Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Nonlinear Plasmonic Metamaterials (NONPLASMETA)

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-2009-IEF, 2009)
Start date: 2010-06-01
End date: 2012-05-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 180603.2
EU funding (EUR): 180603.2
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The main goal of the proposed research project is the modelling and theoretical analysis of a new class of artificial metamaterials exhibiting a strong nonlinear optical response at visible and near-infrared frequencies.The promising properties of these new photonic materials are assisted by surface plasmon polaritons supported by the metallic subunits forming the metamaterial. The nonlinear response can be due not only to the metallic nanostructures, but also to the presence of nonlinearities in the substrate or embedding layer. The investigation on nonlinear plasmonic metamaterials combines three of the most active and fruitful research areas in photonics during the last decade: plasmonics, metamaterials science and nonlinear optics. Despite of the crucial importance of nonlinear effects in current photonic applications (such as laser and imaging technologies), nonlinear processes have not been yet incorporated into the metamaterial approach. In my research, I will take advantage of nonlinear effects to develop metamaterials at visible and near-infrared frequencies by overcoming the high absorption that electromagnetic fields suffer when propagating within metallic structures. The study of nonlinear plasmonic metamaterials may lead to the discovery of novel optical properties not found in nature. The profound comprehension of the fundamental physics behind these new photonic materials lies at the core of this proposal. However, the technological implications of this research project are clear. Nonlinear plasmonic metamaterials will open the way to the design of actively controlled and multi-functional optical materials which are the first step towards a new generation of highly effective optical devices such as switchers, routers, intelligent surfaces and subwavelength imaging devices.

Keywords: physical sciences,nanotechnology,electromagnetism,solid state physics
ROLE OF ASTROCYTES IN NEURONAL NETWORK FUNCTION IN VISUAL CORTEX (NEUGLIANET)

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: Spain
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2009-IOF, 2009)
Start date: 2010-08-01
End date: 2014-01-31
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 234337.9
EU funding (EUR): 234337.9
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The biology of astrocyte–neuron interaction has emerged as a rapidly expanding field and has become one of the most exciting topics in current neuroscience that is changing our understanding of the physiology of the nervous system. In the last few years, evidence obtained by many laboratories has established the existence of neuron-astrocyte communication in culture preparations and brain slices. However, the properties of astrocytes and their physiological role in vivo is largely unknown Numerous in vitro studies have focused on investigating the basic molecular mechanisms as well as the subcellular and cellular processes involved in astrocyte-neuron communication. Yet, to begin to understand the actual active role of astrocytes in the brain function, we need to analyze this communication and its effects at a higher level of complexity, such as during neural network function and information processing in vivo. The main objective of present project is to elucidate the impact of astrocytes in neural network function and sensory information processing in vivo. The achievement of the proposed objectives will increase our current knowledge of the role of astrocytes at a higher level of complexity, filling the gap currently existing on this area of neuroscience, and therefore, will significant extend our knowledge of the physiology and function of the nervous system. Using a conceptual interdisciplinary approach that will cover different levels of analysis (from molecules to cells and networks) to gain a comprehensive vision of the nervous system function, I propose to combine multidisciplinary techniques that include electrophysiology, Ca2+ imaging, two-photon microscopy in vitro and in vivo and genetic manipulation of animal models, to characterize the functional consequences of astrocyte activity in the sensory information processing by neural networks of the visual cortex.

Keywords: neurophysiology,glia-neuron signalling,gliotransmission,synaptic transmission,neuronal network
Wireless and wireline service convergence in next generation optical access networks (WISCON)

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: Denmark
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2009-IIF, 2009)
Start date: 2011-09-01
End date: 2013-08-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 216241.0
EU funding (EUR): 216241.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The next generation of information technology demands both high capacity and mobility for applications such as high speed wireless access capable of supporting broadband services. The transport of wireless and wireline signals is converging into a common telecommunication infrastructure. In this project, we focus on the conception and study of novel architectures for wavelength-division-multiplexing (WDM) optical multi-modulation format radio-over-fiber (RoF) systems, which is a promising solution to implement broadband seamless wireless-wireline access networks. One important feature of our proposed approach is versatile optical multi-modulation format radio-over-fiber systems with robust transmission, high spectral efficiency and high dynamic range properties, not achievable by conventional intensity modulated systems alone. We focus as well on conceiving access nodes designs that support converged wireless and wireline service delivery with energy efficiency and efficient use of a common optical fibre access infrastructure. To the best of our knowledge, no comprehensive theoretical and/or experimental study of the performance of these WDM RoF systems has been reported yet. Moreover, the stringent requirements of future communications links in terms of capacity, flexibility and multi-service support, motivate us to undertake a concise assessment of the ultimate achievable performance of wireline/wireless converged systems. The goal of this project is to theoretically and experimentally investigate the performance of multichannel, multi-modulation formats radio-over-fiber optical links for the transmission of wireless and wireline signals. The timely generated knowledge in this project will contribute to extend the state-of-the-art and to enhance European research excellence and competitiveness in developing solutions for future telecommunication networks.

