Contacts
Intranet
SK
| DUOFLUOR – Dual‑tuned ¹H/¹⁹F RF coil for preclinical MRI | |
| Duálne ladená ¹H/¹⁹F RF cievka pre predklinické MRI | |
| Program: | SRDA |
| Project ID: | APVV-25-0686 (žiadosť VV2025) |
| Duration: | 1.9.2026 – 31.8.2030 |
| Project leader: | Ing. Gogola Daniel, PhD. |
| Annotation: | The project focuses on the design, optimization, and experimental verification of a dual‑tuned ¹H/¹⁹F radiofrequency (RF) coil intended for preclinical MRI. Combined ¹H/¹⁹F imaging represents a promising technology enabling simultaneousanatomical (¹H) and quantitative functional measurements (¹⁹F), particularly in studies involving the biodistribution offluorinated compounds, cell‑tracking applications, inflammatory processes, and functional lung imaging. The absence of endogenous ¹⁹F signal in biological tissues allows absolute quantification without background reconstruction, which increases the accuracy and interpretability of measurements. Despite its potential, only a limited number of solutions optimized for small‑animal imaging currently exist, and available systems often do not achieve the required sensitivity and B₁ homogeneity for fluorine MRI.The project includes the development of detailed FEM/FDTD models of various coil geometries, their optimization for bothresonance frequencies, and the subsequent construction of a physical prototype. The experimental phase will involveS‑parameter and Q‑factor measurements, B₁ field mapping, and testing of tuning stability. The functional performance ofthe coil will be evaluated using phantoms with defined fluorine content and, in the final stage, through preclinical measurements in small animals. The project also includes the development of a software tool that enables the calculationand optimization of RF coil parameters for different dimensions and frequencies.The outcome of the project will be an experimentally validated dual‑tuned ¹H/¹⁹F RF coil and a complete methodology forits design, applicable in preclinical research, pharmacological studies, and the development of fluorinated markers. Theproject will contribute to the advancement of preclinical MRI technologies in Slovakia and create a foundation for furtherinterdisciplinary applications in biomedical imaging. |
| CARE-BCI – Cooperative AI-enhanced BCI-HMD rehabilitation for post-stroke recovery | |
| Kooperatívna AI BCI-HMD rehabilitácia pre pacientov po cievnej mozgovej príhode | |
| Program: | SRDA |
| Project ID: | APVV-25-0408 (žiadosť VV2025) |
| Duration: | 1.9.2026 – 31.8.2030 |
| Project leader: | Ing. Mgr. Rosipal Roman, DrSc. |
| Annotation: | This project aims to advance post-stroke neurorehabilitation through the development of an artificial intelligence (AI)-enhanced, collaborative brain–computer interface (BCI) system integrated with immersive head-mounted display (HMD)–based virtual reality (VR). AI serves as a central enabling component, supporting adaptive neural decoding, cognitive-state monitoring, and data-driven optimization of rehabilitation protocols. A key focus is on the creation ofcooperative, shared-action rehabilitation environments, in which the patient and therapist jointly perform the same task in real time. This combination of AI-driven adaptation and shared-action cooperation moves beyond isolated task execution toward socially interactive, coordinated motor rehabilitation with high ecological validity.The approach extends the state of the art by employing AI for adaptive neural decoding, cognitive-state monitoring, and longitudinal meta-analysis of rehabilitation trajectories. Active BCI components use personalized models to decode motor imagery under inter- and intra-subject variability, while passive BCI continuously monitors cognitive workload, mentalfatigue, and engagement. An exploratory component investigates the feasibility of an AI-assisted therapeutic agent capable of partially supporting therapist actions within immersive, cooperative VR environments, while preserving safety, interpretability, and clinical oversight.The ambition is to establish a scalable and personalized neurorehabilitation framework that enhances therapeutic efficacy, strengthens patient–therapist interaction through shared-action VR tasks, and reduces therapist workload. By integrating active and passive BCI, cooperative VR, and explainable AI within a single coherent system, the project aims to generatenew scientific insights into rehabilitation dynamics and provide a clinically relevant pathway toward accessible, data-driven post-stroke rehabilitation in clinical and home-based settings. |
| Innovative approaches to uncovering relationships and interactions within multivariate time measurements | |
| Inovatívne prístupy k odhaľovaniu vzťahov a interakcií v rámci multivariátnych časových meraní | |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project ID: | 2/0094/26 |
| Duration: | 1.1.2026 – 31.12.2029 |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Krakovská Anna, CSc. |
| Annotation: | The project focuses on developing and applying methods for analyzing relationships between simultaneouslymeasured processes. After experience with bivariate causal detection, we now target multivariate cases, oftenmodelled as dynamical networks with time series at their nodes.We investigate Granger causality for autoregressive (AR) models and search for connections in reconstructedstate 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 thepotential 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 effectivebrain connectivity and climate observations. |
| CAUSMET – Methods and algorithms for causal analysis and quantification of measurement uncertainty | |
| Názov projektu Metódy a algoritmy kauzálnej analýzy a kvantifikácie neistôt meraní | |
| Program: | SRDA |
| Project ID: | APVV-25-0505 (žiadosť VV2025) |
| Duration: | 1.9.2026 – 31.12.2029 |
| Project leader: | Doc. RNDr. Witkovský Viktor, CSc. |
| Annotation: | The project develops advanced methods and algorithms for causal analysis of stochastic and deterministic processes and for quantifying measurement uncertainties. It addresses methodological challenges in the analysis of time series and dynamical data, where correlation alone is insufficient to reveal the mechanisms governing system behavior. Manyapplications, therefore, require identifying causal relations between variables while reliably characterizing uncertainties arising from measurement processes, noise, and incomplete observations.The project will develop classical and modern approaches to causal analysis of time series based on probabilistic and statistical modeling, and integrate them with algorithms enabling statistical inference and prediction in the presence of randomness, measurement errors, and uncertainty.Modern applications in physical, biomedical, economic, environmental, and linguistic measurements, as well as in the social sciences (education, psychology), generate large and complex datasets with intricate dependence structures and temporal dynamics. A significant project component is hence the study of stochastic dynamical models, including diffusion processes, as a natural framework for modeling random dynamics observed via measurement time series. When modeling complex temporal or spatio-temporal data using kriging, causal structure will serve as a key starting point.The project also advances uncertainty methods for quantifying measurement uncertainties in line with modern metrology and aims to establish a unified methodological framework combining causal analysis, dynamical modeling, and statistical inference and forecasting. Interdisciplinary collaboration among the Institute of Measurement Science of the SAS, theMathematical Institute of the SAS, and the Faculty of Science of P. J. Šafárik University creates favorable conditions for the development of new theoretical results, efficient algorithms, and their applications. |
| VERISCAN – Metrological framework for the verification of dynamic 3D scanning systems according to ISO GPS in digital manufacturing | |
| Metrologický rámec verifikácie dynamických 3D skenovacích systémov podľa ISO GPS v podmienkach digitálnej výroby | |
| Program: | SRDA |
| Project ID: | APVV-25-0231 (žiadosť VV2025) |
| Duration: | 1.9.2026 – 31.8.2029 |
| Project leader: | Doc. RNDr. Witkovský Viktor, CSc. |
| Annotation: | The project addresses the lack of a comprehensive methodological framework for the verification of handheld 3D scanning systems. Despite their massive implementation in digital manufacturing (Industry 4.0/5.0), their metrological assurance lags behind technical hardware capabilities. The core scientific challenge is the missing link between the variable nature of handheld scanning (operator influence, trajectory, strategy) and the strict requirements of the Geometrical ProductSpecifications (ISO GPS) system.The objective is to research and develop a metrological framework that transforms handheld 3D scanning from avisualization tool into a full-fledged system for product conformity decision-making. The project focuses on developing specialized reference artifacts with complex geometry designed for dynamic optical systems. It uniquely combines the technological expertise of UNIZA in digital quality control with the fundamental metrological competencies of the Institute of Measurement SAS in calibration and uncertainty estimation (GUM).The original contribution is an ISO GPS-oriented verification methodology that systematically integrates dynamic measurement uncertainty sources into final conformity assessment. The outputs include a physical reference artifact with SI traceability and verified procedures for the automotive and machinery industries. The project directly supports digital manufacturing chains by enhancing production quality and reducing non-conformance costs through metrologically correctvalidation of complex components. |
| VAC-YAG – Research on the influence of hydrodynamic flows on the distribution of oxygen vacancies in Yttrium-Aluminum garnet single crystal grown via Horizontally Directed Crystallization for detectors | |
| Výskum vplyvu hydrodynamických prúdov na rozloženie kyslíkových vakancií v monokryštáloch ytriovo-hlinitého granátu vypestovaných horizontálne riadenou kryštalizáciou pre detektory | |
| Program: | SRDA |
| Project ID: | APVV-25-0630 (žiadosť VV2025) |
| Duration: | 1.9.2026 – 31.8.2029 |
| Project leader: | Ing. Majerová Melinda, PhD. |
| Annotation: | The project is focused on the research of oxygen vacancies in single crystals of Yttrium aluminium garnet. During the growing process, these oxygen vacancies are distributed unevenly in the volume of the crystal, which is affected by hydrodynamic flows in the melt. Since the melting temperature for YAG is higher than 1950°C, a physical model will be built for the research. On the basis of these data, an experimental thermal unit will be assembled with the possibility of controlling the thermal field, which will enable the control of convection currents in the melt. Crystals will be grown in thisthermal unit and will be characterised. The result of the project will be data and correlation of the influence of hydrodynamic flows on the distribution of oxygen vacancies in single crystal of Yttrium aluminium garnet, which has a high potential for use in detectors. |
| AgeFlex – 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. | |
| Program: | SRDA |
| Project ID: | 28210020 |
| Duration: | 1.9.2025 – 31.8.2029 |
| 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. |
| TRACE-DC – Non-invasive measurement and metrological traceability of DC component in modern networks with battery storage | |
| Neinvazívne meranie a metrologická sledovateľnosť jednosmernej zložky v moderných sieťach s batériovými úložiskami | |
| Program: | SRDA |
| Project ID: | APVV-25-0543 (žiadosť VV2025) |
| Duration: | 1.9.2026 – 28.2.2029 |
| Project leader: | Ing. Gogola Daniel, PhD. |
| Annotation: | In the context of Slovakia\’s energy transformation, the share of renewable energy sources and battery storage systems integrated into the electricity grid is increasing. These devices operate with direct current (DC) but connect to alternating current (AC) networks, requiring metrologically reliable on-site measurement of DC power and energy. The first objective is to test and characterize a non-invasive DC sensor for measuring high currents (up to 1200 A) with 0.1% accuracy, suitable for battery storage, photovoltaic systems, and electric mobility. The second objective is to establish a reference standard for DC power and energy traceable to national standards. Additionally, connecting DC sources without transformers injectsDC components into AC networks, causing overheating, increased losses, and reduced power quality. The project therefore investigates the impact of DC components on AC electricity meters, with results serving as a basis for updating legislative requirements. The project supports the development of smart energy grids and contributes to effective electricity flow management in Slovakia\’s economy. |
| 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 | |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project ID: | 2/0106/25 |
| Duration: | 1.1.2025 – 31.12.2028 |
| 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. |
| The application of Artificial Intelligence methods for improved Magnetic Resonance Imaging | |
| Použitie metód umelej inteligencie na zlepšenie zobrazovania pomocou magnetickej rezonancie | |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project ID: | 2/0084/26 |
| Duration: | 1.1.2026 – 31.12.2028 |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Krafčík Andrej, PhD. |
| Annotation: | Magnetic Resonance (MR) is a widely used, useful diagnostic tool. However, since the measured signal isinfluenced by many factors (e.g., by the amount of biogenic contrast agents), quantitative analysis is difficult andlengthy. Therefore, the proposed project aims to model the influence of biogenic nanoparticles of ferritin on MRsignal and to use artificial intelligence for automated analysis (identification, segmentation and volumetry) ofstructures in MR images of joint, muscles and the heart. Advanced deep learning methods will be used for thesetasks. In addition, the project will focus on design and implementation of novel acquisition and calibrationsequences and protocols for metabolic and structural MR imaging. The project will also analyse the physiologicalresponse of MR measurements on cardiovascular system through wearable optical sensors. |
| Effects of low-frequency and pulsed electromagnetic fields at a cellular level | |
| Účinky nízkofrekvenčných a pulzných elektromagnetických polí na bunkovej úrovni | |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project ID: | VEGA 2/0160/25 |
| Duration: | 1.1.2025 – 31.12.2028 |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Teplan Michal, PhD. |
| Annotation: | Although there is ongoing interest in the adverse and beneficial effects of electromagnetic fields (EMF), a clearexplanation 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 onfrequency and magnetic flux density parameters. As a model organism yeast strain Saccharomyces cerevisiaewill be used. Its response to time-harmonic and pulsed MF will be studied by measuring cell growth curve usingturbidimetry, impedance spectroscopy and microscopy. Moreover, the ion parametric resonance interactionmodel will be verified for biogenic ions and the magnitude of the ambient static geomagnetic field. The importanceof this area of research lies in exploring physical methods for manipulating biological structures, with potentialbenefits for biotechnology and medical treatment. |
| 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 | |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project ID: | 2/0104/25 |
| Duration: | 1.1.2025 – 31.12.2028 |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Škrátek Martin, PhD. |
| Annotation: | The project focuses on the development of magnetic measurement methods for selected areas of materialsresearch and biomedicine, for a deeper understanding of the physical and chemical properties associated withchanges in the distribution of electrical charges, and for their utilization in designing revised technologicalprocedures and diagnosing surface properties. First goal of the project is to investigate the influence ofcomposition, precursor powder preparation methods, and the preparation method of aluminateglasses/glass-ceramics on their structure and magnetic properties. The second goal is the investigation of theinfluence of properties and composition of ion liquids on the phase composition, shape, size distribution, andstability of titanium-based nanoparticles and nanostructures. The physicochemical and magnetic properties ofnanocolloids will be studied with attention to the surface properties of biomedical Ti-alloys, especiallynanostructures based on titanium oxide. |
| CICPE – Cockroaches in complex past ecosystems | |
| Šváby v komplexných pravekých ekosystémoch | |
| Program: | SRDA |
| Project ID: | APVV-25-0357 (žiadosť VV2025) |
| Duration: | 1.9.2026 – 31.8.2028 |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Hain Miroslav, PhD. |
| Annotation: | Cockroaches, together with their predatory descendants, praying mantises, and social themes, have been pillars ofecosystems for more than 300 million years, primarily through the decomposition of biomass – they have no substitutes in this. New discoveries make it possible to grasp their evolution in a broader context and to the extent to which they influence the cycle of individual elements during the geological scale. Therefore, the samples in this project, in addition to the detailed frontier evolutionary analysis, also include complex geological, physical and chemical analysis and knowledge applied to entire ecosystems. The project benefits from global cooperation and possibly already processed material from around the world, which will represent not only almost 10% of the latest knowledge, but all groups are already included inthe appropriate system. Such work has no parallel in other terrestrial groups and is based on 110,000 samples, of which 4,000 are represented by various ambers, including those from the time of dinosaurs. This year\’s research has already been published in high impact (NSR IF= 20.7) and therefore this study is promising. In addition to science and wide popularization (over 40,000 students), the project will also create a new job and provide part-time jobs for exceptionally talented high school students who would otherwise end up abroad and/or in a commerce. |
| 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 | |
| Program: | SRDA |
| Project ID: | SK-MNE-25-0025 |
| Duration: | 1.1.2026 – 31.8.2028 |
| 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). |
| ReAcMap – Assessment of restitution of normal ventricular activation by ECG mapping | |
| Vyhodnotenie reštitúcie normálnej komorovej aktivácie pomocou EKG mapovania | |
| Program: | SRDA |
| Project ID: | APVV-24-0414 |
| Duration: | 1.9.2025 – 31.8.2028 |
| 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. |
| Project website: | https://www.um.sav.sk/reacmap/ |
| OrgPipeSK2025 – Research of the metal organ pipe collections of historical pipe organs in Slovakia | |
| Výskum kovového píšťalového fondu historických organov na Slovensku | |
| Program: | SRDA |
| Project ID: | APVV-24-0659 |
| Duration: | 1.9.2025 – 31.8.2028 |
| 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. |
| Theoretical properties and applications of special families of probability distributions | |
| Teoretické vlastnosti a aplikácie špeciálnych tried rozdelení pravdepodobnosti | |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project ID: | 2/0120/24 |
| Duration: | 1.1.2024 – 31.12.2027 |
