KAUNAS UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY projects outline

KAUNASUNIVERSITYOF TECHNOLOGY

1. New materials for high technologies

2. Sustainable growth and cohesive social development

3. Smart environments

4. Future technologies

5. Technologies for sustainable development

6. Biomedical technologies

7. Information technologies

Contact usK. Donelaičio st. 73, LT-44029 Kaunas, Lithuania Tel.: 00 370 37 30 00 00 / 00 370 37 32 41 40 Fax: 00 370 32 41 44

E-mail: [email protected]. www.ktu.lt

The University is a publisher of five scientific journals: “Electronics and Electrical Engineering“, “Information Technology and Control“, “Mechanika“, “Materials Science“, “Engineering Economics“ which have an Impact factor in the Thomson Reuters Web of Knowledge da-tabase.

KTU research areas:

Partnership with business

The University successfully implements European research pro-grammes and closely collaborates with domestic and foreign industry sectors, having the largest number of research contracts with business among Lithuanian universities.

Latest science, business and studies projects:

In cooperation with Aalto University (Finland), KTU has opened Inovation and Entrepreneurship Centre with the department for Young Business Development StartupSpace, which became a space for growing and developing business ideas generated by students and youth.

In 2011 KTU has begun implementing one of its most significant projects – the integrated science, studies and business centre the Santaka Valley, expected to be finished by the summer of 2013.

In 2011 KTU has established the first state-of-the-art Food Science and Technology Competence Centre equipped with four unique semi-indus-trial food technology lines (bread, beer, meat, fish and milk products).

Membership in international organizations

The University has more than 80 cooperation agreements with foreign universities, research institutes and companies. KTU is a member of the European University Association (EUA), the European Society for Engineering Education (SEFI), The Baltic University Programme, the Conference of European Schools for Advanced Engineering Education and Research (CESAER), European Universities Continuing Education Network (EUCEN) and Baltic Sea Region University Network (BSRUN), „Global Compact“. KTU was an initiator of the established Association of Technical Universities of the Baltic States (ATUBS) as well as of the Strategic Consortium of the Baltic Universities of Science and Technol-ogy (BALTECH) together with Linköping University. University is a mem-ber of “Magna Charta” of European Universities.

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About Kaunas University of Technology

Kaunas University of Technology (KTU), established in 1922, has de-veloped a great capacity for studies and research and is now a leading technological university in Lithuania focusing its activities on enhancing the quality of human life and acceleration of statehood development.

KTU is situated in Kaunas, the second largest city of Lithuania, which is a significant centre of industry, transport, science and culture.

KTU has 13 faculties (including 2 in Panevėžys), 73 departments, 28 centres, 6 institutes and 15 research labs, 13 research institutes with 8 centres and 19 research labs, International Studies Centre with a lab, 2 research centres, 21 administrative auxiliary department, library and museum.

The University has 2 759 employees, including 1 106 faculty and re-search fellows.

KTU Vision

A leading European university with knowledge and technology de-velopment and transfer based activities.

Strategic priorities are implemented through five strategic activities:

1. Development of students’ competences for their self-expression and successful career

2. Internationally acknowledged knowledge and technology develop-ment and transfer

3. University’s activities focused on human well-being and sustainable development of the state

4. Sustainable development of the University ensuring the operational quality and efficiency

5. Developing and fostering University’s academic environment and infrastructure

Education and training at KTU

Being one of the most dynamic schools of higher education in Lithua-nia KTU offers six main fields of study: technological, physical and so-cial sciences, arts, humanities and biomedicine.

University has 13 000 students. As of today, KTU has 125 000 alumni, including the president of the Republic of Lithuania, and many promi-nent scientific, political, business, social and cultural actors.

In 2011 KTU had a new credit system introduced, corresponding to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). The University offers 61 bach-elor, 71 master and 12 non-degree programmes as well as 12 bachelor and 20 master programmes in foreign languages (mostly English) and more than 500 individual modules.

Research at KTU

KTU is a founder of 2 integrated Science, Studies and Business Centres (Valleys): SANTAKA and NEMUNAS.

In 2007-2011, researchers of the University carried out 33 Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) projects, 17 EUREKA projects; 3 EUROS-TARS projects and 39 COST projects, published over 1460 articles re-ferred in Thomson Reuters Web of Knowledge database with citation index.

KTU provides doctoral studies in 18 scientific areas. Currently, almost 500 doctoral students are studying at the University.

R&D Project/Idea Outline

Contact InfoInnovation and Entrepreneurship Centre

Innovation Officephone: +370 37 300692

e-mail [email protected]

www.ktu.lt

Custom Synthesis Service at the Institute of Synthetic Chemistry

Key selling points

• ISC offers a service of custom synthesis of organic compounds that are not commercially available or which the client is unable to synthesize due to time and resource constraints

• All work performed at ISC is carried out by PhD level chemists with years of experience in preparing complex molecules effi-ciently and in designing synthetic pathways

• ISC offers custom synthesis services at highly competitive rates far below those typically charged in EU and North America

Involved partners

Department of Organic Chemistry, Kaunas University of Technology

Project description

The Institute of Synthetic Chemistry (ISC) of Kaunas University of Technology specializes in the design and synthesis of organic com-pounds for the pharmaceutical, drug discovery, agrochemical, bio-technology and electronic industries. ISC offers a custom synthe-sis service of compounds that are not commercially available or which the client is unable to synthesize due to time and resource constraints. ISC is able to develop and supply building blocks for combinatorial chemistry and intermediates for organic synthetic chemistry, such as functionalized heterocycles, synthetic amino acids, nitrogen and sulphur bicycles, as well as advanced materi-als, including functional cyanine dyes, organic electronic materials, various smart materials, chemosensors, etc. We can conduct lead generation and lead optimization studies, as well as the generation of compound libraries.

ISC has fully-equipped synthetic laboratories able to handle com-plex distillations, purifications, and scale-ups, and where it is pos-sible to carry out most of the standard organic synthesis methods in quantities of some milligram to kilograms. The products are con-trolled by analytical methods like HPLC, TLC, FTIR/Raman and NMR. Analytical laboratories have a 400 MHz Bruker NMR spectrometer, a single crystal X-ray diffractometer, mass-spectrometers, FTIR/Ra-man spectrometers, HPLC/MS, LC/MS, instruments, etc. ISC carries out literature search ensuring that the most efficient synthetic route has been created and optimized.

