SIRIS-Lab/unlabelled-sti-corpus huggingface dataset:
Tissue microstructure features derived from anomalous diffusion measurements in magnetic resonance imaging

Tissue microstructure features, namely axon radius and volume fraction, provide important information on the function of white matter pathways. These parameters vary on the scale much smaller than imaging voxels (microscale) yet influence the magnetic resonance imaging diffusion signal at the image voxel scale (macroscale) in an anomalous manner. Researchers have already mapped anomalous diffusion parameters from magnetic resonance imaging data, but macroscopic variations have not been related to microscale influences. With the aid of a tissue model, we aimed to connect anomalous diffusion parameters to axon radius and volume fraction using diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging measurements.An ex vivo human brain experiment was performed to directly validate axon radius and volume fraction measurements in the human brain. These findings were validated using electron microscopy. Additionally, we performed an in vivo study on nine healthy participants to map axon radius and volume fraction along different regions of the corpus callosum projecting into various cortical areas identified using tractography.We found a clear relationship between anomalous diffusion parameters and axon radius and volume fraction. We were also able to map accurately the trend in axon radius along the corpus callosum, and in vivo findings resembled the low-high-low-high behaviour in axon radius demonstrated previously.Axon radius and volume fraction measurements can potentially be used in brain connectivity studies and to understand the implications of white matter structure in brain diseases and disorders. Hum Brain Mapp 38:1068-1081, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Deciphering pi3k biology in health and disease

The Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway is at the core of multiple fundamental biological processes controlling metabolism, protein synthesis, cell growth, survival, and migration. This inevitably leads to the involvement of the PI3K signalling pathway in a number of different diseases, ranging from inflammation and diabetes to cancer, with PI3K pathway alterations present in almost 80% of human cancers. Therefore, PI3Ks have emerged as important targets for drug discovery and, during 2014, the first PI3K inhibitor was approved by FDA in the US for the treatment of a lymphocytic leukaemia. Nonetheless, our understanding of PI3K-mediated signalling is still poor and only a fraction of the potential therapeutic applications have been addressed so far, leaving a large amount of translational work unexplored. Europe features a set of top quality research institutions and pharmaceutical companies focused on PI3K studies but their activities have been so far scattered. This proposal fills this gap by providing a multidisciplinary network (biochemistry, mouse studies, disease models, drug development, software development) and an unprecedented training opportunity from the bench to the bedside (from pre-clinical discoveries to clinical trials), through cutting edge molecular biology, drug discovery and clinical trial organization. The proposal is aimed at training young investigators in deep understanding of the different PI3K isoforms in distinct tissues and to translate this knowledge into a new generation of PI3K inhibitors, treatment modalities and into identify new uses for existing PI3K inhibitors.
Fast and energy efficient learned image and video compresion

The emerging Learned Compression (LC) methods show great potential to revolutionize image/video compression, and major media industries are investing heavily in this field. However, the high computational complexity of these methods makes it difficult to employ them in consumer devices, and this obstacle discourages using them in future compression standards, such as JPEG and MPEG, despite their superior performance compared to traditional methods. This project will investigate a novel framework for developing fast and energy-efficient Deep Learning-based compression. We will develop methods that (1) greatly improve the compression efficiency of LC, and (2) significantly reduce its computational complexity and energy consumption. Given the huge share of video industry in global Greenhouse gas emission, this will be a big step towards important EU policies such as the Paris agreement and the EU Green Deal. The objectives of the project are achieved via: (i) splitting the coding into smaller tasks, (ii) investigating efficient learning methods (including Operational Neural Networks, an invention of the supervisor of the project), and (iii) integrating human perception into image/video coding.
The experienced researcher holds a PhD in computer engineering, during which he worked on accelerating the encoding process of compression standards. He has a background and skill-set in hardware engineering, signal processing, media technology, and machine learning, which is necessary for this interdisciplinary project.  The project will be carried out under the supervision of an internationally famous scientist who has extensive experience in both machine learning and video compression. The host institution in Finland has a long experience in EU funding and collaborations with industries. The results and findings will be published in top international journals and conferences. Moreover, some findings will be considered for possible exploitation in future MPEG/JPEG standards.
Servicio de impresión 3D estructural basado en impresión UV multicapa, tecnología de impresión de puntos cuánticos para impresión publicitaria y seguridad.

El objetivo del proyecto es desarrollar la empresa, que se realizará a través del lanzamiento de un innovador servicio de impresión 3D, impresión cuántica de puntos QD e impresión de seguridad. Gracias a la implementación del proyecto, se eliminará la limitación del desarrollo de la empresa debido a la falta de un lugar de producción. El proyecto prevé la implementación de una tarea de construcción que consiste en la ampliación y conversión de un edificio de producción y servicio en una sala de producción y almacén y una parte social y de oficina.
Promotion of Teleworking and Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) Training for Increased Cluster Competitiveness and Employment

The project promotes the adoption of innovative business-to-freelancer models facilitated by teleworking platforms and a skills building framework that uses the Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) platforms, that will enhance the competitiveness of SMEs and the employment of professionals.

