Research projects ( of 5444)

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1 Aug :35:37 Research projects ( of 5444) Search filter: Classifications: TECHNOLOGICAL SCIENCES (T) Analysis of the EU-wide baseline surveys on Campylobacter spp. in broiler flocks and on Campylobacter spp. and Salmonella spp. in broiler carcasses Lot No. 2 Universiteit Hasselt Abstract: According to the regulation (EC) No. 2160/2003 on the control of Salmonella and Campylobacter, targets are to be provided for reducing the prevalence of Salmonella serovars and Campylobacter species with public health significance in animal populations. For this purpose, European Union (EU) wide baseline surveys are carried out, collecting comparable data between the Member States (MS). The specific targets that are going to be considered are broiler flocks and broiler carcasses. Four reports are going to be provided, the first two (Part A for Campylobacter and Salmonella) include preliminary descriptive anlysis and flock/carcass-level prevalence estimation for each MS and at the Community level. The third and last report (Part B) contain a descriptive analysis of all potential risk factors recorded, as well as a model based risk analysis for the identification of risk factors. The overall objective is to analyze and report on the baseline surveys on Campylobacter spp. in broiler flocks and on Campylobacter spp. and Salmonel/a spp. in broiler carcasses. Centre for Statistics Research Institute Center for Statistics Marc AERTS Welcome Class for non-native newcomers (SO): basic principles of Dutch for newcomers. Universiteit Hasselt Abstract: Early 90s there was a growing realization that the number of foreign language students in the primary and secondary educationn due to the stream of refugees and migration, was increasing and would not stop. Therefore, the reception classes for newcomers (OKAN-class) was established. All young people between 12 and 18 years who have recently arrived in Flanders or Brussels and choose for Dutch education, can in separate classes for one school year,so they can learn Dutch as soon as possible. The objective is to let them enter in the education and discipline that most closely matches their individual capacities. In secondary education, the reception education exists of two parts: for one thing a reception year and for another the flow to and relief in the regular education. The reception year is very much focused on the acquisition of Dutch. For this reason, excluding the teaching hours of religion or non-denominational ethics, culture and religion or cultural considerations, in general, all teaching hours are used to teach Dutch. From the school year,in the context of the professionalization and the nature of the course Dutch, a new general course was created in the reception education: 'English for newcomers'. Center of Applied Linguistics Martine VERJANS Innovative concepts through multi-disciplinary approach Universiteit Hasselt Abstract: By working with various actors in a given sector, EDM wants to develop new concepts in the field of innovation with ICT resources, with special attention to human aspects and end users. Through this project EDM aims for this sector to formulate opinions, make relevant information available, testing the relevance and usefulness of new technologies, to write out the feasibility of integrated concepts. As a concrete case 'innovative service flats was chosen. The idea is, taking into account the target audience, to introduce new concepts so that a pleasant and secure environment with regard to welfare, quality of life, prevention, comfort and convenience arises is created. With a touchscreen interface, digital services are offered to people with age. Communication, information, orders, home automation, multimedia, etc are all to be used on a very simple and intuitive way. Behavioural Sciences - Health Expertise Centre for Digital Media Expertise Centre for Digital Media Eddy FLERACKERS Neree CLAES Concept study of a hybrid transmission for Off-Highway Trucks Vrije Universiteit Brussel Abstract: On request of the market of the Off-Highway vehicles, Spicer Off-Highway Systems in Bruges (SOHB) and VUB wants to build an energyefficient parallel and combined hybrid propulsion systems which uses supercapacitors as energy storage system. The reason of this project was the low efficiency of current hydrodynamic transmissions, the increasing