id
stringlengths 5
17
| title
stringlengths 2
2.56k
⌀ | abstract
stringlengths 3
29.9k
| type
stringclasses 4
values |
|---|---|---|---|
2730122 | Architectured soft magnetoactive materials: beyond instabilities | Soft magnetoactive materials can change their properties and undergo extremely large deformations when excited by magnetic stimuli. These reconfigurable soft materials hold great potential for a large variety of applications from sensing devices to energy harvesting, noise and vibration mitigation, and soft robotics. However, these materials operate at high magnetic fields, thus, limiting potential application of the technology. A promising approach to significantly enhance the magnetomechanical performance, and reduce the required magnetic field, is to design soft magnetoactive composites through architectured microstructures. Highly ordered microstructures are an origin for multiscale magnetomechanical instabilities and possible failure of the materials. In this research proposal, we directly address this crucial aspect for MAE-based technology. Moreover, we declare an ambitious goal: Turning failure into functionalities.
Our strategy is to take the risk of operating MAEs in the unstable regime with predesigned instability developments. This novel MAE design concept will capitalize on controllable cascade microstructure transformations while attempting to avoid catastrophic failure. If successful, this concept will open a new avenue in design of morphing magnetoactive materials with new functionalities and superior performance. To achieve this ambitious goal, we will develop multiscale theoretical and computational frameworks to reveal and to predict the behavior of possible advantageous microstructures in the extreme regimes. If successful, we will fill the gap in magnetomechanical multiscale instability phenomena, and will significantly advance the frontier of knowledge about the reconfigurable soft matter. We will probe our ideas experimentally, and will fabricate the revealed advantageous materials with engineered microstructures and properties. We envision revealing the fundamental multiphysics mechanisms of the multiscale magnetomechanical instabilities. | project/european |
217815 | Moduli spaces, manifolds and arithmetic | This proposal concerns the application of homotopy theoretic methods to multiple questions of geometric nature, and in particular the study of moduli spaces. Firmly based in topology, the research proposed here is strongly motivated by applications and potential applications to differential geometry, algebraic geometry and especially number theory.
Any “moduli space” parametrizes how certain objects may vary in families. The moduli spaces of manifolds parametrize how smooth manifolds may vary in families (smooth fiber bundles), and the representation varieties studied in the second major component parametrize how linear representations of a group may vary in algebraic families.
The homotopy theoretic study of moduli spaces of manifolds has seen spectacular successes in the last 15 years, kickstarted by a theorem of Madsen and Weiss concerning the topology of moduli spaces of 2-dimensional manifolds. Very recently, anongoing collaboration between O. Randal-Williams and myself promises to establish analoguous results for manifolds of higher dimension. If funded, the research proposed here will bring this research program to a point where all major results about surface moduli spaces have proven analogues for manifolds of higher dimension.
The second major component of this proposal has strong number-theoretic origins, but is essentially homotopy theoretic. It concerns the study of universal deformations of representations of (Galois) groups. If funded, the research in this component of the proposal, joint with Akshay Venkatesh, will develop derived (simplicial) deformation rings. Classical deformation rings have had spectacular applications in number theory (starting with Wiles’ work) and we also propose to begin the study of applications ofderived deformation rings.
Finally, the proposal contains smaller or more speculative projects, and points out many questions which might be suitable for the Ph.D.-students and postdocs also applied for in this proposal. | project/european |
172962 | Large-Scale rina benchmark on fire | ARCFIRE will bring RINA from labs into the real-world. RINA, the Recursive InterNetwork Architecture, is an innovative “back-to-basics” network architecture that solves current limitations and facilitates full integration between distributed computing and networking. RINA addresses the challenges that drive the communications industry in moving from dedicated hardware to almost completely virtualised infrastructure. The next shift, 5G, on the horizon for 2020, will change the communication industry even more significantly. Now is the right time for ARCFIRE to provide experimental evidence of RINA’s benefits, at large scale, in compelling and realistic business cases, thus motivating RINA adoption.
ARCFIRE will experimentally demonstrate RINA’s key benefits integrating current EC investment in advanced networks (IRATI, PRISTINE) and Future Internet testbeds (FIRE+) focusing on 5 goals: 1) Facilitate comparison of converged operator networks using RINA to operator’s current network designs; 2) Produce a robust RINA software suite ready for Europe to engage in large-scale deployments and long-living experiments; 3) Provide relevant experimental evidence of RINA benefits to network operators, their equipment vendors, application developers and end-users; 4) Build on the current EU Future Internet community and raise the number of organisations involved in RINA development and deployment; 5) Enhance the FIRE+ infrastructure with ready to use RINA software.
ARCFIRE will have long-term sustainable impact on how we build infrastructure for the Networked Society. ARCFIRE’s deployed software suite will enable equipment vendors to shorten their innovation life cycle, network operators to run advanced networks addressing their needs in a future-proof fashion, European SME’s to find and exploit specialised markets and application developers to explore unseen opportunities.
ARCFIRE’s consortium has the experience and resources to achieve these goals and provide this impact. | project/european |
Q4250256 | AIDE DE LIQUIDITÉ AUX MICROENTREPRISES TOUCHÉES PAR L’URGENCE LIÉE À LA COVID-19 | SOUTIEN À LA LIQUIDITÉ DES MICRO ET PETITES ENTREPRISES DANS LES SECTEURS DU COMMERCE DE DÉTAIL, DE LA FOURNITURE ET DES SERVICES PERSONNELS DONT L’ACTIVITÉ A ÉTÉ SUSPENDUE À LA SUITE DE L’ARRÊTÉ MINISTÉRIEL DU 11 MARS 2020 | project/regional |
AU 2013/000770 W | SUPPORT PLATFORM | A support platform (1), adapted to be positioned across the top of a bath. The support platform includes a pair of wall engaging members (2, 3), each wall engaging member (2, 3) adapted to engage a respective opposed side wall of said bath, each member (2, 3) including a plurality of support arms (6, 7) extending outwardly therefrom in a manner so as to engage with the support arms (6, 7) of the opposed member; and, an adjustment mechanism (8), for adjustment of the spacing between said pair of wall engaging members (2, 3). | patent |
W2000800039 | Examining primary schools' physical education coordinators' pedagogical content knowledge of games: are we just playing as this? | A detailed insight into how the current educational climate influences the pedagogical decisions made by primary school teachers when teaching games is limited. Studies examining the pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) of teachers within physical education have revealed its close relationship with specific forms of subject knowledge. In recognition of this, Veal and MaKinster's framework of general, domain and topic-specific PCK was employed to examine 12 primary school teachers' PCK of games. It was concluded that when personal experiences of pedagogy and content knowledge are unchallenged and reinforced by teachers' training and continuing professional development (CPD) programmes, very narrow topic-specific PCK results. This PCK was characterised bythe inseparable paring of constricted pedagogical strategies and limited content knowledge. When teachers do not integrate this very narrow topic-specific PCK with other types of PCK, it has significant repercussions upon the planned curriculum and learning ... | publication |
W2091657192 | The Devil in the Deal: Trade Embedded Emissions and the Durban Platform | Several commentators have expressed concern that the Durban Platform does not include more specific language about the need for equitable mitigation efforts. Meanwhile, other commentators have argued that the differentiated approach adopted by the Kyoto Protocol set up an opposition between the developed and developing nations; resulting in an impasse which has prevented the achievement of adequately ambitious, agreeable and binding mitigation commitments. In this commentary I propose that the political impasse is not due to the equity track per se, but rather to the territorial and production-based accounting system upon which it was built. Under the UNFCCC, parties are required to provide inventories of GHG emissions within their national borders. There are several problems with this method, but most important given the argument here, is that the production-approach has resulted in a significant misrepresentation of the total climate impact of developed nations. Because GHG emissions are not confined by... | publication |
W3082502185 | Integration of z15 processor-based DEFLATE acceleration into IBM z/OS | IBM z15 replaces the former I/O attached accelerator for DEFLATE, zEnterprise Data Compression (zEDC) Express, with an on-chip accelerator that can be synchronously accessed via an instruction. The integration of this new accelerator in the z/OS software stack has been designed to maintain a consistent user experience for software packages that used the previous technology, while still allowing the enhanced aspects of the new technology to deliver the additional value. Two different access paths for DEFLATE have been created in z/OS to accomplish both goals. For user space programs that utilize the zlib API, z/OS directly executes the instruction synchronously, which avoids overhead and reduces latency. Authorized users continue to utilize existing infrastructure and have the Service Assist Processors (SAP) perform compression in an asynchronous fashion on their behalf. The SAP receives information about the requested task via a thin and efficient communication path to z/OS, invokes the instruction in a well-defined fashion, and returns the result to z/OS. This article describes the integration of DEFLATE acceleration in z15 into the z/OS software stack in both synchronous and asynchronous mode and presents the resulting performance for selected workloads. | publication |
171713 | Key account management and innovation capacity support services for triveneto sme’s | KANT project aims at improving the competitiveness of small and medium enterprises in Triveneto macro-region (Veneto, Trentino South Tirol, Friuli Venezia Giulia), in North Eastern Italy, in order to help in achieving the targets fixed by the Europe 2020 strategy for a smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. KANT project fully addresses the challenges of part 7 – Innovation in small and medium-sized enterprises – of HORIZON 2020 Work Programme 2014-2015. It will offer services to SME’s to enhance their capacity in managing innovation. It will promote the importance of Innovation Management and SME Instrument among small and medium enterprises, providing companies more inclined to innovation with two types of professional services: Key Account Management (KAM) for SME’s beneficiaries of SME Instrument and support to establishment of Innovation Management Systems (IMS) for companies with high propension to innovation.
KAM service will help selected companies to better exploit the benefit of SME Instrument, accompanying them in finding a suitable coach, identifying and implementing their own exploitation plan. IMS support service will help innovation oriented companies in identifying and establishing their own system of management of innovation as a strategic asset for company growth on the market.
The KANT consortium is made up by four Enterprise Europe Network partners that manage, according to their mission, technology transfer, internationalization and innovation management projects and possess a database of 10,000 client SME’s. They worked, since late nineties, in Innovation Relay Centres network. 10 senior experts will furnish Triveneto SME’s with 10 7-day KAM service packages and 22 7-day IMS support packages. Imp3rove methodology will be adopted.
Activities carried out in the Action will be run in tight synergy with EEN project and will involve other local stakeholders and economic development agents in order to reach high effectiveness and efficiency target. | project/european |
US 2005/0008237 W | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FABRICATING A CRYSTALLINE THIN STRUCTURE | A crystalline thin structure (104, 204, 404) is grown on a surface (108, 228) of a substrate (112, 208, 400) by depositing molecules (136, 220) from a molecular precursor to a lateral growth front (144, 224) of the structure using a crystal grower (116, 200). In one embodiment, the crystal grower comprises a solution (124) containing the molecular precursor in a solvent (140). Molecules are added to the lateral growth front by moving one or both of the free surface (120, 120') of the solution and deposition surface relative to the other at a predetermined rate. In another embodiment, the crystal grower comprises a mask (212) that includes at least one opening (216). Precursor molecules are vacuum deposited via a molecular beam (236) at the growth front (228) of the crystalline thin structure (204) as one or both of the opening and surface are moved relative to the other at a predetermined rate. | patent |
W4226403697 | La vulnerabilidad urbana en la metrópoli de Barcelona. El rol de la densidad institucional en su persistencia / The Role of Institutional Thickness in Persistent Urban Vulnerability within the Barcelona Metropolitan Area | La presente investigación aborda el estudio de la vulnerabilidad urbana en el área metropolitana de Barcelona. En una primera fase, se construye un índice de vulnerabilidad urbana para los barrios metropolitanos que permite establecer una estructura jerárquica y realizar un análisis longitudinal para el período 2001-2011 identificando el cambio y la persistencia dentro de la jerarquía. En una segunda fase, se procede a un análisis explicativo de la permanencia y la transición a la vulnerabilidad extrema focalizado en el rol de la densidad institucional. Para ello se utiliza una metodología novedosa en los estudios urbanos basada en el análisis cualitativo comparado. Los análisis aportan evidencia sobre la persistencia de la vulnerabilidad extrema en el territorio y el rol complejo y limitado de la densidad institucional en el fenómeno. | publication |
US 0232898 W | TEXTILE FINISHING COMPOSITION AND METHODS FOR USING SAME | Novel textile finishing compositions for finishing textile articles are provided via the present invention. The textile finishing compositions disclosed herein comprise a cross-linking agent and a catalytic amount of an esterification agent. The cross-linking agents employed herein are selected from a number of phosphorous containing materials derived from maleic acid. Also provided via the present invention are methods for applying the aforementioned finishing compositions to textile articles. | patent |
US 2005/0036390 W | RADIOGRAPHIC MEDICAL IMAGING SYSTEM USING ROBOT MOUNTED SOURCE AND SENSOR FOR DYNAMIC IMAGE CAPTURE AND TOMOGRAPHY | A radiographic imaging system 100 includes a penetrating radiation source 110 including a first translating device 115, the first translating device 115 comprising a first controller 116 for positioning the radiation source. A radiation detector 120 includes second translating device 125 comprising a second controller for positioning the detector 120. A motion capture device 140 is communicably connected to both the first and second controllers. The motion capture device 140 tracks a position of the subject being imaged and provides position information to both the first controller 116 and second controller 126 for dynamically coordinating trajectories for both the radiation source 110 and the radiation detector 120. The first and second translating devices preferably comprise robotic arms. | patent |
W2731005363 | Stardust: Accessible and Transparent GPU Support for Information Visualization Rendering | Web-based visualization libraries are in wide use, but performance bottlenecks occur when rendering, and especially animating, a large number of graphical marks. While GPU-based rendering can drastically improve performance, that paradigm has a steep learning curve, usually requiring expertise in the computer graphics pipeline and shader programming. In addition, the recent growth of virtual and augmented reality poses a challenge for supporting multiple display environments beyond regular canvases, such as a Head Mounted Display (HMD) and Cave Automatic Virtual Environment (CAVE). In this paper, we introduce a new web-based visualization library called Stardust, which provides a familiar API while leveraging GPU’s processing power. Stardust also enables developers to create both 2D and 3D visualizations for diverse display environments using a uniform API. To demonstrate Stardust’s expressiveness and portability, we present five example visualizations and a coding playground for four display environments. We also evaluate its performance by comparing it against the standard HTML5 Canvas, D3, and Vega. | publication |
643208 | Evolution in wild populations | The impact of global environmental change on natural populations is both an urgent concern, and an invaluable opportunity to understand how environmental variation shapes evolutionary and ecological processes. This project will combine state-of-the-art genomic and statistical technology with globally distributed studies to build a ground-breaking new understanding of the evolutionary and ecological dynamics of wild populations. At the same time, it will deliver much-needed application of both long-standing and new evolutionary theory. My track record of building the field of wild quantitative genetics together with the new multi-species consortium I have created, means I am uniquely positioned to exert powerful leverage over core questions. My project has three major objectives: (1) to understand variation in fitness and current rates of evolutionary adaptation in the wild, including contributions from social evolution; (2) to determine the effects of environmental variation on natural selection and adaptive evolutionary responses; and (3) to provide comprehensive assessment of the contribution of evolutionary genetic adaptation vs ecological responses to the dynamics of phenotypic traits and population numbers. It will do so using seven exceptional long-term studies of wild mammal populations from across the world: red deer, bighorn sheep, Soay sheep, spotted hyaenas, meerkats, eastern grey kangaroos and Tasmanian devils, all experiencing environmental change such as the effects of climate or disease. The multi-species consortium will enable valuable insight into the generality of the results, which can inform the management of wild populations. The project will also develop new analytical approaches, bringing together the latest quantitative genetic and genomic developments with hierarchical population modelling, which will have application across a broad range of systems. | project/european |
633417 | Towards intelligent dc-based hybrid grids optimizing the network performance | DC grids attractiveness has been increased in the last years due to the high proliferation of renewable energy sources together with the increase in DC loads (electronics, LED lighting, electric vehicles, energy storage…). The main drivers behind this paradigm shift are related to the improved efficiency, flexibility, security and reliability DC grids may provide, thus increasing the sustainability of the energy distribution system. However, there is a need for demonstration of DC technologies and grid topologies so that these solutions are able to evolve from a promising solution for the future smart grids to a commercially available technological option.
