Funded projects under the Grant Programme for SAS PhD students in 2024

The proposed project aims to analyze value orientations, political orientations, and attitudes towards religion, the church, and human rights issues among non-believers in Slovakia, with a focus on narratives propagated in the online environment. The main goal of the entire PhD project is to examine the extent to which non-believers in Slovakia can be considered a homogeneous community and to determine how the obtained data will differ depending on the chosen research methods. These methods will include the analysis of online content from selected Facebook pages that gather non-believers, online surveys, and ethnographic interviews. With the progression of the research phases, a higher variability in the obtained data is expected, and the causes of this variability can be identified through interviews. It can be anticipated that these differences will primarily be due to individual subjective experiences related to socialization processes and identity formation. This research may thus provide a deeper understanding of the identities of Slovak non-believers, their value and political orientations, and help identify the mechanisms of attitude formation in society. As part of the Doktogrant project, the research over the next year will focus on the analysis, evaluation, and comparison of data obtained from the online environment (module 1 has been already completed) and the interviews.

The phenomenon of constructing of department stores in post-war Czechoslovakia was closely related to the transformation of the society and responded to the similar developments of this construction type in the neighbouring countries. According to a directive issued in 1958, a department store was to be built in every settlement with more than thirty thousand inhabitants, a corresponding catchment area and a purchasing power. From the 1960s onwards, this type of building changed Slovak urban centres. It offered space for architectural development in terms of the architectural form, layout, operation, and the technologies used. While the literature has so far focused mainly on the department stores built on Czech territory and some of the most important realisations in Slovakia, the vast body of such buildings remains uncharted and the architecture of many of the structures is unknown to this day. The submitted project focuses on the hitherto little explored buildings of department stores in Slovak district towns and their architectural, technical, and urbanistic qualities, as well as their current state. The aim of this project is mainly physical research of department stores, which, in addition to the possibility of providing photographic documentation and contact with the buildings in situ, will provide an opportunity of research in local archives and libraries. It is expected to complement the current state of research on Slovak post-war architecture of department stores, which will not focus only on large regional cities, but mainly on the peripheral areas of the country and thus complement the overall picture of the construction of the commercial network and its specifics.

This work is devoted to the qualitative studying the biography of modern Russian astrologers. The relevance of this topic is due to several factors. Starting from the 1990s, immediately after perestroika, when the official ban on the study of esoteric teachings was lifted, the intensive growth of various types of alternative spirituality and new religious movements began. Among them, astrology is one of the most prominent phenomena on the Russian postmodern scene. Over the past 30 years, several generations of practicing specialists have changed - in the period from 1990 to the active use of the Internet, before the advent of social networks, and the period after the advent of social networks. To date, there are over two dozen independent schools, which differ significantly in methodology, philosophical attitudes and practice. Compared to other esotericists, astrologers actively defend their right to conduct professional practice in the social field. This has not been described or understood sufficiently. This is especially relevant in connection with the negative attitude of the Orthodox Church and the Russian Academy of Sciences towards various spiritual movements and their representatives, who may be marginalized and stigmatized for their views. This research project provides an opportunity to obtain rich material for comparative analysis and partially fill the lack of information.

Understanding the influence of conspiracy beliefs on interpersonal relationships, and especially understanding how disagreement in this context affects interpersonal relationships, is becoming increasingly important in today's polarised society. Nevertheless, interpersonal relations remain overlooked in conspiracy beliefs research. Therefore, in this paper, we will examine how the conspiracy beliefs of the person with whom a participant is in a relationship influence characteristics of that relationship - closeness, interpersonal trust, conflict, communication style, and intention to maintain the relationship. We will also test whether conspiracy beliefs are the actual cause of the observed consequences by comparing the impact of conspiracy beliefs on interpersonal relationships with the impact of non-conspiracy beliefs. This research will not only bring empirical evidence of the existence of a causal relationship between conspiracy beliefs and interpersonal relationships by using a quasi-experimental method but also, due to its broad focus on different characteristics of the relationship, it will help us to better understand the dynamics of the relationship under study. Gaining this knowledge will help further research to develop strategies to reduce the effects of conspiracy beliefs on interpersonal relationships and society itself.

The possibility of working from home has become more widespread in Slovakia, especially in the wake of the 2020 pandemic, when home office was made mandatory, except for certain professions. The emerging home office trend has affected a wide spectrum of the population. Working people have had to create space and time in their home environment to carry out their work activities at an adequate level to meet the employer's requirements. The use of space and time in the home environment for activities related to paid employment entails clashing, negotiating and constructing boundaries between work (or the public sphere) and the private sphere. Such negotiation of work-life boundaries has a strong gender aspect. Sociological research on the gender division of labour, for example, shows that women devote more time to household chores as well as to caring for family members than men, and that some household activities are more feminine and some more masculine (ISSP Family Research, 2002, 2012, 2022). Thus, we assume that the home-office situation will force male and female actors to negotiate both space and time and the gendered division of labour. Research on the home office will contribute to our understanding of the boundaries of the public and the private in the current form of capitalist society. It will also contribute to empirical research on working conditions in the sociology of work. The material gathered through qualitative and quantitative research will help us to gain a deeper understanding of the processes and interactions taking place in the home environment, of which the home office is a part.

Self-regulated learning (SRL) refers to the process where students actively take control of their own learning by setting goals, monitoring their progress, and adjusting their learning strategies as needed. This approach is important because it helps students become more independent, motivated, and capable of handling challenges in their academic journey. When students are skilled in self-regulated learning, they not only achieve better academic results but also experience greater satisfaction and well-being, both academically and personally. This research seeks to deepen our understanding of SRL by exploring students' personal experiences in real learning situations, something that has not been fully captured by existing studies, which often rely on quantitative methods. By using two complementing qualitative phenomenological methods, this study will capture the richness and complexity of students' lived experiences as they self-regulate their learning. First, the Descriptive experience sampling method (DES) will allow us to gather qualitative data in the participants’ natural learning environment. Second, semi-structured phenomenological interviews analyzed via Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) will allow us to identify broader experiential themes and patterns related to the learning process. This approach allows for a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of the SRL process, which can lead to the development of more effective educational practices and interventions. Ultimately helping more students develop these essential skills and thrive both in their studies and in life.

The project is a part of the dissertation research focused on the subject of irony, parody, and the grotesque in Slovak unconventional poetry published after 1989. It wishes to focus on the poetry of Michal Habaj (1974), one of the most key contemporary Slovak poets. Despite the central role he has played in the development of Slovak literature over the past decades, his work has not yet been comprehensively researched yet – there is no monograph on his oeuvre, even though other poets, less central to literary debates, such as Eva Luka (1965) or Rudolf Jurolek (1956), have recently become the subjects of such academic works (Urbanová 2022, Juhásová 2023). The project aims to deepen the understanding of Habaj’s work by applying theories of irony and comedy to his poetry, with a particular focus on the subject and the author.

