The list of national projects SAS
Institute of Measurement Science
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
| Duration: |
1.7.2023 - 30.6.2027 |
| Program: |
SRDA |
| 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 involved
in maintenance of redox balance, the development of metabolic disorders, cardiovascular and liver diseases, as
well as in immune responses. Borderline elevated blood pressure (prehypertension) is a common cardiovascular
disorder 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, including
elevated blood pressure and hypertriglyceridemia (HTG). In experimental studies, borderline hypertensive rats
(BHR) and hypertriglyceridemic rats (HTGR) are suitable models of prehypertension without and with comorbid
hypertriglyceridemia. These models are relevant for investigating the effects of stress as well as for investigating
the role of changes in expression of NRF2 target genes in the development of hypertension associated with
metabolic diseases. To understand better the role of NFR2 as well as the impact of chronic social stress on the
mentioned diseased states, the aims of this project are: 1) to identify differences in expression of NRF2 target
genes in two experimental models of prehypertension - without (in BHR) and with (in HTGR) comorbid HTG - in
control conditions and during chronic social stress, 2) to determine if NRF2 activator dimethyl fumarate can reduce
stress-induced pathologies in prehypertensive rats, especially in those with comorbid HTG, and 3) to specify a set
of suitable whole blood RNA biomarkers for evaluation of changes in NRF2 target genes in prehypertension and
HTG and those genes altered by chronic social stress. |
Innovative approaches to uncovering relationships and interactions within multivariate time measurements
Inovatívne prístupy k odhaľovaniu vzťahov a interakcií v rámci multivariátnych časových meraní
| Duration: |
1.1.2026 - 31.12.2029 |
| Program: |
VEGA |
| Project leader: |
RNDr. Krakovská Anna CSc. |
| Annotation: | The project focuses on developing and applying methods for analyzing relationships between simultaneously
measured processes. After experience with bivariate causal detection, we now target multivariate cases, often
modelled as dynamical networks with time series at their nodes.
We investigate Granger causality for autoregressive (AR) models and search for connections in reconstructed
state spaces when deterministic dynamics prevail. Transfer entropy, a strong representative of causal methods,
will also be explored, including proposed modifications using alternative entropy measures. We also examine the
potential of machine learning methods in causal analysis.
Expected outcomes include computational tools for more reliable detection of causal links and synchronisation,
and for improved modelling, forecasting, and classification of the studied processes.
The proposed methods will be validated on simulated data and applied to real measurements, such as effective
brain connectivity and climate observations. |
Multi-lead ECG measurement to create a personalized model of the electric field of the heart and research the possibilities of its use for the diagnosis and optimization of cardiac arrhythmia therapy
Mnohozvodové meranie EKG na vytvorenie personalizovaného modelu elektrického poľa srdca a výskum možností jeho využitia na diagnostiku a optimalizáciu terapie srdcových arytmií
| Duration: |
1.1.2025 - 31.12.2028 |
| Program: |
VEGA |
| Project leader: |
Ing. Švehlíková Jana PhD. |
| Annotation: | In the proposed project, we plan to link multi-lead ECG measurements on the chest with a personalized
model of the heart and chest of the measured patient obtained from a CT scan. We intend to implement the physiological properties of healthy myocardium into the heart chamber model, as well as some pathological morphological and structural changes, such as left ventricular hypertrophy or left bundle branch block in heart failure.
Using simulations of activation propagation in the heart chambers, we will study changes in ECG signals in
the above diagnoses, as well as the consequences of different settings of supportive stimulation in resynchronization therapy for heart failure.
