Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
The future of geometric quantisation (FGQ)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Outgoing Fellowships
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Netherlands
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2011-IOF, 2011)
Start date: 2013-03-01
End date: 2016-08-10
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 274503.9
EU funding (EUR): 274503.9
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Geometric quantisation is a fundamental link between classical and quantum mechanics, and especially between the key roles of symmetry in these types of physics. It has been studied intensively since the 1980s, and has led to important new insights into the relation between classical and quantum mechanics, and the mathematics underlying these fields. However, the way geometric quantisation has been studied so far fundamentally only applies to classical phase spaces and symmetry groups that are compact. Compact sets are bounded and have other convenient properties that make geometric quantisation considerably easier to deal with, but preclude most applications in mathematics and physics. A generalisation to the noncompact case would lead to a staggering potential for such applications, but also requires a completely new approach to the problem, as the techniques used traditionally become meaningless. There have been some first results using ad-hoc approaches that allow certain amounts of noncompactness, but none have the general and far-reaching applications that should be possible if a general theory of noncompact geometric quantisation is developed. This is exactly what I intend to do. The first steps taken have laid bare the challenges of noncompact geometric quantisation, and the time is now ripe to achieve ground-breaking results, using a completely new and general approach. The key feature of this approach is the integration of the mathematical fields symplectic geometry (which describes classical mechanics), representation theory (which describes symmetry in quantum mechanics), and noncommutative geometry (which is a powerful tool for studying complex classical and quantum mechanical phase spaces). First results combining these fields indicate that this integration is extremely promising, and has attracted the interest of top researchers. The goal of this project is to fully exploit this link, thus obtaining exciting new applications in all three fields.

Keywords: geometric quantisation,symplectic geometry,noncommutative geometry,representation theory,index theory,physical sciences
Spectroscopic and computational investigation of chromium binding on pure minerals and Asopos aquifer soils (SPECHROM)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Incoming Fellowships
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Greece
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2011-IIF, 2011)
Start date: 2013-07-01
End date: 2015-06-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 222483.6
EU funding (EUR): 222483.6
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

This project has two parallel research objectives to transfer and expand the expertise of the U.S.-based researcher, Dr. Maria Chrysochoou to the host institution, the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA). The first objective addresses a frequent environmental problem, the mobility of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) in polluted groundwater. Surface complexation modeling relies in recent years on spectroscopic and theoretical investigations of the binding mechanisms of metal contaminants on mineral surfaces; however, very limited studies have been conducted for Cr(VI). The researcher will utilize Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure spectroscopy and Density Functional Theory calculations in combination with traditional sorption isotherms to study the complexation mechanisms of Cr(VI) on important sorptive surfaces (ferrihydrite, hematite, corundum and γ-alumina) under various conditions (pH, surface loading, competitive anions). The generated data will be used in future research to construct data-driven surface complexation models for Cr(VI). The second objective will be pursued as an add-on to a LIFE project coordinated by NTUA (Chromium in Asopos River System: Remediation Technologies and Measures) to guide the risk assessment and remediation efforts for this Cr(VI)-polluted area in Greece. Micro-X-ray Fluorescence, Absorption Near Edge Structure (μXANES) and Diffraction along with bulk XANES will be used to determine the binding mechanisms of Cr(VI) in the aquifer and refine the transport model and treatment design. The proposed work will build the expertise of the two participating labs (Sanitary Engineering Laboratory and Laboratory of Metallurgy) in spectroscopic techniques, adding an important element to their environmental research portfolio. Additionally, Dr. Chrysochoou will bring her diverse collaborations from the U.S. to the European Research Area, where she intends to continue her academic career.