The lead beneficiary is the Hellenic Open University, in cooperation with the Chamber of Achaia, the Ionian University, the Istituto Formazione Operatori Aziendali Bari (I.F.O.A.) and the National Confederation of Crafts and Small and Medium Enterprises – Provincial Association of Brindisi. Associated partner the Hellenic Ministry of Education, Research and Religious Affairs.

Thanks to this project, 90 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and 180 freelancers will be identified who can participate in dedicated training seminars and benefit from a series of pilot applications that will cover different areas of intervention (accounting & finance / consulting / ITC / social entrepreneurship) . Finally, the project provides for the establishment of Multipurpose Centers in each region involved in the project: Puglia Region (IT), Corfu (GR) and Patras (GR).
CONSTRUCTION TILE

The invention relates to a construction tile, the structure of which comprises different layers; the lower layer (2, 2', 2"') consists of a resistant base made from ceramic or another similar material, while the upper layer (1) comprises a sheet (2) which forms the visible surface. Said layers are joined by means of an adhesive which defines an intermediary homogeneous layer (3). Fragile zones do not form during said adhesion owing to the absence of air bubbles given that the contact face of the ceramic base (2,2',2") is concave in shape, the central point thereof being higher than the rest of the layer. In order to prevent the excess adhesive from overflowing and adhering to other adjacent tiles, the ceramic or similar base (2', 2") is provided with a peripheral rim (5, 5') which is subsequently removed during the edge forming stage when the tile is being shaped. The peripheral rim (5, 5') is preferably provided with several lateral projecting elements or stops (6) for centring the top sheet (1) in order to optimise the pressing thereof.
Adriatic perspectives: memory and identity on a transnational european periphery

This project analyses the construction of collective identity and territorial belonging by examining selected monuments in the historical region of the northern Adriatic that today is shared by Italy, Slovenia and Croatia. The links between historical memory and modern forms of identification are most complex and unstable in ethnically mixed regions with a long record of political and symbolic border shifts. Building on my previous archival research on the history of the region, I aim to develop a more complex understanding of the links among identification, belonging, nationality and the symbols used to invoke all of them. This project will apply the tools of various disciplines, including history and anthropology in order to understand how cultures of remembrance and politics of memory form, intertwine and overlap in transnational areas. In this new project, I am adopting a genuinely comparative and transnational perspective and I must test new methodological arguments by applying the methods of emerging border studies. The intertwining of these two methodologies is still underdeveloped in historical research. 
I will analyse the memory landscapes of three port-cities from the beginning of the twentieth century to the present: Trieste/Trst (Italy), Koper/Capodistria (Slovenia), and Rijeka/Fiume (Croatia). The project is divided in five work-packages: Management (WP 1), Dissemination (WP 2), Imperial Sites of Memory (WP 3), World War I Sites of Memory (WP 4) and World War II Sites of Memory (WP 5). With this project I will make an original contribution to the modern cultural and social history of Europe that should be of interest to scholars, decision makers, cultural managers, teachers and to European society in general. My stay at the EUI will not only increase my historical expertise, teaching experience, networking opportunities, research and language skills, but will also have long-term effects on my integration in the international scientific community.
Transgenerational epigenetic inheritance of chromatin states : the role of polycomb and 3d chromosome architecture

Epigenetic inheritance entails transmission of phenotypic traits not encoded in the DNA sequence and, in the most extreme case, Transgenerational Epigenetic Inheritance (TEI) involves transmission of memory through multiple generations. Very little is known on the mechanisms governing TEI and this is the subject of the present proposal. By transiently enhancing long-range chromatin interactions, we recently established isogenic Drosophila epilines that carry stable alternative epialleles, defined by differential levels of the Polycomb-dependent H3K27me3 mark. Furthermore, we extended our paradigm to natural phenotypes. These are ideal systems to study the role of Polycomb group (PcG) proteins and other components in regulating nuclear organization and epigenetic inheritance of chromatin states. The present project conjugates genetics, epigenomics, imaging and molecular biology to reach three critical aims.

Aim 1: Analysis of the molecular mechanisms regulating Polycomb-mediated TEI. We will identify the DNA, protein and RNA components that trigger and maintain transgenerational chromatin inheritance as well as their mechanisms of action.

Aim 2: Role of 3D genome organization in the regulation of TEI. We will analyze the developmental dynamics of TEI-inducing long-range chromatin interactions, identify chromatin components mediating 3D chromatin contacts and characterize their function in the TEI process.

