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Simple Summary: The heat-loving paper wasp Polistes dominula builds small nests in sheltered places in quite differing habitats, providing a favorable microclimate for brood development. Their careful choice of the nesting site enables them to keep the nest and brood temperature above the ambient air temperature. In temperate Austrian (Central European) climates, the cooling efforts of the adult wasps keep the mean comb temperature from exceeding approximately 39 °C, which seems to be a threshold for optimal development. Measurement of the nest and the body temperature of the wasps at typical nesting sites revealed a close relationship with the air temperature at the nests but a suboptimal correlation with climate data from a local standard weather station or model-generated macroclimate data. The comparison emphasizes the importance of microclimate measurements if it is to judge the vulnerability of insects to climate change. The paper wasp Polistes dominula is a thermophilic species originating from the Mediterranean climate, but is now widely spread in Europe. They live in quite differing habitats; and as synanthropic species, they have been established in human settlement areas. They build a single small comb at protected places with a favorable microclimate. We measured the temperature of the wasps, the nests and their environment at typical nesting sides in Austria (Europe) in the temperate climate, in order to reveal relationships between nest and body temperature and the habitats' microclimate. The temperatures of the comb and of the wasps' body were in a wide range (~20–37 °C) above the ambient air temperature at the nest. This is an advantage as higher temperatures accelerate the development speed of the brood. However, the mean comb temperature did not exceed approximately 38.6 °C. This was managed by cooling efforts of the adult wasps. The ambient air temperature near the nest (~1–2 cm) was always clearly elevated above the ambient air temperature at a local standard weather station in the habitat. A comparison with climate-model-generated macroclimate data revealed the necessity of measuring microclimate data for a reliable description of the insects' thermal environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: During overwintering diapause, the gynes of paper wasps (Polistes sp.) are mainly dormant in sheltered hibernacles, protecting them against predators and adverse weather conditions but hardly against low temperatures. By measuring the temperature inside hibernacles occupied by species from both Mediterranean (Italian; P. dominula, P. gallicus) and temperate (Austrian; P. dominula) climates (mean hibernacle temperatures: 8.5 °C and 3.2 °C, respectively), we were able to calculate the energetic demand of overwintering. The cumulative energetic costs differed between the populations. Costs were lowest for the P. dominula population from the cooler Austrian winter climate and significantly higher in P. dominula and P. gallicus from the warmer Italian climate. The lower costs of the temperate species were a result of the lower winter temperature and physiological acclimation processes. Energetic calculations with an assumed temperature increase of up to 3 °C due to climate change predict a dramatic increase of up to 40% in overwintering costs in all species. Gynes of paper wasps (Polistes sp.) spend the cold season in sheltered hibernacles. These hibernacles protect against predators and adverse weather conditions but offer only limited protection against low temperatures. During overwintering diapause, wasps live on the energy they store. We investigated the hibernacles' microclimate conditions of species from the Mediterranean (Italy, P. dominula, P. gallicus) and temperate (Austria, P. dominula) climates in order to describe the environmental conditions and calculate the energetic demand of overwintering according to standard metabolic rate functions. The temperatures at the hibernacles differed significantly between the Mediterranean and temperate habitats (average in Austria: 3.2 ± 5.71 °C, in Italy: 8.5 ± 5.29 °C). In both habitats, the hibernacle temperatures showed variance, but the mean hibernacle temperature corresponded closely to the meteorological climate data. Cumulative mass-specific energetic costs over the studied period were the lowest for the temperate P. dominula population compared with both Mediterranean species. The lower costs of the temperate species were a result of the lower hibernacle temperature and acclimation to lower environmental temperatures. Model calculations with an increased mean temperature of up to 3 °C due to climate change indicate a dramatic increase of up to 40% in additional costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This work aims to analyze the 100 most cited papers in radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy for cervical cancer. Methods: The 100 most cited papers in radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy between 1990 and 2020 were identified with Thompson Reuters Web of Science citation indexing on August 24, 2020. The publication years, source titles, countries/regions, total citations, and average citations per year were extracted from the Web of Science. The research type and research domain were classified by the authors. Results: These 100 papers were cited a total of 28,714 times, and the median number of citations was 169.5 (ranging from 