Contacts
Intranet
SK
International projects
| PhoBioS – Understanding interaction light – biological surfaces: possibility for new electronic materials and devices | |
| Pochopenie interakcie svetlo – biologické povrchy: možnosti pre nové elektronické materiály a zariadenia | |
| Program: | COST |
| Duration: | 19.10.2022 – 18.10.2026 |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Hain Miroslav, PhD. |
| Annotation: | It is known that various biological surfaces are covered with micro- and nano-structures that perform a variety of functions (e.g., anti-reflective, structural coloration, anti-fouling, pro- or anti-adhesion …) and inspire us to many industrial applications. In recent years, there has been a significant upsurge of research in this field. The main objective of the COST Action "Understanding light-biological surface interactions: opportunities for new electronic materials and devices" is to bring together scientists coming from different disciplines in this lively area of research, focusing on the photonic effects of nano- and micro-structures of biological surfaces and their bionic applications. The consortium will ensure cross-inspiration between participants coming from different research fields and foster research innovation and possible industrial development. |
| Project website: | https://www.cost.eu/actions/CA21159/ |
| DYNALIFE – Information, Coding, and Biological Function: the Dynamics of Life | |
| Informácia, kódovanie a biologická funkcia:Dynamika života | |
| Program: | COST |
| Duration: | 11.1.2023 – 18.9.2026 |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Chvosteková Martina, PhD. |
| Annotation: | In the mid-twentieth century two new scientific disciplines emerged forcefully: molecular biology and information-communication theory. At the beginning cross-fertilisation was so deep that the term genetic code was universally accepted for describing the meaning of triplets of mRNA (codons) as amino acids.However, today, such synergy has not take advantage of the vertiginous advances in the two disciplines and presents more challenges than answers. These challenges are not only of great theoretical relevance but also represent unavoidable milestones for next generation biology: from personalized genetic therapy and diagnosis, to artificial life, to the production of biologically active proteins. Moreover, the matter is intimately connected to a paradigm shift needed in theoretical biology, pioneered long time ago in Europe, and that requires combined contributions from disciplines well outside the biological realm. The use of information as a conceptual metaphor needs to be turned into quantitative and predictive models that can be tested empirically and integrated in a unified view. The successful achievement of these tasks requires a wide multidisciplinary approach, and Europe is uniquely placed to construct a world leading network to address such an endeavour. The aim of this Action is to connect involved research groups throughout Europe into a strong network that promotes innovative and high-impact multi and inter-disciplinary research and, at the same time, to develop a strong dissemination activity aimed at breaking the communication barriers between disciplines, at forming young researchers, and at bringing the field closer to a broad general audience. |
| MEDUSSE – Seasonal-to-decadal climate predictability in the Mediterranean: process understanding and services | |
| Sezónna až dekádová predpovedateľnosť klímy v Stredomorí: pochopenie procesov a implementácie | |
| Program: | COST |
| Duration: | 8.10.2024 – 7.10.2028 |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Krakovská Anna, CSc. |
| Annotation: | Climate forecasting has enormous potential influence in different socio-economic sectors, such as agriculture, health, water management, and energy. Actionable climate information is particularly relevant at seasonal-to-decadal timescales, where predictability is linked to slow fluctuations of the system such as those in the ocean, sea-ice and land-surface, thus bridging weather/sub-seasonal predictions (mainly relying on atmospheric initial condition) with future projections (mainly based on atmospheric radiative forcing). Seasonal-to-decadal climate forecasting has progressed considerably in recent years, but prediction skill over the Mediterranean is still limited. Better understanding the drivers of regional climate anomalies as well as exploring untapped sources of predictability constitute a much-needed and timely effort.Climate variability and change pose significant challenges to society worldwide. As a result, there is a growing demand to develop improved climate information products and outlooks to help decision making and sustainable development. This is particularly critical in the Mediterranean, a region sensible to natural hazards (e.g. droughts, floods) and vulnerable to climate stress (i.e. global warming). Such an improvement can only be achieved by coordinating efforts of research groups with different expertise and trans-disciplinary. In this Action, both the scientific challenge and societal challenge will be addressed by establishing a network of experts on climate variability, predictability, prediction and application. The Action will provide support to increase awareness and capability, and guidance to suitably evolve climate knowledge into services. Specific objectives include cross-cutting training and collaboration, empowering national hydro-meteorological agencies, and fostering a continuous communication between climate researchers and stakeholders. |