Under this context, TIGON aims to achieve a smooth deployment and integration of intelligent DC-based grid architectures within the current energy system while providing ancillary services to the main network. To do so, TIGON proposes a four-level approach aiming at improving 1) Reliability, 2) Resilience 3) Performance, and 4) Cost Efficiency of hybrid grids through the development of an innovative portfolio of power electronic solutions and software systems and tools focused on the efficient monitoring, control and management of DC grids. These solutions will be demonstrated in two main Demo-Sites located in France and Spain, while additional use cases in the residential and urban railway sectors will act as niche markets for analysing and further solidifying the replication of TIGON developments after the project’s end.
TIGON has involved for this purpose a multidisciplinary team of 15 partners from 8 different European Member States with a well-balanced consortium integrated by 7 non-profit entities and 7 companies. This partnership provides the required expertise from fields such as power electronics, cybersecurity, standardisation, etc. to design the solutions proposed within TIGON as well as the industrial capabilities required for the manufacturing, integration and validation of the whole TIGON concept. | project/european |
W2057311563 | The role of strike-slip faults in the displacement of the Palaeotethys suture zone in Southeast Thailand | Abstract Six N–S tectono-stratigraphic belts can be recognized in Southeast Thailand, each with a distinct stratigraphy and igneous history. The westernmost Belt (I) is thought to be part of the Sibumasu Block, and the easternmost (V) to include part of the Indochina Block. Between those, Belt III comprises acid volcanic rocks, volcaniclastics, and Carboniferous to Triassic sedimentary rocks with distinctive faunas, interpreted to be a volcanic arc; Belt IV comprises Triassic rocks of back-arc basin origin; Belt V is interpreted as a Permian accretionary complex on the western flank of Indochina; and VI is an unconformable cover of Jurassic–Cretaceous red-beds correlating with the Khorat Group. A history of the Triassic Indosinian Orogeny is proposed, leading to the cratonization of Southeast Thailand by the end-Triassic. The apparent absence in Southeast Thailand of rocks from the Devonian–Triassic Palaeotethys ocean (the Inthanon Zone of Northern Thailand) is suggested to have resulted from a phase of post-Indosinian, oblique to longitudinal, sinistral, strike-slip faulting. That phase is thought to have included displacement on the Mae Yuam Fault which bounds the Inthanon Zone in Northern Thailand. Then followed a phase of transverse, sinistral, strike-slip faulting which offset the tectono-stratigraphic belts and faults of the earlier phase. | publication |
W4281790254 | Une enfance sous contrôle institutionnel | En France, 187 000 enfants ou adolescents sont placés au titre de l’enfance en danger, soit 1 % des moins de 21 ans. À partir de l’étude longitudinale sur l’accès à l’autonomie après le placement (ELAP), cet article étudie le rapport aux institutions des jeunes de l’aide sociale à l’enfance (ASE). Deux types d’attitudes opposées sont identifiés, entre lesquels il existe un continuum de situations. L’« adhésion » aux attentes des institutions se caractérise par une acceptation de la prise en charge et des parcours conformes aux attentes des travailleurs sociaux. Dans le cas de la « non-adhésion », le placement est au contraire vécu comme une injonction à renoncer à ses rêves ou un carcan. Cela conduit à des confrontations répétées avec les travailleurs sociaux et, parfois, à un départ précipité de l’ASE. Le rapport à l’institution a donc un effet décisif sur la transi tion vers la sortie et l’appréhension des relais avec les aides institutionnelles des dispositifs en dehors de l’ASE. | publication |
W2022445303 | Effect of disorder on temporal fluctuations in drying-induced cracking | We investigate by means of computer simulations the effect of structural disorder on the statistics of cracking for a thin layer of material under uniform and isotropic drying. The layer is discretized into a triangular lattice of springs. The drying process is captured by reducing the natural length of all springs by the same factor, and the amount of quenched disorder is controlled by varying the width {\xi} of the distribution of the random breaking thresholds for the springs. Once a spring breaks, redistribution of the load may trigger an avalanche of breaks. Our simulations revealed that the system exhibits a phase transition with the amount of disorder as control parameter: at low disorders, the breaking process is dominated by a macroscopic crack at the beginning, and the size distribution of the subsequent breaking avalanches shows an exponential form. At high disorders, the fracturing proceeds in small-sized avalanches with an exponential distribution, generating a large number of micro-cracks which eventually merge and break the layer. Between both phases a sharp transition occurs at a critical amount of disorder {\xi}_c = 0.40 \pm 0.01, where the avalanche size distribution becomes a power law with exponent {\tau} = 2.6 \pm 0.08, in agreement with the mean-field value {\tau} = 5/2 of the fiber bundle model. Good quality data collapses from the finite-size scaling analysis show that the average value of the largest burst <\Delta_max> can be identified as the order parameter, with {\beta}/{\nu} = 1.4 and 1/{\nu} = 1.0, and that the average ratio <m2 /m1> of the second m2 and first moments m1 of the avalanche size distribution shows similar behaviour to the susceptibility of a continuous transition, with {\gamma}/{\nu} = 1., 1/{\nu} = 0.9. These suggest that the disorder induced transition of the breakup of thin layers is analogous to a continuous phase transition. | publication |
Q2707480 | Grants to the company to finance and ensure its day-to-day business | The project provides for a grant to Mariola Kowalska, which has been hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the pandemic, the company’s turnover decreased significantly. The grant will ensure that the company continues to operate for a period of 3 months. | project/regional |
W2000196781 | Method of negative saturations for flow with variable number of phases in porous media: extension to three-phase multi-component case | Various EOR methods lead to the appearance of specific macroscopic surfaces called interfaces of phase transition (IPT) such that the number of phases on two sides of an IPT is different, and fluids separated by an IPT are in non-equilibrium. Therefore, the flow equations are also different on two sides of an IPT and cannot be deduced from each other by a continuous degeneration, which imposes difficulties in numerical modelling. To describe such systems, we developed a new conceptual mathematical method based on the replacement of the real single-phase fluid by an imaginary multi-phase multi-component continuum having fictitious properties. As the result, the fluid over all zones becomes multi-phase and can be described by uniform multi-phase hydro- and thermodynamic equations, which allows applying the direct numerical simulation. The equivalence principle determines the physical properties of the fictitious multi-phase fluid, as well as the structure of the uniform multi-phase equations. It also proves that the saturation of each phase becomes an extended function negative or higher than unity in non-equilibrium zones, which becomes the efficient method of tracking the interfaces, the number of phases at any point, and their degree of disequilibrium. The method was developed in [1, 2] for the two-phase case. In the present paper, the new version of the method is developed for the three-phase case with gravity, diffusion, and capillarity. We have obtained the new equivalent uniform multi-phase equations which contain additional non-classical terms responsible for the diffusion and gravity across an IPT. The comparison with classical method is presented. The presentation is illustrated by several examples of simulation by means of the code developed by the research group; their concern: EOR by miscible methods and CO 2 bubble raising in aquifer. | publication |
169377 | Quantifying the extent fungal mycorrhizal communities affect orchid niche breadth and geographical distribution | Understanding the factors that underlie species distributions is a fundamental goal of ecology. With climate change there is increased importance to quantify how species distributions will change in a European context. Orchids are particularly sensitive to environmental conditions. Mycorrhizas are vitally important in determining the population occurrence of orchids, as orchid seeds rely entirely on fungi to provide nutrients in order to germinate and establish. While there have been major advances in the use of molecular tools in identifying mycorrhizal communities, no study has yet investigated how mycorrhizal communities influence the likelihood of population establishment over large geographical ranges. MYCRONICHE will bring together innovative approaches in pyrosequencing, ecological experiments, and species distribution modelling to quantify how environmental factors can lead to population adaptation. We plan to investigate three members of the orchid genus Spiranthes that are in decline in Europe. We will (i) model the distribution of Spiranthes species, (ii) perform reciprocal translocation experiments will be used in conjunction with control greenhouse experiments, and (iii) determine mycorrhizal limitation by experimentally adding seeds to habitats where the orchid species should occur. By training in novel molecular tools, the skill-set of the candidate will be advanced by participation in MYCRONICHE. There will be a dedicated training and transfer of knowledge program that will involve the researcher; (i) taking advanced courses in bioinformatics and (ii) teaching courses in spatial statistics at the host institution. By combining cutting-edge molecular tools, elegant experimental approaches, and innovative methods in spatial statistics and species distribution modelling, MYCRONICHE would go a long way to improve our understanding of how mutualistic interactions co-evolve in space and help understand how populations will respond to climate change. | project/european |
W2277749839 | Shape exploration for modules in rapid assembly workflows | The modular design methodology has been widely adopted to harness the complexity of large FPGA-based systems. As a result, a number of commercial and academic tool flows emerged to support modular design including Hierarchical Design Flow and Partial Reconfiguration Flow, OpenPR, HMFlow, PARBIT, REPLICA, GoAhead and QFlow frameworks. As these workflows have shown, a modular approach raises the abstraction level, provides clear boundaries for incremental design, reduces placement complexity, and improves developer productivity. At the physical layer, modules are often compiled into rectangular regions, suitable for placement on the FPGA fabric. Assembling a design then becomes the process of placing all of the modules on the FPGA, followed by inter-module routing. FPGAs, however, are not homogenous, and the shape and resource consistency of individual modules can greatly impact overall device utilization. Prior work in modular assembly utilize modules with a single shape in the assembly process. Due to the increasing size and heterogeneity of contemporary FPGAs, the placement flexibility of such modules is becoming increasingly limited. This work introduces a process that exploits offline shape generation and exploration, enabling the selection of shapes using criterias such as resource usage efficiency, placement flexibility, and device utilization. Module shapes can be generated with these criterias in mind while still taking advantage of the reduced placement complexity of modular design and assembly. | publication |
W2055375882 | Automatic extraction of texture-periodicity using superposition of distance matching functions and their forward differences | In this paper, we propose a method of automatic detection of texture-periodicity using superposition of distance matching functions (DMFs) followed by computation of their forward differences. The method has been specifically devised for automatically identifying row and column periodicities and thereby the size of periodic units from textile fabrics belonging to any of the 17 wallpaper groups and is a part of automatic fabric defect detection scheme being developed by us that needs periodicities along row and column directions. Overall row-DMF (or overall column-DMF) is obtained based on superposition of DMF of all rows (or columns) from the input image and its second forward difference is computed to get the overall maximum which is a direct measure of periodicity along row (or column) direction. Results from experiments on various near-regular textures demonstrate the capability of the proposed method for automatic periodicity extraction without the need of human intervention. | publication |
225712 | Found in translation – natural language understanding with cross-lingual grounding | Natural language understanding is the ""holy grail"" of computational linguistics and a long-term goal in research on artificial intelligence. Understanding human communication is difficult due to the various ambiguities in natural languages and the wide range of contextual dependencies required to resolve them. Discovering the semantics behind language input is necessary for proper interpretation in interactive tools, which requires an abstraction from language-specific forms to language-independent meaning representations. With this project, I propose a line of research that will focus on the development of novel data-driven models that can learn such meaning representations from indirect supervision provided by human translations covering a substantial proportion of the linguistic diversity in the world. A guiding principle is cross-lingual grounding, the effect of resolving ambiguities through translation. The beauty of that idea is the use of naturally occurring data instead of artificially created resources and costly manual annotations. The framework is based on deep learning and neural machine translation and my hypothesis is that training on increasing amounts of linguistically diverse data improves the abstractions found by the model. Eventually, this will lead to universal sentence-level meaning representations and we will test our ideas with multilingual machine translation and tasks that require semantic reasoning and inference. | project/european |
W1862681752 | Intracranial hemangiopericytoma: MR imaging findings and diagnostic usefulness of minimum ADC values | To describe the clinical and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging features of primary intracranial hemangiopericytoma (HPC), and to assess the usefulness of minimum apparent diffusion coefficient (MinADC) value of HPC in the differential diagnosis from meningioma.From 2004 to 2010, fifteen patients with primary intracranial HPC were included. The clinical data, conventional MR findings (n = 15), and diffusion weighted image (DWI) features (n = 10) were retrospectively analyzed. MinADC value of the HPCs (n = 10) was measured on ADC map and was compared with that of meningiomas (n = 37).In 15 cases of HPC, isointense signal was detected on both T1-weighted images (T1WI) and T2-weighted images (T2WI) in 11 cases, and heterogeneous signal was demonstrated in 4 cases. Isointensity (n = 9) and iso- and slight hyperintensity (n = 1) were shown on DWI. The mean MinADC value of HPC [(1.116 ± 0.127) × 10(-3) mm(2) /s] was significantly higher than that of meningioma [(0.875 ± 0.104) × 10(-3) mm(2) /s] (P < 0.01). For the differentiation between HPC and meningioma, the critical cutoff MinADC value was 0.991 × 10(-3) mm(2) /s, which provided the best combination of sensitivity (88.9%) and specificity (82.4%).MinADC value may be an useful tool for the differentiation between HPC and meningioma. | publication |
