SIRIS-Lab/unlabelled-sti-corpus huggingface dataset:
Integrated process and product design for sustainable biorefineries

Bio-based economy in Europe involves 22 million people and turns over roughly 2.4 billion €. The full realization of its huge potential, however, requires expert knowledge and synergy of different competencies. In particular, key questions and bottlenecks awaiting clear answers are:

- How to design and integrate flexible and product-tailored processes for the available biomass feedstocks?
- How to integrate chemical and biochemical routes into sustainable biorefining of the given feedstocks?
- How to relate the biomass extraction and separation processes with the properties of the desired products and the sustainable utilization of the depleted matrices?
- How the production processes can be integrated into closed loop production?

The overall goal of IProPBio is to exchange complementary theoretical and experimental knowledge of research Staff while looking for innovative answers to such important questions. IProPBio is divided in 4 research oriented work packages plus two supporting packages for internal knowledge sharing and results dissemination. Alternative feedstock and high-value products characterization; thermodynamic data analysis and properties prediction; alternative technological flowsheets for economic and eco-compatible conversion of waste biomass into high value products; mass and energy integration studies to reduce wastes and enhance the profitability; life cycle assessment to determine the net contribution of the best designs to environmental pollution, are the main issues approached in the work packages. 
IPropBio will significantly impact: 
- the competitiveness of EU bioeconomy
- participants’ potential and new carrier perspectives 
- exchange and transfer of high-quality multidisciplinary knowledge, advanced expertise, research and innovation between academic and non-academic participants in EU member states and third countries through the dissemination of the results achieved to target groups and the general public.
Model-assisted regional forest biomass estimation using LiDAR and InSAR as auxiliary data: A case study from a boreal forest area

Abstract There is a need for accurate inventory methods that produce relevant and timely information on the forest resources and carbon stocks for forest management planning and for implementation of national strategies under the United Nations Collaborative Program on Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Developing Countries (REDD). Such methods should produce information that is consistent across various geographical scales. Airborne scanning Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) is among the most promising remote sensing technologies for estimation of forest resource information such as timber volume and biomass, while acquisition of three dimensional data with Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) from space is seen as a relevant option for inventory in the tropics because of its ability to “see through the clouds” and its potential for frequent updates at low costs. Based on a stratified probability sample of 201 field survey plots collected in a 960 km2 boreal forest area in Norway, we demonstrate how total above-ground biomass (AGB) can be estimated at three distinct geographical levels in such a way that the estimates at a smaller level always sum up to the estimate at a larger level. The three levels are (1) a district (the entire study area), (2) a village, local community or estate level, and (3) a stand or patch level. The LiDAR and InSAR data were treated as auxiliary information in the estimation. At the two largest geographical levels model-assisted estimators were employed. A model-based estimation was conducted at the smallest level. Estimates of AGB and corresponding error estimates based on (1) the field sample survey were compared with estimates obtained by using (2) LiDAR and (3) InSAR data as auxiliary information. For the entire study area, the estimates of AGB were 116.0, 101.2, and 111.3 Mg ha−1, respectively. Corresponding standard error estimates were 3.7, 1.6, and 3.2 Mg ha−1. At the smallest geographical level (stand) an independent validation on 35 large field plots was carried out. RMSE values of 17.1–17.3 Mg ha−1 and 42.6–53.2 Mg ha−1 were found for LiDAR and InSAR, respectively. A time lag of six years between acquisition of InSAR data and field inventory has introduced some errors. Significant differences between estimates and reference values were found, illustrating the risk of using pure model-based methods in the estimation when there is a lack of fit in the models. We conclude that the examined remote sensing techniques can provide biomass estimates with smaller estimated errors than a field-based sample survey. The improvement can be highly significant, especially for LiDAR.
Load and resistance factor design of fiber reinforced polymer composite bridge deck

Abstract The majority of our bridges were constructed with conventional civil engineering materials of steel and concrete in a typical slab on girder or truss construction. Reinforced concrete bridge decks have approximately 40% life of the steel girders that support these structures. In order to support the use of alternative materials to replace deteriorating concrete decks, this paper outlines the Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) of Fiber Reinforced Polymer composite (FRP) panel highway bridge deck. The deck would be of a sandwich construction where 152.4 mm × 152.4 mm × 9.5 mm square pultruded glass FRP (GFRP) tubes are joined and sandwiched between two 9.5 mm GFRP plates. The deck would be designed by Allowable Stress Design (ASD) and LRFD to support AASHTO design truckload HL-93. There are currently no US standards and specifications for the design of FRP pultruded shapes including a deck panel therefore international codes and references related to FRP profiles will be examined and AASHTO-LRFD specifications will be used as the basis for the final design. Overall, years of research and laboratory and field tests have proven FRP decks to be a viable alternative to conventional concrete deck. Therefore, conceptualizing the design of FRP bridge decks using basic structural analysis and mechanics would increase awareness and engineering confidence in the use of this innovative material.
A gendered international law of peace

