SERGEI LEVASHKIN*

A. PERSONAL INFORMATION

E-mail: sergei [at] levashkin [dot] com
Web: http://www.levashkin.com/ http://levashkin.com/kolmogorov/ http://www.geosco.org/ http://piig-lab.cic.ipn.mx/

EDUCATION

1990

• Ph.D. in Applied and Computational Mathematics, Moscow State University (M.V. Lomonosov),  Soviet Union .

1983

• M.S. in Applied and Computational Mathematics, Moscow State University (M.V. Lomonosov),  Soviet Union .

1981

• B.S. in Physics and Mathematics, All Soviet Union Specialized School # 18 (A.N. Kolmogorov) attached to the Moscow State University and Moscow State University (M.V. Lomonosov),  Soviet Union .

EXPERIENCE

2007-present

• Head of the Laboratory of Intelligent Processing of Geospatial Information, Centre for Computing Research, National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico City , Mexico

2004-2005

• Visiting Researcher in Computer Science and GIS, School of Computing, Queen's University, Kingston , Ontario , Canada

2002-2004

• Head of the Department of Artificial Intelligence, Centre for Computing Research, National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico City , Mexico

2001-2002, 2005-2007

• Head of the Geoprocessing Laboratory, Centre for Computing Research, National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico City , Mexico

1998-2001

• Professor in Computer Science, Image Processing and Pattern Recognition Laboratory, Centre for Computing Research, National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico City, Mexico

1997-1998

• Visiting Researcher, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, the George Washington University , Washington DC , USA

1994-1997

• Professor, Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, Autonomous University of Yucatan , Merida , Mexico (1996-1997)
• Visiting Professor, Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, Autonomous University of Yucatan , Merida , Mexico (Mexican National Council for Science and Technology Excellency Fellowship - Level II) (1994-1996)

1992-1994

• Associate Professor in Applied Math and Computing, Moscow Institute of Electronics and Mathematics , Russia

1990-1992

• Researcher, Laboratory of Computing, Moscow State University (M.V. Lomonosov), Russia

1983-1990

• Assistant Professor and Visiting Researcher (Part Time) in Applied Math and Computing, Samara Polytechnic Institute, Soviet Union

CONSULTING

• Michael Baker, Mexico/USA, (Intelligent IS)
• Gtt NetCorp., Latin America/USA, (Computer technologies for the spatial enabling of information)
• National Institute for Statistics, Geography, and Informatics (INEGI), Mexico (GIS)
• Geomatica, Mexico (R2V for GIS)
• National Centre for Disasters Prevention (CENAPRED), Mexico (GIS)
• National Crash Analysis Center , The George Washington University, VA, USA (High-performance image processing and visual pattern recognition)
• Central Design Bureau (TSKB), Russia (Automatic navigation of space vehicles)

B. RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

RESEARCH STATEMENT

My current research efforts are mainly in the transition from data to semantics, viewed from both theoretical and pragmatic perspectives and directed to a variety of areas such as databases, artificial intelligence, cognitive science, human-computer interaction, information retrieval and integration, intelligent geographic information systems (GIS), image processing, pattern recognition, semantic web, text processing, and PDE-based modeling of complex systems. I am able to collaborate with individuals working in any of these areas. The focus of my research is called data semantic associative analysis and synthesis .
    My long-term goal is to develop theories and tools embedded into a working computer system to estimate meaningful content of raw information. In the following, I briefly describe past, current, and future research projects, which are strongly motivated by industrial applications and by development of emergent educational programs in computing and information sciences.

