Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
The Oldowan-Acheulian Transition and the Emergence of the Acheulian Industry, Field and laboratory Investigations at the Gona Plio-Pleistocene Archaeological Sites, Ethiopia (GONA PROJECT)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Life-long training and career development
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Spain
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2011-CIG, 2011)
Start date: 2012-03-01
End date: 2016-02-29
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 100000.0
EU funding (EUR): 100000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The origin of the Acheulian stone technology has long fascinated prehistorians, as the handaxe seems to signify the first tool made with predetermined shape. This proposal seeks funding to investigate the mode, tempo and causes of the Oldowan-Acheulian technology transition, 2.0-1.7 million years ago (Ma), at Gona, Afar, Ethiopia. This time period is immensely important to the study of human origins and the evolution Homo (our own genus), as it marks the emergence of Homo ergaster (erectus), the likely inventor of the Acheulian technology. Specifically, our goals are to: 1) determine the timing and nature of the Oldowan-Acheulian transition at Gona, 2) identify stone assemblages that can be technologically recognized as transitional between the two industries, 3) assess whether the transition was gradual or rapid, 4) conduct experimental-knapping using the stone raw materials actually accessed by the tool makers, and brain-imaging studies for understanding the cognitive skills of the makers, and 5) determine to what extent the transition was environmentally mediated (that is, corresponds to paleoenvironmental changes). Only a few study areas in the world have both early (~1.7 Ma) Acheulian sites and deposits that immediately precede this time. Gona is one of them, making it possible to explore its origins. In order to accomplish these goals, we plan to survey intensively the areas of Gona that have deposits dating to 2.0-1.6 Ma. We will then 1) identify and sample (through excavations) all archaeological traces of this age, 2) analyze these stone tool assemblages with respect to technologically relevant attributes, 3) sample and analyze the associated raw material sources for type, size and shape (this will also involve replication of the stone tools and brain-imaging studies), 4) conduct taphonomic study of fossil fauna for determining stone tool functions (and other bone modifying agents), and 5) document eological/paleoenvironmental contexts of each assemblage.

Keywords: social sciences,palaeolithic archeology,oldowan-acheulian transition,africa,ethiopia,gona.
Role of GnRH neurons in Reproductive Behavior and Physiology (GNRH & REPRODUCTION)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Life-long training and career development
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Israel
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2011-CIG, 2011)
Start date: 2012-04-01
End date: 2016-03-31
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 100000.0
EU funding (EUR): 100000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

In this research, I propose to investigate the neuronal circuitry underlying reproductive behaviors. The specific phenomenon studied here, reflexive release of luteinizing hormone (RRLH), occurs in males of various species including mice and humans. RRLH is the release of luteinizing hormone into the blood stream in response to sensory detection of female stimuli. The chemosensory inputs that mediate RRLH in mice are detected by the vomeronasal organ, and relayed via the accessory olfactory bulb, and the vomeronasal amygdala, to the hypothalamic gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons. This small neuronal population is the final brain stage controlling RRLH as well as many other aspects of reproductive function in both males and females of many species. Until recently, it was not possible to investigate the role of GnRH neurons in this and other vomeronasal system mediated phenomena. This was due to the technical difficulties of targeting specific GnRH neurons and stimulating the vomeronasal system in-vivo. Here I propose to apply a novel experimental system that I recently developed for in-vivo stimulus delivery to the vomeronasal system, and combine it with in-vivo electrophysiology and optogenetics, to test the function of GnRH neurons and of the preceding vomeronasal brain stages in RRLH. The current research promises to provide the first direct physiological recording of mammalian GnRH neurons in vivo, to reveal how they are modulated by sensory stimuli and to identify their direct effects on reproductive physiology. From a different perspective, GnRH neurons are used as a focal point for studying the information processing related to an ethologically relevant reproductive phenomenon in multiple brain regions.