During the late normalization period in the 1980s motifs that bordered on or crossed the boundaries of officially accepted social critique can be identified in a part of the Slovak official literature. This space of alternative discourse was an important catalyst for the ideological disintegration of state socialism, and I define it as the "gray zone." This issue has not yet been systematically addressed in Slovak literary scholarship. The term "gray zone" is being used rather vaguely, and the individual subversive strategies of authors have not been sufficiently analyzed. This stage of state socialism, which parallels Czechoslovak normalization, has been perceived as an era of "unstable stability" in the German social discourse on the literature of the former German Democratic Republic (GDR). After the change of the sociopolitical system in 1989 the interest in the literature of that period as a source of information about the functioning of society has significantly arisen in both countries. As a result of numerous archives being opened to the public, German scholarly reflection began actively processing the mechanisms of censorship, which, similarly to Czechoslovakia, had been a taboo subject in the official GDR rhetoric. The results of these analyses showed that in the literature of the 1980s the boundaries of what was permitted were increasingly being disrupted. While the archival collections of the GDR's Ministry of Culture contain censor comments on almost every published book from the mid-1950s to 1989, only archival fragments of the censorship practices are accessible in Slovakia. However, the thoroughly documented archive of GDR censorship acts can serve as an inspirational tool for reconstructing the literary-political discourse of the late socialism period in Slovakia, or more broadly in Czechoslovakia. Interpreting the gray zone literature of the late socialism period in Slovakia in my project, not only through traditional comparison with the distinct Czech environment but also by linking it with the cultural and social conditions in the GDR, is an innovative approach. The comparison of the specific strategies of social critique in the literatures of these two Soviet satellites will provide a new contextualization, allowing of a better demonstration of the subversive potential of artistic literature within the social conditions of the declining state socialism.

Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) are a dynamic class of polymers that have obtained impressive attention in soft tissue engineering applications due to the combination of easy manufacturing associated with thermoplastics and the elastic properties and flexibility of elastomeric materials. Despite enormous development in this category of materials, the conventional linear TPEs are not able to precisely mimic the mechanical properties of natural tissues. With this aim, hyperbranched polymers like star and bottle-brushed copolymers have gained significant attention as their specific structure, softness and flexibility allow for fine-tuning the exact stress-strain behavior of body tissues. Furthermore, both star and bottle-brush polymers, thanks to their suitable range of melt viscosity can be easily processed using advanced fabrication techniques like 3D printing or electrospinning, which are crucial for creating complex micro/nanofabricated scaffolds for efficient tissue engineering processes. Recently, many efforts have been made to prepare well-defined bottle-brushed star polymers through reversible-deactivation radical polymerization methods (RDRP) like atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). Herein we focused on the synthesis of bottle-brushed star block copolymer thermoplastic elastomers based on methyl methacrylate (MMA) and brushed oligo (ethylene glycol) methacrylate (OEGMA300) monomers through the ATRP method. The synthesized copolymers will be analyzed by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (H NMR), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and small-angle X-ray scattering. The mechanical, thermal, and thermoplastic elastomer behavior and biocompatibility of the star copolymers aligned with cell culturing applications will be thoroughly examined.

Smectites as layered inorganic materials will be used for the preparation of composite materials with two polymers with different molecular structure. The main goal of the proposal will be the preparation of inorganic/organic composite materials with potential use in biomedical applications as drug carriers. Natural polymer, chitosan in cationic form as well as synthetic polymer polyvinyl alcohol will be used for modification of inorganic component. Application of different weight ratios of smectite:polymer will allow evaluation of influence of the amount of individual components on final properties. The next step will be the incorporation of the antibacterial active substance curcumin and Ag-nanoparticles and the evaluation of the distribution and stability of the systems. The preparation of two different composite materials will be optimized in order to find a suitable way to connect them together into a compact double layer film. Chitosan as a polymer in which the so-called the "shape memory" effect will be active in various buffering environments that can affect the release of active substances from composite materials.

Photoactive hybrid materials have wide applications in advanced technologies in optics and photonics, but their potential remains untapped due to a lack of understanding of the interactions between organic luminophores and layered silicates. Although the surface charge of layered silicates is known to influence the arrangement of dye molecules and their optical properties, there is a lack of systematic research on the effect of the charge of luminophores in combination with different types of silicates on the photoactivity of materials. This project will focus on the development of new hybrid systems that combine novel benzothiazole-based cationic dyes with layered silicates, investigating the photophysical interactions using spectroscopic methods with a focus on the analysis of the effect of charge interactions of luminophores versus the surface charge of layered silicates and the effect of the transition from colloidal to solid-state phase on the final photophysical properties. This will not only result in enhanced photoactivity and stability of the materials but also a potential increase in two-photon absorption (TPA) efficiency, opening up new possibilities for applications in areas such as 3D optical data storage, microfabrication, and photodynamic therapy. [1] [1] SUZUKI, Yasutaka, et al. Efficient two-photon absorption materials consisting of cationic dyes and clay minerals. The Journal of Physical Chemistry C, 2011, 115.42: 20653-20661.

Adenosine Deaminases Acting on RNA (ADARs) play a critical role in regulating gene expression through RNA modification. ADARs convert adenosines to inosines in double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), primarily targeting Alu retrotransposons. Alus are primate-specific repetitive sequences embedded in most mRNA transcripts and are likely to form strong duplexes when placed in opposite orientations. These structures are thought to be destabilized by ADAR editing. Editing frequency generally decreases with age and in chronic disease, potentially triggering immune responses against unedited Alu-Alu hybrids recognized as foreign dsRNA. Previous studies have shown that ADARs preferentially edit long and stable dsRNAs, but the specific selection of preferred editing sites is still unclear. Transcriptome-wide analyses suggest that it may result from a combination of sequence and structural features of the edited RNA substrate. Therefore, understanding the determinants of RNA editing specificity may shed light on the role of editing errors in disease pathogenesis and provide insights into therapeutic strategies such as targeted genome editing using adenosine-deaminases.

The increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant and methicillin-resistant staphylococci (MRS) in animals and animal products poses not only a risk for owners and consumers contamination but also the migration of resistant microbiota into the environment causes an ecological burden. The use of postbiotic-enterocins (Ent), antimicrobial protein substances produced by beneficial strains of the genus Enterococcus, could be an effective way to reduce/eliminate the MRS incidence in livestock and the transmission of methicillin resistance. The project will focus on in vivo testing of the postbiotic effect of novel, non-commercial Ent against MRS using an experimental animal model Balb/c mice. The intention is the further preventive use of these substances in animal breeding (both food-derived and companion animals), but also with a medicinal effect to reduce/optimize the action of potentially pathogenic/pathogenic MRS strains in the animal organism.

Molecular docking and Molecular dynamics simulations are important tools for protein structure, dynamics and drug design. However, the classical methods only consider the molecular mechanics which doesn’t describe the protein-ligand and protein-protein interactions efficiently. Although hybrid QM/MM methods are used as an alternative, but they are computationally expensive and require higher level of expertise to implement and integrate. Here, we propose a comprehensive strategy (toolkit) that will combines functional group identification, QM energy optimization, and molecular dynamics simulations to subsequently use them to derive more precise interaction energies. Initially, we aim to minimize the energy of protein-ligand complexes and organic compounds and obtain a reasonable pose configuration via Density Functional Tight Binding (DFTB) technique in GAMESS. Following this, functional groups within these optimized structures (that are prone to interactions) will be identified and characterized using individual QM grains models. Similarly, extracting frame sat different timescales from classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, it will be possible to study short range interactions with QM level of accuracy. The proposed technique will gain a better understanding of the interactions and dynamics of proteins, ultimately leading to a deeper comprehension of their functional mechanisms. By bridging the gap between MM and QM, this work will increase the precision of protein-ligand interaction studies which are essential for drug development and biomolecular research. The anticipated results will contribute to enhanced models of protein dynamics through highly accurate interaction energies contribution of the binding and individual functional groups obtained via more reliable QM computations.