• Information retrieval and integration . Theoretical foundations of semantic analysis of information flows based on cognitive approach and object-oriented data integration of information (synthesis) based on dynamic adaptive graphs of data segments. 
• Knowledge representation and processing: hierarchies, ontologies, and taxonomies . I rely on the hypothesis: 1) information is structured representation of raw data, while knowledge is structured representation of information; 2) the structured representations can be provided by a hierarchy, ontology or taxonomy (HOT); 3) datum is a relational entity; nothing is a datum itself, i.e. a context  is required. Then, I use HOT to measure similarity (relatedness or informative content) and dissimilarity (confusion) between qualitative variables and values from the same and even from different HOT, attempting to keep the context. To some extent, the notion of HOT provides an adequate tool for qualitative data analysis, processing, and integration, because HOT encapsulate the (sometimes ordered) relations between partitions of the dataset and therefore easily maintain the problem context. An ongoing research project is a generalization of this approach to measure similarity between datasets, e.g. two different succinct data structures, neither words nor concepts as before.
• Precision-controlled retrieval of qualitative information from data repositories . This is another ongoing project . A relational database retrieves rows (of a table) that satisfy predicate P. This satisfaction must be exact or absolute, for instance, if P(x) = (x lives_in Canada ) AND (x owns bird), it will fail to retrieve row John = { lives_in Ontario , owns parrot, father_of Peter}, although John certainly lives in Canada and owns a bird (specifically, a parrot). By using hierarchies and ontologies on the qualitative values of attributes (also named fields, columns, variables or properties), I aim to develop theories and tools (embedded in a working computer program) to:
  1. Find the similarity or confusion conf(r, s) of using r instead of s .  What is the confusion of using a person from Ontario instead of a person from Ontario? 
  2. Define the error e with which predicate P ( e ) is fulfilled by a given object. The larger e is, the looser this matching becomes. These errors are measured through conf(r, s).
  3. Define the similarity between any two objects [not between values, as (A) does]. 
  4. Define similar concepts for (B) and (C) when the relations [not the values, as in (A)] form a hierarchy, which allows a predicate such as P = (x knows Ontario ) to retrieve an object such as John (since John lives_in Ontario , he knows   Ontario ), or retrieving John as a relative of Peter, since John is the father_of Peter. 
  5. Design a working system called PRC-IQ that implements (A)-(D). Note that PRC-IQ answers in an intelligent manner natural language queries such as: Do frogs get wet? when the information in the database is frogs live in water and can improve web intelligence and text databases processing.
• Semantic mapping between different conceptualizations in geospatial domain. Usually, geospatial databases research have been numeric in nature. Precision and distortions are well solved. Until now, the meanings of the represented objects were left to the subjective understanding and appreciation of the user. With the proliferation of the geospatial information, it makes sense to have a unifying and ontology-driven view of the objects being represented. If this was possible (and I hint that it is possible), then this information will have new views: It will be adapted to the lens of the viewer . A line representing a river may now appear in the output as "watercourse" or "water body". Thus, an ongoing research project advocates applications of commonsense reasoning to elicit and maintain models that represent users' conceptualizations of the real world. Such user models will enable taking into account the users' perspective of the world and empower personalization algorithms for computer-aided intelligent information systems. The project consists of a formal approach for detecting mismatches between a user's and an expert's conceptual models as well as an ontology alignment algorithm, and datasets integration method. The formalization will be used as the basis to develop algorithms to compare two conceptualizations. The algorithms will be illustrated and tested in geographical domain using SPACE ontology in OWL-S developed by NASA.
• Data Semantic Associative Analysis and Synthesis . The book with this title plans to be published in World Scientific and intends to generalize and summarize authors' experience in the field. Thus, we shall briefly analyze a list of important concepts of information that includes but not limited to Shannon 's information, semantic information, Kolmogorov information (informational complexity), instructional information, pragmatic information, environmental information, physical information, biological information, and so on. Then, we provide a discussion on information and knowledge and their structural representations.
• Image processing, pattern recognition, databases, distributed systems, GIS technology, DEM technology : 
  1. GIS-ready raster to vector conversion of color cartographic and satellite images (systemic approach); 
  2. Object-oriented color image simultaneous segmentation-recognition interpretation (knowledge-based approach); 
  3. Text/graphics segmentation and recognition of raster-scanned color cartographic maps (basic lines approach); 
  4. Disambiguation in toponym/alphanumeric recognition of cartographic maps/graphics documents (integration of different knowledge sources approach); 
  5. Generation of spatial ontologies as interaction between spatial taxonomies and spatial subject domains (semantic approach); 
  6. Automatic map description directed to generalization of the multi-scale geographic information (agent-based approach); 
  7. Spatial analysis in a distributed geographical environment (GIS technology);
  8. Geomorphometric analysis of raster image data and converter from elevation technology data to virtual reality environment (DEM technology).
• PDE-based modeling of complex systems . Refer mainly to previous research accomplishments: a computer system of image segmentation based on Mumford-Shah's perceptual model. Applied Math works, arisen from my Ph.D. research, described a computational model of turbulence based on the Kolmogorov theory.

SELECTED REFEERED PUBLICATIONS

This list of publications is organized by area in alphabetical order, showing journal and conference publications in each area.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

1. F. Fonseca, M.A. Rodriguez, and S. Levashkin, Editors, Lecture Notes in Computer Science Vol. 4853: Geospatial Semantics, Second International Conference, GeoS 2007, Mexico City, Mexico, November 29-30, 2007, Proceedings, Springer-Verlag 2007
2. S. Levachkine, A. Guzman-Arenas, Hierarchy as a new data type for qualitative variables. Accepted in the Journal of Experts Systems with Applications, Vol. 32, No. 3, Elsevier (2007) 899-910
3. M.A. Rodriguez, I.F. Cruz, S. Levashkin, and M.J. Egenhofer, Editors, Lecture Notes in Computer Science Vol. 3799: Geospatial Semantics, First International Conference, GeoS 2005, Mexico City, Mexico, November 29-30, 2005, Proceedings, Springer-Verlag 2005
4. S. Levachkine, A. Guzman-Arenas, and V.P. de Gyves , The semantics of confusion in hierarchies: Theory and practice, Common Semantics for Sharing Knowledge , Kassel University Press (2005), Germany
5. V.P. de Gyves, A. Guzman-Arenas, and S. Levachkine, Extending databases to precision-controlled retrieval of qualitative information. Lecture Notes in Computer Science , Vol. 3563, Springer-Verlag (2005) 21-32
6. A. Guzman-Arenas, S. Levachkine, and V.P. de Gyves, Precision-controlled retrieval of qualitative information from databases using hierarchies. Unpublished
7. Guzman-Arenas, S. Levachkine, Graduated errors in approximate queries using hierarchies and ordered sets. Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence , Vol. 2972, Springer-Verlag (2004) 119-128
8. S. Levachkine, A. Guzman-Arenas, Hierarchies measuring qualitative variables. Lecture Notes in Computer Science , Vol. 2945, Springer-Verlag (2004) 258-270

COGNITIVE SCIENCE

1. V. Alexandrov, S. Levachkine, Cognitive promptings for semantic-mind analysis and object-oriented data integration of information flows. In: Levachkine, S., Serra, J., Egenhofer, M. (eds.), Proc. Int. Workshop Semantic Processing of Spatial Data (GEOPRO 2003), Research in Computing Science, Vol. 4 (2003) 2-10

