation that will host the successful applicant.
The STSM must tackle specific objectives of the COST Action CA15225 and the tasks of the Working Group(s). The applicant should be stress how the STSM contributes to the expected deliverables of the Action described in the Memorandum of Understanding.
STSM must respect the following criteria:
- They must have a minimum duration of 5 calendar days.
- They must have a maximum duration of 90 calendar days.
- STSM need to be carried out in their entirety within a single Grant Period and always within the Action’s lifetim
Specific additional provisions have also been made possible to encourage the participation of Early Career Investigators (ECI) in STSM. To qualify for these specific provisions, the following conditions apply:
- The mission must have a minimum duration of 91 calendar days.
- The mission must have a maximum duration of 180 calendar days.
- STSM performed by ECI need to be carried out in their entirety within a single Grant Period and always within the Action’s lifetime.
STSM – Financial support
An STSM Grant is a fixed financial contribution which takes into consideration the budget request of the applicant and the outcome of the evaluation of the STSM application. STSM Grants do not necessarily cover all expenses related to undertaking a given mission. The calculation of the financial contribution for each STSM must respect the following criteria:
- Up to a maximum of EUR 2 500 in total can be afforded to each successful applicant;
- Up to a maximum of EUR 160 per day can be afforded for accommodation and meal expenses.
Specific provisions have been introduced to enable researchers from ITC participating in the respective COST Action to receive 50% of their STSM Grant when they complete the first day of their STSM. The remaining 50% of the Grant is payable once the administrative requirements have been satisfied. For ECIs, the calculation for an increased financial contribution must respect the following criteria:
- Up to a maximum of EUR 3 500 in total can be afforded to ECIs for missions with a duration of between 91 and 180 calendar days;
- Up to a maximum of EUR 160 per day can be afforded for accommodation and meal expenses.
STSM Coordinator: Biljana Jolevska-Tuneska,
Please apply using the following https://e-services.cost.eu/user/login/STSM .
In the initial STSM request, it is necessary to provide Academic Details and Motivation and Workplan Summary, where the applicant must address the following items:
- Aim and motivation – please explain the scientific and/or other motivation for the STSM and what scientific and/or other outcomes you aim to accomplish with the STSM
- Proposed contribution to the scientific objectives of the Action
- Techniques – please detail what techniques or equipment you may learn to use (if applicable)
- Planning – please detail the steps you will take to achieve your proposed aim
Submitting the request, the applicant also has to to provide the following documents:
- A full C.V. (including a list of academic publications – if applicable) once not being registered in e-COST yet,
- A letter of invitation from a senior researcher affiliated to the Host institution,
- A motivation letter including a work plan detailing the proposed activities,
- A support letter / email from the Home Institution.
Those that undertake an STSM must compile and upload a Scientific Report (available in e-COST system) that describes:
- Purpose of the STSM,
- Work carried out during the STSM,
- Main results obtained,
- Future collaboration.
The Scientific Report must be approved by the Host insitituion (local supervisor). After all required support documents are uploaded, the STSM coordinator approves the succesful STSM that is later reimbursed by the Grant Holder.
The STSM user guide can be downloaded here: https://www.cost.eu/STSM_userguide
Granted STSMs
| STSMs during 4th Grand Period |
| STSM Topic: Fractional-order models and systems in bio-engineering and biomedical applications Applicant: Aslihan Kartci, Brno University of Technology, Czech Republic Host: Brent Maundy, University of Calgary, Canada STSM Period: 2019-07-19 – 2019-08-03 |
| STSM Topic: Fractional order systems: Brain activity MRI and handwriting/drawing analysis for cognitive impairments Applicant: Karmele López De Ipina, Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, Spain Host: John Suckling, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom STSM Period: 2019-07-05 – 2019-07-26 |
| STSM Topic: Fractional Order Control of the Hemodynamic System Applicant: Cristina Ioana Muresan, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, Romania Host: Clara Mihaela Ionescu, University of Ghent, Belgium STSM Period: 2019-07-01 – 2019-07-16 |
| STSM Topic: Fractional order systems: Brain activity EEG for cognitive impairments Applicant: Jordi Solé-Casals, University of Vic – Central University of Catalonia, Spain Host: Edward Bullmore, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom STSM Period: 2019-06-28 – 2019-07-13 |