| 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 theuse 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. |
| ARAM – 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 | |
| Program: | SRDA |
| Project ID: | APVV-23-0366 |
| Duration: | 1.7.2024 – 31.12.2027 |
| 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 of advanced luminescent glass 3D structures by additive techniques | |
| Vývoj pokročilých luminscenčných 3D štruktúr pomocou aditívnej výroby | |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project ID: | VEGA 2/0077/24 |
| Duration: | 1.1.2024 – 31.12.2027 |
| Project leader: | Ing. Majerová Melinda, PhD. |
| 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: | SRDA |
| Project ID: | APVV-22-0296 |
| 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. |
| 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: | SRDA |
| Project ID: | APVV-22-0328 |
| 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. |
| FERINO – Advanced diagnostics of neurodegenerative disorders using magnetic resonance techniques and artificial intelligence | |
| Pokročilá diagnostika neurodegeneratívnych ochorení pomocou techník magnetickej rezonancie a umelej inteligencie | |
| Program: | SRDA |
| Project ID: | APVV-22-0122 |
| 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. |
| 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 | |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project ID: | VEGA 1/0160/24 |
| Duration: | 1.1.2024 – 31.12.2026 |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Hain Miroslav, PhD. |
| Annotation: | Terrestrial ecosystems in Europe, but practically everywhere, changed significantly during the Cenozoic due toglobal climatic changes. The importance of their better understanding is magnified by present global climatechange. In that respect, lizards are widely regarded as excellent indicators of past climates, particularly ambienttemperatures. The project is focused on the research of new, often complete finds from localities of different agessuch 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 Messellocality (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 bestudied. The aim is this research using CT is an interpretation of the phylogenetic relationships of studied taxaand changes in their communities. |
| EDABSS – EEG data analysis by blind source separation methods | |
| Analýza EEG signálu pomocou metód hľadania skrytých zdrojov | |
| Program: | |
| Project ID: | 09I03-03-V04-00205 |
| 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. |
| 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: | |
| Project ID: | 09I03-03-V04-00544 |
| Duration: | 1.9.2024 – 31.8.2026 |
| Project leader: | Ing. Gogola Daniel, PhD. |
| Annotation: | |
| cBCI-VR – Collaborative BCI post-stroke neurorehabilitation using a patient-therapist interactive VR environment | |
| Pacient-terapeut kolaboratívna BCI-VR neurorehabilitácia po cievnej mozgovej príhode | |
| Program: | |
| Project ID: | 09I03-03-V04-0043 |
| Duration: | 1.9.2024 – 31.8.2026 |
| Project leader: | Ing. Mgr. Rosipal Roman, DrSc. |
| Annotation: | A growing body of evidence suggests that integrated brain-computer interface (BCI) technologies and virtual reality (VR) environments provide a flexible platform for a range of neurorehabilitation therapies, including significant motor recovery and cognitive-behavioral therapy following stroke. When a subject is immersed in such an environment, their perceptual level of social interaction is often impaired due to a suboptimal interface quality that lacks the social aspect of human interactions. The project proposes a user-friendly intelligent BCI system with a suitable VR environment in which both patient and therapist interact through their person-specific avatar representations. On the one hand, the patient voluntarily and at his/her own pace controls his/her activity in the environment and interacts with the therapist through a BCI-driven mental imagery process. On the other hand, the therapist\’s unrestricted motor and communication skills allow for full control of the environment. Thus, the VR environment can be flexibly modified by the therapist, allowing for the creation and selection of different occupational therapy scenarios according to the patient\’s recovery needs, mental states, and immediate reactions. |
| 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: | |
| Project ID: | 09I03-03-V04-00528 |
| 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. |
| – | |
| Štipendiá pre excelentných PhD. študentov a študentky R1 | |
| Program: | |
| Duration: | 1.9.2023 – 31.8.2026 |
| Project leader: | Ing. Pajanová Iveta |
| Annotation: | PhD Topic: Application of deep-learning algorithms on automated MRI data processing. Annotation: Automated identification and segmentation of clinical data, obtained primary by MRI, is very desirable. The reason is typically large size of data and therefore enormous time, which radiologist has to invest into the manual segmentation. Availability of powerful hardware open new capabilities to automate this processes and speedup via deep learning techniques using convolutional neural networks (CNN). Therefore, student will learn the fundamental functionality principles of MRI device (theoretically and practically), try manual segmentation of volumetric MRI data, and theoretically and practically learn principles of CNN. Student will design own architecture of CNN for automated segmentation of volumetric data, further train, validate and implement on testing data.The output of this dissertation should be a CNN capable of deployment in clinical practice, in the diagnosis and quantitative analysis of selected tissues (cartilage, ligaments, tendons, menisci, subcutaneous fat, etc.). It is theoretical work, in which programming basics and knowledge of some programming language are necessary. As the programming environment, for design and implementation of CNN, will be used Python with module TensorFlow. |
| 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: | SRDA |
| Project ID: | APVV-21-0299 |
| 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). |
| TInVR – Trustworthy human–robot and therapist–patient interaction in virtual reality | |
| Dôveryhodná interakcia človek–robot a terapeut–pacient vo virtuálnej realite | |
| Program: | SRDA |
| Project ID: | APVV-21-0105 |
| 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. |
| Innovations in the Transfer Entropy Method: Implementing Alternative Entropic Measures for More Robust Causal Inference | |
| Inovácie v metóde prenosovej entropie: Implementácia alternatívnych entropických mier pre robustnejšiu kauzálnu inferenciu | |
| Program: | |
| Duration: | 1.7.2025 – 30.6.2026 |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Mezeiová Kristína, PhD. |
| Annotation: | The aim of the project is to explore the use of alternative entropy measures, such as Rényi entropy, Tsallis entropy, and permutation entropy, in the transfer entropy method to enhance the accuracy, robustness, and computational efficiency of causal analysis in complex systems. The project will focus on the software implementation of appropriately modified causal algorithms, their testing on synthetic and real-world data, and the identification of areas where the proposed innovations provide significant advantages. |
| DigiDent – Research of Dental Implant Components for the Creation of Personalized 3D Models | |
| Výskum digitalizácie komponentov dentálnych implantátov za účelom | |
| Program: | |
| Project ID: | 09I05-03-V02 |
| Duration: | 1.4.2024 – 30.6.2026 |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Hain Miroslav, PhD. |
| Annotation: | The main objective of the present project is the development and optimization of digitization methods and processes in the field of dental implants, with special emphasis on the development of personalized 3D models implementable in the production process. This goal includes the intention to expand current knowledge with new methodologies, technologies, and procedures that will enable more accurate, faster, and more efficient production of dental implants, with a high degree of individualization for individual patients.The fulfilment of the project\’s intentions should bring significant progressive changes in the field of digitization of dental implantology. This ambitious endeavor includes research-oriented research in digital technologies, data measurement, and processing to push the existing frontiers of knowledge and set new standards in the industry. Current knowledge will be expanded to include new methodologies, technologies, and procedures that have the potential to change the paradigm of the design, manufacture, and testing of dental implants. With new scientific findings and technological innovations, we can achieve the production of dental implants that will be more accurate, reliable, and effective in terms of their functional properties.A great benefit of the project is the high degree of individualization. By creating personalized 3D models, it will be possible to create implants tailored to individual patients. This will affect not only the implants themselves, but also the entire production process, from planning and design to final implementation. This will bring patients not only better quality treatment but also faster rehabilitation and a significant improvement in their quality of life.The result of the project will be not only technological progress in the design and production of dental implants but also innovative solutions with a positive overlap in the areas of healthcare and dentistry. The future development of dental implants will be based on accurate data and personalized solutions, which will increase the efficiency of the implantation process, safety, and patient satisfaction, and this is an important benefit of the presented project. |
| 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 |
| Project ID: | VEGA 2/0057/22 |
| 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. |
| Causal analysis of measured signals and time series | |
| Kauzálna analýza nameraných signálov a časových radov | |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project ID: | VEGA 2/0023/22 |
| 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. |
| The invisible force of the magnetic field | |
| Neviditeľná sila magnetického poľa | |
| Program: | Other projects |
| Duration: | 28.4.2025 – 31.12.2025 |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Teplan Michal, PhD. |
| MATHMER – Advanced mathematical and statistical methods for measurement and metrology | |
| Pokročilé matematické a štatistické metódy pre meranie a metrológiu | |
| Program: | SRDA |
| Project ID: | APVV-21-0216 |
| 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. |
| 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 |
| Project ID: | VEGA 2/0004/23 |
| 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 |
| EPISTATE – Gemcitabine-induced epigenetic states as predictors of treatment response in pancreatic cancer | |
| Epigenetické stavy indukované gemcitabínom ako prediktory odpovede na liečbu pri rakovine pankreasu | |
| Program: | SRDA |
| Project ID: | APVV-25-0425 (žiadosť VV2025) |
| Duration: | 1.9.2025 – 31.8.2025 |
| Project leader: | Ing. Maková Marianna, PhD. |
| Annotation: | Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the deadliest cancer types, with very limited treatment options andpoor long-term survival. Gemcitabine remains a cornerstone of PDAC therapy, yet most patients relapse because a fractionof tumor cells survives treatment and adapts. Understanding how these surviving cells persist is essential for improvingpatient outcomes.This project is based on the idea that gemcitabine does more than simply eliminate sensitive cancer cells. We propose thattreatment actively induces a stress-adaptive cellular state that allows tumor cells to survive without acquiring new geneticmutations. Importantly, this adaptive state is maintained by epigenetic mechanisms that control gene activity withoutchanging the DNA sequence. While these mechanisms help cancer cells survive chemotherapy, they may also create newweaknesses that can be therapeutically targeted.Our goal is to identify gemcitabine-induced epigenetic vulnerabilities and to define molecular signatures that indicate whentumors are susceptible to specific combination therapies. We will combine controlled gemcitabine treatment with modernsingle-cell technologies to precisely define adaptive tumor cell states. Using carefully selected epigenetic inhibitors andCRISPR-based genetic tools, we will determine which epigenetic regulators become essential for cancer cell survival afterchemotherapy. These findings will be validated in patient-derived tumor models and human tissue samples to ensureclinical relevance.By focusing on therapy-induced tumor cell adaptation rather than fixed genetic alterations, this project introduces a new,state-based framework for combination treatment in PDAC. The expected outcomes include the identification of epigeneticregulator classes linked to adaptive survival and the definition of molecular signatures that reflect tumor heterogeneity andprovide a biological foundation for the future development of rational therapeutic strategies. |
| ECMeNaM – Efficient computation methods for nanoscale material characterization | |
| Efektívne výpočtové metódy pre charakterizáciu materiálov v nano mierke | |
| Program: | SRDA |
| Project ID: | SK-CZ-RD-21-0109 |
| 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 |
| Ion exchange strengthened aluminosilicate glass/glass-ceramics with additional functionalities | |
| Aluminosilikátové sklo/sklokeramika spevnené iónovou výmenou s ďalšími funkciami | |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project ID: | VEGA 2/0028/21 |
| 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. |
| Assessment and detection of mental fatigue in BCI-HMD | |
| Hodnotenie a detekcia mentálnej únavy pri BCI-HMD | |
| Program: | PostdokGrant |
| Project ID: | APD0106 |
| Duration: | 1.7.2024 – 31.12.2024 |
| Project leader: | Ing. Sobolová Gabriela, PhD. |
| Annotation: | The continuous improvement of virtual reality (VR) technologies and the affordability of VR products, such as head-mounted display (HMD) VR goggles, have enabled the use of VR concepts in medicine, engineering, aerospace, education, entertainment, and other fields. With the wider use of VR, the issue of mental fatigue caused by prolonged use of VR devices is increasingly emerging. Many users of VR devices report suffering from various problems like eye pain, eyestrain, dizziness, and mental fatigue. Therefore, in recent years, researchers have paid considerable attention to the impact of VR technology on human health.At the Institute of Measurement, SAV, we have designed and developed a system for interfacing VR with a brain-computer interface (BCI), the so-called BCI-HMD concept, where the VR environment is implementing using HMDs. In the present study, Evaluation, and Detection of Mental Fatigue in BCI-HMD, we focus on detecting and evaluating mental fatigue in healthy subjects during prolonged use of a BCI-HMD environment.The aim is to analyze and determine electroencephalographic (EEG) biomarkers of mental fatigue occurring during the execution of repetitive mental imagery of hand movements in a virtual environment, called motor imagery, MI. We will focus on the quantitative evaluation of EEG data during the resting state with eyes open and eyes closed before and after long-term use of the BCI-VR system. The project includes a rigorous preprocessing and analysis of EEG data in MATLAB and Python programming environments, leading to the development of a software platform for further studies on detecting and monitoring mental fatigue. |
| 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 |
| Project ID: | VEGA 2/0141/21 |
| 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. |
| 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 |
| Project ID: | VEGA 2/0157/21 |
| 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 |
| Project ID: | VEGA 2/0124/22 |
| 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. |
| 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 |
| Project ID: | VEGA 2/0109/22 |
| 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. |
| CT modeling and morphological analysis of the postcranial region of extinct and current lizards and their relatedness based on new morphological data | |
| CT modelovanie a morfologická analýza postkraniálneho regiónu vyhynutých i súčasných jašterov a ich príbuznosť založená na nových morfologických dátach | |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project ID: | VEGA 1/0191/21 |
| Duration: | 1.1.2021 – 31.12.2023 |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Hain Miroslav, PhD. |
| Annotation: | The cranio-cervical and brachial regions, together with the limbs, are not only really important, but all their partsform well-described modular units that can provide a model system for assessing interactiontheir individual functions, their development and phylogenetic history on the morphology of adults. Their understanding withusing a new approach that integrates detailed morphological analysis with modern computer methods(biomechanical simulations, 3D morphometry and iodine enhanced CT imaging of soft tissues, phylogeneticanalysis) is therefore crucial. Due to the different lifestyles and the extreme range of sizes and morphologiesbody, squamates provide an ideal model group for detailed integrated cranio-cervical studies,more or less complete loss or reduction of limbs and braids allow to examine the relationship between anatomy,functional morphology, phylogenetic position, lifestyle and development. The study will focus on today\’s,but also fossil lizards (eg from the Messel locality in Germany). |
| – | |
| Malá projektová schéma na podporu popularizácie a propagácie vedy – Demonštrácia mnohozvodového merania EKG signálov na modeli ľudského trupu | |
| Program: | Other projects |
| Duration: | 20.4.2023 – 31.12.2023 |
| Project leader: | Ing. Švehlíková Jana, PhD. |
| – | |
| Malá projektová schéma na podporu popularizácie a propagácie vedy – Demonštrátor magnetickej susceptibility a magnetickej levitácie | |
| Program: | Other projects |
| Duration: | 20.4.2023 – 31.12.2023 |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Škrátek Martin, PhD. |
| Annotation: | |
| Probability distributions and their applications in modelling and testing | |
| Rozdelenia pravdepodobnosti a ich aplikácie v modelovaní a testovaní | |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project ID: | VEGA 2/0096/21 |
| Duration: | 1.1.2021 – 31.12.2023 |
| Project leader: | Doc. RNDr. Witkovský Viktor, CSc. |
| Annotation: | The project is focused on the research of complex problems related to probability distributions and their use in mathematical modeling and tests of statistical hypotheses, where it is necessary to know the distributions of test statistics. A new broad family of probability distributions will be investigated. Many commonly used distributionsare special cases of this family. New approaches to multivariate statistical problems will be developed (an error-in-variables linear model, nonparametric statistical inference about several populations, nonparametric independence tests, detection of causality). A new apparatus of mathematical statistics will be applied to mathematical models in metrology, linguistics, demography, and insurance mathematics. |
| ReSynCard – Personalized Optimisation of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in Heart Failure Based on Multiple Lead ECG Measurement | |
| Personalizovaná optimalizácia resynchronizačnej liečby srdcového zlyhávania na základe mnohozvodového merania EKG | |
