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US 0018194 W
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SEWING HANDLES ON A STRIP OF MATERIAL
A method and apparatus are provided for sewing handles (10) lengthwise on a strip (12) of mattress border material or other elongated strip of material. A fold (16) is formed and aligned on a leading end of handle stock (30) and is advanced to a sewing head (70) where the fold is sewn to the strip of material. The handle stock (30) is then cut at a point to leave the proper length of handle stock to form the handle (10) and a fold is formed in the trailing end of the handle, aligned and positioned at the sewing head (70) where it is sewn to the strip material (12) to complete the handle. All of the above are performed automatically under programmable control.
patent
IL 2006000740 W
ERGONOMIC SERVING TRAY
An ergonomic serving tray with a unique design, which allows the user to lift, carry, and set down said ergonomic serving tray with a single hand, without tilting the ergonomic serving tray, comprising an ergonomic serving tray (100) equipped with at least one leg (106) that elevates the tray, allowing the user to easily insert a single hand under the ergonomic serving tray and lift it, and which is further equipped with a unique grip (108) that is ergonomically shaped to comfortably increase both the user's lifting capacity and the user's control over the ergonomic serving tray, said grip being located substantially adjacent to the center of gravity, to facilitate lifting, balancing, and carrying of the ergonomic serving tray.
patent
W2467321315
Risk of Illness withSalmonelladue to Consumption of Raw Unwashed Vegetables Irrigated with Water from the Bogotá River
The Bogotá River receives untreated wastewater from the city of Bogotá and many other towns. Downstream from Bogotá, water from the river is used for irrigation of crops. Concentrations of indicator organisms in the river are high, which is consistent with fecal contamination. To investigate the probability of illness due to exposure to enteric pathogens from the river, specifically Salmonella, we took water samples from the Bogotá River at six sampling locations in an area where untreated water from the river is used for irrigation of lettuce, broccoli, and cabbage. Salmonella concentrations were quantified by direct isolation and qPCR. Concentrations differed, depending on the quantification technique used, ranging between 107.7 and 109.9 number of copies of gene invA per L and 105.3 and 108.4 CFU/L, for qPCR and direct isolation, respectively. A quantitative microbial risk assessment model that estimates the daily risk of illness with Salmonella resulting from consuming raw unwashed vegetables irrigated with water from the Bogotá River was constructed using the Salmonella concentration data. The daily probability of illness from eating raw unwashed vegetables ranged between 0.62 and 0.85, 0.64 and 0.86, and 0.64 and 0.85 based on concentrations estimated by qPCR (0.47-0.85, 0.47-0.86, and 0.41-0.85 based on concentrations estimated by direct isolation) for lettuce, cabbage, and broccoli, respectively, which are all above the commonly propounded benchmark of 10-4 per year. Results obtained in this study highlight the necessity for appropriate wastewater treatment in the region, and emphasize the importance of postharvest practices, such as washing, disinfecting, and cooking.
publication
W1975931431
Interaction of dispersive water waves with weakly sheared currents of arbitrary profile
article A set of depth-integrated equations describing combined wave-current flows is derived and validated. To account for the effect of turbulence induced by interactions between waves and currents with arbitrary horizon- tal vorticity,newadditional stress terms are introduced. These stressesare functionsofa parameterbthatrelates the relative importance of wave radiation stress and bottom friction stress to the wave-current interaction. To solve the equations, a fourth-order MUSCL-TVD scheme with an approximate Riemann solver is adopted. As a first-ordercheck of the model,theDopplershifteffect andwave dispersionoverlinearlyshearedcurrents are an- alytically shown to be retained appropriately in the equation set. The model results are then validated through comparisons with three experimental data sets. First, based on the experiments of Kemp and Simons (1982, 1983),a reasonable functionalformofbisestimated.Second,simulationsexamining thepropagation of a weakly
publication
224223
Automatic control of blood glucose concentration for intensive care patients
The GLUCOSTAT project will develop a first to the market, fully integrated, biotechnology device that will enable automatic control of blood glucose levels for patients in ICUs. This will improve the clinical outcomes for the patient as their blood glucose concentration will be maintained in the healthy normal concentration range (4-6 mM). Automatic blood glucose control will also decrease the workload on nurses as they no longer need to take frequent blood samples which will allow this valuable resource to be re-directed to more valuable roles within the intensive care wards. A move away from discrete sampling to an automatic control system that maintains low fluctuations will result in a cost reduction of €2,638 per intensive care unit (ICU) patient and hence be more resource and labour efficient. With an estimated 1.25 million sepsis/diabetes patients in the EU who will most benefit from continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), the total cost savings of implementing GLUCOSTAT will be in the order of €3.3 billion. The GLUCOSTAT project will optimise FLOW’s existing Diramo system and process used for its manufacture, and integrate the advanced control algorithm from Technical University of Denmark (DTU) to enable FLOW to apply for CE certification. The performance of the optimised CE marked device will then be evaluated by performing a clinical study where we will automatically control the blood glucose level of ICU patients to stay within the normal 4-6 mM range. This will demonstrate the automated blood glucose control system’s effectiveness in terms of delivering good accuracy, usability and robustness, which will enable FLOW to carry out post project commercialisation and market activities. Once the automatic control system has been launched, penetrated the market, and proved itself in patients with sepsis and diabetes, a market potential of €4.5 billion can be achieved for FLOW by implementing the device across all ICU patients in the EU and USA.
project/european
US 2013/0030548 W
REACTIVE HOT MELT
The reactive moisture cure hot melt adhesives of the invention have substantially improved assembly properties as a result of the unique combination of materials that provide excellent green strength. The adhesive includes at least an isocyanate compound, a polyether polyol, an aromatic tackifying composition, a thermoplastic polymer, and a block polymer having at least an A block and at least a B block, wherein the A block comprises a crystalline or semi-crystalline block and the B block comprises a rubbery or amorphous block. Such block polymers can have linear, branched, radial, or dendritic morphologies.
patent
223747
Neural circuitry and health consequences of cognitive bias
Stress has long been a major concern among researchers interested in health and welfare. Most of their work has considered stress from either a biological or an environmental perspective, focusing on the activation of the physiological systems involved in the stress process or the role of stressful life events in specific diseases. While interesting, if we are to fully understand the effects of stress on health, we must also take into account a psychological perspective that considers an individual’s perception of stress. Indeed, a deep understanding of the neural circuitry underlying psychological stress and its physiological consequences is crucial to meaningfully explain inter-individual variations in vulneraibility to stress. In this way, my ongoing research has revealed some preliminary results which indicate ‒ for the first time ‒ that cognitive bias towards pessimistic judgments (i.e. some individuals consistently evaluate ambiguous stimuli as negative) may predict an individual’s susceptibility to the detrimental effects of chronic stress. These groundbreaking results shed light on a completely unexplored and highly promising avenue of research, based on the potential impact of evaluation biases regarding stress on an individual’s vulnerability to stress-associated diseases. In this framework, COGBIAS firstly aims to characterise the specific neural circuits underlying cognitive bias by which stress is perceived, processed, and transduced into a neuroendocrine response, using zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a model. Secondly, COGBIAS aims to unravel the role of subjective stress on resilience to stress-associated diseases. Hence, the multidisciplinary and unique perspective of this project, combining behavioural, neural, genetic, and physiological sciences, has the potential to reinforce the already European competitiveness in the area of stress-related health and management.
project/european
W1972162849
China's wine market: strategic considerations for Western exporters
With consumption rising 10?15% per year, there is no doubt about the potential of Chinese wine market. Market share and global exports from Western countries have been continuously increasing starting a trend of annual double digit growth these past years and almost making the Chinese market's limit unreachable. However, there are some facts that seriously affect this trend: the domestic wine production – as demand increases so does domestic production, domestic producers are well aware of the government's goal of self-sufficiency; the market structure – strong domestic producers and distribution difficulties critically influence strategies for exporters; and the wine consumer's behaviour – quite different from European or US markets, affecting price and advertising strategies.
publication
893291
Common action against hiv/tb/hcv across the regions of europe
CARE brings together distinguished scientists and highly representative networks in the European region, including Russia, in the fight against HIV/TB/HCV. CARE research objectives are based on already established European cohort networks with extensive and longitudinal data and/or sample collections. Together with new data and sample collections and cohorts created during the project, CARE will produce high-level researchoutputs during the two years of the project timeframe. The specific short term objectives are to: ● Discover and validate novel soluble biomarkers of MDR-TB treatment success and of pulmonary TB. ● Explore host genetic mechanisms of susceptibility to extrapulmonary TB. ● Analyse genotype to phenotype correlations in MDR-TB and develop a decision making support tool. ● Define epidemiology and pathways of drug-resistant HIV, including their relationship with HIV subtypes and TB coinfection to support an evidence-based introduction of INSTIs as part of first line antiretroviral therapy. ● Discover and validate host genomic variants influencing susceptibility to contracting AIDS and serious non-AIDS clinical events and adverse reactions to drugs. ● Derive best practice recommendations for DAA prioritisation strategies for HCV treatment. The longer-term objective of CARE is to implement a research infrastructure that allows the expansion of activities beyond the funding frame, permitting the partners to share technology, protocols, structured data collections and knowledge. Finally, CARE activities include realization of recommendations and intervention plans, communication to the stakeholders, dissemination and training activities in order to develop and distribute the highest expertise and competence throughout the European region for the containment of the epidemics.CARE is fully in line with the call topic and addresses all its subtopics. It involves a recognised Russian partner coordinating 5 top level institutions covering the regions of Russia.
project/european
W4313127318
Perspectivas sobre o processo de ensino-aprendizagem-avaliação numa universidade portuguesa e outra espanhola
O artigo retrata um estudo que procurou a identificação de fatores de convergência e divergência de práticas pedagógicas para a compreensão do processo de avaliação das aprendizagens dos alunos na Universidade de Évora (Portugal) e na Universidade de Castilla-La Mancha (Espanha). A metodologia de investigação enquadrou-se no paradigma interpretativo através de uma abordagem mista cujos participantes foram os estudantes e os docentes dos cursos de formação de professores. Os dados foram recolhidos através de entrevistas aos docentes, um questionário aos estudantes e a análise de documentos institucionais. Os resultados revelam uma forte relação entre as práticas pedagógicas, nas duas universidades, mas com algumas diferenças relevantes na dimensão avaliativa.
publication
W2067550910
Assessment of Genetic Diversity in Tinda Gourd Through Multivariate Analysis
There is insufficient information available concerning the genetics and association of yield components in Tinda gourd (Citrullus vulgaris var. fistulosus Stocks). Sixteen genotypes of Tinda gourd were used to estimate genetic variability, strength and direction of association, and direct/indirect effects of morphological traits on fresh fruit yield. Considerable genetic variability occurred among genotypes for all traits. The majority of variation was genetic in nature as indicated by similar values of genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation. High heritability coupled with low genetic advance for leaf area, fruit length, fruit diameter, number of vines per plant, number of fruit per plant, and fruit yield indicated nonadditive gene action. Fruit weight had additive gene action as indicated by high heritability and genetic advance. Fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit weight, and number of fruit per plant had a strong positive association; numbers of vines per plant were negatively correlated wi...
publication
W61737357
Headway performance in the University of Twente driving simulator: a validation study
The University of Twente (UT) owns a driving simulator for driving research. As driving simulators are an artificial environment, different from driving on a public road, the question of its similarity to the real world – it’s validity – arises. This research aims to answer the question whether there is physical and behavioural similarity between the UT driving simulator and an instrumented vehicle in the headway attainment and keeping domain. A test on the physical validity found that the angular size of a virtual lead vehicle at certain distance is on average 32.2% smaller than that of a real lead vehicle seen from a test vehicle. This leads to questions on whether there is a difference between how test participants perceive distance to the lead vehicle in the simulator and on the real road; and whether they will behave to headway instructions in a different way in those two vehicles. This research on physical validity led to hypotheses on the difference in headway choice between simulator and instrumented vehicle; in headway choice at different speeds; in the time to attain the chosen headway; and in the headway keeping performance. To test the behavioural validity, tests were performed with 22 participants. Each got into the UT driving simulator and was instructed to attain a certain headway to a lead vehicle, then keep that headway for 15 seconds. The headway instructions were given either in metres or in seconds, at different speeds of the lead vehicle. The same participants also took the same tests in an instrumented vehicle on a public highway. Data on the headway to the lead vehicle was continuously recorded. The recorded data was then tested with a series of repeated-measures ANOVAs on differences between simulator and instrumented vehicle headway data. No significant main effects on the type of vehicle were found, but there was an interaction between speed and vehicle on the time participants needed to attain an assigned headway. We suspect this difference can attributed to differences in other vehicle’s traffic behaviour between the simulated and public highways. This leads to the conclusion that the University of Twente driving simulator is valid in the headway attainment and keeping domain with regard to the time headway chosen by participants and the headway keeping performance.
publication
174424
Kac-Moody groups and computer assistants in mathematics
This fellowship will enable the experienced Researcher Dr Rieuwert Blok - a currently USA-based European Union national - and Dr Corneliu Hoffman - as Host researcher based at the University of Birmingham - to carry out innovative and mutually beneficial research utilising their complementary skill sets. Blok brings extensive research experience in buildings, Lie theory and geometries while Hoffman's background is in group theory, representation theory and number theory. The fellowship aims to create optimal conditions for the Researcher to reintegrate into ERA for the benefit of both the Researcher and the ERA. The action comprises two distinct, yet interconnected Work Packages. The first one concerns Curtis-Tits groups, a large family of groups recently introduced by the Researcher and Dr Hoffman. This family includes groups of established importance, namely groups of Lie and Kac-Moody type, but in fact contains many new groups of great theoretical significance and practical interest. The action develops methods that open up this promising family for further study. It then determines key properties such as simplicity, and explores and establishes applications in geometric group theory, combinatorics, group presentations, and computer science. The subject area is an innovative blend of group theory, homological algebra, topology, geometry, number theory and computer science. The second package is an interdisciplinary project between mathematics and computer science, exploring the promise of effectively using the recent developments surrounding proof assistants in teaching and research. It builds forth upon pioneering work in this direction by both researchers at their respective universities.
project/european
W609345299
Public Schools and the Great War: The Generation Lost
The book examines the impact which the Great War had on the Public Schools and the sacrificial contribution made to the victory which came in 1918. The war consumed about a fifth of all the public schoolboys who fought, while the survivors were scarred by the loss of so many friends. Based largely on source material from school archives and histories, it moves from the naive excitement of the summer of 1914 to the many moving stories that emerge from the carnage of the Western Front. It looks at school life in those war years, boys with their futures on hold and the prospect of death always very close, Headmasters and staff devastated by the loss of so many young lives. About one distinguished Headmaster, who died in January 1919, it was said that 'the War killed him as straightly and surely as if he had fallen at the front'. The book ranges across many topics including the selflessness and pride of Public Schools across the British Empire and in Ireland; the role of the Officers Training Corps in militarising a generation; the letters written from the Front to teachers; the pride taken by schools in the Victoria Crosses etc won by Old Boys; the statistical terms in which the Public Schools' contribution can be measured; the ways in which schools commemorated the war, and still do so today. Finally the legacy of the war is examined, both the effect on the schools themselves but also the contribution made by writers and artists to the disillusionment of the inter-war years.
