Making Quantum Technology Ready for Industry

The Quantum Technologies Flagship, officially launched on 29 October 2018 in Vienna, is a EUR 1 billion initiative, supported by the European Commission and Member States, funding over 5,000 of Europe's leading Quantum Technologies researchers over the next ten years and aiming at placing Europe at the forefront of the second quantum revolution. Its long-term vision is to develop a quantum web, where quantum computers, simulators and sensors are interconnected via quantum communication networks. This will help kick-starting a competitive European quantum industry transforming research results into commercial applications and disruptive technologies. The Joint Research Center (JRC) in cooperation with the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) and the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC), European Commission’s Directorate General Communications Networks, Content and Technology (DG CNECT), and the German Institute of Standardisation (DIN), organised in Brussels on 28-29 March 2019 the Putting-Science-Into-Standards (PSIS) workshop on Quantum Technologies. The PSIS workshops is an initiative that brings together researchers, industry and standardisers with the purpose of facilitating the identification and screening of emerging science and technology areas that can be introduced early into the process of standardisation to enable innovation. The experience with the innovation impact pathway of the Graphene Flagship that combined technology push and market pull by working with industry stakeholders was used to demonstrate the benefit of a strategic use of standardisation to increase technology readiness levels and reach the market. The participants of the workshop identified aspects that would benefit from standardisation activities in three main areas: (i) Quantum Key Distribution and quantum-safe security, (ii) Quantum metrology, sensing and imaging, (iii) and Quantum computing and internet. Several existing standardisation activities focussing on quantum enabled security techniques, quantum computing and communication were also mapped. With the direct involvement of the participants, the workshop prepared the ground towards a roadmap of additional pressing technology fields where standardisation could add value to the deployment of Quantum Technologies in industrial applications, including security, sensing, imaging and measurement. An active dialogue between the communities of researchers and standardisers as well as a continuous interchange with the Quantum Technologies Flagship would be beneficial for future interactions and cooperation. The Standards, Innovation and Research Platform (STAIR / CEN and CENELEC) methodology could constitute a straightforward approach to host interactions between the communities of researchers and standardisers. Next steps would be to start an interaction (e.g. a cooperation agreement) with the Quantum Flagship and in particular with the recently (April 2019) launched Coordination and Support Action of the Quantum Flagship. As concrete actions for standardisation, the workshop suggested to focus on the standardisation of a quantum technology terminology and on the development of an EU standardisation roadmap for Quantum Technologies. These could be addressed by a European Committee for Standardization workshop or by a focus group.JRC.A.5-Scientific Developmen

Making Quantum Technology ready for Industry

For the first time globally more than 80 Quantum physicist and experts from different European countries working in different disciplines gathered to discuss how to bring inventions to the market to complete the pathway of innovation. Discussions ranged from metrology, vocabulary, methodologies up to industrial specifications. Planning at an early state and incorporating standardisation is a crucial element for accelerating the market uptake of research findings. Putting-Science-Into-Standards (PSIS) Workshops is a joint initiative bringing together the scientific, industrial, and standardisation communities with the aim of anticipating emerging science and technology areas which could benefit from standardisation activities, thus enabling innovation and promoting industrial competitiveness. This year's PSIS Workshop on Quantum Technologies counted with the collaboration of DG CNECT and the EU Quantum Technologies Flagship (QT Flagship). Tapping into the lessons learned from the Graphene Flagship, concrete actions for addressing standardisation in the Quantum Technologies field were suggested during the workshop. These include the standardisation of a Quantum Technology terminology and the development of an EU standardisation roadmap for Quantum Technologies, as well as providing metrics and common benchmarks for measuring the performance of Quantum Technologies. Participants agreed that there is a need for more financial resources for the drafting of new quantum-based standards, and that this need is shared with the QT Flagship. An active dialogue between the communities of researchers and standardisers, as well as a continuous interchange with the QT Flagship through, for example, the Coordination and Support Action of the Flagship, will be beneficial for future interactions and cooperation.JRC.A.5-Scientific Developmen

LivestockPlus: The sustainable intensification of forage-based agricultural systems to improve livelihoods and ecosystem services in the tropics

As global demand for livestock products (such as meat, milk, and eggs) is expected to double by 2050, necessary increases to future production must be reconciled with negative environmental impacts that livestock cause. This paper describes the LivestockPlus concept and demonstrates how the sowing of improved forages can lead to the sustainable intensification of mixed crop–forage–livestock–tree systems in the tropics by producing multiple social, economic, and environmental benefits. Sustainable intensification not only improves the productivity of tropical forage-based systems but also reduces the ecological footprint of livestock production and generates a diversity of ecosystem services (ES), such as improved soil quality and reduced erosion, sedimentation, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Integrating improved grass and legume forages into mixed production systems (crop–livestock, tree–livestock, crop–tree–livestock) can restore degraded lands and enhance system resilience to drought and waterlogging associated with climate change. When properly managed tropical forages accumulate large amounts of carbon in soil, fix atmospheric nitrogen (legumes), inhibit nitrification in soil and reduce nitrous oxide emissions (grasses), and reduce GHG emissions per unit livestock product. The LivestockPlus concept is defined as the sustainable intensification of forage-based systems, which is based on three interrelated intensification processes: genetic intensification – the development and use of superior grass and legume cultivars for increased livestock productivity; ecological intensification – the development and application of improved farm and natural resource management practices; and socio-economic intensification – the improvement of local and national institutions and policies, which enable refinements of technologies and support their enduring use. Increases in livestock productivity will require coordinated efforts to develop supportive government, non-government organization, and private sector policies that foster investments and fair market compensation for both the products and ES provided. Effective research-for-development efforts that promote agricultural and environmental benefits of forage-based systems can contribute towards implemention of LivestockPlus across a variety of geographic, political, and socio-economic contexts