| STSM Topic: Fractional order impedance model for lung cancer Applicant: Maria Ghita, Gent University, Belgium Host: Cristina Muresan, Technical University of ClujNapoca, Romania STSM Period: 2019-06-04 – 2019-06-18 |
| STSM Topic: Hemodynamic characterization and modelling using fractional calculus Applicant: Mihaela Ghita, Gent University, Belgium Host: Cristina Muresan, Technical University of ClujNapoca, Romania STSM Period: 2019-06-04 – 2019-06-18 |
| STSM Topic: Fractional Black-Scholes model for option pricing Applicant: Tarik Uzunovic, University of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina Host: Darko Mitrovic, University of Montenegro, Montenegro STSM Period: 2019-06-02 – 2019-06-17 |
| STSMs during 3rd Grand Period |
| STSM Topic: Fractional-order modelling and control of automotive and mechatronic systems Applicant: Paolo Lino, Politecnico di Bari, Italy Host: Miloš Schlegel, University of West Bohemia, Czech Republic STSM Period: 2019-03-26 – 2019-04-01 |
| STSM Topic: Mathematical methods of fractional order differentiation Applicant: Sanja Konjik, University of Novi Sad, Serbia Host: Darko Mitrović, University of Montenegro, Montenegro STSM Period: 2019-03-11 – 2019-03-25 |
| STSM Topic: Application of fractional order differential equations in optimization theory and image analysis Applicant: Andrej Novak, Faculty of Science (Zagreb), Croatia Host: Darko Mitrović, University of Montenegro, Montenegro STSM Period: 2019-02-21 – 2019-03-10 |
| STSM Topic: Estimation of Glucose Concentration applying Recent Methods and Technologies Applicant: Darius Andriukaitis, Kaunas University of Technology, Lithuania Host: Alberto Rodriguez Martinez, Miguel Hernandez University of Elche, Spain STSM Period: 2019-02-12 – 2019-02-23 |
| STSM Topic: Measurement of pain by means of skin impedance Applicant: Dana Copot, Ghent University, Belgium Host: Cristina Muresan, Technical University of Cluj Napoca, Romania STSM Period: 2019-02-04 – 2019-02-16 |
| STSM Topic: Control problem for fractional porous media equation Applicant: Darko Mitrović, University of Montenegro, Montenegro Host: Tarik Uzunovic, University of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina STSM Period: 2019-02-01 – 2019-02-16 |
| STSM Topic: Fractional analysis feature extraction and comparison with classical systems in online handwriting signals Applicant: Marcos Faundez-Zanuy, Tecnocampus Mataro, Spain Host: Yosi Keller, Bar-Ilan University, Israel STSM Period: 2018-12-12 – 2018-12-18 |
| STSM Topic: Fractional derivative application in geometric function theory Applicant: Nikola Tuneski, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, fYR Macedonia Host: Zoran Rakic, University in Belgrade, Serbia STSM Period: 2018-11-14 – 2018-11-26 |
| STSM Topic: Time-domain identification of standard fractional-order time-delay plant model from input- output measurements Applicant: Baris Baykant Alagoz, Inonu University, Turkey Host: Eduard Petlenkov, Tallinn University of Technology, Estonia STSM Period: 2018-08-23 – 2018-09-01 |
| STSM Topic: Fractional order modeling of receptor-ligand complexes formation with numerical optimization methods Applicant: Abdullah Ates, Inonu University, Turkey Host: Eduard Petlenkov, Tallinn University of Technology, Estonia STSM Period: 2018-08-23 – 2018-09-01 |
| STSM Topic: Fractional order control in biomedical applications Applicant: Cristina Ioana Muresan, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, Romania Host: Clara Mihaela Ionescu, University of Ghent, Belgium STSM Period: 2018-08-23 – 2018-08-31 |
| STSM Topic: Control design for fractional-order systems Applicant: Tarik Uzunovic, University of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina Host: Darko Mitrovic, University of Montenegro, Montenegro STSM Period: 2018-08-07 – 2018-08-22 |
| STSM Topic: Design and fabrication of RC-EDP-based fractional-order elements in thick-film technology Applicant: David Kubanek, Brno University of Technology, Czech Republic Host: Petr Ushakov, Kalashnikov Izhevsk State Technical University, Russian Federation STSM Period: 2018-07-12 – 2018-07-30 |
| STSM Topic: Modelling Interaction Impedance in Submersed Objects for Concentration Evaluation in Non-Newtonian Fluids Applicant: Clara Ionescu, Ghent University, Belgium Host: Eva Dulf, Technical University of Cluj Napoca, Romania STSM Period: 2018-05-17 – 2018-05-30 |
| STSMs during 2nd Grand Period |
| STSM Topic: Non-asymptotic identification and estimation for fractional order systems Applicant: Yanqiao Wei, INSA Centre Val de Loire, France Host: Igor Podlubny, Technical University of Kosice, Slovakia STSM Period: 2018-03-17 – 2018-03-25 |
