Institute of Informatics
AI-Driven Self-awareness and Cognition for Compute Continuum (AI4CC)
Adaptívna a reflexívna umelá inteligencia pre výpočtové kontinuum
| Duration: |
1.7.2024 - 30.6.2027 |
| Program: |
SRDA |
| Project leader: |
doc. Ing. Hluchý Ladislav CSc. |
| Annotation: | AI4CC aims to contribute with new AI-based methods and algorithms to the development of modern computing
continuums, addressing some of the key challenges of this domain. These challenges include enhancing the
autonomy and self-adaptation capabilities of compute continuum platforms to optimize decision-making and
responsiveness; adapting to changing conditions, necessitating flexible and adaptive computing models for
dynamicity; efficiently managing vast amounts of data, considering factors like decentralization, scalability, and
real-time processing for effective Data Management; ensuring transparency, explainability, and accountability in AI
and machine learning models within compute continuums; achieving seamless interoperability between diverse
devices and platforms within the continuum, impacting data exchange and communication for Interoperability, and
dealing with resource heterogeneity—variability in computing resources across the continuum, including edge and
cloud environments, posing challenges in optimizing performance and resource utilization. By systematically
addressing these challenges and pioneering advancements in these key areas, AI4CC aims not only to bridge
existing gaps but to propel compute continuums into a new era of efficiency, adaptability and security. The project
envisions a future where compute continuums seamlessly integrate into various domains, fostering a holistic and
intelligent computing environment that adapts to the ever-evolving demands of the digital landscape. |
CFD simulations of tunnel fire and wildland fire using FDS
CFD simulácie požiaru v tuneli a lesných požiaroch pomocou FDS
Decentralized artificial intelligence in a distributed virtualized computing environment.
Decentralizovaná umelá inteligencia v distribuovanom virtualizovanom výpočtovom prostredí.
| Duration: |
1.1.2026 - 31.12.2029 |
| Program: |
VEGA |
| Project leader: |
Mgr. Bobák Martin PhD. |
| Annotation: | Artificial Intelligence (AI) currently represents one of the main pillars of technological progress. From healthcare to
industry, education, and other industrial and scientific sectors, AI offers revolutionary solutions that are
fundamentally changing how we approach new challenges. A key aspect of innovation in this field is data, and its
exponential growth brings significant challenges in terms of processing and security.
Addressing the aforementioned issues cannot rely on a centralized approach. Therefore, the methodology we
propose is based on the concepts of decentralized AI, including federated, distributed, and split learning, with
trained models being multi-task and enabling multi-criteria optimization. This kind of concept has specific
requirements for the software system, which must fully support the lifecycle not only of the AI itself but also of
individual models. The research outcomes will contribute to the development of scalable and secure AI solutions
in distributed environments. |
Digital Technologies for Critical Infrastructures (DICRIS)
Digitálne technológie pre kritické infraštruktúry
| Duration: |
1.8.2024 - 31.3.2026 |
| Program: |
|
| Project leader: |
doc. Ing. Hluchý Ladislav CSc. |
| Annotation: | To advance foundational scientific knowledge and design methodologies necessary for
accelerating the digital transformation of the Slovak power industry. This comprehensive research and
development effort aims primarily at creating and integrating digital twin technology for critical
infrastructure components of the Slovak electric transmission system. Additionally, it includes the
development of predictive analytical models and a context-aware decision support empowered with human
voice processing capabilities in Slovak. The ultimate goal is to enhance the safety, security, and reliability of
the electric power grid while driving broader digital transformation across various economic sectors. |
Dynamic malware analysis with explainable AI
Dynamická Malvérová Analýza s vysvetliteľnou AI
| Duration: |
1.9.2024 - 30.6.2028 |
| Program: |
SRDA |
| Project leader: |
Ing. Budinská Ivana PhD. |
| Annotation: | Machine learning allows processing large volumes of data and achieving high success rates in classification tasks in various areas, including malware analysis. The main disadvantage of many machine learning methods lies in their non-transparency: they are unable to provide human users with a comprehensible justification for their outputs. The field of explainable artificial intelligence (eXplainable AI – XAI) is currently very relevant, providing a number of new methods that allow overcoming this problem. Unfortunately, many XAI methods still do not reach the level of success and efficiency of traditional non-transparent machine learning. The aim of this project is to improve the usability of XAI in malware analysis by creating more sophisticated malware datasets based on dynamic malware analysis built on semantic representation, examining the most suitable XAI methods applicable in this context and their comparative analysis, and examining the possibilities of using symbolic outputs from XAI methods in distributed detection systems in combination with distributed consensus search algorithms. |