| DYNALIFE – Information, Coding, and Biological Function: the Dynamics of Life | |
| Informácia, kódovanie a biologická funkcia: Dynamika života | |
| Program: | COST |
| Duration: | 19.9.2022 – 18.9.2026 |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Krakovská Anna, CSc. |
| Annotation: | In the mid-twentieth century two new scientific disciplines emerged forcefully: molecular biology and information-communication theory. At the beginning cross-fertilisation was so deep that the term genetic code was universally accepted for describing the meaning of triplets of mRNA (codons) as amino acids.However, today, such synergy has not take advantage of the vertiginous advances in the two disciplines and presents more challenges than answers. These challenges are not only of great theoretical relevance but also represent unavoidable milestones for next generation biology: from personalized genetic therapy and diagnosis, to artificial life, to the production of biologically active proteins. Moreover, the matter is intimately connected to a paradigm shift needed in theoretical biology, pioneered long time ago in Europe, and that requires combined contributions from disciplines well outside the biological realm. The use of information as a conceptual metaphor needs to be turned into quantitative and predictive models that can be tested empirically and integrated in a unified view. The successful achievement of these tasks requires a wide multidisciplinary approach, and Europe is uniquely placed to construct a world leading network to address such an endeavour. The aim of this Action is to connect involved research groups throughout Europe into a strong network that promotes innovative and high-impact multi and inter-disciplinary research and, at the same time, to develop a strong dissemination activity aimed at breaking the communication barriers between disciplines, at forming young researchers, and at bringing the field closer to a broad general audience. |
| The technologically undemanding of aluminate glasses with interested optical properties | |
| Technologicky nenáročná príprava hlinitanových skiel so zaujímavými optickými valstnosťami | |
| Program: | Open Mobility |
| Duration: | 1.1.2023 – 31.12.2024 |
| Project leader: | Ing. Majerová Melinda, PhD. |
| Annotation: | The alumina-rare-earth oxide glasses with high alumina content have been reported recently to have excellent mechanical properties, especially hardness, which is comparable to that of single crystal sapphire. These glasses can be applied in transparent ballistic protection, or other applications, which at the same time require good transparency, outstanding mechanical properties, and highchemical durability. Alumina-rare-earth glasses (REAl) doped with a transition metal or lanthanide elements, such as Er, Yb or Nd, are important and promising solid-state laser materials with possible application in luminescence systems, window materials for a variety of lamps and ultimately for fiber-optic telecommunication systems, too. The advantage of these REAl glasses over crystalline aluminates is that they can bind into matrix higher content of optically active ions and thus have higher emission efficiency as crystalline aluminates.Preparation of these glasses in bulk is difficult, because Al2O3 is a reluctant glass former, which necessitates the use of highquenching rates, in some instances as high as 107 K.s-1. Special ways of preparation are therefore required. Weber et al. used containerless melting techniques to prepare Y3Al5O12 and Er3Al5O12 glasses. Containerless melting techniques with the use of an aero-acoustic levitator (AAL) or a conical nozzle levitator (CNL) were used to eliminate heterogeneous nucleation on melting container surfaces and thus to suppress crystallization on cooling [1]. But these methods are very technologically and energeticallydemanding and time consuming. McMillan et al. prepared CaO-Al2O3 glasses, containing 50 mol % Al2O3 via splat quenching technique [2]. The recent work of Rosenflanz [3] et al. describes a novel process for preparing of high alumina glasses and glass ceramics with aluminate glass matrix and dispersed nanosized crystals of rare earth aluminates, with hardness between 14.4 and 18.3 GPa and the fracture toughness between 2.1 and 4.2 MPa.m1/2. Fully dense bulk glasses were obtained by pressure-assisted sintering of glass microbeads. Glass microspheres in the system Re2O3-Al2O3 (Re = Y, La, Gd) composition were prepared by flame-spraying technique in a hydrogen-oxygen burner. Prnova et all. prepared Y2O3-Al2O3 glasses doped by Er3+ and Nd3+ ionsby combination of sol-gel Pechini method and flame synthesis in which methane-oxygen flame was used. The prepared glasses exhibit good optical properties, comparable with commercially used materials. In other work, Majerova et all prepared by combination of solid-state synthesis and flame synthesis gehlenite glasses with high alumina content, doped by different values of Bi3+ and Ni2+. The prepared glasses had very interesting optical properties compared with commercially used materials. In this project, binary aluminate glasses in system Al2O3-Yb2O3, doped