SIRIS-Lab/unlabelled-sti-corpus huggingface dataset:
Instant foam for fighting forest fires

R-Fire  is a company founded by firefighters and pilots who have used their corresponding experience to create a novel solution to fight forest fires. They have joined forces with TFEX Engineering Ltd and together developed the I4F technology and validated it with our prototype to tackle forest fire by using foam. TFEX has broad range of firefighting products and also own the Instant Foam technology. 
Water is the most commonly used extinguishing material, but when it comes to forest fires there are many problems with it. Water has limited cooling capacity and a lot of water goes to waste during refilling the buckets and also during the transportation from the water resource to the fire front. Dropping water also causes problems: pilots can miss the target, distribution on surface is not homogeneous, and much of it is below or above the effectively threshold where the water is useless. There are some technical initiatives to raise the efficiency of the use of pure water for forest fires. Airplanes and some helicopters use inside tanks to reduce the waste of refilling and transportation. Short and long term retardants are also used. The long term retardants are extremely expensive but undoubtedly efficient. Foam as short term retardant also increase the efficiency of the water that is much cheaper than retardants but its efficiency and duration is usually below the long term retardant. Instant Foam for Fighting Forest Fire (I4F) technology creates homogeneous foam, ensures long lasting and it reduces the waste compared to traditional foam. The main novelty of our solution, which is built upon Instant Foam technology is that we can use our foam based extinguishing material for aerial application and ensure fast refilling.
In this proposal we would like to present the economic advantages of the I4F technology we have developed and the steps to be taken with the corresponding costs in order to become a market leading commercial product.
Noise-induced speed up in repetitively firing neurons occurs far from spike threshold

Injecting white noise currents has been shown to increase mean firing rate in several types of neuron. This speed up is generally attributed to the fact that depolarizing currents on the tails of the noise distribution push cells past spike threshold sooner than they would have otherwise. As part of a larger effort to understand the dynamic properties of rat subthalamic (STN) neurons, we have performed perforated patch recordings of these tonically active neurons in brain slices, exposing them to contiguous sequences of brief current pulses drawn from a Gaussian distribution. Pulsed noise disrupted firing pattern with no significant change in rate over a wide range of noise amplitudes, so long as the pulse durations were brief (<2 ms). With longer pulse durations, neurons increased their firing rate with noise, with greater increases for pulses of larger magnitude and longer duration. However, individual neurons displayed varying degrees of noise-induced speed up.

We used phase resetting methods to understand the noise-induced changes in the mean and variance of the recorded interspike interval distributions. For each cell, a phase response curves (PRC) was derived by using linear interpolation to estimate the phase of the neuron between spikes, followed by a linear regression to estimate the sensitivity of the cell to input perturbations at each phase. We then compared Monte Carlo simulations of a one-dimensional phase model to predict the response patterns of individual neurons. Surprisingly, simulation results produced a good match to experimental mean and variances even at noise levels leading to autocorrelation histograms with no visible periodicity (CVs ~ 0.4).

We then investigated simulations results in detail to understand the dynamic mechanism that underlies the noise-induced speed up in these neurons. Plots of the mean phase as a function of time revealed that the noise-induced phase advance occurred early in an interspike interval, well before trajectories approach the time of the next spike. This phase advance can be understood as ‘noise-induced drift’ in the Stratanovich interpretation of stochastic differential equations, with possible supralinear contributions for pulses of finite duration. Current research uses artificially constructed PRCs to examine how the increasing spread of the phase distribution during each intervals leads to an asymmetric sampling of the noise-induced drift, preventing the early noise-induced speed up from being canceled by an expected noise-induced slowing as the PRC approaches zero near the time of the next spike.
Satisfaction level of the members of the co-operative banks: A study at Tamil Nadu level

India is a land of village. Majority of her population live in rural areas and most of them are below the poverty line in rural areas and depend heavily on agriculture for their livelihood. Agriculture is the backbone our national economy. The flow of credit from the profit oriented commercial banks, despite their flow of credit from the profit-oriented commercial banks, despite their large expansion to the agriculture is very inadequate. This leaves farmers to take recourse to the exploitative tendencies of the indigenous moneylenders. Besides this, profit-oriented nature of commercial banks mostly favored non-agricultural sectors. With expansion of co-operative credit institutions, the grip of moneylenders on farmers started petering out though very slowly, and this source still source still dominates the credit scenario in rural India. The development and progress of village life is liked with the advancement in agriculture. By keeping this, it is an attempt to examine the satisfaction of members of co-operative banks in Tamil Nadu.
Methodological Issues in the Design of Paediatric Pharmacokinetic Studies