| STSM Topic: Micro-local analysis Applicant: Sanja Atanasova, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technologies, North Macedonia Host: Stevan Pilipovic, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Serbia STSM Period: 2018-03-12 – 2018-03-16 |
| STSM Topic: Some Applications of Fractional Calculus in Engineering And Biomedical Area: Continuous and Discrete Approaches Applicant: Dumitru Baleanu, Cankaya University, Turkey Host: Dorota Mozyrska, Bialystok University of Technlogy, Poland STSM Period: 2018-03-12 – 2018-03-16 |
| STSM Topic: Impedance modeling and approximation of biological tissues Applicant: Jaroslav Koton, Brno University of Technology, Czech Republic Host: Todd Freeborn, University of Alabama in Tuscalossa, United States STSM Period: 2018-03-09 – 2018-03-24 |
| STSM Topic: Methods and tools for fractional-order modelling of real materials Applicant: Iryna Trymorush, Technical University of Kosice, Slovakia Host: Aleksei Tepljakov, Tallinn University of Technology, Estonia STSM Period: 2018-03-03 – 2018-03-11 |
| STSM Topic: On the stability of linear systems with fractional-order elements Applicant: Aslihan Kartci, Brno University of Technology, Czech Republic Host: Ahmed Elwakil, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates STSM Period: 2018-02-24 – 2018-03-03 |
| STSM Topic: Telemedicine System in Remote Environments Applicant: Darius Andriukaitis, Kaunas University of Technology, Lithuania Host: Jose Carrasco, Embedded Instruments & Systems S.L., Spain STSM Period: 2018-02-20 – 2018-03-03 |
| STSM Topic: Fractional order elements and circuits realization Applicant: Riccardo Caponetto, University of Catania, Italy Host: Karabi Biswas, I. I. T. Kharagpur, India STSM Period: 2018-02-17 – 2018-02-24 |
| STSM Topic: Approximation of fractional order filters for practical implementation on FPGA Applicant: Niranjan Saikumar, Delft University of Technology, Netherlands Host: Guido Maione, Politecnico di Bari, Italy STSM Period: 2018-02-05 – 2018-02-09 |
| STSM Topic: Nonlinear Fractional Order Control Applicant: S Hassan Hoseinnia, Delft University of Technology, Netherlands Host: Blas Vinagre, Univeristy of extremadura, Spain STSM Period: 2018-02-04 – 2018-02-11 |
| STSM Topic: Control problem for anomalous diffusion equation Applicant: Darko Mitrović, University of Montenegro, Montenegro Host: Tarik Uzunovic, University of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina STSM Period: 2018-01-10 – 2018-01-31 |
| STSM Topic: Mircolocal Analysis Applicant: Pavel Dimovski, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, North Macedonia Host: Stevan Pilipovic, University of Novi Sad, Serbia STSM Period: 2018-01-08 – 2018-01-15 |
| STSM Topic: Mircolocal Analysis Applicant: Daniel Velinov, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, North Macedonia Host: Stevan Pilipovic, University of Novi Sad, Serbia STSM Period: 2018-01-08 – 2018-01-15 |
| STSM Topic: Fractional order control for mechatronic/robotic systems Applicant: Cosmin Copot, University of Antwerp, Belgium Host: Antonio Visioli, University of Brescia, Italy STSM Period: 2017-11-22 – 2017-12-05 |
| STSM Topic: Fractional order control in biomedical application Applicant: Clara Ionescu, Ghent University, Belgium Host: Cristina Muresan, Technical University of Cluj Napoca, Romania STSM Period: 2017-11-11 – 2017-11-23 |
| STSM Topic: Fractional order control in biomedical application Applicant: Dana Copot, Ghent University, Belgium Host: Cristina Muresan, Technical University of Cluj Napoca, Romania STSM Period: 2017-11-11 – 2017-11-23 |
| STSM Topic: Fractional-order image processing Applicant: Tomas Skovranek, Technical University of Kosice, Slovakia Host: Zoran Peric, University of Nis, Serbia STSM Period: 2017-10-30 – 2017-11-05 |
| STSMs during 1st Grand Period |
| STSM Topic: Model Reference Adaptive Control for Closed Loop Fractional Order System Applicant: Baris Baykant Alagoz, Inonu University, Turkey Host: Eduard Petlenkov, Aleksei Tepljakov, Tallinn University of Technology, Estonia STSM Period:13-02-2017 to 25-02-2017Read more |
| STSM Topic: Fractional Order Systems Applicant: Abolhassan Razminia, 3mE, TU Delft, The Netherlands Host: Igor Podlubny, Technical University of Kosice, Slovakia STSM Period:04-03-2017 to 14-03-2017Read more |
| STSM Topic: Fractional-order speech signal prediction Applicant: Tomas Skovranek, Technical University of Kosice, Slovakia Host: Vladimir Despotovic, University of Belgrade, Serbia STSM Period:20-02-2017 to 26-02-2017Read more |
| STSM Topic: Fractional-order elements based on RC-EDP design technique Applicant: Jaroslav Koton, Brno University of Technology, Czech Republic Host: Peter Ushakov, Kalashnikov Izhevsk State Technical University, Russia STSM Period:13-02-2017 to 25-02-2017Read more |
| STSM Topic: Fractional-order control systems research with group at TU Delft, Netherlands Applicant: Zuzana Polesakova, Brno University of Technology, Czech Republic Host: Hassan HosseinNia, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands STSM Period:05-02-2017 to 12-02-2017Read more |