publication
W2162773484
Impaired Working Memory Capacity Is Not Caused by Failures of Selective Attention in Schizophrenia
The cognitive impairments associated with schizophrenia have long been known to involve deficits in working memory (WM) capacity. To date, however, the causes of WM capacity deficits remain unknown. The present study examined selective attention impairments as a putative contributor to observed capacity deficits in this population. To test this hypothesis, we used an experimental paradigm that assesses the role of selective attention in WM encoding and has been shown to involve the prefrontal cortex and the basal ganglia. In experiment 1, participants were required to remember the locations of 3 or 5 target items (red circles). In another condition, 3-target items were accompanied by 2 distractor items (yellow circles), which participants were instructed to ignore. People with schizophrenia (PSZ) exhibited significant impairment in memory for the locations of target items, consistent with reduced WM capacity, but PSZ and healthy control subjects did not differ in their ability to filter the distractors. This pattern was replicated in experiment 2 for distractors that were more salient. Taken together, these results demonstrate that reduced WM capacity in PSZ is not attributable to a failure of filtering irrelevant distractors.
publication
175600
Clinical research for the validation of a non-invasive medical imaging device for dermatological diagnoses
Diagnosis and study of many diseases in dermatology, including cancers, mainly depend on biopsy and histopathological analysis of tissue at the cellular-level using an optical microscope. This medical procedure implies to perform a biopsy, i.e. to excise a portion of tissue, then to freeze and cut the sample into slices of a few micrometers thickness and use specific dyes. This procedure is painful and potentially dangerous for the patient. Moreover it is time-consuming and may introduce structural deformation or damages. Skin diseases like Melanoma are rapidly growing throughout the world. About 12 millions biopsies are performed each year by dermatologists. As a minor surgical act, the biopsy process involves pain, possible scarring, and stress during the 15 days before reception of analyses results. In 60% of the cases, the skin anomaly is benign and do not necessitate further treatment. However, the patients need to consult another time with the dermatologist for the announcement of the results of the biopsy, which incurs extra medical costs and time. Moreover, as symptoms are detected on a macroscopic-level with surface criteria (color, form and size of the lesion), the dermatologist misses over one third of the pathologies. Finally, as the tissue excision is visually performed, 40% of reoperation is necessary to remove the entire tumor. DERMAE is a highly recognized and awarded innovative project that solves this major healthcare issue by developing an innovative instrument capable of producing in situ images of biological tissues similar to histological sections. This non- invasive imaging technique will be able to image in real time the internal structures (up to 1 mm deep) of biological tissues at the cellular level (about 1 μm resolution). This imaging technology will constitute a new diagnostic tool that may revolutionize the medical procedures in dermatological diagnoses.
project/european
170558
Your digital source for medication awareness : “your health is a choice, choose to know”
Pharmawizard (PW) - www.pharmawizard.com - was conceived as a mobile reference guide for the informed use of medications, helping citizens to increase their knowledge about healthcare and to save money and time when purchasing drugs and in general any medication sold in a pharmacy. Pharmawizardis an innovative mobile service in the Healthcare and Pharmaceutical sector which supports: • Citizens in the “intelligent” search, comparison, purchase and ”smart” management of medicines; • Players in the healthcare market (pharmacies, physicians, hospitals, public health services, distributors and pharmaceutical producers) to better understand their patients and better promote their products. The project aim is to help the interaction of citizens and healthcare businesses with public administrations services, information and open data, through mobile technologies introducing at the best time, given the emerging new dynamics of change and opportunities, a unique and innovative mobile solution with a considerable novelty in the Health and Pharma ecosystem. The project’s focus is on the fostering and facilitating interactions between citizens and healthcare companies with government-operated healthcare systems (specifically services and official data and open data related to drugs, pharmacies, biomedicals and any consumer health product). Pharmawizard provides official (public) data and open data in cooperation with the Ministries, National and European medicine Agencies, in a simple and flexible way, for free, and its business model is in creating value-added services, using data for citizens and, consequently, for companies in the healthcare industry. PW vision is that data must be provided to everyone for free (open data, data normalization, etc.); and we strongly believe that a successful initiative in the digital world is the one who will be able to build a set of value added services upon these data.
project/european
interreg_724
Corporate Social and Environmental Responsibility through Public Policy
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is defined as "a concept whereby companies integrate social and environmental concerns in their business operations and in their interaction with their stakeholders on a voluntary basis." In recent years, public entities have recognised CSR’s potential as organisational innovation to improve social conditions and promote regional development and competitiveness. However, positive socio-economic impacts are limited by lack of coordination. While CSR should incorporate both social and environmental elements, public policy is often divided into disconnected segments. COGITA groups 13 partners (PP) to improve public policy promoting CSR solutions, which combine social and environmental responsibility. Within this integrated concept, COGITA considers 5 sub-themes: raising CSR awareness and capacity; CSR in public procurement; CSR criteria in public funding; inter-firm collaboration / local supply chains; communication / branding. All PP have CSR experience, though activities and levels of intensity vary. COGITA provides an opportunity to share these experiences, to identify and implement tools that public authorities, intermediaries and other public stakeholders can adapt and adopt in order to promote an integrated CSR approach in their territory. Within the context of promoting competitiveness through responsible behaviour, COGITA’s overall objective is to improve public policy to support uptake of an integrated concept of CSR in SMEs, with a view to promoting responsible and sustainable regional development and growth. The specific sub-objectives are to: • facilitate exchange among EU regions on good practices related to public policy for integrated CSR approaches in SMEs; • promote an integrated concept of CSR among public authorities and regional stakeholders, with a view to improving related policies and tools; • foster participative policy design and pave the way for effective policy implementation; • design and test the implementation of an integrated CSR concept into public policy and instruments; • foster EU networking of public and private entities committed to promoting CSR. Project activities are divided into 4 components, each with an allocated leader. Management and Coordination (PP1) and Communication (PP8) support implementation of technical activities divided into exchange of experience (PP2) and feasibility checks on implementation of integrated CSR initiatives (PP3). COGITA improves 13 public policies and increases capacity of 39 partner staff members and 52 stakeholders, in addition to defining a model for integrated CSR policy. In the long term, COGITA increases effectiveness of regional policies on responsible economic development and organisation innovation, thus sustaining regional competitiveness. A multiplier effect is ensured through intense, targeted communication activities to other entities interested in promoting this form of responsible, innovative development.
project/regional
W1469345875
Coseismic and postseismic slip models of the 2011 Van earthquake, Turkey, from InSAR, offset-tracking, MAI, and GPS observations
Abstract We derived the coseismic and postseismic slip models of the 2011 Van earthquake from multi-source geodetic datasets, including interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR), multi-aperture InSAR (MAI), offset-tracking, and GPS measurements. The constrained least squares algorithm and Laplacian smoothing were used to estimate and regularize the slip distribution. The coseismic slip model suggested two nearly W–E striking segment faults breaking during the Van event. Two main slip concentrations were found to to be located at depths ranging from 7 km to 20 km. The estimated moment reached 6.08 × 1019 Nm (equal to an Mw 7.19 event). A stress change analysis showed that the main shock imposed an up to ∼5 bars stress load on the causative fault of the 9 November aftershock, implying a triggering mechanism between the two events. The postseismic slips of the Van earthquake were dominated by shallow left-lateral and deep thrust components. The slips distributed in most of the unruptured area of the fault plane. The accumulated postseismic moment reached 2.04 × 1019 Nm, which was about 34% of the main shock moment. We conclude that the future seismic hazard will be relatively low in this area.
publication
W2373363600
Study on Acceleration of Three-Dimensional Method of Characteristics by GPU
The three-dimensional method of characteristics(MOC) can solve neutron transport equation for arbitrary geometry accurately.However,the MOC has some drawbacks: the convergence speed is slow and very time consuming.As a result,the research of acceleration of MOC is carried out.Compared with the CPU computing,the GPU computing,which is one of the most promising high performance computing,can achieve higher computing speed but with lower cost.And the development of general computing on GPU can be simplified with CUDA.To reduce the computing time and increase the computing efficiency,the study of three-dimensional MOC is performed and applied to the three-dimensional MOC code TCM.The computing results confirm the excellent acceleration of the code running on GPU.
publication
3726859
Transformations of latin astronomy, 1000-1250
The research aim of this Fellowship is to advance scholarly and public understanding of Europe’s role in the history of pre-modern science and the precise nature of its intellectual debts to the Islamic world. It will do so thorough investigating the development of medieval European astronomy in the watershed period from 1000 to 1250 based on an analysis of unpublished or neglected sources. The two interlocking themes of this investigation will be (i) the role of observation in medieval astronomy and (ii) the ways in which Latin astronomers assimilated new knowledge from Islamic sources as well as their motivations for doing so. In order to address these questions, the Researcher, Philipp Nothaft, will be based at the History Department of Trinity College Dublin, where he will work under the supervision of Dr. Immo Warntjes, an expert in medieval scientific manuscripts. The duration of the fellowship is 24 months, during which time the Researcher will acquire transferable skills in the areas of Digital Humanities, manuscript research, and research project management. He will also be able to gain experience in academic teaching and receive further training through programmes provided by TCD’s Centre for Academic Practice & eLearning (CAPSL) and Research Development Office. Together, these measures will fundamentally improve his career prospects and employability. The fellowship will be critical in enabling the Researcher to acquire the research and professional expertise necessary to attain his career goal of becoming an international leader in research on the history of science in pre-modern Europe.
project/european
3731265
Development of novel formulations for improved molybdenum fertilization
The use of mineral fertilizers in crop production systems is strongly contributing to the competiveness of the agricultural sector as a whole, yet the importance of essential micronutrients, such as molybdenum, is often overlooked. Molybdenum (Mo) is of key importance for plant growth as an essential component of the cofactor for enzymes in the N-metabolism. Mo deficiency in plants is often associated with N deficiency, and can thus have far-reaching consequences in agricultural systems. To overcome Mo deficiency, fertilizer Mo needs to be applied, which typically contain highly water-soluble forms of Mo, e.g. Na2MoO4. In acid Fe/Al-oxide rich soils, the fast release of Mo from soluble forms causes Mo to be quickly sorbed; in sandy soils fast Mo release results in high losses of Mo through leaching. In this project, the use of slow-release fertilizer (SRF) Mo compounds instead of water-soluble Mo compounds will be explored to better match nutrient release with plant demand and reduce Mo fixation and leaching. SRF formulations will be synthesized using different approaches (LDH and mechanochemical synthesis). Feedback between Mo desorption/solubility experiments and material synthesis will optimize the new SRF compounds. The new Mo fertilizer forms will be embedded in different macronutrient carriers, after which batch and column experiment will be performed to characterize the Mo release in an aqueous and a soil system to compare the release with that of soluble Mo fertilizers. Finally, a pot trial will be performed to assess Mo use efficiency and leachability of a new Mo SRF in comparison with soluble Mo fertilizers. Next to this research objective, the applicant will improve his research skills by receiving training in mechano-chemical synthesis, fertilize shaping and fertilizer testing (University of Adelaide), and in modelling and LA-ICP-MS (KU Leuven). The applicant will also gain experience in teaching, project management, dissimilation and communication.
project/european
171075
Postdoctoral programme in bioengineering excellence scientific training
The Institute of Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) is a leading-edge multidisciplinary research centre based in Barcelona that conducts excellent interdisciplinary research at the frontiers of engineering and life sciences in order to generate new knowledge that helps to enhance quality of life, improve health and create wealth. It is currently located in Barcelona Science Park, has facilities covering 2,500 sq. m., 18 research groups and a team of researchers and support services made up of 250 people from more than 20 different countries. The Barcelona Science Park offers a highly stimulating biomedical environment where IBEC can work in close cooperation with both public and private organisations. IBEC is one of the 20 research institutions labelled as a Severo Ochoa Research Centre, which recognizes excellence at the highest international level in terms of research, training, human resources, outreach and technology transfer. Since 2015, IBEC is awarded with the ‘Human Resources Excellence in Research’. IBEC has decided to launch the Programme in Bioengineering Excellence Scientific Training (BEST). The programme aims to attracting international experienced researchers in the areas of Nanomedicine, Cell Engineering and ICT for Health, the three research Flagships at IBEC. BEST Postdoctoral Programme will provide exceptional training opportunities for up to 24 (in 2 calls of 12 positions per call) high-potential fellows, with a 2-year contract at IBEC and funded interdisciplinary and intersectoral placements at world-class research centres, hospitals and companies within IBECs global network of collaborating institutions, which so far includes 16 academic institutions, 5 hospitals and 11 companies from 4 different continents. BEST represents a unique opportunity to widen career perspectives of BEST fellows and create a talented workforce in biomedical engineering, an exciting multidisciplinary field that is called to transform healthcare in the XXI Century.
project/european
W2008295982
Detection of latent fingerprints using high-resolution 3D confocal microscopy in non-planar acquisition scenarios
In digitized forensics the support of investigators in any manner is one of the main goals. Using conservative lifting methods, the detection of traces is done manually. For non-destructive contactless methods, the necessity for detecting traces is obvious for further biometric analysis. High resolutional 3D confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) grants the possibility for a detection by segmentation approach with improved detection results. Optimal scan results with CLSM are achieved on surfaces orthogonal to the sensor, which is not always possible due to environmental circumstances or the surface's shape. This introduces additional noise, outliers and a lack of contrast, making a detection of traces even harder. Prior work showed the possibility of determining angle-independent classification models for the detection of latent fingerprints (LFP). Enhancing this approach, we introduce a larger feature space containing a variety of statistical-, roughness-, color-, edge-directivity-, histogram-, Gabor-, gradient- and Tamura features based on raw data and gray-level co-occurrence matrices (GLCM) using high resolutional data. Our test set consists of eight different surfaces for the detection of LFP in four different acquisition angles with a total of 1920 single scans. For each surface and angles in steps of 10, we capture samples from five donors to introduce variance by a variety of sweat compositions and application influences such as pressure or differences in ridge thickness. By analyzing the present test set with our approach, we intend to determine angle- and substrate-dependent classification models to determine optimal surface specific acquisition setups and also classification models for a general detection purpose for both, angles and substrates. The results on overall models with classification rates up to 75.15% (kappa 0.50) already show a positive tendency regarding the usability of the proposed methods for LFP detection on varying surfaces in non-planar scenarios.
