SIRIS-Lab/unlabelled-sti-corpus huggingface dataset:
A general route towards well-defined magneto- or fluorescent-plasmonic nanohybrids

Herein, we present a general route towards defined nanohybrids, comprised of a fluorescent quantum dot (QD) or superparamagnetic iron oxide (Fe2O3) nanocrystal core and a tuneable corona of plasmonic gold or silver nanoparticles (NPs), adhered by a cross-linked poly(isoprene)-b-poly(ethylene glycol) diblock copolymer (PI-b-PEG) matrix. To this end, the PEG-terminus of the amphiphilic polymer was acylated with lipoic acid (LA), which, as is known, forms quasi-covalent Au-thiol- or Ag-thiol-bonds. Surprisingly, by variation of the ratio of the different NPs, inverse core/satellite structures bearing QDs or Fe2O3 around a metallic NP core were obtained. Furthermore, gold NPs or even closed gold shells were grown by in situ reductive deposition of Au(3+) ions on Fe2O3 NP seeds. Finally, in order to demonstrate the scope of the method, ternary nanohybrids, composed of QDs, Fe2O3 and Au NPs, were accomplished. All magneto-plasmonic and fluorescent-plasmonic materials were thoroughly characterized by absorption and emission spectroscopy, TEM and TEM-EDX. Antibody conjugation to these novel nanohybrids proved their practical utility in a prototype immunoassay.
WET SHAVING RAZOR

A combination shaving and trimming device (10) includes a powered trimmer (30) and a wet- shaving razor attachment (20) adapted for mounting over the trimmer. The wet shaving razor attachment includes a connecting member (22) for mounting over the trimmer for wet shaving using the trimmer as the handle. A grip insert (72) is provided that removably attaches to the connecting member for wet shaving independent of the trimmer. The combination shaving and trimming device and the grip insert include alignment guides (92) providing one way attachment of the connecting member to the trimmer as well as one way attachment of the grip insert to the connecting member.
Deciphering bacteria-induced morphogenesis and protection in marine eukaryotes

Symbiotic bacteria play critical roles in animal evolution, development and metabolism. The molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying these fundamental interactions, however, are largely unknown. 

To fill this major knowledge gap, I will establish the bacteria-Hydractinia symbiosis as a new model system to fully characterize key cross-kingdom signalling molecules and response mechanisms. The results of my ERC proposal (MORPHEUS) will lead to ground-breaking insights into molecular drivers of eukaryotic morphogenesis, illuminate the evolutionary history of developmental signals for animals – including humans – and provide new chemical scaffolds with intrinsic biological activities that are urgently needed for drug discovery.

The marine colonial hydroid Hydractinia belongs to an early branching metazoan lineage, dating back more than 500 million years. The organism reproduces through a larval stage, which upon perception of yet unidentified bacterial morphogenic signals, produced within marine bacterial biofilms, undergoes transformation into the mature organism. In the absence of the bacterial signals, the larva fails to settle and eventually dies. This fundamental process is the basis of this proposal. Capitalizing from my recent pioneering work, I will address the following pressing research questions: Which bacterial signals ensure larval recruitment and metamorphosis? How are bacterial signalling molecules perceived? How is the system protected against alien species? I will apply an innovative combination of state-of-the-art methodologies developed within the fields of natural product and synthetic organic chemistry, microbiology and molecular biology to pursue an in-depth biochemical analysis of this paradigmatic system. Results of MORPHEUS will be transformative for many scientific branches across biological and chemical disciplines, and directly impact the development of sustainable anti-biofouling and drug discovery strategies.
Communication for food protection

Communication is essential to effective food protection policies: if healthy habits help reduce food-related diseases and disorders, communication can enable active and responsible consumers; but it might also lead to misinformation by promoting food myths and hoaxes. In fact, news on “poisonous” or “miraculous” foods fill up the daily agenda of the mass and new media, through which they become viral and more likely to affect people’s perceptions of edibility. While considerable efforts have improved food risk communication, no extensive research has addressed this increasing phenomenon: it is not sufficient to debunk food myths, but it is necessary to understand how they are able to spread so widely and what can be done to oppose them. The project COMFECTION - “Communication for Food Protection” intends precisely to fill this gap by addressing some of the most urgent—but not adequately explored yet—issues concerning food protection and its communication: (i) the genetic modification of foods and the risks and benefits associated with their consumption; (ii) organic farming techniques and principles, as opposed to the use of synthetic pesticides, vaccines, hormones, etc.; (iii) the risks and benefits associated with the consumption of meat or the abstention from the use of animal products; (iv) the recent spread of grain free movements—from “gluten sensitivity” to the Paleo diet, etc. The project will be implemented by means of a unique combination of theoretical and methodological approaches, and thanks to the collaboration of a well-experienced ER and the support of two top-class academic institutions: New York University, United States, and the University of Turin, Italy. This will allow not only identifying effective tools for opposing food myths, but also defining creative solutions for promoting food protection through communication and, ultimately, helping the general public understand better some of the crucial issues currently involving the European Union.
Nuova Escinea — Migliorare l'integratore alimentare