by different amount of Er3+ ion and ternary Al2O3-Yb2O3-ZrO2 will be preparedby combination of sol-gel method and flame synthesis. The flame synthesis in combination with hot-pressing technique proves to be a suitable technologically and economically undemanding method for preparation of aluminate glasses will be easily applicable in practice in large-scale industrial production. Also, ytterbium-aluminate glasses are highly interesting for their potential laser applications. Another valuable benefit of this work will be, that these systems have not been prepared in large quantities and we knowrelatively little about their properties. Prepared systems will be obtained in form of glass microspheres and will be subsequently hot-press sintered and characterized by OM, SEM, XRD, HT XRD, DSC analysis. Finally, optical properties of prepared glasses will be measured by UV-VIS-NIR spectroscopy and results will be compared with commercially used materials. This project is submitted in cooperation with Belgian partner – Ghent University, because the rich experiences with solution methods and UV-VIS-NIRmeasurements optical properties of many different kinds of glasses and ceramics materials.[1] J. K. R. Weber, J. H. Abadie, A. D. Hixson, P. C. Nordine, G. A.Jerman, T. E. Mitchell, Glass Formation and Polyamorphism in Rare-earth Oxide – Aluminum Oxide Compositions, J. Am. Ceram. Soc., 83, 1868-1872, 2000[2] A. Y. Haeri, Ch. T. Ho, R.Weber, J. Diefenbacher, P. F. McMillan, Elastic properties of aluminate glasses via Brillouinspectroscopy, Journal of Non- crystalline solids, 241, 200-203, 1998.[3] A. Rosenflanz, M. Frey, B. Endres , T. Anderson, E. Richards, C. Schardt, Bulk glasses and ultrahard nanoceramics based on alumina and rare-earth oxides, Nature, 430, 761-764, (2004) |
| ReHaB – Towards an ecologically valid symbiosis of BCI and head-mounted VR displays: focus on collaborative post-stroke neurorehabilitation | |
| Smerovanie k spoľahlivej a uživateľsky prijateľnej symbióze BCI a VR: zameranie na kolaboratívnu neurorehabilitáciu po cievnej mozgovej príhode | |
| Program: | ERANET |
| Duration: | 1.1.2022 – 31.12.2024 |
| Project leader: | Ing. Mgr. Rosipal Roman, DrSc. |
| Annotation: | A growing body of evidence suggests that integrated technologies of brain-computer interfaces (BCI) and virtual reality (VR) environments provide a flexible platform for a series of neurorehabilitation therapies, including significant post-stroke motor recovery and cognitive-behavioral therapy. When immersed in such an environment, the subject\’s perceptual level of social interaction is often impaired due to the sub-optimal quality of the interface lacking the social aspect of human interactions.The project proposes a user-friendly wearable low-power smart BCI system with an ecologically valid VR environment in which both the patient and therapist collaboratively interact via their person-specific avatar representations. On the one hand, the patient voluntarily, and in a self-paced manner, manages their activity in the environment and interacts with the therapist via a BCI-driven mental imagery process. This process is computed and rendered in real-time on an energy-efficient wearable device. On the other hand, the therapist\’s unlimited motor and communication skills allow him to fully control the environment. Thus, the VR environment may be flexibly modified by the therapist allowing for different occupational therapy scenarios to be created and selected following the patient\’s recovery needs, mental states, and instantaneous responses. |
National projects
| Use of multi-lead ECG measurement and modeling of the electric field of the heart in non-invasive diagnostics and therapy of ventricular arrhythmias and heart failure | |
| Využitie mnohozvodového merania EKG a modelovania elektrického poľa srdca pri neinvazívnej diagnostike a terapii komorových arytmií a zlyhávajúceho srdca | |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Duration: | 1.1.2022 – 31.12.2024 |
| Project leader: | Ing. Švehlíková Jana, PhD. |
| Annotation: | The proposed project follows the previous one, in which we addressed signal processing and the inverse problem for the first clinical data from patients with arrhythmias. In the following period, we would like to expand the number of processed measurements to standardize the most suitable procedures for the processing of the measured signals. In addition to the diagnosis of premature ventricular contraction, we plan to process and evaluate multi-lead ECG signals of patients with heart failure and contribute to the methodology of evaluation of resynchronization therapy. We will also focus on the direct evaluation of the parameters of the measured potential maps. Personalized models of patients\’ hearts will be created and pathological processes will be simulated in them for a better understanding of the processes in the activation of heart ventricles. The simulated signals will be compared with clinical measurements. Within the international cooperation, we will compare our results with other inverse methods. |
| SQUID magnetometry of nano- and microparticles, nanocolloids and nanostructures in new applications in the field of biomedicine and materials research associated with the development of new measurement methods and procedures | |