COMPUTER SCIENCE

1. M. Torres, S. Levachkine, R. Quintero, G. Guzman, and M. Moreno, Geospatial information integration based on the conceptualization of geographic domain.16th ACM SIGSPATIAL International Symposium on Advances in Geographic Information Systems, ACM-GIS 2008, November 5-7, 2008, Irvine, California, USA, Proceedings. ACM 2008, ISBN 978-1-60558-323-5
2. M. Torres, R. Quintero, S. Levachkine, M. Moreno, and G. Guzman, Towards a Methodology to Conceptualize the Geographic Domain. Lecture Notes in Computer Science , Vol. 5317, Springer-Verlag (2008) 111-122
3. G. Guzman, S. Levachkine, M. Torres, R. Quintero, and M. Moreno, Extraction and Specialization of Geo-spatial Objects in Geo-images Using Semantic Compression Algorithm. Lecture Notes in Computer Science , Vol. 5317, Springer-Verlag (2008) 573-584
4. M. Torres, R. Quintero, S. Levachkine, G. Guzman, and M. Moreno, Retrieving Geospatial Information into a Web-Mapping Application Using Geospatial Ontologies, Lecture Notes in Computer Science , Vol. 4496, Springer-Verlag (2007) 267-277
5. M. Torres, S. Levachkine, Obtaining Semantic Descriptions based on Conceptual Schemas Embedded into a Geographic Context. Lecture Notes in Geoinformation and Cartography, Springer-Verlag (2007) 209-222
6. M. Martinez, M. Moreno, M. Torres, and S. Levachkine, Representing the Semantic Content of Topological Relations into Spatial Databases. Lecture Notes in Geoinformation and Cartography, Springer-Verlag (2007) 223-233
7. V. Montes de Oca, M. Torres, and S. Levachkine, M. Moreno, Spatial Data Description by Means of Knowledge-Based System. Lecture Notes in Computer Science , Vol. 4225, Springer-Verlag (2006) 502-510
8. M. Torres, G. Guzman, R. Quintero, M. Moreno, and S. Levachkine, Semantic Decomposition of LandSat TM Image. Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence, Vol. 4251, Springer-Verlag (2006) 550-558
9. K. Verastegui, M. Martinez, M. Moreno, S. Levachkine, and M. Torres, Incorporating Semantics into GIS Applications. Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence , Vol. 4251, Springer-Verlag (2006) 698-705
10. S. Levachkine, E. Gonzalez, M. Torres, M. Moreno, and R. Quintero, Knowledge-based system for color maps recognition. Lecture Notes in Computer Science , Vol. 3681, Springer-Verlag (2005) 297-303
11. M. Torres, G. Guzman, M. Moreno, R. Quintero, and S. Levachkine, Semantic supervised clustering for land classification in geo-images. Lecture Notes in Computer Science , Vol. 3683, Springer-Verlag (2005) 248-254
12. M. Moreno, S. Levachkine, M. Torres, R. Quintero, and G. Guzman, Automatic geomorphometric analysis for digital elevation models. Lecture Notes in Computer Science , Vol. 3684, Springer-Verlag (2005) 374-381
13. R. Quintero, S. Levachkine, M. Torres, and M. Moreno, Managing resolution in digital elevation models using image processing techniques. Lecture Notes in Computer Science , Vol. 3522, Springer-Verlag (2005) 316-324
14. E. Gonzalez-Gomez, S. Levachkine, Color cartographic pattern recognition using the coarse to fine scale method. Lecture Notes in Computer Science , Vol. 3287, Springer-Verlag (2004) 540-547
15. R. Quintero, S. Levachkine, M. Torres, and M. Moreno, Skeleton-based algorithm for increasing spectral resolution in Digital Elevation Models (DEM). Lecture Notes in Computer Science , Vol. 3287, Springer-Verlag (2004) 558-565
16. M. Moreno, S. Levachkine, M. Torres, and R. Quintero, Landform classification in raster geo-images. Lecture Notes in Computer Science , Vol. 3287, Springer-Verlag (2004) 566-573
17. M. Torres, S. Levachkine, M. Moreno, R. Quintero, and G. Guzman, Implementing Spatial Analyzer Module into a Distributed GIS-Application. Lecture Notes in Computer Science , Vol. 3183, Springer-Verlag (2004) 406-409 
18. S. Levachkine, M. Torres, M. Moreno, and R. Quintero, Knowledge-based method to recognize objects in geo-images. Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence , Vol. 3215, Springer-Verlag (2004) 718-725
19. S. Levachkine, Raster to vector conversion of color cartographic maps. Lecture Notes in Computer Science , Vol. 3088, Springer-Verlag (2004) 49-60
20. A. Velazquez, S. Levachkine, Text/graphics separation and recognition in raster-scanned color cartographic maps. Lecture Notes in Computer Science , Vol. 3088, Springer-Verlag (2004) 61-72
21. A. Gelbukh, S. Levachkine, and Sang Young Han, Resolving ambiguities in toponym recognition in raster-scanned cartographic maps. Lecture Notes in Computer Science , Vol. 3088, Springer-Verlag (2004) 73-84
22. S. Levachkine, M. Torres, M. Moreno, and R. Quintero, Simultaneous segmentation-recognition-vectorization of meaningful geographical objects in color geo-images. Lecture Notes in Computer Science , Vol. 2905, Springer-Verlag (2003) 635-642
23. M. Moreno, S. Levachkine, M. Torres, and R. Quintero, Geomorphometric analysis of raster image data to detect terrain ruggedness and drainage density. Lecture Notes in Computer Science , Vol. 2905, Springer-Verlag (2003) 643-650
24. S. Levachkine, M. Torres, and M. Moreno,. Intelligent segmentation of color geo-images. Proc. IEEE International Geosciences and Remote Sensing Symposium (IGARSS 2003), July 21-25, 2003, Toulouse , France
25. M. Torres, M. Moreno, and S. Levachkine, Designing spatial analyzer module in a distributed geographical environment. Proc. IEEE International Geosciences and Remote Sensing Symposium (IGARSS 2003), July 21-25, 2003, Toulouse , France
26. M. Torres, M. Moreno, R. Menchaca, and S. Levachkine, Making spatial analysis with a distributed Geographic Information System. Proc. 21st IASTED International Multi-Conference Applied Informatics (AI 2003), 214-219, February 10-13, 2003, Innsbruck , Austria
27. S. Levachkine, A. Velazquez, V. Alexandrov, and M. Kharinov, Semantic analysis and recognition of raster-scanned color cartographic images. Lecture Notes in Computer Science , Vol. 2390, Springer-Verlag (2002) 178-189
28. A. Velazquez, H. Sossa, and S. Levachkine, On the segmentation of color cartographic images. Lecture Notes in Computer Science , Vol. 2396, Springer-Verlag (2002) 387-395
29. M. Moreno, M. Torres, S. Levachkine, and I. Fajardo, Automatic generalization of the multi-scale geographic information. Proc. 22nd ESRI International User Conference , 8-12 July 2002, San Diego , CA , USA
30. M. Torres, S. Levachkine, B. Martinez, and M. Moreno. CEGT: Converter from elevation technology data to virtual reality environment. Proc. 5th AGILE Conference on Geographic Information Science (AGILE 2002) 607-616, 25-27 April 2002, Palma de Mallorca , Spain
31. V. Alexandrov, M. Kharinov, and S. Levachkine, Conception of hierarchical dynamic structure in application to audio and video data recognition. Proc. IASTED International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Soft Computing (ASC 2001) 348-353, May 21-24 2001, Cancun , Mexico
32. S. Levachkine, J. Sossa. Image segmentation as an optimization problem. Computacion y Sistemas , Vol. 3, No. 4. (2000) 245-263