KAUNAS UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGYTHE INSTITUTE OF SYNTHETIC CHEMISTRY





www.ktu.lt

Electroactive & Luminescent Organic Materials for Organic Optoelectronics

Key selling points• Blue and green fluorescent materials as emitters for efficient OLEDs

• 3(6),9‘-linked oligocarbazoles with large triplet energies, excellent mor-phological stabilities and capability of transporting both positive and negative charges efficient electrophosphorescence

• Solution processable hosts containing electronically isolated carbazolyl-fragments for highly efficient blue OLEDs

• Effective organic charge-transporting materials for dye sensitized and bulk heterojunction solar cells

Involved partnersKaunas University of Technology

Project description

The group has more than 30 years experience of work in the field of syn-thesis and studies of organic electroactive materials, mainly organic semi-conductors. It has been collaborating with big industrial companies such as „Imation“, „Samsung Electronics“, BASF. The members of the group have published ca. 200 papers in the international scientific journals. They have also co-authored ca. 50 patents and published patent applications of USA, Europe and Japan.

Blue and green fluorescent materials which can be used as emitters in organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) as well as host materials for modern and efficient electrophosphorescent devices can be synthesized. Blue light emitting polymers and molecular glasses for single layer electrolumines-cent devices can be developed.

3(6),9‘-linked oligocarbazoles with both large triplet energies and excel-lent morphological stabilities suitable as host materials of blue elec-trophosphorescence can be synthesized. Using the host materials, very efficient blue phosphorescent OLEDs having efficiencies up to15 %, 31 cd/A and 28 lm/W, were demonstrated in collaboration with prof. Chung-Chih Wu‘s group from the National University of Taiwan.

Hosts containing electronically isolated carbazolyl-fragments for solution processed emissive layer can be prepared. A blue device using one such host exhibited current efficiency of 40.4 cd/A with an external quantum efficiency of 21.6 % and power efficiency of 28.2 lm/W at 230 cd/m2 or 24.7 cd/A, 10.3 %, and 15.5 lm/W at 1,000 cd/m2.

Effective organic charge-transporting materials can be synthesized. Hole drift mobilities in amorphous layers of some derivatives exceed 10-2 cm2/Vs at high electric field. Electron mobilities in the layers of electron-trans-porting materials as well as bipolar derivatives developed in the group reach 10-3 cm2/Vs. The potential fields of such materials are dye sensitized and bulk heterojunction solar cells.

KAUNAS UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

Required expertise/partners Prototype development, partners for R&D projects





www.ktu.lt

Required expertise/partners

Production of the packings on a large scale. Development of packin-gs for the purification of other proteins.

Cellulose-Based Stationary Phases Granocel for Low & Medium Pressure Preparative Chromatography of Proteins

Key selling points

Main advantages:

• chromatographic efficiency is comparable with that of commer-cial packings for low pressure chromatography of proteins, such as Sepharose type packings

• hydrophilic semi-rigid matrix

• negligible non-specific sorption

• high exclusion limit (up to 3·106)

• high protein sorption capacity

• high mechanical strength of the packings allows of outstanding flow rates and easy scale-up to any column diameter

• easy handling

Involved partners

Kaunas University of Technology

Project description

Assortment of commercial packings for low pressure chromatog-raphy of proteins is not wide. The goal of the project is to develop cellulose-based stationary phases for low and medium pressure chromatography of proteins. New cellulose-based semi-rigid matrix named Granocel with regulated pore size accessible for molecules up to MM 3·106 has been developed. The matrix has been exploited for the preparation of various packings such as, adsorbents for hy-drophobic interaction chromatography, ion-exchangers, chelating sorbents for metal affinity chromatography, biospecific adsorbents. In co-operation with biotechnologists the packings were evaluated for the separation of biological active materials, partly, a-interferon, human growth hormone. Some of the packings were successfully used in industry in the columns of 15-30 litres for the purification of a-interferon and human growth hormone.






www.ktu.lt


Evaluation of the adsorbent efficiency in vivo.

New Cellulose-Based Adsorbents for Bile Acid Adsorption

Key selling points

Main advantages in comparison with commercial adsorbents:

• higher binding capacity

• lower doses of medicament for patients

• furthermore, the adsorbent effectively binds toxic compounds, namely sodium benzoate and sodium nitrite from food

Involved partners


Project description

One of the ways to regulate cholesterol level in blood is adsorption of overproduced bile acids from a gastrointestinal tract. For this purpose anion exchangers cholestyramine, chitosan or colestipol have been applied in clinical use for many years. The efficiency of these sorbents is rather low because of their low selectivity for bile acids and low binding capacity. Therefore, patients have to use big doses of the adsorbents. For example, a dose of cholestyramine per day is even up to 16 g. We have synthesized new macroporous cationic cellulose DEAE-Granocel and evaluated it as a adsorbent of bile acids. Cellulose has been chosen because of its good ad-sorption properties, stability in the digestive tract, biocompatibility and noncitotoxicity.

The sorption of cholic acid, sodium deoxycholate, sodium glyco-cholate and sodium taurocholate by DEAE-Granocel and commer-cial adsorbents at different pH has been compared. It has been found that the adsorbent DEAE-Granocel is a more effective bile acid binder than cholestyramine, chitosan or silica sorbents with quaternary ammonium groups.






www.ktu.lt


Evaluation of the scaffold efficiency in vivo.

Cellulose/Hydroxyapatite Scaffold for Bone Tissue Engineering

Key selling points

Main advantages:• non-toxic, biodegrable, natural polymer• satisfactory mechanical properties• non-citotoxicity

Involved partners

Kaunas University of Technology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences

Project description

Nowadays considerable attention is focused on polymer-ceramic three-dimensional scaffolds for bone tissue regeneration in defect size. For a successful performance the ideal scaffold should be a 3D interconnected porous structure able to promote cell adhesion, pro-liferation and vascularisation, while enabling a controlled supply of bioactive substances that might influence the behaviour of incorpo-rated or ingrown cells. In this work cellulose-based porous compos-ites with hydroxyapatite for the bone scaffold were investigated. The composites were fabricated by regeneration of cellulose from its es-ters adding hydroxyapatite. The porosity of the scaffolds is up to 75 % with pores of different sizes up to 770 µm. The results of bioactivity test in vitro showed that bone-like apatite appeared onto the surface after 7 days of immersion in simulated body fluid. Furthermore, the behaviour of MG-63 human osteoblastic-cells on investigated cellu-lose matrix has been examined. It has been found that the scaffolds are not cytotoxic and induce the growth of the cells. Based on the ob-tained results it could be concluded that prepared scaffolds have a great potential for bone tissue ingrowths in vivo and could be used in bone tissue engineering applications.






www.ktu.lt


• Development of wide assortment of the stationary phases.

• Evaluation of the packings for real purification technologies.

• Scaling-up the production of the packings.