Keywords: reproductive function,gnrh neurons,vomeronasal system,in-vivo,electrophysiology,hypothalamus,optogenetics,pheromones,neuronal circuits
The Role of Dimension in Metric Embedding (DIMENSION)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Life-long training and career development
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Israel
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2011-CIG, 2011)
Start date: 2012-10-01
End date: 2016-09-30
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 100000.0
EU funding (EUR): 100000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

We are currently witnessing the generation of massive amounts of data that require analysis, particularly in application areas such as computational biology, text mining, networking and web applications. Many of these computational tasks can be performed efficiently in low dimensional Euclidean space. In this research proposal, I will set out to investigate fundamental questions in the field of metric embedding, which could provide tools and algorithms for handling arbitrary metric data. The dimension of the host space will play a major role, as it is crucial for the efficiency of algorithms in normed spaces and as it enables compact representation. In particular, I plan to investigate questions such as: How well do certain classes of metric spaces embed into Euclidean space of bounded dimension? What are the bounds on dimension reduction, in several normed spaces and for particular subsets of Euclidean space? Of particular interest is the class of metrics known as doubling-metrics; in some sense, these are metrics with low intrinsic dimension. While there has been much research, in several communities, on these metrics, we still do not understand the dimensionality required for embedding these metrics into normed spaces. I plan to achieve better understanding of the above questions by using newly developed embedding techniques, in combination with tools from probability theory and functional analysis. Answering these questions will enrich the knowledge of the European Mathematics and Computer Science communities and supply its researchers with new tools and insights for developing improved algorithms for various computational tasks.

Keywords: computer science,metric embedding,dimension reduction,doubling metrics,discrete mathematics,combinatorial analysis
Development of a new generation of knee prostheses with enhanced lifespan features using advanced computational biomechanics (TOTAL.KNEE)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Life-long training and career development
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Spain
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2011-CIG, 2011)
Start date: 2012-04-01
End date: 2016-03-31
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 100000.0
EU funding (EUR): 100000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Total knee replacement (TKR) is one of the most expensive prosthetic surgery, causing large costs to European countries. In Europe, an average of 107 knee prostheses per 100.000 inhabitants was needed in 2008, generating the need of 335.000 knee prostheses. This number is increasing in European countries, being estimated that the global number will double each year. Considering an average cost of 10.000 euros/surgery in the EuroArea, it is then estimated a global cost of around 3883 M euros per year. In the US the situation is even more dramatic: an average of 500.000 knee prostheses are used each year. Most of knee prostheses are designed and fabricated according to high quality standards and several research groups world-wide are actively working in the subject, mainly in US and Japan. However, knee prostheses are usually affected by several factors, causing their loosening or fracture and then, shortening their long-term lifespan. This project address the enhancement of these designs by analyzing in deep biomechanical factors as fatigue, wear, bone loss of density, etc. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) will be used to study the behavior and performance of existing designs, including nonlinear stress analysis and stress-shielding effect. Comparative analyses will be performed to assess the behavior of different prostheses geometries thus allowing to make relevant changes both in geometry and prosthesis alignment, driven by the stresses gradients around the interface bone-prosthesis. It is well known that small variations in the prosthesis geometry can lead to increment/decrement of wear and thus to a reduction/increase of the prosthesis lifespan. As well, the prosthesis stem geometry is crucial for the coupling boneprosthesis,because the interface stresses can generate bone reabsorption. The main goal is to propose new geometries for the knee prostheses to improve their performance and the enlargement of their long-term lifespan.

Keywords: knee prostheses,biomechanics,improved lifespan,finite element analysis,technological sciences
Frictional shear crack dynamics along heterogeneous interfaces (CASCADE)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Life-long training and career development
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: France
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2011-CIG, 2011)
Start date: 2012-02-01
End date: 2016-01-31
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 100000.0
EU funding (EUR): 100000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The main objective of the proposal is to offer the best possibe integration conditions to an outstanding young researcher in its new institution. Dr. Scheibert, who is an internationally recognized expert in the physics of friction and fracture, has just received a permanent research position in French CNRS, and has been affected to the Laboratory of Tribology and Dynamics of Systems at Ecole Centrale Lyon. There, he aims at setting up and manage his own research group dedicated to the experimental study of the dynamics of shear cracks along heterogeneous frictional interfaces with an original and multidisciplinary approach. The main methods to be applied are highly controlled model experiments on the frictional contact between an elastomer and a rigid substrate. The dynamics of the slip field over the whole interface will be monitored optically using high speed camera acquisition and a digital image correlation method developed by Dr. Scheibert. The role of both (i) the mesoscopic heterogeneities induced by the geometry and loading and (ii) the smale scale surface disorder on the nucleation, propagation and arrest of micro-slip fronts will be studied in details. The experimental data will be compared with continuum and discrete modelling, in particular with simulations performed by the former group of Dr. Scheibert in the University of Oslo. The objective is to provide a comprehensive picture of friction at all scales and use it to solve important practical problems in a variety of fields including mechanical engineering, geology, biology and robotics. This project, by providing Dr. Scheibert with excellent career perspectives, is expected to stabilize a productive and promising activity on friction and fracture in Europe, as well as to strengthen existing and promote new collaborations among its countries.

