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[CFP] ICLR 2021 Workshop on "How Can Findings About The Brain Improve AI Systems?"
by Mariya Toneva Jan. 26, 2021

Jan. 26, 2021

ICLR 2021 - Workshop on "How Can Findings About The Brain Improve AI Systems?" Submission deadline: February 26, 2021 Workshop website: https://iclrbrain2ai.github.io/ Contact: brain2ai.2021(a)gmail.com The brain comprises billions of neurons organized into an intricate network of highly specialized functional areas. This biological cognitive system can efficiently process vast amounts of multi-modal data to perceive and react to its ever-changing environment. Unlike current AI systems, it does not struggle with domain adaptation, few-shot learning, or commonsense reasoning. Inspiration from neuroscience has benefited AI in the past: modern convolutional networks mimic the deep, nested information flow in visual cortex, and hippocampal replay of previous experiences has brought about experience replay in reinforcement learning. Recent work at the intersection of neuroscience and AI has made progress in directly integrating neuroscientific data with AI systems and has led to learned representations that are more robust to label corruptions, allow for better generalization in some language tasks, and provide new ways to interpret and evaluate what domain-relevant information is learned by deep neural networks. In this workshop, we aim to examine the extent to which insights about the brain can lead to better AI. We will consider the following (non-exhaustive) list of topics for contribution: - Integration of neuroscientific data at different granularities (neural recordings, neuroimaging etc.) to train AI systems - Brain-inspired inductive biases and ML architectures for AI systems - Neuroscientific data as an evaluation metric for AI systems - Mechanistic insight into cognitive functions (vision, language, decision making, attention, etc.) - Limitations of current AI systems in tasks at which humans excel (compositionality, commonsense reasoning, continual learning, few-shot learning, causality, etc.) - Cross-modality and cross-species comparisons of neuroscientific data with respect to benefits to AI - Datasets that can facilitate the transfer of neuroscientific insight to AI Submit at: https://cmt3.research.microsoft.com/BRAIN2AI2021/Submission/Index The workshop will feature a diverse set of topics led by the following invited speakers and panelists (in alphabetical order): 1. Anima Anandkumar, California Institute of Technology 2. David Cox, Harvard University 3. Kenji Doya, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University 4. Allyson Ettinger, University of Chicago 5. Alona Fyshe, University of Alberta 6. Jack Gallant, University of California, Berkeley 7. Andrea Martin, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics 8. Kimberly Statchenfeld, DeepMind 9. Josh Tenenbaum, MIT Formatting Instructions: All submissions must be in PDF format. Submissions are limited to four content pages, including all figures and tables; additional pages containing only references are allowed. You must format your submission using the ICLR 2021 LaTeX style files. Submissions that meaningfully violate the ICLR style (e.g., by decreasing margins or font sizes) or page limits may be rejected without further review. All submissions should be anonymous. The review process is double-blind. We also welcome recently (within the last year) published papers that are within the scope of the workshop (without re-formatting). Already-published papers do not have to be anonymous. They are eligible for a spotlight session and will only have a very light review process. Virtual format: The workshop will be geared towards more dynamic and interactive discussion focused on Q&A sessions. Accepted abstracts and papers will result in, at minimum, a pre-recorded spotlight talk. All presenters will be given live virtual “coffee break” rooms during all breaks in the conference schedule to engage in small group discussions with participants. Discussions around talks will be organized in live virtual “breakout” rooms with similar topics and themes so that workshop attendees and presenters can interact in a less formal, discussion-centric setting. Important Dates: Paper submission deadline: 11:59 PM EST, Feb 26, 2021 Author notification: 11:59 PM EST, Mar 26, 2021 Camera-ready papers due: 11:59 PM EST, Apr 15, 2021 Workshop: May 8, 2021

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2 NEUROSCIENCE / DATA SCIENCE POSITIONS (Deadline: 11 Feb 2021)
by Prata, Diana Jan. 25, 2021