We will implement advanced methods of signal processing and calculation of selected characteristics in quasi-real
time into a new multi-lead ECG measurement system with wireless data transmission to a control computer. |
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
| Duration: |
1.7.2023 - 30.6.2027 |
| Program: |
SRDA |
| Project leader: |
RNDr. Hain Miroslav PhD. |
| Annotation: | The project focuses on the development and application of measurement and non-destructive testing methods in
the manufacturing of titanium dental implants. Dental implants are medical devices that have to comply with the
technical 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 and
effective and do not compromise the clinical condition or patients safety. The dental implants should also meet a
high level of health and safety protection, taking into account the generally accepted state of the art in science and
technology. In this project we will address the requirements related to the design and manufacturing and in
particular: the compatibility of the different parts of the device, the influence of processes on the properti es of the
materials, the mechanical properties of the materials used such as strength, ductility, resistance to wear and
fatigue, the properties of the surfaces, and confirmation that the device meets all defined physical specifications as
well as the identification of contaminants in the manufacturing process. To ensure these requirements, we intend to
use state-of-the-art measurement methods such as X-ray microtomography (microCT), scanning electron
microscopy (SEM), optical measurement of surface roughness, SQUID magnetometry. Since the above
measurement methods are time consuming and do not allow their full application in the production, the solution will
also include the design of effective methods of statistical quality control, which will be applied at the manufacturer
of dental titanium implants MARTIKAN, s.r.o. The objectives of the proposed project correlate with the Research
and Innovation Strategy for Smart Specialisation of the Slovak Republic 2021-2027 (SK RIS3 2021+), while they
affect two defined domains, namely Innovative Industry for the 21st Century and Healthy Society. |
Advanced diagnostics of neurodegenerative disorders using magnetic resonance techniques and artificial intelligence
Pokročilá diagnostika neurodegeneratívnych ochorení pomocou techník magnetickej rezonancie a umelej inteligencie
| Duration: |
1.7.2023 - 30.6.2027 |
| Program: |
SRDA |
| Project leader: |
Ing. Gogola Daniel PhD. |
| Annotation: | Neurodegenerative diseases (ND) are becoming a severe problem in developed countries. Since we currently have
no effective therapies available, early diagnosis is critical to ensure a good quality of life for ND patients. ND are
characterized by iron accumulation and magnetite mineralization in brain tissue, with ferritin as a precursor. Due to
its 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. This
creates hypointense artifacts, which theoretically allow the distinguishability of both proteins. Since iron
accumulation precedes the clinical symptoms of the disease, MRI has the potential to become a non -invasive
diagnostic method for the early stages of ND. At present, however, this is limited by the insufficient characterization
of the relaxation properties of biogenic iron and the uncertainty in the interpretation of clinical data. Therefore, our
basic goal (application output) is the development of a comprehensive methodology (FERINO software tool) for the
unequivocal diagnosis of the early stages of ND. To reach our goal, we will use a combination of several diagnostic
techniques and artificial intelligence tools. The diagnostic techniques include in-vitro, in-silico, and in-vivo
characteristics 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 quantification
of 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. |
The application of Artificial Intelligence methods for improved Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Použitie metód umelej inteligencie na zlepšenie zobrazovania pomocou magnetickej rezonancie
| Duration: |
1.1.2026 - 31.12.2028 |
| Program: |
VEGA |
| Project leader: |
RNDr. Krafčík Andrej PhD. |
| Annotation: | Magnetic Resonance (MR) is a widely used, useful diagnostic tool. However, since the measured signal is
influenced by many factors (e.g., by the amount of biogenic contrast agents), quantitative analysis is difficult and
lengthy. Therefore, the proposed project aims to model the influence of biogenic nanoparticles of ferritin on MR
signal and to use artificial intelligence for automated analysis (identification, segmentation and volumetry) of
structures in MR images of joint, muscles and the heart. Advanced deep learning methods will be used for these
tasks. In addition, the project will focus on design and implementation of novel acquisition and calibration
sequences and protocols for metabolic and structural MR imaging. The project will also analyse the physiological
response of MR measurements on cardiovascular system through wearable optical sensors. |
Theoretical properties and applications of special families of probability distributions
Teoretické vlastnosti a aplikácie špeciálnych tried rozdelení pravdepodobnosti
| Duration: |
1.1.2024 - 31.12.2027 |
| Program: |
VEGA |
| Project leader: |
Doc. RNDr. Witkovský Viktor CSc. |
| Annotation: | In the project, problems related to probability distributions and their applications in mathematical modeling will be studied. We will analyze some classes of distributions (distributions generated by partial summations, the Schröter family) and study properties of distributions belonging to these classes. Issues related to calibration regression models will be addressed. New methods for solving multivariate statistical problems will be developed. These methods will be based on the calculation of exact probability distributions using the inverse transformation of the characteristic function of the distribution of the output variable. Entropy, another property of probability distributions, plays an important role in detecting causality in time series. The primary area of application is the
use of the distribution of test statistics in hypothesis testing. The new results obtained during the solution of the project will also be applied to mathematical modeling in metrology, linguistics and actuarial mathematics. |
Characteristic function-based goodness-of-fit test for fuzzy data with application to climate analysis
Testy dobrej zhody založené na charakteristickej funkcii pre neurčité údaje s aplikáciou na analýzu klimatických dát
| Duration: |
1.1.2026 - 31.8.2028 |
| Program: |
SRDA |
| Project leader: |
Doc. RNDr. Witkovský Viktor CSc. |
| Annotation: | Modern research faces growing data uncertainty from measurement errors, gaps, and subjective assessments. Traditional statistical methods, assuming precise data, often fail under such conditions. Fuzzy data, which capture vagueness and imprecision, offer a natural framework, yet robust statistical tools for them remain scarce. This interdisciplinary project — combining probability and mathematical statistics, applied mathematics, and measurement science — aims to develop a goodness-of-fit test based on characteristic functions for fuzzy and interval-valued data. This novel methodology addresses both theoretical and applied challenges, with a focus on climate analysis.