interest of the community on lower oil consumption and on ecological aspects of transport. The hybridization probability will be examined for 2 typical applications: a front end loader or (FEL) and a forklift (FLT). From both applications a higher and a lower power class will be studied: a 60kW-2ton and a 200kW-6ton FEL and a 40kW-3ton and a 180kW-18ton FLT. A small attainability study before the project resulted in 35% energy profit of which 15% by brake energy recuperation, 14% by a more efficient propulsion system, 6% by a smaller ICE. If 15% of the Off-Highway vehicles would have a hybrid propulsion system in the next 10 years, one can save 100 million liter oil and CO2 emission. Electrical Engineering and Power Electronics Mobility and automotive technology research group Hasan CULCU Thierry Clement COOSEMANS JOERI VAN MIERLO

2 Expertise verlening ikv Collective Research - Energy Storage (ESTO) project Flanders DRIVE II. Vrije Universiteit Brussel Abstract: Test and analyses of Lithium battery cells. Development of software tools for lithium batteries. Electrical Engineering and Power Electronics Mobility and automotive technology research group Bavo VERBRUGGE Noshin OMAR Thierry Clement COOSEMANS PETER VAN DEN BOSSCHE JOERI VAN MIERLO Multidisciplinary centre for measurements using advanced technologies of the Brussels University Association. Vrije Universiteit Brussel Abstract: Multidisciplinary centre for measurements using advanced technologies of the Brussels University Association. Physical Chemistry and Polymer Science Electronics and Informatics Applied Mechanics Mechanics of Materials and Constructions Department of Bio-engineering Sciences Electricity Hydrology and Hydraulic Engineering Applied Physics and Photonics Materials and Chemistry HEIDI OTTEVAERE JOHAN STIENS HUGO THIENPONT ABDELLAH TOUHAFI DANNY VAN HEMELRIJCK Wendy VAN MOER JOERI DENAYER Margaret CHEN KRIS STEENHAUT IRIS DE GRAEVE GUY VAN ASSCHE BRUNO VAN MELE STEVE VANLANDUIT Providing scientific assistance in the sediment Fingerprinting of the Waterbouwkundig Laboratorium. Abstract: This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the Flemish Public Service. UA provides the Flemish Public Service research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract. AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation) Pierre Van Espen Rene Van Grieken Katleen Van Meel Exploring market study: Towards a communication plan for Middle Class(offer Ref: ) Universiteit Hasselt Abstract: The city of Lommel wants to serve its middle class by creating a coherent policy to make joint communication efforts, which will increase the number of visitors -and hence potential buyers- of Lommel. She is convinced that joint actions will be more effective than individual efforts of each of their members. The question is how the forces can be combined efficiently and what kind of communication tools are preferable to bring the attention to their shopping'street'. The aim of this project wants to make a start of a communication plan for the middle class of Lommel. Data-analysis and Modelling Tinne LOMMELEN High performance LC-tandem mass spectrometry as necessary equipment for strategic research elucidation of chemical biomolecules and quantitative determination of medicines, metabolites and biomolecules in biological matrices. Abstract: This project represents a research contract awarded by the. The supervisor provides the Antwerp University research mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions stipulated by the university. Molecular Plant Physiology and Biotechnology Filip Lemiere Bert Maes Yves Guisez Louis Maes Luc Moens Anne-Marie Lambeir Xaveer Van Ostade Klimaatverandering en veranderingen in ruimtelijke structuren in Vlaanderen

