Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Autonomous evolution of robotic organisms (EVOLVINGROBOT)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: European Re-integration Grants
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2010-RG, 2010)
Start date: 2010-09-01
End date: 2013-08-31
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 45000.0
EU funding (EUR): 45000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

It has been observed that discrete and autonomous entities, from molecular to planetary scale, bind to each other, and thereby, organize into patterns and structures without being directed externally. The underlying process, termed self-assembly, encouraged researchers from many disciplines to study the design of modular and collective robot systems in which new entities arise autonomously by self-assembling. However, the capabilities of such systems are vastly unexplored, mainly due to shortcomings in current hardware implementations. In this project, we design a novel type of self-assembling system that is composed of macroscopic building blocks that float in an agitated medium. The dynamism of the medium allows the blocks to physically bind with and disband from each other. This is expected to result in the emergence, reproduction, and evolution of life-like organisms. The process will be governed solely by the building block's local interactions in the absence of any blueprint or central command. It will drive the system towards a population of organisms that are adapted to their environment. Fitness, here is fully implicit, and reflects an organism's ability to reproduce. To do so, its phenotype must accumulate further building blocks and harvest enough energy from the environment to sustain itself. The structure of the project is such that it helps the applicant to establish his own research laboratory at the host organization while at the same time build up a lasting collaboration with his previous host organization. The project will keep the applicant at the forefront of self-assembly research. The results are expected to provide a vital insight into evolutionary processes (e.g., demonstrating that non-biological matter can evolve), drive technology (e.g., observing populations of energy autonomous robots over weeks or months), and, in the medium-term, have a high impact on education (e.g., physical demonstrators of evolution in science museums).

Keywords: robotics,artificial intelligence
Lipschitz-based Optimization of Singular Values with Applications to Dynamical Systems (OPT OF SINGULAR VALS)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Re-integration Grants
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Türkiye
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2010-RG, 2010)
Start date: 2010-09-01
End date: 2014-08-31
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 100000.0
EU funding (EUR): 100000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

This project mainly concerns the numerical solution of singular value optimization problems. In the literature such problems arise in the robust control of linear dynamical systems, and in numerical linear algebra when sensitivity of numerical problems is considered. In a singular value optimization problem a prespecified singular value (e.g. the smallest, the largest) is sought to be minimized or maximized over a space of parametrized matrices. The inherent difficulty in the numerical solution of such problems is the non-convex and non-smooth nature of singular values. The traditional smooth optimization techniques such as Newton's method may not converge at all and, even if they converge, they converge only to a locally optimal point. The three major problems that will be tackled in this project are described below. (1) The Project Coordinator (PC) aims to introduce a unified optimization algorithm exploiting the Lipschitzness of singular values and their derivatives. The algorithm will be meant for large-scale problems with many unknowns. The rate of convergence and backward error of the algorithm will be analyzed. (2) Further applications of singular value optimization problems to dynamical systems will also be explored. Specifically the PC will investigate the applicability of singular value optimization in the context of model reduction of state-space representations of linear dynamical systems. (3) From a theoretical point of view the available numerical techniques for singular value optimization problems can also shed light on the geometric properties of the pseudospectrum. The epsln-pseudospectrum of a matrix A is the set consisting of eigenvalues of all matrices within an epsln neighborhood of A. The PC hopes to prove various conjectures regarding the coalescence of the components of the pseudospectra.