publication
interreg_251
Arcipelago Mediterraneo
The project involves the 3 main islands of the OP (Sardinia, Corsica, Elba), their capitals, their ports and urban structures associated with them (port quarters and fortifications), as well as cultural and environmental resources of the hinterland. Ports of an Island (along with the airports) are the only ports access to the Island. By equipping the ports of reception centers and tourist centers equipped as multimedia services, will aim at providing users with a comprehensive and integrated view of existing environmental and cultural resources and tourist services available. Commitment to the project will be promoted to other port cities in order to create sub-networks of all major gateways to the islands large and small. On the other hand, the title of the project expressed the ambition to spread and make the results replicable throughout the Mediterranean. The idea of a great "Mediterranean islands" seems a good starting point to create a brand theme, a club dedicated product and new tourism products inspired by the history and peculiarities of Mediterranean islands. The main actions envisaged by the project refer to 5 specific objectives: (1) extend the partnership network by creating sub-networks at the island port and promoting the project in the Mediterranean, (2) designing and implementing a model of a prototype <port> demonstration purposes, (3) enhance the ports, port districts historians, the ancient fortifications and maritime traditions of the partner cities, through shared strategies and policies of intervention, (4) cultural heritage of the 3 islands, especially the intangible very little known, and instead of fundamental importance for the more advanced segments of tourism demand, (5) design and promote innovative tourism products, related to the sea, the history of navigation, port facilities and the relationship to the sea / land through cultural tourism itineraries specifically studied
project/regional
W2358476971
Brief Analysis of Construction and Improvement of Low-rent Housing Dynamic Management Mechanism in China
In recent years,as affordable housing construction is under way and put into use,the housing security in our country is about to step into the key stage in which focus will be put on both construction and management among which management is becoming increasingly important since the management level will directly affect whether the affordable housing can realize its social welfare.Low-rent housing is an important part of the housing security system and its dynamic management is an important way to make full use of housing security resources.Therefore,it is highly necessary to strengthen the construction and improvement of low-rent housing dynamic management.Based on the situation of low-rent housing in our country,this paper clarified the significance and importance of low-rent housing dynamic management from the perspective of scientific development and sustainable managementand analyzed its formation and obstacle factors,and finally this paper gave the preliminary conception of the elements for constructing low-rent housing dynamic management mechanism in our country.
publication
W2096009020
Evaluation of dietary behavior and nutritional status of elementary school students in Jeju using nutrition quotient
Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the food behavior and nutritional status of elementary school students in the Jeju area using Nutrition Quotient (NQ). Methods: The subjects were 440 students (235 boys and 205 girls) in the fifth and sixth grade at four elementary schools located in Jeju. Demographic, lifestyle, and environmental information was collected using a self-reported questionnaire. The food behavior checklist for childrens Nutrition Quotient (NQ), consisting of 19 items, and nutrition education related information were also obtained. Results: The mean score of the childrens NQ was poor, reaching 60.3 points. The percentage distribution of NQ grade was 19.8% (lowest), 18.6% (low), 45.0% (medium), 10.7% (high), and 5.9% (highest) and the factor scores for balance, diversity, abstinence, regularity, and practice were 56.6, 68.4, 71.3, 57.4, and 54.8 points, respectively. Compared with the NQ cut-off points for defining malnutrition (balance; 57, diversity; 87, abstinence; 66, regularity; 69, and practice; 67 point), average score of abstinence factor was only above the cut-off point and scores of the other factors were below the cut-off point. Subjects with higher NQ scores tended to have higher levels of exercise activity (p < 0.001), frequency of family meals (p < 0.01), and fathers educational levels (p < 0.01) compared to those with lower NQ score. NQ score showed positive association with nutrition education experience and practice (p < 0.001). Conclusion: NQ score of elementary school students residing in Jeju was lower than the national average. More opportunities should be provided for participation in nutrition education, which incorporates a range of program strategies, as well as communication and education activities.
publication
W4220820310
Sistema nacional de ciencia tecnología e innovación del Paraguay: caracterización, avances y desarrollo
Paraguay al igual que los países de Latinoamérica está enfrentando grandes desafíos sociales, ambientales y económicos, estos grandes problemas requieren de enfoques innovadores para su abordaje en la búsqueda de soluciones. Innovar es el llamado clave de nuestro tiempo, sin embargo, la innovación se desarrolla en un marco general sistémico y de múltiples actores a lo que denominamos: “Sistema Nacional de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación (SNCTI)”. El presente estudio caracteriza y analiza el desarrollo del SNCTI en Paraguay, identificando limitaciones y fortalezas del Sistema, para su posterior atención y que el mismo genere con mayor celeridad los procesos de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación (I+D+I) en la búsqueda de soluciones eficaces y eficientes a las demandas de la sociedad. El objetivo global consiste en la caracterización del SNCTI desde diferentes aspectos: legal, político, institucional y organizacional, y los efectos en las políticas. Específicamente, se presenta el estado actual de los avances al año 2021 logrados en la implementación de acciones en referencia a las metas establecidas para el año 2030 en la Política de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación, analizando fortalezas y limitaciones. Finalmente se sintetizan las perspectivas de desarrollo y consolidación del SNCTI.
publication
W2519646646
Renal Interstitial Fibrosis: An Imperfect Predictor of Kidney Disease Progression in Some Patient Cohorts
&lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Background:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; The extent of interstitial fibrosis on kidney biopsy is regarded as a prognostic indicator and guide to treatment. Patients with extensive fibrosis are assigned to supportive treatments with the expectation that they have advanced beyond the point at which immunosuppressive or other disease-modifying therapies would be of benefit. Our study highlights some of the limitations of using interstitial fibrosis to predict who will develop end-stage renal disease (ESRD). &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Methods:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; Analysis of 434 consecutive renal biopsies performed between 2001 and 2012 at a single center. We assessed the influence of various clinical factors along with fibrosis as predictors of ESRD and dialysis-free survival in various patient groups. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Results:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; Interstitial fibrosis performed well overall as a predictor of progression to dialysis. On average, patients with &gt;50% fibrosis progressed more rapidly than those with either 25-49 or 0-24% fibrosis with a median time to dialysis of 1.2, 6.5 and &gt;10 years, respectively. In contrast, interstitial fibrosis was of less value as a predictor of disease progression in a subset of cases that included patients over the age of 70 and those with diabetic nephropathy on biopsy. Surprisingly, 13.9% of patients with normal renal function had 25-49% fibrosis and 5% had more than 50% fibrosis on biopsy, and 5 years after undergoing biopsy 21% of patients with &gt;50% fibrosis still remained dialysis free. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; Renal fibrosis is an imperfect prognostic indicator for the development of ESRD and caution should be exercised in applying it too rigidly, especially in elderly or diabetic patients.
publication
W2051790963
From anatomical ‘competence’ to complex capability. The views and experiences of UK tutors on how we should teach anatomy to medical students
Developments in clinical education have recently challenged the identity of anatomy teaching and learning, leading to high profile debate over the potential implications for the competence levels of new doctors. However, the emphasis remains on methods of teaching, rather than a review of what well-rounded anatomical learning actually entails, and how teaching can address contemporary learning needs. This paper identifies and addresses some of these issues, drawing on expert views captured in qualitative research with anatomy tutors at twenty different medical schools in the UK. Three main themes emerging from our analysis are described: anatomy as a subject matter, the challenges of teaching or learning anatomy, and the use of teaching methods. We also detail how inductive analysis generated new hypotheses worthy of further consideration. These fall into two key categories: (1) improving anatomy curriculum design and (2) advancing anatomy education research.
publication
W2135064467
Improved Hurricane Ocean Vector Winds Using SeaWinds Active/Passive Retrievals
The SeaWinds scatterometer, onboard the QuikSCAT satellite, infers global ocean vector winds (OVWs); however, for a number of reasons, these measurements in hurricanes are significantly degraded. This paper presents an improved hurricane OVW retrieval approach, known as Q-Winds, which is derived from combined SeaWinds active and passive measurements. In this technique, the effects of rain are implicitly included in a new geophysical model function, which relates oceanic brightness temperature and radar backscatter measurements (at the top of the atmosphere) to the surface wind vector under both clear sky and in the presence of light to moderate rain. This approach extends the useful wind speed measurement range for tropical cyclones beyond that exhibited by the standard SeaWinds Project Level-2B (L2B) 12.5-km wind vector algorithm. A description of the Q-Winds algorithm is given, and examples of OVW retrievals are presented for the Q-Winds and L2B 12.5-km algorithms for ten hurricane overpasses in 2003-2008. These data are also compared to independent surface wind vector estimates from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Hurricane Research Division's objective hurricane surface wind analysis technique known as H*Wind. These comparisons suggest that the Q-Winds OVW product agrees better with independently derived H^ Wind analysis winds than does the conventional L2B OVW product.
publication
W1985515820
Privacy in opportunistic network contact graphs
Opportunistic networks are formed by people carrying mobile devices with wireless capabilities. When in mutual transmission range, the nodes of such networks use device-to-device communication to automatically exchange data, without requiring fixed infrastructure. To solve challenging opportunistic networking problems like routing, nodes exchange information about whom they have met in the past and form a contact graph, which encodes the social structure of past meetings. This contact graph is then used to assign a utility to each node (e.g., based on their centrality), thereby defining a ranking of the nodes' values for carrying a message. However, while being a useful tool, the contact graph represents a privacy risk to the users, as it allows an attacker to learn about social links. In this paper, we investigate the trade-off of privacy and utility in the contact graph. By transforming the graph through adding and removing edges, we are able to control the amount of link privacy. The evaluation of a greedy approach shows that it maintains the node ranking very well, even if many links are changed.
publication
US 0129633 W
BIO-DEGRADABLE COPOLYESTER NONWOVEN FABRIC
A nonwoven fabric produced using an aliphatic copolyester as the filament material in a meltspinning process and apparatus including a filament extruder, spinneret and drawing unit having the capability of high velocity filament production. The fabric produced is biodegradable, soft, highly drapeable and has elastic properties. The degree of elasticity may be adjusted by varying filament production conditions and bonding parameters.
patent
interreg_2776
PROGRESDEC/ ESDP STEPS - Vérification de la mise en oeuvre des stratégies du SDEC à travers l’analyse et l’expérimentation des plans d'aménagement appliqués au niveau local
The operation deals with the following problems: 1) how and to what extent European Spatial Development Perspective (ESDP) strategies are taken into account in land planning and management procedures in local and national contexts; 2) how the sharing of experience in local land management can increase effective implementation of the ESDP. Overall objective / Objectif général The aim of the operation is to carry out a comparison among the European regions on the application of the ESDP principles through the sharing of experiences in regional and local planning and the testing of methods and tools for land planning. Expected results / Résultats attendus Verification will be carried out by means of a comparative analysis of practices adopted by each Member State on a local level. Joint pilot projects will result from the drafting of methodologies comprising different stages. The approach will be to create land management projects from the bottom up but using operating methods that have been studied on a transnational level and that aim to implement the ESDP efficiently.
project/regional
interreg_3321
Spatial Information Systems for Transnational Environmental Management of Pro-tected Areas and Regions in CADSES
Protected cross-border regions in the CADSES area face similar problems. Often frontiers divide one region of cultural and natural heritage into more than one national park, biosphere reserve, nature reserve or protected landscape area and they are situated in two or more countries. As a consequence, two or more administrations, management structures and - if existing - spatial information systems (SIS) are working for these regions. There is urgent need for co-ordination in establishing elaborate monitoring and management schemes in those protected regions, as human activities from one area usually affect the whole region. The increasing demand for transnational planning and management approaches is backed by various European and global initiatives such as FFH of EC, WCM of UNEP-WCMC or the UNESCO World Heritage. These initiatives foster efforts to homogenise documentation of natural heritages as well as the co-operation between administrations of neighbouring countries. The project aims at fostering regional to transnational networks of spatial information systems. The cross-border protected regions of Sächsisch-Böhmische Schweiz (DE/CZ), Neusiedler See-Seewinkel/Fertö-Hanság (AT/HU) and Krkonose/Karkonosze (CZ/PL) are the core regions of the project. The transnational approach is open-ended in order to assure the successive integration of additional regions throughout the duration of the project. Partners in the cross-border regions of Triglav/Prealpi Giulie (SI/IT) have already declared their co-operation at that level for example.
project/regional
US 2004/0017624 W
SERUM BIOMARKERS IN ISCHAEMIC HEART DISEASE
Certain biomarkers and biomarker combinations are useful in a qualifying ischaemic heart disease status in a patient. A diagnostic methodology employing these biomarkers and combinations can distinguish between ischaemic heart disease and normal, as well as between cases of severe myocardial infarction versus mild myocardial infarction.
patent
EP 0106822 W
FIREPROOF FABRIC
The invention relates to fabric containing melamine fibres which is made of warp thread and weft thread. Only the weft thread contains melamine fibres, the warp thread not containing any.
patent
AR P050102252 A
SISTEMAS Y METODOS PARA EL HANDOFF BASADO EN PAQUETES, EN SISTEMAS DE COMUNICACIONES INALAMBRICOS
Un método para transmitir tramas a un terminal de acceso, que comprende: identificar una primera pluralidad de tramas, con un primer identificador de caminos; identificar una segunda pluralidad de tramas, con un segundo identificador de caminos; proveer la primera pluralidad de tramas, a una primera funcion de acceso; proveer la segunda pluralidad de tramas, a una segunda funcion de acceso; transmitir, desde la primera funcion de acceso, por medio de un enlace inalámbrico; y transmitir, desde la segunda funcion de acceso, por medio de otro enlace inalámbrico. Se proveen sistemas y métodos para proveer handoff basado en paquetes, en sistemas de comunicacion inalámbricos.
patent
W1870444324
Public Finance and the Responsible Factors Coupled With Public Expenditure: Ghana as the Focus
The phrase public expenditure deals with the subject of government activities and their financing. For instance, capital and recurrent expenditures.  The expenditure incurred by public authorities like central, state and local governments to satisfy the collective social wants of the people is what the phrase public expenditure connotes. Public spending is planned to benefit categories of individuals and enterprises irrespective of location, or where locations are prioritized using national criteria. Throughout the 19 th Century, most governments followed laissez faire economic policies and their functions were only restricted to defending aggression and maintaining law and order. The size of public expenditure was very scanty. But now the expenditure of governments all over has significantly increased. In developing countries like Ghana, public expenditure policy not only accelerates economic growth and promotes employment opportunities but also plays a useful role in reducing poverty and inequalities in income distribution. Besides, in the developing parts of the world, there are poor budgeting systems and lack of transparency and accountability always climb the platform of the frowning moments hence underdevelopment. Keywords : Public Finance, Responsible Factors, Public Expenditure, Ghana, Focus.