A larger number of studies are being conducted in paediatric patients for drug development than has ever occurred previously as a result of the current legislative acts in the US and Europe. Designing paediatric studies requires knowledge of the disposition of the drug or biological product in varying age groups. Themethodology for designing pharmacokinetic studies is complex, and involves ethical considerations, planning for the study throughmodelling and simulation, arranging a sampling schedule thatmeets the requirements of the analysis and the study population, and considering the special groups of patients within the paediatric population. Planning for a paediatric pharmacokinetic study involves important decisions on sample size and sampling schedule to estimate the pharmacokinetic parameters of interest. Ideally, the pharmacokinetic variability should guide these decisions on a case-by-case basis. US FDA guidances on paediatric pharmacokinetic studies, exposure-response relationships and population pharmacokinetics, all provide a basis to make some of the critical decisions in designing a paediatric pharmacokinetic study. These considerations are reviewed in this article and should assist drug developers in improving the design of paediatric pharmacokinetic studies in the future.
Towards nanopore proteomics: enhancing cytolysin performance through genetically encoded noncanonical amino acids

Accurate detection of low-abundance proteins in biological samples obtained from patients or invasive species relies on appropriate handling and fixation techniques. Due to their inherent instability and propensity to denature upon freeze-thaw treatments, important protein markers tend to escape detection. Analogous challenges in RNA sequencing have been mitigated by the use of nanopore technology. European academic research and industry actions led to the creation of the widely used MinION devices that employ nanopore technology to enable DNA and RNA sequencing to be executed on site. Through this application I seek to improve nanopores as biosensors for the detection of proteins that will facilitate immediate protein analysis from clinical or ecological samples. I will use my expertise in genetic code expansion (GCE) techniques to engineer two well-characterized cytolysins with distinct architectures: an α-helical actinoporin and β-barrel containing lysenin. To improve these pores for protein identification and sequencing, the proposed research will advance through four stages: Incorporation of noncanonical amino acid (ncAA) to covalently stabilize smaller pores (1) and modulate the pore’s sensing region (2), directed evolution of residues lining the channel walls (3) and structural characterization of the identified variants (4). This is a multidisciplinary project that combines GCE techniques with advanced biophysical and structural characterization of the evolved nanopores. The host’s expertise in nanopore analysis together with my experience with GCE and directed evolution methods provide an important two-way transfer of knowledge. Action includes a training-through-research essential to advance my future academic career and enhance my employability in the biomedical industry. I anticipate the results of nanoEx project will have a major impact on the progress of nanopore biosensing, increasing the competitiveness of the European industry in protein sequencing.
Virtual connection of a remote unit to a server

A method is provided for reconnecting a telephone modem with a reduced delay by reducing a time associated with retraining. A wireline communication connection is initialized by a telephone modem to train a set of parameters. The parameters are stored in a memory structure. The connection is used for communication, and is then terminated. At a later time, the connection is reestablished by accessing the parameters from memory and using them to reconnect the modem with a reduced set-up delay. Another method involves coupling to a first physical layer and establishing a session with a server, and then decoupling from the first physical layer while maintaining the session. Later, the session is resumed using a second physical layer. At least one of the physical layers involves a local interface unit that includes a landline connection to a WAN.
A bioengineered, naturally-derived, sustainable biocide for breaking down organic biofilms formed by drug-resistant bacteria.

Aequor's ABD (Aequor Biofilm Dispersant) represents a significant leap forward in the arms race between modern medicine and drug-resistant bacteria. The biofilm is the first line of defence for these drug-resistant microorganisms, a polymer-like structure of proteins and secretions that protects the colony from virtually everything but burning or scraping it away.

ABD does away with this problem in dramatic fashion. A natural biocidal agent derived from marine microorganisms, ABD is devastating for bacterial contamination, but gentle enough to be used as a supplement for antibiotic treatments. It is 99.99% effective at removing existing biofilms, prevents 99.99% of new biofilms from forming, and inhibits the growth of new bacterial colonies by over 92%. Lonza Group AG has verified this stellar performance in-vitro.