| Program: | SRDA |
| Project ID: | APVV-19-0531 |
| Duration: | 1.7.2020 – 30.6.2023 |
| Project leader: | doc. Ing. Tyšler Milan, CSc. |
| Annotation: | Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is currently the most advanced therapeutic method for treatment of patients with failing heart. The essential criteria for patient indication for CRT are based on standard 12-lead ECG and echocardiographic measurements and include ECG pattern of left bundle branch block, prolongation of the QRS time interval, and left ventricular ejection fraction less than 35%. Despite most patients have a great benefit from the CRT, still 20-40% of patients do not profit from the therapy. On the other side, there is a considerable number of positive responders among patients not fulfilling the criteria. Therefore, there is a great effort to increase the success rate of the intervention and to find better criteria for its application. Current research shows that surface ECG maps recorded by a large number of electrodes, ECG imaging solving the inverse problem of electrocardiology and reconstructing the electrical activity of the heart, or combination of ECG imaging with computed tomography to identify structural damage of the myocardium have potential for more reliable detection of the electrical dyssynchrony and for suggesting optimal electrode placement and their timing. The main objective of the project is the research of methods for personalized optimization of the CRT therapy based on multi-lead surface ECG measurement and their verification on simulated data and data from real patients. The partial aims include: • finding such body surface potential maps parameters that could serve as suitable indicators of the electrical dyssynchrony of ventricles, • design of an inverse method for noninvasive localization of the latest activated areas in the ventricles and their use for placing the electrode in the left ventricle, • simulation of failing heart activation to understand the undergoing processes and their reflection in surface ECG signals, • development of a dedicated multi-lead ECG measuring system for personalized CRT optimization. |
| ETMP – Development and realisation of the standard of the static magnetic field based on a magnetic resonance | |
| Vývoj a realizácia etalónu statického magnetického poľa na báze magnetickej rezonancie | |
| Program: | SRDA |
| Project ID: | APVV-19-0032 |
| Duration: | 1.7.2020 – 30.6.2023 |
| Project leader: | Ing. Andris Peter, PhD. |
| Annotation: | The main aim of the present project is the design of advanced NMR measurement methods using the most advanced range of systems (with a low magnetic field 0.05, 0.2, Tesla) for the development and implementation of standard static magnetic field on a magnetic resonance. This standard would be the basic calibration device fortesting and calibration of the equipments that measure or generate magnetic field.The use of it would be in the Slovak Republic.Orientation research on:- theoretical and experimental research methods for the measurement and mapping of static magnetic fields,- standardizing the measurement metrology protocols,- mapping the intensity of the vibrations generated by the measuring system and modeling of their layouts fordifferent measuring MRI sequences,- spectral analysis of disturbing signals, identification of dominant frequencies and evaluation of their effects on the accuracy and stability of the magnetic standard. |
| Project website: | https://www.um.sav.sk/veda-a-vyskum/projekty/?project_type=national&age=live&program_name=9a6ff488&solver=all |
| Doktogrant: Two-Step Inverse Solution in Electrocardiography using a Single Dipole Model of the Cardiac Electric Generator | |
| Doktogrant: Two-Step Inverse Solution in Electrocardiography using a Single Dipole Model of the Cardiac Electric Generator | |
| Program: | DoktoGrant |
| Project ID: | APP0323 |
| Duration: | 1.1.2022 – 31.12.2022 |
| Project leader: | Ing. Ondrušová Beáta, PhD. |
| Magnetic resonance imaging methods for medical diagnostics and material research. | |
| Zobrazovacie metódy na báze magnetickej rezonancie pre medicínsku diagnostiku a materiálový výskum. | |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project ID: | 2/0003/20 |
| Duration: | 1.1.2020 – 31.12.2022 |
| Project leader: | Ing. Andris Peter, PhD. |
| Annotation: | Measurement, imaging and mapping of specific physical quantities of organic and synthetic materials and objects in the field of material and biomedical research development. Experimental and theoretical basic research on selected NMR-based imaging methods. The research will include methods for measuring and mapping the properties of specific physical quantities of organic and synthetic materials and objects. Research on the properties of weak magnetic nonliquids as part of contrast agents, thin magnetic layers. Study and selection of appropriate imaging methods with reference to biological and non-biological materials in magnetic fields 0.1, 0.2, 3.0, 4.7, 7.0 and 12.0 Tesla. Comparative imaging methods. Research on relaxation and dynamic mechanisms of action on liquid protons in magnetic resonance imaging. Methods of displaying cartilage and menisci – diagnosis of damage to connective tissues. |
| Project website: | https://www.um.sav.sk/veda-a-vyskum/projekty/?project_type=national&age=live&program_name=03bb4ce8&solver=all |
| DIMPP – Development of innovative methods for primary metrology torque forces by force effects of the conventional standards | |
| Vývoj inovatívnych metód pre primárnu metrológiu momentu sily aplikáciou silových účinkov konvenčnej etalonáže | |
| Program: | SRDA |
| Project ID: | APVV-18-0066 |
| Duration: | 1.7.2019 – 30.6.2022 |
| Project leader: | Doc. RNDr. Witkovský Viktor, CSc. |
| Annotation: | Torque is one of the main indicators for testing, respectively. testing a wide range of rotating machines and equipment. Measurements in the area over the last decades show a growing trend in terms of both quantity and quality requirements. This factor is also contributing to the growth of the automotive industry in Slovakia. Measuring momentum is inherently related to metrological continuity and the development of both industrial and secondary metrology. At present, however, the SR does not have a laboratory which, with its technical equipment and metrological quality, represents the highest level of primary metrology. The momentary force calibration laboratories in the SR are forced to look for sources of metrological continuity abroad. The aim of the project is therefore to lay the foundations of primary momentum metrology. |
| Analysis of multivariate time series and its application to research of functional connectivity in the brain | |
| Analýza viacrozmerných časových radov a jej aplikácie na výskum funkčných prepojení v mozgu | |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project ID: | VEGA 2/0081/19 |
| Duration: | 1.1.2019 – 31.12.2021 |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Krakovská Anna, CSc. |
| Annotation: | The project is focused on the analysis of complex experimental time series. Applications will mainly concern the multi-channel electroencephalographic (EEG) signals measured from the human brain. We will be interested in functional connectivity between brain regions. The time series will not be examined in isolation, but as one of the manifestations of a complex system or subsystem. The analysis of simultaneously measured signals should help trace areas in the brain that are relatively independent or synchronized or causally affected by each other. Our focus will be on brain functional state changes during experiments focused on monitoring selected cognitive processes. We will also deal with the hypothesis of self-organized, scale-free, fractal processes in brain functioning. In terms of methodology, we would like to contribute to the development of multivariate causal methods, algorithms for multidimensional statistical analysis, and machine learning methods for the processing and analysis of EEG signals. |
| Measurement and modeling of the cardiac electrical field for noninvasive identification and interpretation of structural changes of the ventricular myocardium leading to ventricular arrhythmias | |
| Meranie a modelovanie elektrického poľa srdca na neinvazívnu identifikáciu a interpretáciu štrukturálnych zmien komorového myokardu vedúcich k ventrikulárnym arytmiám | |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project ID: | 2/0125/19 |
| Duration: | 1.1.2019 – 31.12.2021 |
| Project leader: | Ing. Švehlíková Jana, PhD. |
| Annotation: | The project is focused on the research of the measuring methods and processing of the electrical manifestation of the heart activity with the aim to diagnose myocardial structural changes or origins of the ventricular arrhythmias noninvasively. The main goal is a robust inverse solution for noninvasive localization and characterization of the origin of premature ventricular complexes and obtaining relevant medical information for radiofrequency ablation therapy. One part of the solution will be the methods for pathological heart activation modeling and computation of the potentials on the individual torso surface. The selection of an electrical generator model, heart activation process, and electrical parameters of the anisotropic torso allow optimization of the forward and inverse solution. To achieve the goals, advanced methods for ECG signals variability analysis as well as parallel computational methods will be proposed. A concept of ECG measuring system with a wireless data transfer will be developed. |
| Origin of amniotes: identification of key structures of the most-basal amniotes using computed microtomography | |
| Pôvod amniótov: identifikácia kľúčových štruktúr najbazálnejších amniótov využitím počítačovej mikrotomografie | |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project ID: | 1/0228/19 |
| Duration: | 1.1.2019 – 31.12.2021 |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Hain Miroslav, PhD. |
| Annotation: | Our knowledge of the skeletal structures, on the basis of which it is possible to identify the most-basal amniotes,will be focused on the study: 1) of stem amniotes having an amphibian reproductive strategy, and 2) of the basalamniotes with the terrestrial reproductive strategy. Besides this, the investigation will be focused on theParmo-Carboniferous group Diadectomorpha, the members of which play a key role as for the origin of amniotes.The first aim of the project is the knowledge of morphological transformations of the neurocranial structuresduring the evolutionary transition of tetrapods with amphibian reproductive strategy (Anamnia, the reproductiondepending on external water) to tetrapods with reproduction not more depending on external water (Amniota, theyleg the amniotic eggs on the land).The second aim is to evaluate all gained morphological data in the phylogenetic analysis to resolve therelationships of the investigated taxa at the transition stem amniotes – basal crown amniotes. |
| Development of experimental platform and analytical tools for measurement of low frequency electromagnetic field effects on biological systems | |
| Vývoj experimentálnej platformy a nástrojov analýzy na meranie účinkov nízkofrekvenčných elektromagnetických polí na biologické systémy | |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project ID: | 2/0157/19 |
| Duration: | 1.1.2019 – 31.12.2021 |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Teplan Michal, PhD. |
| Annotation: | The aim of the project is to develop measurement methods and analysis tools for identification of the effects of weak low frequency (LF) electromagnetic (EM) fields on selected biological systems. The main objective is the development of an automated experimental platform comprising multiple measurement stations, allowing monitoring and subsequent characterization of cell cultures. Main detection approaches include methods of impedance spectroscopy, turbidimetry, and optical microscopy. A complex hardware-software system will allow efficient scanning of frequencies and amplitudes of EM fields in order to identify parameters that lead to a specific response in the examined biosystems. Morphology and cell kinetics will be investigated by computer image analysis obtained from video-microscopy. The results will be analyzed for their possible applications in emergent problems of contemporary society. |
| ECoReMiR – Enhancing cognition and motor rehabilitation using mixed reality | |
| Vylepšovanie kognície a motorickej rehabilitácie s využitím zmiešanej reality | |
| Program: | SRDA |
| Project ID: | APVV-16-0202 |
| Duration: | 1.7.2017 – 30.6.2021 |
| Project leader: | Ing. Mgr. Rosipal Roman, DrSc. |
| Annotation: | Technological advancements based on mixed reality (MR) offer various challenges for research and medicaltreatment. The project focuses on two objectives related to healthy subjects and hemiparetic patients after stroke. First, we will test the hypothesis whether cognitive training using appropriately designed MR environment will enhance perceptual and cognitive performance in healthy subjects. This will be tested by computerized psychological experiments as well as by measuring event-related potentials or ERPs. Second, we will test the hypothesis whether experience with training in MR (in combination with motor-imagery based brain-computer interface developed by us) will enhance oscillatory sensory-motor rhythms. This will be tested by measuring subject’s EEG activity before and after each training session, clinical testing, as well as by the questionnaires aiming to learn about human factors including mental fatigue, motivation, irritation or sleepiness due to training. In both objectives, we will design and implement a set of testing procedures, carry out a battery of dedicatedexperiments, and critically evaluate the results with the goal to validate MR designs. |
| RIDD – Research of magnetic forms of iron in development of cardiovascular diseases and behavioural disorders | |
| Výskum magnetických foriem železa v rozvoji kardiovaskulárnych chorôb a porúch správania | |
| Program: | SRDA |
| Project ID: | APVV-16-0263 |
| Duration: | 1.7.2017 – 30.6.2021 |
| Project leader: | Ing. Maňka Ján, CSc. |
| Annotation: | This project proposal is focused on the investigation of the role of iron in development of cardiovascular and behavioural disorders, prevalence of which is increasing during aging. The aim of this project is to investigate the impact of aging on the metabolism of biogenic iron and its magnetic properties in association with metabolic and functional alterations in the cardiovascular system and brain in rats with various genetic predispositions to hypertension. We will determine the molecular biological changes on the level of gene expression, their encoded proteins and the activities of the enzymes involved in the endogenous antioxidant protection, the regulation of nitric oxide production and cell death due to ferroptosis in course of aging. We will also investigate the impact of exogenously administered iron in the form of the biocompatible ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (USPIONs) on blood pressure regulation and function of the heart and blood vessels in conditions of normotension, chronically increased blood pressure and acute stress (i.e. acutely elevated blood pressure). Results achieved in this project will contribute to better understanding of the effects of the altered iron metabolism, magnetic forms of bodily iron, as well as iron in the form of USPIONs, on the cardiovascular and central nervous systems and to prevention of cardiovascular risk resulting from the use of USPIONs in targeted drug delivery or as the contrast materials for new imaging methods in medicine. |
| Project website: | http://www.bionanoiron.sav.sk/ |
| Morfology of fossil lizards using micro-computed tomography, their phylogeny, paleobiogeography – migrations and faunal changes during the climatic changes of Cenozoic | |
| Morfológia fosílnych jašterov s použitím zobrazovacích techník počítačovej mikrotomografie, ich fylogenetické vzťahy, paleobiogeografia – migrácie a zmeny spoločenstiev odrážajuce postupné klimatické zmeny kenozoika | |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project ID: | 1/0209/18 |
| Duration: | 1.1.2018 – 31.12.2020 |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Hain Miroslav, PhD. |
| Annotation: | Project deals with new, in most cases complete finds of lizards from the Cenozoic, which is a period characterized by marked global climate changes. The aim is the anatomical research of fossil and modern animals using micro-CT. |
| New statistical methods for special families of probability distributions and their applications | |
| Nové štatistické metódy pre špeciálne triedy rozdelení pravdepodobnosti a ich aplikácie | |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project ID: | 2/0054/18 |
| Duration: | 1.1.2018 – 31.12.2020 |
| Project leader: | Doc. RNDr. Witkovský Viktor, CSc. |
| Annotation: | The project analyzes special classes of probability distributions. New statistical methods for distributions from these classes are suggested and theoretically characterized, namely, parameter estimations, goodness of fit tests, and parametric and non-parametric statistical inference. This statistical apparatus is then applied to specific problems in metrology, insurance and financial mathematics, linguistics and demography. As a part of the project, computational methods and algorithms are constructed for these statistical procedures. |
| METSTAT – Advanced statistical and computational methods for measurement and metrology | |
| Pokročilé štatistické a výpočtové metódy pre meranie a metrológiu | |
| Program: | SRDA |
| Project ID: | APVV-15-0295 |
| Duration: | 1.7.2016 – 31.12.2020 |
| Project leader: | Doc. RNDr. Witkovský Viktor, CSc. |
| Annotation: | The aim of the project is to develop mathematical and statistical methods and algorithms for evaluation of the measurement results with emphasis on the development of models and methods for multivariate calibration of measuring devices and methods and algorithms for determining the uncertainties in measurement by deriving the exact resp. approximate probability distributions of the measurement results. Research will focus primarily onthe following areas: • Theoretical research on mathematical and statistical models and methods for multivariate calibration;• Development of calibration theory of the sensors and transducers, uncertainty determination in calibration ofsensor under the normally distributed measurement errors as well as under the alternative probability distributions of measurement errors, development of procedures for calibration and measurement evaluation useful in laboratory work, evaluation of sensor calibration in the thermal and mechanical quantities withcontinuous scale (pressure transmitter, thermocouple temperature sensors , resistance thermometers, etc.), and determination of the calibration values of the physico-chemical parameters by using the certified reference materials; • Development of methods and algorithms to determine the exact resp. approximate probability distribution of measurement results by combining and inverting the characteristic functions of the probability distributions of theinput variables and characterizing uncertainty in metrology.The application of the mathematical, statistical, and computational methods for the measurement science and metrology is high on the agenda, with a significant impact on the international scientific as well as industrial cooperation and economic growth in developed countries. It is in good agreement with the intentions of the strategy for research and development, approved by the Slovak government (SK RIS3). |