| SQUID magnetometria nano-a mikročastíc, nanokoloidov a nanoštruktúr v nových aplikáciach v oblasti biomedicíny a materiálového výskumu spojených s rozvojom nových meracích metód a postupov | |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Duration: | 1.1.2021 – 31.12.2024 |
| Project leader: | Ing. Maňka Ján, CSc. |
| Annotation: | The theme of the project is the development of magnetic measurement methods and methodologies forbiomedicine and materials research. Its aim is to contribute to a better understanding of the following: impact of stress on iron metabolism at the systemic and cellular levels; magnetic properties of metal proteins such as transferrin, haemoglobin, and ferritin; thermal and photoluminescent properties of aluminous glasses doped with rare earth elements and transition elements; magnetic properties of high-entropy alloys, and colloids of the high-entropy alloys nanoparticles in ionic liquids – actors with a high application impact on the development of new measurement methods, instrumentation and a new generation of ecological industrial applications. The interdisciplinary character of the project is given by the studied samples and research themes. |
| MRCartilage – Automatic data evaluation tool from the longitudinal quantitative MRI studies of articular cartilage | |
| Automatický softvérový nástroj na výhodnocovanie kvantitatívnych MRI štúdií artikulárných chrupaviek v čase | |
| Program: | APVV |
| Duration: | 1.7.2022 – 30.6.2026 |
| Project leader: | Ing. Dr. Szomolányi Pavol, (PhD.) |
| Annotation: | The aim of the project is to design a comprehensive tool for automatic evaluation of human articular cartilage data from quantitative MRI. Data obtained from the Osteoarthritis Initiative database, and measured at Institute of Measurement Science and Medical University of Vienna will be segmented using an automated segmentation tool based on convolutional neural networks. The annotated data will then be registered on quantitative MRI data that will be available from the database (T2 and T1rho mapping, gagCEST, sodium MR) using automated or semiautomated tools developed within this project. The data obtained will be evaluated at multiple time points according to MR measurements that will be available. In addition to quantitative MR data, this will include volumetric data, cartilage thickness, and texture analysis of quantitative maps. Patient evaluation will be based on risk factor groups (transverse ligament rupture, meniscus rupture and menisectomy). The expected number of patients is approximately 4000 divided into individual groups in the ratio 40/30/30. The output of the project will be a compiled version of an automatic cartilage evaluation tool that will be available in a public source (such as website of Institute of Measurement). |
| FERINO – Advanced diagnostics of neurodegenerative disorders using magnetic resonance techniques and artificial intelligence | |
| Pokročilá diagnostika neurodegenerat ívnych ochorení pomocou techník magnetickej rezonancie a umelej inteligencie | |
| Program: | APVV |
| Duration: | 1.7.2023 – 30.6.2027 |
| Project leader: | Ing. Gogola Daniel, PhD. |
| Annotation: | Neurodegenerative diseases (ND) are becoming a severe problem in developed countries. Since we currently haveno effective therapies available, early diagnosis is critical to ensure a good quality of life for ND patients. ND arecharacterized by iron accumulation and magnetite mineralization in brain tissue, with ferritin as a precursor. Due toits low relaxivity, physiological ferritin is at the edge of visibility using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)techniques. On the contrary, "pathological" ferritin causes a significant shortening of MRI relaxation times. Thiscreates hypointense artifacts, which theoretically allow the distinguishability of both proteins. Since ironaccumulation precedes the clinical symptoms of the disease, MRI has the potential to become a non -invasivediagnostic method for the early stages of ND. At present, however, this is limited by the insufficient characterizationof the relaxation properties of biogenic iron and the uncertainty in the interpretation of clinical data. Therefore, ourbasic goal (application output) is the development of a comprehensive methodology (FERINO software tool) for theunequivocal diagnosis of the early stages of ND. To reach our goal, we will use a combination of several diagnostictechniques and artificial intelligence tools. The diagnostic techniques include in-vitro, in-silico, and in-vivocharacteristics of ferritin relaxation, structural MRI, magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), neurological tests,and clinical biochemistry biomarkers. The cornerstone of the methodology will be the FerroQuant software tool,which was proposed by the principal investigator within the APVV 2012. It enables the analysis and quantificationof iron-related clinical MRI data but lacks new findings in iron MRI (false-positive artifacts, ferritin\’s mineral phases).FerroQuant also does not use artificial intelligence and does not combine different diagnostic data, whic h, however,will be an integral part of the FERINO tool. |
| QuantMR – Optimization and Standardization of Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging Methods. Suppression of Metallic Artifacts on low-field MR Scanners | |
| Optimalizácia a štandardizácia kvantitatívnych metód zobrazovania magnetickou rezonanciou. Potlačenie kovových artefaktov na nízkopolových MR skeneroch | |
