Professor
Dr. Syed Arif Kamal
Project Director, the NGDS Pilot Project; HEC-Approved PhD Supervisor
Program Coördinator, the Early Talent Research
Participation Program
MS (Indiana, Bloomington, USA); MA (Johns Hopkins, USA); PhD; Member AIAA (USA), IBRO (France)
Member, Expert Panel (Mathematics), National Curriculum Council,
Ministry of Education, Government of Pakistan
Convener, National Curriculum Revision Committee
(Mathematics), Higher Education Commission
Member, Senate, Academic Council, Board of Faculty, Board of Studies;
Ex-Chairman
Professor (BPS-21), Department
of Mathematics
UNIVERSITY OF KARACHI
Office: Room
No. 6, Department of Mathematics, University of Karachi, University Road
Paper Mail: University of Karachi, Post Office
Box No. 8406, Karachi 75270 (Pakistan)
Homepage: http://ngds-ku.org/kamal • e-mail: kamal(at the rate of)ngds-ku.org
Telephones: (92 21) 9926 1300-6 ext. 2293
(secretary), ext. 2380
(direct)
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½ Profile
½ Leadership
Vision ½ Professional
Skills ½ Research
½ Pedagogical
½ Community Outreach
½ Biodata
½ Publications
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Research Synopsis
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1. Philosophy
To capitalize on
the strengths of mathematics, having the power
of generalization and the power of application, to formulate and to
propose "smart" solutions, which enhance man's quality of life by
converting them into commercial products, services and processes,
which are comfortable, economical, environmentally friendly and
safe.
2. Methodology
A Nobel laureate
was asked, "What is the key to your success?"
He replied, "I know what I am doing, in depth, and know a little bit
about other disciplines". This strategy of complete knowledge of
the problem at hand and knowledge of the associated fields is to
be applied to bring out efficient, elegant and innovative solutions
to problems challenging the mankind in the third millennium, using
the techniques of mathematics. Modeling of system, environment
and sources of error to be done using mathematical tools,
fine-tuning to be done through simulations and test runs,
followed by validation through field trials.
followed by validation through field trials.
3. Accomplishments
Mathematical models of the human brain (involving matrices
of the order of 1016 r 1016), which could not be processed by the
fastest supercomputers available in the world), the human spinal column (presented the idea of treating the spinal column as a
three-dimensional problem, formulated 3-D static and dynamic models), the human heart (introduced cardiac-coördinate mesh, treated heart as a system of standing waves), the growth of children (developed methods to generate detailed growth profiles) and the planetary orbits (introduced the elliptic-astrodynamical-coördinate mesh, formulated equation of motion in this mesh) were developed. 3-D optical imaging and image processing (moiré fringe topography, rasterstereography) systems were set up and studied to generate
3-D coördinates and curvatures of a test object. In particular, postures and gaits of children were studied and
procedures devised to simultaneously project moiré and raster grids on a moving object and decode information about 3-D coör-dinates
and curvatures through selective optical filtering. In addition, moiré fringe topography was combined with the
edge-based algorithm to study 3-D motion. Normally, the
edge-based algorithm would be able to handle only 2-D motion.
Other important accomplishments include proposing an identification system employing dynamic-biometric
patterns, defining determinant of a general tensor, proposing extended symmetries in special relativity, studying behavior of massive particles near velocity of light, avoiding infinities from the Lorentz and the Poincaré transformations, deriving Dirac's relativistic equation starting from the
energy operator in rest frame, formulating control laws (the extended-cross-product steering, the normal-component-cross-product steering, the dot-product steering, the normal-component-dot-product steering, the ellipse-orientation steering), devising guidance schemes (the Lambert scheme with correction for cross-range
error, the inverse-Lambert scheme, the inverse-Q system, the multi-stage-Q system) and applying concepts of precedence and influence graphs to clinical
medicine. In the area of foundations of mathematical physics, mathematical formulation of sixth paradigm of physics was given.
4. Impact on Technologies
4.1 Aerospace Industry
The
new control laws proposed and the guidance schemes developed could be used to
design efficient and effective space missions as well as passenger aircrafts,
traveling partly in space, in the ballistic orbits. Technological benefits
include (but are not limited to):
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a) |
Reduction in travel time — comfort |
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b) |
Reduction in fuel consumption (most of
the flight shall be in the ballistic phase, consuming no fuel), which would
be passed on to customer as reduction in ticket price — economical/environmenally friendly |
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c) |
Reduction in engine noise (most of the
flight shall be in the ballistic phase, during which the engines would not be
operating) — comfort |
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d) |
Absence of turbulence (most of the flight
shall be in the ballistic phase in space) — comfort |
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e) |
Safety (engines would not be required in
the ballistic phase, thus reducing the risk of engine failure) — safety |
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4.2 Health-Care Industry
The model of growth
of children could predict a boy’s or a girl’s adult height and
adult weight as well as suggest control measures to achieve the desired height
and weight at a tender age. Using the ideas of mathematics and physics,
efficient
and effective techniques for determination of height and weight are developed,
tested and implemented as part of the NGDS
Pilot Project. 3-D models of the
spinal column have given new dimensions to detection, documentation, follow up
and treatment of scoliosis. Simultaneous recording using moiré fringe
topography
and rasterstereography could be used in kinesiology and biomechanics to assess
movement of spine. They could, also, be used to improve gymnastic performance.