Electrically enhanced wireless method for sensing mechanical quantities
Elektricky vylepšená bezdrôtová metóda na snímanie mechanických veličín (ENEFS)
| Duration: |
1.1.2024 - 30.6.2026 |
| Program: |
|
| Project leader: |
Ing. Hricko Jaroslav PhD. |
| Annotation: | Sensing physical quantities using sensors is a current topic for various research sectors, especially for industry, medicine, environmental research, etc. A special problem is sensing in inaccessible/dangerous environments, or where it is not possible to connect the sensor and the evaluation electronics using wires. The project focuses on the design of a sensor system for measuring mechanical quantities (force, vibration, pressure, deviations, etc.) using the principle of conversion to an electromagnetic quantity, especially for these applications. The basic principle of this new wireless sensor assumes a sensor that will consist of a deformable body, an active oscillator and an energy harvesting system, with which the active well will be excited. The inherent functionality of the active oscillator will create an electromagnetic field with its resonant frequency in its surroundings, which transmits information about the acting mechanical quantity. This electromagnetic field can then be captured using evaluation electronics. |
Environmental sensors based on 2D nanomaterials
Environmentálne senzory na báze 2D nanomateriálov
| Duration: |
1.8.2024 - 31.7.2026 |
| Program: |
SRDA |
| Project leader: |
RNDr. Kostič Ivan |
| Annotation: | The objective of this project proposal is the research of new semiconducting 2D materials for application in environmental sensors. 2-dimensional (2D) materials have been at the forefront of materials research in recent years due to their unic electrical and optical properties and interesting mechanical properties deriving from their atomically thin dimensions. One of promising applications of 2D materials are chemical, environmental, and biological sensor devices based on such 2D materials. In this project, we will focus on the development of environmental sensors based on 2D materials with concentration on gas sensors. |
Experimental investigation and computer modelling of airflow during road tunnel fire
Experimentálne skúmanie a počítačové modelovanie prúdenia vzduchu pri požiari v cestnom tuneli
| Duration: |
1.9.2025 - 31.8.2029 |
| Program: |
SRDA |
| Project leader: |
Mgr. Weisenpacher Peter PhD. |
| Annotation: | The research project will contribute to the verification of the computer simulation of the airflow and smoke spread in road tunnels and to the increase of fire safety of tunnels in Slovakia. The project aim is to investigate the interaction of emergency ventilation operation, meteorological factors and fire in a real tunnel and to create a series of computer simulations of customer-designed fire scenarios in two motorway tunnels, which will be verified by in situ measurements. Detailed studies on the course of fires and the efficiency of emergency ventilation will be developed. The simulations will be carried out on the HPC infrastructure at the Slovak Academy of Sciences. In order to validate the results of the created simulations, full-scale experiments and measurements of airflow and meteorological factors will be carried out by the customer of the project results. Modifications to the Tunnel Traffic & Control Simulator (TTOS) at the University of Zilina in Zilina will be designed and implemented in accordance with current legislation, which will strengthen its uniqueness in the Central European area and improve its use for training and testing tunnel control operators in Slovakia. Part of the solution will be the recording and evaluation of emergency events in tunnels in Slovakia and the development of a series of visualizations of the course of fires based on computer simulations for TTOS, which will serve as a visualization didactic tool in the education of tunnel control operators and university students. The project solution will make it possible to intensify and streamline the research cooperation of the project solvers, to create a strong partnership of research organizations with important customers of the project results, and to effectively use the modern research infrastructure of the participating organizations to create innovative solutions to increase the safety of road tunnels. |
Experimental System for Wireless Stimulation and Monitoring of Selected Biological Properties and Cognitive Abilities of Drosophila melanogaster.