116 to 1,700 times). The most cited paper was "Concurrent cisplatin-based radiotherapy and chemotherapy for locally advanced cervical cancer" by Rose et al., with a total citation of 1,700 times. The International Journal of Radiation Oncology Biology Physics (40 papers), Radiotherapy and Oncology (14 papers), and the Journal of Clinical Oncology (12 papers) published the largest number of papers. USA (47 papers), Austria (18 papers), Canada (13 papers), and England (13 papers) contributed the largest number of papers. Image-guided adaptive brachytherapy (IGABT) had the largest number of papers (25 papers). Concurrent chemotherapy was the most cited research domain, with 10,663 total citations and 592.4 citations per paper. Conclusion: In the present study, we conducted a bibliometric analysis of the 100 most cited papers in radiotherapy or concurrent chemoradiotherapy for cervical cancer in the past 30 years. IGABT and concurrent chemotherapy were the most cited research domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the importance of heat exchangers in industrial and commercial processes and the negative impact of fouling on their efficiency. It highlights the significance of the Heat Exchanger Fouling and Cleaning Conference, which brings together experts from around the world to share research and advancements in fouling science, mitigation strategies, and cleaning technologies. The 14th conference took place in Wagrain, Austria, in 2022, after a hiatus due to the global pandemic. The conference covered various topics related to fouling and cleaning, and nine papers were selected for inclusion in a special issue of Heat Transfer Engineering. The upcoming conference is scheduled to be held in Portugal in April 2024. [Extracted from the article]

The article informs on the restoration of two turbines at the hydroelectric power station Kaplan turbines at the Sappi paper mill in Gratkorn, Austria by Geppert GmbH. It mentions that optimizations were also implemented on the generators, and the result is an increase in performance in the upper single-digit percentage range and a significantly improved environmental compatibility of the system.

In the wake of local initiatives and developmental funding programs, interprofessionality is now included in national curricula in the German-speaking countries. Based on the 3P model (presage, process, product), this position paper presents the development of interprofessional education in recent years in Germany, Austria and Switzerland and places it in an international context. Core aspects as legal frameworks, including amendments to occupational regulations as well as the formation of networks and faculty development are basic requirements for interprofessional education. New topics and educational settings take shape in the process of interprofessional education: patient perspectives and teaching formats, such as online courses, become more important or are newly established. The influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on interprofessional education is explored as well. Among many new interprofessional courses, particularly the implementation of interprofessional training wards in Germany and Switzerland are positive examples of successful interprofessional education. The objective of interprofessional education continues to be the acquisition of interprofessional competencies. The main focus is now centered on evaluating this educational format and testing for the corresponding competencies. In the future, more capacities will be required for interprofessional continuing education and post-graduate education. Structured research programs are essential to ascertain the effects of interprofessional education in the German-speaking countries. In this position paper the GMA committee on interprofessional education encourages further advancement of this topic and expresses the aim to continue cooperating with other networks to strengthen and intensify interprofessional education and collaboration in healthcare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Winter in climatic regions with low temperatures is a challenge for overwintering insects. They are exposed to temperature extremes, which directly cause mortality or lead to energy depletion. The winter hibernaculum of paper wasp gynes protects from predators and rain, but only poorly from ambient temperature. In order to detect physiological adaptations to differing climates, we compared the respiratory metabolism of overwintering gynes of two polistine species from the Mediterranean climate in Italy (Polistes dominula and Polistes gallicus), and of one species from the temperate climate in Austria (Polistes dominula). The wasps' CO2 emission was measured with stop‐flow respirometry in a temperature range from 2.5 to 20 °C. The mass‐specific standard (resting) metabolic rate, the main type of metabolism of the dormant insects during overwintering, increased exponentially with ambient temperature but was suppressed in comparison to individuals measured in the summer, which conserves the energy stores. In addition, it was lower in the Mediterranean species (P. dominula and P. gallicus) in comparison to the temperate species (P. dominula), especially at higher temperatures. The active metabolic rate was suppressed to a similar amount. The suppressed metabolism of the overwintering Mediterranean gynes could be an adaptation to the higher winter temperatures to prevent a premature depletion of