| Program: | Plán obnovy EÚ |
| Duration: | 1.9.2024 – 31.8.2026 |
| Project leader: | Ing. Gogola Daniel, PhD. |
| METIM – Design of a Methodology and its Verification for the Measurement of Selected Parameters of Ti Implants in the Manufacturing Process | |
| Návrh metodiky a jej overenie pre meranie vybraných parametrov Ti implantátov vo výrobnom procese | |
| Program: | APVV |
| Duration: | 1.7.2023 – 30.6.2027 |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Hain Miroslav, PhD. |
| Annotation: | The project focuses on the development and application of measurement and non-destructive testing methods inthe manufacturing of titanium dental implants. Dental implants are medical devices that have to comply with thetechnical requirements given by regulation of the European Parliament and Council EU 2017/745 from 5 Apr 2017.Under this regulation, among other obligations, the manufacturer must ensure that these devices are safe andeffective and do not compromise the clinical condition or patients safety. The dental implants should also meet ahigh level of health and safety protection, taking into account the generally accepted state of the art in science andtechnology. In this project we will address the requirements related to the design and manufacturing and inparticular: the compatibility of the different parts of the device, the influence of processes on the properti es of thematerials, the mechanical properties of the materials used such as strength, ductility, resistance to wear andfatigue, the properties of the surfaces, and confirmation that the device meets all defined physical specifications aswell as the identification of contaminants in the manufacturing process. To ensure these requirements, we intend touse state-of-the-art measurement methods such as X-ray microtomography (microCT), scanning electronmicroscopy (SEM), optical measurement of surface roughness, SQUID magnetometry. Since the abovemeasurement methods are time consuming and do not allow their full application in the production, the solution willalso include the design of effective methods of statistical quality control, which will be applied at the manufacturerof dental titanium implants MARTIKAN, s.r.o. The objectives of the proposed project correlate with the Researchand Innovation Strategy for Smart Specialisation of the Slovak Republic 2021-2027 (SK RIS3 2021+), while theyaffect two defined domains, namely Innovative Industry for the 21st Century and Healthy Society. |
| Causal analysis of measured signals and time series | |
| Kauzálna analýza nameraných signálov a časových radov | |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Duration: | 1.1.2022 – 31.12.2025 |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Krakovská Anna, CSc. |
| Annotation: | The project is focused on the causal analysis of measured time series and signals. It builds on the previous results of the team, concerning the generalization of the Granger test and the design of new tests in the reconstructed state spaces. The aim of the project is the development of new methods for bivariate and multidimensional causal analysis. We will see the investigated time series and signals as one-dimensional manifestations of complex systems or subsystems. We will also extend the detection of causality to multivariate cases – dynamic networks with nodes characterized by time series. Such complex networks are common in the real world. Biomedical applications are among the best known. Brain activity, determined by multichannel electroencephalographic signals, is a crucial example. We want to help show that causality research is currently at a stage that allows for ambitious goals in the study of effective connectivity (i.e., directed interactions, not structural or functional links) in the brain. |
| MATHMER – Advanced mathematical and statistical methods for measurement and metrology | |
| Pokročilé matematické a štatistické metódy pre meranie a metrológiu | |
| Program: | APVV |
| Duration: | 1.7.2022 – 31.12.2025 |
| Project leader: | Doc. RNDr. Witkovský Viktor, CSc. |
| Annotation: | Mathematical models and statistical methods for analysing measurement data, including the correct determination of measurement uncertainty, are key to expressing the reliability of measurements, which is a prerequisite for progress in science, industry, health, the environment and society in general. The aim of the project is to build on traditional metrological approaches and develop new alternative mathematical and statistical methods for modelling and analysing measurement data for technical and biomedical applications. The originality of the project lies in the application of modern mathematical methods for modelling and detecting dependence and causality, as well as statistical models, methods and algorithms for determining measurement uncertainty using advanced probabilistic and computational methods based on the use of the characteristic function approach (CFA). In contrast to traditional approximation and simulation methods, the proposed methods allow working with complex and at the same time accurate probabilistic measurement models and analytical methods. Particular emphasis is placed on stochastic methods for combining information from different independent sources, on modelling dependence and causality in dynamic processes, on accurate methods for determining the probability distribution of values that can be reasonably attributed to the measured quantity based on a combination of measurement results and expert knowledge, and on the development of methods for comparative calibration, including the probabilistic representation of measurement results with a calibrated instrument. An important part of the project is the development of advanced numerical methods and efficient algorithms for calculating complex probability distributions by combining and inverting characteristic functions. These methods are widely applicable in various fields of measurement and metrology. In this project they are applied to the calibration of temperature and pressure sensors. |