Experimentálny systém pre bezkontaktnú stimuláciu a monitorovanie vybraných biologických vlastností a kognitívnych schopností Drosophila melanogaster.
| Duration: |
1.9.2024 - 30.6.2027 |
| Program: |
SRDA |
| Project leader: |
Ing. Mgr. Andok Robert PhD. |
| Annotation: | The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster serves as one of the most versatile models for studying human diseases, including neurodegenerative or learning disorders. Thanks to the unique genetic tools available exclusively in the fly model, Drosophila considerably contributed to discoveries of genetic regulations behind processes such as learning and behavior. Nevertheless, progress in this research area is limited by available technologies for the stimulation and tracking fruit flies. This project aims to develop novel equipment for wireless stimulation and monitoring of insect behavior. A wireless micro-heater will be installed onto the Drosophila’s body, designed and developed within this project, together with the microsensor of position / force. The fly will be stimulated individually under certain circumstances by locally controlled heat induced in the micro-heater realized by connecting a nanometric diamond film (as a supporting material bilogically compatible with the examined tiny insects, and at the same time a material with excellent thermal conductivity) with a high density micro coil consisting of a closed LC resonant circuit with a high-k dielectric material (ZrO2, SrTiO3, HfO2) used for the micro-capacitor. By exerting electromagnetic waves of certain resonant frequency related to the size of the coil, electromagnetic induction will occur and the device will heat up stimulating the insect. The project aims to optimize and utilize this technology for the study of olfactory and social learning. The technology will nonetheless have a broad impact in other areas of Drosophila neuroscience, ethology and physiology. The system can be, for example, used also for wireless stimulation of flies in various types of learning experiments, for tracking fly behavior in complex environments, or for studies of behavioral roles of diverse genes and environmental factors. The suggested technology will have broad implications in both primary research and biomedicine. |
Human-machine voice communication interface for non-standard and extreme use cases
Hlasové komunikačné rozhranie človek-stroj pre neštandardné a extrémne prípady využitia
| Duration: |
1.1.2025 - 31.12.2028 |
| Program: |
VEGA |
| Project leader: |
prof. Mgr. Beňuš Štefan PhD. |
| Annotation: | A voice interface for human-machine communication is an alternative to keyboard, touch or mouse interaction. Currently, voice interfaces are designed and tuned for "standard" use: communicating in a normal, calm, voice, mostly in a non-excited, announcing style, the target group is the majority of the economically active population, i.e. young and middle-aged adults. However, the research of non-standard, atypical, marginal and extreme cases of communication is gaining importance due to the increase in the robustness of a) formal models of the cognitive system of human-machine communication, as well as b) IT applications that use voice interfaces for wide target groups and communication situations. The presented project aims to research and optimize approaches to communication with seniors, pre-adolescent children, to affective communication (with high but also low emotional arousal), to communication with persons affected by neurodegenerative diseases, and to open the possibility of communication in Romani. |
Chemiresistive gas microsensors based on a combination of nanostructured transition metal sulfides and oxides
Chemoodporové mikrosenzory plynu na báze kombinácie nanoštrukturovaných sulfidov a oxidov prechodových kovov
| Duration: |
1.1.2025 - 31.12.2028 |
| Program: |
VEGA |
| Project leader: |
RNDr. Kostič Ivan |
