04 2015
TOMORROWTODAY Developing the technologies, methods and tools of tomorrow
The World of Plants
The AIT Health & Environment Department performs research within a range of projects that examine how plants can become more resilient and productive. Such projects, for example, focus on the use of microÂorganisms or the introduction of good bacteria to plants.
Photo: AIT/Harry Krischanz
Read the cover story on page II and take a look at page V to find out about the research being conducted by Teresa Berninger, AIT Junior Scientist in the field of bioeconomy.
TOMORROWTODAY
Microorganisms & Plant Production
Little Helpers for Plants Making plants more productive and resilient through the targeted use of endophytes, bacteria or microorganisms – this is the research focus of scientists in the Bioresources Unit at AIT. The research results will amongst other things contribute to feeding the future world population.
The surface of human skin and the intestinal tract are home to trillions of bacteria. Ten times more microbes live in and on our bodies than the cells our whole organism is made up of. Of course, that’s something we’ve known for a long time. But are there relevant analogies in the plant world? And what are the interactions that evolve? Angela Sessitsch, Head of Bioresources at AIT: “Today we know that there is also a huge range of microorganisms associated with plants and that these play a significant role in plant health.” This affects not only the root zone but also the exterior and interior structure of plants. In recent years, this relatively new area of research has received an enormous boost. Introduction of methods such as high-throughput DNA sequencing have enabled the development of new research approaches and made them more affordable. Society is also calling for solutions that offer an alternative to genetic engineering as a way of enhancing the health of plants that are essential for humans. AIT is actively involved on a variety of levels in research in this area.
There is a huge range of microorganisms associated with plants that play a significant role in plant health. Angela Sessitsch, Head of Bioresources at AIT
Photos: AIT/Krischanz.Zeiller
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Top-Story
Interaction between endophytes, plants and the environment Endophytes are bacteria and fungi, which spend at least certain periods of their lives residing within plants without causing any apparent disease symptoms. Most endophytes enter the plant through the roots. During transition from the soil into the plant the bacteria experience a sudden, strong and stressful change in environmental conditions. “The survival of the bacteria largely depends on how quickly they are able to adapt to the new conditions”, explains project manager Birgit Mitter. AIT is examining how the microorganisms adapt to living with the host plant and the mechanisms they use to benefit the plant.
Bacteria living in certain potato varieties may have a positive influence on plant growth.
Photos: AIT/Skof; AIT/Krischanz.Zeiller
Birgit Mitter, AIT Scientist, Department Health & Environment
Microbial bioherbicides One aspect of the research that is of particular importance for allergy sufferers concerns the pollen of common ragweed. Even extremely low concentrations in the air are enough to trigger a strong allergic reaction in sensitised individuals. “A plant produces up to 6,000 seeds, which can survive in the ground for 40 years. It’s hard to keep under control even using herbicides”, says project manager Friederike Trognitz. An alternative control strategy would be the use of biological agents such as plant-associated microorganisms as bioactive herbicides. AIT is currently investigating containment of such weeds using bacteria. The aim is to select and utilise bacteria that can significantly reduce the growth, pollen and seed production of common ragweed without causing increased allergenic potential and without any negative effects on agricultural crops. Research currently being conducted by Günter Brader and Stéphane Compant is closely connected to this topic. Both scientists are focusing on the control of harmful microbial organisms in agriculture. This involves, for example, the analysis of endophytes, which themselves form antimicrobial substances against harmful organisms or create systemic resistance in the plant. “In the wine-growing sector, such harmful organisms cause huge losses because there are currently no chemical or alternative treatment methods available”, explain the scientists. Work is also underway on the development of methods to fight fungal pathogens in cereal and soya crops. The fight against phytoplasmas The research group led by Günter Brader is focused on combating phytoplasmas. These small, cell wall deficient bacteria are responsible for over 100 plant diseases worldwide. They are a particular nuisance in fruit farming and wine growing – and they are very
