SIRIS-Lab/unlabelled-sti-corpus huggingface dataset:
Construction & demolition waste management policies for improved resource efficiency

COMMON CHALLENGE TACKLED BY CONDEREFF:
The challenge and opportunity faced by the CONDEREFF regions is to accelerate their policy work on improving resource efficiency at territorial level. Τhe EU Construction & Demolition Waste Management Protocol and the transition towards Circular Economy can guide the regulative roll-out of C&D waste management across EU regions; accordingly, the proliferation of infrastructures & methods for recycling and re-use of C&D waste materials can introduce a green growth opportunity. Regions can exploit this opportunity by improving their policy instruments to factor these developments in, and support projects and processes to this direction.

OBJECTIVE AND EXPECTED CHANGE:
The CONDEREFF project brings together 8 partners from 7 countries to exchange experiences and practices on how to move forward from existing procedures on C&D waste management towards the adoption and further exploitation of the best practices and measures applied in the field. The project will enable the participating regions to advance their goals for resource efficiency and green growth through the proper management of C&D waste, which can boost demand for C&D recycled materials and support both sustainability and recycling in the construction sector. 

OUTPUTS & BENEFITS:
- 7 Action Plans aiming to improve the 7 policy instruments addressed.
- 3 interregional workshops, 1 exchange of experience visit, and 1 policy & industry symposium .
- 42 regional stakeholders meetings.
- 7 regional building confidence meetings.
- 10 policy briefs to transfer lessons learnt beyond the partnership.
- 1 “track & change C&D waste” toolkit.
- 1 compendium of best practices.
- 4 joint thematic studies & analyses.
PITTALUGA STUDIO ASSOCIATED ENGINEERS AND ARCHITECTS

THE COMPANY CONSISTS OF AN ASSOCIATED PROFESSIONAL STUDIO CONSISTING OF TWO ARCHITECTS AND TWO CIVIL ENGINEERS. ALL FOUR ARE ENROLLED IN THEIR RESPECTIVE PROFESSIONAL REGISTERS IN THE PROVINCE OF GENOA. THE STUDY WAS ESTABLISHED IN 2004 WHEN THE MORE ELDER, AN ENGINEER WITH EXPERIENCE IN SELF-EMPLOYED ACTIVITY SINCE 1965, JOINED HIS THREE CHILDREN, FIRST WITH HIS ELDEST SON GRADUATED IN CIVIL ENGINEERING WITH SPECIALISATION IN STRUCTURAL DESIGN AND, LATER WITH THE OTHER TWO GRADUATES IN ARCHITECTURE. THE ACTIVITY INVOLVES STRUCTURAL WORKS IN REINFORCED CONCRETE, STEEL OR WOOD AS WELL AS WORKS CONCERNING THE MECHANICS OF THE LAND, WITH RELATIVE DIRECTION OF THE WORKS. ARCHITECTS NATURALLY DEAL WITH ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT FOR VARIOUS TYPES OF BUILDINGS. SAFETY COORDINATION, BOTH IN DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION, IS ALSO THE SUBJECT OF OUR WORK. THE STUDY IS EQUIPPED WITH THE MODERN COMPUTER MEANS NECESSARY FOR U
MICROBIAL REDUCTIVE DEHALOGENATION OF VINYL CHLORIDE

Compositions and methods are provided that relate to the bioremediation of chlorinated ethenes, particularly the bioremediation of vinyl chloride by Dehalococcoides-like organisms. An isolated strain of bacteria, Dehalococcoides sp. strain VS, that metabolizes vinyl chloride is provided; the genetic sequence of the enzyme responsible for vinyl chloride dehalogenation; methods of assessing the capability of endogenous organisms at an environmental site to metabolize vinyl chloride; and a method of using the strains of the invention for bioremediation.
In vitro model of fragile x syndrome using naïve ipscs