The ambitious aim of this cutting-edge project is to develop the theoretical foundations for a ‘gendered international law of peace’. In so doing, the project will critically engage with the UN Security Council’s Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda, first set out in resolution 1325, 2000. By 2015, the Security Council had adopted seven further resolutions, which together provide a political agenda for change in international relations. Notwithstanding the body of research that has been generated over the 17 years, conceptual ambiguity, normative indeterminacy and conceptual knowledge gaps continue to limit the transformative potential of the WPS agenda. In addition, a lack of political commitment has perpetuated its marginalisation from other contemporary agendas and initiatives relating to sustainable peace. This project will address some of these knowledge gaps through engaging feminist methodologies to provide an enriched, and gender-sensitive  reading of the international legal obligations of states, international governmental organisations and other non-state actors, and in so doing produce research of academic excellence. In developing an innovative conceptual framework for interrogating through a gender lens what is implicated by ‘peace’ and ‘security’, the research will disrupt current international legal orthodoxy in its scope and approach. Through four distinct but inter-linked streams of study, this project will develop a new understanding of the WPS agenda within the changed (and changing) geo-political context and so provide additional tools for furthering gender equality and women’s empowerment during and following conflict that will form the building blocks of a gendered international law of peace.
Influência da Hipertensão arterial sistêmica no desfecho clínico dos casos de COVID-19

Objetivou-se analisar a influência da hipertensão arterial sistêmica no desfecho clínico de casos de COVID-19. Estudo epidemiológico, quantitativo, com dados extraídos de prontuários de 618 pacientes com COVID-19 de um município do oeste de Santa Catarina, no período de março até setembro de 2020. Evidenciou-se correlação entre ser portador de hipertensão e sintomas da COVID-19 como astenia (p=&lt;0,001); prostração (p=0,007); cefaleia (p=&lt;0,001); tosse (p=0,006); e dispneia (p=&lt;0,001). Os hipertensos foram associados à maior risco de internação em enfermaria (p=&lt;0,001); internação em Unidade de Tratamento Intensivo (p=&lt;0,001); e ao óbito (p=&lt;0,001). Os achados confirmam o risco agregado à condição clínica dos pacientes com COVID-19 pela hipertensão e potencialmente sinalizam às equipes para a atenção necessária a esse grupo.
Support for energy and climate adaptation policies

The common challenge of the project is to offer practical support to the municipalities of the partner area for the implementation of sustainable energy and climate adaptation policies, which are reflected in the transaction from SEAPs to SECAP. The main objective of the project is to improve energy planning by local operators, focusing on energy saving, renewable energy, reduction of CO2 emissions and mitigation measures related to climate change. The change that we want to bring about comes from choosing a transnational strategic approach, which will lead to the development of timely adaptation measures, ensuring consistency between different sectors and levels of governance, in order to understand the impacts of climate change and implement policies for optimal adaptation, through the development of regional and local strategies, consistent with those at national level. The presence of Slovenian Ministries as associated partners and the FVG Region ensures that choices will be shared with governance bodies, guaranteeing the coherence of the strategy with national and regional action plans and development policies. The results will be a unified cross-border strategy, supporting the transition to a green economy, and creating new job opportunities; training sessions for municipalities and raising public awareness; transition of some SEAPs to CFSP; other pilot actions aimed at defining methodologies for a CFSP adapted to local needs, as well as small infrastructure investments to monitor emissions into the atmosphere and energy consumption.
Beyond Design Basis Event Considerations

There is a set of accident conditions that are more severe than those included in the plant design basis. These are called beyond design basis accidents (BDBA) in the United States (design extension conditions or DEC in Europe) and include accidents that start within the design basis but progress to more severe conditions due to additional failures. There are two distinct set of procedures and guidance to provide assistance to the plant staff in responding to these BDBAs. The first set of procedures and guidance is applicable to accidents that are progressing toward significant core damage and are beyond the scope of traditional emergency operating procedures, such as an extreme external event. For these types of events, additional guidance beyond the emergency operating procedures is needed. The goal of this BDBA guidance is to arrest the accident progression before significant core damage occurs. The second set of procedures and guidance is applicable to accidents that have already progressed to significant core fuel damage. The goal of this severe accident guidance is to prevent or minimize challenges to the remaining fission product barriers. Both sets of procedures and guidance are explored in this article.
Wound cop conditioning