| STSM Topic: Fractional–order systems’ synthesis and analysis Applicant: Jan Dvorak, Brno University of Technology, Czech Republic Host: Costas Psychalinos, Univeristy of Patras, Greece STSM Period:05-03-2017 to 12-03-2017Read more |
| STSM Topic: Modeling of fractional-order elements based on fractional calculus and applications in analog circuits Applicant: Aslihan Kartci, Brno University of Technology, Czech Republic Host: Costas Psychalinos, Univeristy of Patras, Greece STSM Period:05-03-2017 to 17-03-2017Read more |
Model Reference Adaptive Control for Closed Loop Fractional Order System, (from Turkey to Estonia)
In Cost Action CA15225, we are working on Task 4.2. In this task, we work on implementations of model reference adaptive control (MRAC) for fractional order systems in Work Group 4 (WG4). The aim of Short-Time Scientific Mission (STSM) by collaboration of Dr. Aleksei Tepljakov at Alpha Control Laboratory in Tallinn University of Technology was to gather information and gain experience with fractional order modeling properties of FOMCON toolbox. During two weeks STSM, we developed Matlab script for fractional order MRAC system design and simulations. This script combines fractional order system modeling properties of FOMCON toolbox and simulate a MRAC fractional order PID control system. We also prepared a conference paper to share results of this study as an output of Cost Action. This STSM contributes to outputs of COST Action CA15225 related with Task 4.3 in WG4.
Fractional Order Systems, (from Netherlands to Slovakia)
The main purpose of the STSM was sharing the knowledge in fractional order systems between Abolhassan Razminia and the experts in Technical University of Kosice, Kosice, Slovac Republic. Abolhassan Razminia had several meeting with Prof. Podlubny and his colleagues about the fractioal calclus and future collaorations. Moreover, he presented a seminar titled Fractional Order Optimal Control Systems which descried in this report. Indeed, one of the main problem that must be recognized and revisited is the optimal control theory with fractional order models of the processes. The main aim in this STSM was discussing about the interrelationship between fractional calculus and optimal control. Future collaboration on the fractional order systems has bee discussed. The main results and deliverables reached during the STSM show that by using traditional Hamiltonian formalism we can extend the optimal control theory in the light of FC, whereas the main problematic issue in this new extension is the numerical implementation. An important issue that must be considered in the FC-community is trying it to the real processes not only unrealistic examples.
Fractional-order speech signal prediction, (from Slovakia to Serbia)
The Short Term Scientific Mission (STSM) undertaken at the University of Belgrade, Technical Faculty in Bor, Serbia, was aimed on two main goals. The first of them was to gather information and gain experience in the field of speech prediction and speech signal processing, to understand what is of importance when coding and transferring speech signal, and how the classical (linear) speech signal prediction models are created and defined. The second and major goal was to implement the operators (derivatives and integrals) of fractional order in the classical prediction models and to the related signal processing problems, to improve the quality and performance of the models. Two types of mathematical models for the fractional linear prediction, namely one-parameter and two-parameter models, were proposed and analyzed for possible applications in speech, image or video processing. The field of development of methods and tools to define and implement new kind of fractional-order mathematical models with the application on speech prediction and signal processing is aimed on the topics that are under study mainly by the WorkGroup1 (“Fractional calculus and mathematical models”) of the COST Action CA15225, aiming particularly the Task 1.1: “Mathematical methods of fractional order integration and differentiation” and Task 1.3: “Parameter estimation and modelling of real processes and systems”. The preliminary results of the interdisciplinary cooperation between Dr. Tomas Skovranek (the early career investigator) and Dr. Vladimir Despotovic prove, that the collaboration leads to developing innovative approach based on using fractional-order models in the emerging engineering field of signal prediction and signal processing, by combining their scientific and technology knowledge in the joint work. The work (and collaboration) on the topic will continue also after the STMS expecting that the anticipated results will be of a high importance for both, the field of fractional calculus as well as the field of signal processing.