Keywords: experimental physics,mechanical and thermal properties,statistical physics,mechanical engineering,earthquakes
The role of ethylene and of ERF gene regulators in the grapevine berry ripening (GRAPERIPE)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Life-long training and career development
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Italy
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2011-CIG, 2011)
Start date: 2012-06-01
End date: 2016-05-31
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 100000.0
EU funding (EUR): 100000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Grapevine is one of the most important crops in Europe for production and cultivated area. Ripening is a process that increases flavor and aroma due to the accumulation of anthocyanin and aromatic compounds in berries but it limits transport, store and manipulation. Grape ripening follows a double sigmoid curve characterized for a first volume increase of the berry and a second phase, also called véraison, of accumulation in sugars, softening, coloring and a second increase in size. Grapevine is traditionally classified as a no climacteric fruit supposing an ethylene independent pathway while new recently insights showed a common genetic mechanism between climacteric and no-climacteric fruits where ethylene plays a fundamental role (Lin et al., 2009). The final step in ethylene signaling is regulated by transcription factors called Ethylene Responsive Factors (ERFs) that are involved in fruit ripening and stress processes. It was demonstrated that they bind to a specific GCC-box and modulate genes expression (Fujimoto et al., 2000) and they have been described in tomato, Arabidopsis and other fruits. At FEM, the two interesting ERFs, VvERF045 and VvERF063, have been identified showing the most interesting expression profile correlated to véraison in grape. The first accumulated its transcripts after veráison while the second one showed a clear decrease in expression. Also transgenic plants overexpressing VvERF045 were obtained. The main purpose of the project is a first characterization from a molecular, morphological and biochemical point of view of these transgenic plants to observe the main phenotypical alterations. The research is further focused on the identification of the targets of VvERF045 to better know. We will focus on the most interesting genes resulting for a further association analysis study on a germplasm bank that is present in the research center. This results should help for genetic studies on ripening and breeding purposes.

Keywords: vitis vinifera,erf,vverf045,transcription factor,transgenic plant,binding site,association analysis,germplasm bank,functional allelic variants.
Scalable and Complete Ontology Reasoning (SCORE)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Life-long training and career development
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Greece
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2011-CIG, 2011)
Start date: 2012-04-01
End date: 2016-03-31
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 100000.0
EU funding (EUR): 100000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Semantic Web technologies, like OWL 2 and RDF(S) ontologies have gradually started to be used in many research as well as industrial strength applications, a recent example being BBC's World Cup Semantic Website. Many such applications usually have to deal (reason) with a huge amount of data in as much little time as possible. The pressing need for scalable reasoning often forces developers to use incomplete ontology reasoners--that is, reasoners which for some combinations of inputs fail to derive all answers to a user query. Examples of such systems are OWLim (the system used by BBC), Oracle's Semantic Store, and more. Although incompleteness provides performance guarantees it is clearly undesirable, and in some applications may even be unacceptable. To address this problem, the current project aims at investigating the problem of `repairing' an ontology O for an incomplete reasoner--that is, computing an extension R such that a reasoner that is incomplete for O becomes complete when used with O and R as inputs. The project will investigate the possibility of repairing ontologies O which contain disjunctive constructors and also repairing under non-ground queries. Both these features are very important in knowledge representation and ontology engineering and to the best of our knowledge are currently not supported by any state-of-the-art repair approach. Furthermore, the project will also provide prototypical implementations and an extensive experimental evaluation as proof of concept of the proposed technologies and the practically of the approach. Finally, it will also investigate the trade-off between fully repairing completeness of an incomplete system and the consequences that the repair potentially has in its scalability. Overall, the project aims at delivering scalable and complete ontology reasoning by bringing together complete but inherently inefficient systems with incomplete but scalable ones.

