Tag: FHOO

Member in the Spotlight: University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria

Welcome to our ‘Member in the Spotlight’ series, where we showcase the research focuses and work of our members. We hope these profiles support you in getting to know our members and to identify themes in your work and focuses where you may be able to collaborate with colleagues at member institutions. 

Introducing…University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria

Who are University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria?

University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria (FHOÖ) is a multi-campus university in Austria, Europe with campuses in Hagenburg, Linz, Steyr and Wels.  

The university delivers teaching and research which is practice orientated and dynamically evolves to tackle the challenges of the future. Their staff and students are at the heart of their success in setting important impulses for growth and production within Austria and its business and educational sectors.  

FHOÖ’s motto, “teaching and learning with pleasure – researching with curiosity”, summarises their ethos and mission as a university. 

University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria’s campus.

What are their research focuses?

FHOÖ has four schools across four campus locations: Informatics, Communications and Media (Hagenburg Campus), Medical Engineering and Applied Social Sciences (Linz Campus), Business and Management (Steyr Campus), and Engineering (Wels Campus).  Underpinning the research and teaching undertaken in these schools, are Centers of Excellence, outlining focuses for the research and development projects taking place at the University. 

  • ICT – Information and Communications Technology
    • Advanced Information Systems Technology, Embedded AI and Embedded Systems 
    • Human Computer Interaction, Digital Media Lab, Human Interfaces & Virtual Environments, Education and Life in a Digital World, Secure Information Systems 
    • Prescriptive Analytics 
  • Medical Engineering/TIMed Center 
    • Bioinformatics, Biomimetics and Materials Development 
    • Hybrid Surgical Simulators, Model Building and Simulation, Motion Analysis and Biomechanics 
    • Prosthetics and Sensors, Medical Device Software, Ergonomics and Ageing in the Work Environment
  • Smart Production 
    • Symbolic Regression, Adaptive Optimisation, Smart Operations, Smart Production, Business Analytics, Extender Reality and Intelligent Systems 
  • Societal Transformation and Social Innovation 
    • Digisocilisation – Transformations in a Digisocial World 
    • Social Work Research, Innovations in the Public Sector, Transformation of Organizations People and Planet, Impact Evalution, Living Care Lab 
  • Logistics 
    • AWARD – Automated Transport Logistics Despite Harsh Weather Conditions, Josef Ressel Center for Predictive Analytics and Data-Driven Intelligence in Value Networks (PREVAIL), Predictive Resource Planning in the Warehouse, SURE – SUstainable and REsilient Interconnected Supply Chains 
  • Digital Transformation 
    • Digital Strategy and Innovation, Digital Marketing and Commerce, Digital Work and Life 
    • AI Catalyst for SMEs, Forward-Looking Financial Research: Digital Innovations and Skills Development 
  • Energy & Power 
    • Hydrogen Technologies 
  • Automotive and Mobility 
    • Networks and Mobility Materials
  • Materials
    • Materials with defined properties are the basis for both highly specialized applications and everyday products. At the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, research is carried out along the entire process chain, from material selection and modification to the finished component. Plastics, composites, metals and surface coatings as well as the non-destructive testing methods 3D X-ray computed tomography (CT) and active thermography are the focus of the research work.
  • Food Technology & Nutrition
    • K1 Center FFoQSI, Josef Ressel Center for Active Phytogenic Substances, REACT Enabling Technologies for Zero Defect Manufacturing and more
    • The Food Technology  Nutrition platform deals with topics such as ingredients and the modification of food and animal feed. In addition, various plant-based active ingredients are researched at cellular and molecular level. Another topic is quality assurance in the area of food quality (food control) using various measurement methods.

Read more about the research undertaken across FHOÖ’s campuses, schools and Centres of Excellence ‘Range of Services’. 

Examples of the research projects covered include: 

  • Human-Centered Artificial intelligence; a program which aims to develop methods to make Artificial Intelligence more understandable, transparent and fair for humans and to support the interaction between humans and AI systems (pg. 12). 
  • Hybrid – Hydrogen Based Research Infrastructure Development Infrastruktur; a comprehensive hydrogen research and testing infrastructure to support and advance the sustainable structural change of industry and society towards climate neutrality (pg. 38). 
  • FOOD-RESCUE; a project which focuses on the development of a self-service trading platform with a logistics solution for foodstuffs to bring supply and demand together (pg.12). 

Find out more details about ongoing research work in the FHOÖ ‘Research Projects’ booklet. 

