SIRIS-Lab/unlabelled-sti-corpus huggingface dataset:
Review article: HCV genotype 3 - the new treatment challenge

Over the past several years, hepatitis C therapy has been pegylated interferon and ribavirin based. Although protease inhibitor-based therapy has enhanced response rates in genotype 1, the recent advances in therapy have demonstrated a challenge in genotype 3, a highly prevalent infection globally.To provide a comprehensive summary of the literature evaluating the unique characteristics and evolving therapies in genotype 3.A structured search in PubMed, the Cochrane Library and EMBASE was performed using defined key words, including only full text papers and abstracts in English.HCV genotype 3 is more prevalent in Asia and among intra-venous drug users. Furthermore, it interferes with lipid and glucose metabolism, and the natural history involves a more rapid progression of liver disease and a higher incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). New therapies with protease inhibitors have focused on genotype 1 largely and have demonstrated enhanced responses, but have limited activity against genotype 3. Thus far, in clinical trials, NS5B and NS5A inhibitors have performed more poorly in genotype 3, while a cyclophilin inhibitor, alisporivir, has shown promise.As treatments for HCV have evolved, genotype 3 has become the most difficult to treat. Furthermore, genotype 3 has special characteristics, such as insulin resistance and alterations in lipid metabolism, which may partly explain the lower treatment responses. A great deal of emphasis on advancing therapy is needed in this population that appears to have a more rapid progression of liver disease and a higher incidence of HCC.
Supporting smart financing implementation for energy efficient balkan buildings

The overall aim of this proposal is to set up permanent discussion forums on energy efficiency investment topics gathering government, local and regional authorities, financial sector, ESCOs, homeowners, industry sector, construction sector and SME sector. The focus of the roundtables should include existing private and public buildings, industry and SME’s. The forums will gather and upscale existing best practices from the national and European level, develop strategies, and action plans, propose improvements in the national policy frameworks and measures, and follow their implementation, develop jointly template documents and contracts leading to a better functioning of the market. The roundtables will act as a forum where all stakeholders can learn from successful market initiatives, and can provide input into the policy making process
Harnessing the innate and adaptive immune system with targeted neoantigen based cancer vaccines

Immunotherapy for cancer has recently shown great clinical potential. However, only small percentages of patients do benefit from these therapies. The dual objective of the proposal is to understand and harness the immune system in vivo to develop truly personalized (individualized) anti-cancer treatments and to develop powerful bioconjugation technologies to generate new and better biotherapeutics. The project objectives will be achieved through the combination of ProteoDesign’s site-specific bioconjugation technology, with recent advances in the field of immuno-oncology, particularly the importance of tumor specific mutations (neoantigens), as drivers of anti-tumor immunity. The therapeutic candidates that will be obtained as a result of the project are personalized and have the potential to treat cancer at the individual level. These therapies are based on the mutational landscape of any given tumor, and so they could be applied to multiple cancer indications. The proposal will face specific challenges regarding the development of complex personalized bio therapeutics.
The project will be carried out through the collaboration of Dr. Vanhooren and Barcelona based biotech ProteoDesign. Dr. Vanhooren has extensive know-how and experience in the pre-clinical development of biologic-based drugs, and ProteoDesign has a proprietary technology for the discovery and development of new therapeutic bioconjugates. Through the present proposal bidirectional knowledge transfer will take place between the fellow and the host, thus enhancing know-how and skills on both sides. Dr. Vanhooren will be focused on leading the project, setting and adapting objectives, designing experiments, supervising the team and analyzing results. During the project and through a specific plan, ProteoDesign will provide Dr. Vanhooren experience and knowledge in key areas of biotechnology and pharma industries, as well as senior management, to allow her to grow into high responsibility positions.
A rapid assessment of prevailing policies on tuberculosis contact investigation

Contact investigation contributes to improving early case detection of tuberculosis (TB). However, its implementation in low-income, high TB burden countries remains limited. A multicountry survey of contact investigation policies was conducted to evaluate the extent of their implementation. Our results showed significant heterogeneity in definitions and procedures, with over 25% of countries unable to provide a clear definition of a contact. Estimates indicate that routine implementation of contact investigation policies globally could help detection of over a quarter of a million cases. International guidelines should be developed to support national TB programmes to initiate and scale up systematic TB contact investigation.
Skylight installation for sloping roof

The installation has folding connection spars (1) in order to lay its ridge side connection point (10) over the roof surface. The spars have two or more shanks (3,4) which are steplessly adjustable over an angular range. The upper wedge frame (9) of the cover frame has a box section (41) which slopes from the roof level. The shanks of the folding spars in the joint (20) are equally formed.
The Four-Strand Staggered Suture for Flexor Tendon Repair: In Vitro Biomechanical Study