Keywords: technological sciences,knowledge technology,knowledge engineering
Equilibrium properties and kinetics of self-assembly of anisotropic colloids and molecular liquids (ANISOKINEQ)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Life-long training and career development
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Spain
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2011-CIG, 2011)
Start date: 2012-04-01
End date: 2014-03-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 50000.0
EU funding (EUR): 50000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The proposed research project aims to study self-assembly of new materials made of anisotropic colloids as building blocks and to unravel the mechanism of crystallization in molecular liquids, such as water. The last few decades have seen a huge growth in the research on novel soft materials to be exploited in nanotechnology, and an efficient route to build them is to make use of self-assembly. The term self-assembly refers to the reversible and cooperative assembly of predefined components into an ordered super- structure. Self-assembly is responsible for nanostructure formation in colloidal, amphiphilic, polymeric, and biomolecular materials. However, unlike most of the work of the last decade on particle self-assembly, which has focused on colloidal systems of spherically-shaped particles with isotropic interactions, not enough effort has been put yet into understanding and controlling the self-assembly mechanism in suspensions of irregularly shaped or/and anisotropically interacting colloidal particles (the latter also called "patchy colloids"). Patchy colloids have been recently used to reproduce the colloidal analogue of a vitally important molecule: water. Water is the only known non-metallic substance that expands when freezing. Understanding the mechanism of water crystallisation (or ice formation) is of fundamental interest to many scientific disciplines, ranging from meteorology to food science and biology. However, on the one side length and time scale relevant for water crystallisation are unattainable with up-to-date experimental techniques. On the other side, computer simulations of ice crystallisation have been a great challenge, the difficulty been that hydrogen bonding between individual water molecules yields a disordered three-dimensional hydrogen-bond network that hinder ice formation. Therefore, understanding the mechanism of crystallisation of water still remains an open and challenging question.

Keywords: physical sciences,physical chemistry,soft condensed matter,colloids,self-assembly,water,computer simulations,nucleation
Water Scarcity as Potential Cause of Global Conflict – Time for UN Green Helmets or a New EU Water Strategy? (WATER AND WAR)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Life-long training and career development
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Germany
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2011-CIG, 2011)
Start date: 2012-04-01
End date: 2016-03-31
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 100000.0
EU funding (EUR): 100000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The suggested study aims to examine the relationship between water scarcity and armed conflict, and to develop legal and policy recommendations for the UN and the EU to counteract water scarcity as a potential driving force of armed conflict. Firstly, the study will identify to what extent greater water scarcity as a result of climate change constitutes a threat to peace and security. By analysing empirical data, and by conducting three case studies, the study will answer the question of how best to re-conceptualize the general connection between both water scarcity and armed conflict. Secondly, the study will address the question of how the UN should best tackle this connection. Suggestions within the UN system include the involvement of the Security Council, the appointment of a UN Special Rapporteur on the issue of climate change and international security, and the reform of existing international processes in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) as the key actor to negotiate climate change targets. Thirdly, the study will evaluate which policy the EU, with its tradition of promoting peaceful co-operation amongst nations, should develop on the issue of water scarcity and armed conflict in its external relations, in particular how should it reshape structures and processes for future negotiations with EU candidate countries, such as Turkey, which have significant disputes over water with their non-European neighbours (e.g. Syria and Iraq)? Adressing the topics of climate change and armed conflict through a multi-disciplinary lense, the project, and its underlying topic, is of significant societal and academic relevance, and at the same time of utmost importance for the maintenance of international peace through the UN and the EU.

Keywords: water,international law,humanitarian law,social and economic rights,armed conflict,peace and security,security council,special rapporteur,unfccc,eu acession,water framework directive,turkey