Jan. 25, 2021

2 NEUROSCIENCE / DATA SCIENCE RESEARCH POSITIONS IN LAB AT UNIVERSITY OF LISBON (DPRATALAB.WORDPRESS.COM <http://dpratalab.wordpress.com/>) (Deadline: 11 Feb 2021) 1 RESEARCH POSITION IN BIOMEDICAL DATA SCIENCE Work plan: Statistical analysis of retrospective neuroimaging and clinical data, using artificial intelligence (machine learning) for the development and validation of diagnostic neuroimaging biomarkers, with high potential of clinical applicability; coordination with Portuguese and UK research, IT and medical teams within an academic-entrepreneurial join-venture, with the goal of helping clinical decision-making in neurodegenerative illnesses. Up to 2 years duration. Details in: http://www.eracareers.pt/opportunities/index.aspx?task=global&jobId=130697 <http://www.eracareers.pt/opportunities/index.aspx?task=global&jobId=130697> 1 RESEARCH POSITION IN HUMAN NEUROSCIENCE Work plan: Statistical analysis of varied psychophysiological data (EEG and/or MRI and/or pupillometry) and write up of scientific articles in clinical study with pharmacological intervention of oxytocin, with the goal of characterizing the role of oxytocin in human brain function in health and in psychosis. Up to 1.5 years duration. Details in: http://www.eracareers.pt/opportunities/index.aspx?task=global&jobId=130890 <http://www.eracareers.pt/opportunities/index.aspx?task=global&jobId=130890> Diana Prata, Phd Principal Investigator & Lecturer, Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, FCUL Visiting Lecturer, IoPPN, King's College London Associate Investigator, CIS, ISCTE-IUL (+351)966595936; https://dpratalab.wordpress.com/ <https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdpratalab…>, https://neurocolab.wordpress.com/ <https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fneurocola…>.

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Postdoc position in multimodal imaging of brain dynamics
by Laura Lewis Jan. 25, 2021

Jan. 25, 2021

Dear colleagues, We have an open postdoctoral position in multimodal imaging of brain states, please feel free to circulate the ad below. *Postdoctoral position in multimodal imaging of brain dynamics* We have an opening for a postdoctoral associate to lead multimodal neuroimaging studies of brain function in Laura Lewis' lab in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Boston University ( http://www.lewisneurolab.org) This position offers the opportunity to develop multimodal neuroimaging and analysis techniques, and study the neural basis and cognitive consequences of sleep and arousal states. We use fast fMRI, simultaneous EEG-fMRI, computational modeling, ultra-high field (7 Tesla) imaging, and other multimodal approaches to measure and analyze brain function across diverse states. Areas of focus include: - fast fMRI/EEG studies of brain dynamics - thalamic and brainstem networks across vigilance states - neural basis of sleep and sleep deprivation - sleep and mood states in major depression - neurovascular coupling and cerebrospinal fluid physiology - sleep and brain function in aging The lab is a fast-paced and interdisciplinary environment that supports its members in achieving their long-term research and career goals, and has strong collaborations throughout the Boston-area computational neuroscience and neuroimaging communities. The position may involve conducting neuroimaging studies at both Boston University and at the Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging at Massachusetts General Hospital. For more information, see http://www.lewisneurolab.org/positions . This position requires a Ph.D. in neuroscience, engineering, computer science, psychology, or related fields. To apply, please email C.V., a statement describing research experience and future interests and goals, and names of three references to Laura Lewis, ldlewis(a)bu.edu thanks, Laura Lewis Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering Boston University https://www.lewisneurolab.org/

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CFP 30th International Conference on Artificial Neural Networks ICANN 2021, Sept 14-17, Bratislava, SK
by Paolo Masulli ENNS Jan. 22, 2021