Coated Stationary Phases for Preparative Chromatography of Proteins

Key selling pointsNew packings for preparative protein chromatography

Involved partners


Project description

The goal of the project is to develop packings for preparative high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) of proteins by coating ma-croporous silica (Daiso Co, Japan) with hydrophilic polymers, such as polyvinyl alcohol, cellulose and their derivatives. Porous silica gels have excellent mechanical properties, however, negatively charged silanol groups cause a strong, even irreversible, nonspecific sorption of proteins. In order to avoid this disadvantage, the silica surface is coated with biocompatible polymers. The packings for normal as well as reversed phase chromatography are prepared. It has been found that some of them effectively separate the ceramides according their alkyl chain.


A Software for Processing and Automated Analysis of B-mode Ultrasonic Images


Key selling points• Methodology for data collection and management• Processing algorithms for denoising of ultrasonic images• Processing algorithms for restoration of spatial resolution of ul-

trasonic images• Algorithms for automated segmentation of regions of interest• Methodology and algorithms for tissue characterization (calcula-

tion of quantitative parameters)• Decision support system

• Software and graphical user interface

Involved partnersKaunas University of Technology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences

Required expertise/partners Partners for R&D projects, PC software development, medical ex-pertise, commercialization.

Project description Medical ultrasonic B-mode examination is quick to do, relatively cheap and harmless to the patient, but one of the main drawbacks of exami-nation is poor image quality. Ultrasonic images are quite confusing for diagnostic evaluations due to low spatial resolution and acoustic noise presence. The limited image quality influences reliability of diagnos-tics and restricts possibilities to analyse images automatically.

The goal of the project is to further develop and extend software for processing and automated analysis of medical ultrasonic B-mode im-ages. The software could be used for pre-processing ultrasonic B-mode images (denoising, restoration of spatial resolution, adjusting of gray map curve, digital filtering). Additionally, it could be used for automated analysis: segmentation of regions of interest and tissue characterization taking into consideration the fields of B-mode imag-ing (abdomen, cardiac, transcranial and etc.). The proposed system will be supplemented by decision support system module suitable for determination of most informative quantitative parameters calculated during analysis of images, which could be later successfully used for image-based diagnostics of various diseases. New approaches for denoising and automated segmentation of the sonographic images were already developed in earlier investigations. The efficiency of al-gorithms was tested on transcranial ultrasonography images which are currently used for ultrasonic diagnostics of Parkinson’s disease.

KAUNAS UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGYBIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING INSTITUTE

Contact Info Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre



www.ktu.lt

A System for Atrial Fibrillation Detection, Monitoring & Management


Key selling points• New methodology for atrial fibrillation monitoring• Minimally obtrusive sensors (e-textile based)• Signal quality, validity, denoising and adaptive filtering algorithms• Adaptive echo state neural network based algorithms for atrial

fibrillation epoch detection and f-waves extraction• Time-frequency analysis algorithms for f-waves characterization• Decision support on presence of atrial fibrillation and pattern

type (paroxysmal, persistent or permanent)• Decision support on efficacy of atrial fibrillation management

medications

Involved partnersKaunas University of Technology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences

Required expertise/partners Partners for R&D projects, software development for mobile devices (apps), prototype manufacturing, medical expertise, commercialization.

Project description Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of heart arrhythmia lead-ing to complications including stroke, heart failure and increased risk of death. A large European population-based study showed that overall prevalence of this condition is 5.5%, rising from 0.7% in the age group 55–59 years to 17.8% in those aged 85 years and above. Atrial fibrillation is an extremely expensive public health problem (~€3000 per patient annually or €13.5 billion in total). It is easy to pre-dict that ageing of the population will deepen the problem. The goal of the project is to further develop a prototype system which could be used in several scenarios: for self-diagnostics and remote moni-toring with the aim to evaluate the type of atrial fibrillation and risk (paroxysmal, persistent or permanent atrial fibrillation), for medica-tion doze optimization and for deciding cardioversion prescription. Minimally obtrusive, low power, wireless, wearable sensors will be developed for long term monitoring and detection of atrial fibrilla-tion episodes. Mobile devise (e.g. smartphone) will be used as the user interface device for the patient. Healthcare professional will be equipped with decision support system and by using two way com-munications will be able to send the advice and motivate the patient. The personalized model for medication optimization in order to en-sure efficacy and to optimize the risk of toxicity will be included in decision support system.





www.ktu.lt

A System for Swimming Sport Performance Monitoring


Key selling points• Much easier data registration and much faster analysis than in

case of video based method;• Minimally obtrusive kinematical and physiological sensors• Wireless data registration and control of sensors• Processing algorithms for biomechanical and physiological signals• Dynamical system modelling for cause and effect analysis• Decision support component• Performance history trends• Dedicated app for smart device with user friendly interface

Involved partnersKaunas University of Technology, Lithuanian Academy of Physical Education

Required expertise/partners Software development for mobile devices (apps), prototype manufactu-ring, swimming sport training expertise, commercialization.

Project description Performance in swimming sport highly depends on swimming tech-nique and synchronization of movements. Usually, subjective opinions are used to evaluate training process and judge the effects of training. Subjective method leads to slow learning curve. However, availability of objective measurement data and quantitative training session pa-rameters could be of great value for the coach and for the sportsman in order to increase the swimming performance in shorter time.

The goal of the project is to develop a second generation system comprising a set of unobtrusive sensors for biomechanical and physiological data monitoring, as well as methodology and algo-rithms for modelling the swimmer as a complex dynamical system with gradually adjustable parameters that can be optimized for bet-ter performance. Miniature MEMS nine axe sensors (integrated ac-celerometer, gyroscope and magnetometer systems) will be used for monitoring of sportsman’s kinematical parameters. New addi-tional sensors for monitoring heart and respiration rates will be de-veloped. Mobile device (e.g. smart phone or tablet PC) will be used by the coach for processing, parameterization, analysis and storage of the collected data. Decision support component will provide guid-ance, trends and summary report via user friendly interface.





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RF Ultrasound Based Expert System for Diagnostics and Characterization of Intraocular Tumours


Key selling points• Enhanced accuracy of differential diagnosis of eye tumours• Original algorithms for radio frequency ultrasound signal pro-

cessing and analysis• Interactive software for regions of interest selection and evaluation• Decision support component for differentiation of eye tissues• Unique database of clinical data

Involved partnersKaunas University of Technology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, UAB Stratelus (Lithuania)

Required expertise/partners Partners for R&D projects, ultrasound add-on prototype manufacturing.

Project description Differential diagnosis of human eye tumours is one of the most im-portant problems in ophthalmology when dealing with cancer pre-vention and diagnostics. Malignant eye tumours make 0.2 % of all malignant tumours diagnosed. In order to enhance the accuracy of differential diagnosis of eye tumours a system prototype, which makes use of radio frequency ultrasound signals analysis, has been developed together with our partners. The prototype uses special add on module connected to the conventional B-scan ultrasound scanner not having radio frequency output and computer based decision support system. The sector based, radio frequency ultra-sound signals have been processed, analysed and parameterised by using original algorithms. The decision support algorithm classifies the eye tissues into healthy extraocular muscle, healthy orbit tissue and suspicious tissue inside the eye. The unique clinical database of 26 cases has been collected where patient data, radiofrequency ul-trasound data and fundus images are stored. The research resulted into several journal publications.