For the conditioning of yarn wound into cops, at a ring spinner or twister, after the yarn is wound round the sleeve an additional fluid is applied to the wound yarn according to a set program, before the sound cops are transferred to a conditioning appts. Also claimed is a winding sleeve with openings for fluid to pass through. Pref. during conditioning, the wound yarn at the start is heated to a temp. within a given temp. interval. The additional fluid applied to the wound yarn has a chemical quality which, before and during and/or after conditioning improves the yarn character. The fluid is applied pref. to the outer surface of the wound yarn, to penetrate through the windings and the openings in the winding sleeve, through an underpressure at the fluid outlet side. The additional fluid is pref. sprayed on the outer surface of the wound cops.
Callus Induction in Sugarcane Genotypes

The process of callus culture is very useful in somaclonal variations as numerous cells are obtained from callus that develops on an injured site of an explant as variation is very less and it occurs in any cell hence it becomes necessary to take a number of cells together and find a variation in the plants. With this an effective somaclone is obtained without much of labour. In this study there are mainly 3 types of callus formed; (1) brownish (2) creamish and (3) purple callus Creamish callus are of very good quality. The callus developed was increased due to the concentration of 2, 4-D in the MS medium.
Enhancing expectancy formation in healthy aging through statistical and sensorimotor learning

My research examines how humans form new expectancies, or states of anticipation for future events, and how expectancy formation changes over the lifespan. Humans constantly anticipate upcoming events in order to understand those events, prepare actions, and adapt to changes. Although the neural and behavioral signatures of expectancies have been well-characterized, we do not know how they arise and how they change over the lifespan. I aim to reveal the following: 1) How new expectancies are formed during the course of learning novel information. 2) How expectancy formation differs between younger and older adults. 3) How the combination of regularities in event structure and sensorimotor integration, a phenomenon that has not been investigated, potentiates expectancy formation. 4) The role of interacting subcortical-cortical neural networks in expectancy formation. I will monitor the dynamic changes in electrophysiological brain responses, as well as overt anticipatory behaviour, over the course of learning in order to capture the changes of anticipatory responses online, and I will apply Bayesian neural network modelling to infer the neural and cognitive state changes underlying these response changes. I will also measure changes in subcortical-cortical networks that result from learning, including structural integrity, functional connectivity, and the ability to decode the learned information. This multi-methods approach will utilize my expertise in behavioural and MRI methods combined with my research group's expertise in EEG and computational modelling, as well as the state-of-the-art EEG, MRI, and laboratory facilities, on-site expertise, and support staff available at Maastricht University. This research is urgently needed so that we can finally understand the origin of expectancies, their consequences on the aging brain, and how we can enhance their formation to improve lifelong learning.
Alpine Research and INnovation Capacity Governance

Although most of EUSALP regions developed S3/RIS based on EC requirements, R&I triple helix still focuses little on a transnational approach of strategic topics for the Alpine Region (AR) to better exploit economic opportunities. There is no strategic transnational collaborative framework on topics of specific Alpine importance, e.g. Digital Divide, Climate Change, Biodiversity conservation, etc., both between Public Authorities (PA), and between Academia and Business sector (BS) with limited transnational R&I on such topics. The fact that policy makers, Academia& BS are currently not always jointly valorising elements of Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3), leads them to run at different pace holding back benefits for entire AR. A-RING will address the overall need to pool efforts in tackling major challenges with joint R&I approach steering EU Open Innovation path. Likewise, EUSALP macro-regional strategy (MRS) stresses the need to approach development challenges& potentials in wider geographical context with the overall coordination. A-RING will foster alignment between different R&I policy initiatives and institutional frameworks to effectively address societal challenges and increase uptake of strengths and assets. Innovative bottom-up process is pursued to align R&I strategies, gathering expectations from BS and innovation potential from Academia, granting citizens’ needs linked to responsible R&I (RRI) and ensuring transnational multilevel governance by developing a layer for a right policy process. Partners (PP) will elaborate a Blueprint for shared R&I Agenda (SRIA) to promote joint S3 strategy framework and, together with Observers (OBs) and Target groups (TG) will test (1) synergic and complementary collaborative approach between PAs, (2) network model between Academia and BS. A-RING will establish a shared approach with mutual recognition across triple helix and targeted transnational activities, through Blueprint for SRIA, Policy Briefs and R&I Chart.
Theory, computation and application of characteristics modes

The proposal focuses on Theory of Characteristic Modes(TCM), a reasonably general methodology to systematically design and analyse arbitrary antennas in wireless communication systems by providing accurate physical insights of the working mechanism. With the rise of the diverse and complex requirements of modern antenna systems, the existing TCM is not sufficiently effective to handle critical design problems such as multi-scale vehicular antenna systems and large-scale massive MIMO base station arrays, which leads to an urgent need for further improvement of TCM. 