Keywords: numerical analysis,numerical optimization,robust control,lipschitz optimization,eigenvalues,singular values,pseudospectrum,perturbation of eigenvalues,model reduction,non-minimality
Investigating the role of Neuroligin-4 in the development of autism-related synaptic and behavioral abnormalities in mice (NL-4 IN AUTISM)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Re-integration Grants
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Germany
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2010-RG, 2010)
Start date: 2010-10-01
End date: 2014-09-30
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 100000.0
EU funding (EUR): 100000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Autism is a frequent neurodevelopmental disorder, characterized by impairments in social interaction, language deficits, and repetitive behaviors. The biological basis of autism remains unknown, and no cure or effective pharmacological treatment is currently available. Given the high prevalence of autism and the devastating consequences for patients and families, it is essential to improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying autism and to identify potential therapeutic approaches. According to an important new concept that has arisen over recent years, autism may be a ‘synaptopathy’, i.e. a disorder resulting from an aberrant development and function of synaptic connections in the brain. In support of this hypothesis, autism-related mutations have recently been identified in a number of proteins that play an essential role at synapses. In particular, several different mutations in the synaptic adhesion molecule Neuroligin-4 (NL-4) have been linked to autism, making this one of the most frequent monogenic causes of non-syndromic autism known to date. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms by which NL-4 affects synapse development, or how loss of function of NL-4 may lead to the cognitive and behavioral impairments characteristic of autism. Here, we propose to address this issue by investigating the effects of constitutive and inducible manipulations of the NL-4 gene in mice, using a combination of molecular, physiological, and behavioral techniques. This approach will allow for a detailed characterization of the role of NL-4 in synapse formation and maintenance. This, in turn, will enable us to elucidate the relationship between NL-4-induced synaptic abnormalities and autism-related behaviors. Our study will greatly contribute to the understanding of the role of synaptic proteins in the pathogenesis of autism, and will generate important animal models for the development and validation of potential therapeutic strategies.

Keywords: neurobiology,autism,synapses,development,neuroligin,mice
Classification and longitudinal follow-up of common melanocytic nevi with in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy (NEVUS CLASSIFICATION)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Re-integration Grants
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Israel
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2010-RG, 2010)
Start date: 2011-12-01
End date: 2015-11-30
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 100000.0
EU funding (EUR): 100000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Nevi are the strongest risk markers of melanoma. Common nevi are still regarded clinically as a single entity, despite data suggesting that nevi consist of distinct subsets, and a new classification reflecting the diversity of nevi is needed. However, classifications by clinical examination or even by low-resolution imaging techniques have been limited by difficulty to correlate with histopathology, the gold standard for diagnosis, and by lack of specific pattern in a substantial percentage of nevi. We propose to harness Reflectance Confocal Microscopy (RCM), a cutting-edge, high resolution imaging technology to more precisely classify nevi and follow their evolution over time. In addition, we will correlate RCM pattern of nevus subsets to their respective histopathologic patterns and characterize their genetic profiles. We will image with RCM common nevi from the back and legs of patients and characterize nevus subsets that show distinctive RCM patterns. We will then test the reproducible assignment of RCM images of nevi to these subsets. After one year, we will repeat RCM imaging of the same nevi and examine whether distinct RCM patterns of nevus subsets are retained over time. In addition, we will identify patients with common, banal-appearing nevi that have been scheduled for excision by physicians outside the scope of the study; we will image these nevi prior to excision and then test whether distinct RCM patterns of nevi correlate reproducibly with unique histopathologic patterns. Finally, we will draw a preliminary link between RCM nevus patterns and their genetic profiles by testing excised nevus tissue for BRAF mutation. The resulting state-of-the-art classification of nevi could impact patient care since different nevus subsets may vary in associated melanoma risk. More precise characterization of nevi in patients will identify individuals at high melanoma risk that would be prime target for screening and intervention efforts.

Keywords: health sciences,nevus classification,nevus evolution,melanoma risk,reflectance confocal microscopy,histopathologic correlation,braf mutation
Prices and Expectations in Asset Markets – a Field Experiment (FAME)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Re-integration Grants
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Israel
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2010-RG, 2010)
Start date: 2010-10-01
End date: 2014-09-30
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 100000.0
EU funding (EUR): 100000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The field of experimental asset markets applies experiments as a research procedure to investigate price patterns in asset markets. Initial research in the field exhibited deviations of prices from fundamental values and presented possible explanations to this phenomenon. One of the advantages of the experimental approach is its ability to elicit traders’ actual beliefs regarding future prices and by that, to model the way traders form their beliefs in asset markets. The purpose of this study is to conduct a field experiment in order to improve the ability of the experimental approach to simulate trade in real asset markets. The experimental design will enable subjects to trade several months, without the recognition that they participate in an experiment. Results, therefore, will be more reliable as an explanation to the field. In addition, the unique experimental design will elicit the beliefs of participants regarding future prices to better understand the way traders in asset markets interpret information and form their beliefs.

