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The subject of this article is the section of spiking neural network (SNN) closest to the source of input signals. The purpose of this layer is to provide input signal preprocessing and the extraction of primary informative features, promoting its higher-level analysis by subsequent SNN layers. The 1-layer and 2-layer WTA (winner takes all) architectures of this section are explored. Two independent criteria used to evaluate its necessity and efficiency in the given task are discussed. A variant of the STDP plasticity rule specially designed for the WTA preprocessing layer is described. An optimization procedure based on genetic algorithm and practical recommendations for its implementation are also included in the paper. The article contains three practical examples similar to real-world problems, which serve as illustrations for ideas presented in this work.

This study describes the power conversion and control solution used in the electrical power take-off of a linear direct drive permanent magnet generator for an offshore wave energy device. The proposed solution is assigned to collect the power extracted directly from the phase coils of the generator, which have a large internal inductance. The control circuit with a switched capacitor bank is proposed. The solution demonstrated by the analysis backed up by simulation and experimental results.

At the early stages of their exploration, spiking neural networks were considered mainly as plausible models of biological neuronal ensembles, but then it became clear that they can solve many of the same problems as the traditional neural networks — classification and clustering using various supervised and unsupervised learning methods. The majority of synaptic weight adjustment algorithms proposed for these two kinds of learning are based on different principles — Hebbian learning (STDP etc.) for unsupervised learning and gradient methods similar to error backpropagation — for supervised learning. Since the biological plausibility of gradient descent algorithms is doubtful, it would be desirable to find a purely Hebbian mechanism for the both kinds of learning. The appropriate synaptic plasticity law (though different from STDP) is considered in this paper. It is called 2TP (Two Threshold Plasticity) rule because it includes 2 thresholds for membrane potential — one for firing, leading to synapse potentiation, and one for synaptic depression. It is demonstrated that this rule can serve as a basis for efficient unsupervised and supervised learning algorithms called L2TP/U and L2TP/S, respectively.

The unbalanced current compensator for low voltage power systems is analyzed. For current balancing in four wire systems it is necessary to compensate the negative- and zero-sequence currents. For this purpose, the converter circuits with neutral wire are used. The paper considers the commonly used converters and focuses on distribution of currents in semiconductor switches as well as the neutral wire effect on the harmonic spectrum of currents. Also it is given the calculation of converter parameters based on the developed computer models of compensator.

The subject of this work is evolutionary process in initially chaotic and homogenous spiking neural networks leading to formation of the neuron groups with partially synchronized activity (so called polychronous groups) which are not only capable of recognizing input patterns but also can keep information about pattern presentation in form of their specific activity for a long time. This result is demonstrated for very simple neuron --- coincidence detector and for standard synaptic plasticity model (STDP).

The paper presents the modes of operation of the static compensator (STATCOM) in the case of balancing the unbalanced load in three-wire and four-wire system. The attention is focused on the effect of these modes on the currents of semiconductor switches of the circuit and capacitors on the DC-side of the converter.

The paper is devoted to implementation and exploration of evolutionary development of the short-term memory mechanism in spiking neural networks (SNN) starting from initial chaotic state. Short-term memory is defined here as a network ability to store information about recent stimuli in form of specific neuron activity patterns. Stable appearance of this effect was demonstrated for so called stabilizing SNN, the network model proposed by the author. In order to show the desired evolutionary behavior the network should have a specific topology determined by "horizontal" layers and "vertical" columns.

This document summarizes priority areas for joint research and concerted actions to counteract the public health threat of AIDS/TB as identified within the European Support Action “EUCO-Net” funded under the 7th Framework Programme of the European Commission.

Preface.- 1. Introduction.- Introduction. Summary and Conclusions of the NATO Workshop.- International Cooperation of FMBA RF Aimed at Radiation Safety Assurance in Northwest Russia when Solving Nuclear Legacy Challenges M.F. Kiselev.- NATO Support to Non-Military, Civil Science for Peace and Security B. Salbu.- Welcome of Federal Atomic Energy Agency A.P. Panfilov.- Introduction - Norwegian Perspective on Nuclear Legacy P. Strand.- 2. Session I: Nuclear Legacy Challenges.- Strategy for Russian-Norwegian Regulatory Cooperation M.K. Sneve.- Unified State System of Management Spent Nuclear Fuel and Radioactive Waste. Conceptual Approaches and Generation Principles I.V. Gusakov-Stanyukovich.- Nuclear Legacy Problems and their Solutions within the Federal Target Program 'Nuclear and Radiation Safety Assurance for 2008 and for the Period till 2015' I.I. Linge.- Issues in Decommissioning and Remediation of Nuclear Legacy Sites C. Deregel.- 3. Session II: Regulatory Implementation of Treaties, Standards and Recommendations.- Philosophy of the Occupational and Public Radiological Protection in the Regulation of the Nuclear Legacy J. Valentin.- Scientific Support for Cooperation between Regulators and Operator (2006 and 1st half of 2007) B. Gordon.- Strategy for the Environmental Regulation of Remediation and Decommissioning at Sellafield A. Mayall.- State Supervision of Nuclear and Radiation Safety during Dismantlement of Decommissioned Nuclear Powered Ships and Remediation of Former Shore Technnical Bases of the Northern Fleet S. Testov.- 4. Session III: Challenges in Practical Implementation of Remediation Strategy in Russia and Abroad.- Regulation at Hanford - A Case Study A.R. Hawkins.- The Techa Reservoir Cascade: Safety and Regulation Problems Yu.G. Mokrov.- Restoration Principles and Criteria: Superfund Program Policy for Cleanup at Radiation Contaminated Sites S. Walker.- Transport-Technological Scheme of High-Level SRW Managementfrom the Reactor Facilities in the Northwest Russia V.A. Mazokin.- Features of Solving the Problems of Remediation of 'SevRAO' Facilities: Strategic Planning of Ecological Remediation of the Facility for Spent Nuclear Fuel and Radiation Waste Temporary Storage in Gremikha V.A. Kutkov et al.- 5. Session IV: Safety Regulation Experience in Russia and Abroad.- About Activity of the Federal Medical Biological Agency in the Field of the State Safety Regulation at Atomic Energy Use V.V. Romanov.- Challenges in Radiation Protection Regulation at SevRAO Facilities V.R. Alekseeva.- Special Features of the Personnel Radiation Protection Assurance during SNF and RW Management at SevRAO Facilities A.V. Simakov.- Radiation Protection of the Public and Environment near Location of SevRAO Facilities N.K. Shandala.- Regulative Provision of Waste Management Regulatory Supervision at SevRAO Facility V.G. Barchukov.- Regulatory Case Studies and Western Experience Concerning Nuclear Legacy. Site Experience from Centre de Cadarache Ch. Deregel.- Regulatory Control of Radioactive Waste in Sweden H. Zika.