Firstly, for the theoretical aspect, with the help of volume integral equations and appropriate basis functions, characteristic modes(CMs) of inhomogeneous anisotropic dielectric bodies based on the method of moments will be extracted for the first time. The novel theory will be used to design practical antennas coated by the inhomogeneous anisotropic materials. Secondly, concerning CM computation, CMs are planned to be established on special non-uniform meshes through an effective Discontinuous Galerkin method. The novel strategy is fully dependent on the detailed features of the physical structure and scales of the target, which will lead to a wider range of targeted applications. Finally, for the application aspect, quasi-entire domain basis functions will be constructed based on specific CMs of an arbitrary antenna element in the array to enhance the efficiency of electromagnetic computation for extremely large-scale periodic arrays without loss of accuracy. 

Through the strict execution of the jointly conceived career development plan, the fellow's competencies will be enhanced in all aspects during the project, including leadership and cooperation skills, teaching and supervisory skills, professional network development as well as professional skills in scientific research. Additionally, mutually beneficial long-term collaborations will be developed and established between the host and the fellow.
Myb rearrangements in adenoid cystic carcinoma: protagonists or secondary characters?

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is both a rare disease (limited scientific data and professional expertise) and a cancer (complex tumour biology and evasion of conventional therapies). Clinical behaviour differs depending on primary tumour site; salivary gland ACC has poorer prognosis than breast ACC. A majority of ACC harbour MYB rearrangements resulting from chromosomal translocations, with the fusion of MYB and NFIB or MYBL1 and NFIB being the most frequent. The role of translocations in tumourigenesis and whether cells from different primary sites respond differently has not been determined. Identification of specific cell types carrying the translocation and location within the tumour microenvironment might enable development of MYB target-therapies. Our main objective is to elucidate the function of MYB rearrangements in normal salivary and mammary gland cells and the expression of the novel fusion genes in salivary gland and breast ACC. Normal human cells will be transfected with MYB-NFIB and MYBL1-NFIB fusion transcripts and fusion negative, fusion positive and combinations of cells will be compared in terms of cell morphology, differentiation, proliferation, migration and invasion. 3D models, more closely mimicking an in vivo tumour, will be compared to monolayer cultures. In situ localisation of MYB-NFIB and MYBL1-NFIB in salivary gland and breast ACC will be assessed using a novel technology, BaseScope. This ambitious research project will determine the consequences of MYB rearrangements using state-of-the-art methods in molecular and cellular biology, genetic and tissue engineering and pathological anatomy. The project has clear translational potential with social, cultural and economic impacts. Transfer of results to other cancers harbouring MYB rearrangements (eg leukaemia, colon cancer) and our methods in assessing other tumours characterised by chromosomal translocations, eg prostate, colorectal and non-small-cell lung cancer, are further outcomes.
S011: The effect of testicular cryoablation on testosterone level in rats: An experimental model of histopathological orchiectomy

To determine whether testicular cryoablation caused histopathological orchiectomy, and to show its effects on serum total testosterone (t-testosterone) levels in rats.A total of 12 Wistar albino male rats were used in this study. The animals were divided into two groups, as cryoablation (9 rats) and control (3 rats) groups. Bilateral cryoablation was performed in the cryoablation group. T-testosterone levels were measured in both groups before scrotal exploration. Bilateral or­chiectomy was performed in both groups 10 days after the cryoablation procedure. T-testosterone was measured immediately before orchiectomy. Mann-Whitney U test was used for intergroup comparisons.Baseline t-testosterone levels were 1.31 (0.78-2.45) ng/mL and 0.98 (0.91-2.05) ng/mL in the cryoab­lation and the control groups, respectively (P = .92). T-testosterone levels were 0.23 (0.07-1.12) ng/mL and 2.87 (0.63-3.06) ng/mL in the cryoablation and the control groups, respectively, in the blood samples obtained at the time of orchiectomy (P = .03). Histopathological examination of rat testes revealed varying degrees of paratestic­ular inflammation and necrosis in 13 of 18 testes in the cryoablation group. None of 6 testes showed necrosis in the control group.Our study showed that histopathological orchiectomy could be obtained by cryoablation in rat testes.