publication
W1997091149
Taylor vortices in the flow between two coaxial cylinders one of which has a step change in radius
A numerical study of the flow between two coaxial cylinders, where one of the cylinders has a step change in radius, is carried out. The inner cylinder rotates and the outer cylinder is stationary. Computation is restricted to axisymmetric motion since instability in flow between coaxial cylinders is found to first occur in the form of axisymmetric Taylor vortices. In the presence of a step, Taylor vortices are found to appear first in the region where the gap between the cylinders is larger and approximately when the local Taylor number in this region reaches the critical Taylor number for onset of instability. Subsequently, Taylor vortices appear in the region where the gap is narrower, and when the local Taylor number in that region exceeds the critical Taylor number. The Taylor vortices have inward flow at a stationary end plate, and outward flow at an end plate which rotates with the same angular velocity as the inner cylinder. Similar results were obtained by Sprague et al (2008 Phys. Fluids 20 014102) for a step on inner cylinder configuration. The step functions as another end plate, if the step size is large. Whereas, it has no effect, if the step size is small. In most situations, these determine whether the number of Taylor vortices in the wide and narrow gap regions is even or odd. When the end plates rotate synchronously, but at a different speed from the inner cylinder, a change from even to odd or odd to even number of vortices in each region occurs at certain rotation rates of the end plates by sudden appearance or disappearance of a vortex at the end of the column. For a certain range of rotation rates of the end plates, the total number of vortices in the entire fluid column is odd, although the end conditions are symmetrical.
publication
W4308426181
O CALOR DA ARTE NA CULTURA DO FRIO
A relação das cidades com o gênero ainda é frágil, pois ainda é dominada pelos padrões sociais. O que dificulta sua apropriação pelos dissidentes de gênero, impedindo a criação de vínculos de pertencimento: elemento fundamental para o desenvolvimento humano. Em contrapartida a dominância, existe o movimento da cultura alternativa utilizado pelas minorias sociais para equilibrar o direito à cidade. Mas como estas manifestações se comportam na cultura do frio? Este artigo visa compreender como a produção artística das minorias de gênero interferem na urbe. Para o desenvolvimento foi utilizado a revisão bibliográfica, além do estudo das produções artísticas dos dissidentes em Satolep. Os resultados obtidos, revelam que a produção artística interfere positivamente no desenvolvimento da cidade, além de contribuir para a constituição de vínculos com o Poder Público. A arte e a cultura acendem a fagulha do calor dentro da cultura do frio, lançando um futuro promissor para os dissidentes.
publication
W2092401396
Randomized Clinical Trial of Two Resin-Modified Glass Ionomer Materials: 1-year Results
SUMMARY With institutional review board approval, 33 patients who needed restoration of noncarious cervical lesions (NCCL) were enrolled in this study. A total of 92 NCCL were selected and randomly assigned to three groups: (1) Ambar (FGM), a two-step etch-and-rinse adhesive (control), combined with the nanofilled composite resin Filtek Supreme Plus (FSP; 3M ESPE); (2) Fuji II LC (GC America), a traditional resin-modified glass ionomer (RMGIC) restorative material; (3) Ketac Nano (3M ESPE), a nanofilled RMGIC restorative material. Restorations were evaluated at six months and one year using modified United States Public Health Service parameters. At six months after initial placement, 84 restorations (a 91.3% recall rate) were evaluated. At one year, 78 restorations (a 84.8% recall rate) were available for evaluation. The six month and one year overall retention rates were 93.1% and 92.6%, respectively, for Ambar/FSP; 100% and 100%, respectively, for Fuji II LC; and 100% and 100%, respectively, for Ketac Nano with no statistical difference between any pair of groups at each recall. Sensitivity to air decreased for all three adhesive materials from the preoperative to the postoperative stage, but the difference was not statistically significant. For Ambar/FSP, there were no statistical differences for any of the parameters from baseline to six months and from baseline to one year. For Fuji II LC, surface texture worsened significantly from baseline to six months and from baseline to one year. For Ketac Nano, enamel marginal staining increased significantly from baseline to one year and from six months to one year. Marginal adaptation was statistically worse at one year compared with baseline only for Ketac Nano. When parameters were compared for materials at each recall, Ketac Nano resulted in significantly worse color match than any of the other two materials at any evaluation period. At one year, Ketac Nano resulted in significantly worse marginal adaptation than the other two materials and worse marginal staining than Fuji II LC. Surface texture was statistically worse for Fuji II LC compared with the other two materials at all evaluation periods. The one-year retention rate was statistically similar for the three adhesive materials. Nevertheless, enamel marginal deficiencies and color mismatch were more prevalent for Ketac Nano. Surface texture of Fuji II LC restorations deteriorated quickly.
publication
224291
Allosteric modulation of g-protein coupled receptors conformational landscape
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest family of transmembrane receptors in eukaryotes. They bind a wide range of ligands, such as neurotransmitters, hormones, lipids and many others. GPCRs are the target of more than 30% of the drugs currently on the market, addressing neuropsychiatric, cardiovascular, pulmonary and metabolic disorders, cancer, obesity and AIDS. The functional versatility of GPCRs cannot be explained by a simple two-state model of activation considering only an active and an inactive state, as these receptors are highly dynamic and can explore a wide range of conformations. Some receptors of the family can signal in the absence of ligand (basal activity), and despite GPCR have been largely studied in the past years, little is known about their signal transduction mechanism. Apart from ligands and signalling partners, the structure and function of GPCRs can be modulated by lipids. In this context, our research will be divided in two steps: delineating the role of lipids on GPCR conformational landscape at the molecular scale (Aim1) and exploring an additional allosteric factor in line with lipid composition, the homo- and hetero-receptor oligomerisation (Aim2). To that purpose, we will apply an integrated, multidisciplinary analysis, to characterize protein dynamics under physiological conditions, with the GPCR reconstituted in model lipid systems or living cells, and in the presence of ligands, signalling and regulatory partners. We will use conformational probes to investigate the effect of lipids and other GPCRs on receptor dynamics, and correlate these findings with functional properties such as agonist binding and G protein coupling.
project/european
ES 08827015 T
DISPOSITIVO PARA LA MEDIDA DE LA SATURACION EN OXIGENO EN LA SANGRE.
Dispositivo para la medida de la saturación de oxígeno en la sangre, que comprende una carcasa (1), un sensor (2), un cable de unión (3) y una clavija de conexión (4), en donde - la carcasa (1) presenta una cavidad (5) para la recepción de tejido vascular de un paciente; - el sensor (2), que está dispuesto en la carcasa y presenta al menos una fuente de luz (21) para la emisión de luz, que pasa a través del tejido vascular, y un detector (22) para la recepción de la luz que pasa a través del tejido vascular, en donde la fuente de luz (21) y el detector (22) se tratan de componentes semiconductores ópticos, y - el dispositivo se puede conectar mediante la clavija de conexión (4) con una unidad de evaluación; caracterizado porque - la carcasa (1), el sensor (2), el cable de unión (3) y la clavija de conexión (4) están unidas entre sí de una forma interconectada y no desprendible; - las partes externas al menos de la carcasa (1), del cable de unión (3) y de la clavija de conexión (4) están formadas por un primer material flexible que se puede someter a autoclave; y - la fuente de luz (21) y el detector (22) se seleccionan de modo que presentan la estabilidad térmica necesaria para resistir la altas temperaturas durante el proceso en autoclave.
patent
175851
Excitonic transport in cold rydberg gases
The study of transport phenomenon based on quantum processes, where energy and information are transported but neither charge nor mass, is a vivid and interdisciplinary field of research raising both fundamental and technological issues. During this fellowship, we propose to use laser-cooled ensembles of atoms in highly excited states (cold Rydberg gases) to study such transport phenomenon. The overall purpose of the action is to demonstrate that cold Rydberg gases can be used as an innovative, efficient research platform which would allow to further address fundamental challenges related to the transport of energy and information.\\ The principal objective of this project is to form a chain of Rydberg atoms, to locally place an additional electronic excitation (exciton) in the chain and to observe the subsequent transport dynamics. A second objective is to implement adiabatic excitation of collective Rydberg excitations in order to prepare deterministically a Rydberg chain. This project will be implemented in a world leading group in cold Rydberg gases where the applicant will use two complementary experimental setups to address the different aspect of the objectives in the best conditions. He will be supervised by their respective principal investigators which will provide a strong management structure to the project. Building around the applicant's experience in the field of cold Rydberg gases, this fellowship will provide him with new, cutting-edge experimental skills which would establish him as a leading researcher in this field. The innovative, high quality research which will be carried out during this fellowship will serve as a basis for the application to a permanent position.
project/european
W1520302938
Anomalous sub-diffusion equations by the meshless collocation method
Recently, many new applications in engineering and science are governed by a series of fractional ordinary differential equations or fractional partial differential equations (FPDEs), in which the differential order is with a fractional order. The anomalous sub-diffusion equation (ASDE) is a typical FPDE. The current dominant numerical method for modelling ASDE is finite difference method, which is based on a pre-defined grid leading to inherited issues or shortcomings. Because of its distinguished advantages, the meshless method has good potential in simulation of ASDE. This paper aims to develop an implicit meshless collocation technique based on the moving least squares (MLS) approximation for numerical simulation of ASDE. The discrete system of equations is obtained by using the MLS meshless shape functions and the meshless collocation formulation. The stability and convergence of this meshless approach related to the time discretisation are investigated theoretically and numerically. The numerical examples with regular and irregular nodal distributions are used to validate and investigate accuracy and efficiency of the newly developed meshless formulation. It is concluded that the present meshless formulation is very effective for the modelling and simulation of ASDEs.
publication
W1170308012
Small herbivores suppress algal accumulation on Agatti atoll, Indian Ocean
Despite large herbivorous fish being generally accepted as the main group responsible for preventing algal accumulation on coral reefs, few studies have experimentally examined the relative importance of herbivore size on algal communities. This study used exclusion cages with two different mesh sizes (1 × 1 cm and 6 × 6 cm) to investigate the impact of different-sized herbivores on algal accumulation rates on the shallow ( 8 cm body depth) while allowing smaller fishes to access the plots. In contrast to the conclusions of most previous studies, the exclusion of large herbivores had no significant effect on the accumulation of benthic algae and the amount of algae present within the coarse-mesh cages was relatively consistent throughout the experimental period (around 50 % coverage and 1–2 mm height). The difference in algal accumulation between the fine-mesh and coarse-mesh cages appears to be related to the actions of small individuals from 12 herbivorous fish species (0.17 ind. m−2 and 7.7 g m−2) that were able to enter through the coarse mesh. Although restricted to a single habitat, these results suggest that when present in sufficient densities and diversity, small herbivorous fishes can prevent the accumulation of algal biomass on coral reefs.
publication
997748
Tropical and south atlantic climate-based marine ecosystem predictions for sustainable management
Sustainable management of human activities affecting Atlantic marine ecosystems is critical to maintain its health and to support the blue economy of the bordering countries. TRIATLAS will contribute to this by delivering knowledge of the current state and future changes of the Atlantic marine ecosystems. We achieve this through a basin-wide approach integrating research from the North and South, that closes critical knowledge gaps in the Tropical and South Atlantic which impede an understanding of the entire basin. We bring together an interdisciplinary team of marine ecologists, physical oceanographers, climate researchers, and social scientists from 34 different institutions in Europe, Africa, and South America, together with multisectoral and regional stakeholders. We will enhance knowledge of the marine ecosystems in key areas of the Atlantic using existing and pivotal new (physical, biological, societal) observations. Earth system, ecological, and socio-economic models and observations will be used to assess the cumulative impacts of (climatic, pollution, and fishing) pressures driving fluctuations in the marine ecosystem, and the potential for tipping point behavior and regime shifts. We will develop the first predictions of the marine-ecosystem for the next 40 years for the whole Atlantic, by combining state-of-the-art climate prediction and ecosystem models, with Shared Socioeconomic Pathways, and by conducting socio-economic vulnerability assessments services, with stakeholder engagement. TRIATLAS will enhance capacity in marine ecosystems, oceanography, and climate research in countries bordering the South and Tropical Atlantic Ocean. There will be close cooperation and alignment with relevant European Commission services and the South-South Framework for Scientific and Technical Cooperation, as well as other relevant initiatives in the field. We will contribute to upscale cooperation around the Atlantic.
project/european
218280
Giants through time: towards a comprehensive giant planet climatology
Giant planets serve as natural laboratories to explore the processes shaping planetary climate. The next five years will likely transform our understanding of the extreme environments of the outer Solar System, with the culmination of the Juno and Cassini missions to Jupiter and Saturn and the arrival of a new capability for ice giant science (James Webb Space Telescope, JWST). GIANTCLIMES will capitalise on this chance of a generation by assembling the first comprehensive climatology of all four giants. My programme will provide insights that no single mission can: exploring atmospheric variability over long time spans using an unprecedented multi-decade archive of ground-based observations; new data from space telescopes and planetary missions; combined with world-leading spectral analysis techniques and interpretive models. GIANTCLIMES consists of three objectives: 1. CLIMATE CYCLES: Assemble the first quasi-continuous record of Jovian climate over three decades to identify natural patterns of atmospheric variability to predict spectacular storm eruptions and global-scale transformations of its banded structure. 2. STRATOSPHERES: Explore the changing stratospheres of seasonal Saturn and non-seasonal Jupiter over long timescales to develop a new paradigm for the radiative, chemical and transport processes shaping these poorly-understood atmospheric regimes. 3. ICE GIANTS: Provide the benchmark for understanding the fundamental differences between Ice Giant and Gas Giant climate via existing Spitzer and Herschel observations of Uranus and Neptune, and produce the highly-anticipated first spatial maps of their stratospheres using JWST. These projects will explore planetary climates in all their guises, using comparative remote sensing studies to understand the forces defining their natural variability. New insights and discoveries from GIANTCLIMES will reinforce my leading role in the next generation of ambitious missions to explore the giant planets.
project/european
225347
Modulating brain structural plasticity versus neurodegeneration via a novel mechanism involving neurotrophins and dopamine, tolls and kek truncated-trk-like receptors in drosophila.