the energy resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper mill “SCA GRAPHIC LAAKIRCHEN AG” is situated in Austria and produces 486,000 to of graphic paper per year. A yearly amount of 6,923,000 m3 of wastewater with a COD-load of 7,819,000 kg is treated on site (2005). The trend towards brighter paper grades requires more intense bleaching of mechanical pulp and increased usage of chelating agents and optical brighteners. These chemicals are difficult to degrade with biological waste water treatment. Higher bleaching dissolves more lignin, which is hard to degrade as well. As a result the COD removal efficiency in the biological stage of the wastewater treatment plant drops and additional measures for enhanced COD reduction have to be implemented in order to maintain given discharge limits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pulp and paper (P&P) sector is a dynamic manufacturing industry and plays an essential role in the Austrian economy. However, the sector, which consumes about 20 TWh of final energy, is responsible for 7% of Austria's industrial CO2 emissions. This study, intending to assess the potential for improving energy efficiency and reducing emissions in the Austrian context in the P&P sector, uses a bottom-up approach model. The model is applied to analyze the energy consumption (heat and electricity) and CO2 emissions in the main processes, related to the P&P production from virgin or recycled fibers. Afterward, technological options to reduce energy consumption and fossil CO2 emissions for P&P production are investigated, and various low-carbon technologies are applied to the model. For each of the selected technologies, the potential of emission reduction and energy savings up to 2050 is estimated. Finally, a series of low-carbon technology-based scenarios are developed and evaluated. These scenarios' content is based on the improvement potential associated with the various processes of different paper grades. The results reveal that the investigated technologies applied in the production process (chemical pulping and paper drying) have a minor impact on CO2 emission reduction (maximum 10% due to applying an impulse dryer). In contrast, steam supply electrification, by replacing fossil fuel boilers with direct heat supply (such as commercial electric boilers or heat pumps), enables reducing emissions by up to 75%. This means that the goal of 100% CO2 emission reduction by 2050 cannot be reached with one method alone. Consequently, a combination of technologies, particularly with the electrification of the steam supply, along with the use of carbon-free electricity generated by renewable energy, appears to be essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The grey silverfish Ctenolepisma longicaudatum is a new and serious pest spreading rapidly across Europe. Compared to the silverfish Lepisma saccharinum, it does not depend on relative humidity above 70% and thrives also in new museum buildings, modern storage depositories, apartments, and office buildings. Especially collections of graphic art, modern art on paper, photographs, but also archives and libraries are increasingly affected by this pest. Damage of paper objects has been reported by different authors and institutions across Europe. As these animals live in inaccessible cracks and crevices inside the buildings, we investigated the spread of microorganisms on living grey silverfish, to show a potential additional threat posed by this pest. In 8 locations in Austria living animals were collected with traps and placed for 10 min on agar plates which were incubated for 2 weeks. After incubation of 50 agar plates, between 2 and 20 colonies of fungi were growing on each plate. The most dominant fungal genera were Cladosporium (Cladosporium cladosporioides clade) and Penicillium (Penicillium glabrum, Penicillium decumbens); also, species of the genera Aspergillus, Alternaria, Botrytis, Bartalinia, Byssochlamis, Chaetomium and Mycothypha were found. The diversity of fungi reflects the common fungal community of museums and archives. The spores and mycelial fragments of the fungi are obviously travelling on the legs and bodies of the silverfish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: 5-Fluorouracil (FU) is one of the most commonly used cytostatic drugs in the systemic treatment of cancer. Treatment with FU may cause severe or life-threatening side effects and the treatment-related mortality rate is 0.2–1.0%. Summary: Among other risk factors associated with increased toxicity, a genetic deficiency in dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD), an enzyme responsible for the metabolism of FU, is well known. This is due to variants in the DPD gene (DPYD). Up to 9% of European patients carry a DPD gene variant that decreases enzyme activity, and DPD is completely lacking in approximately 0.5% of patients. Here we describe the clinical and genetic background and summarize recommendations for the genetic testing and tailoring of treatment with 5-FU derivatives. The statement was developed as a consensus statement organized by the German Society for Hematology and Medical Oncology in cooperation with 13 medical associations from Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. Key Messages: (i) Patients should be tested for the 4 most common genetic DPYD variants before treatment with drugs containing FU. (ii) Testing forms the basis for a differentiated, risk-adapted algorithm with