MATHEMATICS

1. S.P. Levashkin. Unimprovable estimates of derivatives of solutions of the Dirichlet problem for biharmonic equation in bounded domains. Mathematical Notes , Vol. 55. (1995) 80-89
2. S.P. Levashkin. Continuity at the boundary point of solutions to the Dirichlet problem for Navier-Stokes equations in nonsmooth domains.  Differential Equations , Vol. 29. (1995) 894-902
3. S.P. Levashkin. Navier-Stokes flow near critical points and turbulence. Proc. International Congress of Mathematicians (ICM 1994), August 1-8, 1994, Zurich, Switzerland
4. S.P. Levashkin. On the asymptotic properties of generalized solutions of Dirichlet's problem for a polyharmonic equation, Navier-Stokes equation and von Karman systems in non-smooth domains. Russian Mathematical Surveys , Vol. 44(5). (1989) 208-299

RECENTLY FUNDED RESEARCH GRANTS AND FELLOWSHIPS

2008

• Information system of spatial data analysis for Mexico City, ICyT-GDF, Mexico
• Technical specifications for elaboration, design, manipulation, and analysis of cartographic environmental data, SMA-GDF, Mexico

2007

• Semantic fusion of geospatial data, (Priority Research Program), National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico

2006

• Semantic mapping between different conceptualizations in geospatial domain, Mexican National Council for Science and Technology (CONACYT), Mexico

2006

• Mexican National System of Monitoring and Sanitary Alert (SIMAFIN-MEX) , Secretary of Agriculture, Cattle Ranch, Rural Development, Fishing and Alimentation (SAGARPA), Mexico

2006

• Semantic processing of different conceptualizations in the geospatial domain, National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico

2004

• Visiting Researcher Fellowship, Queen's University, Canada

2003

• Precision-Controlled Retrieval of Qualitative Information , Mexican National Council for Science and Technology (CONACYT), Mexico
• Spatial Data Semantic Associative Analysis and Synthesis (Priority Research Program), National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico

2002

• GIS for Nuclear Plant Laguna Verde Veracruz , National Center for Disasters Prevention (CENAPRED), Mexico
• Raster to Vector Conversion of Semantic Structures in Color Cartographic Images , National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico

1999

• Automation of Color Raster Maps Digitation by means of Cartographic Pattern Recognition (largest research grant of the Centre for Computing Research), Mexican National Council for Science and Technology (CONACYT), Mexico
• Advanced Methods of Image Segmentation, National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico
• Continuous Methods of Image Segmentation , National Network of Informatics and Engineering (REDII)-Mexican National Council for Science and Technology (CONACYT), Mexico

1997

• Visiting Researcher Fellowship, the George Washington University , USA

1995

• Elliptic Problems in Domains with Complicated Geometry and their Applications to Self-Similar Data Structures and Computer Vision , Mexican National Council for Science and Technology (CONACYT), Mexico

HONORS AND AWARDS

• Outstanding Research Activity Awards, National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico, 1999-2009
• Adviser's Award for the Best Ph.D. Thesis in Engineering, Physics, and Mathematics, National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico, 2001
• Distinguished Young Researcher, The George Washington University, 1997
• Soros' International Science Foundation Award , Russia, 1993
• Recognition by the Scientific Council of Moscow State University (M.V. Lomonosov), Russia, 1981

KEYNOTE ADDRESSES AND INVITED CONFERENCE TALKS

• Spatial Semantic Web , V International Congress GEOMATICA 2007, XII International Convention and Expo INFORMATICA 2007, La Havana , Cuba , 2007
• Spatial Semantics: State-of the-art , International Workshop on Domain Ontologies, La Havana , Cuba, 2007
• Cognitive aspects of the semantic processing of geospatial data,  II Congress on New Technologies for the Spatial Enabling of Information, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, 2005
• Color cartographic map processing , 5th IAPR International Workshop on Graphics Recognition (GREC 2003) Computer Vision Center, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain, 2003
• Color image segmentation and representation using false colors , IASTED International Conference on Signal and Image Processing (SIP 2002) Kauai, Hawaii, USA, 2002
• Object-oriented color image segmentation , IASTED International Conference on Signal Processing, Pattern Recognition and Applications (SPPRA 2002) Crete , Greece , 2002
• Raster maps automatic interpretation , International Scientific School Modeling and Analysis of Safety, Risk and Quality in Complex Systems (MA SRQ - 2001), Saint-Petersburg , Russia , 2001
• Variational problems in computer vision I, II, III , International intensive trimester of study and research on variational problems and applications held by the University of Naples Federico II, Italy, 1997
• Elliptic problems in domains with complicated geometry and computer vision , University of Wales in Cardiff , United Kingdom , 1997
• Elliptic problems and some computational problems , International Seminar. University of Stuttgart , Institute "A", Germany , 1997