Keywords: technological sciences,broadband technology,optronics,telecommunications technology
COMMUNITIES, GOVERNANCE AND PAYMENT FOR ECOSYSTEM SERVICES IN AMAZONIA (CGPESA)

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: Switzerland
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2009-IEF, 2009)
Start date: 2010-09-01
End date: 2012-08-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 180970.8
EU funding (EUR): 180970.8
Participants: 2
Project status: CLOSED

This proposal is for a study of the local governance implications of Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES), especially hydrological services, in the Amazon basin. Such payments, which may also take the form of development projects, compensate local actors for the opportunity costs of maintaining their rainforest environment through sustainable practices - in the case of indigenous peoples in Amazonia, this implies maintaining traditional livelihoods. As PES are increasingly accepted as a solution for REDD (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation) in the context of international negotiations over measures to reduce the harmful effects of climate change, there is an increasing trend for such payments to be made on an international scale. PES is therefore quickly becoming a significant international development model. However, for it to be effective in reducing deforestation and therefore in mitigating climate change, and for it effectively to reduce poverty and improve wellbeing, it is vital that problems of local governance in the remote rainforest regions concerned by PES be well understood. However, no previous primary research has focused on the sociopolitical and governance implications of REDD projects. The fellow, a social anthropologist, will collaborate with an expert in environmental governance to gather original data on PES projects in Amazonia and develop a theoretical framework for studying the problems of environmental governance that they raise. He will produce three articles and a monograph, organise an international conference, and issue policy recommendations based on the research results. In addition to research training, he will gain interdisciplinary skills (training in political ecology) and organisational, collaborative and intersectoral experience (by collaborating with international development organisations), which will prepare him for a leading position at the interface of academia and international development practice.

Keywords: ethnography,governance,amazonia,guiana shield,redd,payments for ecosystem services,payments for hydrological services,indigenous peoples,water,poverty reduction,wellbeing
Testing for plant extinction across the Paleocene-Eocene boundary (PEX)

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-2009-IEF, 2009)
Start date: 2010-06-01
End date: 2012-05-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 172740.8
EU funding (EUR): 172740.8
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) at 55.8 Ma represents a natural experiment in rapid global warming with transient temperature increases on land of more than 6 °C lasting about 170 Ky. Most warming probably occurred within the first 10 kys of the PETM and was associated with the release of &gt;2000 Gt of light carbon into the oceans and atmosphere. Biotic responses to the PETM are profound in both the marine and terrestrial realm and include transient shifts in community composition, cryptic speciation, extinction, diversity changes and intercontinental changes in species’ geographic ranges. But we know very little about the plant responses to environmental change at the Paleocene-Eocene boundary. Plant extinction in the tropics was recently proposed based on modelled climate during the PETM but there is little evidence to support this idea. This project tests whether the Paleocene-Eocene boundary is associated with plant extinction. We will collate information from fossil plants (pollen, spores and megafloral remains such as leaves) from North America and Europe taken from formerly tropical to warm-temperate vegetation types. We intend to database information and also collect some primary information through fieldwork. We will statistically analyse any extinction pattern through construction of a null model to factor out background levels of extinction expected through time from those that are statistically significant. Using geographical information systems (GIS) we will map vegetation types based on the fossil plants from the late Paleocene and from the early Eocene and identify, based on the preceding statistically work, those regions which contain vegetation types susceptible to extinction. Our project will provide training to a promising Czech researcher in quantitative methods in palaeobiology and in cutting-edge methods through synergy with research techniques used in fields such as meteorology, urban development and transport logistics.

Keywords: palynology,palaeobotany,paleontology,micropalaeontology,paleocene,eocene,petm,extinction
Effective green supply-chain management technologies in the competitive economic environment with pollution emission trade system (GREENSUPPLYCHAIN2009)

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-2009-IIF, 2009)
Start date: 2010-09-02
End date: 2012-09-01
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 206854.0
EU funding (EUR): 206854.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

This project attempts to set up a scientific framework for the study of the economic and managerial impact of pollution emission trading systems. Its primary goal is to innovate decision-making technologies that enable emitters to identify risks and opportunities of versatile emission trading markets around the world, so as to maintain competitive edge and financial health. These technologies will enable emitters to efficiently plan their productions and considerably control cost of reducing extra pollution emission. They can be further utilized to develop financial valuation rules for swap of emission credit and risk management of investment in clean energy and new industrial projects, and contracting strategies and game analysis for firms to seal relevant bilateral or multilateral deals. In addition, the project can transfer consultable knowledge to the regulator in establishing fair rule to distribute emission allowance under a given pollution cap.