| Effect of ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles on the cardiovascular system of rats with high blood pressure | |
| Vplyv ultra malých superparamagnetických nanočastíc železa na kardiovaskulárny systém potkana v podmienkach vysokého krvného tlaku | |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project ID: | 2/0160/17 |
| Duration: | 1.1.2017 – 31.12.2020 |
| Project leader: | Ing. Maňka Ján, CSc. |
| Annotation: | This project will investigate the effect of ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (USPIONs) on function and structure of the arterial wall and the heart in rats with high blood pressure. We will investigate if acute stress and chronic high blood pressure can facilitate the USPIONs uptake in the arterial wall and heart, to modify cardiovascular function, including blood pressure regulation and to induce metabolic disorders, oxidative damage and alterations of the Fe2+/Fe3+ ratio in the heart and vasculature. We will investigate if L-type of voltage-dependent calcium channels is involved in iron uptake after USPIONs treatment. Results achieved in this project will contribute to better understanding of USPIONs effects on the cardiovascular system in conditions of acute stress and high blood pressure as well as on prevention of cardiovascular risk resulting from the use of USPIONs in targeted drug delivery. |
| Research on possibilities and development of SQUID magnetometry for selected applications in biomedicine and material research | |
| Výskum možností a rozvoj SQUID magnetometrie pre vybrané aplikácie v biomedicíne a materiálovom výskume | |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project ID: | 2/0164/17 |
| Duration: | 1.1.2017 – 31.12.2020 |
| Project leader: | Ing. Maňka Ján, CSc. |
| Annotation: | Project has an interdisciplinary character.The aim is to show the possibilities of use of the SQUID magnetometry in study of the actual processes in medicine, biology and material research: -in analysis of the properties and magnetic characterization of the nanoparticles and nanoliquids, especially ultra-small superparamagnetic nanoparticles based on iron oxides (USPIONs) -in investigation of the influence of the USPIONs on the function and structure of the blood vessels and heart, on development of the oxidative damage and in study of processes of the USPIONs transport through cell membranes, blood vessels and organs of rats with normal and high blood pressure -in development of the procedures and methods of quantification of the magnetic substances content in the human and animal cell cultures and organs – in study and development of the aluminate glasses with photoluminescence properties – in development of new 2D materials, MXenes, exfoliated transition metal carbides and carbonitrides |
| Measuring and imaging methods based on magnetic resonance for material and biomedical research | |
| Meracie a zobrazovacie metódy na báze magnetickej rezonancie pre materiálový a biomedicínsky výskum | |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project ID: | 2/0001/17 |
| Duration: | 1.1.2017 – 31.12.2019 |
| Project leader: | Ing. Andris Peter, PhD. |
| Annotation: | Measurement, imaging and mapping of specific physical quantities, organic and synthetic materials and objects in the field of development of material a biomedical research. Basic research of selected imaging method based on NMR. The object of the research will be methods of measurement and mapping of specific properties of physical quantities and chemical composition of organic and synthetic materials and objects. Research of soft-magentic nanoliquids properties as a part of contrast materials, thin magnetic layer. Study and selection of appropriate imaging method with orientation on biological and non-biological materials at magnetic fields 0.1 T, 0.2 T, 3.0 T, 4.7 and 7.0 Tesla.Comparative imaging methods, detection of the iron in organism, magnetic properties of iron complexes.Research of relaxation mechanism of influencing of biogenic iron complexes on the water proton using magnetic resonance imaging. Relaxation model as a basis for quantitatively imaging of biological iron complexes. |
| FYZKUL – Physical non-destructive methods for complex testing and analysis of cultural heritage artefacts. | |
| Fyzikálne nedeštruktívne metódy pre komplexné testovanie a analýzu artefaktov kultúrneho dedičstva. | |
| Program: | SRDA |
| Project ID: | APVV-14-0719 |
| Duration: | 1.7.2015 – 30.6.2019 |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Hain Miroslav, PhD. |
| Annotation: | The project deals with the use of the state of the art non-destructive physical methods and devices for analyzing and testing of objects of tangible cultural heritage. Among the comprehensive research methods the X-ray microtomography, X-ray microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry, ultraviolet fluorescence, infrared reflectography, FTIR spectroscopy, UV, VIS, NIR spectroscopy and active infrared thermography will be used. The project aims to achieve a synergistic effect when information about the artefact derived from different physical measurement methods and subsequently processed and evaluated together will provide qualitatively new comprehensive information on the historical artefact under study. |
| KompMag – Research of comparative imaging methods based on magnetic resonance for diagnostics of neurological and musculoskeletal diseases | |
| Výskum komparatívnych zobrazovacích metód na báze magnetickej rezonancie na diagnostiku neurologických a muskuloskeletálnych ochorení | |
| Program: | SRDA |
| Project ID: | APVV-15-0029 |
| Duration: | 1.7.2016 – 30.6.2019 |
| Project leader: | Prof. Ing. Frollo Ivan, DrSc. |
| Annotation: | Intense development of the imaging methods based on magnetic resonance using up-to-date technicalequipment – NMR tomographs gives extraordinary chance to the basic research aspects of this scientificorientation.Modern MR open scanners with ability to develop own sequences allow for wide basic research of imaging,measurement and mapping of the specific physical quantities and object for improvement of biomedical andmaterial research with clinical applications.The main goal of this project proposal will be the design of progressive comparative MRI imaging methods usingthe whole range of MRI scanners (0.1, 0.2, 4.7 to 7 Tesla) with special focus on:- theoretical and experimental investigation of scanning approaches measurement and mapping of specificphysical quantities of the organic and synthetic materials,- in-vivo an in-vitro imaging of ferritin at different MR scanners, sequence development, data processing andinvestigation of the ferritin influence on MR image. Imaging of the tissues (brain, liver) and protocolstandardization for imaging of ferritin in the clinical practice,- methods of cartilage and meniscus imaging – the early diagnostics of connective tissue depletion, relaxationtimes mapping for collagen structure assessment,- monitoring of particle deposition as drug carriers to target tissues in the form of superparamagnetic material.The investigation of the possible targeting using gradient magnetic fields,- investigation of artefacts with various sequences, testing of the spectral properties of vibrations and noisegenerated by gradients activity; development, application and testing algorithms for their effect compensation.Additionally, the add on value will be the non-invasive nature of all methods which will be beneficial for earlydiagnostics of pathological processes in medical research and also in clinical practice. |
| Project website: | http://www.um.sav.sk/sk/oddelenie-04/vyskum-komparativnych-zobrazovacich-metod-na-baze-magnetickej-rezonancie-na-diagnostiku-neurologickych-a-muskuloskeletalnych-och.html |
| Analysis of causal relationships in complex systems with an emphasis on biomedical applications | |
| Analýza kauzálnych vzťahov v zložitých systémoch s dôrazom na biomedicínske aplikácie | |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project ID: | VEGA 2/0011/16 |
| Duration: | 1.1.2016 – 31.12.2018 |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Krakovská Anna, CSc. |
| Annotation: | The project is focused on the analysis of causal relationships in complex systems, with particular applications in the field of biomedicine. Its main task is to verify the practical applicability of recently proposed methods, and to propose new algorithms to detect the presence and direction of the causal links (in the sense of Granger\’sdefinition). Existing, often fundamentally different approaches to detect causality will be analysed, tested on computer-generated systems and modified. The resulting methodology will be used for the analysis of real systems. The main application area is functional brain connectivity, detected in different contexts from EEG signals and their inverse cortical mapping. Applications will also concern other types of physiological signals and experimental time series. |
| Measurement of biological response to weak low-frequency electromagnetic fields | |
| Meranie biologickej odozvy slabých nízkofrekvenčných elektromagnetických polí | |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project ID: | 2/0138/16 |
| Duration: | 1.1.2016 – 31.12.2018 |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Teplan Michal, PhD. |
| Annotation: | Research topic is based on the perspective of electromagnetic (EM) principles of living system operation. Theoverall objective of the research is to expand knowledge of the impact of weak external low frequency EM fieldson functioning of selected biological objects. The main aim of the research is to design a new experimentalapproach enabling efficient scanning through EM fields parameters, while searching for specific resonanceresponse of investigated biosystem. Methods based on the impedance spectroscopy will be developed in order todetermine the response in a form of shifted growth rate of cell cultures in an aqueous medium. The morphologyand kinetics of the cells will be studied by image analysis obtained from a video-microscopy. The results will beanalyzed for their possible applications in emergent problems of contemporary society. |
| Modeling of cardiac electrical field for the study of manifestation of funtional and structural changes in myocardium in measured ECG signals | |
| Modelovanie elektrického poľa srdca na výskum prejavov funkčných a štrukturálnych zmien myokardu v meraných EKG signáloch | |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project ID: | 2/0071/16 |
| Duration: | 1.1.2016 – 31.12.2018 |
| Project leader: | Ing. Švehlíková Jana, PhD. |
| Annotation: | The aim of the project is to gain new knowledge about the relation between the electrical activation of the ventricular myocardium and the surface electrocardiogram that can be obtained by a multichannel measurement. The results will be a part of the evidence being prepared by the International Working Group on ECG Diagnostics of the Left Ventricular Hypertrophy for principal change of the diagnostic paradigm.The model of heart ventricles created in previous VEGA projects will be extended and possibilities to change the velocity of propagation of the activation wavefront and the model geometry, and anisotropic properties of the activation wavefront propagation will be added.The model will be implemented in software with graphical user interface. Besides its usage in the research of the impact of changes in the myocardium on the measured ECG signals, it will be available also as a didactic tool. The model will be used also in inverse problem solution using dipole generators or probabilistic models. |
| LoRyCard – Noninvasive localization of ectopic arrhythmias of heart ventricles using ECG mapping and its use for causal therapy | |
| Neinvazívna lokalizácia ektopických arytmií srdcových komôr pomocou EKG mapovania a jej využitie pre účely kauzálnej liečby | |
| Program: | SRDA |
| Project ID: | APVV-14-0875 |
| Duration: | 1.7.2015 – 30.6.2018 |
| Project leader: | doc. Ing. Tyšler Milan, CSc. |
| Annotation: | Ventricular arrhythmias caused by conduction disturbances or structural changes in the myocardium are one of the causes that can lead to decreased pumping function and symptoms of failing heart. If the pharmacological treatment does not lead to desired effect, currently the second option is a therapeutic intervention based on application of an stimulating electrode or catheter ablation of the arrhythmogenic substrate. In both cases exact localization of the site of abnormal activation is necessary. In classic therapeutic practice, this place is searched during the intervention using an intracardial catheter under fluoroscopic control or by endocardial electroanatomic mapping.With increasing accessibility of tomographic examinations, currently also techniques how to determine the site of intervention noninvasively before the treatment are searched. Methods of so called electrocardiographic imaging seem promising that combine data from surface ECG measurement with tomographic data and use a mathematical model to reconstruct the myocardium activation sequence. General solution of this problem currently does not exist but successful localizations in specific pathological cases were published.The main objective of the submitted project is design, optimization and verification of a measuring method for noninvasive localization of one or two small areas with abnormal ventricular activation. The method is based on multichannel measurement of surface ECG and an individual 3D model of the patient chest obtained from tomographic imaging. In contrast to other published methods, the calculation of the site of the pathological substrate is based on a mathematical model of the electrical field generated by one or two local sources in the heart. The proposed method seems enough accurate and robust for the given goal. Noninvasive localization of the of the target area enables better intervention planning, shortening of the intervention time and decrease of the patient load. |
| Discrete and continuous probabilistic models and their applications | |
| Diskrétne a spojité pravdepodobnostné modely a ich aplikácie | |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project ID: | VEGA 2/0047/15 |
| Duration: | 1.1.2015 – 31.12.2017 |
| Project leader: | Doc. RNDr. Witkovský Viktor, CSc. |
| Annotation: | The project examines properties of discrete and continuous distributions, focusing on the following three objectives:(i) theoretical analysis of properties of discrete and continuous distributions; investigation of links between the probability distributions; creation of distribution families; development of new algorithms for random number generators for non-standard discrete and continuous distributions;(ii) development of a pilot version of R toolbox for statistical goodness-of-fit testing for selected discrete and continuous distributions; creating a pilot version of the "Internet Encyclopedia" of discrete and continuous distributions;(iii) applications of discrete and continuous distributions to mathematical modeling in metrology, linguistics, insurance and demographics. |
| Transparent polycrystalline ceramic materials with submicron microstructure and luminescent properties | |
| Transparentné polykryštalické keramické materiály so submikrónovou mikroštruktúrou a luminiscenčnými vlastnosťami | |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project ID: | 2/0026/17 |
| Duration: | 1.1.2017 – 31.12.2017 |
| Project leader: | Ing. Majerová Melinda, PhD. |
| Annotation: | Transparent polycrystalline ceramic materials with luminescent properties represent a substitute for single crystals for solid lasey and scintillators due to better mechanical properties and lower price. To achieve transparency in the visible area, it is necessary to prepare a polycrystalline material with completely eliminated porosity. In order to achieve good mechanical properties, especially strength and hardness, which also lead to increased resistance to thermal shocks, it is necessary to prepare materials with fine-grained, ideally submicron microstructure. This is in contrast to the requirement to remove pores requiring the use of high temperatures and long sintering times. The project is focused on the study of fundamental aspects of sintering of materials with cubic crystal lattice, especially yttrium aluminum garnet doped with optically activeadditives and the optimization of its preparation parameters in order to prepare transparent materials with luminescent properties and exceptional mechanical properties. |
| Supporting of a top laboratory aimed at NMR research | |
| Zabezpečenie prevádzky prístrojového vybavenia pracoviska Národného Centra NMR. | |
| Program: | |
| Project ID: | 2003SP200280203 |
| Duration: | 1.9.2013 – 31.12.2017 |
| Project leader: | Prof. Ing. Frollo Ivan, DrSc. |
| Annotation: | Project of the National centre NMR (NC NMR) No. 2003SP200280203 2nd phase. Supporting of a top laboratory aimed at NMR research.The main task, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Slovak Republic, is to maintain the full functionality of NC NMR, ensure further human resource development and increase the operability level of NC NMR so that the quality of built instrument and knowledge infrastructure and its functionality reach the European level. A permanent duty of NC NMR is also to ensure the education of students at all levels of higher education in the field of NMR and its applications, as well as education, enlightenment and promotion of achieved results and the possibility of using NMR methodologies for the wider professional and general public. |
| Project website: | www.nmr.sk |
| BCI-RAS – Brain- computer interface with robot- assisted training for rehabilitation | |
| Rozhranie mozog- počítač s adaptívnym robotickým ramenom na rehabilitáciu | |
| Program: | SRDA |
| Project ID: | APVV-0668-12 |
| Duration: | 1.10.2013 – 30.9.2017 |
| Project leader: | Ing. Mgr. Rosipal Roman, DrSc. |
| Annotation: | We will apply advanced tools and methods of applied informatics to design and develop an intelligent system that will allow users to undergo the process of self-training of damaged motorways. We combine the brain-computer interface (BCI) technology with the robotic arm system into a compact system that can be used as a robot-assisted neurorehabilitation tool. BCI directly uses the brain\’s electrical activity signal to allow the user to control the environment without any muscle activity. However, in order to use BCI for neurorehabilitation, several critical aspects need to be addressed, ranging from signal acquisition and selecting the appropriate BCI paradigm to evaluating subjects\’ affective status, cognitive burden, and system acceptability by subjects. In the project we will pay attention to these aspects through new signal processing and machine learning algorithms, training protocols and intelligent methods for detecting and monitoring changes in the subject\’s physiological state that were recently developed by project research team members. We will use and test new BCI training protocols, including neural feedback training based on multidirectional EEG data analysis. Finally, we will test the system in clinical practice on selected patients with impaired motor pathways as a result of stroke as well as on healthy subjects. |
| Project website: | http://www.um.sav.sk/projects/BCI-RAS/ |
| Mechanism of uptake and trafficking of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles into human tumor and normal (diploid) cells | |
| Mechanizmus transportu magnetických nanočastíc oxidu železa do ľudských nádorových a normálnych (diploidných) buniek | |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project ID: | VEGA 2/0143/13 |