Keywords: experimental asset markets,behavioral finance,field experiments,experimental economics,behvioral economics,asset pricing,price dynamics,belief formation,decision making
Information Exchange Policies for Human-Computer Negotiation (IEPHCN)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Re-integration Grants
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Israel
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2010-RG, 2010)
Start date: 2010-10-01
End date: 2014-09-30
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 100000.0
EU funding (EUR): 100000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

This proposal addresses problems central to the design of computer agents that can negotiate proficiently with people in strategic settings. Due to advancing technology heterogeneous groups that include both people and computer agents making decisions together are becoming prevalent. Despite the numerous benefits of computer-aided negotiation, the design of agents that negotiate with people has received less attention than the design of agents for multi-agent settings that comprise solely computer agents. This proposal focuses on computational strategies for information exchange that can facilitate human-computer negotiation by allowing people to change their positions. The research program will consist of settings that vary in complexity across multiple dimensions, including the expressiveness of the argumentation protocol, the availability of information about participants' preferences and goals, the extent to which participants can renege on past commitments during the negotiation, and the number of rounds of negotiation. For each of these settings, I will develop computational strategies by using a variety of theories and algorithms. I will compare the performances of agents using these different strategies and their effect on people's behavior. The empirical studies will be directed at determining the factors that influence people's negotiation behavior and at testing the performance of different agent strategies.

Keywords: artificial intelligence,human-computer negotiation,decision-making.
Advances in Horizontal Merger Policy and Selected Public Policy Topics (HM-PP)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Re-integration Grants
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Türkiye
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2010-RG, 2010)
Start date: 2010-11-01
End date: 2014-10-31
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 100000.0
EU funding (EUR): 100000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Accurate merger control is crucial for consumer welfare and competitiveness. The US is currently undertaking a major revision of its merger control policy, which is expected to have a significant impact in corresponding EU policies. This Project’s primary objective is to advance the accuracy of merger control policies by showing that firms’ reactions to these policies in the form of non-price strategies have the potential to undo these policies’ benefits to consumers. As such, this Project is extremely timely for the EU. In particular, the Researcher will first model firms’ product differentiation strategies in response to a blocked or deterred merger, and he expects to show that firms that are prevented from merging strategically increase product differentiation to sustain higher prices. These higher prices would be an unintended consequence as merger control policy generally aims to block or deter mergers precisely to prevent higher prices for consumers. Modeling such unintended consequences is a novel and original contribution to the literature. To analyze this impact, multi-stage game theoretical models will be developed and solved for optimal merger enforcement. Then, the models will be extended to other non-price strategies. A second objective in this Project is to carry out an empirical research program in Public Policy topics paralleling over thirty master’s theses that the Researcher has supervised at Georgetown University’s Public Policy Institute. A selected topic, Mental Health and Macroeconomic Fluctuations, is detailed in the Proposal. This Project will allow the Researcher to transfer knowledge acquired at the University of Texas at Austin (Ph.D.), Georgetown University (teaching and research), and Law and Economics Consulting Group (LECG) (consulting and research) and to accomplish lasting cooperation with his US colleagues.

Keywords: horizontal merger policy,product differentiation,non-price competition,mental health
ROLE OF LOCUS COERULEUS IN NEUROPATHIC PAIN (LOCUS COERULEUS-PAIN)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: European Re-integration Grants
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Spain
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2010-RG, 2010)
Start date: 2010-09-01
End date: 2013-08-31
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 45000.0
EU funding (EUR): 45000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The locus coeruleus, the main source of noradrenaline in the central nervous system, is a crucial step in both the descending and ascending pain modulatory systems which are compromised in neuropathic pain. Neuropathic pain is a chronic pathological condition arising from damage in the nervous system and that does not respond successfully to conventional analgesics. In fact, the first-line treatment approaches for neuropathic pain belong to drugs that modulate the activity of the locus coeruleus. In spite of this, LC role in neuropathic pain remains unknown. Locus coeruleus neuronal activity is modulated, among others, by G-protein-coupled receptors, α2-adrenoceptors presynaptically located. Indeed, the activation of these autoreceptors by noradrenaline circulating in the milieu active G protein-activated inwardly rectifying K+ channels (GIRK), hyperpolarizing the cell and inhibiting the release of the own neurotransmitter at LC level and projecting areas such as the spinal cord. This is a physiological feedback mechanism that control noradrenaline extracellular levels and consequently pain threshold. Thus, α2-adrenoceptors and GIRK channels seems to be a significant player in the locus coeruleus action potential frequency and therefore in the noradrenaline synaptic concentration. Thus, we suggest that they will play an essential role in ascending and descending pain transmission involved in neuropathic pain and that the knowledge of physiological processes responsible for their contribution to pain threshold will help to the design of a new line of anti-neuropathic drugs. We will tackle the project by implementing a broad range of techniques, from single-cell electrophysiology to whole-animal behavioural studies, and by correlating the results obtained by different techniques throughout the project.