Neurological and mental disorders are top priorities for the European Commission, which actively invests in research aimed at better understanding brain function and dysfunction, and at finding new therapies for brain disorders. Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the major monogenetic cause for intellectual disability and is frequently associated with autism spectrum disorder. The trinucleotide repeat expansion, methylation and epigenetic silencing of fragile mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene promoter leads to the loss of the corresponding protein. However, the molecular mechanism and the timing leading to FMR1 silencing are still unknown due to the absence of reliable in vivo and in vitro models. The recent development of naïve PSCs showing a broader unmethylated genome (including in FMR1) opened a new hope for disease modeling of FXS, but data are still partial and contradictory. The NeuroStemX project aims at filling this gap taking advantage of an optimized technique for the generation of naïve iPSCs developed at the University of Padova (UniPd) and generation of FXS neurons with various approaches mastered by the Experienced Researcher (ER) in conjunction with the microtechnologies developed by UniPd. In particular, we aim at 1) identifying the timing of FMRP silencing during neural development using naïve iPSCs and 2) establishing a reliable in vitro system to model neuronal defects observed in FXS patients. In this project, we are addressing some of the most crucial problems related with FXS pathogenesis and modeling using a variety of innovative approaches. This will give the ER an outstanding training-through-research opportunity by means of a personalized multidisciplinary project, in which the ER will enlarge her scientific competences and strengthen her professional profile. The training includes both scientific and transferable skills, aimed at the reinforcement of the ER professional maturity and independence.
Thinking about the Mexican Revolution: Philosophy, Culture and Politics in Mexico: 1910-1934

The commemoration of the two hundredth anniversary of the War of Independence and the centenary of the Mexican Revolution make this a good moment for some analysis and reflection on the influence that both events have had on the form and the meaning that Mexican intellectual production and cultural institutions have conserved throughout that time. The aim of this essay, is to examine in how, and by what cultural and institutional means, a process of historical transformation as violent, convulsive, complex and radical as the Revolution ended up producing a remarkably favourable set of conditions for literature, music, the visual arts, education and, in particular, philosophy, whose earliest developments and contributions came between 1910 and 1934. [
Using a novel protein degradation approach to uncover irf4-regulated genes in plasma cells

Plasma cells (PCs) are antibody-producing cells that develop from activated B cells in an immune response. Antibodies produced by these cells are essential for the clearance of pathogens and long-term protection against recurrent infections. PCs can also be pathogenic in autoimmune disease, where self-recognising antibodies are produced, and cancer, in the form of multiple myeloma. An understanding of the molecular pathways that control PC function is therefore necessary for understanding human immunity and these pathologies. Interferon Regulatory Factor 4 (IRF4, gene name Irf4) is a transcription factor whose deletion in mouse models results in the loss of all PCs. Because of this, the genes that are regulated by IRF4, and hence which cellular pathways are required for PC survival, are unknown. Here, I propose to use a revolutionary approach to determine the target genes of IRF4. I will use targeted protein degradation to deplete IRF4 in mouse PCs, and then determine the immediate changes in transcription following IRF4 loss using a state-of-the-art RNA sequencing technique, known as SLAM-seq. The advantage of this approach is that I can analyze changes in transcription before the onset of the survival defect. I will then study the functional roles of the identified IRF4 target genes in PCs. This is a multidisciplinary project that combines molecular biology approaches with cell biology and immune physiology. In addition, this proposal allows for transfer of knowledge from myself, an expert in the regulation of cell survival, and the host institution, which will train me in molecular biology techniques and expertise in PC biology. IRF4 has been implicated in both autoimmune disease and multiple myeloma, and so this proposal addresses a basic research question that has translatable outcomes. Hence, this proposal is in line with the H2020 objective to increase the transfer of knowledge into tangible products, and contributes to the European knowledge-based economy.
METHODS AND SYSTEM FOR FORMING CARBON NANOTUBES

Systems and a method for forming carbon nanotubes are described. A method includes forming carbon nanotubes in a first reactor, using a feed gas. The carbon nanotubes are separated from a reactor effluent to form a waste stream. The feed gas, a dry waste stream, or both, are heated with waste heat from the waste stream. The waste stream is chilled in an ambient temperature heat exchanger to condense water vapor, forming a dry waste stream.
Maximum entropy models for antibody diversity