The aim of TOLKEDA is to test the hypothesis that a novel molecular mechanism linking neurotrophins, Tolls and truncated Trk-like receptors modulates structural brain plasticity vs. neurodegeneration. The brain changes throughout life: structural plasticity drives generation of neurites, neurons and synapses to adapt and learn; their elimination maintains homeostasis, but causes neurodegeneration in ageing and disease. Brain disease is the major health burden in Europe, costing more than cancer and cardiovascular diseases put together, and its incidence will grow as the population ages. It is imperative to discover novel molecular pathways that can be targeted to treat brain disease. The Principal Investigator (PI) Dr Alicia Hidalgo recently discovered a novel Drosophila neurotrophin (DNT) mechanism formed of neurotrophins, Toll and truncated-Trk-like receptors, and demonstrated that it underlies neuronal number and synaptic structural plasticity in larvae. Preliminary evidence shows that the DNT system operates in the adult brain, overlapping with dopaminergic neurons (DANs). Dopamine is a key neuromodulator, and degeneration of DANs underlies neurological and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease (PD). The Experienced Researcher (ER), Jun Sun, is an expert in the dopaminergic system and Drosophila PD models. The timely collaboration between PI and ER will provoke synergy to address effectively the following research objectives (ROs): RO1: to create a map of DNTs, Toll-6, Kek-6 and DANs in the adult brain, using gene editing technology and neural circuit registration. RO2: to test whether altering the functions of DNTs, Toll-6 and Kek-6 causes structural brain deficits, including in the dopaminergic system, and whether they are linked to behavioural deficits and neuronal activity. RO3: to test whether manipulating the DNT/Toll-6/Kek-6 signalling module in the dopaminergic system can promote neuroprotection in a Drosophila PD model.
project/european
W565412643
Palace of Culture: Andrew Carnegie's Museums and Library in Pittsburgh
Andrew Carnegie is remembered as one of the world s great philanthropists. As a boy, he witnessed the benevolence of a businessman who lent his personal book collection to laborer s apprentices. That early experience inspired Carnegie to create the Free to the People Carnegie Library in 1895 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In 1896, he founded the Carnegie Institute, which included a music hall, art museum, and science museum. Carnegie deeply believed that education and culture could lift up the common man and should not be the sole province of the wealthy. Today, his Pittsburgh cultural institution encompasses a library, music hall, natural history museum, art museum, science center, the Andy Warhol Museum, and the Carnegie International art exhibition. In Palace of Culture, Robert J. Gangewere presents the first history of a cultural conglomeration that has served millions of people since its inception and inspired the likes of August Wilson, Andy Warhol, and David McCullough. In this fascinating account, Gangewere details the political turmoil, budgetary constraints, and cultural tides that have influenced the caretakers and the collections along the way. He profiles the many benefactors, trustees, directors, and administrators who have stewarded the collections through the years. Gangewere provides individual histories of the library, music hall, museums, and science center, and describes the importance of each as an educational and research facility. Moreover, Palace of Culture documents the importance of cultural institutions to the citizens of large metropolitan areas. The Carnegie Library and Institute have inspired the creation of similar organizations in the United States and serve as models for museum systems throughout the world.
publication
EP 2011001530 W
HEIGHT-ADJUSTABLE WASHBASIN
The invention relates to a device for washing body parts, in particular the hands and feet, composed of a supporting frame (2) having a washbasin (1) thereon that can be adjusted in height, associated with a drain and a water discharge fitting (5) disposed on a rear wall connected to the washbasin, and with an electric drive that can be operated by a controller that can be controlled by switches (3). In order to ensure that the washbasin always rests on the floor in the lowest position thereof, either directly or at least by means of front feet, regardless of the position and adjustment of the limit switch defining the lowest position of the washbasin, so that at least a large portion of the load of the washbasin does not have to be supported by the mounting element or the support frame, thus avoiding damage, the washbasin (1) is associated with a sensor (20) effective only during the lowering motion thereof, wherein said sensor contacts the floor (10) at a predefined distance, switches off a fast motion of the drive via the controller, and switches on a creep speed over the predefined distance.
patent
interreg_1237
EUROPEAN URBAN KNOWLEDGE NETWORK-EUKN
The need for knowledge exchange in all relevant areas of urban policy has been identified for quite some time by Member States, European municipalities and the European Commission. The EUKN is to realize a sustainable and effective knowledge network between European cities, urban researchers and knowledge institutes in order to support policy-makers in developing an effective urban policy. The objective of this URBACT Working Group is focused on the preparation of a pilot project which in its turn will prepare the development of the European Urban Knowledge Network (EUKN). The main objective of the URBACT Working Group is to prepare the EUKN pilot by: 1. establishing Focal Points in all participating Member States 2. identifying the knowledge demand 3. developing protocols for the dissemination and validation of relevant knowledge 4. developing the technical architecture of the knowledge network (web portal) 5. launching a test-case website 6. developing a communication/marketing strategy
project/regional
W3014908013
Epigenetics in plant breeding
Current farming technology and advanced techniques of plant breeding are tending to enable high yields and cropping intensity, trying to alleviate the limitations of available arable land. However, rise in global population and climate changes could strain the ability to provide a stable food supply. Genetic diversity, which might be used for development of new, more resilient cultivars, could be a key for achieving better performance in agricultural production. New findings about how genes work and express, including the principles of epigenetics, could allow the advancements in breeding methods, and provide a new source of variability originating from epialleles. This paper provides a synopsis of the most significant epigenetic modifications, and particularities of plant species that impact epigenetic mechanisms, although it is mainly focused on application of epigenetics on plant breeding. Epigenetic aspects of breeding are described for increased yield in Brassica napus due to recursive selection for an epigenetic compound. Future application might be based on epigenetic recombinant inbred lines, similar to those in Arabidopsis thaliana, inhibition of DNA methylation in Oryza sativa, discovery of MSH1 system in Glycine max and Solanum lycopersicon. It also outlines the current issues and limitations of epigenetic breeding such as a lack of understanding of epigenetic mechanisms, interaction of epigenetic and stress responsive mechanisms, and the development of statistical models able to predict the impact and outcome of epigenetic modifications.
publication
W1480571106
The Optimal Version of Hua's Fundamental Theorem of Geometry of Rectangular Matrices
Hua's fundamental theorem of geometry of matrices describes the general form of bijective maps on the space of all mi?½n matrices over a division ring D which preserve adjacency in both directions. Motivated by several applications the author studies a long standing open problem of possible improvements. There are three natural questions. Can we replace the assumption of preserving adjacency in both directions by the weaker assumption of preserving adjacency in one direction only and still get the same conclusion? Can we relax the bijectivity assumption? Can we obtain an analogous result for maps acting between the spaces of rectangular matrices of different sizes? A division ring is said to be EAS if it is not isomorphic to any proper subring. For matrices over EAS division rings the author solves all three problems simultaneously, thus obtaining the optimal version of Hua's theorem. In the case of general division rings he gets such an optimal result only for square matrices and gives examples showing that it cannot be extended to the non-square case.
publication
US 202418594742 A
SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE AND METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME
A semiconductor device includes a stacked film, a plurality of plugs, and a columnar portion. The stacked film includes a plurality of electrodes, which includes a first electrode, and a plurality of first insulating films alternately stacked in a first direction. The plurality of plugs extends through the stacked film in the first direction. The plurality of plugs includes a first plug electrically connected to the first electrode. The columnar portion extends through the stacked film in the first direction. The columnar portion includes a charge storage layer and a semiconductor layer. The first electrode includes a metal layer and the first plug includes a metal layer that is integrally formed with the metal layer of the first electrode and formed of a same material as a material of the metal layer of the first electrode.
patent
W2136253739
Whipple procedure: a review of a 7-year clinical experience in a referral center for hepatobiliary and pancreas diseases
Pancreatic cancer is generally found in the older population Pancreaticoduodenectomy seems to be the only way in resolving these resectable tumors. Allen. O Whipple was the first to describe pancreaticoduodenectomy in 1935 as a modified procedure. This article is a case series with respect to the 7-year experience of the Whipple procedure in Firoozgar Teaching Hospital.Patient surgery details were gathered from the surgical records of the operating room and their clinical records from the hospital archives. Data was analyzed with SPSS software (version 16.0.1). Those patients, whose tumor had invaded the superior mesenteric artery, had extensive portal vein involvement or distant metastasis was considered as unresectable.The first Whipple procedure was recorded in our hospital in 2008. From 2008 till 20 March 2014, 70 cases were collected and analyzed. The mean age of cases was 58.4 years, the mean hospital stay length was 12.9 days (±6.23 days), mean operation time was 376 min (±37.3 min),. The most common presenting symptom was jaundice (78.6 %). Delayed gastric emptying was the most common post-operative complication. The most prevalent cause of reoperation was intra-abdominal abscess. Major morbidities of these patients consisted of cardiac arrhythmias (21.4%) and pneumonia (10%). Minor complications were wound infection (17.1%) and delayed gastric emptying (32.9%). The statistics revealed pancreatic anastomosis failure as 2.9% and a decrease in mortality rate from 50% during the first years of this study to 16% to 20% during the last years.In this case series, the time of operation decreased during the recent years .Analysis shows a correlation between operation time and pack cell transfused during the operation, but no correlation was found between operation time and post-operation hospitalization course. It is true that hospital setting, socioeconomic level of the patients including their compliance, and the expertise of the surgeons and surgical staff can have an influence on the result of this operation, but it seems that the magnitude of the surgical stress of this procedure and the (compromised) functional reserve of this patient population can be a notable factor influencing the outcome.
publication
W1525185825
Military HF communications considering unintentional platform-generated electromagnetic interference
High Frequency (HF) communications are of vital importance for modern military operations. It has the potential to move voice and data communications around the world by bouncing signals off the ionosphere, and at a fraction of the cost of heavily burdened satellite communication frequencies. However, HF-channels are touchy, unpredictable and prone to noise, fading, jamming and interference. Therefore, a number of prediction tools for channel selection have been developed. However, existing tools do not consider the local actual electromagnetic interference at receivers located on navy and army platforms. In this paper we propose a method to include this local electromagnetic interference in the frequency selection and we show how this method can improve the communication performance significantly. We also show that the consideration of local interference in combination with new wideband HF applications creates new challenges for power allocation and we show that the common water-filling solution is not always optimal with respect to data capacity in the system.
publication
W1097719857
Criteria for model selection in model-based clustering
Model-based clustering, or finite mixture models, are important classification methods, and wide range of theoretical and applied researches have been made. One of the most useful advantages of these methods are the applicability of model selection criteria for choosing the number of clusters, selecting variables, selecting structure of model parameters and so on. One might use some basic information criteria, e.g., AIC or BIC. However, regularity conditions for deriving these criteria do not hold in finite mixture -- these are called models -- and these criteria do not have theoretical justification at all. In this study, we compare the performance of WAIC and WBIC, information criteria applicable for singular models, with the basic criteria numerically in some problem of the model-based clustering.
publication
W1970022728
An intelligent multiple models based predictive control scheme with its application to industrial tubular heat exchanger system
The purpose of this paper is to deal with a novel intelligent predictive control scheme using the multiple models strategy with its application to an industrial tubular heat exchanger system. The main idea of the strategy proposed here is to represent the operating environments of the system, which have a wide range of variation in the span of time by several local explicit linear models. In line with this strategy, the well-known linear generalized predictive control (LGPC) schemes are initially designed corresponding to each one of the linear models of the system. After that, the best model of the system and the LGPC control action are precisely identified, at each instant of time, by an intelligent decision maker scheme (IDMS), which is playing the so important role in realizing the finalized control action for the system. In such a case, as soon as each model could be identified as the best model, the adaptive algorithm is implemented on the both chosen model and the corresponding predictive control schemes. In conclusion, for having a good tracking performance, the predictive control action is instantly updated and is also applied to the system, at each instant of time. In order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach, simulations are carried out and the results are compared with those obtained using a nonlinear GPC (NLGPC) scheme as a benchmark approach realized based on the Wiener model of the system. In agreement with these results, the validity of the proposed control scheme can tangibly be verified.
publication
640534
Seals and fisheries coexisting sustainably
Interactions between seals and the fishing industry occur globally, with depredation – the full or part removal of fish from nets by seals, leading to significant conflict. Fishers suffer economic losses due to loss of catch, gear damage and time spent disentangling damaged fish/by-caught seals, while ecological impacts can include seal mortality (by-catch and/or authorised/illegal killing), alongside changes in animal behaviour (e.g. seals may become reliant on artificial food sources). In recent years, conflicts have escalated substantially, and an effective and pragmatic solution to the issue is urgently required. Using an area of high seal-fishery conflict across south-west Ireland as a case study, SEAFICS combines stakeholder engagement, method development, the application of emerging technologies, and advanced statistical analyses, to assess interactions between seals and fisheries, and minimise conflicts through the development of effective mitigation. This will be achieved by addressing 4 research objectives: (1) the assessment of the perceived extent and impact of seal depredation via interviews and survey questionnaires with fishers, (2) the quantification of depredation at fishing nets through the development and application of a novel method that uses accelerometers to detect sub-surface hidden depredation events (which in past assessments have been unaccounted for), (3) the mitigation of seal depredation by applying newly developed targeted acoustic deterrent technology and assessing its effectiveness, and (4) the assessment of fisher views on the mitigation system and its practical use. During the implementation of SEAFICS, a tailored training program will develop & strengthen the applying researcher’s expertise & skills, such that future independence and career prospects in applied research are enhanced. The innovative and timely research of SEAFICS will address pressing socio-economic & conservation issues both across Europe and globally.
project/european
W1555882586
Hepatitis C virus genotype 1: How genetic variability of the core protein affects the response to pegylated-interferon and ribavirin therapy
Hepatitis C virus subgenotypes 1a and 1b are found worldwide and cause 60% of all hepatitis C cases. It has been reported recently that viral genetic variations have a critical impact on the patient treatment outcome. In particular, polymorphisms of the HCV core protein have been linked to poor treatment response. However, most of these studies were conducted on Asian populations, Japanese in particular who are infected with HCV subgenotype 1b. Hence, we aimed in this study to examine the core protein polymorphisms in Saudi patients who are infected with chronic HCV genotype 1 (1a and 1b subtypes) and its association with treatment outcome. Direct sequencing of full-length core protein and data mining analyses were utilized. Results have shown that the response to treatment is dependent on subgenotypes. Indeed, HCV-1b showed different point mutations that are associated with treatment outcome where the point mutations at positions 70 (Arg(70) Gln) and 75 (Thr(75) Ala) in HCV-1b are significantly associated with PEG-IFN/RBV treatment response. In contrast, HCV-1a showed no significant association between core protein mutations and response to treatment. In addition, analyses of HCV-1a core protein sequences revealed a highly conserved region especially in the responder group. This study provides a new insight in the genetic variability of full-length core protein in HCV genotype 1 in Saudi infected patients.
publication
W4281787765
Amazonas no epicentro da pandemia de COVID-19 uma revisao sistemática / Amazon at the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic a systematic review
O trabalho resulta de investigação que buscou compreender o contexto da pandemia no Estado do Amazonas sob os impactos que o novo coronavírus provocou na vida das populações locais bem como a tomada de decisão de gestores e legisladores para o combate à pandemia.Foi utilizada a pesquisa documental cujas fontes de
publication
EP 93102517 A
Adjusting and locking device for seats, particularly motor vehicle seats.