Aim 3: Identification of a broader role of TEI during development. TEI might reflect a normal role of PcG components in the transmission of parental chromatin onto the next embryonic generation. We will explore this possibility by establishing other TEI paradigms and by relating TEI to the normal PcG function in these systems and in normal development.

This research program will unravel the biological significance and the molecular underpinnings of TEI and lead the way towards establishing this area of research into a consolidated scientific discipline.
Shape adaptive RBF-FD implicit scheme for incompressible viscous Navier–Strokes equations

Meshless methods for solving fluid flow problems have become a promising alternative to mesh-based methods. In this paper, a meshless method based on radial basis functions in a finite difference mode (RBF-FD) has been developed for the incompressible Navier-Stokes (N-S) equations in primitive variable form. Pressure-velocity decoupling has been achieved using a fractional step method whereas time splitting has been done using both explicit and implicit schemes. The RBF-FD implicit scheme shows better accuracy and stability, and is able to accurately capture higher gradients of field variables even at coarser grids; unlike the RBF-FD explicit scheme where loss of accuracy was especially prominent at places with larger gradients. To overcome the ill-conditioning and accuracy problems arising from the use of non-uniform and random node distribution, a novel concept of adaptive shape parameter (ASP) for RBF functions is introduced. The use of ASP allows much finer nodal distribution at regions of interest enabling accurate capturing of gradients and leading to better results. The performance of the implicit RBF-FD scheme with the ASP strategy is validated against a variety of benchmark problems, including lid driven cavity flow problems, and steady and unsteady laminar flow around circular cylinder at various Reynolds, and is found to be in good agreement with the existing results
Development of biocompatible ionic electromechanically active polymer actuator/sensor

Bioinspired devices and soft robotics are of great interest in nowadays science and technology. Technological development towards biomimetic systems requires replacement of traditional actuators. Most of the industrial robots consist of joined rigid parts, but in nature biological structures are flexible and generate motion without motors and other rigid mechanical constituents. Electromechanically active polymers (EAPs) are potential materials for preparation of biomimetic devices. These stimuli responsive materials have been in the focus of intense research already for decades and have gone through significant development during this time in terms of work output and operation voltage. However, proposed applications for EAPs in biotechnology and biomedical engineering require biocompatible materials. Preparation of EAP actuators/sensors from entirely biocompatible materials is still remained an unattained challenge and will be the aim of the current project. Developed materials have high commercialization potential and influence to our everyday life due to applications in medical devices and consumers electronics (smart prosthesis, soft haptic devices, wearable electronics). Therefore the project is in accordance with European Research Area and Innovation Union Flagship Initiative principles to get more innovation out of the research. Successful accomplishment of the project goals enhance the experienced researcher's career prospects by complementing her experiences in organic chemistry with new knowledge in electrochemisty, toxicology and computational simulations.
Efficiency Assessment Parameters of Public Sector Banks in India

In today’s complex and more competitive banking structure and environment, only efficient banks will survive. This has become more significant in view of the increased pace of globalization and liberalization more particularly after 1991 when the financial liberalization process was initiated in India followed by more stress on globalization in 2000. The consolidation of the banks has been receiving attention of the government and the central bank of the country. However, there remain some practical aspects which are hindrances to this process. In this article an attempt has been made to analyze public sector banks’ efficiency though the scaling technique, as prescribed efficiency indicators of banks while keeping in view the size of the bank. It is observed during the analysis that only a few of the banks are close to high efficiency and rest lie on a satisfactory efficiency level. In addition, to assess the degree of correlation among various efficiency parameters, the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) technique has been used for measuring the efficiency of banks in a more realistic manner. It was further observed that there is a significant relation among return on assets (ROAs), spread and profit per employee.
MULTI-WHEEL TRANSMISSION

The present disclosure includes a transmission comprising a first wheel assembly including a first wheel, a first drive gear coupled to the first wheel such that driving the first drive gear causes a corresponding rotation of the first wheel, and a first motor coupled to the first drive gear to drive the first drive gear. The transmission also includes a second wheel assembly that includes, a second wheel, a second drive gear coupled to the second wheel such that driving the second drive gear causes a corresponding rotation of the second wheel, and a second motor coupled to the second drive gear to drive the second drive gear.
Reconstitution of the basic molecular mechanism of phagocytosis – a bottom-up synthetic biology approach

