Introduction

Abstract

A dynamic process in the spirit of this work is a naturally occurring or specifically designed phenomenon whose properties, varying in time, can be observed, measured, and affected by external manipulation. It is an old and natural question to then ask for a description of the special way in which such a process should be affected in order to serve an intended purpose. The development and availability of mathematical methods for the simulation and optimization of dynamic processes has had an enormous impact on our lives in the past that until today continues to rise. An ever growing number of increasingly complex dynamic processes from various scientific disciplines such as biology, chemistry, economy, engineering, and physics can be simulated and optimized for various criteria.