Modern neurotechnologies enable the recording of neural activity at the scale of entire brains and with single-cell resolution. However, the lack of principled approaches to extract structure from these massive data streams prevent us from fully exploiting the potential of these technologies. This thesis, divided in three parts, introduces new statistical machine learning methods to enable the large-scale analysis of some of these complex neural datasets. In the first part, I present a method that leverages Gaussian quadrature to accelerate inference of neural encoding models from a certain type of observed neural point processes --- spike trains --- resulting in substantial improvements over existing methods. The second part focuses on the simultaneous electrical stimulation and recording of neurons using large electrode arrays. There, identification of neural activity is hindered by stimulation artifacts that are much larger than spikes, and overlap temporally with spikes. To surmount this challenge, I develop an algorithm to infer and cancel this artifact, enabling inference of the neural signal of interest. This algorithm is based on a a bayesian generative model for recordings, where a structured gaussian process is used to represent prior knowledge of the artifact. The algorithm achieves near perfect accuracy and enables the analysis of data hundreds of time faster than previous approaches. The third part is motivated by the problem of inference of neural dynamics in the worm C.elegans: when taking a data-driven approach to this question, e.g., when using whole-brain calcium imaging data, one is faced with the need to match neural recordings to canonical neural identities, in practice resolved by tedious human labor. Alternatively, on a bayesian setup this problem may be cast as posterior inference of a latent permutation. I introduce methods that enable gradient-based approximate posterior inference of permutations, overcoming the difficulties imposed by the combinatorial and discrete nature of this object. Results suggest the feasibility of automating neural identification, and demonstrate variational inference in permutations is a sensible alternative to MCMC.

No / The chemical and biological nonproliferation regime stands at a watershed moment, when failure seems a real possibility. After the unsuccessful outcome of the 2016 Eighth Review Conference, the future of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention is uncertain. As the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) approaches its Fourth Review Conference in 2018, it has almost completed removing the huge stocks of chemical weapons, but it now faces the difficult organizational task of moving its focus to preventing the reemergence of chemical weapons at a time when the international security situation appears to be increasingly more difficult and dangerous. In this article, we assess the current and near-term state (5–10 years) and impact of three related areas of science and technology that could be of dual-use concern: targeted delivery of agents to the central nervous system (CNS), particularly by means of nanotechnology; direct impact of nanomaterials on synaptic functions in the CNS; and neuronal circuits in the brain that might be targeted by those with hostile intent. We attempt to assess the implications of our findings, particularly for the consideration of the problem of state-level interest in so-called nonlethal incapacitating chemical agents for law enforcement at the CWC Review Conference in 2018, but also more generally for the longer-term future of the chemical and biological nonproliferation regime.

Submitted by Daniele Santos (danielesantos.htl@gmail.com) on 2017-02-22T17:45:07Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Luis Alejandro.pdf: 1890746 bytes, checksum: dcd14c21a1abb7eb6983df9f7687b2a5 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Janete de Oliveira Feitosa (janete.feitosa@fgv.br) on 2017-02-23T17:40:32Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 Luis Alejandro.pdf: 1890746 bytes, checksum: dcd14c21a1abb7eb6983df9f7687b2a5 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-02-24T19:14:51Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Luis Alejandro.pdf: 1890746 bytes, checksum: dcd14c21a1abb7eb6983df9f7687b2a5 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-11-11 / Decision making is a basic cognitive process and a critical skill set that can lead to a transformational change. This research is a study of the neurobiological basis of decision making, and how its results can be applied to the corporate world. Given the number of new discoveries in neuroscience due to technological advancements in neuroimaging, only partial knowledge about human brain have been utilized for business purposes. This research explores how this knowledge can be applied in business to improve decision making under uncertainty, and to find ways where business and science can be integrated and share best practices. It suggests to focus on cognition because its improvement is a key to high performance in business. Enhancement of cognition can be developed through training and practice of intelligence functions by creating virtual training environments that fully resemble real life, such as modelling and simulations. This practical training could also measure cognitive abilities and identify weak spots in the decision-making process on individuals. The results could be especially valuable to decision makers in fast-paced operating environment, under stress and uncertainty, and could offer vital insights for policy makers and business leaders making decisions in management, ethics, and marketing.