Edge-based moiré could be used to quantify movement of lips with applications
in
speech analysis.
4.3 Security
Technologies
The multi-level screening system proposed in my
paper “Pattern Recognition using Moiré Fringe Topography
and Rasterstereography”, may form the basis of a highly
specific, cardless identification system, employing biometric identifiers,
which could be used in place of identity cards or passports.
5. Honors
Research-Productivity Allowance awarded by
Higher Education Commission (2003), nominated for the King Faisal International
Prize in Science (Mathematics) 2010 by University of Karachi, referee of
Clinical Biomechanics (published by Elsavier), Proceedings of the Pakistan
Academy of Sciences and Journal of Scientific and Industrial Research
(published by PCSIR), 61 colloquia, guest lectures, presentations and seminars
given. Invited speaker in 4 (3 international; 1 national) conferences, session chair in 3 (2
international; 1 national) conferences, panelist (panel discussion) in the 12th
IEEE International Multitopic Conference (2008) as well as chief guest and
keynote speaker in the Sindh Educational Conference (2009).
6. Goals
During
the coming years I would like to continue working in the areas of mathematical
modeling, mathematical physics (devising methods to deal with nonlinear
systems, constructing minkowski-type metric for curved spacetime, generalizing
principle of equivalence) and control theory (formulating new control laws),
with applications in the fields of biomathematics, bioinformatics and
astrodynamics. Further, I would try to establish liaison with local industry,
in order to get adequate funding for the projects and be able to understand
needs of the society we are a part of.
Research-Project-Evaluation Committee,
Dean, Faculty of Sciences, FY 2007-8, Member
8. Representative Papers
Paper titles are hyperlinks to
abstracts of papers.
8.1 Space Medicine
EEG in
Weightlessness: A Theoretical Estimate
Ahmed SN, Kamal SA, Siddiqui KA, Husain SA, Naeem M, Karachi University Journal of Science, 25(1), 1997, 19-24 (corresponding
author)
8.2 Security
Technologies
Pattern
Recognition using Moiré Fringe Topography and Rasterstereography
Kamal SA, Proceedings
of the International Symposium on Biometrics and Security Technologies (IEEE
ISBAST 2008), Bahria University, Islamabad, Pakistan, 2008, pp 1-7
8.3 Control Theory
Ellipse-Orientation Steering: A Control Law for Spacecrafts and
Satellite-Launch Vehicles
Kamal SA, Space Science and Challenges of the Twenty-First Century, ISPA- SUPARCO Collaborative Seminar
(in connection with World Space Week), University of Karachi, 2005 (invited
lecture)
Kamal SA, Proceedings of the First International Bhurban Conference on Applied
Sciences and Technologies (IBCAST 2002), Volume 1, Advanced Materials, Computational Fluid Dynamics and
Control Engineering, Edited by Hoorani HR, Munir A, Samar R, Zahir S, National
Center for Physics, Bhurban, NWFP,
Pakistan, pp 167-177
Dot-Product Steering: A New Control Law for
Satellites and Spacecrafts
Kamal SA, Proceedings of the First International
Bhurban Conference on Applied Sciences and Technologies (IBCAST 2002), Volume 1, Advanced Materials,
Computa-tional Fluid Dynamics and Control Engineering, Edited by Hoorani HR, Munir A, Samar R, Zahir S, National
Center for Physics, Bhurban, NWFP,
Pakistan, 2003, pp 178-184
8.4 Guidance Schemes
The Multi-Stage Lambert Scheme for Steering a Satellite-Launch Vehicle
(SLV)
Kamal SA, Proceedings of the Twelfth IEEE
International Multitopic Conference (IEEE INMIC 2008), Edited by Anis MK, Khan MK, Zaidi SJH, Bahria University, Karachi, Pakistan, 2008,
pp 294-300 (invited paper)
Incorporating Cross-Range Error in the Lambert Scheme
Kamal SA, Proceedings of the Tenth National Aeronautical Conference, Edited by Sheikh SR, Khan AM,
College of Aeronautical Engineering, Pakistan Air Force Academy, Risalpur
(Pakistan), 2006, pp 255-263
Kamal SA, Mirza
A, Proceedings of the Fourth International Bhurban Conference on Applied
Sciences and Technologies (IBCAST 2005), Volume 3, Control and Simula-tion,
Edited by Hussain SI, Munir A, Kayani J, Samar R, Khan MA, National Center for
Physics, Bhurban, NWPP, Pakistan, 2006, pp 27-33
8.5
Three-Dimensional-Optical Imaging and Image Processing
3-D Optical Imaging and Image
Processing (Biomedical Applications)
Kamal SA, Proceedings of the International Workshop on
Recent Advances in Computer Vision,
Edited by Laghari JR, Naqvi AA, Rajput AQ, Sangi NA, Shah MA, SZABIST, Karachi,
Pakistan, 1998, pp 86-95
Combination of