recommendations for treatment with FU-containing drugs. (iii) Testing may optionally be supplemented by therapeutic drug monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a part of our research in the field of thermochemical energy storage, this study aims to investigate the potential of three fly ash samples derived from the fluidized bed reactors of three different pulp and paper plants in Austria for their use as thermochemical energy (TCES) and CO2 storage materials. The selected samples were analyzed by different physical and chemical analytical techniques such as X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), particle size distribution (PSD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), and simultaneous thermal analysis (STA) under different atmospheres (N2, CO2, and H2O/CO2). To evaluate the environmental impact, leaching tests were also performed. The amount of CaO as a promising candidate for TCES was verified by XRF analysis, which was in the range of 25–63% (w/w). XRD results indicate that the CaO lies as free lime (3–32%), calcite (21–29%), and silicate in all fly ash samples. The results of STA show that all fly ash samples could fulfill the requirements for TCES (i.e., charging and discharging). A cycling stability test of three cycles was demonstrated for all samples which indicates a reduction of conversion in the first three reaction cycles. The energy content of the examined samples was up to 504 kJ/kg according to the STA results. More energy (~1090 kJ/kg) in the first discharging step in the CO2/H2O atmosphere could be released through two kinds of fly ash samples due to the already existing free lime (CaO) in those samples. The CO2 storage capacity of these fly ash samples ranged between 18 and 110 kg per ton of fly ash, based on the direct and dry method. The leaching tests showed that all heavy metals were below the limit values of the Austrian landfill ordinance. It is viable to say that the valorization of fly ash from the pulp and paper industries via TCES and CO2 storage is plausible. However, further investigations such as cycling stability improvement, system integration and a life cycle assessment (LCA) still need to be conducted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Introduction: All hospitals in the province of Styria (Austria) are well equipped with sophisticated Information Technology, which provides all-encompassing on-screen patient information. Previous research made on the theoretical properties, advantages and disadvantages, of reading from paper vs. reading from a screen has resulted in the assumption that reading from a screen is slower, less accurate and more tiring. However, recent flat screen technology, especially on the basis of LCD, is of such high quality that obviously this assumption should now be challenged. As the electronic storage and presentation of information has many advantages in addition to a faster transfer and processing of the information, the usage of electronic screens in clinics should outperform the traditional hardcopy in both execution and preference ratings. This study took part in a County hospital Styria, Austria, with 111 medical professionals, working in a real-life setting. They were each asked to read original and authentic diagnosis reports, a gynecological report and an internal medical document, on both screen and paper in a randomly assigned order. Reading comprehension was measured by the Chunked Reading Test, and speed and accuracy of reading performance was quantified. In order to get a full understanding of the clinicians'' preferences, subjective ratings were also collected. Results: Wilcoxon Signed Rank Tests showed no significant differences on reading performance between paper vs. screen. However, medical professionals showed a significant (90%) preference for reading from paper. Despite the high quality and the benefits of electronic media, paper still has some qualities which cannot provided electronically do date. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article highlights the discussion regarding the influx of refugees from Hungary, measures to maintain neutrality, coordination with international organizations, and potential appeals to other countries for assistance. It mentions rumors of Austria's involvement in violating neutrality by supporting the Hungarian uprising through the smuggling of military personnel and volunteers.

The approach to the support of gifted and talented children and youth has changed considerably in the past twenty years. While, until the 2000s, provision programmes predominantly focused on extracurricular activities for pupils, gifted education now follows a systemic and inclusive approach, including all (educational) institutions--kindergarten, school, college and university--as well as the family, the economy, the working world and the community. Furthermore, there have been considerable efforts to provide for gifted children within the regular classroom by way of differentiation and individualised learning. This new approach to talent support was first outlined in 2011 in the "White Paper Promoting Talent and Excellence," which the Austrian Research and Support Centre for the Gifted and Talented published in cooperation with the interministerial Giftedness Research and Gifted Education Task Force. The present article outlines the reasons that led to this new strategy, explains its main features and attempts an analysis of its strengths and weaknesses.