FHOÖ and the WTUN

Professor Michael Affenzeller, Provost, University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria

General Board Member: Professor Michael Affenzeller, Provost, University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria

Operational Board Member: Kamilla Trubicki, Head of International Office, University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria

FHOÖ, as a member, has been involved in several WTUN activities from hosting and sending staff for exchange, collaborating on themes such as: Human-Centered Computing and Data Visualisation; Medical Engineering for Medical Implants; Advanced Manufacturing and NanoTechnologies; Hydrogen Technologies. 

They have also deepened collaboration partnerships with WTUN-member colleagues outside of formal network activities including; FHOÖ student attending Suranaree University of Technology’s (SUT) Global Entrepreneurship Camp and Dr Sascha Senck delivering lessons to students at SUT. 

If you want to learn more about FHOÖ, you can view their Member Profile or read some recent stories shared via the WTUN News Roundup: 

Meet the Recipient of the WTUN BC Scholarship Prize 2024

WTUN Secretariat had the pleasure of speaking with Nadiia Sadova to find out more about her research and what it means to be awarded the WTUN BC Scholarship Prize

Nadiia Sadova, PhD Candidate at University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria

Currently undertaking her doctoral degree in Technical Sciences (Dr. tech.) in Biophysics at WTUN member university, the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria (FHOOE), Nadiia’s academic career began by studying publishing and editing. Motivated by an interest in biology, she returned to higher education at the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria to study Food Technology and Nutrition. Nadiia’s current research interests include immunoassays for inflammatory and stress biomarkers and intestinal function and oxidative stress in Drosophila melanogaster (Common fruit fly).

Among this year’s entries, Nadiia’s entry was highly regarded by the assessment panel who agreed that her application and work best demonstrated a commitment to cutting-edge, challenge led research which will have direct benefit to people and society. The panel also noted the accompanying endorsement from an industry expert.

 


Could you tell us a little bit about your academic journey and what led you to your PhD and your current research? 

At school, I loved biology and maths. I was interested in biology and attended extracurricular biology-related clubs and competitions. Over time, I drifted away from science and began studying linguistics and writing, eventually completing a Masters in Publishing and Editing. My childhood interest in biology stayed with me and I hoped to one day study something biology related. When I returned to university studies, I thought strategically about my choices and looked for a biology-related course that would lead to a profitable profession. I chose a degree in Food Technology and Nutrition. The study of molecular biology in this course led me to my current research in intestinal health.  

When I started the course, I never imagined I’d end up in research but as I worked on my bachelor and master theses, established laboratory processes alone, and solved variousuniversity of applied sciences upper austria research questions, I realised I loved it. At the end of my master thesis, I asked my supervisor, Professor Dr Julian Weghuber, if I could continue my research as a PhD student. The programme was competitive, but I was lucky and was accepted as a doctoral student.  

Whilst my previous studies in linguistics and writing don’t seem directly related to my work now, the skills I learned are still valuable. These previous experiences support me in structuring papers, organising my thoughts, and writing for scientific publications. Before my second high education I used to work as an editor and later chief editor of a medical magazine, dealing with natural science topics like nutrition. 

Can you tell us about the technological solutions and developments that you are using in your research?

I work mainly with Drosophila melanogaster, also known as fruit flies, which are those tiny pests that appear in the kitchen when fruits aren’t put away. For scientists, they are a beloved research model organism, especially in genetics. They are easy to cultivate, are relatively low cost, reproduce quickly, and are very flexible to varying conditions. They also have a similar intestinal physiology to humans. Although, their intestines are simpler, they are still an effective comparable model and a good basis for studying the effects of compounds on the intestines. However, a lot of research topics, specifically nutrition and intestinal research, are unable to utilise the Drosophila melanogaster to their full potential because of their relatively small size.

Normally, the investigation of pharmacokinetic characteristics of a chemical such as its absorption rate is carried out through plasma samples. For example, a human consumes half a cup of glucose solution and an hour later a blood sample is taken and assessed to identify how much glucose is absorbed. Comparing a human’s digestive tract with that of a small fly can include obvious challenges. You cannot take a syringe and draw a sample from a fly and, if that were possible, the amount drawn from a fly is so small that you would encounter several analytical issues, such as limit of detection. I work with bio active compounds, something most often derived from plants, which are usually present in such low concentrations in our food that if you decrease it down to the fly scale, it’s almost impossible to trace. My biggest challenge was how to assess this absorption rate and how much of the consumed compounds are taken in whilst using this tiny fly as a model organism. 