| Ion exchange strengthened aluminosilicate glass/glass-ceramics with additional functionalities | |
| Aluminosilikátové sklo/sklokeramika spevnené iónovou výmenou s ďalšími funkciami | |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Duration: | 1.1.2021 – 31.12.2024 |
| Project leader: | Ing. Majerová Melinda, PhD. |
| Annotation: | The project aims to improve the mechanical properties of glass-ceramics by ion exchange technology known mainly in connection with the strengthening of common oxide glasses (eg Gorilla glass used in mobile phones). Mechanical stresses on the surface of ion exchange strengthened ceramics doped with suitable additives will allow modification of other properties, such as optical, due to changes in the composition of the glass matrix (chemical environment of optically active additives) or deformation of the coordination polyhedra of optically active ions. The use of silver ions in ion exchange will make it possible to create glass / glass-ceramic surfaces with high durability and antibacterial properties. |
| ITAGES – Identification of stress-induced alterations in expression of NRF2 target genes in rat models of prehypertension: the effect of comorbid hypertriglyceridemia and dimethyl fumarate treatment | |
| Identifikácia stresom vyvolaných zmien v expresii cieľových génov NRF2 v potkaních modeloch prehypertenzie: vplyv komorbidnej hypertriglyceridémie a liečby dimetylfumarátom | |
| Program: | APVV |
| Duration: | 1.7.2023 – 30.6.2027 |
| Project leader: | Ing. Maňka Ján, CSc. |
| Annotation: | The nuclear transcription factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is a key molecular link between several non-communicable diseases, as it regulates the expression of approximately 250 target genes, including those involvedin maintenance of redox balance, the development of metabolic disorders, cardiovascular and liver diseases, aswell as in immune responses. Borderline elevated blood pressure (prehypertension) is a common cardiovasculardisorder in humans, and elevated blood pressure has been found to be positively correlated with triglyceride levels.In addition, chronic stress is an etiological factor in the development of non-communicable diseases, includingelevated blood pressure and hypertriglyceridemia (HTG). In experimental studies, borderline hypertensive rats(BHR) and hypertriglyceridemic rats (HTGR) are suitable models of prehypertension without and with comorbidhypertriglyceridemia. These models are relevant for investigating the effects of stress as well as for investigatingthe role of changes in expression of NRF2 target genes in the development of hypertension associated withmetabolic diseases. To understand better the role of NFR2 as well as the impact of chronic social stress on thementioned diseased states, the aims of this project are: 1) to identify differences in expression of NRF2 targetgenes in two experimental models of prehypertension – without (in BHR) and with (in HTGR) comorbid HTG – incontrol conditions and during chronic social stress, 2) to determine if NRF2 activator dimethyl fumarate can reducestress-induced pathologies in prehypertensive rats, especially in those with comorbid HTG, and 3) to specify a setof suitable whole blood RNA biomarkers for evaluation of changes in NRF2 target genes in prehypertension andHTG and those genes altered by chronic social stress. |
| Research of properties of magnetic nanoparticles for imaging purposes in biomedical diagnostics based on magnetic resonance methods | |
| Výskum vlastností magnetických nanočastíc pre účely zobrazovania v biomedicínskej diagnostike na báze metód magnetickej rezonancie | |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Duration: | 1.1.2023 – 31.12.2025 |
| Project leader: | Dr. Ing. Přibil Jiří, (PhD.) |
| Annotation: | The project focuses on experimental and theoretical research in the field of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)methods. The following issues will be addressed in the project: 1. Research of properties of magneticnanoparticles in external magnetic fields regarding creation of a theoretical model and its subsequentexperimental verification. 2. Analysis of MRI scanning effect on cardiovascular system of a tested person in orderto find appropriate methods of detection, quantification, and design of measures to minimize them. 3. Analysis ofmetabolic processes in order to map the rate of energy production in the human heart and muscles in order todiagnose the slowing down of energy production in the heart. 4. Automated processing of MR images of thehuman knee in order to obtain quantitative characteristics and morphological quantities of individual tissues. 5.Calibration of gradient fields to ensure undistorted morphology in measured MR images. Mapping ofinhomogeneities into magn. fields using MRI methods |