Aequor intends to use the funds from the SME instrument to study the EU and global market for biocides further, and to dig deeper into markets for antibiotic supplements. Further it will carry out growth projections and examine the process for clinical trials in-depth.
The use of spectroscopic measurements from full scale industrial production to achieve stable end product quality

The present study was conducted to investigate different approaches to improve product quality in an industrial setting, by utilizing spectroscopic measurements for process optimization where data are obtained directly from full scale production. The approach taken is to utilise spectroscopic techniques as a fingerprint of uncontrollable raw material variation. The FTIR spectra were used to predict the end product characteristics along with the process parameters instead of predicting previously defined characteristics of the raw material. The present case under study is from cheese production aiming for reduced variation in the dry matter content of the final product. Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR) are available at the plant, but not fully utilized. The results from the study showed that the FTIR spectra do contain significant information relevant for the end product characteristics which is not yet utilized, suggesting that FTIR spectra can be used for process optimisation to improve the stability of the quality. Different strategies to incorporate the spectral data are presented, and the usefulness of full scale production for process optimisation is discussed. The present study also contains optimisation of the production based on data modelling of the raw material variation, the process settings and the product quality over a long time period.
Regional Strategies for Energy Conscious Communities

RENERGY should be seen in a context of the EU Strategy for Competitive, Effective and Secure Energy (2020) setting out objectives and main line of action to address urgent global energy concerns: excessive reliance on non-renewable fossil fuels, dependency on energy imports from certain countries, safety issues (e.g. nuclear) and the significant CO2 contribution of transport sector and fossile energy sources to climate change. RENERGY deals with the multiple dimensions of the „energy crisis”. 
To seize the momentum of Energy 2020 and the urgency to strengthen our competitiveness in the energy field and ensure local economic growth more effective local/regional level actions are needed. RES are often produced and distributed locally & not suitable for distant transportation and local action has also better chance of influencing energy consumer/producer/supplier behaviour. However, current local/regional energy policies point at several bottlenecks. Stakeholder involvement is not
effective & energy policies/strategies do not necessarily correspond to the interests of stakeholders & the infrastructural & architectural settings. Such shortcomings jeopardise efficient planning & implementation of energy policies.
 
RENERGY, thus, aims to improve effectiveness of local/regional sustainable energy  policies/strategies by (1) demonstrating the relevance of a holistic, integrative, bottom up process to take local community needs,  demands,  cultural and infrastructural characteristics into account, (2) emphasizing the crucial role of the energy business sector in  RES uptake and EE management and (3) emphasizing the role of local/regional governance bodies in developing/implementing sustainable energy policies and furnish these bodies with sufficient  competences, powers & knowledge. These 3 issues are the main project pillars analysed and communicated through the 3 Case Studies and the Energy Labs. Energy Labs is a completely new platform concept for local energy
action ensuring continuous dialogue and cooperation between experts, producers/suppliers and end-user representing the 3 project pillars. These partners will together evaluate their own region in terms of RES/EE efficiency, present case studies & participate in the 3 case study exchanges to fill knowledge gaps & prepare & implement local/regional RES/EE implementation plans. The results & experience of the 3 thematic Case Studies and Energy Labs will feed into a Model Implementation Plan including policy recommendations the findings of which will be disseminated to target groups and used at regional/local level by partners while designing their regional implementation plans. 

RENERGY brings together a balanced partnership with public authorities from Italy, Austria, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland, Portugal, Rumania and the UK pooling valuable knowledge/experience in these 3 thematic clusters that function as “knowledge centers” & case study examples.
Consortium for hall effect orbital propulsion system – phase 2 covering medium power needs

To prepare future large satellite missions, replace obsolete networks or introduce new on-board technological advances, Europe must offer to its satellite industry a competitive and highly reliable European dual mode Hall-effect Electric Propulsion System able to provide sufficient power to perform both orbit raising (7kW) and station keeping (3kW) duties. 
Based on CHEOPS Phase I results, CHEOPS MEDIUM POWER will perform incremental developments on system and sub-system levels in order to achieve TRL6/7 by 2023.
CHEOPS MEDIUM POWER will further mature the different system elements (Thruster Unit, PPU, FMS) by addressing the following key challenges: non-recurring and recurring cost reduction in terms of design, manufacturing, test qualification and time to deliver, as well as propellent efficiency in order to increase valuable payload and generate revenues. These advancements will fit into a less than 10kg thruster working at both 250 and 400V. CHEOPS MEDIUM POWER will deliver for the thruster unit an optimised design for a very high thrust and improved lifecycle durations. On an industrial level the project aims at reduced fabrication cycles, improved quality, leaner manufacture, faster assembly lead times, and improved tolerance management. The Power processing unit will be optimised by removing unnecessary functions and re-selecting cheaper key components with at least constant reliability levels. The project’s scope extends to FMS level where space qualifiable COTS will be used to provide maximum mission suitability for variable number of thrusters per satellite. 
CHEOPS MEDIUM POWER will have a medium-term impact on the European space industry and its overall competitiveness, but also on the satellite design and manufacturing paradigm in the long term.
GUERRA RUSSO-UCRANIANA: UMA ABORDAGEM REALISTA