Jan. 22, 2021

30th International Conference on Artificial Neural Networks ICANN 2021 https://e-nns.org/icann2021 Bratislava, Slovakia 14 - 17 September 2021 ============================================================= The International Conference on Artificial Neural Networks (ICANN) is the annual flagship conference of the European Neural Network Society (ENNS). In 2021 the Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics (FMPI), Comenius University in Bratislava, together with the Slovak Society for Cognitive Science, organize the 30th ICANN Conference from the 14th to the 17th of September 2021 in Bratislava, Slovakia. *Possibility of online/hybrid event:* in case the organization of a physical event will not be possible because of COVID-19 travel/gathering restrictions, the conference will happen online. * **CONFERENCE TOPICS* ICANN 2021 is a dual-track conference featuring tracks in Brain Inspired Computing and Machine Learning and Artificial Neural Networks, with strong cross-disciplinary interactions and applications. All research fields dealing with Neural Networks will be present at the conference. A non-exhaustive list of topics includes: Machine Learning: Deep Learning, Neural Network Theory, Neural Network Models, Graphical Models, Bayesian Networks, Kernel Methods, Generative Models, Information Theoretic Learning, Reinforcement Learning, Relational Learning, Dynamical Models, Recurrent Networks. Brain Inspired Computing: Cognitive models, Computational Neuroscience, Self-organisation, Reinforcement Learning, Neural Control and Planning, Hybrid Neural-Symbolic Architectures, Neural Dynamics, Cognitive Neuroscience, Brain Informatics, Perception and action. Neural Applications for: Bioinformatics, Biomedicine, Intelligent Robotics, Neurorobotics, Language Processing, Image Processing, Sensor Fusion, Pattern Recognition, Data Mining, Neural Agents, Brain-Computer Interaction, Neural Hardware, Evolutionary Neural Networks. *CALL FOR CONTRIBUTED SCIENTIFIC COMMUNICATIONS* All scientific communications presented at ICANN 2021 will be reviewed and scientifically evaluated by a panel of experts. The conference will feature two categories of communications: - oral communications (15'+5') - poster communications. *Call for Special Sessions* ICANN 2021 organizers cordially invite internationally recognised experts to organise Special sessions and workshops within the general scope of the conference. Special Session Proposal request should be sent to icann2021(a)fmph.uniba.sk *CALL FOR PAPERS* Authors willing to present original contributions in either oral or poster category may submit: - A full paper of maximum 12 pages (including references) to be published in Springer-Verlag Lecture Notes in Computer Science (LNCS) series with individual DOI. - An extended abstract of maximum 4 pages to be published in Springer-Verlag Lecture Notes in Computer Science (LNCS) series, without indexing. The number of oral slots is limited. In case the number of requested oral presentations is larger than the available slots the ICANN scientific committee will select which papers will be reassigned to a poster session. This selection will be based on the coherence of the programme and is totally independent of the category of submission. Submission of communications will be on the conference website: https://e-nns.org/icann2021/ *IMPORTANT DATES* Deadline for special sessions proposals: 1 Mar 2021 Opening of contribution submissions: 15 Feb 2021 Deadline for full paper and extended abstract submission: 15 Mar 2021 Notification of acceptance: 1 May 2021 Camera-ready paper and registration opening: 1 June 2021 Deadline for early registration at discount rate: 30 June 2021 *BEST PAPER AWARDS* ENNS will sponsor a maximum of four best paper awards. All awards will be presented during the final ceremony. *TRAVEL GRANTS* The European Neural Network Society sponsors a number of Student Travel Grants covering part of the costs for attending ICANN. Details will be provided on the conference website. *ORGANISATION* General Chairs: Igor Farkaš (FMPI, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia) Ľubica Beňušková (FMPI, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia) Organising Committee Chairs: Kristína Malinovská (FMPI, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia), Alessandra Lintas (ENNS Lausanne, Switzerland) Honorary Chairs: Stefan Wermter, University in Hamburg, Germany (ENNS President) Věra Kůrková, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia (past ENNS President) Communication Chair: Paolo Masulli (Technical University of Denmark, ENNS)

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Registration Deadline is approaching!
by Mary Jan. 21, 2021