Il progetto presuppone lo sviluppo di una tecnologia per la produzione del prodotto Escinea in forma solida, cioè capsule o compresse, che costituirà un'innovazione di prodotto rispetto alla forma precedentemente disponibile in forma liquida. Escinea è un prodotto unico sul mercato di integratori alimentari dimagranti, è un preparato costituito da una combinazione di composti vegetali derivati da castagno (Aesculus ippocastanum L.) e chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa). La forma liquida del supplemento, attualmente disponibile sul mercato, è una formulazione creata a seguito della ricerca e sviluppo effettuata negli anni 2013-14. Lo sviluppo di una tecnologia di produzione di forme solide è più difficile a causa delle proprietà fisico-chimiche delle sostanze attive. Attualmente sul mercato non esiste un unico preparato solido basato sulla composizione dei principi attivi contenuti in Escinea. La creazione di una forma di preparazione solida vi permetterà di ottenere un vantaggio di mercato, perché per molti clienti capsule e compresse saranno più convenienti e pratiche e allo stesso tempo il prodotto sarà più economico da produrre, più facile da distribuire e avrà una durata di conservazione più lunga.
Wheels within wheels: the plant circadian system

Circadian clocks integrate environmental signals with internal cues to coordinate diverse physiological outputs so that they occur at the most appropriate season or time of day. Recent studies using systems approaches, primarily in Arabidopsis, have expanded our understanding of the molecular regulation of the central circadian oscillator and its connections to input and output pathways. Similar approaches have also begun to reveal the importance of the clock for key agricultural traits in crop species. In this review, we discuss recent developments in the field, including a new understanding of the molecular architecture underlying the plant clock; mechanistic links between clock components and input and output pathways; and our growing understanding of the importance of clock genes for agronomically important traits.
Abric de la Ratlla del Bubo (Crevillent, Alicante). Resultados de las campañas de 1986-1991. Nuevos datos sobre su secuencia paleolítica

El Abric de la Ratlla del Bubo (Crevillent, Alicante) es uno de los yacimientos clave para el conocimiento del Paleolítico superior en el área central del Mediterráneo ibérico, especialmente en lo que a sus fases iniciales se refiere. El yacimiento ha sido objeto de varias intervenciones arqueológicas, tanto clandestinas como científicas. Sin embargo, hasta este trabajo, la información disponible era parcial y, en muchos casos, remitía a materiales sin referencia estratigráfica. En este estudio se exponen los resultados del análisis del material lítico, del registro vegetal y de la fauna recuperada en las campañas de 1986 a 1991. Además, se presenta una amplia serie de dataciones radiocarbónicas por AMS. A partir de toda esta información, ha sido posible establecer la secuencia de ocupación de los cuatro niveles a techo de la estratigrafía del abrigo excavados durante las campañas a estudio. Los tres niveles inferiores documentados, a partir de la tecno-tipología lítica y la cronología, han podido ser definidos y relacionados con el tecnocomplejo Gravetiense. El nivel superior carece de datación 14C y ha presentado mayor dificultad de adscripción; las características del material lítico nos llevan a relacionarlo con ocupaciones del Solútreo-gravetiense. Por otro lado, una parte fundamental del trabajo son los resultados del análisis de los restos arqueobotánicos y faunísticos que son coherentes con la propuesta secuencial y permiten comprender de forma precisa la ocupación humana de la zona, además de la utilización de los recursos durante el Gravetiense y el Solútreo-gravetiense. Uno de los resultados de mayor relevancia del trabajo es que la secuencia de ocupación planteada modifica la adscripción preliminar realizada a principios de los años noventa del siglo XX. El estudio permitirá mejorar la información disponible hasta ahora para el Paleolítico superior inicial en la fachada mediterránea ibérica y, especialmente, en su área central.
ULTRASOUND & MAGNETIC METHOD

A method of processing of a sample mixed with paramagnetic particles comprises exposing the sample mixed with paramagnetic particles to a magnetic field to draw the paramagnetic particles, and then forming an ultrasound standing wave to drive the paramagnetic particles into one or more pressure nodes. Apparatus is also described for the analysis of biological samples which comprises a chamber, an acoustic transducer capable of creating at least one pressure node in a fluid contained in the chamber, and one or more magnets associated with the chamber to attract paramagnetic materials contained in a sample.
Family size matters: how low fertility affects the (re)production of social inequalities

This is the first comprehensive study on the consequences of low fertility for the (re)production of social inequalities. Inequalities in socio-economic well-being, including gender inequalities and regional inequalities, are reproduced from generation to generation. The family plays a central role in the reproduction of social inequalities. Over the last 5 decades, most societies in Europe and East-Asia moved or started moving towards low fertility regimes where the majority of women bear 0, 1 or 2 children. What does this radical change in family size imply for the (re)production of social inequalities? 