Keywords: metal pollution,hexavalent chromium,spectroscopy,contaminant fate and transport,water quality monitoring,sorption modelling,groundwater pollution
Dynamic Predictions: It's all Rhythms (THEPREDICTIVEBRAIN)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Outgoing Fellowships
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Germany
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2011-IOF, 2011)
Start date: 2012-10-15
End date: 2017-04-28
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 353579.0
EU funding (EUR): 353579.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

This proposal aims to elucidate the neuronal mechanism serving the human brain’s predictive capacities. Despite the wide and growing consensus on the importance of predictions in behavior and in brain functioning, the underlying neuronal mechanisms are largely unknown. Recent empirical results suggests that predictions are embodied in the temporal structure of both stimulus-evoked and ongoing activity, and thus that neural oscillations may provide the neurophysiological basis for the brain’s representation, coordination, and enactment of sensory predictions. We examine the proposal that different brain rhythms are used for representing and enacting “when” and “what” predictions, and interrogate the mechanisms implementing predictions at different spatial scales (i.e., local and global).The research objectives are addressed using a unique combination of invasive, intracranial EEG recordings with laminar resolution in humans to investigate local mechanisms, and whole-brain magnetoencephalographic recordings and cutting-edge functional connectivity analysis to identify brain areas as sources and/or targets of predictions, thus relating local to global mechanisms. This brings an unparalleled depth of investigation into the mechanisms supporting predictions across the frequency and spatial spectra. Our proposal has the potential to unify many apparently disparate cognitive phenomena, e.g., learning, speech perception, and active sensing, but also provides insight into psychiatric diseases like schizophrenia, where alterations in predictions and oscillatory activity are implicated. The high quality and expertise of the hosts in addition to their theoretical and methodological complementariness secure success of the project and the prospect for long-standing collaborations, increasing EU scientific excellence and competitiveness.

Keywords: health sciences,natural sciences,cognitive neuroscience,neurophysiology,intracranial eeg,magnetoencephalography,predictions,oscillations
Spectral Imaging for Contaminant Detection on Fresh Food Produce (SPECIMFOOD)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Outgoing Fellowships
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Ireland
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2011-IOF, 2011)
Start date: 2013-02-12
End date: 2016-02-11
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 267726.9
EU funding (EUR): 267726.9
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

This project will focus on the development and validation of spectral imaging sensing technologies for the detection of contaminated and defective fresh produce, and chemical and biological contamination on food products and processing surfaces. The goal of this project is to improve the safety and quality of produce consumed by the public. This work will focus primarily on fresh fruits and vegetables, such as leafy greens, that have been associated with serious agri-food safety related outbreaks, as well as other common products such as apples and tomatoes. Near infrared hyperspectral imaging systems will incorporate multitasking capabilities which allow users to select desired inspection criteria, and to optimize wavelengths and thresholds to address changes in produce characteristics on-the-fly. To address the industry-identified need to survey produce in-field for fecal contamination, technology to detect feces in produce fields will be developed based on a laser-induced fluorescence imaging technology. To address the potential to detect chemical and biological substances of agri-food safety interest, a novel Raman macro-scale imaging system will be developed and validated. This project will provide comprehensive tools for protection of consumers, and prevention of economic losses for the agri-food and health sectors. The specific objectives of this research are: (1) Development and validation of multitask in-line real-time inspection technologies for small to large processors that simultaneously detect contaminants and defects of fruits and vegetables. (2) Development and validation of portable spectral imaging sensing technologies for detecting the presence of chemical and biological contaminants on food products (in-field pre-harvest and during processing post-harvest) and processing surfaces.

Keywords: spectral imaging,hyperspectral imaging,laser-induced fluorescence imaging,raman macro-scale imaging,contaminant,defects,fresh food produce
Multi-Modal and Cognition-Aware Systems (MACAS)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Intra-European Fellowships
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2011-IEF, 2011)
Start date: 2012-04-01
End date: 2014-03-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 200371.8
EU funding (EUR): 200371.8
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

This research proposal is embedded in the research fields of ambient intelligence and human-computer interaction. One goal of both fields is to develop computing systems that are able to continuously monitor, learn from and proactively adapt to the state (or context) of the user. The proposal aims to add an exciting new concept to this topic - the use of eye movements to infer the cognitive user context. This project has the potential to lead to the development of cognition-aware systems, thus opening the door to a new area of research on the boundary between the cognitive and computer sciences. This highly inter-disciplinary project will focus on simultaneous assessment of eye and body movements as particularly promising means to infer the cognitive context of the user. The two main objectives are 1) the development of a machine learning framework for real-time inference of selected aspects of visual cognition from eye movements and 2) the extension of this framework to using additional sensing modalities, particularly body movements and physiological parameters. These objectives will be achieved by running a series of empirical studies, by developing pattern recognition and machine learning techniques specifically geared for simultaneous classification of eye and body movements, and by evaluating these techniques in real-time in a driving simulator. Experimental data will be collected using a wearable eye tracker and body-worn motion and physiological sensors. The current proposal directly contributes to Challenge 1 of the FP7 Work Program (Objective ICT-2011.1.3) and Challenge 2 (Cognitive Systems and Robotics). Its outcomes are expected to contribute to our understanding of natural cognitive systems, specifically cognitive processes in natural visual behaviour, attention and eye-hand coordination, as well as to contribute new computational methods for analysis, modeling and machine recognition of visual cognitive processes from time series eye movement data.