Jan. 21, 2021

Dear community, As we are approaching deadline (January 30) for registering for "EEG/ERPs Recording and Analysis: A multifaceted approach to EEG signals" Online Course, here is a reminder for the interested researchers who haven’t been registered yet. The "EEG/ERPs Recording and Analysis: A multifaceted approach to EEG signals" Online Course is going to be held by Dr. Raphaël Fargier, PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, France, who is a researcher in cognitive neuroscience with 10 years of experience and his research is focused on semantic cognition and the neurobiology of language. Through the course you will learn about the basics of EEG signal and how to record it. You will learn different approaches to EEG signal processing, that are more or less commonly adopted in cognitive neuroscience, including the study of Event-Related Potentials, Microstates/Topographic patterns, and Brain oscillations. You will learn about EEG signal preprocessing and how to compute ERPs, Microstates and Time-frequency maps in relationship with the constraints linked to experimental manipulations and designs. There will be a heavy focus on critical thinking about the choices of analyses as a function of research questions, challenges depending on experimental designs, and parameters to pay attention to. The variety and appropriateness of statistical methods currently used to validate (or not) hypotheses about cognitive processes will also be discussed. All of that will be evidenced through the presentation and discussion of case studies in electrophysiology of language. At the end of the course, you will know the strengths and weaknesses of these tools, and will be able to decide which measure is best adapted to your own scientific investigations about cognition. Prospective overview of the sessions 1. Basics of EEG signal and EEG recordings * Overview of the theory behind neural signals * Contrasting neuroimaging methods * Presentation of different EEG recording systems and their classical features * Tips on EEG recordings * Principles of experimental designs using EEG in cognitive neuroscience (events, timing etc) 2. EEG pre-processing Goal: Mastering the successive pre-processing steps including principles and challenges of: * Artifact rejection and correction (e.g. ICA; 3D Spline electrode interpolation) * Filtering (e.g. parameters, band widths etc) * Re-referencing (e.g. mastoid, average reference, Laplacian) * single-to-noise and number of trials 3. ERPs * Presentation of classical ERPs as markers of cognitive processes(e.g. N1/P2, P1, N400, etc.) * Computing single-subject and group-average ERPs: Pre-stimulus baseline correction (rationale, parameters, tips) Methods used to extract measures including amplitudes, latencies and topographies of ERPs Methods for statistical evaluation of differences across experimental manipulations * Differences between stimulus-aligned and response-aligned epochs, and associated challenges for signal processing 4. Spatio-temporal segmentation * Origin of microstates * Rationale of Spatio-temporal segmentation (StS) and presentation of successive steps of analyses (e.g. Topography consistency test, Tanova) * Presentation of two ways to compute StS (different toolboxes) and the respective parameters to take care of * Extraction of measures, and statistical evaluations of differences across experimental manipulations via fitting (e.g. global explained variance, duration, presence, etc.) * Single-trials and mixed models 5. Time-frequency analyses * Rationale of oscillatory dynamics in EEG signal (evoked vs. induced activity) * Challenges in pre-processing to obtain time-frequency maps as compared to ERPs * Different methods used for time-frequency decomposition * Challenges of baseline normalization (the case of response-aligned epochs) * The various measures that can be extracted from time-frequency maps and the variety of approaches for statistical validation You can watch the introductory webinar to this course using the linke below: https://sciencebeam.com/raphael-fargier-webinar/ For more information and registration click on the link below: https://sciencebeam.com/eeg-erps-recording-and-analyses/ Don’t miss this opportunity!

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PhD/Postdoc at the Group for Neural Theory, ENS, Paris
by CAYCO GAJIC Natasha Jan. 21, 2021

Jan. 21, 2021

Dear all, A PhD or postdoctoral position is available in Alex Cayco Gajic's team in the Group Neural Theory, at the ENS, in Paris, France (http://iec-lnc.ens.fr/group-for-neural-theory/ [1]). The project will use recurrent neural networks to understand cerebello-cortical dynamics during motor learning. A component of the project can be to develop analysis tools for broader use in systems neuroscience. The Group for Neural Theory is a highly interactive and dynamic environment situated in central Paris, and embedded within the strong Parisian theoretical neuroscience community. The ideal candidate should have a strong quantitative background, e.g. in computational neuroscience, physics, applied maths, or computer science. Previous experience in neuroscience and/or machine learning is preferred but not required. Starting dates are flexible. Candidates should send a letter of motivation (2 pages max), the contact information of 2 to 3 referees and their CVs to natasha.cayco.gajic at ens.fr [2]. Please feel free to email me with any informal inquiries. Best, Alex https://sites.google.com/view/caycogajic/home Links: ------ [1] http://iec-lnc.ens.fr/group-for-neural-theory/ [2] http://ens.fr/