To assess in vitro biomechanical properties of a 4-strand flexor tendon suture compared to 3 established suture techniques. This technique, which is made of 2 alternating and staggered sutures, one external to the tendon and the other internal, must be sufficiently resistant to withstand loads applied by modern, early active mobilization protocols.Forty flexor hallucis longus tendons were harvested from fresh cadavers, cut, and repaired using 4 different suture techniques (Strickland, Wolfe, modified Savage, and a new technique called 4-strand staggered). All repaired tendons were submitted to static loading trials to measure gap formation (2 mm) in relation to tensile force and breaking force of all 4 sutures. Twenty additional tendons were repaired with the new suture technique and submitted to dynamic trials under cyclic loading.The 4-strand staggered suture technique proved to be statistically superior to Strickland and modified Savage techniques following the static loading trials for gap formation and breaking force. This technique is statistically superior to the Wolfe cruciate suture for breaking force and superior but not statistically significant for gap formation. The dynamic loading trials have shown that the 4-strand staggered suture can tolerate in vitro loads similar to those exerted by modern, early active mobilization protocols.The suture technique created by the authors proved to hold superior biomechanical properties than the other techniques tested in this study and might be suitable for early active mobilization protocols.
Nanoscale 3d printing of a lithium ion battery: rethinking the fabrication concept for a revolution in energy storage

One of the greatest technological challenges of today is efficient storage of electrical energy for portable applications, including electric vehicles, mobile electronic devices, and robotic systems. Further progress in these areas, however, is often hindered by the limitations of current rechargeable lithium ion battery technologies, which are among the most common power sources for these systems. Despite tremendous progress in electrode materials, the intrinsic drawbacks of current batteries are related to their planar two-dimensional design, which restrains the performance in terms of output power and charging speed. NANO-3D-LION is aimed to make a breakthrough in these major battery characteristics by a paradigm shift in battery engineering: the goal is to develop and employ advanced nanoscale 3D printing techniques to fabricate active battery materials with ultrasmall structural features, which will provide almost a thousand-fold increase in the surface area of the battery enabled by nanoscale spacing between its electrodes without compromising the battery capacity. To reach this, high-aspect ratio metal features will be fabricated and further converted into the active material of the cathode and the anode. This will enable unprecedented level of control of the battery architecture, allowing groundbreaking improvement of the key battery performance characteristics, including higher output power and charging times of only several seconds. NANO-3D-LION will establish a unique engineering approach with a potential to completely change the future landscape in research and industry related to portable electronic devices and electric vehicles and will also benefit many technologies beyond battery research, where nanoscale 3D printing opens new unparalleled capacity, therefore ensuring its broad scientific, economical and societal impact.
Assessment of the climate-change impacts and evaluation of adaptation measures for paddy productivity in Quang Nam province, Vietnam

This study investigates the impacts of climate change on winter and summer paddy yields and evaluates adaptation measures in order to overcome the projected impacts of climate change in Quang Nam province of Vietnam. Future climate-change scenarios for the periods of 2020s, 2050s and 2080s were projected by downscaling the outputs of HadCM3 general circulation model for the two selected IPCC SRES A2 and B2 scenarios. The AquaCrop model was used to simulate the impact of future climate on paddy yield. The minimum and maximum temperatures of the basin are expected to increase by 0.35–1.72 and 0.93–3.69 °C, respectively in future. Similarly, the annual precipitation is expected to increase by 9.75 % in future. Results show that climate change will reduce paddy yield in winter season for both scenarios and all time periods, whereas an increase in the yield is expected in the summer season for 2020s and 2050s relative to baseline yield. The overall decrease in paddy yield in winter season can be offset, and paddy yield of summer season can be enhanced to potential level by altering the transplanting dates and by introducing supplementary irrigation. Late transplanting of paddy shows an increase in yield by 20–27 % in future, whereas supplementary irrigation in winter season paddy shows an increase in yield up to 42 % in future. The results of this study can be used by policy makers and key stakeholders to optimize paddy production under changing climate regimes in Quang Nam province of Vietnam.
Strengthening animal production and health through the immune response

SAPHIR aims to develop vaccine strategies effective against endemic pathogens responsible for high economic losses in livestock in order to strengthen the profitability of food animal systems, improve animal welfare and reduce xenobiotic usage in farming with a One Health perspective. 

SAPHIR will bring novel vaccine strategies to the market i) at short term, with several promising vaccines brought to demonstration (RTL6), ii) at long term, with cutting edge strategies brought at proof of concept (RTL3) and iii) in line with socio-economic requirements. SAPHIR has selected two representative pathogens of pigs (Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae), chickens (Eimeria and Clostridium perfringens) and cattle (Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Mycoplasma bovis) to develop generic vaccine approaches applicable to other pathogens. 