Nadiia at work in the laboratory.

To overcome this, I came up with the compound retention methods, abbreviated to CORE. In this method, I used a tracing dye to look at how much of the compound is not absorbed and passes through the digestive tract, rather than how much of it is absorbed. To do this, a precise dose of non-toxic non-absorbable tracing dye is given to the flies, so we can investigate the absorption, distribution, metabolization, and excretion (ADME) parameters of the compounds. Consuming 100 milligrams of something does not mean your body will make use of all 100 milligrams and having an effective and accessible model to evaluate this can enhance the future development of medication and the development of food and food supplements. 

Currently, this research is done in clinical studies with humans or mammal model organisms, most often rats or mice. My method aims to provide a cheaper and quicker model organism. The study using this CORE method has recently been published in a peer-reviewed journal, Biomedicine and Pharmacology [1]. 

Speaking of the other cutting-edge technologies, I used Luminex-based technology to complete mRNA multiplexing for mRNA quantification, which allows scientists to quantify multiple genes in the same sample simultaneously. The standard method for mRNA quantification is using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) test. This technique can require multiple tests for multiple genes and larger sample sizes. Using Luminex-based technology, I was able to complete mRNA quantification for multiple genes from a single sample. Up to 50 genes can be tested in two days using this process, saving time and resources. To obtain the same results would take me around nine to ten working days through the qPCR method. This technology is relatively new and isn’t widely applied. I hope that soon it will be used more widely, lessening the resources and costs involved in utilising it. Sustainability is hard to achieve in laboratories. Quantifying multiple genes from a single test will save on equipment use and plastic costs, too. 

How did you first hear about the WTUN Brian Cantor Scholarship Prize and what made you apply?

At University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, we have the Doctoral College Initiative, where all doctoral students can learn subjects like ethics and law, independent of the specialist topic of their PhD. The head of this initiative, Professor Dr Katherine Gundolf contacted me, informing me about the opportunity, and suggested that I apply for the prize. I was also encouraged to apply by senior colleagues. These colleagues had only heard about my work briefly through a few presentations but believed in my research and found it interesting. Their encouragement gave me the confidence to apply and that others might find it interesting too. 

What impact do you think being a recipient of this prize will have for you and your work?

Nadiia completing analytical work in the laboratory.

The experience of my work being seen and evaluated by others is valuable. This prize has given me confidence that the topic I am working on is meaningful, not just for me. Being acknowledged is good for the mental health of PhD students generally, who often welcome a boost of support for their work. I strongly believe that research is a field of work where internationalisation and exchange experiences are of crucial importance. The idea of a university network where people can exchange ideas and work is fantastic, in my opinion. I was participating in a short academic exchange when I heard the news that I had been awarded this prize. 

The main impact of this prize is that it will enable me to visit with other research groups working in my field. The work in the Drosophila melanogaster field is unique and each laboratory does things in their own way as there is no unified standard to guide their handling. Visiting other research groups is valuable, allowing me to learn and gain inspiration from the solutions of others. It also helps to spread this experience, allowing, for example, younger generations of bachelor or master students to work with this model.  

 

What are your hopes for the future of your research and where do you envision your doctoral degree will take you?

The end of 2024 signals the end of the funding period for this project. This project was supported by two Austrian organisations; Josef Ressel Centre for Phytogenic Drug Research and FFoQSI and I have until the end of the year to finalise some of my findings. I hope that the existing project will be prolonged or transformed under a different framework. 

As for the future, I love science and I hope I will continue to work in research. I want to dedicate more time to the research of bioavailability and bioactive compounds to better understand what makes some substances more favourable in our guts than others. Why do we absorb this and not that? Can we make our bodies absorb certain compounds and not just let them pass through?  

We have learned how to extract valuable compounds from nature and to sell them as vitamins and supplements, but in very few cases do we understand how much of it is used by our bodies and how these interact with everything else we consume. For example, some vitamins require the presence of certain fats to be well absorbed. Diets which restrict the consumption of certain food groups could also impact uptake of certain compounds. I hope to get a chance to investigate these details in future research and I think Drosophila melanogaster make great accomplices in this field of work. 

Research into intestinal health and bioavailability of substances conducted by our lab is also related to industry projects. It’s great to see that companies are not just interested in producing supplements, but also in understanding how these supplements work. I think it’s important for applied sciences to work together with industry and enable industry to remain science based. 

What advice would you give to individuals who aspire to undertake a PhD? 

If you want to do it, go for it. Never stop being curious.  