INVITED LECTURES, VISITS, SEMINARS, COLLABORATIONS

• Advanced Technologies Application Center (CENATAV), Cuba
• Centre for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute (CINVESTAV-IPN), Mexico
• GEOCUBA, Cuba
• George Washington University (GWU), DC, USA
• Moscow Institute of Electronics and Mathematics (MIEM), Russia
• Moscow State University (MSU), Russia
• Monterrey Institute of Technology and Superior Studies (ITESM), Mexico
• National Centre for Geographic Information and Analysis (NCGIA), University of Maine , Orono , ME , USA
• National Crash Analysis Center , VA , USA
• National Institute of Optics and Electronics in Puebla , (INAOEP), Mexico
• National Polytechnic Institute (IPN), Mexico
• Queen's University , ON , Canada
• Saint Petersburg Institute for Informatics and Automation of the Russian Academy of Sciences (SPIIRAS), Russia
• University of Charles , Czech Republic
• University of Roma , Italy
• University of Paris VI, France
• University of Stuttgart , Germany
• University of Toronto , Canada
• University of Wales in Cardiff , UK
• Zurich Technical Institute, Switzerland

SEMINARS AND TUTORIALS

• Andrei Kolmogorov 2.0 , Centre for Computing Research (CIC), Mexico City , Mexico , October 2006
• Spatial Semantic Web , Institute of Mathematics , Physics and Cybernetics, La Havana , Cuba , March, 2006
• Cognitive Aspects of Semantic Processing of Geospatial Data , Institute of Mathematics, Physics and Cybernetics, La Havana , Cuba , March, 2006
• Knowledge-Based Data Processing, Department of Computer Science at University of Toronto , Toronto , ON , Canada , January 2005
• Spatial Semantic Web , Department of Geography at Queen's University, Kingston , ON , Canada , October 2004
• Color Cartographic Map Recognition , School of Computing at Queen's University, Kingston , ON , Canada , September 2004
• Spatial Analysis Tools Using Open Source Software , 2nd International Workshop on Semantic Processing of Spatial Data (GEOPRO 2003), Mexico City , Mexico , November 2003
• Andrei Kolmogorov , Centre for Computing Research (CIC), Mexico City , Mexico , October 2003
• GEOPRO 2002: International Workshop on Semantic Processing of Spatial Data , National Institute of Statistics, Geography and Informatics (INEGI), Aguascalientes , Mexico , May 2003
• National Polytechnic Institute Develops an Intelligent Map , La Jornada (Nation-Wide Newspapers of the National Autonomous University (UNAM)) Tutorials, Mexico City , Mexico , July 2002
• Analysis and Synthesis of Spatial Data , Centre for Computing Research (CIC), Mexico City , Mexico , June 2002
• Geographic Information Systems , Technological Institute La Costa Grande, Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico, November 2001
• Map Automatic Interpretation , 3rd ACM-GIS Session on GIS, Las Americas University in Puebla, Cholula, Puebla, Mexico, November 2001
• Vector Digital Cartography , Conversus, National Polytechnic Institute (IPN), Mexico City , Mexico , October 2001
• Intelligent Digital Cartography , Nation-Wide TV Channel 11 of the National Polytechnic Institute, Headline News in Science and Technology Our Environment, Mexico City, Mexico, October 2001
• Segmentation , Centre for Computing Research (CIC), Mexico City , Mexico , May 2001
• Object-Oriented Color Image Segmentation , Joint Research Seminar Control and Optimization in Signal Processing Centre for Computing Research (CIC) - Saint Petersburg Institute for Informatics and Automation of the Russian Academy of Sciences (SPIIRAS), Mexico City , Mexico , April 2001
• Cartographic Pattern Recognition , Mexican Conference on Artificial Intelligence (MICAI 2000), Acapulco , Guerrero , Mexico , April 2000
• Modern Approaches to Digital Image Segmentation , Monterrey Institute of Technology and Superior Studies (ITESM), Campus Veracruz, Cordoba, Mexico, April 1999
• Introduction to Computer Vision , Hispano-American University , Mexico City, Mexico , December 1998
• Image Segmentation , Centre for Computing Research (CIC), Mexico City , Mexico , August 1998
• Variational Problems in Computer Vision , Centre for Computing Research (CIC), Mexico City , Mexico , June 1997

Ph.D. AND MASTER'S COMMITTEES

Advisor on Completed Graduate Degrees:

• Jose Johnatan Ibarra-Vargas, M.S. in Computer Science, Centre for Computing Research, Spatial Analysis in Conceptual Spaces, Spring 2009
• Miguel Felix Mata-Rivera, Ph.D. in Computer Science, Centre for Computing Research, Ontology-driven Geographic Information Retrieval and Ranking from the Unstructured Repositories, Spring 2009
• Roberto Zagal Flores, M.S. in Computer Science, Centre for Computing Research, Ontologies Alignment using Boosting Algorithm, Fall 2008
• Gerardo Sarabia Lopez, M.S. in Computer Science, Centre for Computing Research, Information Searching and Ranking in the Spatial Databases, using Hierarchies, Fall 2008
• Paola Nayeli Cortez Herrera, M.S. in Computer Science, Centre for Computing Research, Geomorphologic Concepts Description in DEM, Fall 2008
• Jose Giovanni Guzman Lugo, Ph.D. in Computer Science, Centre for Computing Research, General Algorithm for Semantic Decomposition of Geo-images, Fall 2007
• Miguel Jesus Torres-Ruiz, Ph.D. in Computer Science, Centre for Computing Research, Ontology-driven Description of Geographical Objects based on Semantic Descriptors, Fall 2007
• Rolando Quintero-Tellez, Ph.D. in Computer Science, Centre for Computing Research, Semantic Processing of Raster Data, Fall 2007
• Marco Antonio Moreno-Ibarra, Ph.D. in Computer Science, Centre for Computing Research, Applying Similarity between the Systems of Geographical Objects to the Generalization of Vector Data, Fall 2007
• Rodolfo Alvarado-Cervantes, M.S. in Computer Science, Centre for Computing Research, Segmentation of Topologically Distinct Cartographic Linear Patterns by means of Clustering in HSI , Spring 2006
• Efren Gonzalez-Gomez, M.S. in Computer Science, Centre for Computing Research, Cartographic Pattern Recognition Using Coarse to Fine Scale Technology , Spring 2004
• Aurelio Velazquez, Ph.D. in Computer Science, Centre for Computing Research, Location, Recuperation and Identification of Alphanumeric Character Layer in Color Cartographic Maps (Best Ph.D. Thesis Award by National Polytechnic Institute in Engineering, Physics and Mathematics), Spring 2002
• Joaquin Octavio Decelis-Burguete, M.S. in Computer Science, Centre for Computing Research, Automated Digitation of Arcs in Color Raster Maps , Fall 2001
• Jose Francisco Martinez-Trinidad, Ph.D. in Computer Science, Centre for Computing Research, Tools for Conceptual Structuration of Spaces (Best Ph.D. Thesis Award by National Polytechnic Institute in Engineering, Physics and Mathematics; Degree with Honor; First Ph.D. of CIC), Fall 2000