3 Abstract: Abstract not yet available Faculty of Biosciences and Landscape Architecture Department of Garden design and landscape architecture Pieter Foré Sylvie Van Damme Realisatie van micro-spuitgietproducten door optimalisatie van ontwerp, matrijs en proces Abstract: Abstract not yet available Faculty of Applied Engineering Sciences Department of Mechanics Ludwig Cardon Ontwikkeling en toepassing van molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) in mycotoxinediagnostica Abstract: Fumonisine is een mycotoxine dat hoofdzakelijk in maïs en afgeleide producten voorkomt. De aanwezigheid van fumonisine in levensmiddelen of diervoeders vormen een risico voor de gezondheid van mens en dier.de huidige detectiemethode voor fumonisine zijn gebaseerd op immunoaffiniteitskolommen. Bij de ontwikkeling van nieuwe immunologische technieken worden echter proefdieren gebruikt en de ontwikkeling wordt gekenmerkt door een hoge kostprijs, lange ontwikkelingstijd, een eenmalig gebruik en een hoge analysetijd. Er is een duidelijke nood aan alternatieve opzuiveringsmethoden die naast het garanderen van specificiteit eveneens bij voorkeur milieuvriendelijk, onbeperkt beschikbaar, goedkoop en gebruiksvriendelijk zijn.dit projectvoorstel beoogt de ontwikkeling van een sneltest, waarbij de fumonisine met behulp van molecularly impirnted polymers en vaste fase extractie uit de maïs(producten) geëxtraheerd wordt. Vervolgens wordt hieraan een semikwantitatieve test gekoppeld op basis van fluorescente detectie. De ontwikkelde sneltest kan door de maïsverwerkende industrie worden aangewend als autocontrolesysteem. Op Europees vlak werden recent normen geïntroduceerd voor maximaal toelaatbare gehaltes aan fumonisine in maïs en maïsafgeleide producten. Tevens worden bedrijven verplicht om voor fumonisine autocontroles uit te voeren, teneinde een monitoring van het probleem op te stellen. Hierbij is in de sector (voeding en diervoeder) duidelijk nood aan een snelle, eenvoudige, goedkope en gebruiksvriendelijke analysetechniek. Een goede en betrouwbare analysetechniek biedt de maïsverwerkende industrie een eenvoudige tool aan om contaminatie van fumonisine in hun producten tot een minimum te beperken en de problematiek door een snelle ingreep beter te beheersen. Faculty of Biosciences and Landscape Architecture Department of Food science and technology Peter Maene Mia Eeckhout Valorisatie van (ligno-)cellulose reststromen Abstract: Het project VaLiCel onderzoekt de geschiktheid van een aantal celluloserijke reststromen (papieruitval, pulp, vlasresten, (snoei-)hout, bermgras en landbouwresidu's) in Vlaanderen op potentiële valorisatie in tweede generatie biobrandstoffen. Het project beoogt een enzymatische sacharificatie van de residuele biomassa en de daaropvolgende fermentatie in bio-ethanol. Lignocellulose reststromen met een goed rendement aan ethanol en met het minst inhiberende nevenproducten bekomen met een welbepaalde voorbehandelingstechnologie worden aan de hand van casestudies opgeschaald. De doelgroep van het project bestaat uit drie categorieën: bedrijven met een celluloserijke reststroom, bedrijven uit de bio-energie sector en enzymproducenten. De projectresultaten bieden een potentiële valorisatie voor de reststromen van de gebruikers, voorzien mogelijks in een nieuw aanvoerkanaal voor biomassa voor de bedrijven uit de bio-energie sector en kunnen de ontwikkeling van tweede generatie biobrandstoffen in Vlaanderen stimuleren. Bovendien zal de in het project ontwikkelde methodologie ook aansluiting vinden in projecten rond conversie van energiegewassen. Faculty of Applied Engineering Sciences Department of Chemistry Ingeborg Stals Inbouw van sensorische functionaliteiten voor de ontwikkeling van Thinking Textiel Abstract: Abstract not yet available Faculty of Applied Engineering Sciences Department of Textile technology Didier Verhulst Marc Van Parys Healing environments for children Abstract: Het AZ Jan Palfijn streeft ernaar een kindvriendelijk leefklimaat te creëren om zo bij te dragen aan een gezonde ontwikkeling van kinderen, waarin ze kunnen ervaren dat ziekte en het ziekenhuisgebeuren inherent aan het leven verbonden zijn. Vanuit deze visie ontwikkelde zich de vraag hoe de huidige ziekenhuisomgeving -en infrastructuur kan worden aangepast, zodat het kind, als patiënt of als bezoeker, zich meer

4 welkom en behaaglijk voelt. Om dergelijke vraagstelling op creatieve en artistieke wijze in te vullen, stapte het AZ Jan Palfijn naar de Koninklijke Academie voor Schone Kunsten, Optie Interieurvormgeving. De voorgestelde medewerkers van deze afdeling zullen samen met een aantal studenten een concept ontwerpen dat tegemoetkomt aan de gewenste, in dit geval meer kindvriendelijke ziekenhuisomgeving die het subjectief gevoel van welbevinden bij kinderen in een ziekenhuis bevordert. De realisatie van dergelijk project vereist echter enige voorkennis omtrent reeds bestaande studies die de invloed van vormgeving, interieur en kunst op de beleving van kinderen binnen een ziekenhuisomgeving hebben onderzocht, alsook de