217848 | Authority and innovation in early franciscan thought (c. 1220-56) | INNOVATION anticipates a breakthrough in scholarly understanding of the medieval origins of modern Western philosophy. This breakthrough will be achieved by exposing the pioneering nature of early thirteenth-century Franciscan thought and its pivotal significance for the subsequent formation of the Western philosophical identity. The work of early Franciscans has largely been neglected in scholarly circles, on the assumption that they merely codified the work of past authorities, where later Franciscans developed innovative ideas that laid the foundation for the development of modern philosophy. INNOVATION will contest this assumption by producing the first comprehensive study of the sources, method, content, and later medieval reception of early Franciscan thought. In conducting this study, I will implement a groundbreaking method of reading scholastic texts, which is attentive to the way that practice informed theory in the high Middle Ages. This ‘practice-led’ hermeneutic will provide a resource for re-envisaging the entire state of the art in the study of scholasticism. As regards early Franciscans, it will allow me to identify novelty, often due to the use of Islamic sources, where past scholars have perceived unoriginality. On this basis, I will highlight previously unnoticed connections between the early and late Franciscan schools. By these means, I will illustrate how Western thought has been nourished by the ethos of a particular religious order and by Islamic thought, pointing up a shared Muslim-Western philosophical identity that is often overlooked but urgently needed to overcome severe fractures in today’s society. At the same time, I will emphasize that Franciscan ideas only became modern once removed from their practice-led context. In juxtaposing the cultural paradigms of philosophy and religious practice, consequently, I will advance knowledge by producing the first nuanced scholarly account of the Franciscan origins of modern Western thought. | project/european |
224089 | Genomic basis of convergent evolution in the trinidadian guppy | Many species have independently evolved similar phenotypes in response to similar environmental challenges. This phenomenon, termed convergent evolution, reflects both the power and the limits of adaptation. However, we often do not know at what scale evolution has repeated itself: did selection act on the same genes in different populations or species, or did convergence result from selection on different genes? This is because, until recently, it has not been possible to investigate the genomic basis of evolution in most systems, limiting our understanding of the factors that facilitate or inhibit convergence and adaptation. To fully understand convergent evolution we need to query the genomic response to selection and determine genotype-phenotype links in systems where convergent adaptation is well established. The Trinidadian guppy (Poecilia reticulata) is a system that offers the opportunity to test the roles of multiple factors in convergent evolution: this species includes multiple natural and experimentally established populations that have repeatedly evolved similar phenotypes under similar predation environments. I propose to fully characterize the genomic-basis of repeated adaptive evolution in guppies. Aim 1 will identify regions that repeatedly show signatures of selection, and will contrast the nature of selection in natural and experimental populations that differ in age and levels of founding genetic diversity. Aim 2 will identify genomic regions associated with phenotypes that are known to play a significant role in local adaptation in the guppy using quantitative genetics approaches. I will then directly test the effects of candidate genes using novel functional genomic approaches, as detailed in Aim 3. Overall, this project will test whether repeated selection led to convergence at the genomic level, determine the genetic basis of convergent adaptations, and ultimately understand how convergent evolution has occurred in an important wild system. | project/european |
interreg_3889 | Viaggiatori dell’Adriatico: Scrittura e percorsi di viaggio | The aim is to reinforce the sense of the common identity of the cross-border areas of the Adriatic sea, by creating the Centro di Studi Internazionali sul Viaggio Adratico (for its status see sections B6.1 and B8). This Centro will be able to continue on a stable and autonomous basis even after the two years of financing: the Centro will act as connection between the Scientific Community of the Universities, the system of the tourism agencies, local governments, associations and the potential use of the local population and tourists. | project/regional |
W1569150822 | Novel determinants of the neuronal Cl − concentration | It is now a well-accepted view that cation-driven Cl(-) transporters in neurons are involved in determining the intracellular Cl(-) concentration. In the present review, we propose that additional factors, which are often overlooked, contribute substantially to the Cl(-) gradient across neuronal membranes. After briefly discussing the data supporting and opposing the role of cation-chloride cotransporters in regulating Cl(-), we examine the participation of the following factors in the formation of the transmembrane Cl(-) gradient: (i) fixed 'Donnan' charges inside and outside the cell; (ii) the properties of water (free vs. bound); and (iii) water transport through the cotransporters. We demonstrate a steep relationship between intracellular Cl(-) and the concentration of fixed negative charges on macromolecules. We show that in the absence of water transport through the K(+)-Cl(-) cotransporter, a large osmotic gradient builds at concentrations below or above a set value of 'Donnan' charges, and show that at any value of these fixed charges, the reversal potential for Cl(-) equates that of K(+). When the movement of water across the membrane is a source of free energy, it is sufficient to modify the movement of Cl(-) through the cotransporter. In this scenario, the reversal potential for Cl(-) does not closely follow that of K(+). Furthermore, our simulations demonstrate that small differences in the availability of freely diffusible water between inside and outside the cell greatly affect the Cl(-) reversal potential, particularly when osmolar transmembrane gradients are minimized, for example by idiogenic osmoles. We also establish that the presence of extracellular charges has little effect on the chloride reversal potential, but greatly affects the effective inhibitory conductance for Cl(-). In conclusion, our theoretical analysis of the presence of fixed anionic charges and water bound on macromolecules inside and outside the cell greatly impacts both Cl(-) gradient and Cl(-) conductance across neuronal membranes. | publication |
W2186688873 | Non-Carrier based Digital Switching AngleMethod for 81-level Trinary Cascaded HybridMulti-level Inverter using VHDL Coding | In this paper, non-carrier based digital switching functions and patterns are developed using VHDL language (DSFPV).Non-Carrier based switching angle method is selected for the reduced distortion characteristics. Different methods of switching angle methods like equal phase method, half equal phase method, half height method and feed forward method are designed and developed using VHDL coding. These generated digital switching pulses are validated by interfacing with the 81-level Trinary Cascaded Hybrid Multi-Level Inverter (TCHMLI) simulink model. The obtained simulation results are analysed by the measure of Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), Peak Voltage (Vpeak), Root Mean Square Voltage (Vrms), Average Voltage (Vavg), Form Factor(FF) and Crest Factor(CF). | publication |
222124 | Inner models and infinite computations | This proposal is in mathematical logic. It aims to study interactions between set theory and computability. More specifically, we want to apply techniques from inner model theory to computability and randomness.
The development of modern set theory began with Paul Cohen's solution of Hilbert's first problem in 1964. Since then, set theory has been used to solve important problems in various areas of mathematics. Descriptive set theory studies definable sets of reals, for instance Borel and analytic sets, and computability studies computable functions and its higher analogues.
We propose to develop applications of inner model theory in computability. Inner model theory is a major field of set theory which was pursued for instance by Ronald Jensen (recipient of the AMS Steel prize 2003 and Hausdorff medal 2015) and Hugh Woodin (recipient of the Hausdorff medal 2013). A major aim of this field is to determine the logical strength of theories. Recently, several new approaches for constructions of inner models have been studied, for example via strong logics by Menachem Magidor and Jouko Väänänen. We propose to follow this line of research and to study models constructed via ideas from infinite computation related to work of Joel David Hamkins and Philip Welch.
We further propose to apply inner model theory and descriptive set theory to study random sequences. Algorithmic randomness is a central field in computability with connections to theoretical computer science, that has been studied intensively, for instance by Ted Slaman and Andre Nies. We aim to solve problems in the higher generalizations of algorithmic randomness. | project/european |
172795 | “In vivo click pet imaging agents”: improving clinical companion diagnostics | Companion diagnostics are crucial for drug development and disease management with regard to patient selection, therapy planning and monitoring. Nanomedicines such as antibodies have been proven to be optimal disease-targeting agents because they generally exhibit superior target uptake and retention. However, to date, nuclear imaging of nanomedicines has been limited to the use of long-lived isotopes to be compatible with the slow pharmacokinetics of these large molecules. Major drawbacks are high radiation doses, precluding routine and repeated companion imaging procedures.
The Click-It consortium aims to circumvent this issue by using pretargeting approach, which centers on the administration and target binding of a tagged nanomedicine followed by administration and binding of a small, fast-clearing, short-lived radiolabeled probe to the tag of the nanomedicine. This results in lower absorbed radiation doses and in a boost in target-blood ratios, which in turn leads to a superior imaging contrast. PET scan snapshots at multiple time-points provide long-term imaging information by applying short-lived nuclides. So far, only the fastest click reaction, the tetrazine ligation, has demonstrated potential in clinically relevant conditions. Recently, we have shown in a SPECT imaging study that this click reaction can be applied for non-internalizing nanomedicines in vivo.
This project aims at expanding the scope of click-pretargeted imaging to intracellular targets, because a majority of nanomedicines internalize and is thus not accessible with the current approach. Furthermore, we will expand our approach to short-lived, non-metal based, small molecule 18F-PET tracers, since PET offers a higher spatial and temporal resolution enabling quantitative decision making in disease diagnosis and management. Finally, the project aims to translate the developed click-pretargeting technology into a clinically applicable nanomedicine-based imaging approach in relevant patient-derived xenograft (PDX) mouse models. | project/european |
225590 | Linking plant-soil feedbacks to aboveground-belowground interactions for noxious weed control | Recent research has proven that plant-soil feedbacks (PSF) can shape plant community composition, and that soil inoculation can be used to steer this. This provides the yet unexplored potential to target PSF for the control of noxious weeds, which are among the major threats to native plant diversity and forage yield. Recent studies showed that PSF-induced changes in plant chemistry can consecutively affect aboveground herbivory, a driver of plant performance that is used in weed biocontrol. I have a solid background in biocontrol and plant population dynamics. In my project SOIL-4-CONTROL I aim to provide a proof-of-principle that integrates effects of PSF and aboveground herbivory to control common ragwort, a worldwide toxic weed of grasslands rapidly expanding in Europe. The project will also yield fundamental knowledge on the (chemical) interplay between PSF and herbivores.
Hosted by Leiden University, I will join an ongoing experiment of my supervisor Prof. Bezemer, who manipulated PSF at large scale in the field by soil inoculation. By combining analysis of unpublished data, experimentation in this field, a mesocosm experiment, and chemical analysis of the plants used, I will 1) examine soil-mediated effects on ragwort establishment in the field; 2) quantify the role of soil-mediated and herbivore community effects on ragwort performance in the field; 3) disentangle effects of PSF, specialist and generalist herbivores, and plant competition on ragwort performance.
I will involve nature managers for future use of our expected results in grassland restoration. With my secondment host CABI, an environmental management organisation, I will explore wider applications of PSF in invasive plant management, as urged by the EU Regulation 1143/2014. I will engage the public following my strong record in science communication. The excellent scientific environment and the training programme allow me to develop the professional maturity for a future PI position in Europe. | project/european |
633761 | Traceable robotic handling of sterile medical products | Creating new healthcare products requires testing huge numbers of samples. Today manual procedures dominate, since regulations require understanding of the execution of each process step and systematic checking to verify task completion– what in this domain is called traceability.
The objective of TraceBot is to bring verifiable actions to robot manipulation by reasoning over sensor-actor trails in a traceability framework based on digital-twin technology. This entails extending current robot motion planners by the automatic execution of self-checking procedures and creating a semantic trace of the actions performed for reasoning about the correct (in the sense of domain regulations) execution of the production steps. The goal is to create robotic systems able to understand what they perceive and do, to ensure that any manipulation action is verified, so leading to the Audit Trail required in the regulated environment. To achieve this ambitious goal, we will develop: appropriate tactile fingers/grippers for handling medical products; a set of manipulation skills to execute the regulatory checking action for every assembly step, leading to the audit trail; an intuitive programming method for a quick adaptation to novel products and tasks; reasoning for safe and failure-resistant operation of the robot system to meet the need of safety-critical automation.