Advisor Ongoing Graduate Degrees:

• Miguel Alejandro Martinez Rosales, Ph.D. in Computer Science, Centre for Computing Research, Conceptual Models of Dynamic Geographic Environment
• Edith Adriana Jimenez Contreras, Ph.D. in Computer Science, Centre for Computing Research, Characterization and Weighing of the Logical Properties of Qualitative Values organized in Hierarchies
• Edgar Miranda-Francisco, M.S. in Computer Science, Centre for Computing Research, Application Ontology-driven System of Geospatial Data Retrieval considering Different Geographic Contexts
• Nahun Montoya-Iribe, M.S. in Computer Science, Centre for Computing Research, Using Semantic Similarity Measures Processing Unstructured Information
• Walter Renteria-Agualimpia, M.S. in Computer Science, Centre for Computing Research, Precision-controlled Retrieval of Qualitative Information from Unstructured Repositories
• Iyeliz Reyes-de los Santos, M.S. in Computer Science, Centre for Computing Research, Personalization of Geographic Information Retrieval
• Linaloe Sarmiento-Castaneda, M.S. in Computer Science, Centre for Computing Research, Intelligent Query Processing in Unstructured Data Repositories

Committee Member on Completed Graduate Degrees (selected):

• Alma Delia Cuevas Rasgado, Ph.D. in Computer Science, Centre for Computing Research, Ontologies Fusion, using Semantic Properties , Fall 2006
• Noe Maxihellen Montiel Hernandez, M.S. in Computer Science, Centre for Computing Research, Positioning based on Wireless Networks to determine the Functionalities in a GIS , Fall 2006
• Miguel Alejandro Martinez Rosales, M.S. in Computer Science, Centre for Computing Research, Topological Descriptor for Topographic Data , Spring 2006
• Miguel Felix Mata-Rivera, M.S. in Computer Science, Centre for Computing Research, Retrieving and Analyzing Spatial Data by means of Web-Mapping Application , Spring 2004.
• Jose Concepcion Romero-Cortes, Ph.D. in Computer Science, Centre for Computing Research, A Model of Fuzzy Coalitions of Multi-Agents based on the Cooperative Game Theory , Spring 2004
• Gerardo Emilio Garcia-Almeida, Ph.D. in Mathematics, University of Wales in Cardiff , UK , Estimates of Regularised Solutions of Integral Equations of the First Type in the Spaces with Fractional Order of Smoothness and their Applications to Image Segmentation , Fall 2003
• Raul Santiago-Montero, M.S. in Computer Science, Centre for Computing Research, Hybrid Pattern Classifier , Fall 2003
• Irene Olaya Ayaquica-Martinez, M.S. in Computer Science, Centre for Computing Research, Fuzzy C-means Algorithm Using Dissimilarity Functions , Fall 2002
• Mario Eduardo Ramos-Garcia, M.S. in Computer Science, Centre for Computing Research, Enhancement of Digital Images Printed in Semitones , Fall 2002
• Cornelio Yanez-Marquez, Ph.D. in Computer Science, Centre for Computing Research, Associative Memories based on the Order Relation and Binary Operators , Spring 2002
• Luis Carlos Altamirano-Robles, Ph.D. in Computer Science, Centre for Computing Research, Methodology of the Reduction of Images Number Required for the Recognition of Alternated Objects , Spring 2002
• Guillermo Sanchez-Diaz, Ph.D. in Computer Science, Centre for Computing Research, Development of Algorithms for the Clustering of Very Large Sets of Mixed Data , Spring 2001
• Jesus Ariel Carrasco-Ochoa, Ph.D. in Computer Science, Centre for Computing Research, Sensitivity in the Logical Combinatorial Approach to Pattern Recognition , Spring 2001
• Margarita Julia Magadan-Mendez, M.S. in Computer Science, Centre for Computing Research, An Approach to Define the Discrete Invariant Moments and its Application to the Calculus of Moments in Quad-Trees , Fall 2000
• Rafael Sotelo-Rangel, M.S. in Computer Science, Centre for Computing Research, Methodology for the Counting Objects in Images , Fall 2000
• Juan Jesus Moncada-Bolon, M.S. in Computer Science, Centre for Computing Research, Extension of the Concept of Image for the Text Analysis , Fall 1999

Summer Study Tutor Undergraduate Provincial Students Research Teams (Mexican National Council for Science and Technology-Mexican Academy of Sciences Joint Program):

• 28 students, ArcInfo, ArcView, ArcMap, eCognition, ONTOLINGUA, GIS, R2V, PR, CV, IP , 1998-2008