Keywords: human-computer interaction,ubiquitous computing,activity and context recognition,eye movement analysis
Asymmetric Halogenation of Olefins Involving Intermolecular Nucleophiles (HALOCHIRAL)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Intra-European Fellowships
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Sweden
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2011-IEF, 2011)
Start date: 2012-08-01
End date: 2014-07-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 174016.8
EU funding (EUR): 174016.8
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Chirality is fundamental to the vast majority of molecular recognition processes. Therefore, asymmetric synthesis is a cornerstone in the efficient production of modern pharmaceuticals and many other chemicals. Despite ongoing efforts, however, the asymmetric halogenation of olefins using intermolecular nucleophiles has not been achieved with useful enantiomeric excess ratios. The development of a feasible approach has challenged the field to the day. It is highly desirable for the tremendous expansion of scope it would offer regarding both olefins and nucleophiles applicable. This new reaction type also bears huge potential of generating complexity from relatively simple achiral starting materials, eliminating the need for complicated synthesis of the latter. In this IEF project, a new method for the asymmetric halogenation of olefins involving intermolecular attack of the nucleophile will be developed. The ligand-based tuning of the stability of the halonium complexes of the olefins will allow for chiral induction even during the attack of an intermolecular nucleophile. To achieve this goal, the fellow will combine his knowledge on synthesis and modern solution NMR techniques with the excellent infrastructure provided by the host institute. He will profit by strengthening his background in the elucidation of molecular interactions by NMR and from the large number of additional competencies he will acquire during his work, especially in the area of advanced (chiral) HPLC, UV spectroscopic kinetic studies and the expertise on asymmetric synthesis he will gain. He will be able to raise his profile by high-impact publications on this hot topic that still leaves room for genuinely new findings. His chances of reaching an independent position in science will benefit greatly from his strengthened CV as well as from the extended network of scientific contacts he will be able to make at the very international host and upon visiting scientific conferences.

Keywords: organic chemistry,instrumental analysis,medicinal chemistry,mechanistic investigation,asymmetric halogenation
PLASMONICALLY ENHANCED COLLOIDAL QUANTUM DOT PHOTODETECTORS AND PHOTOVOLTAICS (PECQDPV)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Incoming Fellowships
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Spain
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2011-IIF, 2011)
Start date: 2012-05-01
End date: 2014-04-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 176053.2
EU funding (EUR): 176053.2
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) have recently attracted significant attention as a candidate material for optoelectronic devices, and in particular photodetectors and solar cells. These materials can be manufactured in the solution phase and spin-cast onto a variety of substrates, significantly reducing the cost of device fabrication. Additionally, the bandgap of CQD films can be tuned to allow absorption of specific wavelength regions by varying the diameter of the CQDs, due to the quantum confinement size effect. To maintain efficient charge extraction in these devices, the thickness of the CQD layer is restricted, resulting in devices that are limited by non-complete absorption. To improve efficiencies it is necessary to decouple the optical thickness from the electrical thickness by employing novel light-trapping schemes. Plasmonics offers the opportunity to confine light in sub-wavelength volumes, increasing the absorption in thin films. Discrete metal particles can be fabricated on a glass substrate, by simple self assembly or by nano-fabrication techniques, before the CQD are spin cast thus allowing plasmonic scattering structures to be incorporated into the cells without significantly increasing the complexity or cost of cell fabrication. By integrating plasmonic light trapping based on sub wavelength scattering structures with CQD devices, we will aim to dramatically increase the absorption, while maintaining good electrical characteristics, and hence achieve gains in overall performance and efficiency. Additionally, we will study the physical mechanisms behind plasmonic enhancement by employing FDTD simulations to investigate the scattering behaviour of single particles and periodic arrays embedded in CQD films, and combine this with simple conceptual models to design optimal scattering structures. These will be fabricated on CQD devices with the aim of providing the maximal absorption enhancement possible with plasmonic structures.