hard to get rid of. The fight against what are sometimes unknown vectors as well as host plants, which play a role by serving as disease reservoirs – such as field bindweed and stinging nettles – is also problematic. There is still limited awareness of the extent to which use of beneficial microorganisms is also successful in the fight against phytoplasmas. For some time now in Austria there has also been an outbreak of a recently discovered strain, which is spread by nettles to grapevines. “Genome sequencing and comparisons between different strains provide information on which phytoplasma genes are responsible for host establishment and specific virulence”, explains project manager Brader. In the AIT studies research staff also analyse which interactions of the bacteria with their hosts and vectors are of importance in the occurrence of various symptoms. Learning from Andean potatoes Angela Sessitsch and Birgit Mitter are concentrating on the use of plant-associated microflora in sustainable agriculture. In an EU cooperation project, an international team analysed the diversity of soil microorganisms in the Andes. Inspiration for the project came from the traditionally extensive cultivation in the Andean highlands. Local potato varieties have adapted well to the harsh and changeable ecological conditions and produce stable yields. “This may be due to the bacteria living within the potato plant, which have a positive influence on both plant growth and plant health”, says Mitter. The AIT scientists examined the diversity as well as the plant growth-promoting potential of the bacteria residing in the rhizosphere and the endosphere using the latest sequencing methods. The experimental data and field studies involving new cultivation methods serve as the basis for new cultivation practices, which ensure an ideal interaction between microorganisms, plants and soil and thus enhance soil fertility and promote sustainable agriculture in the Andes region. These research results can also be put to subsequent use in other areas around the world. n
In the wine-growing sector, harmful microbial organisms cause huge losses because there are currently no chemical or alternative treatment methods available. Günter Brader, AIT Senior Scientist
miCROPe Symposium in Vienna On the initiative of AIT the symposium “Microbe-assisted crop production – opportunities, challenges and needs” (miCROPe 2015) will be held on 23 – 25 November in the conference centre at Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna. The symposium will focus on the application of microorganisms in agricultural production with the aim of meeting future climatic and food production challenges. For more information, please go to www.micrope.org
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TOMORROWTODAY
Focus on Performance & Success
In this edition of Tomorrow Today, we will be reporting on R & D projects from the Departments of Mobility, Energy, Health & Environment, Innovation Systems and Digital Safety & Security – and the benefits they bring to your customers.
Technology Platform
Emissions Data Management: Tyrol to Use emikat.at AIT developed the technology platform emikat.at for emissions data management. The system is already in use in five Austrian provinces. Tyrol has now also decided to use the AIT technology as a central and flexible electronic management system for emissions data. The main benefit of emikat.at: it allows the user to integrate specific emissions data from a range of sources (such as pollutant measurements, transport models or statistics) and to freely define scenario models drawing on a diverse range of data. This enables the provision of annual comparisons and different scenario models for use in emission reduction measures. AIT is also able to draw on experience from UWEDAT, another complete system developed at AIT for use in environmental monitoring (air, water, meteorology, electromagnetic fields). This system is already in use in various air quality measurement networks, in water monitoring or in central monitoring networks – both in Austria and abroad (e.g. in Bulgaria or Indonesia). n
Intelligent Grid Operation
AIT Carries out Smart Grid Study for IEA Solar and wind energy require intelligent grid operation at all levels.