wijze waarop deze beleving positief kan worden bijgestuurd. Het is op basis van deze evidence-based informatie dat er een verantwoord sjabloon kan worden uitgewerkt dat aangeeft aan welke criteria een kindvriendelijk ziekenhuis moet voldoen. Om deze voorkennis en evidentie op wetenschappelijke wijze te verzamelen zal er in een eerste fase een onderzoek worden georganiseerd in samenwerking met de Faculteit Psychologie & Pedagogische Wetenschappen van de Universiteit Gent. Dit onderzoek zal zowel een literatuurstudie als een empirisch onderzoek omvatten. Op basis van de resultaten van beide onderzoekslijnen zullen er een aantal richtlijnen worden geformuleerd die als concrete handvaten dienen voor de inrichting van een kindvriendelijke ziekenhuisomgeving. Met deze handvaten als leidraad willen we als Hogeschool Gent, optie Interieurvormgeving, concrete interieuraanpassingen voorstellen, implementeren en begeleiden waarbij we de ziekenhuisomgeving positief trachten bij te sturen en langs die weg het welbehagen van kinderen vergroten. Hierbij kunnen andere opties, zowel binnen het departement (grafische- en reclamevormgeving, textielontwerp, mode, film, animatiefilm, beeldende kunst,...) als over het departement heen (conservatorium drama,...) ter ondersteuning worden aangesproken en zo bijdragen tot een beter totaalconcept. Na afloop van de realisatie van het project zal in samenwerking met de Faculteit Psychologie & Pedagogische Wetenschappen een evaluatiemodule worden samengesteld, waarbij zal worden nagegaan in welke mate de vooropgestelde doelstelling is verwezenlijkt. De meerwaarde van dit project voor de Hogeschool Gent kan worden gesitueerd in een overkoepelende samenwerking met het AZ Jan Palfijn en de Universiteit Gent, waarbij de creativiteit van het Departement Interieurvormgeving vanuit gefundeerde wetenschappelijke bevindingen kan groeien en langs die weg kan resulteren in een verantwoord concept met positieve implicaties voor het welbevinden van kinderen in een ziekenhuis. Faculty of Fine Arts Department of Interior design Leen De Wilde Kurt Van Maldegem Jozefien Muylle Jan De Pauw PhageBiotics. Abstract: The PhageBiotics Research Community Bacteriophage therapy is currently being evaluated as an alternative/complementary antibacterial treatment. The use of specific viruses against antibiotic resistant bacteria (likenbsp;staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) is currently being studied from both fundamental and applied perspectives by the partners involved. This cooperation will help streamlinetheir research in developing bacteriophage therapy as a reliable methodto combat bacterial infections (in a hospital setting according to the required standards set by Western legislature). Division of Gene Technology Rob Lavigne Manipulation of magnetic microparticles in droplet microfluidics Abstract: Lab-on-a-chips and micro total analysis systems have been around for more than three decades. They find applications in medical, environmental and food diagnostics and appear in many different configurations and complexities. They all have in common that fluids are transported in small volumes through micrometer sized structures. A promising and growing subcategory of these microfluidic systems are the multiphase, droplet or segmented flow microfluidics. Discrete volumes of reagents are transportedinside microfluidic channels, surrounded with an immiscible fluid or a gas, which prevents cross-contamination between the plugs or droplets. These droplets with a typical volume between 1 microliter and 1 picolitercan be used as reaction vessels for (bio)chemical reactions or for bioassays such as ELISA and PCR. They can be generated at high frequencies, up to per second, which is especially promising for high-throughput applications.many commonly applied bioassays (e.g., ELISA) use a Division of Mechatronics, Biostatistics Jeroen Lammertyn Bert Verbruggen Prodex-9: Herschel-Pacs: Guaranteed time and open time key programmes: Science exploitation. Abstract: The project concerns the science exploitation of the Herschel mission, in which the promotor is involved as Co-Principal Investigator. This involvement entails the coordination of the 400 hrs of Guaranteed Time awarded to Belgium. The K.U.Leuven part is mainly concerned withcircumstellar media. Specific topics are mass loss from evolved stars, debris disks, young-stellar-object disks, and comets. Institute of Astronomy Christoffel Waelkens Darwin Abstract: No English Abstract ESAT - MICAS, Microelectronics and Senso