Objectives include:
(1) Developing theoretical and empirical characteristic functions for fuzzy data, defining distance measures, formulating the test, and deriving its statistical properties.
(2) Designing and implementing efficient algorithms in R, MATLAB, or Python.
(3) Evaluating performance through simulations and benchmarking against existing methods.
(4) Applying the method to real climate datasets (e.g., temperature, rainfall) to demonstrate its relevance under uncertainty.
The methodology leverages the uniqueness and computational benefits of characteristic functions, extended to fuzzy settings. The project innovatively integrates characteristic functions and fuzzy theory for hypothesis testing, providing a statistically rigorous yet practical approach to imprecise data analysis. Expected outcomes include: a new statistical test, open-source software, simulation and benchmark studies, case studies on climate data, and preparation of a publication in leading journal. This bilateral project brings together expertise in fuzzy theory (University of Montenegro) and measurement science (Institute of Measurement Science of the Slovak Academy of Sciences). |
Effects of low-frequency and pulsed electromagnetic fields at a cellular level
Účinky nízkofrekvenčných a pulzných elektromagnetických polí na bunkovej úrovni
| Duration: |
1.1.2025 - 31.12.2028 |
| Program: |
VEGA |
| Project leader: |
Mgr. Teplan Michal PhD. |
| Annotation: | Although there is ongoing interest in the adverse and beneficial effects of electromagnetic fields (EMF), a clear
explanation of EMF's influence on living structures is lacking. To investigate low-frequency (LF) magnetic fields
(MF), we will enhance our experimental platform to test their possible inhibitory or stimulatory effects based on
frequency and magnetic flux density parameters. As a model organism yeast strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae
will be used. Its response to time-harmonic and pulsed MF will be studied by measuring cell growth curve using
turbidimetry, impedance spectroscopy and microscopy. Moreover, the ion parametric resonance interaction
model will be verified for biogenic ions and the magnitude of the ambient static geomagnetic field. The importance
of this area of research lies in exploring physical methods for manipulating biological structures, with potential
benefits for biotechnology and medical treatment. |
Assessment of restitution of normal ventricular activation by ECG mapping
Vyhodnotenie reštitúcie normálnej komorovej aktivácie pomocou EKG mapovania
| Duration: |
1.9.2025 - 31.8.2028 |
| Program: |
SRDA |
| Project leader: |
Ing. Švehlíková Jana PhD. |
| Annotation: | The project intends to optimize and personalize cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) for patients with heart failure. This effective, nonpharmacological, pacing-based treatment aims to restore interventricular resynchronization of ventricular activation by pacing both ventricles with an expected subsequent increase in cardiac output. However, about 30-40% of the patients do not benefit from the therapy and are designed as “non-responders”. To improve the efficacy of ventricular resynchronization, conduction system pacing (CSP) was recently introduced into clinical practice, which replaces biventricular stimulation with direct stimulation of the conduction system. However, CSP to achieve a narrow QRS complex is not feasible in up to 15% of patients for multiple anatomical, pathological, and technical reasons. Therefore, an optimal individualized strategy to achieve effective ventricular resynchronization is an unmet need in electrical therapies in heart failure patients. The proposed research project is methodologically based on noninvasive body surface potential ECG measurements of patients with heart failure indicated for a CRT/CSP device implantation. From the measured data, conducted using a dedicated in-house measuring device, the new parameters for the evaluation of the dynamics of the ventricular activation will be derived to set the proper programming stimulation of the device. A possible reduction of the number of ECG electrodes from the currently used 128 will also be studied to facilitate the routine clinical feasibility of the recording system. The simulations of the failing heart will be performed to understand better the processes that are undergoing in the ventricles. The area of the starting spontaneous ventricular activity will be assessed by solving the inverse problem of electrocardiography using a personalized heart-torso model obtained from the CT scan. The dedicated measuring system will implement a GUI to apply the suggested methods easily. |
Research on the correlation dependences of magnetic, structural, and optical properties of aluminate glasses, titanium alloys, and titanium-based nanocolloids, and ion liquids
Výskum korelačných závislostí magnetických, štruktúrnych a optických vlastností hlinitanových skiel, titánových zliatin a nanokoloidov na báze titánu a iónových kvapalín
| Duration: |
1.1.2025 - 31.12.2028 |
| Program: |
VEGA |
| Project leader: |
Mgr. Škrátek Martin PhD. |
| Annotation: | The project focuses on the development of magnetic measurement methods for selected areas of materials