Ensuring smart grids are efficient and stable requires not only the use of new technology but also an appropriate regulatory framework. Antony Zegers, Engineer, Electric Energy Systems, AIT Energy Department
Wind and solar power pose huge challenges for grid operators. Grid operators must ensure that grids remain stable – even when the unpredictable supply of wind or solar energy causes large fluctuations. Smart grids would provide a solution to these challenges. AIT, experts in smart grid research, has recently carried out a study for the International Energy Agency (IEA), which has received much international acclaim. Based on experience gained in five European countries, the USA, Canada, China and South Africa, the authors of the study highlight the biggest challenges and reach the conclusion that “in future the flexibility of the distribution network will need to be used much more to support grid operation.” In other words, trans-regional transmission networks and local distribution grids must interact and communicate so that the grid remains stable and transformers as well as power cables are never overloaded. The study also points out the importance of regulatory framework conditions as “otherwise valuable energy is wasted due to frequent down regulation by distributed generators”, says one of the study’s coauthors Antony Zegers from the AIT Energy Department. The study was presented at the Clean Energy Ministerial in Mexico at the end of May at a high-level forum of energy ministers and policy-makers from countries all around the world. n
Photos: AIT/Holger Mette; iStock.com; AIT/Ludwig Schedl
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Perfomance & Success
Tec 15
Photos: AIT/Krischanz.Zeiller; AIT/Harry Krischanz
Multitalented Bioeconomy In view of limited natural resources the world’s population needs a modern, sustainable and biobased economy with products made from renewable raw materials that can adequately meet global needs. This could be achieved by bioeconomy, a research field established at the AIT Health & Environment Department. In their work, AIT scientists aim to use microorganisms in order to make plants more resilient and productive. One of the experts in this field is Teresa Berninger, AIT Junior Scientist, who is currently conducting research into an organic fertiliser based on plant growth promoting bacteria. “It would definitely be a huge success”, says Berninger, “if we could manage to use beneficial microorganisms to reduce the use of agrochemicals in conventional agriculture.” The underlying working model for this organic fertiliser is easily explained. “Good” bacteria strengthen the plant’s immunity against disease and stimulate its growth – in particular under difficult climatic conditions such as drought or low temperatures. A sophisticated capsule system delivers the sensitive bacteria into the seeds to ensure a sufficiently large num-
ber of growth promoting microbes in the plant. If sufficient bacteria are in the root system the use of chemical-synthetic fertilisers and pesticides can be reduced and the yield from crops such as corn and wheat can be significantly increased. At the Alpbach Technology Symposium 2015, organised by AIT and Ö1/ORF, Teresa Berninger will present these research activities in the Bioeconomy Panel. Jürgen Mlynek, President of the Helmholtz Association is chair of the plenary session organised by AIT and the Helmholtz Association. Other speakers at the event include Gunter Pauli, founder of ZERI Zero Emission Research & Initiatives, Tokyo, Ulrich Schurr, Head of the Bioeconomy Science Center in Jülich and Joachim von Braun from the Center for Development Research at the University of Bonn. Date: Friday 28 Aug., 9:00–10:30. Venue: Congress Centre Alpbach, Erwin Schrödinger Saal. n
It would be a huge success if we could manage to use beneficial microorganisms to reduce the use of agrochemicals in conventional agriculture. Teresa Berninger AIT Junior Scientist, Research Field: Formulation Development Of Biocontrol Agents
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TOMORROWTODAY
Focus on Performance & Success
Assistance System
Electric Vehicles in Commercial Transport
Greater range of models needed
ELOCOT: Electromobility – given a larger range of vehicle models – offers great potential benefits for the commercial transport sector.
In June the AIT Mobility Department organised the ELOCOT Conference on Electromobility in Logistics and Commercial Transport, a one-day event marking the end of the SELECT project (Suitable ELEctromobility for Commercial Transport). Electromobility represents a major opportunity in particular for urban commercial transport as a large proportion of journeys in cities tend to be within the range of electric vehicles (for example so-called last-mile deliveries) and could in future be more cost-efficient using electric vehicles. In order to drive demand and encourage companies to switch to electric vehicles for longer transport routes, however, there needs to be a wider choice of e-vehicle models with longer ranges as well as pilot projects demonstrating the benefits of electromobility. For further information about ELOCOT and to see presentations given by speakers at the event, please go to www.select-project.eu/ elocot n
Innovative Procurement
Innovation in Light and Furniture
Innobooster inLIFE highlights potential for optimisation in EU-wide calls for innovative office equipment and lighting.