5 Michel Steyaert. Abstract: No English Abstract Associated Section of ESAT - INSYS, Inte Rudi Cuyvers Bettina Vander Eecken Synthesis and optimisation of tailor-made supported titania layers for photo-induced processes. Abstract: In this project the influence of the synthesis conditions and the applied coating techniques on the final properties of deposited thin layers of titania (TiO2) will be studied. Innovative methods for the formation of porous powders (UA, promotor P. Cool) will be combined with the expertise on the formation of thin layers (UHasselt, promotor M.K. Van Bael). Also post-modification synthetic techniques will be applied in order to further control the stability and the properties of the materials. The scientific knowledge which exists for the formation of powders will be transferred to the deposition of thin layers. In this way, fundamental knowledge on the parameters which control the structure and the properties of the deposited titania materials will be obtained. This is of great importance for photo-initiated applications of the materials. Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis Pegie Cool Vera Meynen Three-dimensional characterisation of precipitates in Ni-Ti shape memory alloys by slice-and-view in a FIB-SEM dualbeam microscope. Abstract: Ni-Ti based alloys are at present the mostly used materials in shape memory and superelastic components for applications in a wide variety of fields ranging from stents and orthopedic wires in the medical sector over mechanical actuators to various clutching devices. The martensitic transformation from a cubic B2 austenite structure to a monoclinic B19' martensite structure is the basis for this special behavior. Depending on the application different compositions are used, usually around the equiatomic 50-50, although recently a lot of research has been conducted into ternary systems (with additions of Cu, Hf, Zr, Au, Pt, Pd). The starting material receives a specific thermal treatment resulting in the growth of nano- to micron sized precipitates with type, size and distribution depending on temperature, period of the treatment and possible external stress conditions. These precipitates have a concrete influence on the phase transformation behavior and functional conditions of these materials. A proper understanding of their three-dimensional distribution is thus of crucial importance for the further development of this technology, e.g., in the direction of the important higher temperature domain for applications in the context of engines. Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT) Dominique Schryvers Principles of Pattern Set Mining. Abstract: The overall goals of this project are 1) to establish a general computational framework for pattern set mining, 2) to study the computational properties of different types of selection predicates, 3) to develop algorithms and systems for dealing with pattern set mining, 4) to investigate how principles of constraint programming apply to pattern set mining, 5) to evaluate pattern set mining techniques on standard data mining and machine learning tasks, both conceptually and experimentally, and 6) to study representational and application aspects of pattern set mining. Advanced Database Research and Modeling (ADReM) Bart Goethals Reactive magnetron sputter deposition : a hybrid model and its experimental verification. Abstract: Basic aspects of the project "Reactive magnetron sputter deposition : a hybrid model and its experimental verification": This project aims at the development of a hybrid model for the description of the reactive sputter process. This goal shall be reached by a combination of simulations and experiments. Plasma, laser ablation and surface modeling - Antwerp (PLASMANT) Annemie Bogaerts RECAP: Reservoir Computing for Auditory Pattern Recognition. Abstract: The aim of this project is to carry out fundamental research into the possibilities and difficulties of applying RC to some challenging auditory pattern recognition applications such as spatial environment recognition from a multi-channel active or passive sonar signal and continuous speech recognition in background noise. Engineering Management Herbert Peremans

