This page lists projects and publications related to MRI conducted by members of the platform.
Project overview: The research focuses on optimising the design of skin surface electrodes that are used for Functional Electrical Stimulation. Applications include bladder or bowel control and strengthening of limbs after some injury or damage to the spine. Mathematical modelling employing a Finite Element Method is utilised in conjunction with MRI data to create a more complex, realistic model based on human anatomy. The electrode geometry can be tailored to maximise activation of the targeted nerve while minimising the current density around the electrode edge, which causes burns and tissue trauma.
Principal investigator: Prof. Cristiana Sebu
Lead researcher: Mary Grace Cassar
Project overview: The spatial resolution of fMRI studies determines the accuracy by which local correlations are localised. However, fMRI studies typically use large voxel volumes which translate to poor spatial resolution. Consequently, fMRI studies are highly susceptible to the partial volume effect which reduces the probability of detecting and accurately localising local correlations, and could result in the introduction of artificial correlations. This project investigates local homogeneity measures in task-based fMRI across various voxel volumes, which could help in optimising the pulse sequences currently employed with fMRI.
Principal investigator: Dr. Claude Julien Bajada
Lead researcher: Kristian Galea
Project overview: Brain Computer Interfaces (BCIs) that exploit standard Steady-State Visual Evoked Potentials (SSVEPs) make use of electrodes positioned at the back of the head. As a result such BCIs are often bulky and have limited portability. This project focuses on improving their practicality and accessibility - whilst retaining their high performance - by investigating the possibility of placing the electrodes behind the ears. To this end, functional MRI and high-density electroencephalography (EEG) are employed for source location of SSVEPs, as well as to study the stimuli that enhance the relevant brain signals.
Principal investigator: Prof. Ing. Kenneth P. Camilleri
Lead researcher: Cheryl Gilford
Project overview: This study looks into the neural regional homogeneity alterations that occur during sexual arousal in sexually asymptomatic bisexual women. It aims to further our understanding of the physiological mechanisms that underlie sexual arousal and consequently of female sexuality, helping to shed light on the causes of sexual disorders and to enhance holistic sexual healthcare.
Principal investigator: Dr Claude Julien Bajada
Lead researcher: Antonella Bugeja
Project overview: The goal of this project is to identify the mouth and tongue movements performed by a musician who plays the Jew’s harp whilst simultaneously recording their brain activity.
Principal investigator: Dr Claude Julien Bajada
Lead researcher: Dr Claude Julien Bajada
Project overview: This study makes use of neural data to create models that can predict a wide range of cognitive characteristics with high accuracy at the individual subject level. A crucial part of the project requires harmonisation of measurements across countries and scanners. To this end, several participants (all collaborators in the COST action) are scanned on multiple scanners in various countries to calibrate the measurements.
Principal investigator: Dr Claude Julien Bajada
Lead researcher: Dr Rachel Cassar
Project overview: This project investigates whether any correlation exists between the dielectric properties of different liquid solutions and the way the liquids are rendered in an MRI scan, and if so, the possibility of using these correlations to infer dielectric properties of human tissue from MR images.
Principal investigator: Dr Julian Bonello
Lead researcher: Dr Julian Bonello