The objective of this research project is to perform an advanced glycoprofiling of EVs, focusing on their glycan composition, and their involvement in interaction with proteins. Exosomes are biostructures with a size of 30-150 nm, which follow the endosomal process, participate in cell signaling, and have diagnostic and therapeutic potential. The glycosylation of exosomes has not been studied much and this area have much significance in, for example, therapeutics field. In this proposed project we will utilize a modern approach by Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR). The project will begin with the isolation of EVs using ultracentrifugation and NTA, or Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis to measure and analyze the size and concentration of exosomes. This comparative strategy should allow for the assessment of the best approach for the maintenance of the native glycan patterns in EVs. After that, SPR will be employed to analyze the glycan interaction on the surface of EVs. The project will explore three specific assays: It includes; (1) SPR chips functionalized with antibodies for the detection of Ag-Ab interactions, (2) SPR chips functionalized with lectins for the identification of specific glycan structures, and (3) a newly described sandwich model in which EVs (exosomes), are bound directly to the surface of the SPR chip and further exercises in interaction studies with lectins and antibodies. This sandwich model is intended for capturing many interaction details, and clearly presenting the glycoprotein makeup of EVs. The outcome of this project will significantly enhance our understanding of EV’s biological roles and potential usage for diagnostic and therapeutic cancer purposes based on glycosylation and contribute to the development of a more solid approach to glycoproteomics method for the detection of EV glycoproteins, and it will lead to further investigation of the biomarker and efficient treatment opportunities for diseases involving glycoproteins such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and immune abnormalities This project will help to progress the field of precision medicine by identifying and describing the EV subtypes associated with various diseases and their glycans.

The phyllosilicate clay minerals are versatile materials capable of intercalating various compounds and modifying their arrangement and properties. They are considered one of the ideal host materials for the construction of dye assemblies for efficient photochemical reactions. In the last decade, hydrogel nanocomposites with smectite clay minerals have drawn attention due to their exceptional properties [1]. This project focuses on developing a multifunctional hydrogel composite system with a smectite mineral, particularly saponite (Sap), intercalated by cationic surfactant and functionalised by photosensitizing dye molecules. Specifically, phloxine B, a xanthene dye that has been used in drugs and cosmetics, is chosen as the photosensitizer for this study [2]. The modified silicate particles will be used for surface modification rather than the bulk integration of some hydrogels used in the biomedical field. This approach aims to fabricate a multifunctional nanocomposite that exhibits photoactive and antibiofilm properties, leveraging the unique characteristics of phyllosilicate minerals as host material suitable for biomedical applications. 1. Zhao, Li Zhi, et al. "Recent advances in clay mineral-containing nanocomposite hydrogels." Soft Matter 11.48 (2015): 9229-9246. 2. Skoura, Eva, et al. "Structure, photoactivity, and antimicrobial properties of phloxine B/poly (caprolactone) nanocomposite thin films." Applied Clay Science 242 (2023): 107037.

Shear-thinning hydrogels are a promising generation of bioinks for extrusion-based bioprinting in tissue engineering. These hydrogels are crosslinked through reversible non-covalent and covalent biorthogonal bonds, which provide the cytocompatibility and shear-thinning behavior required for extrusion bioprinting. Sodium alginate (SA) hydrogels crosslinked by non-covalent ionic interactions offer a cell-friendly environment for cells, however, their non-cell-adhesive nature and poor moldability limit their application as bioink. Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) have been incorporated into the SA hydrogels, enhancing their formability and cell adhesion. Nevertheless, the long-term network stability of non-covalent crosslinked SA hydrogel under physiological conditions remains a significant challenge. To address the limitations of SA bioinks, we propose incorporating HNTs into an SA hydrogel crosslinked via reversible covalent bonds. This approach involves simple mixing of HNTs with hydrogel precursor solution. SA backbone will be modified with reversible acylhydrazone counterparts — hydrazide and aldehyde— facilitating the formation of a dynamic network with tunable physiochemical properties. Additionally, the HNTs will be functionalized with amine groups to enable their covalent incorporation into the SA network through imine bond formation with the aldehyde groups. Subsequently, we will evaluate the potential of these hydrogels as bioink for extrusion-based bioprinting by investigating and tailoring their shear-thinning behavior to ensure suitable printability and resolution. Finally, cells will be encapsulated within the chosen formulations and biological performance of the printed scaffolds will be assessed by evaluating their stability under physiological conditions as well as cell viability and adhesion.

Covid-19 continues to pose a worldwide threat, mainly to high-risk group patients in our society. However, we still lack the easily available treatment. The spike protein located on the membrane of the SARS-CoV-2 virion uses ACE2 as an entry gateway into the host's cells. Human lactoferrin, a glycoprotein commonly found in breast milk, can block virion entrance into the cells thanks to direct interaction with Spike protein as indicated by our previous results. Here, we aim to explore the differences between human and several animal lactoferrins in Spike binding capabilities. We will seek to identify the important amino acid regions within the whole protein sequence, firstly by in silico means and later followed by in vitro experiments. This approach can accelerate the design of suitable pharmacological peptides which could be used as a potent supplementary tool, which we lack, in the fight with disease of Covid-19.

NMDA receptors are widely expressed in the nervous system, yet their contribution to adult neurogenesis is poorly understood. NMDA receptors are required for suppression of neurogenesis. Loss of this suppression may be one of the important factors for brain recovery. The NMDA receptor antagonist, memantine (MEM), has been shown to have a beneficial effect as it promotes neurogenesis. The aim of this project is to determine the effect of MEM on adult brain regeneration after injury. We will use the songbird species Bengalese finch (Lonchura striata domestica) and investigate the brain regeneration in the striatal area that is important for learned song production and variability. We will take advantage of this function and we will also study the effect of MEM after striatal injury on song variability.

Testicular tumors are among the most common oncological diseases in young men under 35 years of age. Treatment consisting of surgery and possible chemotherapy is sufficient in 80% of cases to stop the spread of the disease even in advanced stages. One of the factors that undoubtedly contributes to the success of the treatment is the high sensitivity to the chemotherapeutic agent – cisplatin. However, 15% of patients develop resistance to this chemotherapeutic. Chemoresistance is not completely understood, mainly due to the high heterogeneity of tumors and its complexity, and is still considered the main failure of treatment in later stages of oncological diseases. Our aim is to investigate resistance to cisplatin in testicular cancer using advanced machine learning tools. This approach includes the introduction of a new data analysis procedure at our workplace, which can be easily adapted for the study of other biological problems. The goal of the project is to create a model capable of predicting the response of tumor cells to the chemotherapeutic agent based on RNA sequencing data and obtain information about the genes and signaling pathways affecting the response of tumor cells to therapy. This research has the potential to reveal previously unexplored genes affecting resistance to cisplatin, and the ability of the model to predict tumor response to therapy can contribute to personalizing patient treatment.

The aim of this proposal is to elucidate the atomistic interactions between the C1q or HSA protein fragment and polymer-modified biomaterial surfaces through atomistic molecular dynamics simulations. The study will compare two setups: free protein approaching the surface and constrained protein under simulated conditions similar to atomic force microscopy. The focus will be on how the secondary structure of the protein fragments changes upon their interactions with poly(ethylene oxide) and poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline) grafted onto graphene. The performance of these two polymers as antifouling agents will be compared. These hydrophilic polymers are selected for their potential to reduce protein adsorption and improve biomaterial biocompatibility. The effect of different grafting density of the polymer chains on their interactions with the protein fragments will be scrutinized. The findings will contribute to the development of protein-resistant biomaterials with applications in drug delivery and biosensors.