To maximise impact, TraceBot has adopted sterility testing as use case, a key process in the distribution of medical products. The industries are highly competitive and innovative, being a major sector for the EU, turning over €1000bn/year and providing 10 million jobs. Automation is needed to reduce cost, to improve the quality of production and working conditions. The capability to verify and trace robot actions would overcome a barrier in medical industries. We will demonstrate that our traceability framework achieves it on a complete set of steps for sterility testing and show rapid adaption to another test set. | project/european |
626094 | Alternative quality and authenticity methods for sugar and confectionery industry | SuChAQuality aims to form an international and cross-sectoral network of organizations having expertise and skills in different areas to develop novel analytical methodologies to tackle the authenticity and quality problems of sugar and confectionery industries. SuChAQuality will enhance the quality of R&I in Europe, promoting cooperation along the ‘Sugar’ Value Chain actors. This will be achieved through advanced international, intersectoral, cooperation between 7 academic and 5 industry partners who have in-depth knowledge of food science, chemistry, physics, design, production, biotechnology, statistics, mathematics and engineering. The participants of the network will exchange skills and knowledge which will allow them to progress towards making key advances in new food analysis techniques, while strengthening the collaborative research between different countries and sectors. Advances in quality and authenticity methods that will be developed within the scope of the project will bring affordable and convenient solutions for non-academic participants which will help to protect the quality and authenticity of their products thus reducing their waste. In turn, this will bring both cost savings to the consumers of such products and ensure that society as a whole benefit from a stable supply of authentic and good quality products. The staff members who participate in the project will develop new skills, be exposed to new research environments and have their career perspectives widened. SuChAQuality will focus on the quality and authenticity problems of sugar and confectionery sectors which are closely related and feeding each other. In SuChAQuality quick; reliable; affordable and efficient quality control methods will be developed to replace the current traditional methods that have been used in these industries. | project/european |
W1601333843 | A new control method for improving transient response of parallel VSIs in islanded microgrids | Recently voltage source inverters have played an important role in stability of Microgrids (MGs). These inverters are controlled by droop control method. This method has several advantages such as using of local signals and satisfying steady state behavior of VSIs. But in transient, inverters have unbalanced power sharing and consequently circulating current flows between them. This current without feeding load flows and causes losses. In this paper for eliminating these problems, a new method based on conventional droop method is presented. This new method uses absolute value of current signal only and replacing LPF by a DC Mean Block. To compare two methods, a system with two parallel inverters is simulated in MATLAB. Comparison between Results of two methods shows effectiveness of proposed method in improvement of VSIs’ behavior in transient response. | publication |
DE 2019100582 W | METHOD FOR DETERMINING AN UPDATED TRAJECTORY FOR A VEHICLE | A method (500) for determining an updated trajectory (413) at a certain time point for the longitudinal and/or lateral control of a vehicle (100) is described. The method (500) comprises determining (501) short-range trajectory candidates in an immediate vicinity (414) of a trajectory (403) determined at a preceding time point, the short-range trajectory candidates being determined with a relatively fine value resolution of one or more state variables of the vehicle (110). In addition, the method (500) comprises determining (502) at least one long-range trajectory candidate outside of the immediate vicinity (414) of the trajectory (403) determined at the preceding time point, the long-range trajectory candidate being determined with a relatively coarse value resolution of the one or more state variables. Furthermore, the method (500) comprises determining (503) the updated trajectory (413) at the certain time point on the basis of the determined short-range trajectory candidates and on the basis of the determined long-range trajectory candidate. | patent |
EP 2007052343 W | METHOD FOR DETERMINING A HLA-DQ HAPLOTYPE IN A SUBJECT | The present invention relates to a method for determining a HLA-DQ haplotype of a subject, said method comprising: (a) obtaining a sample of genetic material from said subj ect ; (b) providing the identity of a nucleotide for one or more single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) correlating to said HLA-DQ haplotype in said sample of genetic material; and (c) determining the HLA-DQ haplotype based on the identity of said nucleotide, wherein the one or more SNPs are selected from the group consisting of rs2395182, rs7775228, rs4713586, rs2187668, rs4639334 and rs7454108. The invention provides a novel, simple and reliable method for determining the HLA-DQ haplotype of a subject. | patent |
EP 2015070747 W | SHIELDING DEVICE FOR CONDUCTING A MAGNETIC FIELD FOR A TRACK BRAKE, MAGNETIC BODY FOR A TRACK BRAKE, TRACK BRAKE FOR A RAIL VEHICLE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A TRACK BRAKE COMPRISING A SHIELDING DEVICE | The present invention relates to a shielding device (116) for conducting a magnetic field for a track brake (102) of a rail vehicle (100), wherein the track brake (102) has at least one magnetic body (114). The shielding device (116) comprises: at least one first layer (220) which is or can be arranged on the magnetic body (114); at least one second layer (222), wherein an outer contour of the first layer (220) differs from an outer contour of the second layer (222); and an insulation layer (224) arranged between the first layer (220) and the second layer (222), wherein the insulation layer (224) is designed to electrically insulate the two layers (220, 222) from one another. | patent |
W2751556661 | Elecreoreduction of CO2 to formic acid on Cu: Role of water bilayer in modeling electrochemical interface | Abstract Solid–liquid interface, which is the location that electrochemical reaction occurs, is essential for CO2 reduction. However, different theoretical calculations often use different models of solid–liquid interface and predict conflicting mechanisms, e.g. for the formation of HCOOH. To address this issue, we adopt different structures of solid–liquid interface to mimic the reaction circumstance using density functional theory calculations. We find that the reaction barriers and energies are sensitive to the reaction circumstance, such as the state of water molecules, the number of water molecules, and the available surface sites, whereas the selectivity of CO2 reduction can be hardly changed once a water bilayer network on Cu surface is used. In particular, a solid–liquid interface built from 4-6-4 water rings (5H2O/1H) can present an appropriate description of the solvent, predicting the formation pathways of HCOOH in reasonable agreement with the experiments. These results confirm the role of water bilayer networks in describing solid–liquid interface in the electrocatalysis, which serves as an important basis for the future studies. | publication |
GB 0200236 W | STAIRWAY APPARATUS | An apparatus to assist an individual to ascend or descend a stairway (10) comprises, on either side, support members (16, 22), each having a guide path (34) to accept respective ends (30, 32) of a bar (26), hooked (46) holdfast points (42) being spaced around the distance between treads (12). The individual holds the bar (26) and supports himself by moving the bar (26) between holdfast points. Storage means (58) allow stowage of the bar (26) at the end of the stairway (10). The support members (16, 22) can comprise two guide paths (34B, 34C, 34A, 34D), one above the other, at respective optimal heights for ascending and descending the stairway (10), and can comprise lights (88). Side members (16, 22) are panels (64) provided in flat pack form. Hinge-down extensions (102, 104) permit use onto intermediate landings (94) and around corners (96). The bar (26) comprises a detachable belt (56A) to support the individual if fallen, a sliding end stop (130) to ensure good engagement with the side members (16, 22), an alarm (170), hand grips (28) and transport containers (162, 160). | patent |
US 201815969886 A | PLANTER APPARATUS | A planter apparatus is disclosed herein. The planter apparatus includes a growth chamber; a transmissivity-reducing window adjustable from a substantially opaque state to a substantially transparent state. The window can include a first transmissivity-reducing layer and a second transmissivity-reducing layer coupled to the first transmissivity-reducing layer, and at least a portion of the growth chamber is viewable through the window when the window is in the substantially transparent state. The planter apparatus includes a transmissivity controller for operating the window between the substantially opaque state and the substantially transparent state. For example, the first transmissivity-reducing layer can include a switching film and the second transmissivity-reducing layer can include a gel filter. | patent |
W2517511755 | The impact of reducing setup costs on the lot size and objectives of manufacturing | This paper points out the significance of setup costs reduction on the decrease of lot size. The authors demonstrate this phenomenon on a flexible manufacturing system simulation model. The research focus was to fully understand the relationships between the lot size and setup costs. The aim of research was to show an impact of lot size on the selected manufacturing objectives. For each series of experiments, the setup costs were continuously reduced, and then the optimal lot size was determined by simulation optimization. The procedure for lot size determination was proposed by the authors and is based on a simulation optimization method. The authors have expressed their hypothesis of the positive impact of the optimal lot size on the objective parameters fulfilment of a manufacturing system, especially the minimization of costs per unit, throughput time and work in progress and the maximization of number of finished products and machine utilization. The hypothesis was confirmed by the gained simulation experiment results. | publication |
W25882853 | P034 | Aim Standardization of test methods helps provide consistent results with assays that have tech to tech, day to day or other variables that may affect results. Our aim was to validate a plate washer for antibody testing to normalize the washing technique used in our laboratory to determine if day to day and tech to tech variability could be prevented. Method The Biotek ELx50 is an automated plate washer that has the ability to perform washing methods using vacuum filtration. An incubation/washing program was created to provide a routine consistent washing technique to use when performing antibody testing. Results An extensive analytical validation took place by testing samples ( n = 20) that were previously tested by manual washing methods for phenotype beads, class I and class II single antigen beads (SAB) using a program created in the Biotek, Elx50. Using the mean florescence intensity (MFI) values we were able to determine specificity and sensitivity by comparing to the manual wash method by calculating the percent difference between the two methods and factoring in the average deviation of the negative control for both methods. The average specificity for phenotype beads, class I SAB and class II SAB was 99% or greater. The average sensitivity for the phenotype beads and class I SAB was 83% or better and class II SAB was 63%. We also looked at day to day variations and technologist to technologist variations. By comparing runs from two consecutive days of testing for the day to day testing variation, we were able to obtain 100% specificity for phenotype beads, class I SAB and class II SAB. The average sensitivity for the phenotype beads was 80%, class I SAB was 67% and class II SAB was 76%. As for technologist to technologist variation, the overall specificity for phenotype beads, class I SAB and class II SAB was 100%. The average sensitivity for phenotype beads, class I SAB class II SAB was 70% or better. Conclusion As seen by the results for both specificity and sensitivity, the Biotek ELx50 can be used to standardize solid phase assays by eliminating the variation seen with manual washing technique to provide a more consistent MFI value. The plate washer is also beneficial in decreasing hands-on time by 75%; therefore reducing turn-around time. | publication |
W2046077564 | Set-specific capture can be reduced by pre-emptively occupying a limited-capacity focus of attention | Recent work has shown that contingent attentional capture effects can be especially large when multiple attentional sets for color guide visual search (Moore & Weissman, 2010). In particular, this research suggests that detecting a target-colored (e.g., orange) distractor leads the corresponding attentional set (e.g., identify orange letters) to enter a limited-capacity focus of attention in working memory, where it remains briefly while the distractor is being attended. Consequently, the ability to identify a differently-colored (e.g., green) target 100-300 ms later is impaired because the appropriate set (e.g., identify green letters) cannot also enter the focus of attention. In two experiments, we investigated whether such set-specific capture can be reduced by preemptively occupying the focus of attention. As predicted, a target-colored central distractor presented 233 ms before a target-colored peripheral distractor eliminated set-specific capture arising from the peripheral distractor. Moreover, this effect was observed only when the central distractor's color (e.g., orange) (a) matched a different set than the upcoming peripheral distractor's color (e.g., green) and (b) matched the same set as the upcoming central target's color (e.g., orange). We conclude that the same working memory limitations that give rise to set-specific capture can be preemptively exploited to reduce it. | publication |
W2029227211 | Measuring Variability in Freeway Traffic States Using Real-time Loop Data in Jilin | Understanding the evolution of traffic states in both time and space is a critical step toward improving freeway modeling and operations. Dual-loop detectors can a foundation for a uniform and comprehensive evaluation of traffic states, however, the multiple influencing factors derived from loop data lead to a combined effect which complicates the measurement. Furthermore, the goals and objectives of evaluation are inherently an expression of the various stakeholders affected by the traffic conditions, so the evaluation process and result must address the interests of all stakeholders. Therefore, this paper introduces a novel hybrid method based on Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) using loop data. This method can evaluate traffic conditions of each freeway section relative to others by considering various stakeholders’ preferences in multiple performance measures. In particular, this research evaluates the traffic conditions of 6 freeway sections in Seattle by incorporating two types of stakeholders’ preferences, and 5 measures are established on the basis of the 12-month loop data for the year 2010. As a result, the best sections and others’ performance gaps can be identified. The conclusions indicate the stakeholders can gain new insight into the overall traffic conditions behind multiple performance measures with our method, and the analysis of returns to scale can generate references for infrastructure investment and facilitate optimal allocation of resources. | publication |
642768 | Bridging the evolutionary gap between unicellular endosymbiotic cyanobacteria and organelles | Symbiosis has been key to evolution on Earth. The success of eukaryotes was possible due to the establishment of endosymbiotic relationships between unicellular microorganisms that gave rise to specialized organelles (chloroplasts and mitochondria), yet the mechanisms underpinning such biological innovations are still unresolved. An unusual marine nitrogen-fixing symbiosis involving a cyanobacterium called UCYN-A and a single-celled haptophyte algae (Braarudosphaera bigelowii) was recently found to have undergone genome rearrangements analogous to organelle evolution. Since no eukaryotes fix nitrogen (N2), an essential nutrient for life, knowledge on this peculiar symbiosis may serve as a unique opportunity for understanding the acquisition of new organelle-derived functions in eukaryotes. The UCYNELLE project is designed to provide new insights on organelle evolution through the multidisciplinary study of the UCYN-A symbiosis from an ecological, evolutionary and metabolic perspective: First, experimental manipulations with the UCYN-A culture and field surveys will be conducted to identify the molecular basis regulating the metabolic coupling between symbiotic partners and the associated microbiome. Second, the organelle genomes of the haptophyte host will be compared to those of the different UCYN-A lineages via comparative genomics to explore any parallelisms in their mode of evolution. Finally, the natural variation in cell size shown by UCYN-A and its host across different UCYN-A symbioses will allow investigating the metabolic scaling (metabolic rates vs cell size) of the N2 fixation process compared to that of typical organelle-driven metabolisms (photosynthesis and respiration) through the study of the volumetric relationships between chloroplasts, mitochondria, UCYN-A and its host. Elucidating the mechanism underlying the UCYN-A symbiosis will help to understand the early evolutionary steps leading to the acquisition of plastids in eukaryotes. | project/european |