 Learn more about Nadiia’s work here:

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Upcoming Events from FHOO

University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria have shared with us numerous upcoming events that their institution are involved with, which they feel would be of benefit to WTUN members.

Please see below for details of each event:

Student Opportunities

June 2024

9-24 July: International Summer Academy in Engineering for Women (ISAE4W) 2024

Location: University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, Wels, Austria

Important Dates:

  • 30 April: Deadline for Applications

Full details here

 

Conferences & Workshops

May 2024

15-17 May 2024: Cross-Cultural Business Conference 2024
Location: University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, Steyr Campus, Austria
Important Dates:

  • 7 May: Deadline for Visitor Registration

Full details here

 

June 2024

9-11 June 2024: NeuroIS Retreat 2024

Location: Hotel Astoria & Hotel Schloss Wilhelmineberg, Vienna Austria

Full details here

 

11-12 June 2024: ARISE 2024: Austrian Retail Innovation Symposium 2024

Location: University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, Steyr, Austria

Important Dates:

  • 14 April: Deadline for Abstract Submissions

Full details here

 

17-20 June 2024: 20th International Conference on Intelligent Environments (IE’24) / 13th International Workshop on Intelligent Environments Supporting Healthcare and Well-being (WISHWell 2024)

Location: Ljubljana, Slovenia / Online (Hybrid)

Important Dates:

  • 15 May: Deadline for Non-Author Regular Registration
  • 12 June: Deadline for Non-Author late Registration

Full details here

 

29 June – 4 July: Human Computer Interaction International 

Location: Washington Hilton Hotel, Washington D.C., United States of America / Hybrid (Online)

Important Dates:

  • 15 May: Deadline for Registration

Full details here

September 2024

1-4 September: ABIS – International Workshop on Personalization and Recommendation, Mesch & Computer Konferenz

Location: Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany

Important Dates:

  • 9 July: Registration Opens

Full details here

 

8-10 September: Expanded Animation 2023 – The Art of Performance

Location: Ars Electronica Center in Linz, Austria

Important Dates:

  • July: Registration Opens

Full conference details here (Expanded Animation)

Full festival details here (Ars Electronica)

 

14-18 September: 18th Conference on Parallel Problem Solving from Nature (PPSN 2024)

Location: University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, Hagenberg, Austria

Important Dates:

  • June 2024: Regular ticket registration opens

Full details here

 

WTUN Webinar: Prescriptive Analytics and Industrial AI: Only those who know the past and understand the present can shape the future

Thursday 16 March 11.00 to 12.00 UTC

Prescriptive Analytics and Industrial AI: Only those who know the past and understand the present can shape the future

Registration: Click HERE

Overview:

Artificial intelligence has been used for decades – sometimes more, sometimes less prominently – as an umbrella term for a variety of underlying methods and approaches. Especially in recent years, we observe an increasing importance and impact of AI technologies in many areas of life due to the amount of available data in terms of quantity and quality in combination with the increasing performance of parallel computer systems has led to a stronger focus on these technologies – especially in the area of machine learning. A discipline that builds on this and is particularly relevant for industrialized regions is prescriptive analytics.

Prescriptive analytics is a cross-sectional topic in a cross-sectional discipline or, in other words, a synergetic hybridization of various methods and algorithms from statistics, computer science, artificial intelligence, mathematics and operations research. Its aim is to provide optimized recommendations for action in various application areas. In this way, knowledge gained in the digital world is brought back to the real world, providing better and more efficient procedures, designs and processes.

About the speaker:
Michael Affenzeller is professor for heuristic optimization and machine learning at the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria. He graduated in mathematical computer science and did his doctorate and habilitation in computer science with a special focus on applied systems science.

Concerning University administration Michael Affenzeller served as vice-dean for R&D at Hagenberg campus and as the scientific head of the Softwarepark Hagenberg between 2014 and 2022. Since July 2022 he serves as provost of the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria. He has published over 300 peer-reviewed papers in journals and collective volumes.
Bringing together machine learning, simulation-based optimization and meta-heuristics with a special focus on adaptive search in dynamic environments in the context of prescriptive analytics is Michael Affenzellers research focus for the next years.

Introduction: 

Photograph of a white man wearing a black suit jacket, white shirt and blue and white striped tieProfessor Peter Scharff, Chair of the World Technology Universities Network, Professor and former Rector of TU Ilmenau will introduce this lecture.

 

 

 

 

Register HERE

university of applied sciences upper austria

 

For details of upcoming WTUN Webinars click here 

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