The adjusting and locking device can be set in the case of a joint fitting for adjustment of a backrest and has a fixed joint component and a swivellable joint component which is assigned to the backrest, which joint components are connected to one another by means of a pivot axis. In this arrangement, an adjusting and locking device which is constructed as a gear system and determines the position of the two joint components with respect to one another is provided, the pivot axis which bears the one joint component having a section for a rotationally fixed driver which engages between the narrow sides of two wedge segments which are inclined with respect to one another and engage around the pivot axis in certain areas. Between the broad sides of the wedge segments, an energy accumulator which presses the latter apart in the manner of a radial play-reducing element is arranged. The pivot axis has an eccentric section which is formed by the wedge segments around which the bearing point of the one joint component engages by means of a roller bearing. <??>In order to optimise the ease of movement of the adjustment fitting during the adjustment phase and, in the event of locking, to maintain the freedom from play at the engagement point of the toothings and in the bearing points, the roller bearings of the roller bearing engage around the wedge segments on their external circumference - producing only rolling friction at the external circumference. <IMAGE>
patent
US 0204582 W
FIBER OPTIC COMMUNICATIONS
In a fiber optic communications system, bandwidth/frequency bands are used and allocated judiciously in order to reduce unwanted effects, such as interference from higher order harmonics or the introduction of spurious noise sources.
patent
225387
Identifying rna fate checkpoints by resolving the high-resolution spatiotemporal binding dynamics of cbc containing complexes
High-throughput transcriptomic analyses in human cell lines have found that >80% of the genome is transcriptionally active. A major part of this massive genomic output is derived from RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) activity; such as, mRNA, sn(o)RNA and long non-coding RNA. However, although these transcripts all contain 5’-m7G caps, which are common hallmarks of RNAPII-derived transcripts, their fates differ substantially as some are rapidly degraded while others remain stable and exercise diverse functions in the cell. What is the underlying mechanism? Transcript fate decisions are ultimately dictated by the proteins with which the nascent RNA associate. Central to this process is the cap-binding complex (CBC). Through its early association with the 5’-m7G cap, the CBC directs a plethora of nuclear RNA metabolic events by serving as a landing pad to recruit productive and/or destructive factors. Therefore, composition of the early RNA-protein particle plays an essential role in dictating RNA fate, and the CBC and its cofactors pose an interesting dichotomous system to study as a model for sorting mechanisms dictating RNA fate. In my project, I will delineate the spatiotemporal recruitment kinetics of selected RNA metabolic factors to identify when RNA fate decisions are made during transcription and how RNA/DNA elements contribute. To resolve the sequential loading of the CBC and its cofactors onto elongating transcripts, I will develop time course UV cross-linking and immunoprecipitation (CLIP) experiments, combining metabolic labelling of RNA, using the photoactivatable ribonucleoside analogue 4-sU, with a new and unprecedentedly high powered UV cross-linking technology employed at multiple short time increments. This will for the first time enable the study of in vivo RNA binding kinetics of RNA-binding proteins with a temporal resolution necessary to characterise co-transcriptional RNA fate decisions.
project/european
W1978292530
Delamination behavior of Gd123 coated conductor fabricated by PLD
Abstract We have studied delamination behavior of GdBa2Cu3O7-d (Gd123) coated conductors fabricated by pulsed laser deposition. Two kinds of delamination tests, transverse tensile test and four points bending test, were performed. The delamination strength of 8 and 4–7 MPa was obtained by transverse tensile test, and interfacial cohesive energy of 7.1 and 5.9 J/m2 was obtained by four points bending test for samples fabricated with different processing rates, 20 m/h and 60 m/h, respectively. EPMA and XPS analyses of delaminated surfaces showed that the weakest position in Gd123 coated conductor was inside of Gd123 layer a few nm apart from Gd123/CeO2 interface. The samples exhibiting a lower interfacial energy had a large gradient in oxygen distribution at the interface. The reason why the delamination occurred there is due to strain concentration induced from both lattice mismatch and inhomogeneous oxygen distribution at the interface.
publication
W1485851222
Investigating the Effective Factors on Electronic Trade by Viral Marketing (Case Study: Clients of Websites in Iran)
While the process of viral marketing is often perceived as a random phenomenon with marketers having little or no control over the process, getting your customers to spread your brand messages throughout a widespread network of buyers makes good business and marketing sense. This paper uses case study examples to explore a number of strategies underpinning this apparently chaotic phenomenon. Further, several suggestions are offered for marketers seeking to use viral marketing to position brands or change a brand’s image, encourage new product trials and increase product uptake rates. In this article, we want to investigate the effect of External factors such as: capturing the imagination , Targeting credible sources , Leveraging combinations of technology and Easy to use product and also internal factors such as: inclusion (the need to be part of a group, the need to be different)and affection on viral marketing. So, our population statistical is client of websites in Iran and the amount of sample according to Cochran formula is 140 person. For testing the data, we use from SPSS 19 with correlation and regression, according to finding all of the hypothesis are accepted.
publication
1262275
Post-Transcriptional regulation of effector function in t cells by rna binding proteins
CD8+ T cells are critical to fight infections and to clear tumor cells through the production of inflammatory cytokines and cytotoxic molecules. These effector molecules must be tightly controlled: too little leads to the inability to control the pathogen, and too much can result in a life-threatening cytokine storm and tissue damage. While transcriptional control of effector genes is well-studied, regulation at the levels of RNA stability and translation efficiency by RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) has remained underappreciated. We recently found that several cytokines are tightly regulated through these processes, and we identified ZFP36L2 as one of the responsible RBPs. However, much is still to be learned about the underlying molecular mechanisms. Moreover, there are >1000 putative RBPs, and a systematic analysis of their regulatory activity in T cells is lacking, particularly with regard to the control of effector proteins. Here, we will use a combination of mouse genetics, and molecular and cellular biology to gain a deep understanding of the control of cytokine production by RBPs, using ZFP36L2 as a paradigm. Next, we will take a novel, highly sensitive proteomics approach to systematically identify the RBP repertoire in resting and activated primary human T cells. Complementary functional screens will identify those RBPs that control specific effectors. Selected RBPs identified in these screens will be studied in-depth to understand their roles in T cell responses to acute infection and in tumor models. Lastly, we will define how RBPs can imprint and/or maintain the killer phenotype of human CD8+ T cells. This research will significantly advance our understanding of post-transcriptional regulation of T cell effector activity, and it should help us to develop novel tools to drive effective T cell responses against pathogens and malignant cells.
project/european
2715742
Connecting to the networks of the human brain
ConnectToBrain will introduce whole-brain multi-locus transcranial magnetic stimulation (mTMS), in which the brain-stimulating electric-field location, direction, magnitude and timing are controlled electronically based on real-time high-density electroencephalography (hdEEG) information of activity and connectivity in brain networks. The final mTMS apparatus will consist of 50 coils. Superpositions of electric fields produced by the different overlapping coils allow spatiotemporally millimeter- and millisecond-precise stimulus sequences to arbitrary cortical sites without physical movements of the coil set. Spatial targeting of mTMS will be further improved by measuring individual brain conductivity distributions with ultra-low-field MRI. The proposed hdEEG methodology uses a brain–computer interface (BCI) and a computer–brain interface (CBI) in a closed, algorithmically-controlled loop. BCI receives real-time information about brain activity and connectivity from hdEEG, while CBI adapts mTMS to drive brain activity and connectivity into desired directions. ConnectToBrain will allow unprecedented tracking of dynamic changes and reorganization of brain networks in real-time, and network-targeted closed-loop stimulation. This radically novel technology will cause a paradigm shift from current open-loop practice that is only moderately effective in therapy. We will apply ConnectToBrain to reach new levels of efficacy of therapeutic applications. Patients after stroke and with Alzheimer’s disease will be tested and treated as models of network disorders. Our high-risk, high-gain endeavor will reach the ambitious goals only through the Synergy of the 3 PIs, world leaders in their complementary areas of expertise (instrumentation, algorithms, translation). If the project succeeds, we expect the value of societal, health and industrial benefits in Europe to exceed €1 billion annually, not to mention the immense value of alleviating human suffering from brain disorders.
project/european
W1885330626
Explaining the Timing of Natural Scene Understanding with a Computational Model of Perceptual Categorization
Observers can rapidly perform a variety of visual tasks such as categorizing a scene as open, as outdoor, or as a beach. Although we know that different tasks are typically associated with systematic differences in behavioral responses, to date, little is known about the underlying mechanisms. Here, we implemented a single integrated paradigm that links perceptual processes with categorization processes. Using a large image database of natural scenes, we trained machine-learning classifiers to derive quantitative measures of task-specific perceptual discriminability based on the distance between individual images and different categorization boundaries. We showed that the resulting discriminability measure accurately predicts variations in behavioral responses across categorization tasks and stimulus sets. We further used the model to design an experiment, which challenged previous interpretations of the so-called "superordinate advantage." Overall, our study suggests that observed differences in behavioral responses across rapid categorization tasks reflect natural variations in perceptual discriminability.
publication
W2064455035
Creep and plasticity of glacier ice: a material science perspective
Abstract Major advances in understanding the plasticity of ice have been made during the past 60 years with the development of studies of the flow of glaciers and, recently, with the analysis of deep ice cores in Antarctica and Greenland. Recent experimental investigations clearly show that the plastic deformation of the ice single crystal and polycrystal is produced by intermittent dislocation bursts triggered by long-range interaction of dislocations. Such dislocation avalanches are associated with the formation of dislocation patterns in the form of slip lines and slip bands, which exhibit long-range correlations and scale invariance. Long-range dislocation interactions appear to play an essential role in primary creep of polycrystals and dynamic recrystallization. The large plastic anisotropy of the ice crystal is at the origin of large strain and stress heterogeneities within grains. The use of full- field approaches is now a compulsory proceeding to model the intracrystalline heterogeneities that develop in polycrystals. Ice is now highly regarded among the materials science community. It is considered a model material for understanding deformation processes of crystalline materials and polycrystal modeling.
publication
978998
Natural enzymes for ecological detergents to improve biologically certified washing products
The project NEEDbioWash aims to develop and demonstrate the production of an organic, GMO-free enzyme product by solid state fermentation (SSF) which can boost the washing performance of eco-certified laundry products significantly. It is well-known that enzymes can considerably increase the washing performance as they can degrade stains, which are not removed by surfactants. However, conventional enzymes are not allowed in eco-certified laundry detergents due to the use of GMOs during the production process. The innovative idea of NEEDbioWash consists in using the solid state fermentation technique to avoid the need of genetical modification to enhance productivity. The market of organic food and non-food merchandise is growing rapidly, both in the European and the global market growth rates of up to 20% are to observe. This is due the raising awareness of the customers to more healthy products, more responsible use of resources, better working conditions, fair traded goods and animal welfare. In organic-labelled products ingredients produced from or by GMO are strictly forbidden, as the influence of GMO on the human health and the environment are not yet satisfyingly investigated. Organic products aim to be produced as natural as possible, including the used raw materials. We are convinced that it is time to provide conscious customers also an environment-friendly laundry detergent product which is entirely natural and has still outstanding washing performance, as people nowadays have – also in the organic community – no time to care about dirty laundry. This is as well the outcome of SME instrument phase 1 project SSFENZYMES (GA: 740224) finished in May 2017 where a huge market potential for NEEDbioWash within Europe as well as world-wide was confirmed.
project/european
interreg_1806
UsIng guidelines and beNchmarking to Trigger social entrepreneurship solutions towards better patient-centred cancer care in cENTral Europe
Cancer is a leading cause of death in the EU. But how we experience cancer is changing because survival rates are improving. This shift in ‘what cancer is’ requires a more patient-centered approach to care. To help achieve this, INTENT will: “Put in place know-how, competencies & capacity to capitalise on benchmarking & social entrepreneurship in harmonising & improving patient centered cancer care in Central Europe”.  This will result in: better understanding of what patient-centered care means; new tools and methods to implement this approach; relevant policy recommendations & local stakeholders working together to identify what needs improving & generating innovative solutions. INTENT outputs that will benefit cancer care providers, patients & policy makers taking part in 5 pilot actions include: -    A patient-centered cancer care model with implementation guidelines -    Policy recommendation(s) for adopting the patient-centered model  -    An online benchmarking tool to show what needs doing better to deliver patient-centered care -    Performance Improvement Plans that identify local improvement priorities & prospects for social entrepreneurial actions -    A virtual ‘know how’ centre that will host good practices, benchmarking results & innovative ideas. The project uses a unique online benchmarking method to leverage improvements in patient-centered cancer care & social entrepreneurial solutions to improve performance. Transnational cooperation matters because the need for better patient-centered care is a shared challenge in Central Europe & making this happen is highly dependent on comparable benchmarking results, good practices & innovative solutions.  Looking to the future, INTENT will provide the basis for crossover collaboration with industry in unlocking the innovation potential of public services as part of RIS3 and ESIF Operational Programme implementation & next period planning in pilot & partner regions.
project/regional
631808
Energy efficiency subscription for deep renovation with performance guarantee
EUROPA project will develop an Energy Efficiency Subscription (a set of technical specifications, procedures and standard contractual arrangements) ensuring guaranteed energy savings from the deep renovation of residential buildings. This will be coupled with a technical assistance service, in the form of a one stop shop, enabling coordination and support in the end users investment journey. The Energy Efficiency Subscription will consider standards for products and for the level of expertise of craftsmen and professionals, it will define technical standard investment packages and the contractual specifications with the level of performance to be guaranteed. It will also consider the measurement and verification procedure of the performance after the renovation works. The set of standards and specifications will be based on a common format, tailored to the framework conditions of the involved regions and delivered via a web platform. The coordination and support action will include activities for the promotion of deep energy renovation in the residential building sector working on motivation for end users, engaging market operators as subscribers and by offering a technical assistance service in order to make sure that standards are met and investments intentions turns into reality. The project will save 10 GWh of primary energy and it will trigger 37 million Euro of concrete sustainable energy investments in the following regions: Piemonte (IT), Alto Alentejo (PT), Allgau (DE), Isère (FR) and Latvia, involving the renovation of more than 1000 dwellings. Besides, the project will ensure the replicability of the approach across Europe with a customized training activity offered to at least 20 organizations and other dissemination activities in order to widespread the project impact. A mutual learning activity will follow the project partners during the project implementation ensuring knowledge exchange and the strengthening of their technical and soft skills.
project/european
W2325800886
Greatfree: the JAVA Apis and Idioms to Program Large-Scale Distributed Systems
This paper introduces a series of APIs and idioms in Java SE (Java Standard Edition), GreatFree, to program large-scale distributed systems from scratch without adopting any third party frameworks. When programming with GreatFree, developers are required to take care of rather than be invisible to most of the implementation issues in a distributed system. It not only strengthens developers’ skills to polish a system but also provides them with the techniques to create brand new and creative systems. However, taking care of many such issues is a heavy load because of the low-level of Java SE. To alleviate the burden to program with Java SE directly, GreatFree provides numerous APIs and idioms in Java SE to help programmers resolve indispensable distributed problems, such as communication programming, serialization, asynchronous and synchronous programming, resource management, load balancing, caching, eventing, requesting/responding, multicasting, and so forth. Additionally, as an open source tool to program, developers are able to strengthen their systems through not only adjusting GreatFree parameters but also upgrading GreatFree APIs and idioms themselves. According to the current intensive experiments, it is convenient for developers to program an ordinary or a large-scale distributed system from scratch with GreatFree.
publication
US 2007/0001509 W
METHODS AND DEVICES FOR DETECTION AND IDENTIFICATION OF ENCODED BEADS AND BIOLOGICAL MOLECULES
The invention relates to methods and devices used in the sequencing, separation, detection, and identification of objects and biological molecules. In preferred embodiments, the invention relates to a DNA sequencing system based on cyclic sequencing by synthesis which is performed on beads in three-dimensional vessels and detected using monolithic multicapillary arrays. In other embodiments, the invention relates to a bead comprising two or more luminescent labels coupled to a nucleic acid sequence. In further embodiments, said luminescent labels are quantum dots.