Keywords: optoelectronics,nanophotonics,plasmonics,collodial quantum dots,photovoltaics,photodetectors
Toxicogenomic studies on engineered carbon nanomaterials (MIRNANO)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Intra-European Fellowships
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Netherlands
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2011-IEF, 2011)
Start date: 2012-09-01
End date: 2014-08-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 191675.4
EU funding (EUR): 191675.4
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Engineered nanomaterials (ENM) are becoming an issue of great concern regarding their health effects. Different types of ENM are being used today in everyday consumer products as well as professional equipment such as medical devices. Several ENM, even those used in products that are already on the market, have been shown to be cytotoxic, genotoxic and immunotoxic in experimental settings, but knowledge is still too scarce and inconsistent for efficient and accurate risk assessment on ENM exposure and the materials are still classified according to the toxicity of their respective bulk material. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are among the most utilized ENM and studies have indicated that certain types may have similar health effects as the well-known human carcinogen, asbestos. The toxic effects of CNTs have been investigated at several levels, but the genetic mechanisms behind these effects are still largely unknown. Toxicogenomics investigates the multifaceted genomic responses to xenobiotic substances in biological systems on a genome-wide level. Thus, toxicogenomic studies may reveal the genomic changes related to CNT exposure and may give insight into the mechanisms behind their hazardous effects. In this study genetic features such as mRNA and microRNA expression changes as well as histone modification patterns will be profiled on a genome-wide level in a bronchial epithelial cell line following exposure to various carbon nanomaterials, including CNTs. Asbestos will be used as a positive control. This will enable the identification of early genomic changes which may elucidate the mechanism of action behind the cellular responses to these ENM and possibly reveal eventual toxic outcomes following exposure. Furthermore, the results are anticipated to lay a foundation for accurate risk assessment of CNTs.

Keywords: health sciences,toxicology,toxicogenomics,engineered nanomaterials,carbon nanotubes,asbestos,microrna,histone acetylation
Luminescent Hybrid Nanomaterial showing liquid crystalline properties (LH-NAN-LC)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Incoming Fellowships
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: France
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2011-IIF, 2011)
Start date: 2012-10-01
End date: 2014-09-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 201932.4
EU funding (EUR): 201932.4
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

In recent years the growing awareness of the merits to use renewable energies as well as the high oil prices have led to a new approach in the use of liquid crystal materials. One of their main applications is the LCD screens. In order to minimize the energy consumption of such devices, new arising technologies based on organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) are now used in the design of flat low-power display. However this technology can be improved by replacing the amorphous emitting organic compounds by stable inorganic phosphors showing liquid crystal properties. The “Luminescent Hybrid NANomaterial showing Liquid Crystalline properties” project proposes to develop such approach by introducing a bright red-NIR inorganic emitter in a liquid crystal matrix. The one nanometer sized octahedral clusters based on Mo6 or Re6 scaffolds have been chosen for their outstanding luminescence properties. These inorganic building blocks are obtained via solid state chemistry synthesis techniques and, once solubilized, can be functionalized with judiciously designed organic molecules to give hybrids nanomaterials with self-organization abilities. This two years project will contribute to maintain Europe’s leading position in the field of innovative materials technologies for the future by developing new multifunctional nanomaterial with tailored properties: the clustomesogens (liquid crystal based clusters). Although at a first glance, the work is of peculiar interest to academics from a range of backgrounds, in particular to supramolecular, coordination, solid state and material chemists as well as physicists, there is a considerable industrial and commercial potential in the medium and long term as stated in the SusChem Strategic Research Agenda. The researcher involved in this proposal will brought his skills to consolidate and maintain the worldwide leadership position of the host group in the field of luminescent nanohybrid materials based on metallic cluster core.

Keywords: inorganic chemistry,molecular chemistry,future technology