Summary: Objectives: In Austria, the general practitioner (GP) is the first point of contact for persons with health problems. Depending on the severity of the person''s medical condition, a GP may refer her or him to a secondary care hospital consultant, who reports findings back to the GP in form of a paper-based discharge letter. Researchers report that paper-based communication of medical documents between different health care providers is insufficient in quality, error prone and too slow in many cases. Our aim was to develop and to realise a strategy for a stepwise replacement of the paper-based transmission of medical documents with a distributed, shared medical record. Methods: In the first step of a three-steps strategy for development of a consistent, comprehensive and secure regional health care network, an electronic communication of discharge letters and diagnostic results between existing information systems of different health care providers in Tyrol, Austria, has been established: in the form of cryptographically signed S/MIME e-mail messages and, additionally, via a secure web portal system. In two further steps, an extension of the system by a bi-directional communication and by improvements of the web portal system is planned, leading to a comprehensive electronic patient record for shared care. Results: After realisation of step 1, in October 2004, about 3500 electronic discharge letters were sent out from the Innsbruck University Hospital (IUH), which represents about 8% of the total number of discharge letters of the IUH. In addition, a lot of feedback was received and legal, organisational, financial and methodical difficulties were overcome. Discussion: The stepwise approach to replace paper-based with electronic communication in the first step was helpful, since knowledge has been gained and cooperations were formed. For the realisation of a distributed, shared medical record (steps 2 and 3), it will not be sufficient only to replace paper-based transmission of medical documents with electronic communication technologies, but in the further steps, organisational changes will become necessary. As well, legal ambiguities must be resolved before a distributed medical record for cooperative care, used by several institutions as well as by patients, could be established. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Copyright of European Journal of Social Work is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article offers the authors insight on their reply to the comment by Fügenschuh and colleagues on their paper titled "Estimating displacement along the Brenner Fault and orogen-parallel extension in the Eastern Alps." The authors note that the zircon fission track ages in the footwall of Brenner Fault (BF) in Eastern Alps reflect the antiform of Tauern Window (TW). They cite that there is a link between ductile mylonites and brittle faulting. They say that the trend of ductile mylonitic belt continues into the Austroalpine Units as exhumation was insufficient to attain brittle/ductile transition. They mention the tectonic omissions and the new estimate of extension based on stratigraphic omissions at Brenner Pass in Austria.

This article provides an overview of the selected papers of the 1st Joint European Stable Isotope Users Group Meeting (JESIUM) in Vienna, Austria from August 30 through September 3, 2004. The intention of JESIUM 2004 was to harness the spirit of the established national meetings and scale it up to a European level, to broaden the scope beyond national borders in order to discuss ideas and methodologies, foster new collaborations and provide a platform to air future ideas and applications in stable isotope research.

Background: In August 2018, neratinib – an oral, irreversible pan-HER-tyrosine-kinase inhibitor – was approved by the European Commission for the extended adjuvant treatment of adult patients with early-stage, hormone receptor-positive (HR+), HER2 overexpressed/amplified (HER2+) breast cancer who completed trastuzumab-based adjuvant therapy within the last year. Despite recent improvements in long-term outcome, there is still an unmet need to further reduce the risk of recurrence, especially in patients with poor response to neoadjuvant treatment. Summary: National and international guidelines included recommendations for using neratinib. Based on the health technology assessment for neratinib, the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) in Germany has granted an added benefit for neratinib compared with the standard "watch and wait" strategies. Inclusion in the Reimbursement Code, however, was rejected by the Austrian social insurance companies in July 2020, and neratinib is now in the "No Box" for individual head physician reimbursement. Key Messages: We analysed the value of extended adjuvant therapy with neratinib in early HER2+/HR+ breast cancer based on current data and made recommendations for the evidence-based and economical use of neratinib in Austria. In particular, prognostic factors associated with an increased risk of recurrence following standard therapy are considered. Extended adjuvant therapy should be offered primarily to nodal-positive patients at surgery. For nodal-negative patients, neratinib therapy may be considered in case of large and/or inflammatory primary tumours (T3–4) without pathological complete response after neoadjuvant therapy. For all other patients, neratinib may be considered depending on additional risk factors on an individual basis that should be evaluated by interdisciplinary tumour conferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Studia Historica Brunensia is the property of Masaryk University, Faculty of Arts and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: The main purpose of the paper is to offer a personal view on the development of documentation/information and documentation (IuD) in Germany, while pointing out the need to further investigate the specific features of its development paths. The methodology is based on critical review of the available literature sources in