Prácticas de alimentación animal y de fertilización, y emisión de gases de efecto invernadero en granjas lecheras de Dos Pinos, Costa Rica

Se estimaron las emisiones de metano (CH4) y óxido nitroso (N2O) en 104 granjas lecheras en Costa Rica, utilizando los procedimientos del IPCC. El estudio indica que las decisiones de los productores respecto a las estrategias de alimentación de sus vacas en ordeño tienen un impacto sustancial en las emisiones de CH4 por kg de leche. Se estimaron emisiones de CH4 bajas por kg de leche en aquellas granjas donde las vacas de alta producción consumían raciones con concentraciones menores de fibra detergente neutro y cantidades mayores de concentrados. Las horas dedicadas al pastoreo no influyeron en las estimaciones del consumo de pasto ni en las emisiones de CH4. Sin embargo, una mayor eficiencia alimenticia parecía ser un factor clave en la reducción de las emisiones de CH4 por kg de leche. El estudio también mostró que emisiones de N2O más altas estaban asociadas con la aplicación de mayores cantidades de fertilizantes comerciales de nitrógeno. Sin embargo, la principal fuente de emisiones de N2O fueron las excretas de las vacas durante el pastoreo. Futuras estrategias para reducir, a nivel de granja, las emisiones de CH4 por kg de leche en las explotaciones lecheras especializadas, podrían incluir la incorporación de grasas alimenticias en las raciones, alimentación con cantidades adecuadas de concentrados y alimentación con forrajes más digeribles. Aunque estos resultados estén fuertemente influenciados por los supuestos que se emplean en los cálculos de las emisiones de CH4 y N2O, sí realzan las áreas críticas que determinan las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero a nivel de granja lechera.Emissions of methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) based on the feeding systems of 104 dairy farms in Costa Rica were estimated using IPCC procedures. This study indicated that farmers’ decisions, which determine the feeding strategies for lactating cows, have a substantial impact on CH4 emissions per kg of milk. Lower CH4 emissions per kg milk were estimated on farms with high-producing cows consuming rations with lower neutral detergent fiber concentrations and higher amounts of concentrates. Hours spent in pasture did not influence estimated grass intake or CH4 emissions. However, higher feed efficiency appeared to be a key factor in reducing CH4 emissions per kg of milk. The study also showed that higher N2O emissions were associated with higher amounts of commercial nitrogen fertilizer application; however, the main source of N2O emissions was from the manure deposited during the grazing period. Future approaches to reduce farm gate emissions of CH4 per kg of milk in specialized dairy farms could include incorporating dietary fats in rations, feeding adequate amounts of concentrates and feeding forage at a more digestible stage. These findings are strongly influenced by the assumptions made in calculating CH4 and N2O emissions but do highlight the critical areas which affect greenhouse gas emissions

Environmental and economic impacts of feeding strategies in Costa Rican dairy farms

El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar las prácticas de alimentación en fincas lecheras de Costa Rica y su influencia en las emisiones de gases con efecto invernadero (GEI). Se evaluó metano (CH4), óxido nitroso (N2O) y el índice ingresos sobre gastos de alimentación (IOFC). El estudio se llevó a cabo en 104 fincas lecheras, las cuales se distribuyeron en un rango de altitud entre los 1000 y 2400 msnm. Mediante un análisis de conglomerados en función de alimentos consumidos, tiempo de animales en pastoreo, áreas destinadas a potreros y pastos de corte. Se identificaron cuatro estrategias de alimentación, las cuales presentaron diferencias en las proporciones de categorías de alimentos que componen la ración diaria. Las emisiones, expresadas como dióxido de carbono equivalente por leche corregida (CO2eq/LCGP), fueron mayores para las estrategias de alimentación altas en forraje y bajas para estrategias en altitudes elevadas. El concentrado representó los mayores costos de alimentación en todas las estrategias, y significó más del 50% en el sistema de producción basado en el uso intensivo de concentrado; mientras que el costo de los fertilizantes fue más elevado en las producciones a base de pastos. Los ingresos por venta de leche fueron mayores en la estrategia del sistema intensivo. Sin embargo, el IOFC no presentó diferencias entre las estrategias a pesar de las diferencias en producción de leche. Las estrategias de alimentación influyeron en las emisiones de GEI y en los costos de alimentación. Las estrategias asociadas con menores emisiones dentro de la finca fueron las más dependientes de insumos externos.The aim of this study was to analyze feeding practices in Costa Rica’s dairy farms and their influence on greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). Methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and income over feed cost (IOFC) were evaluated. This study was carried out at 104 dairy farms, which were distributed within a range of altitude from 1000 to 2400 meters above sea level. Using cluster analysis based on type of feed, grazing period, areas of forage and pastures; four feeding strategies were identified, which included different proportions of feed categories in daily rations. Emissions expressed as carbon dioxide equivalent per kilo of fat and protein corrected milk (CO2eq/FPCM) were higher for forage feeding strategies and lower for farms found in higher altitudes. Concentrate feed accounted for the higher cost in all feeding strategies, and represented more than 50% in the intensive concentrate based production system, whereas the costs of fertilizers were higher in pasture based feeding strategies. Income from milk sales was higher for the concentrate based feeding strategy. However, IOFC was the same for all feeding strategies in spite of the large differences in daily milk production. Feeding strategies influenced GHG emissions and feeding costs. Feeding strategies associated with lower GHG emissions within the farm were more dependent from external inputs