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postdoc and PhD position on body schema modeling @CTU Prague
by Matej Hoffmann Jan. 20, 2021

Jan. 20, 2021

* Dear colleagues, there is a postdoc and PhD openingin the humanoid, cognitive, and neurorobotics group (https://cyber.felk.cvut.cz/research/groups-teams/humanoids/) coordinated by Dr. Matej Hoffmann (https://sites.google.com/site/matejhof/) at the Department of Cybernetics, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague. The topics are in the context of a 5-year project entitled “Whole-body awareness for safe and natural interaction: from brains to collaborative robots” for excellence in fundamental research from the Czech Science Foundation (see https://cyber.felk.cvut.cz/news/new-gacr-expro-project <https://cyber.felk.cvut.cz/news/new-gacr-expro-project/>for more information) and include: - Analysis and modeling of infant behavioral data related to reaching, reaching to the self, and mirror self-recognition - Employing humanoid robots with artificial skin to construct embodied computational models of body and peripersonal space representations - Neural network models of multisensory integration and peripersonal space - Social human-robot interaction focusing on touch and interpersonal distance Open positions: Postdoc. The postdoc will independently conduct research and will also be involved in shaping the research of the group and supervising students. The gross salary will be in the range of CZK 50 000-70 000 per month (approx. 2000-2700 EUR) depending on qualification, plus direct bonuses for scientific achievements such as top-tier publications. PhD student. The topic will be co-defined with the student depending on his skills and interests. The standard duration of the PhD study is 4 years. The funding corresponds to a gross salary of CZK 45 000 per month (approx. 1750 EUR), plus direct bonuses for scientific achievements such as top-tier publications. Robots and infrastructure The humanoids group has at its disposal several humanoid robots (iCub, 2 Naos - 1 with whole-body sensitive skin) and collaborative or lightweight manipulators (KUKA LBR iiwa, UR10e with Airskin, Kinova Gen3). Additional infrastructure includes several robot hands (Barrett Hand BH8-282, QB Soft Hand) and grippers, a 3D Motion Capture System, impact measuring devices, etc. The group has also access to the facilities of the Research Center for Informatics such as a high-performance computational cluster. International collaborations There is a large group of international experts who have agreed to act as collaborators/advisors on the project. These include experts in - developmental psychology: Dr. Kevin O’Regan (CNRS, Paris), Prof. Jeffrey J. Lockman (Tulane University, New Orleans) - cognitive psychology and neuroscience: Prof. Matthew Longo (Birkbeck University, London), Prof. Tobias Heed (Bielefeld), Prof. Andrea Serino (University of Lausanne), Dr. Jean-Paul Noel (Center for Neural Science at New York University), Drs. M.Gori and Giulia Cappagli (Italian Institute of Technology, Dr. S. Signorini (IRCSS Fondazione Mondino Pavia) - physical human-robot interaction: Prof. Sami Haddadin (TU Munich), Dr. Arash Ajoudani (Italian Institute of Technology), Dr. Michael Zillich (Blue Danube Robotics – manufacturer of Airskin) - social human-robot interaction: Dr. Alessandra Sciutti (Italian Institute of Technology), Dr. Hagen Lehmann (University of Macerata) Prague There is currently a very lively international ecosystem in the areas of robotics and AI - at the Department and in Prague in general. See, for example, http://rci.cvut.cz/or https://prg.ai/en/. How to apply. The application should include: -Motivation letter (max. 1 page) - CV (including 2 reference persons) -1 Letter of recommendation (can be from 1 of the reference persons above) Please send the applications or inquiries to matej.hoffmann(a)fel.cvut.czwith (“PhD application” or “postdoc application” in the subject). The positions are open until filled. Best regards, Matej Hoffmann * -- Matej Hoffmann, PhD Assistant Professor Department of Cybernetics Faculty of Electrical Engineering Czech Technical University in Prague https://sites.google.com/site/matejhof/home +420 224 357 387