| Annotation: | The project aims to conduct basic research in the field of discovering new, progressive semiconductor materials based on metal oxides and disulfides, as well as in the field of electrode material technology utilizing boron-doped diamond layers. We anticipate that our activities will focus on the preparation and investigation of the properties of TiO₂, NiO, and WS₂ layers, as well as their selected combinations and doping. These nanostructured semiconductor materials will be integrated into chemoresistive gas sensors placed on thin electro-insulating membranes. Attention will also be devoted to research into the technology of an integrated voltammetric sensor with a protective Nafion polymer layer for the simultaneous determination of trace concentrations of heavy metals. |
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Inovatívna prelomová technológia pri testovaní pôvodu, autenticity a zdravotnej nezávadnosti vína
| Duration: |
27.1.2025 - 31.3.2026 |
| Program: |
|
| Project leader: |
Ing. Budinská Ivana PhD. |
| Annotation: | The project provides a set of tools with potential to promote and facilitate awareness issue adulteration
and counterfeiting of wine. New applied methods for testing with a cloud- solution (robust library and
mobile app) will make testing and detecting more affordable. More testing and more successful
detection shall be of benefits not only on corporate level (direct impact on profitability of esp. small
wine producers) but even on policy making level (detection and taking measure against economic
losses caused by adulteration and counterfeiting). Bearing in mind new generation of wine producers,
more open to use new technologies and apply data into their business, the mobile app is an ideal
solution. There is special attention given to small wine producers, because their economic loses has
direct impact on local economy and local employment. By providing them with affordable tool how
to prove the authenticity of their products, the new possibility in building their name with particular
emphasis on the local production and tradition has potential to win their share within the market. So,
the profitability of small wine producers is key to local development, and the positive elements can
be recognized among wine associates and even among the food sector as such. |
Smart Data PIpelines for the Cognitive ComputE Continuum (SPICE)
Inteligentné dátové kanály pre kognitívne výpočtové kontinuum
| Duration: |
1.4.2025 - 30.9.2027 |
| Program: |
|
| Project leader: |
doc. Ing. Hluchý Ladislav CSc. |
| Annotation: | The growing scale and complexity of the Cloud led to the emergence of Edge and IoT computing in the "compute
continuum" for applications relying heavily on sensor data and time-critical AI-assisted data processing. Its primary
goal is to enable intelligent decision making and gain deeper insights across the continuum. At the same time,
assembling and maintaining well-designed data pipelines involves addressing numerous technical, operational and
organizational challenges. These hurdles and expertise/resource constraints act as a barrier for wider adoption of data
pipelines. Our goal is to provide: (1) AI-assisted composition of smart data pipelines to radically simplify complex
and distributed data processing, (2) a highly optimized execution environment and resource management that enable
secure and smart data processing for the compute continuum. The results of our project will be made available as an
innovation transformation incubator for others to exploit. |
Intelligent sensor systems and data processing
Inteligentné senzorové systémy a spracovanie dát
| Duration: |
1.1.2023 - 31.12.2026 |
| Program: |
VEGA |
| Project leader: |
Ing. Malík Peter PhD. |
| Annotation: | The central theme of Industry 4.0 and 5.0 is the digitization, intelligence and decentralization of management, so a key research is the new generation of smart sensors, able to cooperate and adapt to environment changes. This will be achieved by researching new methods of aggregating hyperspectral and multimodal data, as well as algorithms using artificial intelligence. The project is focused on intelligent algorithms for non-contact surface sensing in high-noise environments, which are able to learn the nature and noise distribution from data. This results in higher accuracy and greater noise robustness. The emphasis is on the classification and anomaly detection, which will bring more accurate and robust algorithms for use with the high noise content and long-tailed distribution that dominates in the common industrial environment. Research into aggregation algorithms for heterogeneous and multisensor data will bring new compensation mechanisms to suppress the effects of negative factors on sensor systems. |