| TInVR – Trustworthy human–robot and therapist–patient interaction in virtual reality | |
| Dôveryhodná interakcia človek–robot a terapeut–pacient vo virtuálnej realite | |
| Program: | APVV |
| Duration: | 1.7.2022 – 30.6.2026 |
| Project leader: | Ing. Mgr. Rosipal Roman, DrSc. |
| Annotation: | We aim to study specific forms of social interaction using state-of-the-art technology – virtual reality (VR) which is motivated by its known benefits. The project has two main parts, human–robot interaction (HRI) and therapist–patient interaction (TPI). The interactions are enabled using head-mounted displays and controllers allowing the human to act in VR. We propose two research avenues going beyond the state-of-the-art in respective contexts. In HRI, we will develop scenarios allowing the humanoid robot to learn, understand and imitate human motor actions using flexible feedback. Next, we develop scenarios for testing and validating human trust in robot behavior based on multimodal signals. We will also investigate physical interaction with a humanoid robot NICO. In TPI with stroke patients, we develop a series of VR-based occupational therapy procedures for motor and cognitive impairment neurorehabilitation using an active and passive brain-computer interface, and we will validate these procedures. We expect observations from HRI experiments to be exploited in TPI. The proposed project is highly multidisciplinary, combining knowledge and research methods from psychology, social cognition, robotics, machine learning and neuroscience. We expect to identify features and mechanisms leading to trustworthy processes with a human in the loop, as a precondition of success, be it a collaborative task or treatment in VR. |
| Smart deep brain stimulation as a treatment strategy in treatment-resistant depression | |
| Inteligentná hĺbková mozgová stimulácia ako inovatívna stratégia pre liečbu mozgových porúch | |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Duration: | 1.1.2022 – 31.12.2025 |
| Project leader: | Ing. Mgr. Rosipal Roman, DrSc. |
| Annotation: | Impaired connectivity between different brain areas underlines the pathophysiology of multiple brain disorders. It is possible that impaired connectivity between the prefrontal cortex and ventral pallidum is involved in depression. Smart deep brain simulation, combining real-time detection of the neuronal activity in the prefrontal cortex with the stimulation of the ventral tegmental area might be thus effective in depression. We aim to examine the cortico-tegmental connectivity and to test the antidepressant-like effectiveness of the smart deep brain stimulation in an animal model of depression. |
| EDABSS – EEG data analysis by blind source separation methods | |
| Analýza EEG signálu pomocou metód hľadania skrytých zdrojov | |
| Program: | Plán obnovy EÚ |
| Duration: | 1.9.2024 – 31.8.2026 |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Rošťáková Zuzana, PhD. |
| Annotation: | Blind source separation (BSS) approaches are unsupervised machine learning methods focused on the detection of hidden, directly unobservable (latent) structure of real-world data. They play a crucial role in image processing, medical imaging, and music. The proposed project focuses mainly on human electroencephalogram (EEG), for which BSS is beneficial when detecting the narrowband brain oscillations representing brain processes either in health or disease. Two-dimensional BSS methods like principal or independent component analysis are easily applicable and understandable for a broader medical and neurophysiological community. However, the estimated latent component properties are usually incompatible with the real electrophysiological signal character. Consequently, they miss their neurophysiological interpretation. Tensor decomposition is a complex but more flexible mathematical procedure that allows adapting the model structure and constraints to the solution to mimic real-world signal characteristics. The proposed project focuses on tensor decomposition as a tool for i) EEG preprocessing, artefact detection and removal, ii) EEG latent structure analysis using a nonnegative tensor decomposition with block structure allowing to model various relationships between latent components, and iii) post-decomposition analysis of latent component dynamic properties. Obtaining comprehensive information about EEG latent structure and developing novel, user-friendly algorithms is crucial for better understanding brain processes and new methods for treating neurophysiological diseases and disorders. |
| ECMeNaM – Efficient computation methods for nanoscale material characterization | |
| Efektívne výpočtové metódy pre charakterizáciu materiálov v nano mierke | |
| Program: | APVV |
| Duration: | 1.7.2022 – 30.6.2025 |
| Project leader: | Doc. RNDr. Witkovský Viktor, CSc. |