O presente texto problematiza a moldura jus-política do segundo pós-guerra, explicitando os limites da ONU e outras instituições. Privilegiando as dinâmicas do poder na sociedade internacional, tem como objeto as “relações de poder” entre a OTAN, EUA adiante, e a Rússia, tendo a China no backstage.
A Fast Numerical Method for the Calculation of the Equilibrium Isotopic Composition of a Transmutation System in an Advanced Fuel Cycle

A fast numerical method for the calculation in a zero-dimensional approach of the equilibrium isotopic composition of an iteratively used transmutation system in an advanced fuel cycle, based on the Banach fixed point theorem, is described in this paper. The method divides the fuel cycle in successive stages: fuel fabrication, storage, irradiation inside the transmutation system, cooling, reprocessing, and incorporation of the external material into the new fresh fuel. The change of the fuel isotopic composition, represented by an isotope vector, is described in a matrix formulation. The resulting matrix equations are solved using direct methods with arbitrary precision arithmetic. The method has been successfully applied to a double-strata fuel cycle with light water reactors and accelerator-driven subcritical systems. After comparison to the results of the EVOLCODE 2.0 burn-up code, the observed differences are about a few percents in the mass estimations of the main actinides.
Pemfc based on platinum group metal free structured cathodes

PEMFC is the fuel cell predilection technology for automotive applications with a large deployment horizon by 2025-30. However, the increasing use of fuel cell electrical vehicles is expected to lead to a quickly growing demand for Platinum Group Metals. PGM production is not only itself related to negative environmental impacts but also raises questions of long-term availability due to the limitation of reserves and Europe’s economic dependence on the countries of the materials’ origin. Hence, it is of strategic importance that the transition to PGM-free catalysts is made as quickly as possible to ensure Europe's competitive position and to reduce market pressure on the use of scarce noble metals.
In that perspective, PEGASUS is exploring the removal of Pt and other critical raw materials and their replacement by non-critical elements enabling efficient and stable electro-catalysis for performing and durable PEMFCs. The overall aim of the project is to bring up the experimental proof of concept for novel catalysts with five underlying objectives supporting a full validation at single cell scale with a focus on the cathode side: 1) High performance, 2) durable and 3) low cost MEA using non-PGM catalysts-based cathode; 4) Robust test protocols for catalysts screening and 5) Understanding of degradation and prevention & mitigation strategies through a MEA design-driven approach.
PEGASUS will benchmark (Metal-Nitrogen-Carbon) materials with variants of Carbon supports and Catalyst Layer designs in order to reach the best compromises between chemical activities and mass/charge transfer with the support of intensive experimentation and modelling. Two generations of non-CRM catalysts will be proposed. GEN1 will implement metals {Fe, Mn or Cu} with Nitrogen onto (1D, 2D and 3D) structured carbon support (single structuration). GEN2 will investigate the enhancement of dual-structuration (1D+3D and 2D+3D) on catalyst stability, reactant availability and water management.
Real-time applications of 3D object detection and tracking

Robot perception is a fundamental aspect of any autonomous system. It gives the robot the capacity to make sense of vast amounts of data and gain an understanding of the world around it. An active problem in the area of robot perception is real-time detection and pose estimation of 3D objects. This thesis presents an approach to 3D object detection and tracking utilizing a stereo-camera sensor. Geometric object models are learned in short order time via a training phase and real-time detection and tracking is made possible by performing sparse stereo calculations on the chosen features within an adaptive region of interest of the camera image. The experimental results obtained by using this method will show the effectiveness of the approach as compared against ground truth measures in real-time. Using that framework as a basis, extensions to two other problems in robot sensing are then considered: (1) sensor-planning for model identification, and (2) sensor-planning for object-search. In the former, a novel algorithm for determining the next-best-view for a mobile sensor to identify an unknown 3D object from among a database of known models is presented and tested across two experiments involving real robotic systems. An information theoretic approach is taken to quantify the utility of each potential sensing action and the validity of the algorithm is discussed. In the latter area, a novel approach is presented that allows an autonomous mobile robot to search for a 3D object using an onboard stereo camera sensor mounted on a pan-tilt head. Search efficiency is realized by the combination of a coarse-scale global search coupled with a fine-scale local search, guided by a grid-based probability map. Obstacle avoidance during the search is naturally integrated into the method with additional experimental results on a mobile robot presented to illustrate and validate the proposed search strategy. All presented experiments were carried out in real-time processing with modest computation done by a single laptop computer.