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Main researchers

Prof.habil.dr.ArūnasLukoševičius

Assoc. prof. dr. Vaidotas Marozas

Assoc.prof.dr.DariusJegelevičius

Dr.ArtūrasJanušauskas

Dr. Rytis Jurkonis

Dr.MartynasPatašius

PhD student Saulius Daukantas

PhDstudentAndriusPetrėnas

PhD student Andrius Sakalauskas

Contact Info

Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre Innovation Officephone: +370 37 300692e-mail [email protected]

www.ktu.lt

Most important implemented and ongoing projects (including contracts with business companies)A Non-Invasive Expert System for Diagnosis of Intraocular Tumours. Financing programme is EUROSTARS (2008-2011). The aim of the project is to create a new expert system for analysis and diagnosis of intraocular tumours. Budget: €65 141.

ICT for Health-Strengthening social capacities for the utilisation of eHealth technologies in the framework of ageing population. Financ-ing programme is European Union Baltic Sea Region Programme 2007-2013 (European Regional Development Fund), (2009-2012). Project objectives are: better acceptance of ICT in health care; trans-national exchange of experiences between the partner regions; in-creased awareness on eHealth among medical professionals and citi-zens; increased patient responsibility for their own health; improving the mobility of citizens with chronic diseases. Budget: €3.6 million.

Development and investigation of method for contour identification and spatial point array formation from DICOM image data. The con-tractor is UAB Elinta, (2010). The aim of the project is to develop the method for contour identification and spatial point array formation from CT jaw DICOM image data. Projects results are used for com-puter based orthodontic implant design. Budget: €24 804.

Development of the Sensor System Technology to Monitor and Evalu-ate Human Physiological Data Employing MEMS, IT and Smart Tex-tiles Technologies. The financing programme is Agency for Science, Innovation and Technology (MITA), (2011-2013). The aim of the pro-ject is to develop a multifunctional multisensorial system for physio-logical and biomechanical parameters monitoring. Budget: €62 186.

Equipment Three dimensional scanner of ultrasound intensity fields produced by UAB Elintos matavimo sistemos. The model is EMS 301. The scan-ner can be used for precise evaluation of ultrasound field intensity ultrasonic transducers. Scanning dimensions are 600x300x300 mm, scanning resolution – 0.3 mm.

Three dimensional tracking device produced by Ascensions Technology Corporation Inc. (Model trackSTAR, Model 800). Electromagnetical de-vice can be used for precise position and orientation tracking of various objects in space. Tracking range is 78 cm, tracking resolution – 0.5 mm and 0.1°, tracking update frequency – 240-420 Hz. Ultrasound single channel transmitter-receiver produced by Lecoeur Electronique (Model US.Box (UT-SA-100) with the following specifications: bandwidth: 500 kHz to 18 MHz; high voltage transmitting pulses, 12 bits at 80 MSPS digitizer, programmable gain: 0 to 80 dB, USB power supply 5 Volts.

Title of the institute, department or laboratoryBiomedical Engineering Institute, Kaunas University of Technology

Main research areasMethods and algorithms for processing biomedical signals, images and data (electrocardiogram, impedance car-diogram, electroencephalogram, otoa-coustic emission signals, eye fundus images, clinical decision support).

Ultrasound imagining for biomedical applications (harmonic imaging, 3D reconstruction from “freehand” ultra-sound scans, visualization and charac-terization of tumours in ophthalmology and neurology, sonoporation monitoring methods).

Personal health systems (develop-ment/investigation of electroconduc-tive textile based electrodes and other physiological/biomechanical sensors, prototyping of software and hardware systems for self-diagnosis, wellness and sport applications).


Decision Support system for Diagnostics of Laryngeal Diseases


Key selling pointsLarynx-related cancer accounts for roughly 200 000 deaths annually worldwide and these numbers keep increasing, meanwhile deaths from many other types of cancer exhibit decreasing tendencies. Ac-curate identification of laryngeal pathology can sometimes be difficult even for a trained physician. Solution, based on non-invasive modali-ties, namely audio and query data, could enable anyone to check how healthy their larynx is just by visiting a web page, instead of visiting a doctor. Additional clinical data (visual images of vocal folds, record-ings by throat microphone, electroglottogram signal) bring highly in-formative modalities and accuracy could be considerably increased. Eventually, a multi-modal screening tool could evolve into a flexible medical decision support system for advanced voice function assess-ment. Application of such system is quite broad, and additionally to precise identification of laryngeal problems, it could also help track-ing patient’s recovery after larynx operation, determining the suc-cess of larynx-related treatment, monitoring voice condition of people working in high-risk environments, measuring the progress of pro-fessional singers, etc.

Involved partnersDepartment of Otolaryngology, Lithuanian University of Health Sci-ences

Required expertise/partners • partners for R&D projects• prototype development

Project description Decision support system for diagnostics of laryngeal diseases is the main goal of the research. The research resulted into a prototype of a computer-aided decision support system based on a collection of soft computing techniques exploiting information from three modali-ties: an image of patient’s vocal folds, voice signal, and questionnaire data. The system provides objective measures of features character-izing the visual appearance of vocal folds, subject’s voice and query data. A relatively high categorization accuracy of laryngeal data into several classes of disorders was obtained during experimental tests. It is expected that the system will be a very valuable tool in everyday health care, education process, and scientific research for establish-ing various tendencies and dependencies. When using only voice and query data, the system can be configured into a tool for non-invasive screening for laryngeal disorders in preventive health care.




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FACULTY OF ELECTRICAL & CONTROL ENGINEERING Computational Intelligence Research Group

Main researchers

Prof. Dr. Habil. Antanas Verikas

Senior Researcher MarijaBačauskienė

Prof.Dr.AdasGelžinis

ResearcherEvaldasVaičiukynas

Contact Info

Innovation and Entrepreneurship CentreInnovation Officephone: +370 37 300692e-mail [email protected]

www.ktu.lt

Most important implemented and ongoing projects• EUREKAprojectE!3681,INFOLARYNX,01/02/2006–01/02/2009

• Agency for InternationalScienceandTechnologyDevelopmentProgrammesinLithuania;€320000

• COST Action 2103 ”Advanced voice function assessment„,09/2006–05/2011

• Agency for InternationalScienceandTechnologyDevelopmentProgrammesinLithuania;about€5800/year

• COST Action IC0602 „Algorithmic decision theory”, 02/2007–05/2011

• Agency for InternationalScienceandTechnologyDevelopmentProgrammesinLithuania;about€5800/year

• COSTActionIC0806„Intelligentmonitoring,controlandsecurityofcriticalinfrastructuresystems”,01/2009–05/2013

• Agency for InternationalScienceandTechnologyDevelopmentProgrammesinLithuania;about€300for2009

• Automatedmethodfor identificationandquantificationofalienphytoplanktonspecies

• ResearchCouncilofLithuania;€66900

• Hearingneuralnetworks

• TheRoyalSwedishAcademyofSciences;€20000

Title of the institute, department or laboratoryComputational Intelligence Research Group, Faculty of Electrical and Control Engineering, Kaunas University of Technology

Main research areasThe Computational intelligence re-search group enjoys over 30 years of scientific research experience in such fields as machine learning, pattern recognition, decision making, classifi-cation, fuzzy logic, artificial neural net-works, support vector machines, ran-dom forests, data mining, image and signal analysis and identification and speech analysis.


