Contributions in Merlin

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Distinct regions in the left inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) preferentially support the processing of different word-types (e.g., real words, pseudowords) and tasks (e.g., lexical decisions, phonological decisions) in visual word recognition. However, the functional connectivity underlying the task-related specialisation of regions in the left IFG is not yet well understood. In this study we investigated the neural mechanisms driving the interaction of WORD-TYPE (real word vs. pseudoword) and TASK (lexical vs. phonological decision) in Brodmann's area (BA) 45 in the left IFG using dynamic causal modelling (DCM). Four different models were compared, all of which included left BA44, left BA45, and left inferior temporal gyrus (ITG). In each model, the visual presentation of words and pseudowords is assumed to directly evoke activity in the ITG and is then thought to be subsequently propagated to BA45 and to BA44 via direct intrinsic connections. The models differed with regard to which connections were modulated by the different tasks. Both tasks were assumed to either modulate the ITG_BA45 connection (Model #1), or the BA44_BA45 connection (Model #2), or both connections in parallel (Model #3). In Model #4 lexical decisions modulated the ITG_BA45 connection, whereas phonological decisions modulated the BA44_BA45 connection. Bayesian model selection revealed a superiority of Model #1. In this model, the strength of the ITG_BA45 connection was enhanced during lexical decisions. This model is in line with the hypothesis that left BA 45 supports explicit lexical decisions during visual word recognition based on lexical access in the ITG.

The goal of this thesis is to create a dynamic, updating chart widget to display frequently changing, web based data. The widget shall be designed in iWidget format so that it can be embedded into IBM Lotus Mashup Center. The widget extracts predefined values from a web based XML data source via XPath and stores them as a JSON array. Using the dojo toolkit, the widget creates a chart displaying the previously extracted values. The chart updates in a user-defined time span. Thus, dynamic values of multiple attributes can be displayed in dependence to time. The values can be displayed either as a line chart or as a bar chart. To conclude the thesis, the functionality of the widget is validated.

With the aid of this bachelor thesis it should be figured out, if it is possible to enable security in a OSGi environment. Therefore the fundamental principles like OSGi and Java 2 Security will be covered. In addition, a short introduction to OSGi security will be given, as there are several differences to Java. Based on these principles, a so called bundle, which is broadly speaking an application, will be developed, with the goal to prevent unwanted access to sensitive resources. The finished program will be used in a semantic web content management system, which is developed by the Trialox AG, in collaboration with the University of Zu?rich

Past research in artificial intelligence was primarily engaged in deterministic games which provide perfect information, for instance to mention chess or othello among many others. However, the Çrealë world is characterized by a state of imperfect information and absence of determinism. For this reason, the present work shall investigate a game which is quite different from those mentioned above. First of all, the nescience about the ohter takersë cards is a situation in which imperfect information prevails. The indeterministic character of the game most of all accrues due to the random mixing of the cards which gives a stochastic feature to the nature of Poker. Those attributes turn it into a game which is close to reality. This field of research in artificial intelligence represents a huge challenge. The occuring difficulties during a game are intuitively capable by a human player, but, however, constitutes in a highly complex problem for automated computation. The main goal of this thesis is to develop an artificial intelligence being able to contest in a Poker game with more than two players. Its core shall be a strategy enabling the artificial agent to maximize its profit in any situation of the game. This optimization problem will be approched by game theoretical decision making.

It is a fact --already confirmed by several scientific studies-- that financial services providers offer investment advice, which from the customer's point of view, is far away from being satisfactory. This paper examines all well-known problems and, suggests a whole new concept for improving the services and to increase the customer satisfaction. It will improve transparency and will help to increase the customer's confidence with respect to the financial services providers. This concept will be implemented as a prototype, then evaluated, to find out whether customer's satisfaction and acceptance can be increased.