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The list of national projects SAS

Institute of Measurement Science

Ion exchange strengthened aluminosilicate glass/glass-ceramics with additional functionalities

Aluminosilikátové sklo/sklokeramika spevnené iónovou výmenou s ďalšími funkciami

Duration: 1.1.2021 - 31.12.2024
Program: VEGA
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.

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

Duration: 1.7.2022 - 30.6.2026
Program: SRDA
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).

Trustworthy human–robot and therapist–patient interaction in virtual reality

Dôveryhodná interakcia človek–robot a terapeut–pacient vo virtuálnej realite

Duration: 1.7.2022 - 30.6.2026
Program: SRDA
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.

Efficient computation methods for nanoscale material characterization

Efektívne výpočtové metódy pre charakterizáciu materiálov v nano mierke

Duration: 1.7.2022 - 30.6.2025
Program: SRDA
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

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.

Smart deep brain stimulation as a treatment strategy in treatment-resistant depression

Inteligentná hĺbková mozgová stimulácia ako inovatívna stratégia pre liečbu mozgových porúch

Duration: 1.1.2022 - 31.12.2025
Program: VEGA
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.

Causal analysis of measured signals and time series

Kauzálna analýza nameraných signálov a časových radov

Duration: 1.1.2022 - 31.12.2025
Program: VEGA
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.

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 neurodegenerat ívnych 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.

Advanced mathematical and statistical methods for measurement and metrology

Pokročilé matematické a štatistické metódy pre meranie a metrológiu

Duration: 1.7.2022 - 31.12.2025
Program: SRDA
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.

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

Duration: 1.1.2021 - 31.12.2024
Program: VEGA
Project leader: Ing. Maňka Ján CSc.
Annotation:The theme of the project is the development of magnetic measurement methods and methodologies for biomedicine 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.

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

Duration: 1.1.2021 - 31.12.2024
Program: VEGA
Project leader: Mgr. Škrátek Martin PhD.
Annotation:Stress is considered to be an etiological factor associated with the development of various chronic non-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

Duration: 1.1.2022 - 31.12.2024
Program: VEGA
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 the impact 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 the exploration of physical methods with possible contributions to diagnostics and therapy.

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

Duration: 1.1.2023 - 31.12.2025
Program: VEGA
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 magnetic nanoparticles in external magnetic fields regarding creation of a theoretical model and its subsequent experimental verification. 2. Analysis of MRI scanning effect on cardiovascular system of a tested person in order to find appropriate methods of detection, quantification, and design of measures to minimize them. 3. Analysis of metabolic processes in order to map the rate of energy production in the human heart and muscles in order to diagnose the slowing down of energy production in the heart. 4. Automated processing of MR images of the human 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 of inhomogeneities into magn. fields using MRI methods

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

Duration: 1.1.2022 - 31.12.2024
Program: VEGA
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.

The total number of projects: 15