Biosurfactants are surfactants possessing several advantages over synthetic surfactants. Their high stability, low toxicity and biodegradability make them the subject of interest for many researchers. Taking into account the demands of consumers for substances that meet the attributes of health, sustainability and environmental protection, the cosmetic industry also became interested in biosurfactants. In the field of dermatology and cosmetics, biosurfactants have proven to be very effective, mainly due to their excellent compatibility with the skin, but also due to their antimicrobial, antiradical or hygroscopic properties. The goal of this project is to prepare (through enzymatic catalysis) new, yet unexplored type of biosurfactants suitable for cosmetic applications. This new type of biosurfactants combines alkyl glycosides with ferulic acid. The synthesis of biosurfactants using enzymes is considered a green way of their preparation and can thus often bypass the disadvantages of chemical synthesis. The structural diversity of these products, combining aliphatic and phenolic fragments on a natural basis, will enable us to combine their surface-active properties with different functional properties, such as antioxidant and/or photoprotective properties, which will be studied by selected methods. Compounds with such properties will be incorporated into model cosmetic emulsions.

In recent years, zinc nanoparticles have been used with increasing frequency due to potentially greater zinc absorption and bioavailability than that observed for traditional inorganic forms. The presented project proposal is focused on the effect of zinc nanoparticles as mineral supplements in animal diets on the antioxidant status as well as their adverse effect during long-term treatment. The impact of the zinc nanoparticles added to diets at doses up to the maximum EU authorised total Zn level for sheep, on the activity of antioxidant enzymes and oxidative stress indicators in plasma and tissues of lambs will be investigated. The inflammatory responses in serum and feces, histological changes in tissues, and animal performance will be monitored as well. The proposed project will provide new knowledge in the field of mineral nanoparticles used as feed additives in animal nutrition in order to improve the health and production of farm animals, but it also brings new questions related to their potential adverse effect in the organism or the metabolic fate of nanoparticles in animal tissues.

GPR180 protein is a receptor on the cytoplasmatic membrane, which takes part in the regulation of energy metabolism. Our preliminary data show that Gpr180 gene deletion in pancreatic beta cells leads to the development of prediabetic phenotype in mice due to both significant decrease in insulin production and secretion. We also observed significantly attenuated insulin secretion in response to glucose in an in vitro beta cell model MIN6 following the knockdown of the Gpr180 gene by transient RNA interference. This grant proposal aims to search for potential mechanisms regulating insulin secretion downstream of the GPR180 protein. During the first year of my doctoral studies, I identified significantly lower mitochondrial content in mice with beta cell-specific deletion of Gpr180 and consistently significantly decreased ATP levels in MIN6 cells following Gpr180 silencing. Thus, we hypothesize that mitochondrial dysfunction could be a component regulated downstream by GPR180 signaling that governs insulin secretion. To investigate this in detail, we aim to create a stable MIN6 cell line with a suppressed Gpr180 gene utilizing a viral approach. This will enable us to observe the long-term effects of Gpr180 dysfunction in beta cells, especially considering mitochondria half-life. I will focus on mitochondrial functionality and structure in different metabolic conditions, using live cell-based assays such as measurement of mitochondrial respiration or metabolite production, as well as imaging techniques. This project has the potential to deliver a novel molecular mechanisms that participates in the regulation of glucose homeostasis via GPR180. In addition, our work will also deliver a new experimental tool for the scientific community. Molecular mechanisms affecting mitochondrial function in beta cells represent an attractive target for pharmacology research of several types of diabetes.

Although testicular cancer is not a common malignancy, it mainly affects young boys and men. In recent years, an increased incidence of patients with this disease has been noted. In addition, the incidence of patients with tumours resistant to CisPt (cisplatin), the main treatment strategy for testicular cancer, has increased significantly. Several studies in recent years have shown that cancer cells can benefit from enzymes involved in lipid metabolism. As lipid metabolism in CisPt-sensitive and resistant testicular tumors has not yet been sufficiently studied, we believe that elucidating its importance may lead to targeted manipulation of the metabolism of resistant cells and thus to more effective therapy.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent form of tau-mediated neurodegeneration, presenting a formidable challenge to global healthcare . Pathological hallmarks involve the accumulation of amyloid senile plaques and neurofibrillary tau tangles (NFTs) with in the brain. Currently no accessible disease modifying therapy is available for the treatment of AD. Mitochondrial dysfunction is considered a key factor in the progression of AD, with evidence of impaired energy metabolism and oxidative damage in AD brains. Current therapies that improve mitochondrial functions are in clinical use to treat mitochondrial dysfunction in various diseases. These compounds mostly interfere with mitochondrial respiration and energy production but have very limited protective effects. Mitochondrial transplantation (MT) is an innovative approach to treat mitochondrial dysfunction with potential to overcome the limitations of pharmacological agents. This strategy involves the transfer of healthy mitochondria into defective, energy-depleted cells, aiming to prevent the onset and progression of disease. Recently, this strategy has been implemented as a treatment for multiple diseases, including Parkinson’s disease (PD), cancer, and myocardial infarction. However, its implication in AD has not been explored yet. In this project, we plan to inject freshly isolated mitochondria intracerebrally into a humanized AD rat model (by intracerebral inoculation of sarkosyl insoluble tau extracted from post-mortem human AD brain). We aim to analyse the beneficial effects of MT using various approaches such as immunohistochemistry, respirometry, and immunoblotting. We expect that MT will reduce the burden of tau pathology in rat model by providing sufficient energy to energy-depleted neurons and maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis. In future, a combination of mitochondrial transplantation with disease-modifying therapies, such as active or passive tau immunotherapy, could hold promising potential to halt the progression of AD or even be utilized as a preventive strategy.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is believed to be caused due to the abnormal accumulation of proteins such as the tau protein. This accumulated tau will then form neurofibrillary tangles which is a characteristic pathological lesion observed in AD. Normally tau proteins promote the arrangement and stabilization of microtubules in the axonal region of the neurons. Microtubules are required by the neurons to maintain the architecture of the neuronal cell and thereby maintaining the structure. Like all proteins, there are certain post translational modifications (PTM’s) that are common to tau protein like acetylation, methylation, glycosylation, ubiquitination, phosphorylation etc. Out of which the most common PTM is the phosphorylation, and AD patient’s tau protein exhibits about 85 phosphorylation sites. The hyperphosphorylation of the tau protein leads to detachment of the microtubules from tau and this further leads to conformational changes in the structure of tau and thereby forming insoluble aggregates that accumulates around the neurons. The progression of these aggregates is notoriously known to cause several neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, there arises the need of an anti-tau agent that will cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and attach to the insoluble tau aggregates and clear the accumulated tau proteins around the neurons. The complexity of the BBB makes it difficult to produce an ideal therapeutic agent which will cross the BBB and serve the purpose. Through this project, we will aim to produce a bi-specific anti-tau antibody, having the ability to cross the BBB and also establish the specificity at which the bi-specific anti-tau antibody detects and binds to the insoluble tau aggregates in an in-vitro and in-vivo setup. These results can be then used to produce a novel transformative diagnostic or therapeutic multifunctional agent against insoluble tau proteins to address the challenges of an AD brain.