Recognition of pathogens relies on families of proteins showing great diversity. Here we construct maximum entropy models of the sequence repertoire, building on recent experiments that provide a nearly exhaustive sampling of the IgM sequences in zebrafish. These models are based solely on pairwise correlations between residue positions but correctly capture the higher order statistical properties of the repertoire. By exploiting the interpretation of these models as statistical physics problems, we make several predictions for the collective properties of the sequence ensemble: The distribution of sequences obeys Zipf’s law, the repertoire decomposes into several clusters, and there is a massive restriction of diversity because of the correlations. These predictions are completely inconsistent with models in which amino acid substitutions are made independently at each site and are in good agreement with the data. Our results suggest that antibody diversity is not limited by the sequences encoded in the genome and may reflect rapid adaptation to antigenic challenges. This approach should be applicable to the study of the global properties of other protein families.
Cross-border cooperation between Slovenia and Italy for a safer region

The common challenge faced by CROSSIT SAFER is to create an institutional level that is able to manage natural risks, i.e. to reduce the risks related to geomorphological characteristics of the territory and climate change that require better coordination of prevention, warning and response measures to natural emergencies in the Programme area. The overall objective of the project is to build capacity for cross-border institutional cooperation between public authorities and key civil protection organisations by promoting joint emergency response planning with coordinated natural emergency prevention, warning and response measures. The objective will support the strengthening of institutional cooperation in the field of civil protection, the improvement of the coordination of interventions in case of natural emergencies and the increase of the preparedness and equipment of civil protection units. The main project outputs are a cross-border protocol for the harmonisation of measures in case of natural emergencies in the cross-border area, joint cross-border standard operating procedures for intervention and beneficiaries involved in joint civil protection training programmes. The benefits will directly impact all participating PPs and indirectly other civil protection organisations and the whole population of the Programme area. The approach to the common challenges in the Programme area will be aimed in particular at strengthening the institutional cooperation capacity, which will be pursued through the signature of the cross-border cooperation protocol, the harmonisation of procedures and measures in case of natural emergencies and the organisation and implementation of joint training and education programmes for civil protection units in both countries. The need for cross-border cooperation stems from the awareness that natural emergencies know no borders. In order to ensure effective and timely action in the event of natural emergencies in the cross-border area, it is therefore necessary to ensure cooperation and
Disrupting the economy – fintech blockchain solution revolutionises direct payments. secure, low-cost and simple bank-free payments for everyone

The number and volume of non-cash transactions has been increasing in the recent years, which makes the technological limitations of the existing IT systems more apparent than ever. The low performance of the centralised IT architecture increases the maintenance cost, that are transferred to customers. The European Commission revealed that growing bank fees are leading to financial exclusion of the poorest citizens. It is estimated that 2.5 million Europeans who applied for the bank account have been rejected for being too poor.
The technological issues of centralised IT systems are too difficult to be solved without making a disruptive change in the banking industry. When the regulated services cannot be offered, there is a room for non-regulated products which compromise on financial market security, e.g. cryptocurrencies like bitcoin.
Our value proposition is Billon - a distributed ledger technology for creating free current accounts enabling making ultra-low cost payments with real currencies (EUR, GBP, PLN) in a regulated manner. The disruptiveness of Billon arises from:(1) distributed architecture developed on blockchain by our specialists, (2) compliance with the EU regulations upon the agreements with banks and ongoing FCA Regulatory Sandbox in the UK.
After introducing the first free current account in a smartphone and finishing pilot trials with our business partners, we apply for the SME Instrument to expand the Billon ecosystem. The proposed project is addressing market segments of mass payouts for corporate customers and social & media online payments for online users.
Billon is aiming to disrupt the market of alternative payments, which will be worth $1,400 billion in 2019. Our business model is to make profit on corporate customers, willing to enhance digital engagement of their clients and digitalise business processes. It will enable us to offer ‘lite’ current account for free to unbanked and financially excluded (165 mln in Europe, 2 bln globally).
A Rising Naval Challenger in Asia: Lessons from Britain and Japan between the Wars