SAPHIR will issue i) knowledge of immune mechanisms of protection, ii) affordable, safe and multivalent vaccines with DIVA properties, iii) efficient adjuvants targeting dendritic cells, optimal formulations, new mucosal and skin delivery systems, a new generation of DNA vectors and viral replicon platforms for fostering an earlier and longer duration of immunity including the perinatal period, and iv) basal biomarkers of individual immuno-competence for future breeding strategies. The SAPHIR dissemination and training programme includes creation of an integrated health management website, launch of a Global Alliance for Veterinary Vaccines and organization of workshops directed at food animal system stakeholders. This will ensure optimal research translation of SAPHIR outputs to market and field applications.
SAPHIR brings together interdisciplinary expertise from fourteen academic institutes including a Chinese partner, five SMEs and two pharmaceutical companies.
Strategies and measures for fire risk mitigation in the Mediterranean area

This project tackles the challenge of better fire forecasting, prevention and suppression to protect and promote the environmental, cultural and tourist resources of the "Maritime" space. The general objective is to contribute to the improvement of the capacity of public institutions to prevent and manage the growing fire risk deriving from climate change, in areas of high anthropic presence and in areas of significant naturalistic interest, also through appropriate adaptation actions. The project wishes to promote and enhance the coverage and integration of joint public fire risk management systems, where such systems are absent or not enough. It plans for the following: 1) Developing innovative governance models and implementing joint prevention plans 2) Transferring innovative models and methodologies from the scientific world to public administrations 3) Creating a joint monitoring and coordination system for the fight against fires 4) Developing communication, awareness-raising and training actions for the benefit of the resident population, tourists and sector operators. The intervention strategy will be based on specific material investments and the following outcomes: 1) Joint Action Plan (JAP) on monitoring networks and data sharing platforms; 2) JAP on fire forecasting and prevention; iii) JAP on strategic planning and management including climate change adaptation plans. The cross-border approach is, therefore, essential for the integration of joint public risk management systems and more effective cooperation between the authorities responsible for fire risk.
Hybrid Wireless-Wired Optical Sensor for Extreme Temperature Measurement in Next Generation Energy Efficient Gas Turbines

Accuracy, reliability, and long lifetimes are critical parameters for sensors measuring temperature in gas turbines of clean coal-fired power plants. Greener high efficiency next generation power plants need gas turbines operating at extremely high temperatures of 1500°C, where present thermocouple temperature probe technology fails to operate with reliable and accurate readings over long lifetimes. To solve this pressing problem, we have proposed the concept of a new hybrid class of all-silicon carbide (SiC) optical sensor, where a single crystal SiC optical chip is embedded in a sintered SiC tube assembly, forming a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) matched all-SiC front-end probe. Because chip and host material are CTE matched, optimal handling of extreme thermal ramps and temperatures is possible. In this article, we demonstrate the first successful industrial combustor rig test of this hybrid all-SiC temperature sensor front-end probe indicating demonstrated probe structural robustness to 1600°C and rig test data to ∼1200°C. The design of the rig test sensor system is presented and data are analyzed.
Effects of thermally dried and composted sewage sludges on the fertility of residual soils from limestone quarries

Abstract Limestone quarrying reduces the land's capacity to support a complete functional ecosystem. Adding sewage sludge to mining residues facilitates the establishment of a vegetation cover and can stimulate C and N cycling. We aimed to evaluate the effects of three composted and three thermally dried sewage sludges, on some biological properties of two types of debris (extraction soil and trituration soil) from a limestone quarry. Lysimeters filled with debris-sludge mixtures and control soils were sampled immediately after preparation and after being left in the open for 13 months. Total carbohydrates (TCH), 0.5 M K2SO4 extractable (ECH) carbohydrates, 0.5 M K2SO4 extractable organic C (EOC), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), microbial respiration (MR), β-glucosidase activity and β-galactosidase activity were determined immediately after sampling. The treated soils were also analyzed for their more general physicochemical characteristics. Adding sewage sludge clearly improved the physicochemical and biological properties of the residual soil and the effect of the type of sludge was greater than that of the type of soil. The sludge effect was generally more durable over the trituration soil. The sludge effect decreased the most in MR and EOC followed by MBC and ECH. Total carbohydrates showed the least enhancement but the sludge effect on this endpoint had the smaller decrease with time. Root exudates and plant debris contributed to β-glucosidase and β-galactosidase activities in the treated soils. Activities present in mixtures partly corresponded to enzymes free in the soil aqueous face. β-Glucosidase was also partly associated with humified organic matter. Thirteen months after sludge addition a fraction of the organic matter present in soils was still moderately labile. Results observed in BMC and MR suggests the sludge did not cause major toxic effects on residual soils. The sludge effect differed with the pre and post treatments of the sludges; thermal drying made the sludge organic matter more easily decomposable.
4D skyways