The ability of cells to engulf large objects, such as invading microorganisms or apoptotic cells, is crucial to innate immunity and tissue remodelling. The molecular basis of this process - phagocytosis - is complex, involving numerous receptors and signalling pathways. Nevertheless, the biophysical process is always the same: the cell membrane deforms and reshapes to wrap around the particle, and upon closure and abscission of the resultant cup, the particle is internalised. Although the key molecular players in individual phagocytic pathways have been identified, we still know very little about the basic biophysics common to all phagocytic pathways. I propose to fill this gap in our knowledge by creating a “minimal phagocyte”: I aim to reconstitute a minimal, dynamic actin cytoskeleton and artificial phagocytic receptors in giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs), thereby identifying the molecular components that are not only necessary but also sufficient for phagocytosis. Using synthetic biology to build a bottom-up model of phagocytosis should answer many open questions, including: are spatial cues resulting from particle binding required for membrane wrapping around the particle? Is directed initiation of actin polymerisation sufficient to render GUVs capable of phagocytosis? What is the role of the membrane-supporting actin cortex and how does the affinity of the receptors affect the engulfment process? Beyond phagocytosis, the minimal-model approach I propose will also be useful to study other cellular functions requiring actin-driven membrane reorganisation, such as cell mobility. In line with the objectives set by ERA-NET ERASynBio and the Horizon 2020 work programme (which identified synthetic biology as one of the “cutting-edge biotechnologies as future innovation drivers”), the creation of “protocells” will not only enhance our understanding of biology, but ultimately also result in novel biotechnological applications, such as improved drug delivery systems.
Home use, affordable and lightweight exoskeleton for people with lower-limb paralysis

People with lower-limb paralysis could walk again if they had a robotic exoskeleton to restore the leg movements affected by the injury. However, current devices are expensive (cost about 100 k€), heavy and require trained professional supervision. Therefore, they are only found in large hospitals and rehabilitation centers, and are out of the reach of the patient.

ABLE Human Motion is a medical device spin-off from Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) that is developing and will commercialize robotic exoskeletons to enhance their mobility and independence. ABLE’s vision is to build a world where everybody has the possibility to move independently, with that aim we plan the launch of ABLE: the first home use, affordable and lightweight exoskeleton that restores the ability to walk of people with lower-limb paralysis in a natural and intuitive way. It is based on an electric actuator that flexes and extends the leg mimicking human natural movement, and an inertial sensor that together with dedicated algorithms detects the user’s intention to make the step forward. This patented and disruptive system to assist walking helps palliating health issues caused by sedentary lifestyle while boosting self-confidence and independence.

So far our newly established company has been awarded as an innovative technology to improve healthcare by CaixaImpulse and EIT Health. We have been selected among the 5 most promising medtech start-ups by MassMEDIC (Boston, USA). The team has also won the acceleration programs organized by Richi Foundation and CIMIT, the most successful health accelerator in the world. This has allowed us to validate the product-market fit with more than 150 stakeholders, establishing a viable business model and a go-to-market plan.

The project is currently at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) between 6 and 7, and should reach TRL9 within an 18-month timeframe.
Aprovechar la digitalización para aumentar el comercio electrónico B2B

Se estima que en 2020 el comercio electrónico B2B en la UE será el doble que el B2C en términos de ventas, lo que demuestra un enorme potencial inédito para las pymes de la UE. Existe el riesgo de ser superadas por los pioneros, ya que la mayoría de las PYME ni siquiera han dado el primer paso en esta dirección. Tener éxito con el comercio electrónico B2B requiere un giro hugh dentro de los procesos internos de la compañía, ya que esto puede aumentar drásticamente la facturación. Digitalizar y automatizar los procesos internos de la PYME es clave para gestionar y mantenerse al día con el aumento de la escala debido a la e-commece global, al tiempo que se garantiza el beneficio económico. La creación de un mercado único digital es una de las diez prioridades principales de la Comisión Europea. El objetivo general es reducir las barreras, regular o desbloquear oportunidades en línea en Europa para crear un mercado sin fronteras con legislación y normas armonizadas en beneficio de las empresas en toda Europa. Así lo afirma la Comisión Europea en la estrategia DSM del 6 de mayo de 2015, cuyo objetivo es eliminar las diferencias clave entre los mundos en línea y fuera de línea y eliminar las barreras a la actividad transfronteriza en línea y mejorar así el comercio electrónico B2B. FuturE.com se dirige a los responsables políticos y a las agencias de apoyo a las empresas de toda la UE que deben comprender plenamente las principales barreras para que las pymes exploten y se beneficien de un mercado mundial impulsado por Internet en general y mejorar la digitalización y la automatización en particular. Esto se logra mediante el intercambio de experiencias y buenas prácticas en ocho regiones de la UE en FuturE.com. El principal resultado será la elaboración de un plan de acción por región, basado en los intercambios interregionales. El conocimiento y la capacidad adquiridos por los socios permitirán diseñar nuevas iniciativas o programas de apoyo a las empresas que se comparen con las mejores prácticas. Al final, el seguimiento de las iniciativas aplicadas mejorará el impacto de los instrumentos de política regional abordados por los socios de FuturE.com y los resultados se difundirán en toda la UE.