the German language. Design/methodology/approach: The paper uses the method of critical review of published documents in journals (especially in Nachrichten für Dokumentation), books and reports of state and provincial administrations that are directly related to monitoring and/or encouraging the development of the young field of documentation. Findings: The paper offers a review and interpretation of the most significant development phases, the contributions of individuals and the influence of the official state and information policy based on the consulted sources. Research limitations/implications: This research is limited to the literature written in German language. Practical implications: The paper could be of interest to researchers and professionals who are interested in the development of documentation. Social implications: The paper covers the period after the World War II until the end of 1980s that is especially interesting from the social point of view in divided Germany. Originality/value: To the author's knowledge, there is no comprehensive history of documentation in German-speaking countries written in English. This paper is the result of a research project started three years ago with colleagues from Germany, Austria and Switzerland, that aims to cover all phases of the appearance and development of information science in German-speaking countries and could be understood as a kind of introduction to papers planned to follow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In April of 2011, Bio-Rad Laboratories Quality System Division (Irvine, CA, USA) hosted its third annual convocation of experts on laboratory quality in the city of Salzburg, Austria. As in the past 2 years, over 60 experts from across Europe, Israel, USA and South Africa convened to discuss contemporary issues and topics of importance to the clinical laboratory. This year's conference had EN/ISO 15189 and accreditation as the common thread for most discussions, with topics ranging from how to meet requirements like uncertainty to knowledge gained from those already accredited. The participants were divided into five discussion working groups (WG) with assigned topics. The outcome of these discussions is the subject of this summary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is now widely believed that the more numerous the authors of a scientific paper, the greater is the likelihood of higher citation impact. By contrast, this paper considers a set of single- and multiple-authored publications in a group of matched journals that have resulted from collaborative research networks funded by the Austrian Science Fund, and presents evidence that no statistically significant relationship is found between multiple-authored papers and higher citation impact over single-authored papers. Moreover, within the data set examined, some evidence is found of a negative relationship between increasing numbers of authors and higher citation impact. The implication is drawn that where research is carried out within larger networks where researchers may benefit from a more general rather than a more specific collaboration, some researchers may publish their more important work through single-authored papers in order to enhance their reputations. Further implications of these findings are then considered for research funders and researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concentration levels of 226Ra, 222Rn and 210Pb were analyzed in domestic bottled waters commercially available in Austria. Concentrations up to 0.23 Bq/l, with a geometric mean of 0.041 Bq/l were found for 226Ra. Concentrations for 222Rn ranged from <0.12–18 Bq/l, the geometric mean being 0.54 Bq/l. Lead-210 was analyzed in selected samples, the concentrations ranging from <2 to 34 mBq/l, with a geometric mean of 4.7 mBq/l. Ingestion doses resulting from consumption of these waters were calculated for the geometric mean and the maximum concentrations of the three radionuclides. The effective dose equivalents for different age groups of the population due to the intake of 226Ra range from 0.001 to 0.22 mSv/y and of 210Pb from 0.0003 to 0.05 mSv/y. Ingestion doses from 222Rn are low compared to those from 226Ra and 210Pb, ranging from 0.0001 to 0.011 mSv/y for adults and children, respectively. The doses are compared to the total ingestion dose from dietary intake of natural radionuclides on an annual basis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In the 1980s, the environmental movements that gained strength in the countries of the Western Bloc in the second half of the 20th century built connections with the environmentalists of the Eastern Bloc. Such a connection point was the protest against the construction of the planned hydroelectric power plants on the Danube in Hainburg in Austria, Gabcikovo in Czechoslovakia, and Nagymaros in Hungary. The paper examines mainly the Hungarian-Austrian relations: while the demonstrations on the eastern side of the Iron Curtain contributed to the regime changes in 1989, the Austrian side became financially interested in the construction of hydroelectric power plants in Hungary. The paper examines the environmental movements' pre-history, connection, and survival after the system changes, emphasizing both the development of cross-border relations and of the civil movements, with regard to the governments and the INGOs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents information about a special issue of the journal "Parallel Processing Letters" containing the Euro-Par 2003 best papers selection dedicated to the promotion and advancement of all aspects of parallel and distributed computing. The editors have gathered the expanded and improved versions of the 11 best papers selected among 338 submitted papers. Euro-Par is the renowned series of international conferences dedicated to the promotion and advancement of all aspects of parallel and distributed computing, held during 26-29 August 2003 in Klagenfurt, Austria. The major themes fall into the categories of hardware, algorithms, systems and applications.