Computer simulation of airflows and fire smoke spread in critical structures
Počítačová simulácia prúdenia vzduchu a šírenia dymu pri požiari v kritických objektoch
| Duration: |
1.1.2024 - 31.12.2027 |
| Program: |
VEGA |
| Project leader: |
Mgr. Weisenpacher Peter PhD. |
| Annotation: | Research in the proposed project is focused on formulation of new scientific knowledge on computer simulation of
airflows and fire smoke spread in critical structures. Motorway tunnels were selected as the main subject of
research interest based on discussions with specialists on fire safety in Slovakia. Tunnels belong to inteligent
structures with high safety requirements due to potentially huge losses in case of fire. Natural airflows, airflows
created by emergency ventilation, airflows induced by fire and fire smoke spread will be analyzed with focus on
velocity fields, velocity profiles and smoke stratification. Computational aspects of efficient parallel realization of
computer simulation on HPC systems will be investigated as well. The previous research results, experience and
obtained experimental data will be utilized. The research is in line with current research trends and requirements
of the fire researchers’ and simulators developers’ community and has potential to have significant social impact. |
Speech alignment for L2 communicative competence
Rečové prispôsobovanie sa a komunikatívne kompetencie v cudzom jazyku
| Duration: |
1.9.2024 - 30.6.2028 |
| Program: |
SRDA |
| Project leader: |
prof. Mgr. Beňuš Štefan PhD. |
| Annotation: | Spoken interactions taking place in English as a non-native (L2) language are becoming a prevalent mode of dialogue in many spheres of professional discourse. Previous studies show that alignment among interlocutors during L1 interactions, i.e. their tendency to adjust their speaking behaviour to the interlocutor, correlates with multiple positive social aspects linked to the success of the interaction, rapport and engagement of the speakers, or their mutual evaluations in trust, attractiveness, or competence. Yet, due to the inherently complex nature of alignment stemming from multiple, potentially inter-relating factors affecting alignment, our understanding of the cognitive mechanisms and potential applicability in a language learning environment is limited. The proposed research aims at improving our understanding of key factors affecting alignment, such as the effect of native (L1) vs. non-native (L2) language, the relationship between non-verbal (e.g. intonation, speech rate) and verbal (syntactic structure, lexical choices) aspects of spoken interactions, the degree of L2 proficiency of the interlocutors, or their emotional and social state. Knowledge gained from a better understanding of the relationships between these factors and interpersonal alignment strategies generates testable predictions and hypotheses for applied research in which intervention approaches facilitating alignment might be proposed and tested for their hypothesized positive effect on the communicative competence in L2 interactions in both educational and professional settings. We aim to gain this knowledge by 1) creating a spoken corpus of semi-spontaneous dialogues in both L1 and L2 with a novel design varying the factors mentioned above, and 2) subsequently analysing the alignment strategies and the effect of these factors on the alignment behaviour of the interlocutors in the corpus. |
Next-Generation Gas Sensors Integrating Advanced 2D Materials and Neural Networks for Enhanced Detection of Gases in the Environment.
Senzory plynu novej generácie: Integrácia pokročilých 2D materiálov a neurónových sietí pre presnú detekciu plynov v bežných prevádzkových prostrediach.