While demographers focus on determinants rather than consequences of low fertility, social inequality scholars largely ignore fertility trends. I connect these major fields to understand the consequences of low fertility and re-think mechanisms for the reproduction of inequalities. From this perspective I generate new empirical and theoretical questions and I highlight growing but under-researched groups (i.e. childless adults and only-children). 

I formulate three sets of related innovative questions on the consequences of low fertility for inequalities in (1) children, (2) adults and (3) societies. With regard to children, I investigate multigenerational processes, the changing role of sibling size and the role of only-children in reproducing inequalities. For parents with adult children, I study when and where the ‘quality’ of children becomes increasingly important and I examine the role of childless adults in the reproduction of inequalities. 

I take a quantitative comparative approach over time and across societies in Europe and East-Asia using multi-actor multilevel data from the newest data initiatives and reviving underused existing data. The insights from the comparative studies are brought together at the macro level in a simulation study. Gender inequalities are addressed throughout the project: has lower fertility reduced gender inequalities?
Rapid prototyping of OpenCV image processing applications using ASP

Image processing is becoming more and more present in our everyday life. With the requirements of miniaturization, low-power, performance in order to provide some intelligent processing directly into the camera, embedded camera will dominate the image processing landscape in the future. While the common approach of developing such embedded systems is to use sequentially operating processors, image processing algorithms are inherently parallel, thus hardware devices like FP-GAs provide a perfect match to develop highly efficient systems. Unfortunately hardware development is more difficult and there are less experts available compared to software. Automatizing the design process will leverage the existing infrastructure, thus providing faster time to market and quick investigation of new algorithms. We exploit ASP (answer set programming) for system synthesis with the goal of genarating an optimal hardware software partitioning, a viable communication structure and the corresponding scheduling, from an image processing application.
Magnetoprint: sizing and magnetically-assisted 3d printing of smart metamaterial hydrogels for tissue engineering

3D printing (3DP) technology plays a pivotal role in the biofabrication of engineered tissues which are useful towards several clinical, diagnostic and research applications. Of the different 3DP approaches, extrusion bioprinting (EBp) is the most widely used, for it is cost effective and allows rapid fabrication of physiological scale tissues with controlled placement of different types of encapsulated cells and biomaterials. However, the poor resolution (> 200 µm) of most EBp approaches limits the topographical cues necessary to impart anisotropic cell (avg. ϕ = 20 µm) and extracellular matrix organization within the tissues. Moreover, most tissue engineering approaches do not meet the nutritional requirements of the cells within thick tissues, and utilize static cultures which do not recapitulate the physiological growth conditions. Due to these reasons, the engineered tissues fail to biomimic native tissue properties. The proposed MagnetoPrint process aims to achieve biomimicry via a synergy of chemistry, biology, electromechanical systems design, structural mechanics and multiphysics modeling. First, cell-laden hydrogels are synthesized which could be sized into microstrands (avg. ϕ = 40 µm) during printing, that could impart the relevant anisotropic characteristics. Second, ferromagnetic particles are incorporated within distinct compartments inside the hydrogels to facilitate the deformation of printed tissue in the presence of external magnetic fields. Control of the domain orientations of the magnetic particles is used to impart auxetic properties, to further support nutrient transport and tissue maturation, which is also verified by computational modeling. Third, a complex muscle/tendon interface is printed and matured under the relevant exercising conditions to demonstrate the effectiveness of the project. The process, with its unprecedented features, represents significant progress in the advanced scalable manufacturing of biomimetic engineered tissues.
Declining, Ageing and Regional Transformation

Declining, Ageing and Regional Transformation (DART), demographic and economic change is a great challenge for about 30% of EU regions and this amount will increase up to 50% in 2030. Until 2030 every 3rd person in the EU will be 60+. Together with the low fertility rate and the outflow of human capital the regional effects are a declining population density with great difficulties in ensuring the provision of adequate public services. At the same time, the shrinking regional demand and lack of qualified staff endangers the economic basis of the regions.
But there are several experiences in the different European regions to avoid the downward spiral. There is a need to outline those experiences, to underpin them with adapted standards and indicators and to work out innovative and integrated solutions that maintain the quality of life and social inclusion in declining and ageing areas for all generations and adapt regional policies and public services.
Presenting the “vulnerability index” report in Dec. 2008 Commissioner Hübner itemized the influence of demographic trends as one of the four biggest challenges facing Europe. So meeting the demographic challenge with fortification of human capital (education, lifelong learning) and maintaining public services (health care, social and technical infrastructure) are key factors in regional policies as well as in the Lisbon strategy, the EU initiative “Regions for economic change” and “Regions 2020”.