| Duration: | 1.1.2013 – 31.12.2016 |
| Project leader: | Ing. Maňka Ján, CSc. |
| Annotation: | Magnetite nanoparticles are biocompatible and physiologically well tolerated therefore they are promising nanovectors for targeted delivery. Moreover, the superparamagnetic properties of MNPs are eligible for delivery of the drug-loaded MNPs in the target site via an external magnetic field. Delivery of drug into the cytosol of cellsis essential for targeted therapy. A critical barrier in this process is the cytoplasmatic membrane. The nutrient uptake and intracellular communication is selectively regulated via specific pathways of endocytosis. The sameroutes of entry into cells utilize also MNPs. The process of endocytosis affects the physic-chemical properties of MNPs (particle size, coating, particle charge) and the origin of cells (endothelial cells, fibroblasts). The study ofmechanism(s) of MNPs uptake into cells and factors which influence this process is crucial for development adequate nanocarriers for targeted delivery. The use of various molecular, genetic, biological and analytical techniques. |
| New acoustical horns in sonochemistry | |
| Nové akustické žiariče v sonochémii | |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project ID: | 2/0092/14 |
| Duration: | 1.1.2014 – 31.12.2016 |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Hornišová Klára, PhD. |
| Annotation: | Calculations and constructions of new ultrasonic horn with high vibration amplitude, suitable to obtain uniquesonochemical conditions in a large cavitation volume. Sonochemical synthesis of oxide species such asalpha-Al2O3, TiO2, from their water-soluble precursors. |
| Development of SQUID Gradiometric and Susceptometric Methods for Iron Homeostasis Related | |
| Rozvoj SQUID gradiometrických a susceptometrických metód pre bioaplikácie spojené s homeostázou železa | |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project ID: | VEGA 2/0152/13 |
| Duration: | 1.1.2013 – 31.12.2016 |
| Project leader: | Ing. Maňka Ján, CSc. |
| Annotation: | Design and optimalization of SQUID gradiometric and susceptometric measuring methods and devices for detection and localization of the cancer tissue and for study of processes related to a disturbed iron regulation in cardiovascular and tumour diseases.Gaining a new knowledge of iron homeostasis processes and biomineralization in ferritin cores in above given diseases.Design of a tumour diagnostics method using SQUID gradiometric systems based on measurements of themagnetic moment and susceptibility of the measured samples and models of organs. Determination of the limit sensitivity of the measuring system and definition of factors affecting the diagnostic interpretation.Gaining a new knowledge of interactions of magnetic nanoparticles with biological solutions and of their behaviour after uptake into cells. |
| Effects of sleep disturbances on day-time neurocognitive performance in patients with stroke | |
| Zmeny architektúry spánku u pacientov s ložiskovou ischémiou mozgu a ich vplyv na kognitívne funkcie | |
| Program: | Other projects |
| Project ID: | MZ 2012/56-SAV-6 |
| Duration: | 2.7.2013 – 31.12.2016 |
| Project leader: | Ing. Mgr. Rosipal Roman, DrSc. |
| Annotation: | Lack of sleep, whether due to illness or lifestyle, acute or chronic, is a significant risk factor for cognitive performance during the day, excessive sleepiness, attention deficit disorder or impaired motor skills. Sleep deprivation is closely related to the fragmentation of sleep. Although limited studies of partial sleep deprivation and sleep fragmentation have revealed important indications leading to cognitive disorders, the challenge remains of the typical good quality architecture of sleep. To enrich the results, we want to explore and evaluate a new continuous probabilistic sleep model. In tests on healthy people, we have shown that the model contains significantly more objective information about external sleep quality measures than traditional sleep status assessments. Patients with specific brain lesions will be examined. Patients with brain lesions are known to be prone to sleep disorders, which often lead to disturbances in daily performance and attention. We assume that the project will bring not only new academic results, but also important clinical knowledge. |
| Imaging and mapping of organic and synthetic materials and objects using magnetic resonance imaging methods | |
| Zobrazovanie a mapovanie organických a syntetických materiálov a objektov metódami magnetickej rezonancie. | |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project ID: | VEGA 2/0013/14 |
| Duration: | 1.1.2014 – 31.12.2016 |
| Project leader: | Prof. Ing. Frollo Ivan, DrSc. |
| Annotation: | The basic research of selected imaging techniques based on NMR – imaging, measurement and mappingspecific physical quantities of organic and synthetic materials and objects:1. Theoretical and experimental study of measurement and mapping techniques of specific physical qualities of organic and synthetic materials and objects.2. Detection of iron homeostasis in organism, magnetic qualities of ferric complexes.3. Monitoring process of ripening the cartilage of human limbs in the period following the transplantation of cartilage. Algorithms for processing the relaxation times in Achilles tendon.4. Imaging the phosphocreatine re-synthesis after burden, using the MRI and MRSI.5. Study of spectral features of vibrations in MR scanner, development of algorithm for suppression.6. Theoretical models of movement dynamics of spherical drops of aerosol made of magnetic nanoparticles of lungs alveoli. |
| Project website: | http://www.um.sav.sk/sk/oddelenie-04/zobrazovanie-a-mapovanie-organickych-a-syntetickych-materialov-a-objektov-metodami-magnetickej-rezona-2.html |
| FerroQuant – Development of a diagnostic tool for quantitative MRI imaging of biogenic iron in clinical practice | |
| Vývoj diagnostického nástroja pre kvantitatívne MRI zobrazovanie biogénneho železa v klinickej praxi | |
| Program: | SRDA |
| Project ID: | APVV-0431-12 |
| Duration: | 1.10.2013 – 30.9.2016 |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Štrbák Oliver, PhD. |
| Annotation: | Recently biogenic nanoparticles of magnetite have been discovered in human brain tissue. Shortly thereafter, the increased concentration of these particles was related to neurodegenerative processes in the brain. The precursor of these particles is ferritin as a result of disturbed iron homeostasis. Increased concentration of ferritin in the tissue may also lead to so-called iron-overloaded complications such as diabetes, cirrhosis and heart disease. In order to set up appropriate therapy, it is inevitable to have a diagnostic tool capable of recognizing the early stages of these pathological processes. We do not currently see such a diagnostic tool anywhere in the world in clinical practice. Since iron atoms, present both in ferritin and magnetite, strongly affect the MRI signal at low concentrations, this diagnostic method is an ideal candidate for diagnosing diseases associated with biogenic iron. Our goal is therefore to create a methodology and software tool for non-invasive quantification of biogenic iron from MRI data. Such a diagnostic tool will find application in the clinical diagnosis of early stages of diseases associated with impaired iron homeostasis.The aim of the project is to develop a comprehensive diagnostic tool (methodology and software package) for non-invasive and quantitative iron imaging using MRI methods. This diagnostic tool will be used by radiologists in clinical practice to provide early diagnosis of diseases that are associated with impaired iron homeostasis and are otherwise difficult or inaccurate to diagnose. These include neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer\’s, Parkinson\’s and Huntington\’s disease, but also liver cirrhosis. |
| Nanosenzor – Biodecorated composite magnetic nanoparticles: Preparation, collective properties and aplications | |
| Biodekorované kompozitné magnetické nanočastice: Príprava, kolektívne vlastnosti a ich aplikácie | |
| Program: | SRDA |
| Project ID: | APVV-0125-11 |
| Duration: | 1.7.2012 – 31.12.2015 |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Cigáň Alexander, CSc. |
| Annotation: | The projectis focused on the preparation of composite nanoparticles with different size, shape and morphology (spherical, corelshell) by miniemulsion polymerization of unsaturated monomers and the reduction of metal saltslcomplexes at higher temperatures The particle surface will be modified with functional bioligands which leads to the formation of water-soluble bioconjugates The project output will be also in development of nanosizeable biosensors with ordered composition the study of immobilizer mechanism of biomolecules to the composite and polymer matrix and biodecorated nanoparticles |
| FESMEPRIN – Physical and electrochemical behavior of mechanochemically prepared nanooxides | |
| Fyzikálne a elektrochemické správanie mechanochemicky pripravených nanooxidov | |
| Program: | SRDA |
| Project ID: | APVV-0528-11 |
| Duration: | 1.7.2012 – 31.12.2015 |
| Project leader: | Doc. Mgr. Billik Peter, PhD. |
| Annotation: | Mechanochemical methods will be used to prepare the far-from-equilibrium novel nanooxides, namely, stannates, titanates, germanates, silicates, and ferrites The studies of the early stages of the mechanically induced nucleation and growth of a new nonequilibrium product phase will provide access to the elucidation of the microscopic mechanism of the nonconventional mechanochemical preparation route It will be also of major importance to clarify the fundamental origin of the formation of the core-shell configuration in mechanosynthesized oxide nanoparticles Experimental studies of physical responses as well as a detailed insight into the short-range structure of the Sn-, Ti-, Ge-, Si-, and Fe-based nanomaterials will enable us to give a clear-cut explanation of the phenomena underlying their anomalous physical behaviour Additionally, the as-prepared nanooxides will be tested as anode materials for lithium-ion rechargeable batteries with the aim to establish the interplay between the local structure and the electrochemical performance of such interfacelsurface-controlled materials |
| Methods and systems for measurement, dispalying and evaluation of the cardiac electrical field at hypertension and hypertrophy | |
| Metódy a systémy na meranie, zobrazovanie a hodnotenie elektrického poľa srdca pri hypertenzii a hypertrofii | |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project ID: | 2/0131/13 |
| Duration: | 1.1.2013 – 31.12.2015 |
| Project leader: | doc. Ing. Tyšler Milan, CSc. |
| Annotation: | The aim of the project is research of methods for measurement and evaluation of the electrical field during heart remodeling at hypertension and hypertrophy by using multichannel measurement of potentials on the torso and modeling of difuse and localized changes of the electrical and structural characteristics of the myocardium. Methods based on models of cardiac electrical generators, inverse solutions and discriminant analysis that enable to distinguish difuse changes at hypertension from local changes caused by oclusion of coronary arteries will be proposed. Concept of a multichannel measuring system using active sensors, new communication technologies and parallel data processing that will be able to analyse and display diagnostically important information on the heart function in real time, will be proposed. The model-based approach will enable to evaluate how hypertension and hypertrophy contributes to the changed ECG pattern and heart function and to obtain suitable classificators for their assessment. |
| New advanced methods of measurement and non-destructive testing of materials: X-ray microtomography and active infrared thermography. | |
| Nové pokročilé metódy merania a nedeštruktívneho testovania materiálov – röntgenová mikrotomografia a aktívna infračervená termografia. | |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project ID: | VEGA 2/0126/13 |
| Duration: | 1.1.2013 – 31.12.2015 |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Hain Miroslav, PhD. |
| Annotation: | The project aims to the proposal of new methodologies of measurement and non-destructive testing, theoretical analysis and experimental verification of the measurement by X-ray microtomography and active infrared thermography. Priority will be given to the solution of specific challenges resulting from the use of these methods in measurement and non-destructive testing of hidden subsurface defects, inhomogeneities in materials andvisualisation of internal structures and microstructures of objects. It will be carried out a theoretical analysis of thermography and microtomography measurement systems, limits of these methods in terms of resolution and uncertainty of measurement will be analyzed, and calibration methods will be proposed. Specifically in the case ofX-ray microtomography sources of the artifacts in the measurement process will be identified and the uncertainty of measurement of internal structure and porosity of materials will be analyzed. |
| Grounded cognition paradigm, interaction between perception and action in the brain–computer interface | |
| Paradigma ukotvenej kognície, prepojenie percepcie a motoriky v rozhraní mozog- počítač | |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project ID: | VEGA 1/0503/13 |
| Duration: | 1.1.2013 – 31.12.2015 |
| Project leader: | Ing. Mgr. Rosipal Roman, DrSc. |
| Annotation: | The project aims to investigate the theoretical and empirical aspects of the human cognition in the context of interaction between perception and action. We pursue the grounded cognition perspective that links human cognitive abilities with the sensorimotor behavior and the underlying neural substrate that includes the mirror neuron system. We will improve our theory of graded action understanding, and will design and evaluate behavioral experiments to support it, focusing on self-executed, observed and imagined motor actions, measured by the mu rhythm suppression of the brain electrical activity (EEG) on the scalp. We will exploit motor imagery, known to elicit similar suppression effects, in designing and testing the adaptive brain–computer interface system and its optimization. We will also investigate the role of appropriately designed visual feedback during online sessions, leading to improved user performance. |
| Research into dynamical methods of biosignal analysis and bio-inspired pattern recognition | |
| Výskum dynamických metód analýzy biosignálov a biologicky inšpirovaného rozpoznávania vzorov | |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project ID: | VEGA 2/0043/13 |
| Duration: | 1.1.2013 – 31.12.2015 |
| Project leader: | Prof. RNDr. Ing. Bajla Ivan, PhD. |
| Annotation: | The project is oriented towards the methods for complex time series analysis that are inspired by the theory ofnonlinear dynamic systems, the research into biologically inspired hierarchical network models of patternrecognition, and the other complex network models. The main goals are: -optimization of the reconstruction of thedynamics of the underlying systems in multi-dimensional state space and design of novel algorithms of timeseries prediction and noise reduction, -extension of the biologically inspired network model of HTM (HierarchicalTemporal Memory), -study of interconnection of visual recognition with attention that will improve positional andscale invariances of pattern recognition. The methods will be applied to one- and multi-dimensional biosignalsand to other experimental data with recognizable deterministic features, as well as to clustering and recognition ofmulti-dimensional time series and gray-level visual scenes with objects in clutter environment. |
| KCMTE – Competence Center for New Materials, Advanced Technologies and Energy | |
| Kompetenčné centrum pre nové materiály, pokročilé technológie a energetiku | |
| Program: | EU Structural Funds Research & Development |
| Project ID: | ITMS 26240220073 |
| Duration: | 1.8.2011 – 30.11.2015 |
| Project leader: | Ing. Maňka Ján, CSc. |
| Annotation: | The strategic objective of the project is "Building an integrated competence center, linking the private and academic sectors, with the aim of supporting key industrial sectors of the Slovak Republic". Two specific objectives have been defined in relation to the strategic objective of the project.Specific objective 1: Building an integrated competence center based on academic and business cooperation.The first specific objective is to create a Competence Center, which will be an excellent example of cooperation between academic and corporate partners at the highest level.Specific objective 2: Research and development on new materials, advanced technologies and energy. The second pillar of the Competence Center is built directly on the research activities of the individual top research teams of the partners. The research will focus on three basic cross-cutting themes corresponding to the three activities of the specific objective. The themes contain several work packages, all of which are complementary to the overall scope of each theme: A. Energy. B. Materials. C. Electrical engineering. |
| Project website: | http://www.kcmte.stuba.sk |
| UVP Biomedicína – University Science Park for Biomedicine Bratislava | |
| Univerzitný vedecký park pre biomedicínu Bratislava | |
| Program: | EU Structural Funds Research & Development |
| Project ID: | ITMS 26240220087 |
| Duration: | 1.8.2013 – 31.7.2015 |
| Project leader: | doc. Ing. Tyšler Milan, CSc. |
| Annotation: | Construction of the University Science Park for Biomedicine, which will carry out excellent research and transfer of acquired knowledge into economic practice. |
| Project website: | http://www.biomed.sav.sk |
| New methods of mathematical statistics | |
| Nové metódy matematickej štatistiky | |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project ID: | 2/0038/12 |
| Duration: | 1.1.2012 – 31.12.2014 |
| Project leader: | Doc. RNDr. Rublík František, CSc. |
| Annotation: | The aim of the project is the construction and research of new methods of solving some of the current problems of mathematical statistics. In the field of regression models (mixed models, nonlinear models or models with parameterized covariance matrix), methods with generally applicable output will be developed as well as statistical methods aimed at application in measurement, experiment optimization or to solve some bio-statistical tasks. In addition to the procedures based on the classical assumption of Gaussian fluctuations, non-parametric methods not requiring this property will also be developed, especially when solving problems in location and location-scale models involving multi-dimensional random fluctuations. We also expect a contribution in the field of modern statistical methods in insurance, demography and linguistics. |
| STATGUM – Statistical methods for uncertainty analysis in metrology | |
| Štatistické metódy pre analýzu neistôt v metrológii | |
| Program: | SRDA |
| Project ID: | APVV-0096-10 |
| Duration: | 1.5.2011 – 31.10.2014 |
| Project leader: | Doc. RNDr. Witkovský Viktor, CSc. |