| Duration: |
1.1.2026 - 31.12.2029 |
| Program: |
VEGA |
| Project leader: |
Ing. Mgr. Andok Robert PhD. |
| Annotation: | The project aims to conduct fundamental research in the field of gas sensors, focusing on the integration of advanced 2D materials using neural networks for better detection of reducing and oxidizing gases in common operating environments. The project implements knowledge on new advanced nanostructured semiconducting materials. It aims to investigate the properties of selected 2D nanostructured materials from the point of view of their application in microelectronics. We will focus on the application of mechanical and chemical exfoliation methods to layers of nanostructured disulfides (WSe, WS2, MoS2) and their transfer to a microelectronic element on a substrate. The results will be compared with other materials such as TiO2, NiO and their combinations. We will connect the selected gas sensors to a neural network, which will be trained on a large number of cases in order to identify a given detected gas and determine its concentration as accurately as possible. |
Slovac Digital Innovation Hub
Slovenske centrum digitálnych invácií
Smart gas and temperature sensors with neural-network-based low-level in-sensor data processing capability
Smart senzory plynu a teploty s nízko-úrovňovým in-sensor spracovaním dát na báze neurónovej siete (NeuralSens)
| Duration: |
1.1.2024 - 30.6.2026 |
| Program: |
|
| Project leader: |
Ing. Mgr. Andok Robert PhD. |
| Annotation: | A large number of sensing elements communicating with each other or with central control units is an integral part of the Internet of Things. The associated transmission and processing of an extreme amount of produced data is problematic. One of the solutions is processing of sensory data in close proximity to the sensor (near-sensor computing) or directly in the sensor (in-sensor computing), which radically reduces the requirements for their subsequent transmission and processing. In this project, we focus on the development of resistive gas and temperature sensors implemented into synaptic matrix of a hardware neural network, enabling low-level processing of measured sensory data directly in this network using a hardware algorithm. In the project, we will develop a methodology to calculate this algorithm and to encode it into the sensor matrix. This methodology will be one of the outputs of the project with the potential for wider application in hardware neural networks. |
Smart transformation & Innovation Consortium Slovakia
Smart transformačné a inovačné konzorcium Slovensko
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Strategické partnerstvo pre výskum zelenej a udržateľnej energetiky s využitím umelej inteligencie pre významné vodné diela
Supercomputer modeling of the properties of 2D nanomaterials using first-principle methods with the support of artificial intelligence: 2D-AIMAT
Superpočítačové modelovanie vlastnosti 2D nanomateriálov použitím prvoprincípových metód s podporou umelej inteligencie: 2D-AIMAT
Structures S3PR, ES3PR and S4PR of mathematical models of resource allocation in discrete production systems based on Petri nets and their use for deadlock prevention.
Štruktúry S3PR, ES3PR a S4PR matematických modelov alokácie zdrojov v diskrétnych výrobných systémoch na báze Petriho sietí a ich využitie na prevenciu deadlokov.
| Duration: |
1.1.2025 - 31.12.2028 |
| Program: |
VEGA |
| Project leader: |
doc. Ing. Čapkovič František CSc. |
| Annotation: | Discrete systems remain in a certain state until they are forced to change this state due to the occurrence of some discrete event. They are called DES (Discrete-Event Systems). They include a wide class of real systems – flexible (alias automated) manufacturing systems, robotic cells, communication systems, transport systems, etc. Petri nets PN are very suitable for mathematical modelling of DES. RAS (Resource Allocation Systems) in DES tend to deadlocks. PN-based DES models can be used to eliminate deadlocks. Three model paradigms, namely S3PR, ES3PR and S4PR, will be investigated using two approaches: (i) structural analysis of PN RAS models, specifically using siphons and traps, without the need to know the initial state, (ii) P-invariants PN models of RAS and reachability tree (RT) of states. Both approaches will be applied to all model paradigms, compared and evaluated using simulations in Matlab (or SciLAB). |
Therapy of Aphasia Using Social Robotics and Artificial Intelligence
Terapia afázie s využitím sociálnej robotiky a umelej inteligencie
| Duration: |
1.3.2025 - 30.6.2028 |
| Program: |
SRDA |
| Project leader: |
Mgr. Čiernik Kevická Viktória PhD. |
| Annotation: | The project focuses on innovative approaches in aphasia therapy, specifically on the integration of social robotics
and artificial intelligence into therapeutic procedures. Aphasia is a disorder of speech production and
comprehension caused by brain damage, often as a result of stroke, which leads to serious communication
problems and social isolation. Current therapeutic methods emphasize intensive and authentic communication, but
this is not always possible due to limited access to speech therapy. The project has three main objectives: to
design an innovative therapeutic approach at the level of discourse - spontaneous speech, to verify the usability of
a social robot within the framework of the created therapeutic approach, and to verify the usability of large
language models in therapy. The applicability of the therapeutic approach using social robotics and large language
models is initially tested on a sample of healthy participants, and then on a sample of participants with aphasia.