Q fever is a global zoonosis caused by the intracellular bacterium Coxiella burnetii (CB). Humans primarily contract the infection through aerosols from infected animals or by consuming contaminated dairy products. While 60% of cases are asymptomatic, symptomatic cases often present as a febrile illness, pneumonia, or hepatitis. Chronic infection can develop in immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, or those with heart conditions, often manifesting as endocarditis. Treatment with doxycycline and chloroquine has improved outcomes, particularly in chronic cases. However, diagnosing Q fever is challenging due to nonspecific symptoms and reliance on serological methods, which are often delayed or exhibiting reduced sensitivity. Newer diagnostic techniques using magnetic beads to capture specific antibodies show promise in improving detection accuracy, offering potential for earlier diagnosis and better treatment outcomes. In this project we aim to develop magnetic beads biofunctionalized with antibodies specific for the Coxiella burnetii Nine Mile II strain (NMII). The specific antibodies will be isolated from hyperimmune rabbit serum, which contains high titers of these antibodies. The developed beads will be employed to isolate C. burnetii from animal tissues, including placenta, spleen, liver, lung, bone marrow and heart.Additionally, beads with covalently immobilized Coxiella burnetii antigens hold promise for the specific and sensitive diagnosis of Q fever.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a fatal oncologic disease with an unfavorable prognosis and limited treatment options, primarily relying on toxic and inefficient chemotherapy such as FOLFIRINOX. Although immunotherapy has proven effective in other cancers, its efficiency in treating PDAC is limited due to the tumor's low immunogenicity and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Epigenetic changes such as DNA hypermethylation and aberrant histone modifications contribute to PDAC's aggressive nature and immune evasion through their influence on cancer and immune cells. This project aims to enhance PDAC's immunogenicity by targeting these epigenetic changes. We will evaluate the effect of different classes of epigenetic drugs for their ability to modulate the expression of immunotherapy response markers and test their efficiency in PDAC cancer-immune cells co-culture model. The gained insight can enhance our understanding the role of epigenetics in the PDAC immune landscape and pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the deadliest forms of cancer, primarily due to its late-stage diagnosis and resistance to current treatments. Projections indicate that PDAC will become the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths by 2030. The main challenge in treating PDAC is its desmoplastic stroma, a dense, fibrous barrier that hinders the penetration of drugs and immune cells into the tumour microenvironment (TME). Over the past decade, research has demonstrated that epigenetic drugs can enhance immune cell infiltration into PDAC tumours, potentially transforming these "cold" tumours into "hot" ones that are more responsive to immunotherapy. Recent advancements have shown that engineered interleukin-2 (IL-2) can significantly boost the efficacy of effector T-cells, particularly in colorectal cancer and melanoma. Based on this, we hypothesize that combining epigenetic drugs, which promote anti-tumour immune cell infiltration, with engineered IL-2 could synergistically enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy in PDAC. However, a major challenge in studying this type of combination therapy within the context of PDAC stroma is the lack of suitable in vitro models. Organotypic slice cultures (OTSC) have emerged as a promising ex vivo tool, enabling the study of immune cell infiltration and response to immunotherapy in a more physiologically relevant context. The aim of our project is to enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy in PDAC by combining epigenetic drugs with engineered IL-2. This approach has the potential to advance systemic therapy for PDAC and support the development of a more relevant ex vivo model in our laboratory. The use of OTSC will facilitate more precise testing of therapeutic efficacy within the tumour stroma, ultimately improving the translation of preclinical findings into clinical trials.

Hantaviruses are important zoonotic viruses that pose a global threat to public health. They are characterized by their host specificity, where one species of hantavirus is adapted to one species of reservoir host, which includes rodents, moles, bats, and shrews. In some cases, spillover infection of other hosts, including humans, may occur. However, the exact mechanisms involved in crossing the species barrier of reservoir hosts as well as virus entry into cells remain unclear. Klaus et al. (2013) discovered that the interaction of the intracellular Endoplasmic Reticulum-Golgi Intermediate Compartment 53 kDa protein (ERGIC-53) with arenavirus glycoproteins resulted in its incorporation into the envelope of viral particles during budding, and its absence in cells caused the production of non-infectious viral particles. In addition, it has been discovered that ERGIC-53 interacts with glycoproteins of viruses from several families, including hantaviruses. We hypothesize that this protein not only plays a key role in hantavirus infectivity but may also have a role as a determinant of host specificity. The aim of the proposed project is to test our hypothesis through a series of in vitro experiments using CRISPR interference (CRISPRi). We will repress the expression of human ERGIC-53 in the A549 cell line, which will be replaced by expression plasmids encoding ERGIC-53 of reservoir hantavirus hosts. The cell line will be used to generate viral particles containing ERGIC-53 of different origins. Subsequently, we will determine the ability of the 2 most important European hantaviruses, Dobrava-Belgrade virus (DOBV) and Puumala virus (PUUV), to infect different host cells, depending on the presence and origin of ERGIC-53 incorporated in the viral envelope.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the leading causes of cancer death in Europe. Photothermal therapy (PTT), based on the rapid heating of plasmonic nanoparticles (NP) after absorption of laser light in the near-infrared biological windows NIR-I and NIR-II, represents a promising tool for selectively targeting tumor cells without affecting healthy tissue. Current research focuses on the use of financially available nanomaterials such as non-stoichiometric molybdenum oxide MoOx. The effectiveness of PTT can be increased by functionalizing NP with antibodies recognizing tumor-associated proteins, e.g. carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX) – a marker of hypoxia associated with aggressive tumors and metastasis. The characterization of NP and the evaluation of their efficacy in PTT represents the first step in the development of a nanoplatform for cancer treatment. The aim of the project is to verify the effectiveness of NP from MoOx, functionalized with an antibody against CAIX, which were prepared in cooperation with CEMEA and Institute of Physics SAS, in PTT in vitro in 2D and 3D cell models from pancreatic cancer cell lines and to investigate the conditions for the emergence of nanoparticle-mediated hyperthermia and mechanisms of its action.

Chronic stress is a key factor in the development and course of psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety disorders. Current pharmacological approaches, primarily based on inhibiting monoamine reuptake, are not sufficiently effective, leading to the search for new therapeutic strategies. This project focuses on investigating the mechanisms of modulation of the endocannabinoid system and the inflammatory response, through the dual inhibition of the enzymes FAAH (fatty amino acid hydrolase) and COX-2 (cyclooxygenase-2), which are responsible for the degradation of endocannabinoids. The project aims to investigate the parameters of the kynurenine pathway and neuroinflammation as underlying mechanisms responsible for the behavioral changes induced by the dual inhibition of FAAH and COX-2 in young rats, concerning gender differences.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory condition that results in the erosion of bone, loss of cartilage, and inflammation of the synovium. Initial symptoms may include persistent discomfort, painful and inflamed joints, and morning stiffness. RA can also cause additional symptoms not associated with the joints, known as extra-articular manifestations, which can affect muscles, heart, liver, kidneys, intestines and others. Multiple factors contribute to the onset of RA. The specific process by which the disease progresses is not yet completely understood. However, it is proposed that both pathogenic and non-pathogenic factors, such as bacterial or viral infections, damage to small blood vessels, or minor injuries, could potentially play a role. Understanding the pathological alterations of RA, as well as identifying and treating it, is one of the greatest challenges confronting the medical field today. To deal with this issue, effective approaches and treatments must be established. The present project aims to make significant advancement by utilizing crocin and β-cryptoxanthin for the treatment of RA and its accompanying extra-articular symptoms using the adjuvant arthritis animal model. These compounds will be utilized both alone and in combination with conventional antirheumatics i.e., methotrexate and upadacitinib. Besides biometric indicators, inflammatory markers also oxidative stress in plasma and relevant tissues (liver, joints and spleen) will be measured. Our findings and analysis may bring adjuvant treatment methods for RA and related extra-articular symptoms.