FACULTY OF ELECTRICAL & CONTROL ENGINEERING Computational Intelligence Research Group

Unstable Rowing Simulator


Key selling pointsUnbalanced rowing trainer, having more degrees of freedom than other known analogues, with installed elements of stabilizing mo-ment support, enabling to achieve approximation to real rowing train-ing conditions, has been developed. The trainer suits for the begin-ners as well as for professional sportsmen. During the training more muscle groups are working, the accuracy and coordination is being developed, risk of injury decreases. Besides, muscles remain active for longer period of time during the rowing process. While using such trainer, research of unbalanced rower boat system movements at the laboratory approximates at maximum to the real conditions.

Required expertise/partners Simulator development (stabilization system refinement) and testing, license agreement.

Project description Rowing is one of the most efficient and best-balanced ways to develop the human endurance and strength. Almost all rowing simulators de-signed for amateurs as well as for professional sportsmen are of the stable type. However, trainers of non-balanced type training equip-ment would be more appropriate aiming to simulate the rowing of floating, i.e. unstable boat floating in the water. This is one of positive features of unstable balance type trainers. Furthermore, it requires body balance support exertions, what as well affects the nervous sys-tem, the more significant and varied (comparing to ordinary trainings with dumbbell) muscles load is obtained, the risk of muscles, liga-ments and joint injuries is reduced.




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DEPARTMENT OF ENGINEERING MECHANICS

Methodology for Evaluating Outcome of Human Joint Replacement Surgery


Key selling pointsThe investigation aimed to develop new method for regeneration of disordered functions of human locomotion apparatus was performed including experimental research (gait analysis by using 3D MoCap system Qualisys) and computer aided modeling (gait forward dynamic analysis by means of MSC/ADAMS+LifeMOD software). Appropriate parameterized computer models, designed to investigate human ske-letal-muscle system behavior, was created, and relying on the results of research, the methodology for evaluation of the impact of artificial joints on human locomotion apparatus and movement functions were developed. Methodology and models may be employed to improve the exactitude of joint replacement surgeries and to accelerate the re-habilitation after joint replacement surgery (for implant adjustment, rehabilitation procedure correction etc).

Required expertise/partners Methodology testing and further development (expanding on variety of joints), license agreement.

Project description One of the research fields in Biomechanics is the rehabilitation of hu-man working capacity by substituting the damaged joints with artificial ones. Thousands of hip joint endoprosthesis surgeries are performed each year. It still may be difficult to exactly restore normal anatomy of the joint because of anatomic changes in pelvis and femur caused by disease or injury. In some cases surgeons do not choose the implant components properly or do not embed them correctly during the sur-gery. After such surgeries natural position and functions of a joint are not restored properly, and human movements do not correspond to the parameters which a person had until the surgery.






www.ktu.lt

Contact Info


www.ktu.lt



Main researchers

Prof. dr. Pranas Žiliukas

Prof. dr. Rymantas Tadas Toločka

Prof. dr. Vytautas Grigas

Assoc. prof. dr. Albinas Palionis

Assoc. prof. dr. Valdas Eidukynas

Assoc. prof. dr. Danguolė Satkunskienė

Assoc. prof. dr. Kristina Kazlauskienė

Assoc. prof. dr. Aurelijus Domeika

Most important implemented and ongoing projects• ”Hightechnologymethodsandequipmentforhumanhealthpro-

motion„(HOMOTECH),Hi-techdevelopmentprogramme(2003-2005).LithuanianStateScienceandStudiesFoundation(LSSSF);€25300.

• ”Estimatingofcharacteristicsofthemusclesandmodellingofgeneratingthembythebody-builders„(2006).JSCBaltecCNCTechnologies; €10 700. Project supported by Lithuanian Busi-nessSupportAgency.

• EURATOM EFDA (European Fusion Development Agreement)ITERproject”DesignandAnalysisoftheInboardRailoftheDi-vertorCassette„(2006).FP6CostSharingActionco-financedbyEC;€190000.

• ”Development of themethods andmeans formonitoring per-son’s physical activity„ (VITAACTIV). Hi-tech development pro-gramme (2007-2009); Lithuanian State Science and StudiesFoundation;€53900.

EquipmentMotionCapturesystemContemplas (DE): 2Digital videocameras,setofreflectivemarkers,softwarefordatacapturingandprocessing(MotionAnalysis)TemploStandard.

EMG system Noraxon (USA): Portable amplifier MyoTrace 400 (4channels)withasetofsensors(EMG,inclinometer,accelerometer,goniometers,forcesensorsetc.).

Multi-channelelectronicPCmeasurementunitHBM(DE):Portable8-channelamplifierSpider-8withasetofsensors(force,displace-ment,pressure,accelerationetc.).

Set of tools for anthropometric measurements: anthropometerHarpenden (UK), mechanical goniometers, measurement tapes,calipersetc.

Universalandspecializedsoftwareformodelingandanalysisofme-chanicalandbiomechanicalsystems:MicroStationModeller,CATIA,SolidWorks + SolidWorks Simulation, ANSYS, LSDYNA, AUTODYN,MSC/(Patran, Nastran, ADAMS+LifeMOD), ADLPIPE, APM WinMa-chine,Matlab,MAPLE.

Title of the institute, department or laboratoryDepartment of Engineering Mechanics, Faculty of Mechanics and Mechatronics

Main research areasExperimental and computer aided mod-elling, development, investigation and improvement of mechanical and biome-chanical systems, including:• kinematic-dynamic analysis of gait

and sports movements• experimental and computational

analysis of the artificial human joints, devices for fixing broken bones etc.