US 62954790 A | Cyclone furnace for hazardous waste incineration and ash vitrification | An apparatus and method for vitrifying inorganic hazardous material including heavy metals from waste containing organic and inorganic substances. The inorganic hazardous material is retained and vitrified in the slag layer of a cyclone furnace where it is converted to a nonleachable, inert form for safe disposal in conventional landfills and where, simultaneously, organic hazardous substances are completely destroyed. | patent |
W1498306344 | O lugar do Sistema Mineiro de Avaliação da Educação Pública (Simave) na busca pela qualidade da educação no Brasil | The Mining System for Evaluation of Public Education (Simave), responsible for the development of integrated assessment of education in the state of Minas Gerais, emerges in the wake of implementation of regulatory policy of education in Brazil. This policy, in turn, is part of the reform movement of educational policies in the context of capitalist restructuring process. The purpose of this paper is to question its place in this system of evaluation in brazilian regulatory policy. With this objective, to weave accounts of its principles, goals and ways of operation. By analyzing historical and politically Simave, one may question its guidelines, based on the discussion of political and administrative reforms inLatin America. These reforms are linked to the entry of international organizations in the financing of national and local educational projects. The text points out the contradictions within the system and aspects of policy Simave subject to further discussion, such as the relationship between the principles underlying the system of assessment and prioritized strategies to improve the quality of education in Minas Gerais | publication |
W1979822579 | Network Analysis of Inflammatory Genes and Their Transcriptional Regulators in Coronary Artery Disease | Network analysis is a novel method to understand the complex pathogenesis of inflammation-driven atherosclerosis. Using this approach, we attempted to identify key inflammatory genes and their core transcriptional regulators in coronary artery disease (CAD). Initially, we obtained 124 candidate genes associated with inflammation and CAD using Polysearch and CADgene database for which protein-protein interaction network was generated using STRING 9.0 (Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes) and visualized using Cytoscape v 2.8.3. Based on betweenness centrality (BC) and node degree as key topological parameters, we identified interleukin-6 (IL-6), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1B), tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) as hub nodes. The backbone network constructed with these five hub genes showed 111 nodes connected via 348 edges, with IL-6 having the largest degree and highest BC. Nuclear factor kappa B1 (NFKB1), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and JUN were identified as the three core transcription factors from the regulatory network derived using MatInspector. For the purpose of validation of the hub genes, 97 test networks were constructed, which revealed the accuracy of the backbone network to be 0.7763 while the frequency of the hub nodes remained largely unaltered. Pathway enrichment analysis with ClueGO, KEGG and REACTOME showed significant enrichment of six validated CAD pathways - smooth muscle cell proliferation, acute-phase response, calcidiol 1-monooxygenase activity, toll-like receptor signaling, NOD-like receptor signaling and adipocytokine signaling pathways. Experimental verification of the above findings in 64 cases and 64 controls showed increased expression of the five candidate genes and the three transcription factors in the cases relative to the controls (p<0.05). Thus, analysis of complex networks aid in the prioritization of genes and their transcriptional regulators in complex diseases. | publication |
892643 | A quantitative, multifunctional, non-invasive and cost-effective food freshness indicator to reduce food waste | Every year more than one 1.3 billion tons of food are wasted which is a huge both environmental and economic problem. Food waste happens all along the pathway to the plate and is a massive food supply chain inefficiency. For example inefficiencies occur when the fresh food manufacturers perform destructive quality controls every hour to detect leaks in the packaging, or when the cold chain breaks occur during transit, or when consumer fights against uncertainty by throwing away food. The expiry date is fixed during the packaging through studies of life-time and causes all agents in the food supply chain to lose money and waste resources at some point. Currently, the traceability tools available in the market do not offer information on the real state of freshness and quality of food products.
ColorSensing is based on an advanced algorithm able to correct color distorsions of QR codes made of smart inks for sensing parameters inside food packages. Integrating this with digital solutions allows to monitor the freshness of packaged foods and extend their shelf life. Our innovative technology (TRL6) is a quantitative, multifunctional, cost-effective and non-invasive food freshness indicator to reduce food waste. We have received public funds to develop our technology (e.g. €1.5m from the EU ERC program) and been selected to participate in multiple startups accelerator programs such as ENPENTA VII or Innofood. We have created an ecosystem of industrial partners (food manufacturers as Embutits Monells, Barrufet Group and supermarkets as Bonpreu and Condis) that are interested in our technology and are asking us to develop our prototypes up to a market-ready solution. We aim to become the next quality standard in packaged food manufacturing and now we are applying to the SME Instrument Phase 1 to carry out an exhaustive Feasibility Study. | project/european |
US 9812689 W | AIB1, A NOVEL STEROID RECEPTOR CO-ACTIVATOR | The invention features a substantially pure DNA which includes a sequence encoding a novel steroid receptor co-activator which is overexpressed in breast cancer cells, diagnostic assays for steroid hormone-responsive cancers, and screening assays to identify compounds which inhibit an interaction of the co-activator with the steroid hormone. | patent |
W2387884323 | In vivo metabolism of chemical constituents of traditional Chinese Materia Medica: research and discussion | Traditional Chinese Materia Medica (TCMM) has a long history for its application in treating diseases, and has been proved in clinic for its efficacies. In the most cases, these medicines are taken orally, and the oral bioavailabilities of their chemical constituents are generally poor, and one of the most important causes is that the chemical constituents are biotransformed in gastrointestinal tract or in liver due to the in vivo chemical and biological circumstances. Since the pharmacological effects are considered to be derived from the absorbed chemical substances, we believe some biotransformed products might play an important role for the effectiveness of TCMM. Although the study on chemical constituents of TCMM has made significant achievements in the past three decades, the study on in vivo metabolism of TCMM constituents has still been in slow progress. In order to promote the research progress in this field, this paper will give some suggestions and ideas based on the current research situation, and some examples are presented to reveal the role of in vivo metabolism of chemical constituents in clarifying effective substance of TCMM. | publication |
W2084582723 | On the impact of disproportional samples in credit scoring models: An application to a Brazilian bank data | Statistical methods have been widely employed to assess the capabilities of credit scoring classification models in order to reduce the risk of wrong decisions when granting credit facilities to clients. The predictive quality of a classification model can be evaluated based on measures such as sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, accuracy, correlation coefficients and information theoretical measures, such as relative entropy and mutual information. In this paper we analyze the performance of a naive logistic regression model (Hosmer & Lemeshow, 1989) and a logistic regression with state-dependent sample selection model (Cramer, 2004) applied to simulated data. Also, as a case study, the methodology is illustrated on a data set extracted from a Brazilian bank portfolio. Our simulation results so far revealed that there is no statistically significant difference in terms of predictive capacity between the naive logistic regression models and the logistic regression with state-dependent sample selection models. However, there is strong difference between the distributions of the estimated default probabilities from these two statistical modeling techniques, with the naive logistic regression models always underestimating such probabilities, particularly in the presence of balanced samples. | publication |
interreg_1399 | ManuFactUring educaTion and training governance model for IndUstry 4.0 in the Adriatic-Ionian aREa | The challenges brought about by the fourth industrial revolution are at the very heart of the project FUTURE 4.0. The further developmental stage in the organisation and management of the entire value chain process involved in manufacturing industry is radically changing even the concept of enterprise. EUSAIR area societies and economies are affected as well by this paradigm shift, which has effects on production, intercompany relations, human capital development. To face this, and having as specific focus Blue Economy, the shipyard & nautical logistic supply chain, the project intends to design a shared strategy to innovate companies approach to training through a Smart Learning Model enhancing shipyard competitiveness in Italy (Veneto & Apulia), Croatia, Greece and Albania. The project structure foresees the definition of a Technological Map of the Shipyard & Nautical Logistic supply chain thorough inclusive road mapping and foresight activity on technology and related competences. Results will be the lay for the designing of a knowledge, competence and skills training/learning hub (FUTURE4.0 platform) involving Universities and training orgs., companies and PAs. _x000D_
The platform will be part of the above-mentioned Smart Learning Model and Strategy, implemented and validated through local pilot actions, encompasses effective industrial education and training for innovation, enhancing the University-Industry cooperation. The partnership is multi actor and includes public and private bodies, universities, business supp. orgs., HE institutions active in Industry 4.0 which will cooperate together applying a Triple Helix approach. Accordingly, the project will impact on current situation stimulating a common and participatory rethinking of regional governance systems for training and innovation support towards Industry 4.0, specific for the shipyard & nautical logistic supply chain. Mutually cooperating 4 universities, PAs, business actors (Large Companies, SMEs, KIBs, Business Supp. orgs.) and R&I players will define a sectoral technological roadmap and foresight as basis for the subsequent development of a share Training Model, tested and validated through its application at each local context. FUTURE 4.0 will see the involvement of 105 companies (primary target group and beneficiaries along with PAs) of the Blue Economy in a knowledge and technology transfer tailored process, along with the production of tools and methods to facilitate a smart industrial change. Results are addressed at Adriatic-Ionian companies, human capital developers, public administrations and knowledge providers. Involved regions share the same challenges, as they face the same transformations and their productive systems should be more integrated. That is why the project should be realized transnationally. What is original is the combination of model design, learning actions, local action plans, profiles upskilling, within a topic - Industry 4.0 - which is brand new. | project/regional |
GB 2017051363 W | FOLDABLE BICYCLE | A folding bicycle comprises a steerable front wheel (1) assembly including a front frame member (4) and a rear wheel (2) assembly including a lower frame member, a seat post member and a rear wheel, the lower frame member (3) comprising a first hinge connected to the seat post member (7) and operating on a horizontal axis to allow the bicycle to be folded, the steerable front wheel assembly comprising a hinged handlebar (30) operable in use to position the handlebar in contact with the rear wheel, thereby reducing the size of the bicycle. | patent |
W1494726994 | Towards an Intelligent Code Search Engine | Software developers increasingly rely on information from the Web, such as documents or code examples on Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), to facilitate their development processes. However, API documents often do not include enough information for developers to fully understand the API usages, while searching for good code examples requires non-trivial efforts. To address this problem, we propose a novel code search engine, combining the strength of browsing documents and searching for code examples, by returning documents embedded with high-quality code example summaries mined from the Web. Our evaluation results show that our approach provides code examples with high precision and boosts programmer productivity. | publication |
GB 2007004654 W | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR RECOVERY OF MARINE STRUCTURES | For the recovery of an underwater structure (1) of tubular form, such as a jacket of a decommissioned oil rig, a lifting attachment (10) is inserted into a free end (2) of a tubular member of the structure (1), and is then plastically deformed by hydraulic forming so that it engages mechanically and securely with the inside of the tubular member, which is at least elastically deformed. The structure (1) can then be recovered to the surface by means of recovery cables (45) attached to a lug (14) on the lifting attachment (10). This saves having to weld attachments to the structure. | patent |
interreg_2067 | LOC PRO II-Support and Promotion of Local Products and SMEs through ICT | LOC PRO II project is the continuation of the successful LOC PRO I project, which was completed under the previous “GR-IT” INTERREG program. The main objective concerns the support of entrepreneurs & enterprises producing local typical quality products, in such a manner that achieves a high degree of ICT integration in the everyday work and the use of modern marketing tools & techniques. This aim will be achieved through the following outcomes: • Development of an enhanced ICT platform. • Development of a distance e - learning platform. • Development of an on-line database with joint market & supply chain researches. • Production of optimal biological guides for the local typical products. • Skill building and knowledge transfer seminars. • Workshops and participation in exhibitions. • The design and pilot operation of Regional Information Communication & Technology Centers (R.I.C.T.s) | project/regional |
RU 0300257 W | WALKER TOY | The inventive toy is embodied in the form of a figurine moving downwards along an inclined plane. Said toy resembles an ordinary Chinese tumbler and consists of a light body, a load arranged in the lower part thereof and a base (outsole) having a special shape. Said outsole is embodied in the form of a convex variable curved surface. When said figurine is placed on the inclined plane and rocked from side to side, it starts to move rocking downward along said inclined plane. | patent |
Q4192176 | SCALE TO CONSOLIDATE: NEW BOULDER ROOM AND EQUIPMENT INCREASE | FITNESS FACTORY SRL SINCE 2016 DEALS WITH PHYSICAL, GYMNASIUM AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES AT ITS GYM LOCATED IN PRATA CAMPORTACCIO (SO).PRESSO THE OPERATIONAL HEADQUARTERS, COMPOSED OF DIFFERENT MULTIFUNCTIONAL AREAS, CUSTOMERS CAN TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE NUMEROUS EQUIPMENT PROVIDED AT THEIR DISPOSAL IN ADDITION TO ADVICE AND SUPPORT OF QUALIFIED PERSONNEL, BESIDES ARE ORGANISED SPECIFIC COURSES DEDICATED TO FITNESS, SUCH AS ZUMBA, WHUSU, YOGA, PILATES WITH THE COLLABORATION OF EXTERNAL PROFESSIONALS, BUT ALSO BOXING COURSES AND KICK BOXING.THE PROJECT PRESENTED FORESEES THE ACQUISITION OF A BOULDER WALL FOR CLIMBING LACTIVITY, CHARACTERISED BY 2,000 GRIP POINTS AND 30 DIFFERENT VOLUMES, IN ADDITION IT WILL END WITH LÂAMPLIAMENTO DELLOFFERTA IN TERMS OF MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT FOR CARDIO, CROSS-FIT AND ISOTONIC AND GINNASTICA TRAINING.THE EXPECTED RESULT RESULTING FROM THESE INTERVENTIONS WILL GUARANTEE A GROWTH IN TERMS OF CUSTOMER FLOW, DETER | project/regional |
628470 | Soft milli-robots | SOMIRO
Precision agriculture for rice farming and smart methods such as aquaponics are vital to ensure a safe supply of fresh food for Europe while reducing our environmental footprint. In line with the Digitising European Industry initiative under their description of smart agriculture, the SOMIRO project will develop a flat-worm-inspired mm-scale swimming robot with month-long energy autonomy, local intelligence, and ability to continuously generate data and optically communicate to reduce farming’s environmental impact in terms of carbon footprint, over fertilization, pesticide use, and overfeeding. Swimming robots would cover a much larger area than stationary systems and could be rapidly deployed and self-redistribute where most needed. They may serve as a stand-alone monitoring solution for indoor farming or complement drone-based remote sensing in outdoors scenarios.