The article emphasizes the crucial role of language proficiency as well as language sensitivity, especially within multilingual classroom environments, underlining the significance of adhering to the Common European Reference of Languages (CEFR) as a means of fostering global cohesion. It underscores the importance of aligning Ukraine' s educational strategies with international standards, particularly emphasizing the value of foreign language education. Furthermore, the paper stresses the necessity for foreign language teachers to acquire adequate didactical and methodological competencies, an awareness for language sensitivity, and intercultural understanding. It describes Austria' s successful implementation of the CEFR in language assessment, illustrating its pivotal role in standardized examinations and its broad international recognition. Specifically, the article outlines the structure of Austria' s Matura exam for foreign languages, which evaluates reading, listening, language in use, and writing, with a mandatory requirement to achieve a B2 level of CEFR proficiency. It suggests that standardized assessment formats, based on CEFR levels, mitigate stigmatization and ensure fairness in evaluation. Consequently, the paper recommends integrating the CEFR into Ukraine' s educational system to foster language proficiency and enhance language sensitivity in multilingual classrooms. It advocates training programs for language teachers on CEFR implementation and assessment, with the aim of fostering European unity through language education. The article suggests incorporating CEFR principles into Ukraine' s educational reform «New Ukrainian School», and underscores the importance of collaboration between Austrian and Ukrainian educators and researchers in achieving this goal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article deals with the problem of forming social partnership policy in vocational training of service sector specialists in Germany and Austria. The foreign and domestic pedagogical experience in establishing an effective system of social partnership in vocational education has been analyzed. The author has considered main factors of social partnership development in vocational education that influence the forming of normative and legal support; a multilevel structure of government management, powers of employers and trade unions, regional economic development authorities of local government (industrial, commercial, trade, agricultural units), professional orientation of future specialists vocational education institutions and enterprises where specialists are trained; continuous monitoring of labour market needs and dynamic response to its changes; mechanisms of multivariate and multilevel approach to vocational education funding. Based on the analysis of scientific and reference sources the author has concluded that the main feature of vocational education in Germany and Austria is the participation of social partners who make common decisions and bear responsibility for normative and legal support; a multilevel management structure; monitoring of labour market needs and dynamic response to its changes; an optimal combination of theoretical and practical vocational training of future specialists.

The article presents a clarification to a letter written by the Austrian Chancellor and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Wenzel Anton Kaunitz-Rietberg in 1790 to Austrian Ambassador to Great Britain Count Johann Philipp Stadion. An incorrect interpretation of the letter is presented suggesting that Austrian composer Joseph Haydn paid a second visit to West Bohemia. Information is also presented on Stadion.

This paper considers preceding technical research on wood-biorefineries when assessing the potential socio-economic impacts caused by a practical implementation of the developed technologies and products. Four different scenarios were simulated by using a system dynamics-model called FOHOW covering the entire forest based sector in Austria. At first a base scenario (business as usual) was calculated and then three different biorefinery-scenarios were assessed. By boosting the gross production value the biorefinery-technologies are capable of securing the competitiveness of the European pulp and paper industry. Sawmills profit from biorefineries as they are able to increase their returns from selling sawmill residues, which is securing their entire competitiveness, at the same time sawnwood prices can be held stable or even a little lower. The use of wood for energy would not be negatively impacted by biorefineries in the scenarios, but the average cost of wood for energy can even decrease. Introducing biorefineries may have positive effects on employment, as there are new jobs established, current jobs in pulp, paper and sawmilling business are secured and new jobs in the downstream processing of the biorefinery products are created. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawing on the fieldwork undertaken on behalf of the Austrian Geological Survey in the 19th century, I should like to analyse those practices that may be understood as 'administration procedures'. Using a variety of selected handwritten materials that were produced during fieldwork in the context of the geological mapping project (1848-1867) of the Habsburg Monarchy, commissioned by the Royal Imperial Geological Survey in Vienna, I should like to examine the route from subjective observation to written documentation, the conceptualization of experience and the strategies of writing, and also the procedures for standardization. Through this perspective, fieldwork becomes a procedure that is materialized on paper. Every piece of fieldwork involves, in principle, countless administrative acts and procedures. These are preceded by the instructions which, in functional terms, occur at two different levels. One level provides a methodology for the acquisition of knowledge; the other level concerns the bureaucracy, or the organizational framework, within which the fieldwork takes place. On the one hand the investigator is seeking to optimize the acquisition of knowledge, whilst on the other hand the checking of both the subject and the object of the investigation is a concomitant feature of both levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information about the topics presented at the 2005 International Botanical Congress (IBC) which was held in Vienna, Austria is presented. The event has featured several research which focus on the evolution of the Rosaceae. A group of researcher has discussed their analysis involving a large data set of molecular sequences, including four chloroplast and six nuclear regions of the said plant species.