• experimental evaluation of the me-chanical properties of human body tissues

• design and development of sports, training and rehabilitation equip-ment and methods

The Device Enabling Blind and Visually Impaired to Work with 2D Graphics & Internet


Key selling pointsIn current market there exists Full Graphical Array (128x64 dots) manufactured by Smart Technology Limited, Birmingham, UK. It displays simple refreshable tactile graphics using Braille pins and is rather bulky and needs approximate-ly 10 seconds for a complete refresh. There are also zoom functions and Brail-le to text options available but the resolution of dots (2.5mm between Braille pins) is too low to comprehend more complicated 2D graphics.

The proposed device creates a totally new market for low cost displays, espe-cially when none of the existing screen readers are suitable for the design of hand-held portable devices. The advantage of developed system is that typical components (tablet PC, e.g. in a form of iPAD 3 and Digital pen with incorpo-rated piezoelectric transducer) are used together with special software for image processing and active contour segmentation.

The attractive feature of proposed device is relatively low cost for this class of devices and easiness of use in dealing with typical situations for blind and visually impaired.

Involved partnersInitial idea (Patent pending) was suggested by the researchers of Me-chatronics Center for Research, Studies and Information, Kaunas University of Technology. Researchers from other KTU departments, including Fac-ulty of Informatics, have contributed to the development of the functioning model.

Required expertise/partnersQualified help in modern image processing algorithms and image compo-nents’ recognition is highly welcomed.

Project description

The device for blind and visually impaired allows them to conceive 2D graphics, work with Internet and orient in surroundings using Geographical Information Systems (GIS), house or room plans. The device consist of typical tablet PC or smart phone, digital pen, piezo-electric transducer/vibrator, fixed to digital pen and software, reali-zing two functions: (a) filtering of the image, accentuating the con-tours of the typical elements (doors, stairs, street, etc.), important for blind; (b) transforming the 2D graphics or images to electrical signals with their amplitude and frequency related to specific colour or intensity of contour. Two information channels can be used: (a) sound channel, using earphones; (b) tactile channel, realized with the help of piezoelectric transducer/vibrator, imitating Braille pin.


THE MECHATRONICS CENTER FOR RESEARCH, STUDIES AND INFORMATION




www.ktu.lt

The Adaptive System with Controllable Cavitation Flow for Therapy & Recanalization of Blood Vessels


Key selling pointsEndovascular thrombolytic or mechanical recanalizations are much more ef-ficient than conventional open surgery. However, the recanalizations are not always technically successful in neglected cases. The most important diffi-culties occur at the moment of penetration of the occlusion with a guide wire. Unability to penetrate the occlusion may lead to unsuccessful balloon angio-plasty, stenting or atherectomy. Therefore, it is important to use the ultra-sound energy to enhance the recanalization. The phenomenon of ultrasonic cavitation flow with controllable intensity and direction was discovered by the project authors, and European Patent No. 2 065 002 A1 was received, related to blood vessel recanalization system, based on this new phenomenon. The present invention leads to new ultrasound equipment and methods that can be used as a therapy for diseases of the vascular system, characterized by an undesired obstruction or restriction of a vascular segment. Furthermore, the equipment can be used in conjunction with other intravascular therapeutics, particularly with the endovascular mechanical or medicamental (thromboly-tic) recanalization of occluded vessels.

Involved partnersInitial idea (European Patent) was suggested by the researchers of Mechatron-ics Center for Research, Studies and Information, Kaunas University of Tech-nology. Researchers from Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, including Institute of Cardiology, joined in the development of the functioning model.

Required expertise/partners Qualified help in manufacturing of adaptive ultrasonic waveguide is highly welcomed.

Project description

The main idea of the project is to use the phenomenon of directed cavitation flow in setting up a universal technology to treat obs-tructive vascular disease and internal clots by percutaneous endo-vascular approach. This leads to creation of new intravascular equi-pment and methods that can be used as a therapy for diseases of the vascular system characterized by an undesired obstruction or restriction of a vascular segment. Furthermore, the equipment can be used in conjunction with other diagnostic or therapeutics proce-dures. The system, containing adaptive waveguide with alternating cross-section and special nozzle, generates cavitation flow for blood vessels realizing mini-invasive endovascular recanalization.






www.ktu.lt

Main research areas

• Precise Mechatronic Systems

• Piezoelectric motors with several degrees-of-freedom

• Robotics

Main researchers

Prof. Ramutis Bansevicius

Prof. Arunas Lipnickas

Dr. Vytautas Jurenas

Dr. Andrius Vilkauskas

Dr. Linas Obcarskas

Dr. Arunas Zvironas

Dr. Algimantas Bubulis

Dr. Aurelijus Domeika

Contact Info


www.ktu.lt

Most important implemented and ongoing projects (inclu-ding contracts with business companies)

• ”R&D of Mechatronic nanoresolution displacement measur-ing/generation systems” (PjezoAdapt). High Technology R&Dprogramme,financedbyLithuanianStateResearchandStud-iesFoundation

• ”R&D of laser beam manipulating systems (LaMaSystem)”.High Technology R&D programme, financed by LithuanianStateResearchandStudiesFoundations(2009-2011)

• NordicBaltSat–”UtilizingtheexistingandemergingpotentialofNordic-Balticdimensionincriticalsatellitetechnologiesandapplications”,CallFP7-SPACE-2009-1

• TactileScreen–R&Dofasystem,enablingblindandvisuallyimpairedtoworkwith2Dgraphics.ProjectfinancedbyLithu-anianScienceCouncil,MIP-11412(2011-2012)

• Miniaturised Ultrasonic, Engineered-Structure and LTCC-Based Devices for Acoustics, Fluidies, Optics and Robotics(MINUET)6FRAMEWORKprojectNMP2-CT-2004-505657

Equipment

• IR converter Night Vision PVS-7

• Laser distance measuring devices LDM 20000 and LaserAce 1000

• Optoelectronic holographic measurement system HYTEC PRISM

• Optical Table 1HT09-14-12

• ThermaCAM A-20M, IR camcorder

• Displacement measurement system with laser by KEYENCE (sensor LK-G82, controller

• LK-G3001PV and software LK-Navigator), etc.

• System for generating mechanical oscillation by Wilcoxon Research Inc., etc.