The word “cardioprotection” is nowadays mainly includes “all mechanisms that contribute to the preservation of the heart by reducing or even preventing myocardial damage”. This project aims to address a critical gap in the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the cardiovascular benefits of exercise. By using an animal model of voluntary exercise and exploring the role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor TrkB as mediators of exercise-induced cardiac improvements, the research represents a novel and scientifically valuable perspective. Additionally, the investigation of the role of VGF peptides, particularly their interaction with the gC1qR receptor in the heart, may reveal a novel molecular axis that may contribute significantly to cardioprotection. In the project, the effects of chronic voluntary wheel exercise in spontaneously hypertensive rats and normotensive rats will be investigated. The proposed studies on downstream signaling pathways, including AKT, Raf, MEK, ERK, and CREB, are expected to uncover new molecular targets for enhancing cardiac function, especially in hypertensive condition.

Semantic cognition is a neurocognitive system critical for the processing, storage, organization, and retrieval of knowledge, facts, and concepts from memory. It regulates mental processes and adaptive behaviors essential for daily functioning. Understanding semantic cognition is crucial as its dysfunctions manifest in various neuropsychiatric disorders such as neurodegenerative diseases, aphasias, schizophrenia, and depression. This project aims to leverage current neuromodulation techniques and an innovative behavioral paradigm to expand existing knowledge and more precisely identify the cognitive and neurobiological mechanisms underpinning the ability to retrieve information from semantic memory.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a serious urological malignancy that represents a medically significant problem in Slovakia due to its high incidence and mortality. The most represented subtype of RCC is clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) characterized by mutations in the von Hippel-Lindau tumor-suppressor gene leading to activation of hypoxic signalling independently of oxygen concentration, and also by high expression of carbonic anhydrase IX (CA IX). CA IX is associated with increased tumor aggressiveness, metastasis and poor response to treatment. A frequent concomitant feature in ccRCC is hyperactivation of mTOR signaling (mechanistic Target of Rapamycin), which promotes cell growth and proliferation. Inhibition of mTOR signaling represents one approach in the treatment of ccRCC. Although several mTOR inhibitors have been used in clinical practice, desired results their have not been achieved when used alone. The aim of this project is to contribute to the elucidation of the relationship between mTOR and CA IX in ccRCC using specific inhibitors, while testing the effects of combined inhibition in order to optimize and increase the efficacy of ccRCC treatment.

Branchio-oto-renal (BOR) and branchio-otic (BO) syndromes are autosomal dominant syndromic hearing disorders most commonly caused by pathogenic variants and deletions in the EYA1 gene. The diagnosis of BO/BOR syndrome is often based on clinical criteria and family history. However, genetic testing, particularly whole exome or genome sequencing, is playing an increasingly important role in identifying the genetic causes of the syndrome. They are important for accurate diagnosis, patient management, genetic counselling and potentially the development of targeted therapeutic approaches. A number of variants in the EYA1 gene have been identified that not only cause hearing loss but also lead to life-threatening kidney damage. The majority of variants affect the proper splicing of the pre-mRNA, which can lead to the formation of truncated, non-functional proteins or to significantly reduced EYA1 expression in cells. The minigene assay is most commonly used to monitor changes in the pre-mRNA splicing process. However, this method is time-consuming and has its limitations. This project aims to improve the analysis of variants affecting the splicing of pre-mRNA gene EYA1. Analysis of patient nasopharyngeal swab samples will allow both qualitative and quantitative analysis of transcripts in vivo. The project will lead to a faster and more accurate identification of likely pathogenic and pathogenic variants affecting pre-mRNA splicing, with the potential to significantly improve diagnostic and therapeutic options for patients with BO/BOR syndrome.

In response to cold, our bodies undergo a complex physiological reaction, which includes the activation of heat-generating mechanisms. Since heat generation is an energy-consuming process, its activation has promising implications for treating obesity and related metabolic complications. Among the most significant changes in the acute response to cold are increases in circulating levels of lactate. Our preliminary results point to the existence of an alternative mechanism of thermogenesis that is mediated by lactate. The primary objective of this project is to investigate the potential of lactate to drive thermogenesis in the liver. To meet these goals, I will create a stable HepG2 cell line expressing a genetically encoded fluorescent temperature sensor (BgTEMP), which will allow me to monitor temperature changes in real time and study the effect of exogenously administered lactate in combination with pharmacological inhibition of gluconeogenesis on thermogenesis in hepatocytes. To validate the existence of the proposed substrate cycle, I will establish a coculture system of the hMADS cells differentiated into white adipocytes as the source of lactate and stable HepG2 cells expressing BgTEMP, which can utilise lactate to produce glucose. This system will also be validated in vivo using hepatocyte-specific Pck1 knockout mice. This research endeavour holds promise to uncover a new UCP1-independent thermogenic mechanism operating in the body under cold.

The proposed project aims to build upon our previous investigation of fungal diversity changes along an elevational gradient in the beech forest of central Slovakia, specifically within the Javorie mountains. Through the collection of the soil samples at various elevations and subsequent analysis of soil physio-chemical properties, as well as the assessment of soil enzymatic activity and fungal metabarcoding, we have gained valuable insights into the function of the fungal component of these ecosystems. To enhance our understanding further, we aim to analyze bacterial communities as complementary components of soil microbiome. By exploring the presence and functional dynamics of bacterial communities in conjunction with our existing fungal data, we aim to elucidate the intricate interplay between fungal and bacterial components within this ecosystem. This holistic approach will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the forest's microbiome along the elevational gradient, enriching our knowledge of its ecological intricacies and potential impacts of environmental changes.

The increased mortality of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) stands in recent years has been significantly influenced by climate change. Concurrently, repeated outbreaks of bark beetles from the subfamily Scolytinae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) have also been observed. These bark beetles are associated with various species of ophiostomatoid fungi (Ophiostomatales). Ophiostomatoid fungi are the subject of intensive research due to their role in causing a serious tracheomycotic disease that affects the transport tissue of Scots pine, which is characterized by a distinctive discoloration of the wood. Within European research, the species diversity of these fungi, transmitted by bark beetles, has received long-term attention. In Slovakia, previous studies have confirmed the presence of Ophiostoma ips and O. minus on Scots pine infested by bark beetles. The proposed doctoral grant aims to provide new insights into the composition of communities of ophiostomatoid fungi transmitted by bark beetles on Scots pine growing in the eolic sands of the Záhorská nížina lowlands.

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) methods are pivotal conservation tools to understand phylogenetic relationships, uncover fundamental principles of evolutionary processes and to apply genomic approaches to characterise, monitor and preserve biodiversity. The brown bear population in Slovakia, which was nearly extinct in the 1930s, has since stabilised and reoccupied much of its historical range. However, this recovery has brought new challenges for species conservation, such as monitoring and management. With the increase of human-bear conflicts, resulting in property damage, serious injuries and even deaths the species is receiving significant public attention. Utilising high-resolution genomic datasets, we aim to shed light on the contemporary and historical genetic variation, effective population size and gene flow between local bear populations represented by individuals sampled in the three main genetic clusters in Slovakia. Genetic variability is an important parameter for the evolutionary potential and viability of a population. Information on gene flow in the population reflects the degree of the landscape connectivity for bears and the influence of potential barriers. Our findings will provide data necessary for evidence-based management strategies to minimise human-bear conflicts and ensure the long-term viability of the brown bear population in Slovakia.