Moiré Contours and Edge-Based Algorithm to Study Motion in the Sagittal Plane
Kamal SA, Karachi University Journal of Science, 24(2), 1996, 53-60
Gait Analysis
Using Moiré Fringe Topography and Rasterstereography (Simultaneous Recording)
Kamal SA, Choudhry AS,
Siddiqui YA, Karachi University Journal
of Science, 24(2),
1996, 7-18
8.6 Modeling Growth of
Children
An Investigation of Growth Profiles of the Pakistani Children
Kamal SA, Firdous S, Alam SJ, International Journal of Biology and
Biotechnology, 1(4), 2004, 709-717
8.7 Modeling Human Brain
The
Covariant-Generalized-Coupling Model of Global-Electrocortical Activity
Kamal SA, Siddiqui KA, Karachi University Journal of Science,
25(1), 1997, 29-39
Group
Structure of a Covariant Model of Global-Electrocortical Activity
Siddiqui KA, Kamal SA, Husain SA, Khan NU, Karachi University Journal of
Science 21(1&2), 1993, 35-38
Spacetime Representation of
Global-Electrocortical Activity
Kamal SA, Siddiqui KA,
Husain SA, Biological Cybernetics, 60, 1989, 307‑309
8.8 Modeling Human Spinal Column
A 3‑D-Static Model of the Human Spinal Column
Kamal SA, Karachi University Journal of Science,
24(1), 1996, 29-34
3‑D-Dynamic 6.9
Modeling of the Human Spinal Column
Kamal SA, the Twenty-First International Nathiagali
Summer College on Physics and Contemporary Needs, Nathiagali, NWFP, Pakistan, 1996
8.9 Modeling Human
Heart
The Human Heart as a System of Standing Waves
Kamal SA, Siddiqui KA, Karachi
University Journal of Science, 30(1&2),
2002, 55-63
8.10 Sports Sciences and Technologies
Role of
Mathematics in the Sports Sciences and Technologies
Kamal SA, the
Thirty-Fifth All Pakistan Science Conference, University of
Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan, abstract
# 72
8.11 Mathematical Physics
Avoiding Infinities from the Lorentz and the Poincaré Transformations
Kamal SA, the
Fourth Symposium on Computational Complexities, Innovations and Solutions, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Abbotabad,
NWFP, Pakistan, 2009, p 16 (invited
paper)
Kamal SA, Siddiqui KA, Naseeruddin, Karachi
University Journal of Science, 28(2), 2000, 11-16
A Dimensionless-Reciprocal Lattice
Kamal SA, Husain SA, Karachi
University Journal of Science, 16(1&2),
1988, 23‑27
Determinant of a General Tensor
Kamal SA, Matrix
and Tensor Quarterly (UK), 31(3), 1981, 64‑66
9. Training Programs
for Future Researchers
Graduate
Studies Course (for MS/PhD students), Faculty of Sciences, University of
Karachi, First Semester 2009
(Course Faculty)
Research Methodology II
Graduate
Studies Course (for MPhil/PhD students), Faculty of Sciences, University
of Karachi, First Semester 2009
(Course Coördinator)
Technical Aspects of Preparing a
Research Proposal
Presentation,
Workshop on Preparing
Research Proposals, Office of
Dean, Faculty of Sciences, University of Karachi, August 16, 2008 (Coördinator
of the Workshop)
Research
Methodology
Graduate Studies
Course (for MPhil/PhD students), Faculty of Arts, University of Karachi,
November 21-24, 2007
(Course Faculty)
Research-Proposal
Writing
Research Seminar,
Department of Mathematics, University of Karachi, February 11, 2006
10.
Motivating Program for Future Researchers
The Undergraduate Student
Research Participation Program
Students oriented towards
research by requiring them to prepare proposals dealing with practical
problems, employing mathematical techniques, one student from the Aga Khan
University Medical College did his research elective, some students co-authored
papers, 1988-present (Program Coördinator)
Research-Proposal
Writing
Lecture in Course on Research
Methodology, Masters in Economics and Finance, University of Karachi, April 23,
2009
Talent-Farming Scheme
Summer School for BSc and MSc
students, HEC Regional Center, Karachi,
July 12-20, 2004 (Faculty)
The NGDS
Student Internships
A
subproject of the NGDS Pilot Project
Pre-University Students participate in the ongoing research programs of
University of Karachi, 2002-present
(Program Coördinator)
The Early Talent Research Participation Program
A subproject of the NGDS Pilot Project
High-School Students are introduced to the
ongoing research programs of University of Karachi, 2002-present
(Program
Coördinator)
Research
Methodology I: MS/PhD Students of
Faculties
of Sciences and Medicine (2009)
Updated:
October 1, 2009 (0000h GMT)
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½ Profile ½ Leadership Vision ½ Professional Skills ½ Research ½ Pedagogical ½ Community Outreach ½ Biodata ½ Publications ½ |
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Dr. Syed Arif Kamal