patent
W2091277955
Infrared identification of the σ-complex of Cl-C6H6 in the reaction of chlorine atom and benzene in solid para-hydrogen
The reaction of a chlorine atom with benzene (C6H6) is important in organic chemistry, especially in site-selective chlorination reactions, but its product has been a subject of debate for five decades. Previous experimental and theoretical studies provide no concrete conclusion on whether the product is a π- or σ-form of the Cl-C6H6 complex. We took advantage of the diminished cage effect of para-hydrogen (p-H2) to produce Cl in situ to react with C6H6 (or C6D6) upon photolysis of a Cl2/C6H6 (or C6D6)/p-H2 matrix at 3.2 K. The infrared spectrum, showing intense lines at 1430.5, 833.6, 719.8, 617.0, and 577.4 cm(−1), and several weaker ones for Cl-C6H6, and the deuterium shifts of observed new lines unambiguously indicate that the product is a 6-chlorocyclohexadienyl radical, i.e., the σ-complex of Cl-C6H6. Observation of the σ-complex rather than the π-complex indicates that the σ-complex is more stable in solid p-H2 at 3.2 K. The spectral information is crucial for further investigations of the Cl + C6H6 reaction either in the gaseous or solution phase.
publication
W2336007912
Adaptive Filtering with Variable Step Size using GLMS Algorithm
Now a day, wireless communication has become an essential part of life in many parts of the world. With the deployment of communication everywhere, it became very crucial to pay attention to its technological betterment. It is essential to address the problems associated with different types of communication channels and to find out probable solutions. When dealing with multipath fading channels, Intersymbol Interference (ISI) occurs during transmission. It is necessary to know the channel characteristics for solving the problems associated with it. Hence researches on channel equalization and channel estimation have been carried out by many researchers. Different kinds of adaptive filtering are used for channel equalization and estimation. Therefore we pay attention in the area of digital signal processing that deals with the deployment of digital filtering. In the last thirty years significant contributions have been made in the signal processing field.
publication
US 2007/0071236 W
UNITIZED COMPOSITE FABRICS WITH CROSS MACHINE WAVE-LIKE SHAPING AND METHODS FOR MAKING SAME
A manufacturing method for producing a unitized composite material has been discovered. An assembly of loose fibers or fiber and fabric combinations is formed where at least one of the layered elements contains a bondable material such as a thermally sensitive bonding fiber. The un-bonded layered assembly is shaped into a wavy form having a repeating wave-like pattern of the desired amplitude and wavelength. The amplitude and wavelength of the repeating waves can be altered such as by changing the relative speeds of a transfer device and an oven wire and the height of the transfer device relative to the height of the oven wire using simple machinery control settings. The shaped assembly is subsequently bonded in an oven or other activation step preserving the wave-like shaping when cooled or removed from the activation effect.
patent
W1964952863
Massive formation of square array junctions dramatically alters cell shape but does not cause lens opacity in the cav1-KO mice
The wavy square array junctions are composed of truncated aquaporin-0 (AQP0) proteins typically distributed in the deep cortical and nuclear fibers in wild-type lenses. These junctions may help maintain the narrowed extracellular spaces between fiber cells to minimize light scattering. Herein, we investigate the impact of the cell shape changes, due to abnormal formation of extensive square array junctions, on the lens opacification in the caveolin-1 knockout mice. The cav1-KO and wild-type mice at age 1-22 months were used. By light microscopy examinations, cav1-KO lenses at age 1-18 months were transparent in both cortical and nuclear regions, whereas some lenses older than 18 months old exhibited nuclear cataracts. Scanning EM consistently observed the massive formation of ridge-and-valley membrane surfaces in young fibers at approximately 150 μm deep in all cav1-KO lenses studied. In contrast, the typical ridge-and-valleys were only seen in mature fibers deeper than 400 μm in wild-type lenses. The resulting extensive ridge-and-valleys dramatically altered the overall cell shape in cav1-KO lenses. Remarkably, despite dramatic shape changes, these deformed fiber cells remained intact and made close contact with their neighboring cells. By freeze-fracture TEM, ridge-and-valleys exhibited the typical orthogonal arrangement of 6.6 nm square array intramembrane particles and displayed the narrowed extracellular spaces. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that AQP0 C-terminus labeling was significantly decreased in outer cortical fibers in cav1-KO lenses. However, freeze-fracture immunogold labeling showed that the AQP0 C-terminus antibody was sparsely distributed on the wavy square array junctions, suggesting that the cleavage of AQP0 C-termini might not yet be complete. The cav1-KO lenses with nuclear cataracts showed complete cellular breakdown and large globule formation in the lens nucleus. This study suggests that despite dramatic cell shape changes, the massive formation of wavy square array junctions in intact fibers may provide additional adhesive support for maintaining the narrowed extracellular spaces that are crucial for the transparency of cav1-KO lenses.
publication
W2104682253
Using 137Cs technique to quantify soil erosion and deposition rates in an agricultural catchment in the black soil region, Northeast China
article i nfo Soil erosion significantly affects the productive black soil region in Northeast China. Quantification of the soil erosion is necessary for designing efficient degradation control strategies. 137 Cs measurements undertaken on 61 sampling points collected within a 28.5 ha agricultural catchment in the black soil region of Northeast China were used to establish the magnitude and spatial pattern of soil redistribution rates as well as sediment budget within the catchment. Estimated soil redistribution rates using the Mass Balance Model 2 (MBM2) ranged from −56.8 to 171.4 t ha −1 yr −1 for the sampling points that were verified by means of both runoff plot data and pedological investigation. Erosion generally occurred behind the shelterbelts, especially in the ephemeral gully susceptibleareas, while deposition mainlyoccurred along the shelterbelts and atthe catchment outlet.Inthestudycatchment,69% oftheerodedsedimentscamefromtheslopes and31% theephemeral gullies. Sedimentsdepositedalongthe shelterbeltsatarateofca.78 t yr −1 andca.33 t yr −1 atthecatchmentoutlet.The gross soil loss rate for the catchment was −4.4 t ha −1 yr −1 with a sediment delivery ratio of 53%. The mean rate of −14.5 t ha −1 yr −1 in the erosion areas was much higher than the tolerable value, suggesting that effective soilconservationmeasuresare urgentlyrequiredtoreducethesevere black soillossforsustainable management of the soil resource.
publication
173501
Wise – wide instantaneous support equipment
In the aviation industry, the downtime of aircrafts due to maintenance operations, also called Aircraft On Ground (AOG), represents a huge economic loss for airline companies. Each 24 hours of AOG can cost up to 100 000$ to the company . While the repair of electronic circuits often takes only a few minutes, repairing a part of an aircraft’s structure can range from a couple of days to several weeks. The WISE (Wide Instantaneous Support Equipment) project aims at accelerating and improving structural repairs on aircrafts. In the current market organisation, structural repairs require onsite specialized expertise. As experts are not available in every airport, they often have to be flown on site and this creates costly delays. Instead of physically moving the experts, WISE will bring expert assistance to the onsite teams through an advanced augmented reality communication system. Any maintenance site will then be able to benefit from the cumulated expertise of SUNAERO, which provides better results than any individual expert and avoids the added inconvenience of delaying the repair. Air flight security will be improved and costs reduced. The WISE project stems from repeated requests from customers, challenging us to devise a device capable of bringing world-class expertise to their onsite general maintenance teams. As the financial and technical benefits of such a solution are quite obvious, the goal of this feasibility study is to prove that such a feat is achievable.
project/european
985957
Directions in development
Cells in multicellular organisms organise along body and tissue axes. Cellular processes, such as division plane orientation, must be aligned with these polarity axes to generate functional 3-dimensional morphology, particularly in plants, where cell walls prevent cell migration. While some polarly localized plant proteins are known, molecular mechanisms of polarity establishment or its translation to division orientation are elusive, in part because regulators in animals and fungi appear to be missing from plant genomes. Cell polarity is first established in the embryo, but this has long been an intractable experimental model. My team has developed the genetic, cell biological and biochemical tools that now render the early Arabidopsis embryo an exquisite model for studying cell polarity and oriented division. Recent efforts already led to the unexpected identification of a novel family of deeply conserved polar plant proteins that share a structural domain with key animal polarity regulators. In the DIRNDL project, we will capitalize upon our unique position and foundational results, and use complementary approaches to discover the plant cell polarity and division orientation system. Firstly, we will address the function of the newly identified conserved polarity proteins, and determine mechanistic convergence of polarity regulators across multicellular kingdoms. Furthermore, we will use proteomic approaches to systematically identify polar proteins, and a genetic approach to identify regulators of polarity and division orientation, essential for embryogenesis. We will functionally analyse polar proteins and regulators both in Arabidopsis and the liverwort Marchantia to help prioritize conserved components, and to facilitate genetic analysis of protein function. Finally, we will use a cell-based system for engineering polarity de novo using the regulators identified in the project, and thus reveal the mechanisms that provide direction in plant development.
project/european
Q4417915
Améliorer la surveillance de l’infection par le ver à crochet chez les chiens en développant des tests diagnostiques rapides
Le projet vise à développer un produit innovant: tests immunochromatographiques rapides, ce qui permettra un diagnostic précoce et complet des infections des chiens avec des vers à crochet parasitaires. Des études menées jusqu’à présent ont montré qu’en plus du scintillement, les gogorijkas sont les nématodes les plus couramment trouvés chez les chiens avec une prévalence de 2 à 75 %. Ils sont aussi une menace zoonotique. Les tests rapides permettent des diagnostics de terrain, ne prenant qu’une douzaine de minutes, possibles sans l’utilisation d’équipements spécialisés et de réactifs &ndash supplémentaires; pas besoin d’effectuer des tests au laboratoire. Ils ne nécessitent pas de qualifications spécialisées de la part de l’utilisateur final, de sorte qu’ils peuvent être effectués par des vétérinaires et des éleveurs. SA.41471(2015/X) Objet de l’aide publique: art: 25 Règlement CE no 651/2014, du 17 juin 2014, déclarant certaines catégories d’aides compatibles avec le marché intérieur dans l’application des articles 107 et 108 du traité (JO L 119, p. C’est tout. UE L 187/1 du 26.06.2014)
project/regional
W2007458606
The match/mismatch of visuo-spatial cues between acquisition and retrieval contexts influences the expression of response vs. place memory in rats
Animals can perform goal-directed tasks by using response cues or place cues. The underlying memory systems are occasionally presented as competing. Using the double-H maze test (Pol-Bodetto et al.), we trained rats for response learning and, 24 h later, tested their memory in a 60-s probe trial using a new start place. A modest shift of the start place (translation: 60-cm to the left) provided a high misleading potential, whereas a marked shift (180° rotation; shift to the opposite) provided a low misleading potential. We analyzed each rat's first arm choice (to assess response vs. place memory retrieval) and its subsequent search for the former platform location (to assess the persistence in place memory or the shift from response to place memory). After the translation, response memory-based behavior was found in more than 90% rats (24/26). After the rotation, place memory-based behavior was observed in 50% rats, the others showing response memory or failing. Rats starting to use response cues were nevertheless able to subsequently shift to place ones. A posteriori behavioral analyses showed more and longer stops in rats starting their probe trial on the basis of place (vs. response) cues. These observations qualify the idea of competing memory systems for responses and places and are compatible with that of a cooperation between both systems according to principles of match/mismatch computation (at the start of a probe trial) and of error-driven adjustment (during the ongoing probe trial).
publication
170063
A new process for the manufacture of methanol from waste glycerol
The idea is to bring to pre-commercial stage a highly effective, economically feasible catalyst for the conversion of glycerol (a waste product from the manufacture of biodiesel) to methanol developed under the ERC Advanced Grant – ‘After the Goldrush’ (ERC-2011-AdG-291319). ‘After the Goldrush’ is aimed at developing cheap alternatives to precious metal catalysts, particularly those containing gold and palladium that can be difficult to commercialise due to their high cost. During our initial studies which focused on finding uses for waste glycerol produced from bio-diesel manufacture. We were exploring the use of glycerol as a starting point for the synthesis of valuable compounds using redox reactions involving oxygen and hydrogen transfer reactions. Biodiesel manufacture takes triglycerides and other fatty materials that can be derived from plant or animal sources and reacts this with methanol typically in the presence of liquid sodium hydroxide. The process produces high quality biodiesel together with glycerol as a waste product. Typically on a mass basis 10 tons of biodiesel produce 1 ton of glycerol as an undesired by-product. This waste glycerol is highly contaminated with residual sodium hydroxide and unconverted fats; it represents a huge environmental problem that keeps a brake on the future expansion of biodiesel production. Hence there has been much research dedicated to finding commercially viable uses for this waste glycerol. We have discovered that this waste glycerol can be converted into methanol in the presence of water and this new reaction is the proposal we wish to bring to a proof of concept demonstration stage.
project/european
W2613319505
Estimating small area health-related characteristics of populations: a methodological review
Estimation of health-related characteristics at a fine local geographic level is vital for effective health promotion programmes, provision of better health services and population-specific health planning and management. Lack of a micro-dataset readily available for attributes of individuals at small areas negatively impacts the ability of local and national agencies to manage serious health issues and related risks in the community. A solution to this challenge would be to develop a method that simulates reliable small-area statistics. This paper provides a significant appraisal of the methodologies for estimating health-related characteristics of populations at geographical limited areas. Findings reveal that a range of methodologies are in use, which can be classified as three distinct set of approaches: i) indirect standardisation and individual level modelling; ii) multilevel statistical modelling; and iii) micro-simulation modelling. Although each approach has its own strengths and weaknesses, it appears that microsimulation- based spatial models have significant robustness over the other methods and also represent a more precise means of estimating health-related population characteristics over small areas.
publication
W4360942067
Psychometric properties of the clei-19 scale to assess clinical learning environment in nursing students: a multicenter observational study.