research and biomedicine, for a deeper understanding of the physical and chemical properties associated with
changes in the distribution of electrical charges, and for their utilization in designing revised technological
procedures and diagnosing surface properties. First goal of the project is to investigate the influence of
composition, precursor powder preparation methods, and the preparation method of aluminate
glasses/glass-ceramics on their structure and magnetic properties. The second goal is the investigation of the
influence of properties and composition of ion liquids on the phase composition, shape, size distribution, and
stability of titanium-based nanoparticles and nanostructures. The physicochemical and magnetic properties of
nanocolloids will be studied with attention to the surface properties of biomedical Ti-alloys, especially
nanostructures based on titanium oxide. |
Research of the metal organ pipe collections of historical pipe organs in Slovakia
Výskum kovového píšťalového fondu historických organov na Slovensku
| Duration: |
1.9.2025 - 31.8.2028 |
| Program: |
SRDA |
| Project leader: |
RNDr. Krafčík Andrej PhD. |
| Annotation: | The sound-stylistic quality of historical organs is determined by various factors, including the material used for the organ pipes and the scaling (mensuration) of individual pipes and entire stops. The proposed project will examine organ metal as a key sound-stylistic determinant of historical organs, with consideration of the constructional evolution of organs in Slovakia from the 17th to the 20th century. The project will be conducted in four phases. The first phase will focus on the chemical composition analysis of organ pipe metal from selected instruments. These pipes and entire stops will undergo mensuration analysis, leading to the development of a mathematical model. The next phase will involve the visual recording (collection) of signings—etched or stamped markings indicating the specific tone for which a pipe is constructed. The signings of pipes from instruments with known builders will be documented to create a standard that will enable the use of neural networks (AI) to identify the authorship of organs whose builders are currently unknown. The research will also address the technical condition of organ metal, particularly corrosion, which affects not only the sound properties but also the preservation of the metal components of these historical instruments. The project's outcomes will include an online map of organ metal composition, corrosion, mensurations, an atlas of various types of corrosion and defects in organ pipes, as well as a comprehensive mapping of the metal and mensurations of studied stops. Furthermore, we will establish a method for gradually authorizing organs whose builders remain unidentified. All findings will be contextualized within the sound-stylistic development of historical organ building on Slovak territory. |
Research of reference standards and measurement methods ensuring determination of the relationship of geometric specifications and qualitative indicators of 3D objects created by additive technologies
Výskum referenčného etalónu a meracích metód zabezpečujúcich určenie vzťahu geometrických špecifikácií a kvalitatívnych ukazovateľov 3D objektov vytvorených aditívnymi technológiami
| Duration: |
1.7.2024 - 31.12.2027 |
| Program: |
SRDA |
| Project leader: |
RNDr. Hain Miroslav PhD. |
| Annotation: | The present project is aimed at evaluating the quality of additive manufacturing, a reference test artefact designed and developed for this purpose. The development of the reference artefact and the quantification of its parameters will make use of the latest knowledge in additive manufacturing, state-of-the-art measurement strategies implemented using X-ray microtomography, magnetometry, coordinate measuring devices, optical and electron scanning microscopes and methods of mathematical-statistical processing of measured data. Additive manufacturing technologies are capable of producing parts with very complex geometries that conform to the desired design without further machining. It is for this reason that they are very promising and their use in industry is growing. In order for additive manufacturing products to fully replace conventionally machined parts, they must meet the required quality criteria such as shape and dimensional accuracy, surface roughness, internal defects, residual stresses, etc. The final quality of parts produced by additive manufacturing technology is influenced by the characteristics of the raw material and the parameters and settings of the system. The aim of the project is to investigate the production of modified monofilaments and the measurement methods necessary for the realization of a stable and reproducible reference test artifact, which would be used to assess not only the geometric capability of additive manufacturing systems but also the internal structure and selected properties of the final product. |
Development and standardization of MR-based methods for detecting and evaluating metabolic and structural adaptations of aging muscles to exercise.