• 3D Motion Capture system Qualisys (Sweden): 6 Pro-Reflex cameras (upgrading up to 10 cameras in progress), integrated Force plate AMTI, Qualisys Track Manager software

• Materials testing machine Tinius Olsen (USA): benchtop dual column machine H25K-T with a set of grips and sensors

Title of the institute, department or laboratory

Mechatronics Center for Research, Studies and Information, Kaunas University of Technology



ROBOSOFA. The Development & Modelling of an Intelligent Multimodal Interface for the Smart Furniture


Key selling points• Three control modalities based on three different actuating forces, i.e., voice,

gaze and/or touch• Gaze tracking modality based on state-of-the-art computer vision algorithms

allowing fast detection, tracking and registration of human eye• Touch sensitive surface used for touch control modality• System able to recognize 20 voice commands, which is configurable based on

individual user• Self-learning algorithms used in each control modality, which can meet every

individual requirements of the system user• Network of mounted sensors allowing to avoid obstacles and ensuring safety

of the user of smart furniture• Modal approach of the ROBOSOFA hardware making it flexible and affordable

for most of the users with different disabilities• Multimodal interface produced as additional device for user mobile platform

or integrated into factory-made wheelchairs• ROBOSOFA complex microprocessor board with high memory storage capabi-

lities for storing operative default values and historical action data• GPS signal used for fast localization of the user and global navigation for a

more pleasant journey• Automatic path planning and obstacle avoidance algorithm allowing travelling

without additional effort from the user

Involved partnersKaunas University of Technology, Company ”Sofneta„, Kaunas Association of Per-sons with Disabilities (Lithuania)

Required expertise/partners • Commercialization of the novel research product• Construction and development of mobile platforms

Project description The main goal of this project is to develop and model an intelligent multimod-al interface for the smart, assisted furniture, integrating latest technologies in speech, video, sensory, robotics, artificial intelligence, path finding and other areas, for one unified purpose – the creation of a modular, multimodal inter-face, targeted at easier, more natural controlling of the technological devices, such as wheelchairs, medical beds, autonomous side-tables, etc. for the users with various motion disabilities. One of the main tasks of the project is to develop theoretical model and algorithm software, and more significantly to develop and construct real technological prototype which could be presented to the interested parties (the socially dependent, elderly, disabled people, etc.) and fine-tuned ac-cording to the reviews of these groups.

KAUNAS UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGYINFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTESpeech Signal Research Laboratory




www.ktu.lt

Contact Info


www.ktu.lt

KAUNAS UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGYINFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTESpeech Signal Research Laboratory

Main researchers

Prof. Rimantas Seinauskas

Dr. Rytis Maskeliunas

Dr. Vidas Raudonis

Dr. Kastytis Ratkevicius

Paulius Lengvenis

Most important implemented and ongoing projects (including contracts with business companies)The mission of the ITPI is to perform scientific research and develop ICT, to develop new scientific knowledge and disseminate it within the society as well as to apply it in the study processes. Strategic objective of the Institute is efficient R&D of ICT and services based on them. Speech Signal Research Laboratory is part of the Information Technology Development Institute. The Laboratory carries out scien-tific and applied research in different areas of speech signal process-ing and works on a slogan, that the speech signal technologies are the most important part of upcoming changes of information inter-action. Activities of the Laboratory include the design of multimodal interfaces, self-service in modern contact canters, new means for the disabled, and component development of speech signal tech-nologies. The key researchers participated in local and international scientific research projects and were (are) participating members of the following EU’s actions: COST 232 (Speech Recognition over the Telephone Line), COST 249 (Continuous Speech Recognition over the Telephone Line), COST 250 (Speaker Recognition in the Telephony), COST 278 (Spoken language interface in telecommunications), COST 2102 (Cross-Modal Analysis of Verbal and Non-Verbal Communica-tion) and COST IC1002 (currently) (Multilingual and multifaceted in-teractive information access).

Equipment • Computer stations and multi-core computation servers dedicated

to fast and accurate solving optimization problems

• Precise and high quality audio, video systems

• Autonomous mobile platforms

Title of the institute, department or laboratorySpeech Signal Research Laboratory, Information Technology Development Institute, Kaunas University of Technology

Main research areas• Voice signal processing

• Multimodal human-computer interfaces

• Self-service in modern contact centers

• Artificial computational intelli-gence

Innovative Non-Invasive Technologies for the Human Brain Injury Monitoring and Treatment Decision Making


Key selling pointsRadical innovations with multi-billion global market potential. Open-ing of new global market niche with no competitors (at the moment). Our innovative technologies are patented in the USA, EU, Japan and other countries (new patents pending).




www.ktu.lt

Involved partnersCambridge University, Imperial College, Harvard University, GE, Philips, VTT, NASA, US Dept of Defense, etc.

Required expertise/partners • No missing expertise• Venture capital investments are still welcome

KAUNAS UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGYTELEMATICS SCIENCE LABORATORY

Main researchers

Prof., DSc Arminas Ragauskas

DSc Gediminas Daubaris

DSc Vytautas Petkus

Dsc Saulius Rocka

DSc Rolandas Zakelis

MSc Romanas Chomskis

MSc Edvardas Satkauskas

Contact Info


www.ktu.lt

Most important implemented and ongoing projects (including contracts with business companies)

• Projecttitles:AvertIT,BrainSafe1,BrainSafe2,DynICP,TBIcare,etc.

• Contractororfinancingprogramme:FP5,FP7,GrantsoftheUSDept.ofDefence,theUSDept.oftheArmy,etc.

• Projectbudgetsfrom€1.5millionupto€4.5million

• non-invasive technologies for industrial liquid flows’ and heatmeasurements

Equipment

• Non-invasiveabsoluteICPvaluemeter;non-invasivecerebrovas-cularautoregulationreal-timemonitor:non-invasiveintracranio-spinalwavemonitor;non-invasiveliquidflowmeterwithtriangu-larcrosssection

• Equipment produced at : Vittamed Technologijos Ltd (Kaunas,Lithuania);AxisIndustries(Kaunas,Lithuania)

• Shortdescription:Ourpatentedtechnologiesareradicalinnova-tionswithmulti-billionmarketpotential.NocompetitorsintheWorldatthemoment

Title of the institute, department or laboratoryTelematics Science Laboratory, Kaunas University of Technology

Main research areasNon-invasive technologies patented in the US, EU and Japan for the human brain physiological monitoring and diagnosing:

• accurate and precise non-invasive absolute intracranial pres-sure measurement and monitoring without the need of patient specific calibration

• cerebrovascular autoregulation state real-time monitoring with-out the need of arterial line

• fast individual and optimal cerebral perfusion pressure identifi-cation technology

• intracraniospinal volumetric waves’ monitoring and brain com-pliance diagnosing

• non-invasive technologies for industrial liquid flows’ and heat measurements

KAUNAS UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGYTELEMATICS SCIENCE LABORATORY

Application of Linear Ultrasonic Array for Investigation of Dynamic Processes Non-Homogeneous Media


Key selling points

The unique, high accuracy, multi-channel ultrasonic measurement instrument for monitoring of the non-uniform biological and che-mical processes. Most important features: high accuracy of ultra-sound velocity monitoring - ±0.05m/s, relatively small measurement chamber – 1ml, possibility to investigate influence of the gravity on the chemical and biological processes under investigation.

Involved partners

Ultrasound Institute of Kaunas University of Technology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences


Partners for R&D projects, partners for commercialization.