Manganese oxides (MnOx) are among the most challenging mineral phases to identify. They are mostly micro- to nanocrystalline, isostructural, occur in mixed mineral phases, and rarely as end-member minerals. Under oxic conditions, manganese minerals form secondary oxides containing manganese in two oxidation states simultaneously, Mn3+/Mn4+. These minerals crystallize both abiotically and biotically, meaning they can form with the involvement of microorganisms, although the precise mechanism of biotic Mn oxide formation remains unclear. It is also uncertain how to definitively prove the biotic or abiotic origin of MnOx. The most promising approach appears to be the quantification of Mn3+ and Mn4+, as a difference in their ratio depending on the origin (biotic/abiotic) has been demonstrated. The aim of this project is the precise identification of secondary MnOx in the area of the Štiavnica stratovolcano and the quantification of Mn3+ and Mn4+ using E. Bloom's titration method, which we will optimize for mineral samples. Quantifying the individual oxidation states of manganese in the mineral structures and precise mineralogy will allow us to assess whether the collected samples formed through inorganic crystallization or if microorganisms could have been involved in their formation. The information obtained will serve as a comprehensive study of the supergene Mn mineralization of the Štiavnica stratovolcano and as a dataset for identifying poorly crystalline MnOx.

River channels are key elements of the landscape, ensuring the water-mediated transfer of energy, substances, and nutrients. In the river channel, sediments are a crucial factor controlling river morphology and ecology. Knowledge of this process is thus essential to maintaining a good ecological condition supporting a dynamic aquatic ecosystem. Grain size analysis of fluvial material is essential for the identification of hydraulic and sedimentological properties of river channels. Advances in technological developments enable the combination of small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) and SfM (Structure-from-motion) photogrammetry for non-invasive granulometric analysis. Physical habitat parameters can be extracted from detailed 3D models, and the channel bed structure or gravel bars substrate detected automatically. This work focused on the development automatic protocol and models for automatic photo-sieving of fluvial sediments using UAS-based orthophotographs combined with field survey photographs of sediments processed in the BASEGRAIN and Pebble Count Python script-program. Validation of results will be compared with laboratory-analysed sediment samples extracted from the gravel-bed river Ondava (Western Carpathians, Eastern Slovakia). A predictive model of the relationship between the sUAS image parameters (texture, point cloud properties, roughness, spectral properties) and field samples will be developed and applied for whole high-resolution orthoimages of the study area. The technique showcases the capabilities of high-resolution sUAS images for processing and analysing grain size parameters of the river system. Changes in sediment variation of the river channels are a fundamental prerequisite for proper river management to improve the qualitative and quantitative condition of all water bodies. Keywords: UAS, grain size, sediments, fluvial geomorphology, photogrammetry

Microgravimetry is a popular discipline for near-surface prospection, particularly for identifying isolated objects with anomalous density contrast (with respect to the background environment). Observed gravity signal is a complex composite signal, that needs to be processed and corrected for many adverse effects. After processing it can be further analyzed using a variety of interpretation methods. These colud be potential field transformation methods, such as higher derivatives, analytical signal and horizontal gradient transformations, the Euler deconvolution, the analytical field continuation, or the forward or inverse modelling. This work is focused on the latter, particularly on the Growth inversion approach developed by Dr. Camacho Complutense University of Madrid. The methodology will be used to analyze gravity data from several case studies. We aim to conduct a complex gravimetric study, consisting of our own gravity survey on several locations of interest involving suspected anomalies (cavities) and inversion of existing data measured and interpreted by other authors. The purpose behind this approach is to test capabilities and limitations of GROWTH-23 and GROWTH-dg packages on a variety of (dramatically different) scenarios. We wish to provide new insights to existing case studies as well as bring our own new material. We consider re-interpreting of similar case studies using Growth necessary for comparison of results and better understanding of the problem, as the application of Growth to this type of task (high precision 3D microgravimetry) is still a relatively underexplored topic. Our gravity measurements will be carried out using a Scintrex CG5 gravity meter owned by the Earth Science Institute of SAS. We plan to survey multiple locations, mainly involving abandoned mining facilities, such as Čáry, Koš, Valaská, and several sites near Banská Štiavnica.

This project introduces an electronic system interface (ESI) designed for interfacing neuromorphic sensor arrays for in-sensor computing systems. In-sensor computing is a novel approach where various electronic sensors are implemented as synaptic connections in a hardware neural network, mimicking biological sensing systems. The sensor arrays are crossbar structures containing a matrix of sensor devices between upper electrodes (rows) and bottom electrodes (columns) with varying properties in their respective sensing and output characteristics. This development is required for the running international Atosens project funded under m-ERA.net 2022 Joint Call, which fully overlaps with my PhD. thesis. Atosens project aims to develop an in-sensor computing chip with a crossbar array of TiO2 thin-film hydrogen gas sensors. The ESI developed under this proposal will be versatile, and useful for any in-sensor computing system beyond the Atosens project, with the designs and codes open-sourced, serving a wider scientific community.

This research proposal presents an innovative approach to enhancing wound healing through the development of a 4D printed bilayer wound dressing that incorporates piezoelectric materials. The skin, as the body’s primary defense, is prone to chronic wounds when compromised, necessitating advanced treatment options. The proposal highlights the use of electrical stimulation to mimic and enhance the body’s natural healing processes, a strategy that has shown promise in previous studies. The dressing's design features a combination of a hydrogel layer and an electrospun nanofiber layer, which together create a conducive environment for wound healing while promoting cellular activities such as migration and re-epithelialization. Notably, the dressing aims to generate endogenous electric fields (EFs) to stimulate cell proliferation and tissue regeneration, eliminating the need for external power sources and minimizing patient inconvenience. The research objectives focus on developing a multifunctional scaffold that not only accelerates healing but also possesses intrinsic antibacterial properties, reducing reliance on antibiotics and addressing concerns about antibiotic resistance. Additionally, the project aims to achieve scarless healing, a significant advancement in wound care that could improve both cosmetic and functional outcomes for patients. The methodology outlined involves comprehensive material characterization and biological assessments, ensuring the dressing's suitability for clinical applications. The proposal also includes in vivo studies to validate the dressing's efficacy and safety in real-world scenarios. Overall, this research represents a significant step forward in wound care technology, with the potential to set new standards in the treatment of chronic and severe wounds.

Natural resources for a production of concrete are non-renewable and their capacity is limited. Mining has a negative impact on the environment, influences the landscape and there are CO2 emissions linked to their production. Requirements for reuse and recycling of the materials currently built into existing structures have been brought forward recently. Apart form reuse of the structures or the elements for a new purpose we need to demolish some of the structures. Common practice was to landfill the waste on a site with no further benefits. Current trends are based on the destruction of the material into the basic components and their reuse. In a process of concrete production based on the current legislation usually the big particles are to be replaced with recycled aggregates and in a limited amount. My presented project is to be based on a replacement of ordinary aggregates with a recycled aggregate with a focus on an application beyond the current allowances stated in the international and local standards in the terms of aggregate size and proportion of recycled content.