The PJ18-W2 4D Skyway project aims to continue the research on Trajectory Management (TM) to enable the deployment of the SESAR Trajectory Based Operations (TBO). 
PJ18-W2 will deliver mature TM operational improvements to accelerate their deployment and to get the associated benefits and will also work on a longer term on the definition of the consolidated TM solution to drive the coherence and efficiency of the research on TM and on architecture alternatives to address the European ATM fragmentation.
In details, PJ18-W2 will:
•	Prepare the deployment of improvements to the ground trajectory prediction and separation management/ monitoring tools by using aircraft trajectory data, more precise meteo data, improved algorithms and machine learning techniques. This will decrease trajectory uncertainty and thus will reduce ATCO workload and increase airspace capacity.
•	Prepare the deployment of complex CPDLC clearances sent in advance of the horizontal, vertical and longitudinal trajectory change to enhance the synchronisation of the airborne trajectory with the ground trajectory. Automation will keep the flight crew and the ATCO workload to a low level. It will decrease trajectory uncertainty and increase airspace capacity.
•	Define the Ground-Ground and Air-Ground TM exchanges between the European ATM actors by consolidating the different initiatives and bridging the gaps. This will drive the current and the future TM research and the ICAO FF-ICE discussions. Also, explore new automation for Trajectory exchanges (big data, machine learning, voice recognition…).
•	Define a trajectory common service as an alternative architecture for Trajectory exchanges between ground ATM actors compared to the current European ATM fragmented approach to improve its cost effectiveness.
PJ18-W2 will work on the definition and validation of operational TM solutions using prototypes and the expertise of European ANSPs, Ground and airborne industries, Research centres and EUROCONTROL.
Organischer Photodetektor mit einstellbarer Transmission, sowie Herstellungsverfahren dazu

Die Erfindung betrifft einen organischen Photodetektor, der eine einstellbare Transmission hat und ein Herstellungsverfahren dazu. Die Erfindung zeigt ein organisches Halbleiterblend oder eine organische photoaktive Schicht, zumindest eine Schicht einer lochtransportierenden und einer Elektronen transportierenden Komponente umfassend, mit optimierten Transmissionseigenschaften. Die Transmission wird dadurch optimiert, dass in die organische photoaktive Schicht eine weitere Komponente eingebracht wird, die das Transmissionsspektrum der Mischung oder der Schichten verändert.
Mulheres na academia: Um estudo sobre o fenômeno queen bee

Resumo Objetivo: Em contextos organizacionais masculinos e extremamente competitivos, mulheres que ascendem na carreira apresentam comportamentos que embarreiram, mais que ajudam, outras mulheres a se desenvolver profissionalmente. Esse fenômeno é denominado abelha-rainha. Este artigo tem como objetivo identificar se o fenômeno queen bee está presente nas instituições de ensino superior (IES) do Brasil. Originalidade/valor: Ainda que o fenômeno abelha-rainha como metáfora de desigualdade de gênero não seja tema recente na literatura científica, sua análise em IES brasileiras revela o caráter original do estudo. Design/metodologia/abordagem: Trata de estudo quantitativo com amostra de 495 mulheres que atuam na academia. As análises estatísticas e verificações das hipóteses foram realizadas a partir do teste MANOVA. Resultados: Os resultados apontam que o domínio do conhecimento impacta mais o fenômeno queen bee que as variáveis do contexto organizacional. Além disso, mulheres em cargos de liderança são mais engajadas no trabalho, apresentam mais traços masculinos, identificam-se mais com mulheres do topo da hierarquia, negam mais a discriminação de gênero e aderem mais ao discurso meritocrático que aquelas que não estão em cargos de chefia, confirmando que mulheres que ocupam cargos de liderança em IES brasileiras aderem a traços de queen bee.
A Generalized Hausdorff Distance Based Quality Metric for Point Cloud Geometry

Reliable quality assessment of decoded point cloud geometry is essential to evaluate the compression performance of emerging point cloud coding solutions and guarantee some target quality of experience. This paper proposes a novel point cloud geometry quality assessment metric based on a generalization of the Hausdorff distance. To achieve this goal, the so-called generalized Hausdorff distance for multiple rankings is exploited to identify the best performing quality metric in terms of correlation with the MOS scores obtained from a subjective test campaign. The experimental results show that the quality metric derived from the classical Hausdorff distance leads to low objective-subjective correlation and, thus, fails to accurately evaluate the quality of decoded point clouds for emerging codecs. However, the quality metric derived from the generalized Hausdorff distance with an appropriately selected ranking, outperforms the MPEG adopted geometry quality metrics when decoded point clouds with different types of coding distortions are considered.