The clinical learning environment is the context of overlap between the educational system and the working environment. Here students apply the knowledge learned during theoretical teachings, acquire practical, relational and caring skills. It is fundamental for nursing training and there are several rating scales aimed at evaluating it: the presence and quality of the studies that investigate their performances are heterogeneous, so it is difficult to identify the best tool. The CLEI-19 scale is the most concise instrument and its performance has not been tested in the Italian context.The study aims to evaluate the psychometric properties of the instrument in terms of factor structure and reliability.A multicenter cross-sectional observational study was conducted in Italy, at the University of Milan-Bicocca. Two tools were used: a context data collection questionnaire and the Italian CLEI-19 scale. The data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, the scale's factorial structure was tested by Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling ESEM. The reliability of the scale was evaluated by Alpha and Omega coefficients.The sample consists of 1095 statistical units. The factor analysis shows the presence of two latent factors that have been called Internship Assistant and Internship Environment. They correlate significantly and the fit indices confirm the solidity of the two-factor model. Internal coherence was adequate or more than adequate for single factors and overall tool.The CLEI-19 scale is a reliable tool, which comprehensively investigates the two key components of the clinical learning environment: the Internship Assistant and the Environment. The employment simplifies the process of evaluating the internship environment, offers the possibility of improving its quality, facilitates the comparison between realities and enhances the perception of students.INTRODUZIONE: L’ambiente di apprendimento clinico è il contesto di sovrapposizione tra il sistema educativo e l'ambiente lavorativo in cui gli studenti applicano le conoscenze apprese durante gli insegnamenti teorici, apprendono abilità pratiche, relazionali e di caring. È fondamentale per la formazione infermieristica ed esistono numerosi strumenti finalizzati a valutarlo: la qualità degli studi che ne indagano le performance è eterogenea. La scala CLEI-19 è uno strumento conciso e facile da usare ma le sue performance non sono state testate nel contesto italiano. OBIETTIVI: Lo studio ha l’obiettivo di valutare le proprietà psicometriche dello strumento in termini di struttura fattoriale e affidabilità. METODI: È stato condotto uno studio osservazionale trasversale multicentrico in Italia, presso l’Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca. Sono stati impiegati due strumenti: un questionario di raccolta dati di contesto e la scala CLEI-19 italiana. Le variabili di contesto sono state analizzate tramite statistica descrittiva. La struttura fattoriale della scala è stata indagata attraverso i modelli esplorativi di equazione strutturale (ESEM). L’affidabilità della scala è stata valutata mediante i coefficienti Alpha e Omega. RISULTATI: Il campione è costituito da 1095 unità statistiche. Dall’analisi fattoriale emerge la presenza di due fattori latenti correlati che sono stati denominati “Assistente di Tirocinio” ed “Ambiente di Tirocinio”. Gli indici di fit confermano la solidità del modello a due fattori. La coerenza interna è risultata adeguata o più che adeguata sia per i singoli fattori che per lo strumento complessivo. CONCLUSIONI: La scala CLEI-19 è uno strumento affidabile, che indaga in modo esaustivo le due componenti cardine dell’ambiente di apprendimento clinico: l’Assistente di Tirocinio e l’Ambiente di Tirocinio nel complesso. L’impiego semplifica il processo di valutazione dell’ambiente di tirocinio, offre la possibilità di migliorarne la qualità, agevola il confronto tra realtà e valorizza la percezione degli studenti.
publication
W1981769385
Perioperative management of the adult scoliosis patient
Scoliosis in adults presents a uniquely different set of challenges to spine surgeons than scoliosis in the pediatric and adolescent population. The outcome of the corrective procedure in adult deformity revolves not only on meticulous surgical planning and technique but also upon optimization of a host of perioperative variables. Medical comorbidities related to advanced age are fairly common and need to be adequately controlled prior to surgery. Attenuated physiological response mechanisms to surgery-related stress in the geriatric population also require careful consideration. Anesthesia-related risk in the elderly, excessive blood loss during surgery, complications arising secondary to prolonged surgical time, the decision to stage a procedure, and maintenance of optimal nutritional status during hospitalization are the factors that play a crucial role in the perioperative management of adult spinal deformity patients. This review elaborates upon all such variables that a surgeon may come across in managing spinal deformity in the elderly and describes strategies to address them.
publication
894248
We value nature
The overall objective of EU-VNP-Net is to establish, support and energise an EU Valuing Nature Network of Networks (EU-VNN) and to implement a prioritised EU Valuing Nature Programme (EU-VNP) that, together, build synergies and collaborations among relevant existing and emerging networks (global, EU, national, sector, thematic, research and innovation), accelerate mainstreaming and operationalization of natural capital (NC) by businesses across the EU – in particular through uptake of NC assessment, NC accounting (NCA), nature-based solutions (NBS) and green infrastructure (GI) – and thereby contribute to the green economy and sustainable development. The EU-VNP will: (1) bring together, taking stock of and showcase relevant work being undertaken in the EU; (2) shape business perception in the EU of the value of nature as a business opportunity and as a means of reducing business risk and fostering sustainable business; (3) facilitate corporate uptake in the EU of the Natural Capital Protocol, which enables businesses to integrate NC in to business decision-making frameworks and models; (4) stimulate uptake in the EU of NCA so that businesses and their stakeholders are better aware of the value of nature in relation to business, and strengthen coherence between private and public sector work on NCA; (5) stimulate uptake in the EU of NBS, GI and related ecosystem-based solutions that enable businesses to reduce impacts and dependencies on NC and deliver benefits for both nature and business; (6) ensure that approaches adopted are optimal and scientifically rigorous; (7) explore options for a longer-term EU-VNN and/or EU-VNP beyond end of project. EU-VNP-Net will deliver impact through: (1) mainstreaming NC assessment, NCA, NBS and GI in business decision-making frameworks and models; (2) business decision-makers acknowledging the micro-and macro-economic relevance and value of NC approaches; (3) attracting private and public funding for further adoption.
project/european
US 202318397850 A
TERMINAL, BASE STATION, AND WIRELESS COMMUNICATION METHOD
A terminal includes: a receiving unit which receives system information including information on a resource and/or a period for a tracking reference signal (TRS); and a control unit which controls reception of downlink control information including indication information about availability of the TRS in a resource and/or a period configured based on the system information. The control unit controls validity time of the indication information included in the downlink control information based on information about the validity time, the information being included in the system information.
patent
W2210197555
Classifying Natural Waters with the Forel-Ule Colour Index System: Results, Applications, Correlations and Crowdsourcing
Societal awareness of changes in the environment and climate has grown rapidly, and there is a need to engage citizens in gathering relevant scientific information to monitor environmental changes due to recognition that citizens are a potential source of critical information. The apparent colour of natural waters is one aspect of our aquatic environment that is easy to detect and an essential complementary optical water quality indicator. Here we present the results and explore the utility of the Forel-Ule colour index (FUI) scale as a proxy for different properties of natural waters. A FUI scale is used to distinguish the apparent colours of different natural surface water masses. Correlation analysis was completed in an effort to determine the constituents of natural waters related to FUI. Strong correlations with turbidity, Secchi-disk depth, and coloured dissolved organic material suggest the FUI is a good indicator of changes related to other constituents of water. The increase in the number of tools capable of determining the FUI colours, (i) ocean colour remote sensing products; (ii) a handheld scale; and (iii) a mobile device app, make it a versatile relative measure of water quality. It has the potential to provide higher spatial and temporal resolution of data for a modernized classification of optical water quality. This FUI colour system has been favoured by several scientists in the last century because it is affordable and easy to use and provides indicative information about the colour of water and the water constituents producing that colour. It is therefore within the scope of a growing interest in the application and usefulness of basic measurement methodologies with the potential to provide timely benchmark information about the environment to the public, scientists and policymakers.
publication
W1876914071
Intelligent route generation: discovery and search of correlation between shared resources
SUMMARY Sharing information and resources on the Internet has become an important activity for education. The use of ubiquitous devices makes it possible for learning participants to be engaged in an open and connected social environment, and also allows the learning activities to be performed at any time and any place. In this study, the discovery of correlation among shared resources is concentrated. A hypothetical scenario is considered that the information, such as photos and thoughts, is applicable to be shared with implicit context (i.e., geographical information) by learners through a practical implementation, PadSCORM, on a mobile device. Two major contributions are achieved. First, the correlations among resources are determined through usage experiences mining and geographical information adjustment. It then assists learners in filtering out redundant information by highlighting the significance of resources. Second, an intelligent searching algorithm is proposed to visualize adaptive routes to facilitate search process and to enrich the learning activity. The empirical experiments revealing the feasibility and performance (e.g., accuracy and effectiveness) are conducted in the universities in North Taiwan. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
publication
W2018340704
Online joint palmprint and palmvein verification
As a unique and reliable biometric characteristic, palmprint verification has achieved a great success. However, palmprint alone may not be able to meet the increasing demand of highly accurate and robust biometric systems. Recently, palmvein, which refers to the palm feature under near-infrared spectrum, has been attracting much research interest. Since palmprint and palmvein can be captured simultaneously by using specially designed devices, the joint use of palmprint and palmvein features can effectively increase the accuracy, robustness and anti-spoof capability of palm based biometric techniques. This paper presents an online personal verification system by fusing palmprint and palmvein inforA fast palmprint and palmvein recognition systemA fast palmprint and palmvein recognition system quality can vary much, a dynamic fusion scheme which is adaptive to image quality is developed. To increase the anti-spoof capability of the system, a liveness detection method based on the image property is proposed. A comprehensive database of palmprint-palmvein images was established to verify the proposed system, and the experimental results demonstrated that since palmprint and palmvein contain complementary information, much higher accuracy could be achieved by fusing them than using only one of them. In addition, the whole verification procedure can be completed in 1.2s, which implies that the system can work in real time.
publication
176849
Enhancement of training capabilities in vver technology through establishment of vver training academy (corona ii)
The main objective of the proposed CORONA II project is to enhance the safety of nuclear installations through further improvement of the training capabilities aimed at building up the necessary personnel competencies. Specific objective of the proposed CORONA II project is to proceed with the development of state-of-the-art regional training center for VVER competence (which will be called CORONA Academy), whose pilot implementation through CORONA project (2011-2014) proved to be viable solution for supporting transnational mobility and lifelong learning amongst VVER operating countries. The project aims at continuation of the European cooperation and support in the area for preservation and further development of expertise in the nuclear field by improvement of higher education and training. This objective will be realized through networking between universities, research organisations, regulatory bodies, industry and any other organisations involved in the application of nuclear science, ionising radiation and nuclear safety. The proposed CORONA Academy will maintain the nuclear expertise by gathering the existing and generating new knowledge in the VVER area. It will bring together the most experienced trainers in the different aspects of the area within EU and abroad, thus overcoming the mobility challenge that stands ahead the nuclear education and training community. The selected form of the CORONA Academy, together with the online availability of the training opportunities will allow trainees from different locations to access the needed knowledge on demand. The available set of courses will cover the whole range of training of VVER specialists from the university until reaching high professional skills and competences in the area.
project/european
W2019014121
Biomass Characteristics Analysis of Compression Forming
Based on the analysis of extrusion mechanical model of the process of flat molding extrusion form roller to the material, the relationship between axial compressive stress, radial compressive stress, tangent friction force and the length of die hole is derived, and the theoretical computation formula of radius ratio of roller and flat die is also derived. It shows effects of friction coefficient, die hole radius and Poisson ratio on the degree of saturation pressure. The paper analyses on the stress of roller in one case of radius ratio. The results from the analysis reveal that the stress mainly concentrates on the area near the center of the roller and the inner part closing the center of flat die, which can guide the basic design about the flat molding extrusion.
publication
W2011929652
Systematic Review of Cochlear Implantation in Children With Developmental Disability
To perform a systematic review comparing the xoutcome of cochlear implantation in children with developmental disability with children without developmental disability.MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched from 1950 or the start date of each database. The search was performed on 1st November 2012, and included articles published ahead of print with no language restrictions.The initial search presented 441 articles of which 13 met the inclusion criteria. The articles studied children with cochlear implants and developmental disability where expressive and/or receptive language outcomes were compared with children with cochlear implants and normal development.Study quality assessment included whether ethical approval was gained, prospective design, eligibility criteria specified, appropriate controls used, adequate follow-up achieved, and defined outcome measures. Cochlear implant outcome analysis included expressive/receptive speech and language development in addition to quality of life and behavior.Because of heterogeneity in postoperative follow-up periods and outcome measures reported, it was not possible to pool the data and perform meta-analysis. Comparisons were made by structured review.Seven studies demonstrated a worse outcome for children with developmental disability. Six articles showed no difference in the outcome between the 2 groups. Children with developmental disability may not benefit from cochlear implantation based on traditional assessment tools but appear to improve their environmental awareness and quality of life. More work is needed to define the term benefit when used in this context for this vulnerable group. Autistic children consistently had a negative outcome.
publication
W2901955095
Use of Differential Interferometry on Sentinel-L Images for the Measurement of Ground Displacements. Ischia Earthquake and Comparison with Ingv Data.
This paper deals with ground displacement measurements with Differential Synthetic Aperture Radar Interferometry (DInSAR) technique. These ground modifications often occur as a consequence of an earthquake. The island of Ischia (Southern Italy) has been chosen as case study since it was hit by a severe earthquake on the 21st of August 2017. The National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) and the Institute for Electromagnetic Sensing of the Environment (IREA) of the National Research Council of Italy (CNR) provided the displacement maps considering interferometric pairs close to the main shock event. In this work, a further interferometric pair, which also includes some aftershocks, has been used to calculate ground modifications. The results confirmed a ground subsidence up to 4 centimeters in the epicenter area, in agreement with the reference data. This study rely on open access data as well as on open software, both provided by the European Space Agency (ESA) under the Copernicus program. In particular, data from Sentinel-1 radar satellite mission and SNAP software have been used. The availability of such data and software is relevant for public institutions that can produce valuable information at almost no charge.
publication
US 2006/0012017 W
SOLIDIFICATION OF CRYSTALLINE SILICON FROM REUSABLE CRUCIBLE MOLDS
A process for making silicon ingots using a multi-part, reusable, graphite crucible of at least two mold pieces configured for assembly into an open top mold having an interior surface functional as a mold cavity for receiving molten silicon; removing or reducing a prior applied release coating from the interior surface until a uniformly smooth finish is achieved; coating the interior surface with a first layer of release coating comprising silicon nitride; coating the interior surface with a second layer of release coat comprising silica suspended in water; coating the interior surface with a third layer of release coat comprising silicon nitride; curing the release coat on said crucible; casting a silicon ingot in the crucible; and then repeating the prior steps multiple times.
patent

Dataset Description

The unlabelled-sti-corpus is a diverse dataset designed for developing information extraction datasets (i.e. text classification or NER) for Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) records. The corpus contains approximately 35,000 records sourced from four major repositories:

  • 22,500 publications from OpenAlex
  • 10,000 European research projects from CORDIS
  • 5,000 regional projects from Interreg and Kohesio
  • 7,000 patents from Lens.org

The dataset is stratified across disciplines and field categories to ensure representation of a wide range of topics and domains. It is intended for labelling tasks that can support a variety of downstream applications in STI research, including extracting entities, relations, and other structured information from textual data. The dataset is unannotated and intended for labelling tasks, meaning users must prepare their own labelled subsets for specific applications.

Dataset Creation

Curation Rationale

The dataset was created to address the need for a diverse and representative corpus for information extraction in STI domains. By including records from multiple repositories and stratifying by discipline, the corpus provides a robust foundation for developing models applicable to a wide range of STI applications.

Source Data

The dataset aggregates records from:

  • OpenAlex: A comprehensive open catalogue of scholarly works.
  • CORDIS: The EU's primary repository for research project information.
  • Interreg: A program fostering interregional cooperation in Europe.
  • Kohesio: A database of regional development projects.
  • Patstat: Lens.org contains bibliographical and legal event patent data from different jurisdictions and patent offices

Stratification by field categories was conducted to ensure that records from various disciplines (e.g., engineering, life sciences, social sciences) are represented.

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