6 Characterization of immune responses against allogeneic stem cell implants in the central nervous system. Abstract: In this project, we will investigate the role of innate (microglia) and adaptive (T-cells) immune responses leading to immunological rejection of allogeneic stem cell implants in the central nervous system of immunocompetent mice. Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO) Peter Ponsaerts Implementation of fast bioassays in industrial waste water treatment and WET (Whole Effluent Toxicity Testing) - Validation of the selected assays in view of the EU Water Framework Directive. Abstract: The water frame work directive, the new European legislation for water management requires the water quality to fulfill some strict chemical and biological criteria. The duration of classical bioassays is too long and incompatible with the dynamics of a water treatment plant. There is therefore a high need for fast and sensitive bioassays. In this project some fast assays will be validated for the usefulness in waste water treatment applications. Systemic Physiological and Ecotoxicological Research (SPHERE) Ronny Blust Johan Robbens Acoustic sensors for distance measurement. Abstract: This project investigates the application of acoustic sensors for distance measurement in robotics. The motion of the robot approaching a surface is guarded by the sensor. The sensors will be tested while cleaning the surface of artworks and exterior walls. Engineering Management Herbert Peremans Microwave assisted synthesis of renewable raw materials from triglycerides. Abstract: Study of the microwave assisted synthesis of renewable raw materials from triglycerides with specific attention for new catalysts and catalyst-free processes. These processes reduce the amount of waste products and they could also be the start of the development of compact industrial production processes (flow-through microwave reactors). Organic synthesis Roger Dommisse Bert Maes 16th century stained glass Roundels in the collection: chemical composition, brightness and other specific characteristics. Abstract: The unique collection of stained glass roundels of the Convent of the Grey Sisters (now ), dating from the 16th century, will be restaured during the next year. This, probable, coherent collection can be compared with other glassfragment of the 16th century out of the collections of J. Caen and C. Berserik. The execution of analytical investigation can give more information if the glasssubstrate for stained glass roundels is a subgroup in the well known high lime low alkali glassgroup. This for instance for the use of Mn. Also we would like to see if the glassroundels are made by the same workshop. Connecting to that, we suspect that, gattering the information of analytical spectroscopy, new characteristics of the glass will show up. AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation) Koen Janssens Combined silent speech- and emotion recognition. Abstract: In this project, we plan to process the acquired knowledge concerning silent emotion and speech recognition into a publishable paper. We will also write a doctorate proposal that will enable us to delve deeper into the subject at hand. The demand for silent recognition, in healthcare, info- entertainment and the security sector, is rapidly rising, hence this research. We will compile the results of the last three years of preliminary research, into a software application that will demonstrate the technology. Individual research IOIW Jozef Colpaert How to deal with the complexity of environmental problems. Abstract: In this contribution the authors explain how a complexity approach is helpful to the field of environment and health research and how social science can make a relevant contribution. The approach is characterized by modesty, respect and transparency with regard to complexity of reality, and openness to different relevant forms of knowledge and opinion. The approach will not make work easier in all respects. But it will enhance the quality by respecting the complexity of real world problems. Two cases of complexity in relation to environment and health are discussed in order to illustrate what complexity is and how we may deal with complexity. Climate change is discussed by focussing on the work of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and examples of practical experience as social scientists in the Centre of expertise for Environment and Health in Flanders (Belgium) are introduced.