| Annotation: | The aim of the project is to design and implement effective calculation methods for evaluating the results of measuring the mechanical properties of materials at the nanoscale using instrumented indentation methods (IIT) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Both of these methods are able to provide highly localized information on the mechanical properties of the material, such as Young\’s modulus of elasticity (both methods), hardness (IIT method), or point-to-surface adhesion (AFM method). The principle is the analysis of the recording of the position of the measuring tip and the force interaction between the tip and the sample surface. The determination of the resulting values on the basis of data recorded by the instrument in both of these methods is based on non-trivial mathematical-statistical methods and calculation procedures working with data subjected to relatively high uncertainty or random noise, where it is also necessary to quantify the uncertainty of the measurement result. Both of these methods work with data of a similar nature, but each has certain specifics. The results obtained for IIT can thus serve as a reference for AFM. The project partners are the Czech Metrology Ins titute (CMI is the national metrology institute of the Czech Republic with top infrastructure in the field), the Institute of Measurement Science SAS (IMS SAS), and the Mathematical Institute SAS (MI SAS), which are academic institutions with extensive experience in basic research and applications of mathematics statistics in the field of measurement and metrology. This combination of partners brings a natural synergy and a combination of the necessary competencies for this |
| SQUIDiron – Determination of Iron in blood and tissues of laboratory animals using SQUID magnetometer. | |
| Stanovenie množstva železa v krvi a tkanivách laboratórnych zvierat pomocou SQUID magnetometra | |
| Program: | Plán obnovy EÚ |
| Duration: | 1.9.2024 – 31.8.2026 |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Škrátek Martin, PhD. |
| Annotation: | Iron is an essential chemical element that is part of many metabolic processes. However, the amount of iron in the body must be balanced, as its excess or deficiency can lead to serious health conditions. Iron is found in the body in ferritin, hemoglobin or transferrin proteins. Deoxyhemoglobin, methemoglobin, and myoglobin are known to exhibit paramagnetism, which originates from the Fe2+ Fe3+ ions embedded in their molecules. Ferritin, as an iron storage protein, contains Fe atoms mineralized in the form of oxyhydroxide nanoparticles, whose behavior is superparamagnetic. SQUID magnetometry offers the possibility of detecting and quantifying different forms of iron with high sensitivity and could be more useful than other established methods (colorimetric, spectrophotometric, histochemical or atomic absorption spectrometry) in determining the amount of iron in small samples. |
| Role of nuclear factor NRF2-mediated signalling in iron metabolism regulation during stress | |
| Úloha signalizácie sprostredkovanej jadrovým faktorom NRF2 v regulácii metabolizmu železa počas stresu | |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Duration: | 1.1.2021 – 31.12.2024 |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Škrátek Martin, PhD. |
| Annotation: | Stress is considered to be an etiological factor associated with the development of various chronicnon-communicable diseases. Stress may also alter iron metabolism. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(NRF2)-regulates several genes involved in iron metabolism. Despite the accelerating information on the roles of NRF2, less is known about the NRF2 signalling in iron metabolism in conditions of stress. Thus, the aim of this project is to investigate the role of NRF2 signalling in iron metabolism in conditions of acute and chronic stress in rats with genetic predisposition to hypertension. In addition, the effects of pharmacological activation of NRF2 signalling and the distinct roles of inducible and endothelial nitric oxide synthases in iron metabolism in stress conditions will be investigated. Project will bring the original results about NO and NRF2-mediated regulation of iron metabolism and the involvement of altered iron metabolism in the development of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. |
| Investigation of biomedical effects of low frequency and pulsed electromagnetic fields | |
| Výskum biomedicínskych účinkov nízkofrekvenčných a pulzných elektromagnetických polí | |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Duration: | 1.1.2022 – 31.12.2024 |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Teplan Michal, PhD. |
| Annotation: | Although there is a persisting interest in both adverse and beneficial biological effects of electromagnetic fields(EMF), the unambiguous explanation of electromagnetic field influence on living structures is still lacking. For theimpact of low-frequency magnetic field (LF MF) experimental platform with monitoring of the cell growth curve based on impedance spectroscopy will test possible inhibition or stimulation dependent on the frequency and magnetic flux parameters. Effects of pulsed electric field (PEF) will be monitored by biological autoluminescence (BAL). Complexity measures will be utilized for ultrafast current recordings during the PEF application. For quantification of direct effects of PEF on microtubules (MT) and evaluation of kinesin molecule movement, advanced image processing methods will be developed. The relevance of this research area lies in theexploration of physical methods with possible contributions to diagnostics and therapy. |