C. TEACHING ACTIVITIES

TEACHING PHILOSOPHY

My teaching philosophy is student-centered and oriented to provide simple and clear ideas of the course to an average student. I use a number of complementary approaches in my presentations, such as writing on slides, drawing schemes and figures, classifying different cases and types, using analogies, simplifying arguments, etc. I introduce several state-of-the art technologies such as real-time simulators, quick-time movies, interactive web surveys, and modeling examples during lecture hours and beyond.
     My role as an instructor is to develop, adopt, and implement the course program, to give a series of lectures, to supervise performance of teaching assistants, to prepare home assignments, tests, and exam papers, to maintain web pages of the course, and to handle student questions and problems. I pay special attention to the web-based form of the educational program, interactive lecture notes, interactive simulation software, online grade keeping software, and interactive student research projects. The idea is to stay in frequent touch with my students. This teaching approach produces favorable feedback.
     I give individual attention to students during office hours and beyond. My experience shows that the students' development is variable and that students can reach a high level of performance due to the teacher's involvement. I also encourage students to approach advanced problems, which I post on web pages, designed for this purpose. These problems help to define the student research. I consider my teaching goals accomplished if the majority of students reach a clear comprehension of the course, become used to solving typical problems and examples, and successfully pass assignments, tests, and exams.
     I enjoy working with students and consider teaching to be an important part of a professor's job. While research papers become subjects of studies of the experts, the teaching materials ought to be clear and understandable to a wide range of undergraduate students. I am sure that teaching supports a professor's research as well, encouraging clearer presentations, vivid examples, explanations, and illustrations of his or her ideas. Thanks to my students, my teaching skills are improving year-by-year and I am pleased to see a positive feedback from them in the course evaluation surveys.

COURSES TAUGHT

2009

• Ontologies

2008

• Ontologies; Spatial Analysis Applying Artificial Intelligence Techniques

2007

• Ontologies; Spatial Analysis Applying Artificial Intelligence Techniques

2006

• Ontologies; Expert Systems

2005

• Ontologies; Expert Systems

2004

• Database Design

2002, 2003, 2004

• Spatial Analysis Applying Artificial Intelligence Techniques; Methods of Geoprocessing; Geographic Information Systems

1999, 2000, 2001

• Selected Topics in Computing I, II and III: Functional Methods of Digital Image Segmentation, Computer Vision, and Image Analysis and Understanding

1999, 2000

• Pattern Recognition

1998

• Mathematical Methods

1997-2004

• Knowledge-Based and High-Performance Image Processing and Pattern Recognition; Mumford-Shah's Theory of Image Segmentation; Logical Combinatorial Approach to Pattern Recognition; Raster to Vector Conversion of Color Cartographic Maps for Analytical GIS; Information and Knowledge Representation and Processing; Hierarchies, Ontologies, and Taxonomies; Retrieval of Qualitative Information; Imperfect Queries; Intelligent e-Data Processing (Informational and Cognitive Approaches)

1994-1997

• Computational Mathematics; Differential Equations and Boundary Value Problems; Dynamic Systems and Chaotic Structures; Fractals, Wavelets, Fourier Analysis; Digital Image Segmentation; Computer Vision

1983-1994

• Artificial Intelligence; Expert Systems; Artificial Neural Networks; OCR; Information Processing; Pattern Recognition; Image Processing; Computer Vision; Computational and Mathematical Models of Non-Linear Flows and Turbulence; Automatic Navigation and Control Systems

D. ADMINISTRATIVE AND PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES

ORGANIZER OF CONFERENCES AND WORKSHOPS

• General Chair, Third International Conference on Geospatial Semantics (GeoS 2009), Mexico City, Mexico, December 2009
• General Chair, Second International Conference on Geospatial Semantics (GeoS 2007), Mexico City, Mexico, November 2007
• Co-organizer, First International Workshop on Domain Ontologies , La Havana , Cuba , 2007
• Co-organizer and Program Chair, Second International Conference on Geoinformatics Applications (CONGEO 2006), Mexico City , Mexico , November 2006
• General Chair, First International Conference on Geospatial Semantics (GeoS 2005), Mexico City, Mexico, November 2005
• Organizer and Program Chair, Semantic Processing of Spatial Data (GEOPRO 2003), Mexico City , Mexico , November 2003
• Organizer and Program Chair, Semantic Processing of Spatial Data (GEOPRO 2002), Mexico City , Mexico , December 2002
• Organizer, Control and Optimization in Signal Processing , Mexico City , Mexico , April 2001

CONFERENCE PROGRAM COMMITTEES (SELECTED)