Until today, no energy autonomous (untethered and with local intelligence) milli-robot capable of hours of continuous operation has been demonstrated. The major reason for this is power limitation: locomotion requires much power and small robots have very limited energy storage and energy harvesting. Our milli-robot will be less than 1 cm long and show how soft and stretchable systems, with undulating swimming like flat worms, require far less energy for locomotion than other systems of comparable size. For power, it will not rely on any dedicated infrastructure but only on ambient light.
The design of SOMIRO focuses on its industry transfer: industrial partners will use cutting-edge assembly technologies that can scale up to production volumes with no change in process. The bulk materials are low-cost elastomers and polymers and the electronic circuits will be based on commercial components. Throughout the project, all application scenarios and exploitation plans will be developed in close collaboration among the SOMIRO partner enterprises and end-users, and external industrial stakeholders. | project/european |
W1937129676 | Avoid major disasters by welcoming minor change | What can a 70-year-old book on how to play bridge tell us about addressing the ongoing refugee crisis in Europe? And what does it have to do with King Lear? In Shakespeare's play, the Duke of Albany warns that “striving to better, oft we mar what's well”. In the search for a solution, in other words, we can let the perfect become the enemy of the good. In his 1945 book Why You Lose at Bridge, S. J. Simon called it the half-loaf strategy: the most successful players aim for the best possible result, rather than the best result possible. In human and political crises, the best possible result is often one of damage limitation — an outcome that avoids or delays the chance of a large-scale and catastrophic change. So, the question then becomes: how can we achieve such an outcome? Language: en | publication |
US 2009/0031380 W | LATERAL SEISMIC BRACE | A sway brace fitting clamp is used for lateral bracing of sprinkler or other types of pipe (designated the service pipe) to a structure, to prevent movement of the service pipe perpendicular to the axis of the pipe relative to the structure to which it is attached. The sway brace fitting clamp includes a U-bolt which fits around the service pipe, and a pair of hooks that are coupled to straight ends of the U-bolt, for hooking the sway brace pipe. A pair of nuts engages threaded portions of the U-bolt ends. The nuts may be tightened to pull the sway brace pipe into contact with the service pipe, firmly clamping the sway brace pipe and the service pipe together. | patent |
W2058841231 | In vitro antibiotic resistance of Vibrio-like organisms isolated from seawater and sand of marine recreation beach in the southern Baltic Sea | Vibrio-like bacteria (VLO) were isolated from the seawater and sand of marine recreation beach located on the southern coast of the Baltic Sea and their antibiotic resistance was studied. According to susceptibility test, planktonic, and benthic VLO were the most resistant to β-lactam (ampicillin and penicillin) and lincosamide (clindamycin) antibiotics, while the most susceptible to tetracycline and aminoglycosides (gentamycin). Moreover the results showed that Vibrio-like bacteria inhabiting sand were more antibiotic-resistant than those isolated from seawater. In general, there was no difference in antibiotic resistance between VLO isolated from the surface and subsurface sand layers. More than 90% of planktonic and benthic Vibrio-like bacteria showed multiple antibiotic resistance. | publication |
630236 | Sustainable and cost-efficient catalyst for hydrogen and energy storage applications based on liquid organic hydrogen carriers : economic viability for market uptake | Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers (LOHC), consisting on a reversible transformation catalytically activated of a pair of stable liquid organic molecules integrated on hydrogenation/dehydrogenation cycles, are attractive due to their ability to store safely large amounts of hydrogen (up to 7 %wt or 2.300 KWh/ton) during long time and release pure hydrogen on demand. Proof of concept and some commercial solutions exist but still suffer from high cost and energy needed to facilitate catalytic reactions.
In order to reduce the system cost for LOHC technology to 3 €/Kg for large scale applications SherLOHCk project targets joint developments consisting on :i) highly active and selective catalyst with partial/total substitution of PGM and thermo-conductive catalyst support to reduce the energy intensity during loading/unloading processes: ii) novel catalytic system architecture ranging from the catalyst to the heat exchanger to minimize the internal heat loss and to increase space-time-yield and iii) novel catalyst testing, system validation and demonstration in demo unit (>10 kW, >200h); to drastically improve their technical performances and energy storage efficiency of LOHCs:
A combination of challenges for the catalyst material, catalyst system and their related energy storage capabilities will constitute the core of a catalyst system for LOHC, that will be validated first at a lab scale, then in a demo unit > 10kW. As a whole they will enable the reduction of Energy intensity during loading/unloading processes, a higher efficiency and increased lifetime. Technological, economical and societal bottlenecks are considered to determine the economic viability, balance of energy and the environmental footprint of novel catalyst synthesis route.
Scale-up of the obtained solutions will be carried out together with technology comparison with other hydrogen logistic concepts based on LCA and TCO considerations to finally improve economic viability of the LOHC technology. | project/european |
W2107501124 | Clinical correlates of oral malodour in a population of patients attending a preventive clinic in Pretoria, South Africa. | This study investigates the occurrence of oral malodour in an adult dental clinic population in Pretoria, South Africa, and the clinical parameters associated with the condition.Data collected from new patients (n=896), examined by oral hygiene students under supervision of instructors, between January - October 2004, were retrospectively analysed. Subjects self-reported their medical history and smoking status. Caries experience, plaque index, pocket depths, bleeding on probing (BOP), tongue coating status, and oral hygiene practises were recorded. Malodour was diagnosed using the halimeter (> or = 120ppb) and an organoleptic measurement (0-5 point scale) of > or = 3. Data analysis included chi-square, t-tests and logistical regression.15.1% presented with organoleptically-determined malodour and 20.9% presented with malodour detected by the use of the halimeter. Irrespective of the diagnostic tool used, tongue coating, increased plaque levels and BOP were associated with an increased likelihood for oral malodour, while regular flossing reduced the likelihood of presenting with the condition. Periodontitis was associated with oral malodour when applying organoleptic ratings, but not with the halimeter.Oral malodour prevalence corresponds with values reported in developed countries. Interdental flossing was the most effective self-care practise associated with a reduced likelihood of presenting with malodour. Halimeter performance should be further investigated in relation to varying degrees of severity of periodontal disease. | publication |
898560 | Electric vehicle components for 1000 km daily trips (evc1000). | The project brings together ten participants from industrial and academic backgrounds to provide innovative and mass-production optimised components enabling the efficient integration of powertrain and chassis systems, which will increase EV range and user acceptance. Given the recent progress related to in-wheel motors technology, and the benefits of in-wheel architectures in terms of active safety, packaging and drivability, EVC1000 will focus on in-wheel drivetrain layouts, as well as a wheel-centric integrated propulsion system and EV manager. More specifically, the consortium will develop: - New components for in-wheel powertrains: i) Efficient, scalable, reliable, low-cost and production-ready in-wheel motors, suitable for a wide range of torque and power specifications; and ii) Dual inverters for in-wheel motor axles based on Silicon Carbide technology. The designs will include detailed consideration and measurement of the electro-magnetic compatibility aspects, as well as the implementation of model-predictive health monitoring techniques of the electronic components. - New components for electrified chassis control with in-wheel motors: i) Brake-by-wire system for seamless brake blending, high regeneration capability and enhanced anti-lock braking system control performance; and ii) Electro-magnetic active suspension actuators, targeting increased comfort and electric vehicle efficiency. - Controllers for the novel EVC1000 components, exploiting the benefits of functional integration, vehicle connectivity and driving automation for advanced energy management The new EVC1000 components will be showcased in two production-ready electric vehicle demonstrators of different market segments. EVC1000 will assess the increased energy efficiency and will include demonstration of long distance daily trips. The vehicle demonstration phase will consider objective and subjective performance indicators for human factor analysis, to deliver enhanced customer experience. | project/european |
W2611781979 | Management for Sustainable Development and Its Impact on Firm Value in the SME Context: Does Size Matter? | With the increasing demands from society towards sustainable and social responsible business practices, management for sustainable development has become a cornerstone to understand the success of many firms in the current competitive context. This article investigates corporate social responsibility (CSR) and examines the links between CSR practices and business outcomes – both financial and non-financial (i.e. image and corporate reputation) – for small-to-medium sized enterprises (SMEs). In addition, we also attempt to determine whether the impact of such relationships is moderated by firm size.
To this end, we carry out a quantitative study using PLS techniques to analyze a sample of SME owners and managers, with a view to test the proposed model in the light of social capital theory. In this sense, our study is pioneering in that it aims to determine – from a quantitative viewpoint – the degree to which firm size has a moderating impact on a series of relevant CSR-driven outcomes. The data suggest that, in SME contexts, CSR impacts corporate reputation, brand image and financial value of the company. Importantly, we find that the larger the firm, the greater the intensity of the relationships linking CSR and business outcomes. Hence, our findings have important implications for CSR implementation in SME contexts. Finally, we provide a series of guidelines aimed at maximizing the effectiveness of CSR-based business practices. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment | publication |
W2889465967 | Effect of Area, Academic Stream and Neurotic Personality Pattern on Human Rights Awareness of Senior Secondary School Students | To save humanity is to serve God and it has been said by all humanist thinkers. But nowadays newspapers, magazines and other news media are flooded with reports of crime, murder, agitation and ever-teasing deeds against humanity. All these occurrences indicate deterioration in our ethical standards, loss of our moral and social values resulting in great loss to families, society, nation and ultimately the globe at large. Today the human beings are gradually converting themselves from psycho-social to only biological organism, though they are not only a biological organism, but also a psycho-social. We are bearing self-centeredness and this perception towards valuing humanity or human values giving a great thrust on divisive and distinguishing tendency. In that way, ultimately we will be forced the provisions made by our forefather in the Constitution of India, really it is the great source of human values and it looks forward to promote the conducive environment pertaining to humanism. But only having provisions are not sufficient, they should be translated into action by the citizens like ours. This paper highlights the human rights awareness among senior secondary school students of Himachal Pradesh. | publication |
W1982918157 | The Power of Linear Estimators | For a broad class of practically relevant distribution properties, which includes entropy and support size, nearly all of the proposed estimators have an especially simple form. Given a set of independent samples from a discrete distribution, these estimators tally the vector of summary statistics -- the number of domain elements seen once, twice, etc. in the sample -- and output the dot product between these summary statistics, and a fixed vector of coefficients. We term such estimators \emph{linear}. This historical proclivity towards linear estimators is slightly perplexing, since, despite many efforts over nearly 60 years, all proposed such estimators have significantly sub optimal convergence, compared to the bounds shown in [VV11]. Our main result, in some sense vindicating this insistence on linear estimators, is that for any property in this broad class, there exists a near-optimal linear estimator. Additionally, we give a practical and polynomial-time algorithm for constructing such estimators for any given parameters. While this result does not yield explicit bounds on the sample complexities of these estimation tasks, we leverage the insights provided by this result to give explicit constructions of near-optimal linear estimators for three properties: entropy, $L_1$ distance to uniformity, and for pairs of distributions, $L_1$ distance. Our entropy estimator, when given $O(\frac{n}{\eps \log n})$ independent samples from a distribution of support at most $n,$ will estimate the entropy of the distribution to within additive accuracy $\epsilon$, with probability of failure $o(1/poly(n)).$ From the recent lower bounds given in [VV11], this estimator is optimal, to constant factor, both in its dependence on $n$, and its dependence on $\epsilon.$ In particular, the inverse-linear convergence rate of this estimator resolves the main open question of [VV11], which left open the possibility that the error decreased only with the square root of the number of samples. Our distance to uniformity estimator, when given $O(\frac{m}{\eps^2\log m})$ independent samples from any distribution, returns an $\eps$-accurate estimate of the $L_1$ distance to the uniform distribution of support $m$. This is constant-factor optimal, for constant $\epsilon$. Finally, our framework extends naturally to properties of pairs of distributions, including estimating the $L_1$ distance and KL-divergence between pairs of distributions. We give an explicit linear estimator for estimating $L_1$ distance to additive accuracy $\epsilon$ using $O(\frac{n}{\eps^2\log n})$ samples from each distribution, which is constant-factor optimal, for constant $\epsilon$. This is the first sub linear-sample estimator for this fundamental property. | publication |
W94189062 | Needle-Free Vaccine Injection | AbstractMillions of people die each year from infectious disease, with a main stumbling block being our limited ability to deliver vaccines to optimal sites in the body. Specifically, effective methods to deliver vaccines into outer skin and mucosal layers – sites with immunological, physical and practical advantages that cannot be targeted via traditional delivery methods – are lacking. This chapter investigates the challenge for physical delivery approaches that are primarily needle-free. We examine the skin’s structural and immunogenic properties in the context of the physical cell targeting requirements of the viable epidermis, and we review selected current physical cell targeting technologies engineered to meet these needs: needle and syringe, diffusion patches, liquid jet injectors, and microneedle arrays/patches. We then focus on biolistic particle delivery: we first analyze engineering these systems to meet demanding clinical needs, we then examine the interaction of biolistic devices with the skin, focusing on the mechanical interactions of ballistic impact and cell death, and finally we discuss the current clinical outcomes of one key application of engineered delivery devices – DNA vaccines.KeywordsBiolisticsDNA vaccinesDrug deliveryGene gunsImmunotherapeuticsLangerhans cellsSkinSkin mechanical propertiesMicroneedlesVaccines | publication |
W2401031876 | Lithography process simulation studies using coarse-grained polymer models | Lithography processes were modeled on the basis of coarse-grained polymer simulation techniques using OCTA, which is the simulation software for soft materials, and the simulations of these processes were performed to clarify the mechanism of the polymer chain dynamics in lithography processes. In the case of the top-down process, the development and rinse processes were modeled using a dissipative particle dynamics method. From our series of simulations, the line pattern constituted by resist polymers can be simulated as a result. In the rinse process, the reduction of line edge roughness (LER) can be found, and the importance of the rinse process to modify the LER was identified. The bottom-up process, which is called the directed self-assembly (DSA) process, can also be simulated. From our DSA process simulations, the polymer chain dynamics in the defect annihilation process can be analyzed. The lithography process simulations modeled by coarse-grained polymer techniques are reviewed. As a case of top-down process, development and rinse processes were simulated. From these simulations, line edge structure can be obtained to discuss the line edge roughness. As a case of bottom-up process, the directed self-assembly (DSA) process was simulated, and the polymer chain dynamics in the defect annihilation process can be analyzed. | publication |
W1554298171 | Annotated bibliography on the marine environment of Jervis Bay. | The purpose of this paper is to indicate the limited scope of past scientific research on the marine environment of Jervis bay by listing references to geological, geomorphological, hydrological and marine biologicalwork in this area. The coverage is considered to be comprehensive rather than exhaustive and is dated to December 1986.