Within the framework of the Europe 2020 initiative for a more sustainable, more innovative economy, the EU aims to promote the procurement of innovative solutions – Innobooster inLIFE is one such project. The project’s aim is to provide new solutions for the Europe-wide procurement of noise reducing office equipment and innovative lighting. Four partners are collaborating on the project from 2012– 2016: the Austrian procurement agency (BBG) (Project Coordinator) and the Finnish procurement agency (HANSEL) as procurement experts; the Austrian Ministry of Finance (BMF) and Linz Airport (blue danube airport linz) as lead procurers; and the Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT) as process facilitator (manual, dissemination). The results and lessons learned will be used to promote future procurement of innovative solutions. www.innobooster.eu n
Improved Hearing and Assisted Living
The European research project AHEAD (“Augmented Hearing Experience and Assistance for Daily life”) aims to help older people lead an independent life and thus improve their quality of life. The project aims to develop an innovative assistance system combining glasses and hearing aids. The so-called “hearing glasses” feature in-built smart sensors, a microphone and communication components. This enables interaction with the “hearing glasses” via voice input and output. Further sensors enable monitoring of the wearer’s vital signs. Connection to mobile smartphone services makes this a multifunctional assistance system. The project is funded under the European Commission’s AAL Joint Programme as well by the Austrian Ministry of Transport, Innovation and Technology (BMVIT) and the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG), coordinated by Atos Spain and is being carried out in collaboration with eight partners from four European countries. n
Connection to mobile smartphone services makes the ‘hearing glasses’ an assistance system featuring a wide range of functions. Stephanie Schwarz, Scientist, Technology Experience
Photos: iStock.com; Shutterstock.com; AIT/Michael Bösendorfer; AIT
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Innovation Calendar
Innovation Calendar 26/8
Austrian Materials Foresight Workshop The workshop focuses on future scenarios for Austrian materials research and industry developed as part of the “Austrian Material Foresight” project. Venue: Alpbach, Alpbacher Hof, 14:00 – 17:00 AIT Contact: Marianne Hörlesberger
27–29/8
Alpbach Technology Symposium 2015 AIT and the Austrian Broadcasting Corporation ORF/Ö1 organise the largest meeting of the research, development and innovation community, featuring a wide range of plenary and breakout sessions. Venue: Alpbach Information: www.alpbach.org
31/8–2/9
6th International Conference on Biomarkers & Clinical Research The international conference on biomarkers and clinical research takes place annually. AIT expert Martin Weber (Health & Environment Department) will give a pre sentation on biomarker applications in minimally invasive diagnosis Venue: Toronto AIT Contact: Martin Weber Information: biomarkers.conferenceseries.com
8/9
Workshop on Pervasive Participation The workshop discusses new ICT-based methods of citizen participation as part of the UbiComp 2015 conference, which focuses on the ubiquity of computer-based information processing. Venue: Osaka, Japan AIT Contact: Peter Fröhlich Information: perpart2015.tech-experience.at
8–11/9
EDST 2015 The International Symposium on Smart Electric Distribution Systems and Technologies (EDST) provides a platform for the research and industry community to discuss the latest developments in smart grid roll-out. Venue: Vienna Information: edst2015.org
9–11/9
Special Session on Safety on Crossings The Session takes place as part of the Symposium “Future Active Safety Technology Towards zero traffic accidents” (FAST-zero 2015).
11–14/9
Vienna Research Festival The event organised by the Vienna Business Agency is designed to make the people of Vienna aware of the significance of digital technologies. AIT will showcase its latest developments. Venue: Naschmarkt, Vienna AIT Contact: Jakob Puchinger
15–18/9
IEEE Fourth Workshop on Human Factors in Intelligent Vehicles The workshop explores the human factor in intelligent vehicles and takes place as part of the IEEE Intelligent Vehicles Symposium. Venue: Las Palmas, Gran Canaria AIT Contact: Cristina Olaverri-Monreal Information: hfiv.net
19/9
Future of Urban Mobility The interactive exhibition organised as part of the European Mobility Week is designed to raise awareness of zero-emission urban mobility. Venue: Parliament, Vienna AIT Contact: Jakob Puchinger
5–9/10
ITS World Congress “Towards Intelligent Mobility” The ITS Congress is the world’s largest event in intelligent transport systems and services.