Impactos económicos y ambientales de las estrategias de alimentación en lecherías de Costa Rica.

El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar las prácticas de alimentación en fincas lecheras de Costa Rica y su influencia en las emisiones de gases con efecto invernadero (GEI). Se evaluó metano (CH4), óxido nitroso (N2O) y el índice ingresos sobre gastos de alimentación (IOFC). El estudio se llevó a cabo en 104 fincas lecheras, las cuales se distribuyeron en un rango de altitud entre los 1000 y 2400 msnm. Mediante un análisis de conglomerados en función de alimentos consumidos, tiempo de animales en pastoreo, áreas destinadas a potreros y pastos de corte. Se identificaron cuatro estrategias de alimentación, las cuales presentaron diferencias en las proporciones de categorías de alimentos que componen la ración diaria. Las emisiones, expresadas como dióxido de carbono equivalente por leche corregida (CO2eq/LCGP), fueron mayores para las estrategias de alimentación altas en forraje y bajas para estrategias en altitudes elevadas. El concentrado representó los mayores costos de alimentación en todas las estrategias, y significó más del 50% en el sistema de producción basado en el uso intensivo de concentrado; mientras que el costo de los fertilizantes fue más elevado en las producciones a base de pastos. Los ingresos por venta de leche fueron mayores en la estrategia del sistema intensivo. Sin embargo, el IOFC no presentó diferencias entre las estrategias a pesar de las diferencias en producción de leche. Las estrategias de alimentación influyeron en las emisiones de GEI y en los costos de alimentación. Las estrategias asociadas con menores emisiones dentro de la finca fueron las más dependientes de insumos externos.</p

Environmental and economic impacts of feeding strategies in Costa Rican dairy farms.

The aim of this study was to analyze feeding practices in Costa Rica’s dairy farms and their influence on greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). Methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and income over feed cost (IOFC) were evaluated. This study was carried out at 104 dairy farms, which were distributed within a range of altitude from 1000 to 2400 meters above sea level. Using cluster analysis based on type of feed, grazing period, areas of forage and pastures; four feeding strategies were identified, which included different proportions of feed categories in daily rations. Emissions expressed as carbon dioxide equivalent per kilo of fat and protein corrected milk (CO2eq/FPCM) were higher for forage feeding strategies and lower for farms found in higher altitudes. Concentrate feed accounted for the higher cost in all feeding strategies, and represented more than 50% in the intensive concentrate based production system, whereas the costs of fertilizers were higher in pasture based feeding strategies. Income from milk sales was higher for the concentrate based feeding strategy. However, IOFC was the same for all feeding strategies in spite of the large differences in daily milk production. Feeding strategies influenced GHG emissions and feeding costs. Feeding strategies associated with lower GHG emissions within the farm were more dependent from external inputs

Data quality requirements for inclusive, non-biased and trustworthy AI: Putting-Science-Into-Standards

A decade of rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) has resulted in a large diversity of practical applications across different sectors. Data play a fundamental role in AI systems, which can be seen as adaptive data processing algorithms that adjust outputs to input training data. This fundamental role of data is reflected in the EU policy agenda where for example guidance on handling the data is specified in the AI Act. In response to the needs of the AI Act, the Joint Research Centre, in collaboration with the European Committee for Standardisation and the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardisation, organised the Putting Science Into Standards workshop on data quality requirements for inclusive, nonbiased, and trustworthy artificial intelligence. The workshop took place on 8 and 9 June 2022, with more than 178 participants from 36 countries gathering for the first time European standardisation experts, legislators, scientists, and societal stakeholders to map pre-normative research and standardisation needs. The workshop highlighted existing and the need of new standards from the creation and documentation of datasets all along to data quality requirements, bias examination and mitigation of AI systems. The workshop also identified the steps needed to start the process of drafting new standards and recognised that inclusiveness and full representation of all relevant stakeholders, including industry, SMEs representatives, civil society, and academia is crucial. Building a stronger engagement of experts in AI standardisation is essential to contribute to the development of standards not only to support the market deployment of AI systems in accordance with the AI act, but also to support this growing field of research