Fractional-order elements based on RC-EDP design technique, (from Czech Republic to Russia)
Within the Short Term Scientific Mission, the main aim was focused on understanding the theory and description of resistive-capacitive elements with distributed parameters (RC-EDP) that show their applicability in fractional order capacitor design. These discrete passive elements are essential in the design of analogue fractional order function blocks without using any current approximation approach. The results reached within this STSM tackle the Task 2.1 ”Synthesis of fractional order elements” and partially contribute to the Deliverable 2.3 ”FO analysis tools” and Deliverable 2.7 ”New FOEs” as the computer aided synthesis and analysis tool and RC-EDP elements featuring fractional-order impedance were discussed as presented in this Scientific Report. The future cooperation with the research group lead by Prof. Ushakov is expected mainly as at Brno University of Technology we run a research project ”Synthesis and Analysis of Fractional-Order Systems Using Non-Conventional Active Elements” funded by the Czech Science Foundation. Using the currently reached results, joint publication will be prepared and submitted to a selected conference.
Fractional-order control systems research with group at TU Delft, (from Czech Republic to Netherlands)
The main purpose of the Short Scientific Mission (referenced as STSM), which took place at hosting institution Delft University of Technology, the Netherlands, was to extend a cooperation between the Department of Telecommunications in Brno, Brno University of Technology, Czech Republic, specifically the team working on the design of fractal-order analogue circuits, and the Department of Precision and Microsystems Engineering in Delft. During the STSM, especially the possibilities of contribution to the tasks of working group WG4 of this COST action – Utilization of fractional-order systems in engineering and biomedical research areas – were discussed. the team in Brno could contribute to the work of engineers at TU Delft, who among other projects are interested in fractional-order control systems, with their knowledge in electrical engineering field, more specifically with designing analogue fractal-order filters, which might enhance the precision of the control systems designed at TU Delft. This analogue design task contributes to the works under COST Action CA15225 Fractional-order systems; analysis, synthesis and their importance for future design. Further collaboration between the Brno and Delft team in the design of physical fractional controller meeting strict precision requirements has been agreed, whereas this system may be documented in a paper, or a patent and may be offered to the industry.
Fractional–order systems’ synthesis and analysis, (from Czech Republic to Greece)
During of the my STSM within COST Action CA15225 were gained experiences and knowledge about the synthesis of fractional–order elements and approximation methods. The possibilities of propose of the fractional–order systems and their applications were investigated with research group from host university. The low–pass filter structure which contains the fractional–order element was synthesised and analysed during the my visit at University of Patras under the supervision of Prof. Costas Psychalinos. The circuits design was performed in the development environment of microelectronics systems – Cadence (Virtuoso) version 6. The designing of the fractional–order systems, their mathematical description and practical application are possible areas for future cooperation. The results of this report address the tasks from the WG2 of the COST Action CA15225 and will be used for a joint conference paper.
Modeling of fractional-order elements based on fractional calculus and applications in analog circuits, (from Czech Republic to Greece)
The applications of the fractional-order systems are the main focus of the researchers over last decade, but still there are many missing points such as the modeling of fractional-order elements based on fractional calculus, applications in analog circuits or other close topics. The Continued Fraction Expansion (CFE) and Oustaloup approximation methods were discussed, the developed MATLAB code was studied in details. The activitites were mainly focused on the study of fractional-order oscillators based on fundamental analog-building blocks. The theoretical study and simulation results were performed using MATLAB and Cadence v6 programs. The reached results tackle the objectives and expected outputs of the COST Action related to the WG3. As themost recent result of this STSM is a conference paper submitted to 2017 40th International Conference on Telecommunications and Signal Processing (TSP). However, the study on fractional-order oscillators is not completed yet and, Therefore, the collaboration is expected to continue.