Thermo-physical behavior of glass-forming liquids, i.e. the crystallization and vitrification processes, are to a large extent determined
by shear viscosity. Previous studies have demonstrated that isothermal crystal growth rate corrected for thermodynamic driving force
exhibits weaker temperature dependence than viscosity (this decoupling was observed mainly for oxides and small organic molecules).
One of the main project aims is to extend this research to chalcogenide glass-formers and, based on the combined microscopic and
advanced calorimetric studies of the nucleation processes, contribute to the overall explanation of this phenomenon. The second
important project goal is to study the vitrification and structural relaxation processes and to correlate the obtained results with
the viscosity behavior of the given materials. The insight gained from this research will lead to improved control of glass formation
and microstructure development during controlled vitrification and crystallization. This is important for further development of new glassy
and glass-crystalline materials.

The project is focused on a detailed study of reversible crystallization processes as well as the structural
relaxation in phase change materials that are used for rewriteable optical or RAM data storage media.
Selected compositions of chalcogenide amorphous materials in Ge-Sb-Te and Ge-Sb-Se systems will be
prepared. Crystallization processes will be studied by using thermal analysis and various microscopy
techniques in combination with some novel methods. A systematic study of thermodynamic properties and
viscosity behavior of these compositions will be performed as an integral part of this project. The
experimental and theoretical study of structural relaxation in phase change materials is proposed. It will be
monitored by volume, enthalpy or entropy change as a function of long term annealing at selected
temperatures in the glass transition range. Such a combined approach is useful for searching new
materials with tailored properties as well as to better control the reversible crystallization process and to
predict the long term stability of amorphous phase. Both aspects are essential for further development of
phase change memory devices.

The sample of amniotic fluid will be retrieval by transabdominal amniocentesis. The bacterial load of genital mycoplasmas/Streptococcus agalactiae with different quantification approach along with intensity of intraamniotic inflammatory response to bacteria by a panel of cytokines, chemokines and alarmins will be determined.
The critical values of microbial burden responsible for exhibition of intensive intraamniotic infection and inflammation will be proposed. These values will be described for three different periods of pregnancy. Clinical observations will be verified with using of amnio-chorion explant model.
The efficacy of threshold cycle value of real time PCR will be validated by absolute quantification approach.

The main target of the project is to employ advanced thin film preparation techniques (pulsed laser deposition, magnetron sputtering) for the fabrication of high-quality heterostructures based on chalcogenide materials. The final goal will be to fabricate and characterize
heterostructures for environmental or medical detection and nonlinear optical devices. The fabrication of thin amorphous chalcogenide films and their detailed characterization will be investigated in the frame of the project. The study of heterostructures will be performed considering the compatibility of silicon, dielectric materials as SiO2, Al2O3 and gold with chalcogenides and the optimization of interfaces between the different layers. The results of the project will contribute to deepen the fundamental knowledge about the thin film fabrication processes and their use in the field of photonics. It is expected that obtained results will clearly demonstrate the ability of fabricated chalcogenide-based heterostructures for use in nonlinear optical devices and optical sensors.

The project focuses on design and synthesis of novel organic selenium derivatives and their subsequent application as Se-precursors suitable for 2D transition-metal dichalcogenides by atomic layer deposition (ALD). The proposed strategy involves four logically ordered work packages that include design, synthesis, purification and fundamental characterization of new volatile selenium derivatives, their utilization as Se-precursors for ALD, optimization of the ALD process towards layers of 2D transition-metal dichalcogenides, their characterization and further assessment of their application potential. The main motivation for the project is missing portfolio
of selenium or tellurium derivatives suitable for ALD technique as well as application of the ALD technique for preparing MoSe2 and related nanomaterials. The project is highly multidisciplinary on the forefront of organic, inorganic and materials chemistry and, therefore, also highly collaborative and will involve close collaboration of two working groups of the applicants, both
with unique know-how in the given area.

The project is focused on the development of energy storage technologies for both conventional and renewable energy sources. Organic redox substances with suitable properties for flow and quasi/solid secondary batteries will be sought. The preparation of these substances will be optimized for production costs and chemical purity. We will be exploring applications for use in chemical production (organic oxidation agents), electroseparation processes and sensors. The broad cooperation of researchers, from the University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, the University of Pardubice and the Center of Organic Chemistry Ltd., will enable the development of new practical solutions based on current knowledge. Output from the project will include patent applications and a number of publications with non-Czech co-authors.

The project focuses on the synthesis optimization of efficient and purely organic photoredox catalysts based on 5,6-di(5-alkoxythiophen-2-yl)pyrazine-2,3-dicarbonitrile.

In this project we propose the design, synthesis, and versatile application of organic push-pull molecules featuring
intramolecular charge-transfer. Four principal classes of compounds were envisaged - (thio)barbituric acids-derived systems,
donor 3,6-disubstituted diketopyrrolopyrroles, Thdione derivatives resembling indane-1,3-dione moiety, and imidazolium- and
pyridinium betaine derivatives. The final property tuning will be accomplished in terms of variation of the appended donors
and acceptors, elongation of the p-linker and auxiliary pendants, and counter ion replacement. Synthesized compounds will be
investigated as NLO-active chromophores upon embedding into the polymeric matrix or inorganic carrier, NLO-active ionic
liquids, photovoltaic devices, pH-induced and photochromic NLO-switches, and fluorophores. Strong (inter)national cooperation
with renowned scientist has already been established in this respect.

1) A comprehensive evaluation of current methods for determination of a safety against derailment.
2) Design and realisation of a new mobile test equipment for testing of safety against derailment and carbody movements.
3) Proposal of a new more accurate method for determination of safety against derailment. The new method will be tested using the new test equipment.