Vývoj a štandardizácia MR metód založených na magnetickej rezonancii na detekciu a hodnotenie metabolických a štrukturálnych adaptácií starnúcich svalov na cvičenie.
| Duration: |
1.9.2025 - 31.8.2029 |
| Program: |
SRDA |
| Project leader: |
Mgr. Klepochová Radka PhD. |
| Annotation: | Aging is associated with a loss of muscle mass and the functional capacity of skeletal muscles; however, regular
exercise can slow down these processes. The focus of this project is on examining the metabolic, functional, and
structural parameters in the lower limb muscles, which we can non-invasively and repeatedly measure using
innovative magnetic resonance methods (MR). This allows us to compare the trajectories of aging in skeletal
muscles of sedentary individuals and those who are physically active. One of the key parameters that define a
muscle's ability to efficiently mobilize and use energy for muscle work is called metabolic flexibility. The aim of the
project is to develop innovative MR methods to study metabolic flexibility and structural changes in skeletal
muscles during aging, and relate them to whole-body metabolic flexibility, as well as the metabolic phenotype and
structural and molecular changes in the skeletal muscles of older adults. As part of the project, we will standardize the measurement of dynamic changes in metabolites in muscle during exercise using proton (1H) MR
spectroscopy, create standard procedures for quality control of acquired MR spectroscopy data, and a key aspect
of the project will also be the development of an automated segmentation method based on a convolutional neural
network, which will enable more efficient and reliable evaluation of MR images of skeletal muscles. These
innovative methods will be validated using data from ongoing longitudinal studies at the Biomedical Center of the
Slovak Academy of Sciences, and their results will be directly compared with parallel changes in metabolic health,
functional capacity, histological structure, and molecular mediators of metabolic flexibility in skeletal muscles. The
results may not only improve our understanding of the processes that define metabolic flexibility during aging but
may also offer relevant strategies to support metabolically healthy aging. |
Development of advanced luminescent glass 3D structures by additive techniques
Vývoj pokročilých luminscenčných 3D štruktúr pomocou aditívnej výroby
Changes in fossil lizard communities at older and younger Cenozoic sites in and around Europe as a result of dramatic global climate change – the key to understanding our future is in the past
Zmeny v spoločenstvách fosílnych jašterov na lokalitách staršieho a mladšieho kenozoika v Európe a okolí ako dôsledok dramatických globálnych klimatických zmien – kľúčom k budúcnosti je chápanie minulosti
| Duration: |
1.1.2024 - 31.12.2026 |
| Program: |
VEGA |
| Project leader: |
RNDr. Hain Miroslav PhD. |
| Annotation: | Terrestrial ecosystems in Europe, but practically everywhere, changed significantly during the Cenozoic due to
global climatic changes. The importance of their better understanding is magnified by present global climate
change. In that respect, lizards are widely regarded as excellent indicators of past climates, particularly ambient
temperatures. The project is focused on the research of new, often complete finds from localities of different ages
such as the Paleocene site of Walbeck in Germany, the Lower Eocene sites of Dormaal in Belgium, Cos,
Pasturat and Viélase in France. We also include new complete finds from the Middle Eocene German Messel
locality (Unesco). Furthermore, fossils from the Oligocene and Lower Miocene sites of Phosphorites du Quercy
(France), Miocene to Pliocene sites in Austria, Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, but also in Africa (Kenya) will be
studied. The aim is this research using CT is an interpretation of the phylogenetic relationships of studied taxa
and changes in their communities. |
The total number of projects: 16