• Eighth IAPR International Workshop on Graphics Recognition (GREC 2009), La Rochelle, France, July 2009
• XIV Iberoamerican Congress on Pattern Recognition (CIARP 2009), Guadalajara, Mexico, November 2009
• XIII Iberoamerican Congress on Pattern Recognition (CIARP 2008), Havana, Cuba, September 2008
• XII Iberoamerican Congress on Pattern Recognition (CIARP 2007), Viel Mar-Valparaiso , Chile , November 2007
• First International Workshop on Semantic and Conceptual Issues in GISs (SeCoGIS), Auckland, New Zealand, November 2007
• Seventh IAPR International Workshop on Graphics Recognition (GREC 2007), Curitiba , Brazil , September 2007
• V International Congress GEOMATICA 2007, XII International Convention and Expo INFORMATICA 2007 , La Havana , Cuba , February, 2007
• VIII Brazilian Symposium on GeoInformatics (GEOINFO 2006), Campos do Jordro , Brazil , November 2006
• 2nd International Workshop on Semantic-based Geographical Information Systems (SeBGIS'06), Montpellier , France , November 2006
• 11th Iberoamerican Conference on Pattern Recognition (CIARP 2006), Cancun , Mexico , October 2006
• 1st International Workshop on Semantic-based Geographical Information Systems (SeBGIS'05), Agia Napa , Cyprus , October 2005
• 14th International Conference on Computing: Advances in Computer Science (CIC 2004), Mexico City , Mexico , September 2005
• 9th Iberoamerican Conference on Pattern Recognition (CIARP 2004), Puebla , Mexico , October 2004
• 13th International Conference on Computing: Advances in Computer Science (CIC 2004), Mexico City , Mexico , October 2004
• 8th Iberoamerican Conference on Pattern Recognition (CIARP 2003), Havana , Cuba , November 2003
• 2nd International Workshop on Semantic Processing of Spatial Data (GEOPRO 2003), Mexico City , Mexico , November 2003
• 12th International Conference on Computing: Advances in Computer Science (CIC 2003), Mexico City , Mexico , October 2003
• 5th International Workshop on Graphics Recognition (GREC 2003), Barcelona , Catalonia , Spain , July 2003
• 1st International Workshop on Semantic Processing of Spatial Data (GEOPRO 2002), Mexico City , Mexico , December 2002
• 7th Iberoamerican Conference on Pattern Recognition (CIARP 2002), Mexico City, Mexico, November 2002
• 11th International Conference on Computing: Advances in Computer Science (CIC 2002), Mexico City , Mexico , November 2002
• 7th Iberoamerican Workshop on Pattern Recognition (TIARP 2002), Merida , Mexico , April 2002
• 10th International Conference on Computing: Advances in Computer Science (CIC 2001), Mexico City , Mexico , November 2001
• 6th Iberoamerican Workshop on Pattern Recognition (TIARP 2001), Mexico City, Mexico, November 2001
• 6th Iberoamerican Conference on Pattern Recognition (CIARP 2002), Belo Orizonte , Brazil , September 2001
• 4th International Workshop on Graphics Recognition (GREC 2001), Kingston , Ontario , Canada , September 2001
• International Scientific School Modeling and Analysis of Safety, Risk and Quality in Complex Systems (MA SRQ 2001), Saint Petersburg, Russia, June 2001
• 9th International Conference on Computing: Advances in Computer Science (CIC 2000), Mexico City , Mexico , November 2000
• 5th Iberoamerican Conference on Pattern Recognition (CIARP 2000), Lisbon , Portugal , September 2000
• 5th Iberoamerican Workshop on Pattern Recognition (TIARP 2000), Acapulco , Mexico , April 2000
• 8th International Conference on Computing: Advances in Computer Science (CIC 1999), Mexico City , Mexico , November 1999
• 4th Iberoamerican Conference on Pattern Recognition (CIARP 1999), Havana , Cuba , March 1999
• 7th International Conference on Computing: Advances in Computer Science (CIC 1998), Mexico City , Mexico , November 1998
• 3rd Iberoamerican Workshop on Pattern Recognition (TIARP 1998), Mexico City , Mexico , March 1998
• 2nd Iberoamerican Workshop on Pattern Recognition (TIARP 1997), Havana , Cuba , March 1997

EDITORIAL BOARDS

• Associate Editor of the Iberoamerican Journal Computacion y Sistemas (Computing and Systems ) since December 2002
• Associate Editor of the Series Research in Computing Science
• Co-editor: Research in Computing Science, Vol. 25, Semantics in Geoinformatics Applications (CONGEO 2006), Centre for Computing Research, National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico City, Mexico  
• Chair of the Editorial Board: Research in Computing Science, Vol. 4, Semantic Processing of Spatial Data (GEOPRO 2003), Centre for Computing Research, National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico City, Mexico
• Chair of the Editorial Board, Semantic Processing of Spatial Data (GEOPRO 2002), Centre for Computing Research, National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico City, Mexico

BOOK REVIEWER

CCC Colleccion de Ciencias de la Computacion (Fondo Cultural Economico, UNAM-IPN); Selected Works (1997-1998), Centre for Computing Research; Selected Works (1999-2000), Centre for Computing Research; Research in Computing Science (Vol. II, Vol. III, Vol. IV, Vol. V, Vol. VI, Vol. VII, and Vol. XIV), Centre for Computing Research (Mexico); All-Soviet Union Institute for Scientific and Technical Information (VINITI): Advances in Mathematics, Informatics, and Cybernetics (Russia); ACTA Press

ARTICLE REVIEWER

Pattern Recognition Letters; Pattern Recognition; Elsevier Artificial Intelligence; Springer-Verlag Lecture Notes in Computer Science, Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence, Lecture Notes in Biological Information; IEEE; ACM; IAPR; IASTED.
 

STANDING SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEES AND ASSOCIATIONS

Committees:

• Mexican Society for Progress in Science and Technology (SOMPROCYT), Committee of Computer Science and Information Technology , 2000-ongoing
• Mexican National Association of Universities and Superior Schools (ANUIES), Committee of the Overseas Study , 2000-ongoing
• Mexican National Council for Science and Technology (CONACYT), Committee of the Overseas Study , 1999-ongoing
• Mexican National Council for Science and Technology (CONACYT), Committee of the Research Programs , 1997-ongoing
• Member of the Advisers Board of the Nation-Wide Research Award Alejandrina, Mexico , 1997-ongoing

Associations:

• International Association for Pattern Recognition (IAPR), 2002-ongoing
• American Mathematical Society (AMS), 1997-ongoing
• Mexican National Researcher Networks (SNI), 1994-ongoing
• Mexican Mathematical Society (SMM), 1994-ongoing
• Moscow Mathematical Society (MMO), 1993-ongoing

UNIVERSITY CAMPUS COMMITTEES

• Coordinator of the Master Science Program in Computer Science, Centre for Computing Research, 2006-ongoing
• Centre Scientific Council, Centre for Computing Research, 2002-ongoing
• Search Committee for Associate Editors of the Iberoamerican Journal Computacion y Sistemas, 2002-ongoing
• Vice-President of the Commission on Doctorate Studies and Research, Centre for Computing Research, 1999-2002
• President of Ad-hoc Committee for Postgraduate Program in Intelligent Geomatics, General Coordination of Postgraduate Study and Research, 2001-2002
• Search Committees for Faculty in Computer Science, Centre for Computing Research, 1998-1999, 2000-2001, 2002-2003

PANELIST OR SITE VISIT TEAM MEMBER

George Washington University (GWU), USA ; Mexican National Council for Science and Technology (CONACYT); Mexican National Association of Universities and Superior Schools (ANUIES), Mexico ; Mexican Petroleum Institute (IMP).

EXTERNAL REVIEWER OF TENURE AND PROMOTION CASE

Mexican Petroleum Institute (IMP)

EXTERNAL REVIEWER OF UNIVERSITY PROGRAMS

Program in Applied Math and Computing (PIMAYC), Mexican Petroleum Institute (IMP)

E. REFERENCES

Available upon request

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