The end of Great Britain's standing as a superpower conjures up a frightening picture of how a post-American world might come about, not by a gradual, managed decline of the United States, but rather by a sudden defeat at sea. Some 70 years ago, Britain's navy suffered staggering losses at the hands of an emerging peer competitor in Asia. Could a reversal of fortune of this magnitude—the world's leading naval power being soundly beaten by a rising challenger—happen again? Britain's naval downfall in Asia provides a sobering parable, warning of potential dangers looming for the United States in the twenty-first century.
A fast, cost-effective breath analysis technology for helicobacter pylori screening at both large and small scale.

The increasing incidence of Helicobacter (H.) pylori infections and their close link with gastric cancer, gastric lymphoma, duodenal and gastric ulceration, give impetus to the H. pylori diagnostics market. 
Existing solutions are too costly, inconvenient and invasive; have a long analysis time or need technical expertise to analyse. Bedfont Scientific Ltd offers a portable H. pylori diagnostic device, HYscreen, which detects ammonia in exhaled air as a biomarker for H. pylori. It has a rapid diagnosis, higher accuracy, lower cost, greater simplicity and convenience. It has the following innovation features: a mouthpiece breath entrapment sampling system, a thermal oxidizer and a Nitrogen Oxide (NO) sensor. This solution is aimed at primary and secondary care in Europe and USA and population screening programs in Asia, answering the call for a cheaper, quicker and simpler monitoring device. This will lead to improved clinical decisions that will facilitate early treatment of the infection, preventing H pylori related cases of gastric cancer and gastric or duodenal ulcers. Consequently, Europe-wide and global savings of up to €1.5 billion and €5.66 billion respectively will be realized by avoiding unnecessary endoscopies, biopsies, expensive H. pylori tests and the healthcare bill from H. pylori-related conditions. Ultimately, HYscreen will open doors for fast and affordable population wide screening. The test will use cheaper C12 urea, though work still needs to be done to make it commercially available.
There is a challenge to shorten the thermal oxidizer system for better aesthetics and to reduce ammonia absorption. In Phase 1, we study the feasibility of optimizing the thermal oxidizer system, the use and optimization of C12 urea, protection of the product and the detailed business plan. Phase 2 will produce the final product from the prototype along with the validation steps and clinical trials.
Improving Characteristics of LUT-Based Moore FSMs

Almost any digital system includes sequential blocks which can be represented using a model of finite state machine (FSM). It is very important to improve such characteristics of FSM circuits as the number of logic elements, operating frequency and consumed energy. The paper proposes a novel design method targeting a decrease in the number of look-up table (LUT) elements in logic circuits of FPGA-based Moore FSMs. The method is based on using two sets of variables for encoding the collections of outputs. It results in a partition of the set of outputs by two blocks. The outputs from the first block depend on state variables, the outputs from the second block on additional variables. A method is proposed for splitting the set of outputs. The conditions for using the proposed method are given. An example of synthesis is shown. The results of experiments with standard benchmarks are discussed. The experiments outcomes show that the proposed approach allows diminishing the number of LUTs and consumed energy. Also, it leads to an increase in the operating frequency. The method targets rather complex FSMs when the number of state variables exceeds the number of LUT’s inputs.
Material design for additive manufacturing (madam)

This projects aims to develop numerical algorithms for designing the new generation of advanced materials: Metamaterials.  Their impressive properties (one of the lightest, stiffest and strongest materials available today) arise from their non intuitive topologies.   Due to the additive manufacturing (AM) revolution or 3D-printing techniques, we are at the right moment where these complex topologies are now possible to be created. 
                                                                                                                 
However, additive manufacturing has its own manufacturability constraints. Although several advances have been developed in the last years, most of these new advanced materials, specially mechanical metamaterials, have been designed with considering no manufacturability constraints, i.e., are just theoretically design. Even more worrying, when manufacturability is possible, they show severe symptoms of fragility or limited resistance. MADAM project seeks to solve these limitations incorporating manufacturability and resistance properties in the process of material design (MAD). 