Items listed are ordered chronologically in an annotated bibliography, so as the show the spread of research work over the past twenty years. The literature search carried out for the preparation of this paper did not locate any publications specific to either marine biology or coastal and nearshore habitats prior to 1966. Several general references are made to the Bay in all editions of Dakin, from 1952 onwards. Also there are some earlier references to the geology of the area but these are adequately synthesised by Walker (1967) and Taylor (1970).
Literature covered by this annotated bibliography also includes unpublished reports and manuscripts. There has been a wide range of submissions by government departments and agencies and private organisations to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Environment and Conservation (HORSCEC) which relate to marine biological matters, including fisheries of the Bay. The presence of this material is noted and the two HORSCEC reports (1975 and 1986) and one submission are included in the bibliography. | publication |
US 2004/0028751 W | MULTI-ANTIGEN VECTORS FOR MELANOMA | The present invention relates to peptides, polypeptides, and nucleic acids and the use of the peptide, polypeptide or nucleic acid in preventing and / or treating cancer. In particular, the invention relates to peptides and nucleic acid sequences encoding such peptides for use in diagnosing, treating, or preventing melanoma. | patent |
US 2016/0061087 W | APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR AIR-BORNE CLEANING OF SURFACES | There is provided a system and method of cleaning surfaces of an interior cabin space of a contamination comprising a microbial and viral load. The method includes the steps of sealing the interior cabin space and placing water, and a solid or gel pack, into a container and generating a vortex the container by rotating an impeller. The agitation causes the solid or gel pack to release a gaseous cleaning agent. An air-borne spray exiting from the container spreads throughout the interior cabin space to coat the surfaces to be cleaned within the interior cabin space. The cabin is maintained closed for an effective time period while the coating from the air-borne spray dwells on the surfaces to eliminate or substantially reduce the load of the contamination. | patent |
US 0128848 W | A METHOD FOR PREPARING A MULTI-LAYERED POLYMERIC COMPOSITE AND A MULTI-LAYERED COMPOSITE PRODUCED THEREBY | The present invention relates to: a method of preparing a capstock layer that includes a comb copolymer; a method of preparing a multi-layered polymeric composite, one layer of which is a capstock layer; and a capstock layer and a multi-layered composite formed, respectively, thereby. | patent |
W2009688205 | Developmental outcome in preterm infants <29 weeks gestation with ⩽ Stage 3 retinopathy of prematurity (ROP): relationship to severity of ROP | We have determined the influence of the severity of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) on development at 3 years of age in infants <29 weeks gestation from a population-based cohort. Primary analysis of surviving infants born <29 weeks gestational age (GA) from 1998 to 2001 in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory were grouped according to stage of ROP. Infants with periventricular leukomalacia, Grade III or IV intraventricular haemorrhage, hydrocephalus, major congenital abnormalities, Stage 4 or 5 ROP, cerebral palsy or a severe hearing impairment were excluded. Infants with Stage 3 ROP were matched for GA, birthweight and gender to those with no ROP, Stage 1 and Stage 2 ROP. The four groups were then compared for their 3-year-old developmental outcome, using the Griffiths Mental Development Scale. Development was also compared for those infants with Stage 3 ROP who were either treated or not treated with laser therapy. A secondary multivariate regression analysis on developmental outcome was performed with all infants included in the analysis. In neurologically comparable groups and in the multivariate analysis, there was no association between ROP and developmental outcome. There was also no difference in the Griffiths assessment at 3 years between those who were or were not treated for severe ROP. Neither severity of ROP nor treatment for severe ROP were related to developmental outcome at 3 years of age in a large population-based cohort of infants born <29 weeks gestation. | publication |
W3121159057 | “To Regulate,” Not “To Prohibit”: Limiting the Commerce Power | Today it is taken for granted that Congress’s power “to regulate . . . Commerce among the several States” includes the power to shut interstate markets down. That is why, for example, Congress is understood to have the power to ban the possession and use of marijuana, even though twenty states have expressed contrary preferences, either for the medicinal or recreational use of the drug. This Article argues that as a matter of constitutional history and theory both, this familiar assumption about congressional power is wrong. First, the Article demonstrates that the original understanding, which prevailed for over one hundred years, did not grant Congress the power to ban markets. Congress could pass “helper” statutes to facilitate state choices, and it could even ban particular goods (such as diseased cattle) “in service” of the interstate market; but it could not simply prohibit all commerce in products of which it disapproved. Second, the Article demonstrates that although this understanding changed following the 1903 Supreme Court decision in Champion v. Ames, none of the reasons supporting the change justify Congress possessing the power today. Finally, this Article examines theoretical justifications for congressional power grounded in law and economics and constitutional theory to suggest that the power “to regulate” interstate commerce should not be understood to include the power to prohibit it. The argument has implications for national bans on articles and activities such as interstate gambling, drugs, raw milk products and assault weapons. | publication |
US 95975407 A | PROCESS FOR SOFTENING HYGIENIC PAPER | An on-line process for manufacturing a multi-ply hygienic paper product is provided which involves the steps of supplying at least two separate webs to a processing station, applying to at least one of the surfaces of a web forming an outer ply a softening composition, adjoining the webs by gluing and/or embossing to manufacture a multi-ply hygienic paper product and directly transporting such paper to a cutting and/ or further processing station. | patent |
W1492954877 | Spark Plasma Sintering Densification Mechanism for Cemented Carbides with Different WC Particle Sizes | The paper is focused on understanding the densification characteristics of WC–Co composite powders by the spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique, especially the essential mechanisms for the distinct differences of the effects of WC particle size on the densification behavior between the SPS and the conventional sintering technologies. For the particular combination and contacting state between WC and Co after ball milling in which Co forms thin films coating the WC particles, a model that quantitatively describes the densification process of SPS WC–Co powders with different WC particle sizes has been developed. The calculated results show that both the actual temperature in the Co film and the melting temperature of the Co film increase with the increase of the WC particle size. As a result, the formation and growth of the sintering necks due to the rapid melting and solidification of the Co films turn to be weakly influenced by the WC particle size, and hence the SPS densification is almost independent of the WC particle size. The model calculations are consistent with the experimental findings that in the SPS processes the temperatures corresponding to the start of the densification and the peak of the displacement rate, respectively, are nearly the same for the WC–Co powders with different WC particle sizes. | publication |
W2339000038 | Design principles and field performance of a solar spectral irradiance meter | Abstract A solar spectral irradiance meter (SSIM), designed for measuring the direct normal irradiance (DNI) in six wavelength bands, has been combined with models to determine key atmospheric transmittances and the resulting spectral irradiance distribution of DNI under all sky conditions. The design principles of the SSIM, implementation of a parameterized transmittance model, and field performance comparisons of modeled solar spectra with reference radiometer measurements are presented. Two SSIMs were tested and calibrated at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) against four spectroradiometers and an absolute cavity radiometer. The SSIMs’ DNI was on average within 1% of the DNI values reported by one of NREL’s primary absolute cavity radiometers. An additional SSIM was installed at the SUNLAB Outdoor Test Facility in September 2014, with ongoing collection of environmental and spectral data. The SSIM’s performance in Ottawa was compared against a commercial pyrheliometer and a spectroradiometer over an eight month study. The difference in integrated daily spectral irradiance between the SSIM and the ASD spectroradiometer was found to be less than 1%. The cumulative energy density collected by the SSIM over this duration agreed with that measured by an Eppley model NIP pyrheliometer to within 0.5%. No degradation was observed. | publication |
893812 | Energy efficient pathway for the city transformation: enabling a positive future | MAKING-CITY is a large-scale demonstration project aiming at the development of new integrated strategies to address the urban energy system transformation towards low carbon cities, with the positive energy district (PED) approach as the core of the urban energy transition pathway. The project will be intensively focused on achieving evidences about the actual potential of the PED concept, as foundation of a high efficient and sustainable route to progress beyond the current urban transformation roadmaps. Although in principle a PED approach seems a solid and ambitious strategy, this should be complemented with long term urban planning to ensure upscaling and fostering higher impacts. Currently city energy plans are starting to be designed with a 2030 horizon, according to the standard city commitments, as for instance those reflected in the SECAPs and other more specific city plans. Project will address methodologies to support cities in their long term urban planning towards an adequate energy transition, paving the way of the planning, implementation and up-scaling process. Cities of Groningen (Netherlands) and Oulu (Finland) will act as lighthouses. These cities are currently working intensively in ambitious transformation planning whose approaches fit perfectly with the project objectives. Both have committed to deploy a demonstration of at least one positive energy district. León (Spain), Bassano del Grappa (Italy), Kadiköy (Turkey), Poprad (Slovakia), Vidin (Bulgaria) and Lublin (Poland) will be the follower cities. All of them have assumed a huge commitment to develop a solid execution project of Positive Energy District and foster high level of replication of the solutions demonstrated in Groningen and Oulu. | project/european |
interreg_4037 | High Altitude Medicine Applications on Mount Blanc | e-Rés@mont's objective is to improve health security in the mountains, through the development, the implementation and the promotion of advanced local services of High Altitude Medicine, based on the technologies of e-medicine and remote consultancy. The targeted publics are residents, tourists and Mountain-professionals. Through the strengthening of the health services of the most isolated territories, the project contributes in the fight against depopulation and in the improvement of tourism. The project foresees some practices for the prevention and treatment of High Altitude Pathologies. In particular, the focus will be on altitude sickness, exposure's proper medications and on the realization of a research about physio-pathological responses to high altitude. Another genetic research on athletes’ performance during resistance competitions in high altitude is planned. | project/regional |
W2368339300 | On the Forefront of Manufacturing Technology Applications in the Machinery Manufacturing Industry | The human society coming into the 20th century,increases demand for material.With the gradual formation of global market integration,the world's fierce competition is growing,increasing quality of life of the world's energy requirements and the reduction and population growth contradictions become more prominent.Therefore,the social development of its economic support for the industry-machinery manufacturing and the technical system of a higher requirement.Requirements of the manufacturing industry with more rapid and flexible response to market,higher product quality,lower costs and energy consumption,and good environmental properties.This needs prompted the traditional manufacturing industry in the 20th century begining a new revolutionary change,traditional manufacturing which began to develop modern manufacturing.This paper also discussed application of manufacturing technology in mechanical manufacturing industry. | publication |
629706 | Decoding spatio-temporal omics in progressive neuroinflammation | Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a paradigmatic progressive neuroinflammatory disease characterized by multiple lesions across the entire central nervous system including both gray and white matter areas. Deconvoluting the spatio-temporal cellular and molecular landscape is therefore key to understanding underlying disease mechanisms and to develop cell-type specific therapies. The DecOmPress proposal is about integrative human and mouse single-cell genomic strategies to track-down reactive cellular states in compartmentalized progressive neuroinflammation. DecOmPress has two major research tracks (RTs).
RT1 is an MS tissue discovery pipeline utilizing single-nucleus RNA and open chromatin sequencing. RT1 is about developing novel integrative computational tools to process sequencing data from different anatomical lesion areas implementing a large multiplex single-nucleus genomic dataset from the anterior visual system. RT1 is also about decoding compartmentalized inflammation in meningeal versus perivascular tissue niches.