Venue: Gothenburg, Sweden AIT Contact: Cristina Olaverri-Monreal Information: fastzero15.net
Venue: Bordeaux AIT Contact: Christian Chimani Information: itsworldcongress.com
ComForEn 2015 ComForEn, the annual Symposium on Com munications for Energy Systems brings together experts from the fields of energy and information technologies to discuss new topics and Austrian research projects in the field of smart grids.
11/9
14–15/10
Venue: TechGate Information: energyit.ict.tuwien.ac.at
Venue: AIT SmartEST Lab, Giefinggasse 2, 1210 Vienna Information: ait.ac.at
Venue: Vienna Information: weltmarktfuehrer.co.at
7–8/9
Industry Day The event organised by the AIT Energy Department brings together the supply industry and top research in the field of smart grids.
World market leaders in Austria The Congress explores the opportunities and challenges of Austrian world market leaders. The focus is on internationalisation and changes in the world of work.
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AIT Top Journal Papers
AIT Top Journal Papers Research results obtained by AIT scientists were recently published in high-impact international journals. Power hardware in the loop
On the track of the tech hype A number of technological innovations have been announced in the past few years to reduce the environmental impact of the transport sector. These high expectations have not been fulfilled, and many technological innovations are not commercially available yet. The paper analyses the relation between research and development activities (innovation activities) and communication activities in the automotive industry using patent statistics, press releases and interviews. The analysis reveals that the fundamental characteristics of a technology have an influence on the emergence of expectation dynamics or hypes. When innovations depend on the build-up of new infrastructure, for example, actors have a strong incentive to raise expectations, which in turn may lead to a hype. This suggests that the intensity and characteristics of a hype cycle strongly depend on the complexity of the technology and that complex (infrastructure) technologies are exceptionally prone to hype-disappointment cycles. Budde, B., Alkemade, F. and Hekkert, M. On the relation of communication and innovation activities: A comparison of hybrid electric and fuel cell vehicles. Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions, 2015, 14, 3, 45–59
Overestimated transport proteins The paper, which made it to the cover of the Journal of Nuclear Medicine & Biology, explored the question of whether transporter proteins at the blood-brain barrier have an influence on the brain uptake of 18 F-FDG, the most widely used radiotracer in nuclear medicine. This is relevant because the function of these transport proteins changes with age or disease and could thus confound the results of brain studies using positron emission tomography (PET) based on this tracer. The study has shown that these transporter proteins obviously play no significant role in brain pharmacokinetics, which facilitates the interpretation of PET data for brain studies. 18 F-FDG is the most widely used substance in nuclear medicine, accounting for more than 90 percent of all PET scans worldwide. Wanek T., Traxl A., Bankstahl J., Bankstahl M., Sauberer M., Langer O., Kuntner C. [18F]FDG is not transported by P-glycoprotein and breast cancer resistance protein at the rodent blood-brain barrier Nuclear Medicine & Biology July 2015 Volume 42, Issue 7, Pages 585–589
Over the past few years numerous (smart grid) concepts have been developed to support the electrical distribution network. Some of these concepts have already been implemented and tested. The paper investigates interactions between two control concepts (voltage control based on tap changer and generator reactive power control) using power hardware in the loop (PHIL) simulation. The PHIL method combines the advantages of simulation and laboratory testing and is ideally suited for system testing. It makes it possible to analyse real-world hardware components whose behaviour is difficult to model (in this case a photovoltaic inverter with grid support function), while modelling and scaling parts of the system using a simulation model (in this case a high-voltage/ medium-voltage transformer including a medium-voltage network). The PHIL method enabled the identification of stability problems that could not be revealed using classical simulations. The paper presents conclusions about the interactions between the two control concepts and the benefits of power hardware in the loop testing as opposed to classical simulations. This paper was published in cooperation with the National Technical University of Athens (School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Prof. Nikolaos Hatziargyriou) under a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2014. P. Kotsampopoulos, F. Lehfuss, G. Lauss, B. Bletterie, N. Hatziargyriou The limitations of digital simulation and the advantages of PHIL testing in studying Distributed Generation provision of ancillary services. IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics, 480 (2015)
Photo: iStock.com
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