| Annotation: | Developed countries pay special attention to development of methods and analysis of measurement results. Measurements have a significant impact on economic growth (up to 7% of GDP is dedicated to various aspects of measurement and analysis of measurement results). Analysis of measurement uncertainty is an important part of data processing, which gives an answer to the question how to trust the result of measurement. This is one of the basic objectives of metrology. As estimation of unknown parameters and prediction of random variables is typically considered, the probability and mathematical-statistical methods are used for such analysis primarily. Their accuracy and appropriateness of use for specific situations in metrological practice should be verified theoretically as well as by computer simulations and real examples.Many new problems aimed at processing of measurement results, calibration of measuring instruments and devices, as well as problems connected with estimation of the value of the measured variable (measurand), arise in connection with wider spreading use of the analysis of measurement uncertainties. The expected results of the project include new knowledge in the theory of statistical methods for metrology, focusing primarily on new methods, models and algorithmic solutions for analysis and evaluation of calibration and interlaboratory comparisons. |
| CARDINFO – Measuring, communication and information systems for monitoring of the cardiovascular risk in hypertension patients | |
| Meracie, komunikačné a informačné systémy na monitorovanie kardiovaskulárneho rizika u pacientov s hypertenziou | |
| Program: | SRDA |
| Project ID: | APVV-0513-10 |
| Duration: | 1.5.2011 – 30.6.2014 |
| Project leader: | doc. Ing. Tyšler Milan, CSc. |
| Annotation: | Arterial hypertension is a cardiovascular disorder affecting 20-50 % of the adult population in developed countries and increases significantly with age after 50. It is also a risk factor for developing coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. The aim of the project is research of methods and development of electronic measuring, communication and information systems for monitoring hypertensive patients and evaluation of the functional state of their heart. The goal is to find characteristics enabling to distinguish hypertensive myocardium without coronary involvement from that with an atherosclerotic plate.Using a computer model, relations between hypertension, heart electrophysiology and measurable biosignals will be investigated. Results will be compared with examinations using HR body surface potential mapping and MR imaging of the heart functional state and perfusion. On this basis suitable parameters for monitoring of patients and classification of their cardiovascular risk will be selected.In agreement with the objectives of the eHealth Program in Slovakia in the field of telemedicine services, the monitoring will be based on the development of Wireless Body Sensor Networks (WBSN) and information systems for decision support of the healthcare personel (CDSS). Interconnection of these concepts enables diagnostics and therapy of cardiac patients. System integration of telemedicine services with electronic health record (EHR) forms the basis for automated creation of records for risk patients. |
| The added value of chemistry for the knowledge and development of i) novel autoclaved aereted concrete and ii) macrodefectfree (MDF) materials. | |
| Chémia ako „pridaná hodnota“ v poznávaní a vývoji i) pórobetónov novej generácie a ii) materiálov bez makrodefektov (MDF materiálov) | |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project ID: | VEGA 2/0020/11 |
| Duration: | 1.1.2011 – 31.12.2013 |
| Project leader: | Doc. Mgr. Billik Peter, PhD. |
| Annotation: | i) The project will in this part contribute to the knowledge of properties of autoclaved aereted concrete (AAC) fromthe modified raw mixes – fluid fly ash, the waste formed due to the technological changes of the combustionprocesses in coal power plants. The defining of phase changes due to changed raw mix compositions, togetherwith the effects of these upon the physio-mechanical properties of AAC, will represent a key contribution of theresearch towards a database of knowledge about these novel AAC.ii) MDF materials are accepted as one of the examples of high-tech usage of the potential of cements in thefuture. Our earlier knowledge will be completed by the verification and justification of the effect ofmechanochemical pre-treatment of raw mix upon the course of cross-linking interactions of functional groups ofpolymers with the surface of cement grains. This part of the project exerts a potential to increase both thereproducibility of syntheses and the moisture resistance of MDF materials. |
| Measuring and Imaging Methods Based on Magnetic Resonance for Material and Biomedical Research. | |
| Meracie a zobrazovacie metódy na báze magnetickej rezonancie pre materiálový a biomedicínsky výskum. | |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project ID: | 2/0090/11 |
| Duration: | 1.1.2011 – 31.12.2013 |
| Project leader: | Prof. Ing. Frollo Ivan, DrSc. |
| Annotation: | Basic research of imaging methods based on NMR, the measurement and imaging of various physical quantities in the range of micro- and nanostructures for biomedical and material research. The aims:1. The research of ferromagnetic nano-particles properties in liquid and gas dispersions for using as a contrast media in MR imaging2. The imaging methods of biological and non-biological materials. Investigation of contrast changes in MR images of extremities and oral cavity – functional diagnostics3. The investigation of magnetic susceptibility effects in MR micro-imaging, localization and quantification of iron oxide in tissues and non-biological materials4. The design and investigation of new sequences for MR imaging. Implementation of the sequences for imaging of tissues and materials with ultra-short echo times and the investigation of the methods which may provide higher contrast using saturation transfer. |
| Application of SQUID magnetometry and magnetic resonance in evaluation of efficiency of the gene therapy using magnetic nanoparticles | |
| Aplikácia SQUID magnetometrie a magnetickej rezonancie pri hodnotení účinnosti génovej terapie využívajúcej magnetické nanočastice | |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project ID: | 2/0160/10 |
| Duration: | 1.1.2010 – 31.12.2012 |
| Project leader: | Ing. Maňka Ján, CSc. |
| Annotation: | Use of contactless SQUID magnetometric methods and magnetic resonance in application and evaluation of impacts of the gene therapy with the help of covered magnetic nanoparticles in the specific kidney diseases. Optimalization of the covered nanoparticles regarding the biocompatibility, stability and the transport properties in order to enable their concentration (with coupled chemical) in the investigated organ by the magnetic focusation. Analysis of the efficiency of transfection of coupled gene into the cells by the detection of the red fluorescent protein in vivo at rats and by studying the structure and ultrastructure of the cells after the transfection in vitro. Design and realization of the magnetometric and MRI methods for detection of the concentration, transport, accumulation and clearing covered nanoparticles from the samples, models and the organs of trial animals. |
| CEKOMAT II – Creation of CE for research and development of construction composite materials for mechanical | |
| Budovanie CE na výskum a vývoj konštrukčných kompozitných materiálov – 2. etapa | |
| Program: | EU Structural Funds Research & Development |
| Project ID: | ITMS – 26240120020 |
| Duration: | 1.9.2010 – 31.12.2012 |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Hain Miroslav, PhD. |
| Annotation: | The aim of the project is to complete the Center of Excellence for research and development of structural composite materials for engineering, construction and medical applications. CEKOMAT brings together excellent research and development and educational institutions of the Bratislava region into a monothematic center focused on research and development of advanced composite materials intended for engineering, construction and medical applications, builds a modern research and development infrastructure of composite materials with emphasis on information and communication technologies international cooperation in research and development of composite materials, particularly in the European Research Area, is involved in educational activities and closely cooperates with the domestic economic sphere. |
| Project website: | http://www.cekomat.sav.sk |
| Methods and systems fot multichannel measurement and evaluation of bioelectric signals of heart and brain | |
| Metódy a systémy na mnohokanálové meranie a hodnotenie bioelektrických signálov srdca a mozgu | |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project ID: | 2/0210/10 |
| Duration: | 1.1.2010 – 31.12.2012 |
| Project leader: | doc. Ing. Tyšler Milan, CSc. |
| Annotation: | Multichannel measurements of bioelectric signals in defined points on the surface of an examined subject withknown spatial structure enable to obtain in noninvasive manner the information on the topology and mutualsynchronization of pathological sources that generate the signals. We shall propose methods based on inversesolutions, discriminant analysis and time-frequency analysis with the use of wavelet transform that will enable touse multichannel ECG measurements for early noninvasive identification of one or more ischemic regions in theheart and EEG measurements for diagnostics of selected neuropsychiatric diseases. Applicability of the methodswill be experimentally examined. Biomedical measuring systems with active sensors, novel technologies forwireless data transmission and multicore processors will be built. With the use of proposed methods, they will beable to process the data in real time and to identify and display diagnostically important information on the heartor brain function. |
| Advanced classification and prediction methods in biosignal analysis and biologically inspired computer vision | |
| Nové metódy klasifikácie a predikcie v analýze biosignálov a biologicky inšpirovanom počítačovom videní | |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project ID: | 2/0019/10 |
| Duration: | 1.1.2010 – 31.12.2012 |
| Project leader: | Prof. RNDr. Ing. Bajla Ivan, PhD. |
| Annotation: | The project is oriented towards exploration and applications of novel prediction methods of nonlinear dynamicsystems, biologically inspired hierarchical network models (HTM) with inherent temporal component, artificialneuronal networks and advanced mathematical statistics for analysis of time series (mainly biosignals), andobject recognition in visual scenes. Its key goals are: to explore dynamics of complex time series from variousexperimental domains and to propose original prediction algorithms, to explore the methods of computer visionbased on the new prediction-memory network model of HTM, to apply the developed algorithms to tasks of objectrecognition in complex visual scenes comprising moving and occluded objects and to prediction of one- andmulti-dimensional biological time series. |
| Progressive methods of measurement and nondestructive testing – active infrared thermography and X-ray | |
| Progresívne metódy merania a nedeštruktívneho testovania – aktívna infračervená termografia a röntgenová mikrotomografia | |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project ID: | 2/0101/10 |
| Duration: | 1.3.2010 – 31.12.2012 |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Ing. Bartl Ján, CSc. |
| Annotation: | The goal of the project is theoretical analysis and experimental verification of new methods of measurement and non-destructive testing – active infrared thermography and X-ray microtomography with focus to solving specificproblems arising from the use of both methods to measure and non-destructive test of hidden subsurface defectsand inhomogenities in materials. Theoretical analysis of measuring systems (noise, imaging and dynamicproperties) will be conducted. Limits of methods from the point of view of resolution and measurement uncertaintywill be determined, impact of object\’s emissivity to the uncertainty will be analysed. For optimisation of the activeinfrared thermography method the modelling of heat propagation in inhomogeneous objects with complex 3Dgeometry by finite element method will be conducted. In the experimental part of the project a pulse activethermographic system will be proposed and realised; standard for metrological calibration of X-raymicrotomograph will be developed. |
| Research and implementation of methods and systems for monitoring (measuring) tilt of reactor objects for completion of Mochovce NPP | |
| Výskum a realizácia metód a systémov na monitorovanie (meranie) náklonu objektov reaktorov pre dostavbu AE Mochovce | |
| Program: | Other projects |
| Duration: | 1.12.2009 – 31.12.2012 |
| Project leader: | Ing. Ondriš Ľubomír, CSc. |
| Annotation: | The project is aimed at solving the problem of measuring the inclination of nuclear reactors for Units 3 and 4 of Mochovce NPP. The aim of the project is research and implementation of methods and systems for long-term continuous measurement of inclination of reactor pressure vessels in nuclear power plants. Checking the inclination of reactor pressure vessels is one of the parameters that must be checked for safety during nuclear power plant operation. Since such measurements require a relatively high accuracy and long-term stability of the measurement systems, it is necessary to investigate both methods and their implementation in the form of automated measurement systems. The results of the solution will be used for completion of Units 3 and 4 in the Mochovce NPP. |
| CENTE II – Completion of the Center of Excellence for New Technologies in Electrical Engineering – II. phase | |
| Budovanie Centra excelentnosti pre nové technológie v elektrotechnike – II. etapa | |
| Program: | EU Structural Funds Research & Development |
| Project ID: | ITMS – 26240120019 |
| Duration: | 1.3.2010 – 29.2.2012 |
| Project leader: | Ing. Maňka Ján, CSc. |
| Annotation: | The strategic objective of the project is: “Increasing the potential for cutting-edge basic research of the Center of Excellence for New Technologies in Electrical Engineering and its contribution to society and practice”. The definition of the strategic objective of the submitted project is based on the basic fact, which is the effort for the second stage of building the Center of Excellence for new technologies in electrical engineering. The strategic objective of the submitted project is related to the global objective of the OP R&D in the following way:- the second phase of the center of excellence will enable the center to become one of the driving forces for the development of the region\’s BOD through research outputs;- will make a significant contribution to improving the technical infrastructure of high-tech research centers in the center in their priority research area,- it will also significantly improve the conditions for the education and training of a new generation of researchers as well as highly qualified workers for high-tech industries linked to electrical research;- by improving cooperation with practice, it will contribute to increasing the competitiveness of the region, creating new jobs and improving the quality of human potential,- through the completion of the Center of Excellence, create favorable conditions for the immediate cooperation of research with social and economic practice, thus enabling the effective transfer of scientific knowledge into practice,- significantly improve and facilitate ongoing research, either for practice or for ongoing international projects, as outlined in the relevant sections of the present project description,- facilitate the preparation and implementation of new research projects, both within the framework of domestic grant schemes and projects of an international nature,- Enable the entry of the Center of Excellence research teams into international networks and increase their competitiveness in competing for the resources of the 7th EU Framework Program for Research and Development as well as other international resources.Specific objectives of the project:Specific objective 1: Ensure the effective functioning and management of the Center of Excellence.The strategic objective of the submitted project is to complete the Center of Excellence for New Technologies in Electrical Engineering so as to further increase its research potential and significantly increase its socio-economic value. At the same time, we see the center of excellence as a continually changing and evolving institutional unit that needs to be managed, directed towards the fulfillment of its visions and goals. For this reason, we consider effective management of the center in all its areas – from management of the center \’s top management, defining and continuously defining and updating its basic strategic objectives and research plan to activities focused on human resources development.Specific objective 2: Increasing the research potential of the Center with top-class equipment necessary for the implementation of ongoing and planned projects.This objective will be realized by two types of activities. Firstly, it will be instrumental retrofitting of the center in individual thematic areas within the competence of the center and secondly it will be defining new projects and project intentions made possible by new modern instrumentation technology.Specific objective 3: Increasing the socio-economic added value of the Center of Excellence.This specific objective of the project ensures the long-term sustainability of the results of the submitted project both at the institutional level of the continued existence of the Center and in the area of new project activities for practice and international networks and consists of four basic groups of activities:- exploiting the results of the Centre\’s research activities in education,- dissemination activities of the Center towards the professional public,- networking activities of the Center and its presentation at exhibitions, fairs and similar activities at home and abroad. |
| Project website: | http://www.elu.sav.sk/cente |
| New methods of mathematical statistics II | |
| Nové nelineárne metódy matematickej štatistiky II | |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project ID: | VEGA 1/0077/09 |
| Duration: | 1.1.2009 – 31.12.2011 |
| Project leader: | Doc. RNDr. Rublík František, CSc. |
| Annotation: | The project solves some current problems of mathematical statistics. These include methods and algorithms for optimum experimental design (including also nonlinearly parametrized and correlated experiment models), methods of statistical inference in models with mixed (fixed and random) effects and in models with explanatory variables, prediction methods in random processes, nonparametric methods for hypothesis testing, methods for shape analysis of biological (medicine) objects, development of certain probabilistic methods (discrete distributions, stability of random dynamical systems), further development of statistical methods oriented on applications in insurance mathematics, demography, linguistics and biomedical applications. The project is directly connected to the project VEGA 1/3016/06 „New Nonlinear Methods of Mathematical Statistics“. |
| VARCOMP – Confidence regions for variance components | |
| Oblasti spoľahlivosti pre variančné komponenty | |
| Program: | SRDA |
| Project ID: | LPP-0388-09 |
| Duration: | 1.9.2009 – 31.8.2011 |
| Project leader: | Doc. RNDr. Witkovský Viktor, CSc. |