The proposed research will focus on improving the estimation of the critical airflow velocity in the tunnel. This parameter is important for designing tunnel ventilation and ensuring safe people's evacuation during a fire. Based on a theoretical analysis of existing models for estimating the critical velocity, literature study, and the results of preliminary computer simulations, we found that the estimates of the critical velocity used in international standards overestimate the value of the critical velocity measured during tunnel experiments. The main goal of the research is to obtain new theoretical and practical knowledge in estimating the critical airflow velocity in road tunnels using computer fire simulation. The first part of the research will focus on comparing the results of computer simulation with the results of experiments published in 2000 by Y. Wu and M. Z. A. Bakar. In these experiments, the critical velocity was investigated in 5 small-scale tunnels with different cross-sections and fires of relatively low heat release rates. We will also compare the obtained results with the critical velocity estimate published in 1996 by W. D. Kennedy. This estimate was included in Slovak and international standards for the design of emergency ventilation in road tunnels. In the second part of the research, we will add tunnel slopes to the simulated fire scenarios and verify the following hypotheses: (1) The value of the critical velocity for horizontal and ascending tunnels is not the same, (2) The value of the critical velocity for horizontal tunnel is higher than for ascending tunnel, and (3) The value of the critical velocity estimated according to the standards is overestimated for all three cases of tunnel slope (ascending, horizontal, descending tunnel). Computer simulations will be performed using an advanced FDS simulator on a supercomputer at Slovak Academy of Sciences. We will verify the established hypotheses based on the results of parametric studies; we will investigate the design of simulation parallelization and the sensitivity of the simulation to the chosen numerical mesh resolution. The benefit of the research will be the deepening of theoretical and practical knowledge about the estimation of the critical airflow velocity in tunnels and testing the degree of overestimation of the critical velocity calculated by existing standards for road tunnels.

Nickel sulfides are promising materials for hydrogen production due to their excellent electrocatalytic and photocatalytic properties, including visible light absorption, tunable electronic structure, and high catalytic activity. Traditional synthesis methods are associated with significant solvent usage and high energy consumption, raising environmental concerns. This study explores the mechanochemical synthesis of nickel sulfides using a planetary ball milling as an eco-friendly alternative. The exothermic reaction between sulfur and nickel is leveraged to induce a Mechanically induced Self-propagating Reaction (MSR) during milling, yielding the desired product in an instant. The process is monitored through observing temperature changes continuously during milling. The occurrence of MSR is accompanied by an abrupt temperature increase. The resulting products will be characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), to determine their phase composition, crystal structure and morphology. Finally, the catalytic performance of the synthesized nickel sulfides is evaluated in water splitting, highlighting their potential application in sustainable energy production.

Naturally occurring spontaneous process of self-assembly of biomacromolecules based on non-covalent interactions between distinct building blocks leads to the formation of higher organized structures, e. g. vesicles, micelles or pathological and functional fibrils. Fibrillar morphologies formed from a recombinant spider silk protein alongside with the possibility of their chemical modification become attractive for the preparation of nanomaterials emerging for example from “DNA-assisted” self-organization or via functional ligand-mediated assembly. In proposed project we will employ chemical conjugates of the recombinant spider protein with DNA aptamers binding thrombin, which retains their capability to form fibrils similarly to unmodified protein. The submitted project will study: i) formation of higher organized nanostructures mediated via thrombin as functional ligand/therapeutic, ii) as well as the effect of dynamic conditions of thrombin-aptamer bond formation in nanostructures in the presence of different competitive inhibitors of the enzyme. The project will also include studies on iii) controlled thrombin release and iv) study of cytotoxicity of formed nanostructures using selected cell lines. The obtained results will provide a basis for the practical use of protein-DNA bioconjugates-based nanomaterials.

The atomic structure of amorphous materials is characterized by short range order. As a result of such structure, amorphous materials exhibit a range of superior magnetic and mechanical properties as compared to traditional crystalline materials. Their complicated structure prevents description for a better understanding and subsequent improvement to traditional crystalline materials. Their complicated structure prevents description for a better understanding and subsequent improvement of properties. The pair distribution function (PDF) method using neutron scattering and synchrotron radiation offers a powerful tool for the quantitative description of the amorphous structure. In conjunction with the Reverse Monte Carlo (RMC) simulation technique, it allows to model a 3D atomic structure that considers the experimental data obtained by PDF. This project demonstrates the use of PDF methodology combined with RMC simulation to describe local changes in the atomic structure systems that are occurring due to changes in temperature and chemical composition.

The quantum computer is a promising emerging technology but has drawbacks in its current application due to the hardware limitations of a purely-quantum computer. As a result, current research in attempting to apply quantum computers to specific physical problems/systems relies on a quantum-classical hybrid of algorithms. One such powerful algorithm is The Variational Quantum Eigensolver (VQE), whose strong potential as an application has garnered growing attention in the quantum computing industry (in the current NISQ era). This algorithm works to find the lowest energy eigenvalues for physical systems, and it therefore can, for obvious reasons, be a very useful tool in industries and research institutes that work in the fields of condensed matter physics and chemistry, where determining the energy levels of a physical-chemical system accurately is crucial and necessary. The VQE algorithm, being a hybrid algorithm, contains a quantum part and a classical part (refer to attachment image). The quantum part uses the quantum computer to find the lowest energy eigenvalue for a Hamiltonian that represents some physical system using a trial wavefunction. The classical part of the algorithm uses a classical optimization technique to parametrize the wave function such that the expectation value of the Hamiltonian is minimized. The entire algorithm can be visualized in the figure [see separate attachment figure. In our previous work of applying a non-gradient population-based optimization method known as Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), we were able to develop a more refined version of this classical optimization technique that is based on physics-intuition, calling it Harmonic-oscillator Particle Swarm Optimization (HOPSO). The advantage of this algorithm is that it allows for more fine-tuning of its parameters and does not encounter an issue with explosions in the system due to its physics-based foundation (see the submitted manuscript here: https://bit.ly/4g8qs5W). We now seek to apply this newly developed optimization technique onto a quantum computer.

In insurance, it is common to encounter count data with a large proportion of zeros, indicating a high probability of no claims being reported. This pattern is often attributed to the "hunger for bonus" phenomenon, as described by Philipson (1960) and Lemaire (1977). In this context, insured individuals may refrain from reporting claims due to fears of premium increases or a desire to preserve bonuses for the next contract year. This behavior results in inflated zero counts in insurance data, leading to a substantial number of no-claim events. The problem with this inflated zero count is that standard count distributions, often used by researchers to model insurance data, may not adequately account for the excess zeros. These models, while widely applied, can produce inaccurate results when the data includes a disproportionate number of zero claims. This misalignment between the data's characteristics and the model's assumptions highlights a critical gap in existing methodologies. To address this problem, modifications to standard models are necessary. Specifically, these models must assign a higher probability to zero (no-claim) events and adjust the probabilities of claim events accordingly. While several parametric zero-inflated models have been developed to address this issue, they typically focus on adjusting the probability of zeros without sufficiently modifying the rest of the distribution. This limitation restricts the flexibility of these models in capturing other complexities in insurance data, such as varying claim frequencies across different segments, high skewness, and the presence of overdispersion in excess zero claim data. Furthermore, most of the existing literature has emphasized modeling insurance data where the minimum claim is one, rather than adequately addressing the scenarios with an excess of zero claims. Given these challenges, this study aims to introduce a count distribution model based on the convolution approach. This new model is specifically designed to address the shortcomings of existing methods by offering greater flexibility in modeling insurance claim data with excess zeros. In an increasingly competitive insurance industry, where precise risk assessment and premium pricing are crucial, the proposed model seeks to enhance the accuracy and reliability of these processes, providing a more robust framework for handling complex insurance data.