Project description

The aim of the project is to develop ultrasound velocity measure-ment system for monitoring of the dynamic processes in non-ho-mogeneous media such as biological liquids and chemical solutions (for example, native human blood clotting process).

KAUNAS UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGYULTRASOUND INSTITUTE




www.ktu.lt

Eurostars Project NICDIT, A Non-Invasive Expert System for Diagnosis of Intraocular Tumours (E!4297)


Key selling points

• data acquisition system, which is suitable to acquire and to digi-tize with a higher sample rate and more precise amplitude reso-lution, as well as to store the ultrasonic diagnostic signals which are received from the conventional ophthalmological scanners

• multi-channel opthalmological scanner suitable to be connected with most of commercially available mechanical sector scan ul-trasonic transducers (annular arrays)

Involved partners

Coordinator: Stratelus Joint Stock Company (Lithuania), Optomed OY (Finland), Biomedical Engineering Institute of Kaunas University of Technology (Lithuania), Ultrasound Institute of Kaunas University of Technology (Lithuania), Lund university Department of Electrical and Information Technology (Sweden).



Project description

The aim of the project was to develop of non-invasive system for intraocular tumour diagnosis, its tissue characterization and para-meterization which will consist of the innovative device-attachment, conventional non-invasive ultrasonic diagnostic equipment, innova-tive digital ophthalmoscope and sophisticated software.





www.ktu.lt

EC FRAMEWORK 6 Project TROY Endoscope Capsule Using Ultrasound Technology


Key selling points

An ultrasonic probe small enough (D,<10mm, l<6mm) to be inserted inside the swallowable capsule. The probe is sending and receiving signals in 360 degrees, in this way obtaining the information needed for the software to generate a 2D image of the gastrointestinal tract. The third dimension of the images will be provided due to movement of the capsule inside the tract

Involved partners

IAITI (Portugal), SC IPA SA (Romania), Dunvegan (UK), Ardoran (Es-tonia), Artica (Spain), Labor (Italy), Ultrasound institute of Kaunas university of technology (Lithuania), UMF ClujNapoca (Romania). The Project was coordinated and managed by IAITI (Portugal).



Project description

The aim of the project was to develop an Ultrasound Capsule to be used as a first line exam for investigation of diseases (such as can-cers) in the gastrointestinal tract.





www.ktu.lt

Eurostars project SKINMONITOR Diagnosis of Skin Cancer Based on ICT Tools (E!4846)


Key selling points

• the concept and the structure of the innovative ultrasonic non-invasive device for diagnostics of human skin cancer

• designed and developed special ultrasonic hardware suitable for characterization of the skin cancer tissues

• the algorithm of the automatic contour adjustment and evaluation of the penetration depth of the tumour

Involved partners

Coordinator: INOVAMAIS - Serviços de Consultoria em Inovação Tecnológica, S.A. (Portugal); Project partners: Department of Skin and Venereal Diseases of Lithuanian health university (Lithuania); Ultrasound Institute of Kaunas University of Technology (Lithuania); Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto (Portugal); Labor s.r.l. (Italy).


Partners for R&D projects, partners for commercialization

Project description

The aim of the project is to deliver the non-invasive ICT based tools that improve the accuracy of skin cancer diagnosis by analysing and fusing information from digital optical images and ultrasonic data.





www.ktu.lt

Main researchers

Prof.habil.dr.RymantasKažysDr. Reimondas ŠliterisProf.dr.LiudasMažeikaDr.ElenaJasiūnienėDr. Renaldas RaišutisDr. Olgirdas TumšysDr.EgidijusŽukauskasDr.BirutėVoleišienėAlgirdas VoleišisDr. Alfonsas Vladišauskas

Contact Info


www.ktu.lt

Most important implemented and ongoing projects in the specific biomedical field

• ECFRAMEWORK6projectTROY”EndoscopeCapsuleUsingUltra-soundTechnology”.KTUpart–€194000.TheaimoftheprojectwastodevelopanUltrasoundCapsuletobeusedasafirstlineexamforinvestigation of diseases (such as cancers) in the gastrointestinaltract.TheUltrasoundinstitutedevelopedanultrasonicprobesmallenough (D<10mm, l<6mm) tobe inserted inside thecapsule.Theprobe issendingandreceivingsignals in360degrees, inthiswayobtainingtheinformationneededforthesoftwaretogeneratea2Dimageofthegastrointestinaltract.Thethirddimensionoftheimageswillbeprovidedduetomovementofthecapsuleinsidethetract.

• EurostarsprojectNICDIT,”ANon-InvasiveExpertSystemforDiagno-sisofIntraocularTumours”(E!4297).KTUpart–€163328.Theaimoftheprojectwastodevelopofnon-invasivesystemforintraoculartumourdiagnosis,itstissuecharacterizationandparameterizationwhichwillconsistoftheinnovativedevice-attachment,conventionalnon-invasiveultrasonicdiagnosticequipment,innovativedigitaloph-thalmoscopeand sophisticated software. TheUltrasound institutedevelopeddataacquisitionsystem,whichissuitabletoacquireandtodigitizewithahighersamplerateandmorepreciseamplituderesolution,aswellastostoretheultrasonicdiagnosticsignalswhicharereceivedfromtheconventionalophthalmologicalscanners.

• EurostarsprojectSKINMONITOR,”DiagnosisofSkinCancerBasedonICTTools”(E!4846).KTUpart–€205869.Theaimoftheprojectistodeliverthenon-invasiveICTbasedtoolsthatimprovetheaccuracyofskincancerdiagnosisbyanalysingandfusing informationfromdigitalopticalimagesandultrasonicdata.TheUltrasoundinstituteproposedtheconceptandthestructureoftheinnovativeultrasonicnon-invasivedevicefordiagnosticsofhumanskincancer.Also,de-signedanddevelopedspecialultrasonichardwaresuitableforchar-acterizationoftheskincancertissues.Thealgorithmoftheauto-maticcontouradjustmentandevaluationofthepenetrationdepthofthetumourwasperformedaswell.

Title of the institute, department or laboratoryUltrasound Institute, Kaunas University of Technology

Main research areasDevelopment of new advanced ultra-sonic measurement, imaging and non-destructive techniques for extreme conditions (process control under high temperatures, strong radioactive radia-tion, high pressure and chemical activ-ity) and non-conventional applications of NDT, monitoring and quality control. These techniques are oriented to solve complicated questions which are related to the construction safety and human health. Unique know-how and experi-ence in various applications of ultra-sonic techniques for medical and bio-logical applications, aerospace industry, nuclear plants, renewable energy, space research, monitoring of various manu-facturing processes, density and viscos-ity measurements, ultrasonic distance, position and level measurements, ultra-sonic flow measurements of gases and liquids, development of non-destructive testing (NDT) and imaging techniques for composite materials.


Documents

KAUNAS UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY projects outline