The result of the project is the evaluation of usability of a social robot and large language models in therapy in the
clinical group of people with aphasia. The benefit of the project is its long term potential to increase the availability
of therapy and the frequency of therapeutic sessions and to simulate the natural course of speech therapy, which
contributes to the functionality of communication and to improving the quality of life of patients. |
Research and development of selected innovative technologies for a forest fire management platform
Výskum a vývoj vybraných inovatívnych technológií pre platformu manažmentu lesných požiarov
| Duration: |
1.1.2025 - 30.6.2026 |
| Program: |
|
| Project leader: |
Ing. Balogh Zoltán PhD. |
| Annotation: | The project deals with the extended research and development of selected concepts and technology approaches for an integrated information platform for forest fire management, originally developed within the H2020 project SILVANUS. |
Research into the technology for manufacturing low-cost oxide-based semiconductor electronic devices for IoT and sensor applications
Výskum technológie výroby lacných polovodičových elektronických zariadení na báze oxidov pre IoT a senzorové aplikácie
| Duration: |
1.1.2024 - 1.6.2026 |
| Program: |
|
| Project leader: |
Ing. Mgr. Andok Robert PhD. |
| Annotation: | Sol-gel inkjet printing and chemical vapor deposition are low-cost techniques for the deposition of thin oxide semiconductor films and the preparation of electronic devices. They offer several advantages over standard techniques, including simplicity, low manufacturing costs, scalability, and the ability to deposit layers even at low temperatures and without the need for a vacuum. These techniques have the potential to revolutionize the production of oxide semiconductor devices and enable their application in a wide range of applications. The proposed project investigates these advanced deposition techniques and results in proof-of-concept oxide semiconductor devices. Low-cost deposition techniques can be optimized to be more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, contributing to more sustainable semiconductor production. As costs decrease, previously expensive technologies can become more accessible to marginalized or developing regions. |
Getting the right info on ticks (INFOTICK)
Získanie pravdivých informácií o kliešťoch
| Duration: |
1.7.2023 - 30.6.2027 |
| Program: |
SRDA |
| Project leader: |
Ing. Gatial Emil PhD. |
| Annotation: | Despite the fact that the castor bean tick, Ixodes ricinus has been studied for a century, many questions regarding
its ecology remains unanswered. Several aspects of its basic biology and phenology are still unexplored. Global
changes, including climate shifts, transformation of the landscape and urbanization, contribute to the switch not
only in tick distribution, but also in bionomics and seasonal activity of ticks. The ornate dog tick, Dermacentor
reticulatus adapts quickly to changing conditions and its range is expanding. There is the need for detailed
description of areas where these ticks are found (natural as well as urban habitats), since their ranges have
changed during the last decades. The main risk factor for tick -exposed people in a given area is the density of
infected questing ticks. In the proposed project, questing activity of ticks will be monitored using the tick -plot
methodology „tick gardens“ in field plots as well as flagging the vegetation for questing ticks. Using the tick-plot
methodology, we will also follow the tick life cycle and the seasonality of various developmental events (especially
moulting) as well as the longevity of different life stages. Since these two species of ticks are considered
epidemiologically the most important, we will also identify the prevalence and occurrence of both pathogen infected
questing ticks and infected ticks feeding on animals. Furthermore, with changing conditions, the invasion and
occurrence of „non-native“ species of ticks in Slovakia will be closely monitored since these emerging tick species
can introduce new pathogens to our area. The information obtained by the research team during the project as well
as during previous studies will be transferred and used in the development of a mobile application for tick
identification and the creation of a website that will bring benefits to the general public and professionals to
understand the risk of infection with the tick-borne pathogens. |
The total number of projects: 27