| Annotation: | The project focuses on the construction of confidence intervals for variance components in linear mixed models with more than two variance components, in particular the intervals derived by the generalized inference method. Specific procedures (approximate or generalized) have so far been designed only in special cases of the considered model and have been compared with each other mostly by simulation. The aim of the project is therefore to study the properties and relationships between the already designed confidence intervals, which is important in choosing the appropriate procedure in a specific application as well as in designing new procedures with better properties, and subsequently to expand the range of cases in which some intervals have been proposed. |
| BiosenSys – Pocket analytical system for simple and fast analysis in food and diagnostics based on disposable biosensors using nanotechnology | |
| Vreckový analytický systém pre jednoduchú a rýchlu analýzu v potravinárstve a diagnostike na báze jednorazových biosenzorov s využitím nanotechnológie | |
| Program: | SRDA |
| Project ID: | VSMP-P-0073-09 |
| Duration: | 1.9.2009 – 31.8.2011 |
| Project leader: | Ing. Jacko Vlado, PhD. |
| Annotation: | The project focuses on the research of a technologically innovative pocket analytical system for simple and rapid analysis in food and diagnostics. It is based on disposable electrochemical biosensors and a pocket electronic measuring unit. Various nanoparticles and modern deposition techniques will be used in the preparation of biosensors. The biosensors are designed to analyze fats, lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide in milk; reducing sugars, acetic acid, malic acid and lactic acid in fruit juices and wine; glucose in blood and serum. The biosensors will be optimized to ensure their long-term stability and high sensitivity, speed and specificity of the analyzes. Interference kits will be part of the system. The results of applied research of the analytical system obtained within the project will be used in the post-project phase during development and production. |
| Project website: | www.biorealis.sk |
| NC NMR – Building of a top laboratory aimed at NMR research | |
| Dobudovanie špičkového laboratória so zameraním na NMR | |
| Program: | |
| Project ID: | 2003SP200280203 |
| Duration: | 1.12.2006 – 30.6.2011 |
| Project leader: | Prof. Ing. Frollo Ivan, DrSc. |
| Annotation: | Aim of the project is having built the Centre for NMR Based Material Imaging in the Institute of Measurement Science as a part of the National centre of NMR – centre of excellence.Main goals:* education of experts for NMR based measuring systems, technical as well as postdoctoral-study-based scientific,* function of an initialization centre for new products and technologies support,* support of research and development projects solving (own projects, local and international projects, technical services for other projects),* support of activities of other research centers and projects (centers of excellence,..).Project of the highest category: A |
| Project website: | http://www.nmr.sk/ |
| LODLOQ – Statistical toolbox for analysis of exhaled breath data | |
| Štatistické algoritmy na analýzu dát z exhalovaného dychu | |
| Program: | SRDA |
| Project ID: | SK-AT-0003-08 |
| Duration: | 1.2.2009 – 30.6.2011 |
| Project leader: | Doc. RNDr. Witkovský Viktor, CSc. |
| Annotation: | Analysis of exhaled breath is non-invasive technique with great potential for clinical diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring. At present, breath analysis is used for the screening of cancer in the EU-project BAMOD (FP6 project no. 019031). The used analytical procedures are characterized by a variety of technical operating parameters. In particular, the limit of detection (LOD) and the limit of quantitation (LOQ). The variability caused by the measurement process can be described by the probabilistic model of the within-sample distribution. We made preliminary investigations concerning a simple but practical case (measurements of isoprene concentration by Proton Transfer Reaction Mass Spectrometer, Ionimed Analytik Ges.m.b.H., Innsbruck Austria). Based on the formula for computing concentration that reflects principles of the analytical instrument, a theoretical model for the within-sample distribution of concentration was suggested. This model supposes that the distribution is proportional to a quotient of two independent Poisson distributed random variables. The validity of the theoretical model was checked with the empirical data.The objective of the project is further development of a statistical models, methods and the toolbox for data analysis of exhaled breath concentration patterns, including statistical models for LOD and LOQ determination for different analytical techniques (GC-MS, PTR-MS, SIFT-MS and IMS). |
| CENTE I – Centre of Excelence for New Technologies in Electrical Engineering | |
| Centrum excelentnosti pre nové technológie v elektrotechnike | |
| Program: | EU Structural Funds Research & Development |
| Project ID: | ITMS – 26240120011 |
| Duration: | 15.5.2009 – 30.4.2011 |
| Project leader: | Ing. Maňka Ján, CSc. |
| Annotation: | The strategic objective of the project is to increase the research and development potential of the Bratislava self-governing region in the field of electrical engineering for the needs of socio-economic practice and international scientific and technical cooperation cooperation. The strategic objective of the project was defined with regard to the global objective of the Operational Program Research and Development. Modernizing and streamlining the R&D support system and improving the infrastructure of higher education institutions to contribute to increasing the competitiveness of the economy, reducing regional disparities, creating new innovative (high-tech) small and medium-sized enterprises, creating new jobs and improving the educational process at higher education schools – these are the areas that try to cover the submitted project in the most comprehensive way possible.The research objective of the Center is to improve the throughput of existing technological operations and to enable new technological processes in electrical engineering, which is essential for future research and innovation in industry.The project has four specific objectives, which have been chosen to aim to meet the strategic objective of the project and to be easily measurable. The content of specific objectives is elaborated in individual activities. All activities are directly related to the results of research activities carried out by applicants and partners. a) Building the Center of Excellence by networking excellent workplaces. b) Equipping the Center with the top equipment needed to carry out ongoing and upcoming projects: – Laboratory for deposition of metals (steaming equipment), – Laboratory for preparation and shaping of nanostructures (FIB), – Laboratory for cluster detection (LAB-GISAXS). c) Increasing the level of information and communication technologies of the Center (including their security). d) Integration of the Center into regional and international cooperation.The Center is created by institutions that complement each other, both technologically and professionally, so that the Centre\’s strengths are: a) complementary experience and expertise of partners entering the Center, b) highly skilled scientists and experts of the Center who have extensive experience with many technologies and characterization techniques: c) the project will enable the Center to be implemented in international cooperation projects and knowledge transfer into practice, d) the Center opens the possibility of training PhD students, students as well as young professionals from companies in the region and throughout Slovakia high-end devices. |
| Project website: | http://www.elu.sav.sk/cente |
| CEKOMAT – Creation of CE for research and development of construction composite materials for mechanical and civil engineering and medical applications | |
| Vytvorenie CE na výskum a vývoj konštrukčných kompozitných materiálov pre strojárske, stavebné a medicínske aplikácie | |
| Program: | EU Structural Funds Research & Development |
| Project ID: | 26240120015 |
| Duration: | 1.6.2009 – 1.2.2011 |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Hain Miroslav, PhD. |
| Annotation: | The aim of the project is to bring together six excellent research and education teams in Bratislava into a monothematic center with defined intentions for implementation of composite research activities, completion of research infrastructure, integration of the center into international research and development cooperation and its involvement in education and cooperation with the domestic economy. |
| Project website: | http://cekomat.sav.sk |
| Eye movement control: behavioral and electrophysiological markers of normal and pathological functioning | |
| Riadenie pohybov očí: behaviorálne a elektrofyziologické markery normálnej a patologickej funkcie | |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project ID: | VEGA 2/0160/08 |
| Duration: | 1.1.2008 – 31.12.2010 |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Teplan Michal, PhD. |
| Annotation: | The project is focused on the research of visual-occlusal integrations and their changes in selected neuropsychiatric diseases using new methods of analysis of eye movements and concomitant electrical activity of the brain. Changes in visual-ocular motility are in a specific relationship by the setiopathogenesis of several central nervous system disorders. The aim is to contribute to the elucidation of the neuronal mechanisms of visual-occlusal regulation in normal and pathological conditions and to the direction of new diagnostic methods and the way of evaluation of the effectiveness of therapy of several neuropsychiatric diseases. |
| Imaging of Micro- and Nanostructures Based on Magnetic Resonance for Biomedical and Material Research | |
| Zobrazovanie mikro- a nanoštruktúr na báze magnetickej rezonancie pre biomedicínsky a materiálový výskum | |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project ID: | 2/0142/08 |
| Duration: | 1.1.2008 – 31.12.2010 |
| Project leader: | Prof. Ing. Frollo Ivan, DrSc. |
| Annotation: | The goal of the project is a basic research in the domain of selected imaging methods based on nuclearmagnetic resonance with orientation to imaging of micro and nano structures for biomedical and materialresearch: The main topics are:1. Imaging methods of selected biological and non-biological materials.2. Study of properties of ferromagnetic nanoparticles dispersions as contrast media, preparation and testing ofnanoparticles ferrofluids for NMR imaging.3. Study of magnetic susceptibility effects in micro Magnetic Resonance Imaging.4. Design and creation of pulse sequences for projection (radial) acquisition for MRI.5. Research in the domain of measurement and imaging of stationary magnetic fields and RF fields. Research ofphase unwrapping methods for magnetic field inhomogeneities measurement. |
| Project website: | http://www.um.sav.sk/sk/oddelenie-04/zobrazovanie-mikro-a-nanostruktur-na-baze-magnetickej-rezonancie-pre-biomedicinsky-a-materialovy-v.html |
| NanoBioSen – Electrochemical biosensors based on nanobiocomposites for fast and efficient analysis of technologically and health important food and beverage ingredients | |
| Elektrochemické biosenzory na báze nanobiokompozitov pre rýchlu a efektívnu analýzu technologicky a zdravotne významných zložiek potravín a nápojov | |
| Program: | SRDA |
| Project ID: | VSMP-P-0052-07 |
| Duration: | 1.1.2008 – 31.12.2009 |
| Project leader: | Ing. Jacko Vlado, PhD. |
| Annotation: | The project focused on the preparation of selective and robust biosensors for the analysis of samples in the wine industry and food industry. Emphasis was placed on their high sensitivity, speed and stability of measurements, while the high specificity of assays was ensured by enzymes. The analytes (carbohydrates, alcohol, organic acids, cholesterol, and fats) have been carefully selected to provide all the key information about production technology and the amount of health-relevant substances present in foods. All biosensor components have been carefully optimized to achieve high efficiency determinations feasible in conjunction with a portable electronic measurement unit. The results of applied research on biosensors obtained within the project will be used in the post-project phase in the production of portable analyzers. |
| Project website: | www.biorealis.sk |
| Infrared methods of measurement and non destructive testing – active infrared thermography reflectography and thermometry | |
| Infračervené metódy merania a nedeštruktívneho testovania – aktívna infračervená termografia, reflektorgrafia a termometria | |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project ID: | 2/7082/27 |
| Duration: | 1.1.2007 – 31.12.2009 |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Hain Miroslav, PhD. |
| Annotation: | The aim of the proposed project is to analyze and design new methods of active infrared thermography in the (8-12) µm band with theoretical use in the measurement and non-destructive testing of hidden subsurface defects and inhomogeneities. Creation of a physical model of the test object in order to optimize the method of active thermography, solving problems related to the boundary areas of the use of infrared thermometry and thermography. Contactless measurement of temperature and temperature fields of 3D objects, optically semi-permeable objects and objects with low and variable emissivity coefficients. The aim of the project is also to theoretically elaborate and experimentally implement the method of subsurface testing using near infrared radiation (0,8-2) µm – infrared reflector, which is applicable in the art restoration, industry and also in security applications, which are one of the current priorities of the framework. of the EU program. In the experimental area, the aim of the project is to design a system for active thermography with a pulse source of IR radiation and a thermograafic camera (NEC 7102), to implement electronic and software provision of a system for data collection and evaluation and to test the system in real applications. As part of a joint laboratory with the Academy of Fine Arts and Design (VŠVU) to complete an infrared reflective system sensitive in the (0.8-2) µm band with digitization and image processing. |
| Measurenemt and model-based analysis of bioelectric fields | |
| Meranie a modelová analýza bioelektrických polí | |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project ID: | 2/7092/27 |
| Duration: | 1.1.2007 – 31.12.2009 |
| Project leader: | doc. Ing. Tyšler Milan, CSc. |
| Annotation: | Aim of the project is research of methods for noninvasive assessment of functional state of the heart, stomach and brain, based on multi-lead measurements of external electrical fields and knowledge of geometry and electrical properties of the body. Inverse methods that enable description and imaging of the organ state as a distributed process characterized e.g. by local transmembrane potentials, activation sequences or surface potentials will be emphasized. To gain insight into the relation between organ properties and generated electrical fields, complex forward models enabling simulations on sub-cellular, cellular and organ level will be investigated. Suitable combinations of published partial models will be searched capable to recover diagnostically significant structural and functional organ particularities, e.g. behavior of cellular membranes, different properties of intra- end extracellular space, inhomogeneity and anisotrophy of electrical properties and individual geometry obtained from MR, CT or US imaging. Selected method will be implemented into intelligent measuring systems and tested in cooperation with Slovak Healthcare University, Institute of Pathophysiology of the School of Medicine and National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases. |
| Project website: | http://www.um.sav.sk/sk/oddelenie-05/meranie-a-modelova-analyza-bioelektrickych-poli.html |
| Methods and systems for contacless measurement of iron content in the liver | |
| Metódy a systémy na bezkontaktné meranie obsahu železa v pečeni | |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project ID: | 2/7084/27 |
| Duration: | 1.1.2007 – 31.12.2009 |
| Project leader: | Ing. Maňka Ján, CSc. |
| Annotation: | Noninvasive methods and devices for specific examination of liver.Research of methods and design of systems for magnetic measurement of iron content in the liver. The contactless method – magnetic biopsy – will be designed. For this purpose a specialized SQUID magnetometric system will be developed. We shall analyze possible new correlations between the diseases (risk states) of the liver and the iron content in it.By common methods (biochemical blood examination and classical biopsy) the liver diseases are often diagnosed in the late stage due to fact that the healthy part of the liver can, to a certain extent, supply the diseased parts. Designed liver magnetic biopsy could provide an "integral" picture about its state and after the standard clinical tests (in cooperation with Slovak Healthcare University) could be a contribution to early diagnostics of the specific illnesses. |
| Htc Bulk superconductors precursors, technologics procedures, measuring methods and properties | |
| Vysokoteplotné objemové supravodiče, prekurzory, technologické postupy, metódy merania a vlastnosti | |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project ID: | 2/7083/27 |
| Duration: | 1.1.2007 – 31.12.2009 |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Cigáň Alexander, CSc. |
| Annotation: | The project is focused on high-temperature bulk superconductors of the REBa2Cu3Ox type. Its aim is as follows: study of effects of doping with N = Ce, Ti, Sn, Ag in REBa2(Cu3-xNx)O7±δ systems, where RE = (Y, Eu, Sm, L, and Nd); development of technological operations of the preparation of textured REBa2Cu3O7±δ systems, where (RE = Y, Sm, Eu, La, and Nd) and doped textured systems of the RE123+RE211(422) and RE123+ RE2Ba4Cu1-xMxOy type, where (RE = Y, Eu, Sm, La, and M= Ti, Nb, Zr, Ta, Nb ) prepared by the QMT and TS QMT methods and evaluation of their properties. Technological procedures for the reproduced preparation of bulk MD of HTCS optimized to values of the critical current density, jc(77 K, 0 T) ≥ 105 Acm-2, will be proposed. Such values are already sufficient for many industrial applications. During their preparation, nano-sized precursors obtained by homogenization in a planetary mill or solution sol-gel method will be used. With the optimization of technological operations, attention will be paid to the superconducting phase content and critical current density, which will be estimated from XRD and magnetization characteristics with the use of the formerly developed measuring system based on superconducting quantum gradiometers combined with the compensation method of the elimination of magnetization field effects. |
| Advanced methods of classification and prediction of attention decrease and sleep stages based on EEG analyses | |
| Moderné metódy klasifikácie a predikcie spánkových stavov a straty pozornosti na základe analýzy EEG signálov | |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Duration: | 1.1.2007 – 1.12.2009 |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Krakovská Anna, CSc. |
| Annotation: | The project proposal is aimed at the use and further development of modern methods of nonlinear dynamic systems, artificial neural networks and mathematical statistics for the analysis of electroencephalographic signals (EEG). Its aim is to investigate the dynamics of EEG states and to design original algorithms capable of reliably characterizing or predicting specific states of brain activity (sleep phases, relaxation, loss of attention). The results can find application in neurodiagnostics, neurotherapy, as well as in the design of effective attention deficit control strategies. Individual methods can also contribute to the analysis and prediction of complex time series from other experimental areas. |