7 Society and Environment Ilse Loots Hans Keune XANES meets ELNES: a study of heterogeneous materials at different length scales. Abstract: The project aims to confront and compare the results of two related techniques for obtaining information on the structural environment of metals in solid materials: X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES) and electron loss near-edge spectroscopy (ELNES). Both probe the density of unoccupied electron states in atoms and the manner in which this distribution is influenced by the neighbours of these atoms. Both methods employ different primary projectiles (resp photons and electrons) and different ways modes of detection; as a result they operate on different length scales. AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation) Dirk Lamoen Johan Verbeeck Koen Janssens Functional imaging (MRI) of starlings brains to unravel the neural basis of vocal communication in songbirds as a model for human communication. Abstract: Our project aims at understanding brain-behaviour interactions, with a special emphasis on the role of social factors on these interactions and as possible inducers of brain plasticity. This will be made possible by a whole brain approach, based on a rapidly expanding technique: small animal fmri, applied to an original animal model: the European starling. Bio-Imaging lab Colline Poirier Research and development of Au/TiO2 foams for removal of NOx and VOCs from ambient air. Abstract: The aim of this project is the removal of NOx and VOC in ambient air by an integrated air purification system with based on photocatalysis. During the project the main objective will be the development of a ceramic photocatalytic foam. Furthermore there will be Au deposition to enhance the photocatalytic activity. The whole project is taken as a process approach involving scientific/technological and socio/economical aspects. Sustainable energy and air purification. Silvia Lenaerts Tom Tytgat Molecular genetic research into the complex genetics of frontotemporal lobar dementia. Abstract: Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) is a form of dementia characterized by progressive alternation of personality and/or language problems. In up to 50% of FTLD patients a family history of the disease is observed indicating an important role of genetic factors to the development of the disease. Causal mutations are found in the PGRN, MAPT, VCP and CHMP2B genes, which explain now 10 to 20% of FTLD patients. In this project I seek to identify novel genetic factors that contribute to the risk of developing FTLD. To this end, genome-wide association studies will be conducted which allow screening of the complete genome in high density and in an unbiased manner for association between genetic variants and disease. When large families with Mendelian segregation of the disease are collected, genetic linkage analysis will be performed to identify novel causal genes for FTLD. Newly identified genetic factors will be evaluated whether they are correlated to clinical subtypes, specific abnormalities on neurological imaging, protein profiles in serum and plasma and neuropathological findings. Fur these purposes I will invest in assembling a large study population of FTLD patients, which will be clinically, genetically and pathologically characterized in detail and of whom different sources of biological material will be collected DNA, cell-lines, serum, plasma and brain. VIB DMG - Neurodegenerative Brain Diseases Group Christine Van Broeckhoven Tim Van Langenhove In vivo quantification and characterization of neuro-plasticity in the adult brains of songbirds. Abstract: In vivo quantification and characterization of neuro-plasticity in the adult brains of songbirds. Bio-Imaging lab Anne Marie Van Der Linden Jacob Verschueren Study of the formation of zeolites and porous materials by electrondiffraction. Abstract: This project did and will give further insight into the molecular mechanisms of silica structuring to enable design and synthesis of tailor made materials. Zeolite formation has been discovered to be based on self-organization of nanoscopic precursor species. Shear and convection have strong effect on this self organization process, which only can be studied under microgravity conditions. Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT) Gustaaf Van Tendeloo

8 Fluorescense microscope Abstract: Fluorescense microscopy enables the observation of small luminescent particles of florescent surfaces. This equipment will be sued for research in the field of electrophoresis, luminescent phosphors, nano-emitters and biosensors. Departement of Electronics and information processing Kristiaan Neyts Dirk Poelman Peter Bienstman Mobile X-ray fluorescence spectrometer Abstract: X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF) is an analytical method for fast and non-destructive elemental analysis of an (archaeological) object. In this project, a mobile X-ray fluorescence spectrometer is achieved, allowing us to investigate archaeological objects, which is of use for different archaemoetrical applications (e.g. provenancing, determination of the production proces, materials identification) Departement of Archeology Peter Vandenabeele Renewal of equipment for sample preparation in the geochronological and geochemical investigation of minerals and rocks Abstract: The equipment that is applied for, comprises a disk mill and a carbon coater. The disk mill is a basic apparatus for the separation of a specific minerals from rocks, used in geochronological and isotropic studies. The carbon coater is an instrument that covers mineralogical samples with a carbon layer, required for the microchemical analysis with