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Research in the spotlight

Research in the spotlight is a video podcast for scientists and passionate science people having as protagonists the principal investigators (PI) of the Collaborative Research Projects funded in 2018 & 2019 calls under the Romanian Research Programme - EEA & Norway Grants .

This video podcast is designed by the Executive Agency for Higher Education, Research, Development, and Innovation Funding (UEFISCDI), as Programme Operator of the Research Programme funded under the EEA & Norway Grants.

The first series was launched in December 2021 and included 11 episodes. The discussions within the PI's of the EEA Grants were focused on the main challenge that the projects addresses, if research is able to find solutions, in the next decades, for different problems that the current society is facing and how the partnership between researchers from different countries is working for an green, competitive and inclusive Europe.

The 4^th series of the video podcast is launched. Once again, researchers open their labs to the public, presenting cutting-edge projects funded under EEA & Norway Grants that address pressing societal challenges. Stay tuned for 7 fascinating stories that delve into diverse topics and offer innovative solutions:

exploring ways to enhance stress resistance and regeneration in pancreatic cells, which could improve diabetes management;
pioneering the use of advanced 5G technologies for smarter, more efficient communication systems in vehicles and maritime environments;
investigating the complex factors contributing to social exclusion in older adults and their health impacts;
optimizing hyperspectral imaging systems using efficient learning and optimization tools for better image analysis and applications;
examining the role of religion and religious actors in improving social inclusion for the Roma community, focusing on participatory approaches;
developing a cloud-based clinical decision support system to improve outcomes in coronary atherosclerosis treatment after acute coronary syndromes;
using advanced AI and correlative optical nanoscopy to explore the dynamics of cancer cell membranes.

The 5^thepisode is addressing a holistic cloud-based clinical decision support system for improving outcomes in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. The project seamlessly integrated advanced methods for evaluating non-culprit plaques and lesions by combining anatomical, functional, and morphological assessments.

It utilized a comprehensive range of clinical data inputs, such as medical imaging, genetic analyses, stress tests, and blood tests, to provide a multidimensional perspective on patient health. A key innovation was the development of a lesion-specific risk score, designed to predict the future risk of plaque rupture based on outcome data. Moreover, the project emphasized seamless integration into clinical workflows, ensuring usability and fostering clinician engagement at every stage.

Hyperspectral imaging is a game changer in fields like ocean monitoring and medical imaging, and the Efficient Learning and Optimization Tools for Hyperspectral Imaging Systems (ELO-Hyp) Collaborative Research Project, funded under the Norway Grants, is at the forefront of this innovation. In this 4^th episode the research team coordinated by Prof. Necoară aims to tackle sophisticated learning and optimization algorithms that enhance hyperspectral imaging models.

Throughout this project, researchers have focused on creating, analyzing, and implementing efficient algorithms designed to maximize the capabilities of hyperspectral systems. These theoretical models are being rigorously benchmarked using real datasets, ensuring their practical applicability in real-world scenarios. The project emphasizes interoperability across various imaging platforms, facilitating seamless integration and usability.

In the 3^rd episode of this series, Dr. Precupețu, the Principal Investigator of the AMASE Collaborative Research Project funded under Norway Grants, explores the critical issue of social exclusion among older adults (65+), focusing particularly on its effects in Eastern Europe. She highlights how social exclusion significantly impacts both the physical and mental well-being of older individuals, revealing complexities that extend beyond traditional definitions.

The discussion is focused on the multidimensional aspects of social exclusion, including health, social engagement, and family connections. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation that underscores the importance of connection in later life and the need for multidimensional strategies to combat social isolation.

The IoT is revolutionizing society, but the future lies in massive IoT (mIoT)—connecting tens of billions of devices in high-density environments. The SOLID-B5G project addresses the challenges of integrating network slicing and edge computing to advance Internet of Vehicles (IoV), Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X), and maritime services for beyond 5G (B5G) applications.

During the implementation of the Collaborative Research Project funded under Norway Grants, many collaborative research activities have been performed by the researchers and various theoretical and practical solutions have been proposed, on system architecture and covering both radio access networks and core networks. While the theoretical algorithms were validated via computer simulation, the practical solutions have been implemented in hardware-based test beds.

Extensive experiments were implemented to assess their performance compared with existing solutions. The second episode of this series is highlighting the future of connectivity and how this research is shaping the technological landscape.

Diabetes is a significant and challenging health issue that affects millions worldwide, leading to serious complications and impacting quality of life.

In this episode, the BetaUPReg collaborative research project team explains the complexities of diabetes, a group of diseases marked by chronic hyperglycemia due to insufficient insulin production or use. It is highlighted the crucial role of pancreatic β-cells, whose dysfunction and destruction lead to increased stress and impaired function, with a focus on the challenges of self-managing diabetes.

By focusing on modulating the unfolded protein response (UPR), this project seeks to enhance β-cell function, improve protein processing, and restore glucose homeostasis.

Watch the first episode from these series to discover the potential of the promising therapeutic approach and its implications for diabetes management and other chronic conditions related to terminal endoplasmic reticulum (ER) characterizing severely overworked β-cells.