| Optical frequency stabilization of diode lasers by means of satured absorption method, length standart implementation | |
| Stabilizácia optických frekvencií polovodičových laserov metódou nasýtenej absorpcie, realizácia etalónu dĺžky | |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project ID: | 2/7081/27 |
| Duration: | 1.1.2007 – 1.12.2009 |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Ing. Bartl Ján, CSc. |
| Annotation: | The aim of the proposed scientific project is to solve the problems arising from the use of semiconductor lasers for metrological purposes by stabilizing its optical frequency by the saturated iodine vapor absorption method 127I2, both theoretical and experimental. The aim of the project is to achieve the technical equipment enabling to compare the frequency of the stabilized semiconductor laser with the Extended Cavity Diode Laser (ECDL) with the frequency of the national standard of length by the recording method. The project builds on the research of the spectrum of optical frequencies of iodine-stabilized HeNe lasers and semiconductor lasers realized and completed in the Slovak Metrology Institute and the Institute of Measurement Science SAS. The solution involves the implementation of a diode laser system 633 nm (474 THz) with an extended resonant cavity, whose spectrum of optical frequencies is stabilized at the frequencies of the hyperfine lines of the quantum transition of the iodine molecule. The project also aims to actively involve young researchers, internal PhD students, in the project under the guidance of their supervisor. |
| SMEBA – Statistical methods and algorithms for exhaled breath analysis | |
| Štatistické metódy a algoritmy pre analýzu vydychovaných plynov | |
| Program: | SRDA |
| Project ID: | RPEU-0008-06 |
| Duration: | 1.2.2007 – 30.6.2009 |
| Project leader: | Doc. RNDr. Witkovský Viktor, CSc. |
| Annotation: | he project is aimed at basic research in the area of mathematical statistics. Emphasis is placed upon examination of new statistical inference methods appropriate for development of new effective algorithms for exhaled breath analysis in order to early detect certain types of diseases(e.g. lung cacer, oesophageal cancer, diabetes etc.). There exists a proof that certain types of diseases can be detected by a molecular analysis of exhaled breath. In this manner the project is joined directly with the international project 6RP EU BAMOD: Breath-gas analysis for molecular-oriented detection of minimal diseases.The aim of the project "Statistical methods and algorithms for exhaled breath analysis" is mostly theoretical research oriented towards those areas of mathematical statistics that can be useful for development of new effective algorithms for analysis of data obtained in clinical studies planned during the project BAMOD. Above all, the following areas are concerned: methods for estimation of and testing hypotheses about parameters in mixed linear and nonlinear models, discrimination analysis, nonparametric methods. |
| Project website: | http://www.um.sav.sk/sk/oddelenie-03/statisticke-algoritmy-na-analyzu-dat-z-exhalovaneho-dychu-2.html |
| Application of magnetic and electric measuring methods in non-invasive examination of liver and heart | |
| Využitie magnetických a elektrických meracích metód pri neinvazívnom vyšetrovaní pečene a srdca | |
| Program: | SRDA |
| Project ID: | APVV-51-059005 |
| Duration: | 2.5.2006 – 30.6.2009 |
| Project leader: | Ing. Maňka Ján, CSc. |
| Annotation: | Noninvasive methods and devices for specific examination of liver and heart.Research of methods and design of systems for magnetic measurement of iron content in the liver. The contactless method – magnetic biopsy – will be designed. For this purpose a specialized SQUID magnetometric system will be developed. We shall analyze possible new correlations between the diseases (risk states) of the liver and the iron content in it – contribution to prevention of these diseases.Research of electrocardiographic imaging methods for noninvasive identification of local heart injuries. Proposed solutions based on multilead measurements and models of the heart as an electrical generator will be tested on simulated data using electrophysiologic heart models. Multichannel measuring system resistant to local disturbances and enabling exercise ECG measurement will be developed.Results of the research will be experimentally verified on real patients in cooperation with the Slovak Healthcare University. |
| Calibration, service and corrective maintenance of the SAS system | |
| Kalibrácia, servis a korektívna údržba systému SAV | |
| Program: | Other projects |
| Duration: | 1.1.2007 – 31.12.2008 |
| Project leader: | Ing. Ondriš Ľubomír, CSc. |
| Annotation: | Periodic recalibration of the reactor tilt measurement systems at the NPP Jaslovské Bohunice and Mochovce was carried out, and a general service of the computing system intended for data collection from the measuring system was performed. |
| Education of PhD students and specialists for research, development, innovation, measurement applications | |
| Výchova doktorandov a odborných pracovníkov pre výskum, vývoj, inovácie, aplikácie v oblasti merania | |
| Program: | |
| Project ID: | ESF 13120200032 |
| Duration: | 1.8.2005 – 31.7.2008 |
| Project leader: | Prof. Ing. Frollo Ivan, DrSc. |
| Annotation: | In order to improve the quality of higher education through the support of higher education institutions as loci of research and development and innovation networks, the project aims to educate PhD students and researchers in research, development, innovation and applications in the field of measurement and measurement technology. Ensuring the highest quality of doctoral and postdoctoral studies under the leadership of top experts in the relevant disciplines. Organization of exclusive professional and scientific seminars, excursions, joint lecture cycles for doctoral students from participating workplaces. Establishment of the infrastructure to ensure the highest quality of doctoral and vocational studies in the fields of research and development in the scientific fields of Measurement Technology, Metrology and Bionics and Biomechanics.The project is active on the basis of a non-repayable financial contribution under the ESF (European Structural Fund), Single Programming Document NUTS II-BA Objective 3, Development of lifelong learning and support for the development of research and development in the context of improving the quality of human resources.Partners of the project are: Faculty of Mechanical Engineering STU Bratislava and Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Informatics STU Bratislava. For the Institute of Measurement Science of SAS this meant accepting 5 new PhD students with full reimbursement of their scholarships and other costs. |
| MediTech – Innovative program of modern biomedical technologies | |
| MediTech – Inovačný program moderných biomedicínskych technológií | |
| Program: | |
| Project ID: | ESF 13120200086 |
| Duration: | 1.7.2006 – 28.2.2008 |
| Project leader: | Prof. Ing. Frollo Ivan, DrSc. |
| Annotation: | The project is focused on education of students, PhD students and workers in the field of biomedical engineering and on the support of cooperation between universities and SAS workplaces in research in this field. |
| Specific imaging Methods Based on Magnetic Resonance | |
| Špecifické zobrazovacie metódy na báze magnetickej rezonancie | |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project ID: | 2/5043/26 |
| Duration: | 1.1.2005 – 1.12.2007 |
| Project leader: | Prof. Ing. Frollo Ivan, DrSc. |
| Annotation: | The goal of the project is a basic research in the domain of selected imaging methods based on nuclear magnetic resonance : The main topics are:1. Methods dedicated to the porous media measurement at low magnetic field.2. Research in the domain of measurement by low magnetic fields, basic magnetic field and RF field imaging.3. Study of imaging using ferrofluids as contrast media, preparation and testing of nanoparticles ferrofluids.4. Study of magnetic susceptibility effects in Magnetic Resonance Imaging. |
| New generation digital radiological system kit | |
| Stavebnica digitálneho rádiologického systému novej generácie | |
| Program: | SRDA |
| Project ID: | APVV-99-P06305 |
| Duration: | 1.9.2005 – 31.8.2007 |
| Project leader: | Prof. Ing. Frollo Ivan, DrSc. |
| Annotation: | The project was focused on design, construction and practical verification of a new generation digital radiological system kit:- energy separation of detected photons,- with a small focus X-ray source (of the order of 10 µm), automatically controlled positioning allowing scanning and tomography.Part of the solution is user software for data collection and processing, X-ray imaging. Mathematical routines allow tomographic reconstruction, data filtering and final image editing.Detection unit based on monolithic GaAs X-ray sensors with direct conversion (period 250 µm or less) works in so-called. quantum mode. Electronic reading has a built-in photon energy separation mode in at least 2 auto-adjustable levels. The kit includes an X-ray source equipped with a collimator, filters and a slot automatically adjustable slot shutter.The kit enables to realize built-in and portable modifiable customer radiological systems. Positioning for scanning and tomography. Part of the solution is user software for data collection and processing, X-ray imaging. Mathematical routines allow tomographic reconstruction, data filtering and final image editing. Detection unit based on monolithic GaAs X-ray sensors with direct conversion (period 250 µm or less) works in so-called. quantum mode. Electronic reading has a built-in photon energy separation mode in at least 2 auto-adjustable levels.First tomographic images of small metal parts were obtained. |
| Research of the optical measuring methods and procedures for the fast control of surfaces in the precision engineering | |
| Výskum optických meracích metód a postupov rýchlej kontroly povrchov presných strojárskych súčiastok | |
| Program: | Intra-constitutional |
| Project ID: | UMSAV-01-2006 |
| Duration: | 1.7.2006 – 31.1.2007 |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Hain Miroslav, PhD. |
| Annotation: | An optical contactless method for testing microscopic surface defects based on scattering of laser light reflected from the test surface was developed. A sensor with a semiconductor laser and a silicon detector in a coaxial arrangement with high sensitivity has been designed and implemented and is currently being tested on precision products in the bearing and automotive industries.The findings and results obtained by solving this task were used in solving the task of contractual research (Mesing, Czech Republic – sensor for fast contactless detection of microscopic defects on the surface of bearing bodies). |
| Analysis of EEG based on advanced methods of mathematical statistics, artificial neural networks and nonlinear dynamics | |
| Analýza EEG metódami matematickej štatistiky, umelých neurónových sietí a nelineárnej dynamiky | |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project ID: | VEGA 2/4026/04 |
| Duration: | 1.1.2004 – 31.12.2006 |
| Project leader: | Doc. RNDr. Witkovský Viktor, CSc. |
| Annotation: | The project is focused on the use and development of modern methods of mathematical statistics, nonlinear dynamics and artificial neural networks for the analysis of data measured in order to better understand human brain activity. Its aim is to use traditional methods of data analysis and to design original algorithms capable of reliably characterizing or predicting specific states of brain activity (sleep, relaxation, but also pathological states such as epilepsy, etc.) based on the measured EEG signal. The results can find application in neurodiagnostics, neurotherapy as well as in the design of effective strategies for improving cognitive abilities. |
| Automated electronic system for experiments of stress loads in hypergravity – stage II | |
| Automatizovaný elektronický systém pre experimenty stresových záťaží pri hypergravitácii – etapa II | |
| Program: | Other projects |
| Duration: | 1.1.2002 – 31.12.2006 |
| Project leader: | Prof. Ing. Frollo Ivan, DrSc. |
| Annotation: | The aim of the project was the design and development of a device for carrying out a series of experiments on small animals that are subjected to hypokinesia or hypergravity for different periods of time. The device is equipped with telemetric control for programmable blood sampling by cannulation from experimental animals placed in hypokinetic boxes or centrifuges to monitor the effects at various gravitational overload G values on blood properties, hormone levels, neurotransmitters and metabolism. The results are used to evaluate the ability of organisms to overcome stress. |
| Evaluation of changes in cardiac repolarization by means of multi-lead ECG measurements | |
| Hodnotenie zmien repolarizácie srdca pomocou mnohozvodových meraní EKG | |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project ID: | VEGA 2/4089/26 |
| Duration: | 1.1.2004 – 31.12.2006 |
| Project leader: | doc. Ing. Tyšler Milan, CSc. |
| Annotation: | The project is focused on research of measurement methods based on multi-lead ECG measurement, which would enable timely non-invasive identification of changes in heart repolarization due to local damage. The aim is to propose the evaluation of measured ECG potentials based on the model conception of the heart as a source of electric field and to compare its effectiveness with the methods used so far using mostly statistical approaches. The accuracy and reliability of the proposed solutions will be tested by means of experiments on simulated data, in which the electrophysiological models of the heart will be used and adapted and the solution of the direct task developed in the workplace in the previous period, resp. implemented in the framework of international cooperation. In connection with the theoretical solution, a multi-lead measuring system for long-term monitoring of the patient will be developed, able to work even during his physical exercise. The device will implement specific methods of interference suppression in the measured ECG signals and the system will cooperate with modalities to determine the geometry and electrical parameters of the chest.The proposed solution will be experimentally verified in cooperation with the Slovak Institute of Heart and Vascular Diseases and the Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics of the Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava. |
| Infrared thermometry, thermography and reflectography – development of selected methods and devices | |
| Infračervená termometria, termografia a reflektografia – rozvoj vybraných metód a prostriedkov | |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project ID: | VEGA 2/3180/23 |
| Duration: | 1.1.2003 – 31.12.2005 |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Hain Miroslav, PhD. |
| Annotation: | The aim of the project is to research and solve selected theoretical problems (emissivity, limit sensitivity of measurement systems, temperature measurement of semi-permeable environments), visualization of temperature fields, non-destructive testing, development of unique measuring devices using IR radiation. |
| Research of stabilization of optical frequencies of diode lasers | |
| Výskum stabilizácie optických frekvencií diódových laserov | |
| Program: | SRDA |
| Project ID: | APVT-51-0121-02 |
| Duration: | 1.9.2002 – 31.12.2005 |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Ing. Bartl Ján, CSc. |
| Annotation: | The mechanical assembly of the optical table with prismatic optical element holders was realized within the project. The functionality of the ECL extended resonance cavity laser elements in the Littman and Littrow configurations has been verified to function. DM, I, TC, PZ modules in MLD 1000 and PC tuning control of the laser. The solution was designed, assembled and verified TCP module of electrical cooling "finger" iodine cell Peltier cell PE. After being equipped with Ocean Optics High Resolution Fiber Optics Spectrometer HR 2000, the software was installed and the spectrophotometer calibration constants were set. The output signal from HR 2000 was processed and evaluated by special software in the personal computer. By measuring the power, the conversion constant between the photodiode current and the optical output power was found to be 0.03 mW / mA in the TEC-500-635-05 LION semiconductor laser. By coarse tuning it was necessary to locate the peak of the power curve and then gently change the tuning voltage to keep the whole system at the peak of the curve at a given iodine absorption line. For this purpose, a test apparatus consisting of electronic blocks, a tuning oscillator, a test generator and a light detector was designed and implemented. With this equipment, the first recordings were taken. Based on an agreement with the Institute of Metrology, a model of the National Standard HeNe / I2 SMU 4 was loaned into which a modulator signal generator 1f, 3f was designed and constructed. After implementation, the HeNe laser was used as an optical source for tracking images with the semiconductor laser. Dr. Jacko has designed experimental electronics to lock (stop) the laser at a defined wavelength / frequency f. In addition to the generator 1f, 3f the electronics consists of a preamplifier and filters for 3f, the LIA-MV-150 lock-in-amplifier is included as a demodulator. A tuning block and a manual locking block were implemented. Diagram of the optical-mechanical part The original mechanical-optical assembly was supplemented with a part that serves for optical binding of the HeNe / I2 laser with the ECL diode laser in the assembly according to the figure on the right (Fig.1). To complete the ECL system, the National Model of Length, the SMU 4 (HeNe in the picture) laser, the avalanche diode (APD) with amplifier, and the HP Spectral Analyzer ESA-L 1500 A (with 9 kHz range) 1.5 GHz). These instruments and some mechanical-judicial elements were borrowed from SMU. When comparing the lasers with each other, it was found that the interesting spectral region for comparison is only about 0.2 nm. Dr. Hain designed and implemented new software and hardware based on the AduC 831 microcontroller (assembler control program, PC control and communication program that allows fine tuning of the ECL laser in the narrower range 0.1-0.2 nm with an increment of 0.05 nm and also the keying of the laser at the desired wavelength. |
| New methods and devices for pulmonary, hepatic and gastro-intestinal non-invasive diagnostics | |
| Nové metódy a prístroje na pulmonálnu, hepatálnu a gastro-intestinálnu neinvazívnu diagnostiku | |
| Program: | SRDA |
| Project ID: | APVT-51-017802 |
| Duration: | 1.9.2002 – 30.11.2005 |
| Project leader: | doc. Ing. Tyšler Milan, CSc. |
| Annotation: | The project is focused on research of new measuring methods, methods of processing and evaluation of measured data and solving of necessary diagnostic measuring instruments for non-invasive diagnostics of diseases related to impacts of work and environment on human organism. Three selected methods were investigated in accordance with the objectives of the project: (1) diagnosis of respiratory and liver diseases using SQUID magnetometry, (2) MRI analysis of lung diseases using hyperpolarized He3 and (3) monitoring of digestive tract functions and motility based on analysis EGG. Three sub-tasks of the project were focused on these areas. |