RT2 is a functional validation pipeline utilizing complex transgenic and disease mouse models as well as human organoids in combination with single-cell physiology and genomics. RT2 is about dissecting glial-intrinsic mechanisms at the chronically inflamed white matter lesion rim focusing on MS-specific oligodendrocyte and microglia subtypes. RT2 is also about decoding neuron subtype specific pathologies focusing on projection neurons and the contribution of local (meningeal) and distant (white matter tracts) inflammation and demyelination to cell-type specific neurodegeneration.
In summary, DecOmPress is a highly innovative and fully translational multidisciplinary proposal aiming at identifying novel cell-type specific disease mechanisms and therapeutic targets. | project/european |
interreg_3607 | Solutions and interventions for the technological transfer and the innovation of the agro-food sector in South East regions | TECH.FOOD, tackles the topic of innovation of the agro-food sector, one of the major components of the SEE economies in terms of turnover, number of SMEs and persons employed. The project arises from the necessity of common strategies, tools, and opportunities to promote R&TD and innovation in the agro-food sector, facing the fast decreasing competitiveness of SEE agro-food enterprises. Project will be developed by institutions and scientific bodies spread across 7 SEE regions representative of the SEE space. Main TECH.FOOD objective consists in building R&TD and innovation capacity of the agro-food sector, overcoming the lack of links among research bodies, institutions and enterprises, coherently to the Lisbon strategy goals. Project activities are organized in 7 work packages, developed according to a multi-level methodology that foreseen the direct participation and commitment of target groups and stakeholders throughout the whole project implementation. Project starts from a deep analysis highlighting innovation needs and potentials of agro-food SMEs, to be performed at local level according to a transnational methodology. Regional profiles obtained by the analysis represent the base for all further activities. The establishment of a transnational network among involved regions will allow to create new opportunities of innovation and business among regional target groups, that will be hold in local networks by the operation of the project Technological Transfer Nodes realized by partners. Concrete innovation will be fostered by applying an Innovation Toolbox addressed to enterprises and research centres, with the catalyst action played by institutions. Tools application will allow to trigger, already during project lifecycle, R&TD and innovation processes in all concerned regions, also through the participation to EU financial instruments for competitiveness. After project end, a wide critical mass of innovation potentials is expected to be expressed. | project/regional |
Q2689712 | subvención de capital de trabajo para A& SZ Spółka z o.o. Sp.kom. | El proyecto se refiere al apoyo del empresario a proporcionar liquidez financiera y apoyo a las actividades actuales debido a las dificultades financieras experimentadas por el empresario como consecuencia del brote de COVID-19. Ayuda financiera concedida en el marco del programa n.º SA.57015 (2020/N) | project/regional |
W1588784954 | DOES BANNING PRICE DISCRIMINATION PROMOTE ENTRY AND INCREASE WELFARE? A MODEL OF DIFFERENTIATED-PRODUCT DUOPOLY WITH ASYMMETRIC MARKETS* | In this paper we investigate the impact of firms' pricing policies upon entry and welfare under duopoly price competition and product differentiation. We consider a model where an incumbent serves two distinct and independent geographical markets and an entrant may enter in one of the markets. Our results show that discriminatory pricing may be either more, less or equally favorable to entry than uniform pricing. The welfare effect of banning price discrimination is also ambiguous. However, the case for banning price discrimination is much weaker than under monopoly. Interestingly, discriminatory pricing may yield higher welfare even when entry occurs only under uniform pricing. | publication |
W2602817183 | Non-uniform spatial difference in the South Asian summer monsoon during the mid-Piacenzian | AbstractThe South Asian summer monsoon (SASM) during the mid-Piacenzian is analyzed through climate modelling with CAM4. The model results reveal a non-uniform spatial difference in the SASM during the mid-Piacenzian compared to the pre-industrial era, with the SASM being more intense north of ~20°N but weaker south of ~20°N. In particular, summer precipitation is higher in South Asia north of ~20°N, accompanied by anomalous low-level southwesterlies from the Arabian Sea, whereas the precipitation is lower in South Asia south of ~20°N, with anomalous low-level easterlies. These differences in the SASM are related to changes in sea level pressure (SLP) due to the different boundary conditions between the two periods. Further analysis isolates the climate effects of the different boundary conditions and indicates the combined difference in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration and SST to be the most important factor in this difference in the SASM through the changes in SLP. By comparison, the differences... | publication |
W2520024460 | Thermomechanical controls on magma supply and volcanic deformation: application to Aira caldera, Japan | Ground deformation often precedes volcanic eruptions, and results from complex interactions between source processes and the thermomechanical behaviour of surrounding rocks. Previous models aiming to constrain source processes were unable to include realistic mechanical and thermal rock properties, and the role of thermomechanical heterogeneity in magma accumulation was unclear. Here we show how spatio-temporal deformation and magma reservoir evolution are fundamentally controlled by three-dimensional thermomechanical heterogeneity. Using the example of continued inflation at Aira caldera, Japan, we demonstrate that magma is accumulating faster than it can be erupted, and the current uplift is approaching the level inferred prior to the violent 1914 Plinian eruption. Magma storage conditions coincide with estimates for the caldera-forming reservoir ~29,000 years ago, and the inferred magma supply rate indicates a ~130-year timeframe to amass enough magma to feed a future 1914-sized eruption. These new inferences are important for eruption forecasting and risk mitigation, and have significant implications for the interpretations of volcanic deformation worldwide. | publication |
W22461457 | Experimental treatments for mitochondrial dysfunction in sepsis: A narrative review. | Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response to infection. Sepsis, which can lead to severe sepsis, septic shock, and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, is an important cause of mortality. Pathogenesis is extremely complex. In recent years, cell hypoxia caused by mitochondrial dysfunction has become a hot research field. Sepsis damages the structure and function of mitochondria, conversely, mitochondrial dysfunction aggravated sepsis. The treatment of sepsis lacks effective specific drugs. The aim of this paper is to undertake a narrative review of the current experimental treatment for mitochondrial dysfunction in sepsis. The search was conducted in PubMed databases and Web of Science databases from 1950 to January 2014. A total of 1,090 references were retrieved by the search, of which 121 researches met all the inclusion criteria were included. Articles on the relationship between sepsis and mitochondria, and drugs used for mitochondrial dysfunction in sepsis were reviewed retrospectively. The drugs were divided into four categories: (1) Drug related to mitochondrial matrix and respiratory chain, (2) drugs of mitochondrial antioxidant and free radical scavengers, (3) drugs related to mitochondrial membrane stability, (4) hormone therapy for septic mitochondria. In animal experiments, many drugs show good results. However, clinical research lacks. In future studies, the urgent need is to develop promising drugs in clinical trials. | publication |
W4281936036 | A new species of Microlepidogaster (Loricariidae: Hypoptopomatinae) from rio Pardo, a coastal drainage in eastern Brazil | A new species of Microlepidogaster is described from rio Pardo drainage, a coastal basin in eastern Brazil. This species can be differentiated from its congeners by having the following unique features: 1) anterior portion of snout with a large odontode-free band extending laterally from the anterior tip of snout to the postrostral plate 2; 2) transverse process of second dorsal-fin pterygiophore exposed and bearing odontodes; and 3) exposed area of pectoral girdle extended to the mesial symphysis, with odontodes mainly distributed in the coracoid ventral expansion. The new species is further distinguished by several other morphological non-exclusive features. Recently, some Microlepidogaster species were reallocated to Rhinolekos. The taxonomic changes involving these genera is herein discussed. | publication |
216531 | How to help the hive? incidence and impact of heritable microbes on bee health | Honey bees provide both economic and societal benefits, from the honey and other commodities that they produce to the pollination services they provide. The loss of honey bee colonies and the current threats to their health are of considerable concern to bee-keepers and biologists alike. This project seeks to examine how a particular aspect of honey bee biology – the symbiotic microbiome – impacts upon honey bee health. Studies in other systems reveal heritable microbes as important modulators of disease susceptibility. This project will utilize the extensive network of bee samples across the US and UK to establish geographical patterns of heritable microbe presence in bees, and links to apiculture practice. It will then use state of the art transcriptomic and genomic approaches to establish the links between Arsenophonus, a heritable symbiont known in bees, and bee health. It will then, combine with professional agencies responsible for bee health to use these results to modify apiculture practice to establish better bee husbandry. Aside the research science completed, the project will train an EU scientist in state of the art genomic technologies and translation from discovery to applied science. It will further transfer the training gained to EU hosts, both in discovery science and application. | project/european |
985100 | Revolutionize the way humans interact with technology | Mobile Augmented Reality has the potential to go beyond gaming and transform the way we learn, work and interact. The main issue with mobile AR so far has been that a seemingly simple task, that is to create a real time understanding of how the hand moves by using only the already installed RGB camera and the processing power available in a mobile phone has been an unsolved technical problem.
ManoMotion taps into this opportunity with its patented deep technology that integrates hand tracking and gesture analysis with Computer Vision, AI and Machine learning in a B2B solution that provides a framework for real- time 3D gestural analysis with the simple RGB camera found in everyday smartphones, with minimal computing power and minimal battery consumption. ManoMotion’s is the first software solution that creates realistic real-time hand understanding, gesture control & hand-to-object interaction in augmented reality and virtual reality environments. The company is on a mission to interpret human intent and make technology more natural and intuitive using one of the most versatile tools humans use to interact with the world: their hands. With the “RealHands” project, the company will push the development of the technology to be scalable and adaptable to a virtually endless range of applications: from videogaming to education to health applications.
Goldman Sachs estimate that the total accessible market for AR software is 35 B$ in 2025 60% of which is driven by consumers. The largest segment, according to the same study, is projected to be the videogame market which is expected to generate 11.6 B$ from over 216M users in 2025, followed by health case sector at 5.1 B$ and engineering 4.7 B$. Thanks to this project ManoMotion will become a prime mover of this market. | project/european |
184657 | Bacterial adhesion control through surface targeted regulation | Fundamental investigations of bacterial adhesion will create the knowledge base to advance surface engineering approaches.
Directed mutagenesis of adhesin genes in several oral pathogens will be used to create a library of knockout strains. Recombinant adhesins will also be over-expressed in E.coli. Assays will be developed to test the interaction of the resulting strains (wild-type, knockouts, over-expressing E.coli clones) with a range of materials, covering the entire spectrum of surface properties with defined roughness, hydrophobicity, porosity, charge and composition. Adhesion kinetics will be monitored in real time, using flow cells to mimic the shear stress and nutrient exchange on implants in vivo. This will complement plate-based fluorescence adhesion assays, western blotting, immunofluorescence microscopy, and ELISAs. Adhesion trends will be tested with targeted surface modifications in pure and mixed culture, creating a feedback-loop for assay improvement with gradually specialised surface functionalization. The ultimate goal is to develop surfaces that promote the adhesion of host tissue, such as human osteoblast cells or gingival cells, whilst still preventing pathogen adhesion.
Understanding the fundamental interactions of bacteria with surfaces facilitates the transferability of the results from this project to a variety of further applications (e.g. adhesion of electrogens to microbial fuel cell electrodes; antifouling surfaces etc.). My proposal therefore has the potential to be high impact research, and generates the framework for future interdisciplinary projects. | project/european |
US 16842808 A | Automated pointing and control of high resolution cameras using video analytics | An automated method for cueing a high resolution video camera to a mobile object involves first detecting the presence of an object by a wide-area surveillance asset such as a radar and using the radar's positional information to cue the video camera iteratively, while updating the positional information each time. Then, a video analytics algorithm detects the object and generates more accurate positional and rate information on the object, which is then used to cue the video camera into a higher resolution setting for classifying/identifying the object. Once the object is identified, the positional and rate information is updated and the updated information is used to further cue the video camera into a higher resolution setting for recording a video clip of the moving object while the video camera is dynamically steered. | patent |
W2032015311 | Delayed publication of vaccine trials | Why are we waiting? Sponsors, authors, and editors all contribute to delays
Among medical interventions to improve human health, vaccination has been and remains one of the most important.1 Given the huge number of deaths from influenza pandemics in recent history, the ability to rapidly develop effective vaccines for new strains of influenza is particularly critical. Making and testing a new influenza vaccine that can be administered to the public takes six months or less.2 For example, the pandemic A/H1N1 2009 influenza strain was first identified in April of 2009; four vaccines were approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in September. After the approval of a vaccine, however, important questions remain regarding dosage, effectiveness, and safety. These questions are best answered by randomized clinical trials, and getting complete results from these trials to policy makers, clinicians, and the general public in a timely manner is essential.
The problems of delayed publication and non-publication of clinical trials have been described in a variety of settings.3 4 5 In this issue of The BMJ , Manzoli and colleagues (doi:10.1136/bmj.g3058) examine delays to publication and non-publication for the vitally important area of vaccine trials.6 The authors searched … | publication |
W1221628243 | Improved delay-range-dependent stability analysis of a time-delay system with norm bounded uncertainty | This paper presents improved robust delay-range-dependent stability analysis of an uncertain linear time-delay system following two different existing approaches - (i) non-delay partitioning (NDP) and (ii) delay partitioning (DP). The derived criterion (for both the approaches) proposes judicious use of integral inequality to approximate the uncertain limits of integration arising out of the time-derivative of Lyapunov-Krasovskii (LK) functionals to obtain less conservative results. Further, the present work compares both the approaches in terms of relative merits as well as highlights tradeoff for achieving higher delay bound and (or) reducing number of decision variables without losing conservatism in delay bound results. The analysis and discussion presented in the paper are validated by considering relevant numerical examples. | publication |