The final thesis "Development of marketing in connection with information technology and neurotechnology" deals with modern marketing methods in the field of information technology, especially on the Internet (online marketing) and in the field of neurotechnology (neuromarketing). The thesis asks questions about how further can marketing be evolving in current form to the future and it follows the development and potential of each marketing trends in the context of modern information technology. To what extent will consumers have freedom of their choice in the future? What could be the negative and positive effects of the development of marketing in conjunction with modern technology? What influence does online marketing and neuromarketing on human emotions and thinking? Answers and problems of modern marketing are searched primarily through the SWOT analysis from a consumer perspective and also from the perspective of the company. It studies a FaceReader program for the analysis of facial expressions of respondents in the face while watching selected commercials. Finally, the work is trying to find relations of recognizing the modified logos without the brand name according to different consumers through the online survey.

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This dissertation presents an investigation of micromachined three-dimensional microelectrode arrays (3-D MEAs) targeted toward in-vitro and in-vivo biomedical applications. Current 3-D MEAs are predominantly silicon-based, fabricated in a planar fashion, and are assembled to achieve a true 3-D form: a technique that cannot be extended to micro-manufacturing. The integrated 3-D MEAs developed in this work are polymer-based and thus offer potential for large-scale, high volume manufacturing. Two different techniques are developed for microfabrication of these MEAs - laser micromachining of a conformally deposited polymer on a non-planar surface to create 3-D molds for metal electrodeposition; and metal transfer micromolding, where functional metal layers are transferred from one polymer to another during the process of micromolding thus eliminating the need for complex and non-repeatable 3-D lithography processes. In-vitro and in-vivo 3-D MEAs are microfabricated using these techniques and are packaged utilizing Printed Circuit Boards (PCB) or other low-cost manufacturing techniques. To demonstrate in-vitro applications, growth of 3-D co-cultures of neurons/astrocytes and tissue-slice electrophysiology with brain tissue of rat pups were implemented. To demonstrate in-vivo application, measurements of nerve conduction were implemented. Microelectrode impedance models, noise models and various process models were evaluated. The results confirmed biocompatibility of the polymers involved, acceptable impedance range and noise of the microelectrodes, and potential to improve upon an archaic clinical diagnostic application utilizing these 3-D MEAs.

Магистерская диссертация посвящена исследованию применения интстументов нейромаркетинга в продвижении книжных изданий. Цель проводимого исследования – проанализировать эффективность использования нейромаркетинга в продвижении книжных изданий. Объектом исследования выступает книжный маркетинг. Предметом исследования являются особенности использования нейромаркетинга в продвижении книжной продукции. Магистерская диссертация «Нейромаркетинг как инструмент продвижения книжных изданий» состоит из введения, двух глав, заключения и библиографического списка, включающего 49 наименований. В первой главе диссертации приведены определения нейромаркетинга, рассмотрены основные методы нейромаркетенговых исследований, рассмотрены основные инструменты воздействия на сознания потребителя. Во второй главе рассмотрены книжные магазины мира на предмет использования в них нейромаркетинговых инструментов. Для определения эффективности использования инструментов нейромаркетинга в офлайн-магазинах Екатеринбурга был проведен опрос покупателей, результаты которого представлены также во второй главе. Выявленные инструменты нейромаркетинга в книжных магазинах соотнесены с данными опроса потребителей, на основе чего сделаны выводы об эффективности конкретных приемов в точках продажи книг. Результаты исследования могут быть использованы для дальнейших научных разработок по данной и смежным темам. / The master's thesis is devoted to the study of the use of neuromarketing tools in the promotion of book publications. The purpose of the study is to analyze the effectiveness of the use of neuromarketing in the promotion of book publications. The object of research is book marketing. The subject of the study is the use of neuromarketing in the promotion of book products. The master's thesis "Neuromarketing as a tool for promoting book publications" consists of an introduction, two chapters, a conclusion and a bibliographic list, including 49 items. In the first chapter of the dissertation, definitions of neuromarketing are given, the main methods of neuromarketing research are examined, and the main tools for influencing consumer consciousness are considered. The second chapter discusses bookstores in the world for the use of neuromarketing tools in them. To determine the effectiveness of using neuromarketing tools in offline stores in Yekaterinburg, a survey of buyers was conducted, the results of which are also presented in the second chapter. The identified neuromarketing tools in bookstores are correlated with consumer survey data, on the basis of which conclusions are drawn about the effectiveness of specific techniques at point-of-sale books. The results of the study can be used for further scientific development on this and related topics.