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survey for a standardized format for model exchange
by Nichol W. Killian Jan. 20, 2021

Jan. 20, 2021

Hello Colleagues, We recently received funding, as part of the NSF Convergence Accelerator Program (https://www.nsf.gov/od/oia/convergence-accelerator/) for a multi-investigator project that aims to develop a standardized format for exchanging and executing computational models developed by researchers in cognitive science, neuroscience, and machine learning. As part of the project, we have constructed a brief survey to gauge the computational model usages from various domains/communities, and the value that such an exchange format would have. We would greatly appreciate it if you would take a few moments to provide us with information regarding the modeling environments you use frequently, and the benefits and/or challenges you would see for developing such an exchange format. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfOZSyoWL4J_MfHTIq5Jx0dnJSVHNFH7UP… [https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/fPzuVxv5E-g2xfDpxYbODDYX68AiT6zcn5yTW4XB-…]<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfOZSyoWL4J_MfHTIq5Jx0dnJSVHNFH7UP…> Computational modeling survey<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfOZSyoWL4J_MfHTIq5Jx0dnJSVHNFH7UP…> docs.google.com Data from this survey will only be used for informational query and will not be shared with outside sources/marketing companies. The survey is anonymous, unless you chose to add an email address for follow-up correspondence. Please also feel free to convey the link to this survey to others (in your lab or other colleagues) who you believe could provide useful feedback. Thank you for contributing to our project and to furthering the science. - Jonathan Cohen, Princeton Neuroscience Institute Nichol Killian Research Project Coordinator Princeton Neuroscience Institute Princeton University

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Virtual Event Announcement: Symposium on Explanation in Neuroscience and Artificial Intelligence (SENAI)
by Jessica Thompson Jan. 19, 2021

Jan. 19, 2021

Symposium on Explanation in Neuroscience and Artificial Intelligence (SENAI) Join us on *Wednesday February 10th, 2021* for a virtual symposium on philosophical and scientific approaches to Explanation in Neuroscience and Artificial IntelligenceSpeakers: - Ida Mommenejad, Microsoft Research - John Krakauer, Johns Hopkins University - Andrew Saxe, Oxford University - Lotem Elber-Dorozko, Hebrew University - Rosa Cao, Stanford University - Cameron Buckner, University of Houston Themes: - Reductionism & emergence - Representation & computation - Explanation & understanding Details online: https://sites.google.com/mila.quebec/senai/homeRegister for free and view the event: https://www.crowdcast.io/e/senai2021/register

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ikerbasque postdoctoral fellows: track towards permanent position
by Serafim Rodrigues Jan. 18, 2021

Jan. 18, 2021

Dear all, Ikerbasque, the Basque Foundation for Science, has launched a new international call to reinforce research and scientific careers in the Basque Country. In particular it announces the following: - 20 positions for experienced postdoctoral researchers Ikerbasque Research Fellows (see link <https://calls.ikerbasque.net/?_mrMailingList=132&_mrSubscriber=65&utm_campa…> ) - 5-year contracts, during the last year the researcher can be assessed to obtain a permanent contract - PhD degree between Jan2010 - Dec2018 As leader of the Mathematical Computational and Experimental Neuroscience (MCEN) research line I would like to support candidates for these positions Potential candidates: Please send before Feb 9th 2021 the following information: - updated CV and two reference letters to: srodrigues(a)bcamath.org With kind regards Serafim -- Serafim Rodrigues Group Leader *BCAM - *Basque Center for Applied Mathematics Alameda de Mazarredo, 14 E-48009 Bilbao, Basque Country - Spain Tel. +34 946 567 842 srodrigues(a)bcamath.org | www.bcamath.org/srodrigues *(**matematika mugaz bestalde)*

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