Keywords: technological sciences,greenhouse gas,climate change,pollution emission trade system,supply chain management,industrial modeling
Between evolutionary games and life history theory (MATHECOEVO)

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-2009-IEF, 2009)
Start date: 2010-09-01
End date: 2012-08-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 165540.8
EU funding (EUR): 165540.8
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The objective of this project is to develop mathematical structure that will be connection of evolutionary game paradigm with life history theory. In classical life history optimization models there are no interactions among individuals or density dependence: &quot;Life history evolution usually ignores density and frequency dependence. The justification is convenience, not logic or realism&quot; (Stearns 1992) On the other hand, in classical game theoretic models there is no age or stage structure. Payoff describes averaged lifetime activity of an individual, which can be found for example in Cressman 1992: &quot;...an individual&apos;s strategy is fixed over lifetime or, alternatively, the life history of an individual is its strategy.&quot;. Objectives of the project can be divided into three branches: a) Development of method of decomposition of entire population into subgroups (multipopulation replicator dynamics). This generalization of standard replicator dynamics approach will allow to game theoretic modeling of structured populations, divided into subclasses (different species, sexes, age or stage classes). b) Description of the dynamics of turnover of individuals. Explicit consideration of births and deaths instead of fixed Malthusian parameter will allow to include tradeoffs between mortality and fecundity to dynamic game theoretic models c) Derivation of game theoretic payoff functions due to the methods of life history theory. This approach will allow to formulate crossover problems where life history traits and phenotypic may affect interactions among individuals. Classical optimization of life histories approach investigates how ecology affects evolution of life history parameters. New approach will allow to model how life history parameters affect ecology of a population by determining outcomes of interactions between individuals.

Keywords: evolutionary biology,evolutionary game theory,multipopulation replicator dynamics,frequency and density dependence,structured populations,life history evolution,eco-evo paradigm
Interaction Dynamics and Autonomy in Social Cognition (INDYNAUTS)

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: Spain
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2009-IEF, 2009)
Start date: 2010-08-02
End date: 2012-08-01
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 147217.0
EU funding (EUR): 147217.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Social cognition is concerned with how cognitive agents understand and navigate the social world. Most social cognition research today – whether in cognitive science, psychology or neuroscience – focuses only on the individual mechanisms needed to figure out others’ mental states. But this view over-emphasises the individual and gives social dynamics no more than a contextual role. However, there is an alternative: the process of interaction itself may be crucial to social cognition. To articulate this alternative, we need 1. to know whether the interaction process can enable or even constitute social cognition, 2. to know how individuals change through interaction, 3. to re-assess the function of individual mechanisms in the context of interaction. This project proposes an original theoretical framework with direct relevance for empirical work. It uses an operational notion of autonomy developed in the philosophy of biology. The main claim is that social interaction can act as an extended mechanism that modulates and transforms individual cognition, autonomy and agency. This leads to the following proposals: 1. Explanations of social cognition should range from individual-dominant to interaction-dominant ones. 2. We can distinguish between contextual, enabling, and constitutive factors in the role of interaction dynamics for cognition. 3. Intentions are not locked and ready-made inside individuals, but can be modulated and transformed in interactions. 4. Interaction processes can acquire a form of systemic autonomy. 5. There is an interplay between individual (organismic, sensorimotor) and interactional autonomy. 6. Socio-cultural norms need to be negotiated in interaction. 7. Individual neural mechanisms are shaped - literally - by social interactions. In this new model of social cognition, the interaction does proper explanatory work. This has consequences for theory, modelling and experiments, and extends the range of explanations.

Keywords: philosophy,cognitive science,phenomenology,philosophy of science,social psychology
Climate-driven oxygen limitation in freshwater macroinvertebrates (RESPIRE)

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-2009-IEF, 2009)
Start date: 2010-08-01
End date: 2012-07-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 180103.2
EU funding (EUR): 180103.2
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

To predict future effects of climate change, a comprehensive mechanistic understanding is essential. In marine ecosystems, a mismatch between oxygen demand and oxygen supply to tissues was shown to be the first mechanism to restrict survival at thermal extremes. Here a study is proposed on climate-driven oxygen limitation in freshwater macroinvertebrates. Aquatic invertebrates display a range of adaptations related to respiration and oxygen is a key factor structuring species assemblages in freshwater ecosystems. Therefore, oxygen limitation is likely to play a role. First this research will assess if the thermal limits of species arise due to oxygen limitation. In laboratory experiments the prediction will be tested that a species’ thermal window expands under higher oxygen concentrations. A field study will asses if species occupy different thermal niches under high and low oxygen conditions. Experimental work is proposed to characterize the oxygen demand (metabolic rate) of species and relate these to their observed thermal limits. Secondly, this research will assess if and how differences in a species’ thermal vulnerability can be predicted from their life-history and physiological traits that relate to oxygen supply and demand (e.g. respiration system, body size, development speed, metabolic rate). The oxygen limitation hypothesis may prove to be a new and important mechanism bringing the fields of physiology and ecology together to explain the effects of climate change on freshwater macroinvertebrates. The proposed research will investigate whether water pollution exacerbates the effects of higher temperatures. Such an insight will help in taking the most effective measures mitigating the effects of climate change.

Keywords: aquatic macroinvertebrates,ecology,insects,life-history evolution,macrophysiology,physiology,ponds,respiration,running waters,standing waters,streams,thermal niche,thermal limits