The specific objectives are:
1) Develop numerical algorithms to solve the MAD  problem when considering AM constraints.
2) Develop numerical algorithms to solve the MAD problem when considering stress constraints.
3) Develop second order optimization algorithms to efficiently solve the MAD problem.

The project is throughly designed for maximizing training and transfer of knowledge to the host.  Risk and project management, IPR and Communication activities are also meticulously designed.
Additionally, MADAM will be connected with the enormous multi-partner AM Sofia consortium (Michelin, EADS) by disseminating and attending (confirmed) to monthly industrial meetings.  My supervisor’s experience, the full assistance of his group, CMAP scientific knowledge and Ecole Polytechnique resources are the perfect instruments for developing the MADAM project.
$$\text {FI}_{\mathcal {W}}$$ FI W -modules and constraints on classical Weyl group characters

In this paper we study the characters of sequences of representations of any of the three families of classical Weyl groups $$\mathcal {W}_n$$
 : the symmetric groups, the signed permutation groups (hyperoctahedral groups), or the even-signed permutation groups. Our results extend work of Church et al. (Duke Math J, 2012. arXiv:1204.4533
 ; Geom Topol 18(5):2951–2984, 2014) on the symmetric groups. We use the concept of an $$\text {FI}_{\mathcal {W}}$$
 -module, an algebraic object that encodes the data of a sequence of $$\mathcal {W}_n$$
 -representations with maps between them, defined in the author’s recent work (J Algebra 420:269–332, 2014). We show that if a sequence $$\{V_n\}$$
 of $$\mathcal {W}_n$$
 -representations has the structure of a finitely generated $$\text {FI}_{\mathcal {W}}$$
 -module, then there are substantial constraints on the growth of the sequence and the structure of the characters: for $$n$$
 large, the dimension of $$V_n$$
 is equal to a polynomial in $$n$$
 , and the characters of $$V_n$$
 are given by a character polynomial in signed-cycle-counting class functions, independent of $$n$$
 . We determine bounds the degrees of these polynomials. We continue to develop the theory of $$\text {FI}_{\mathcal {W}}$$
 -modules, and we apply this theory to obtain new results about a number of sequences associated to the classical Weyl groups: the cohomology of complements of classical Coxeter hyperplane arrangements, and the cohomology of the pure string motion groups (the groups of symmetric automorphisms of the free group).
A simple blood test to monitor disease progression in patients undergoing cancer therapy

The ultimate objective of the ONCOCHECK project is to bring to the healthcare market a unique solution for cancer monitoring which is a simple blood test that will allow oncologist the evaluation of disease progression in patients affected by the great majority of cancers, with no distinction between haematological of solid tumours. Our test will be based on the determination of telomere length in peripheral blood, which is a cancer biomarker that has been identified in the great majority of cancers.   The ONCOCHECK test will offer to the healthcare community a test that is simpler (blood test), less costly (200€/test) and more effective (regular monitoring will lead to improved efficiency) as an alternative to other cancer monitoring alternatives that are expensive (2.000-5.000€), complex (need for specialized and very expensive equipment) and less effective (impossible to be performed regularly) imaging techniques conventionally used in the clinic. Moreover, the great advantage of the ONCOCHECK tests over other newly developed competing blood tests based on validated biomarkers is that ONCOCHECK will serve for monitoring all types of cancer, while competing biomarker based solutions are useful only for a specific cancer/tumour. Therefore, Life Length´s test will offer a universal solution for cancer monitoring, with no competitors offering a similar approach.

Considering that there are more than 35 million of people affected by cancer all over the world and that the ONCOCHECK will serve for monitoring all cancer types, the business opportunity seems unquestionable.  Through the ONCOCHECK project, we seek positioning our company as a leading player on the Advanced Next Generation Cancer Diagnostic Market, which is estimated globally at €5.3 billion in 2015 and expected to reach €10 billion by 2019, representing a huge opportunity for us.