Within the DART regions there are several projects dealing with special fields of policy. But most of them focus on sector-specific and are only insular solutions. The purpose of DART is to achieve an adjustment of policies relating to demographic change by implementation of
* good practices from previous partner projects,
* new products and services to maintain the quality of life, especially in new business fields for SME and
* a set of standards and indicators to benchmark regions.
DART develops an integrated approach for policy recommendations
- to raise awareness about demographic change 
- to increase knowledge of outflow-inflow motivation of working-age people,
- to adapt standards and indicators for public services, to measure the critical point of public services and to measure success in declining and ageing regions
- to sample innovative solutions to maintain the quality of life for all generations no matter, if they live in an booming or in a declining region.
For regional authorities and stakeholders in sparsely populated areas a well educated population and a sufficient equipment with public services are the focal points for social inclusion, stability and welfare. The downwards spiral can be turned into an upwards spiral, when the shared knowledge becomes effective practice and when the need to react on demographic change is mainstreamed in regional policies. Then life cycle proof neighbourhood can be proved even in declining and ageing regions.
Exploring the Linkage between Urban Flood Risk and Spatial Patterns in Small Urbanized Catchments of Beijing, China

In the context of global urbanization, urban flood risk in many cities has become a serious environmental issue, threatening the health of residents and the environment. A number of hydrological studies have linked urban flooding issues closely to the spectrum of spatial patterns of urbanization, but relatively little attention has been given to small-scale catchments within the realm of urban systems. This study aims to explore the hydrological effects of small-scaled urbanized catchments assigned with various landscape patterns. Twelve typical residential catchments in Beijing were selected as the study areas. Total Impervious Area (TIA), Directly Connected Impervious Area (DCIA), and a drainage index were used as the catchment spatial metrics. Three scenarios were designed as different spatial arrangement of catchment imperviousness. Runoff variables including total and peak runoff depth (Qt and Qp) were simulated by using Strom Water Management Model (SWMM). The relationship between catchment spatial patterns and runoff variables were determined, and the results demonstrated that, spatial patterns have inherent influences on flood risks in small urbanized catchments. Specifically: (1) imperviousness acts as an effective indicator in affecting both Qt and Qp; (2) reducing the number of rainwater inlets appropriately will benefit the catchment peak flow mitigation; (3) different spatial concentrations of impervious surfaces have inherent influences on Qp. These findings provide insights into the role of urban spatial patterns in driving rainfall-runoff processes in small urbanized catchments, which is essential for urban planning and flood management.
Control parlamentario y designación de órganos constitucionales en España: teoría y práctica

La regulación constitucional de los mecanismos de designación parlamentaria de los más altos órganos del Estado expresa la necesidad de lograr un reforzado consenso entre las fuerzas políticas con representación en las Cámaras para designar a candidatos dotadas de capacidad técnica y excelencia profesional. Asimismo, es expresión de la voluntad de desgajar los períodos de mandato del ciclo parlamentario (legislatura), dotándolos de una duración más prolongada. Estas previsiones aparecen basadas en un sustrato común: dotar de una legitimidad democrática cualificada a instancias de naturaleza contramayoritaria que, por definición, carecen de la misma. En España, esta pretensión constitucional, así como su posterior desarrollo normativo ponen de manifiesto una acentuada tendencia a limitar sus efectos al terreno de lo estrictamente teórico. En la práctica se constata una situación patológica persistente, especialmente agravada en los últimos tiempos. Se constata una profunda adulteración del sentido constitucional atribuido a las mayorías, reemplazándolo por un sistema de cuotas en el que se fijan unilateralmente los candidatos y son recíprocamente aceptados. Este modus operandi, por lo demás, relega la participación de las Cámaras en los procesos electivos al rol de ‘convidado de piedra’. La legitimidad democrática que confiere su ejercicio, por lo tanto, se circunscribe a un ámbito preeminentemente formal. Asimismo, los períodos de mandato han perdido su certeza temporal, de tal manera que las prórrogas se han convertido en la regla y la renovación en plazo insólita excepción...