Keywords: pharmacological sciences,neuropsychology,anaesthesiology,psychosomatics
Floer theoretical invariants of low dimensional manifolds (FLOERTHINLOWDIM)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Re-integration Grants
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: United Kingdom,United Kingdom
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2010-RG, 2010)
Start date: 2010-10-01
End date: 2014-09-30
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 100000.0
EU funding (EUR): 100000.0
Participants: 2
Project status: CLOSED

My main research interests are in low dimensional topology, symplectic geometry and gauge theory. Over the past 20 years, these fields has seen an explosion of activity due to its relevance to string theory. As part of my PhD thesis, I proved an equivalence between two 3-manifold invariants coming from Floer theory. These are Perutz's Lagrangian matching invariants and Ozsvath and Szabo's Heegaard Floer theory. Although, Heegaard Floer theory has been studied extensively, Lagrangian matching invariants is a relatively recent theory and it remains to be explored more thoroughly. The set-up of Lagrangian matching invariants gives more emphasis on symplectic techniques, and this offers a different approach to Heegaard Floer theory. My goal is to explore these invariants in more depth and bring in new symplectic techniques to the study of 3-manifolds. As a concrete project along these lines, I have been working with Perutz in extending these invariants to bordered three manifolds for which we apply techniques used in the study of Fukaya categories of symplectic manifolds. As a byproduct, we obtain categorical mapping class group actions. Another main part of my research is the study of Fukaya categories of Lefschetz fibration on the Hilbert schemes of the A_n type Milnor fibre, a special type quiver variety. This involves Floer theoretic calculations of non-compact Lagrangian submanifolds. The applications of this research has deep connections with conjectures involving the relation of the Fukaya category to geometric representation theory, in particular to Khovanov's combinatorial link invariants. In addition to the projects described above, I am interested in various structures in low dimensional topology. For example, I proved that every smooth 4-manifold admits a broken Lefschetz fibration. This gives a new calculus of 4-manifolds, which I plan to apply to solve old conjectures about 4-manifolds.

Keywords: floer theory,low-dimensional topology,gauge theory
Regimes of Ethnicity: A Global Database of Ethnic Demography and Survey of State Policies on Ethnicity (REGIMES OF ETHNICITY)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Re-integration Grants
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Türkiye
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2010-RG, 2010)
Start date: 2010-11-01
End date: 2014-10-31
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 100000.0
EU funding (EUR): 100000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

This project is aimed at, first, creating a database by gathering the most up to date information on the ethnic demography of the 172 countries in the world with a population over 250,000; and second, conducting a survey of state policies on ethnicity in these countries in order to gauge the relationship between ethnicity and nationality as reflected in state policies. The database of global ethnic demography will be a major improvement over the current databases, most of which are inconsistent and unreliable because of their use of information processed by different authors, collected at different points in time, based on different definitions of ethnicity, and with different levels of specificity, making these databases inadequate for systematic comparisons. Surveys that include a list of 15 policy areas, which gauge the institutionalization of ethnicity in each country, will be sent out to country experts. Three experts will be contacted for each country, generating 516 survey responses in total. In addition to the list of fifteen policies, country experts will also be asked to agree or disagree with, or suggest better sources for, the ethnic demographic data collected by the researcher and provided as part of the survey. Results will be made available online in order to facilitate the dissemination of accurate information on ethnic demography and state policies on ethnicity around the world, and to receive feedback on the data and the survey results from the wider public and the scholarly community. Disclosure of experts' identities will be strictly subject to their consent. This new database will significantly increase the capacity for research conducted by other scholars in Europe and elsewhere on topics related to ethnicity. At the end of the project, the results will be published as a reference book on ethnic demography and state policies on ethnicity.

Keywords: demography,social sciences,governance,public policy,policy studies