the SEM (scanning electron microscope). Departement of Geology and soil science Peter Van den haute Marlina Elburg Quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance imaging for characterization of biological parameters with applications in cancer treatment using ionizing radiation Abstract: The aim of this study is to visualize two physiological quantities in a non-invasive way using nuclear magnetic resonance imaging: (1) cel biological changes that are the result of ionizing radiation and (2) the oxygen distribution in tumours. This kind of biological imaging can be applied in the study of radiation therapy using hadrons and in optimizing cancer treatment (hypoxia). Department of Radiation oncology and experimental cancer research Yves De Deene Objective video quality metrics for estimating perceived video quality through network monitoring Abstract: Network impairments (packet loss) influence perceived visual quality of the received digital signal in the case of digital tv. During this research, the relationship between these impairments and the perceived visuale quality will be investigated. The goal is to construct a quality metric that predicts visual quality based on network monitoring. Departement of Information technology Piet Demeester Development and applications of fast algorithms to solve electromagnetic and acoustic field problems Abstract: In this project we wish te develop a new fast full-wave field simulation algorithm and explore its application in new electromagnetic material design, in high-frequency passive circuit design, in electromagnetic antenna design and propagation prediction, in acoustic outdoor field simulations, design of acoustic devices and spaces, and in the simulation of advanced passive optical components. Departement of Information technology Dick Botteldooren Peter Bienstman Hendrik Rogier Multi-scale modelling of the performance of ternary cement-based materials Abstract: The project focuses on the multi-scale modelling of the performance of ternary cement-based materials, ans aims to deliver a contribution to the design of cementitious materials with given pre-defined performance. Furthermore, the project will contribute to the further development and promotion of cement-based materials with alternative, CO2-neutral powders. The project consists of the development and validation of a numerical model on different scales. Departement of Structural engineering Geert De Schutter Self-healing by means of the combination of microfibres with immobilized expansive and reactive materials

9 Abstract: In this project research is done to investigate the possibility of creating self-healing concrete by means of the incorporation of expansive materials or porous granuls, possibly containing healing agency. The 'self-healing' concrete will also be reinforced with fibres to limit the crack width and make self-healing more feasible. Departement of Structural engineering Nele De Belie Stochastic modeling and analysis of communication systems Abstract: The project aims at the development of efficient mathematical techniques for the analysis of stochastic models that are useful for the performance analysis of modern heterogeneous telecommunciation networks. These models stem from queueing theory and estimation and decision theory. They are designed to provide more realistic characterizations for information sources and arrival streams, service mechanisms and scheduling techniques in network nodes, as well as for the study of non-classical aspects of performance evaluation such as the incorporation of hardware delays and information deadlines, and the analysis of loss processes and transient behavior. The models will also be applied in the context of adaptive modulation and coding on feedback channels, iterative carrier and clock synchronization, signal design for localization systems, etc. Departement of Telecommunications and information processing Herwig Bruneel Multi-scale Modeling and Design of chemical Reactions and Reactors (M2dcR2) Abstract: Modeling from molecular to industrial scale allows to design reactions and reactors in an as rational as possible way. This program aims at the design on such a fundamental basis of fuels from renables, heterogeneous catalysts and nanostructured polymers. Moreover the efficiency of existing processes is maximized. Departement of Chemical engineering and technical chemistry Guy Marin Improved non-invasive diagnostics of arterial disease through integrated simulation of medical ultrasound, arterial blood flow and aretrial wall mechanics Abstract: Aim is to develop an advanced simulation tool for cardiovascular ultrasound applications, based on computer simulations of blood flow and arterial mechanics (expertise Ugent). As Ugent lacks fundamental knowledge on medical ultrasound, we will collaborate with NTNU, Trondheim. This bilateral project will specifically allow us to couple wall mechanics (Abaqus) and ultrasound (Field) and develop advanced ultrasound applications (a.o. 3D). Departement of Civil engineering Patrick Segers Towards an advanced level of performance indicator based item design and analysis for mathematics and reading comprehension Abstract: This project focuses on the following objectives: (1) the design of a large set complex test items in the field of mathematics and reading comprehension and primary school level: (2) the implementation of the test items with a heterogenous test population that reflects the complex nature of Chinese primary education (developed/developing provinces, rural and urban schools) and (3) the application of polytomous Item Response Models to determine the ability levels of pupils and test items. Department of Educational Studies Martin Valcke