Highlights the 2003 Third International History of Philosophy of Science Conference in Vienna, Austria. Number of nonprofit organizations attending the event; Theme of the convention; Registration fees.

Introduction: This paper provides an initial exploration of Ukrainian–Russian bilingualism in the context of the war-affected migration from Ukraine to Austria and Germany. While extensive research exists on various aspects of Ukrainian– Russian bilingualism in relation to Ukraine itself, thus far no studies have been conducted on this bilingualism in the diasporic context, i.e., as a language of the first and subsequential generations with a migrant background in Austria and Germany. Methods: To address this research gap, our paper examines the language attitudes of two respondent groups with a Ukrainian background in the two countries: migrants and refugees who left Ukraine after 2014 and those who left after Russia’s invasion in February 2022. In the framework of a sociolinguistic survey, we describe their current attitudes regarding the use of Ukrainian and Russian, among others, in relation to the actual and intended use of the language(s) in the multilingual context of migration. The survey eliciting information on demographic information, language proficiency, language attitudes and language use was conducted on 406 Ukrainians in two host countries (Austria: n = 103; Germany: n = 306). First, we compared self-rated proficiency in Ukrainian and Russian as well as attitudes and use of these languages. Second, we applied a network modelling analysis to determine the nature of relationships between these variables. Results and discussion: The results indicated that proficiency in Ukrainian and in Russian were the strongest nodes in the model affecting language use and language attitudes toward the respective languages. Our data analysis focused on the pragmatic and symbolic value of Russian and Ukrainian playing a crucial role in the language vitality in multilingual settings. The paper discusses the imbalanced correlation of the symbolic and pragmatic value of Ukrainian and Russian in the diasporic Ukrainian communities. While Ukrainian has gained a higher symbolic status, Russian maintains a better pragmatic one, despite its negative symbolic status. However, we anticipate that the increasing symbolic value of Ukrainian and the diminishing value of Russian will lead to an increase in the use of Ukrainian also in Russian-dominant bilingual groups of Ukrainian migrants and refugees, even as an insider-code in hermetic minority groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This study aims to examine the complex relationship between leadership styles, organizational performance, and employee retention across different economic systems. Furthermore, it seeks to illustrate how different leadership approaches impact organizational dynamics within different economic contexts. Employing a mix of case study and qualitative methodologies, the research investigates the multiple organizations in Germany, Switzerland and Austria, utilizing a structured analysis on the collected data. The methodology is designed to capture the nuanced ways in which leadership influences key organizational outcomes, including employee loyalty and organizational efficacy. The findings suggest that transformational leadership universally enhances organizational performance and employee retention, yet the effectiveness of leadership styles is significantly shaped by cultural and economic factors. In conclusion, this research paper indicates that adaptable, context-aware leadership is crucial for navigating the complexities of global economic systems, highlighting the need for leaders to tailor their approaches according to the environment in which it operates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Austria tries to reach its decarbonisation targets by 2050. The significant attention lies in the carbon intensity of transport, with commuting of particular interest. The paper presents E-Commuting practices that are suitable tools to intervene in these journeys; however, it seems to be difficult. Exploring and understanding the commuting system of everyday lives is crucial. It is through this understanding that alternative avenues for intervention arise, for example into the practice of flexible working models. To understand the influence of e-commuting, the questionnaire via WhatsApp of 685 respondents was conducted, which considered an understanding of work and the commute necessary. The aim of the paper was to explore the workers' routines for in-office days and work-from-home days. The results show that the employees want to work remotely full or in hybrid mode and this trend is going forward. The employees are more productive with flexibility mode – 73.08%; they wish more flexibility in terms of returning to the cubicle – 71.79%; they desire the same amount of time of flexibility and going into the cubicle – 70.51%. Finally, in the case of any flexibility in their current organization, they would consider looking for another job that did not require return to the cubicle with the same salary – 53.85%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is an empirical study of what solidarity in a Western European healthcare system means today. Drawing upon empirical research on the 2015 refugee cohort's health needs and their health‐seeking behaviour, it unites claims from the literature on solidarity in the fields of migration and healthcare. I argue that the Austrian healthcare system not only is an example of 'civic solidarity' in the form of institutionalised obligations to citizens but that it also enacts political forms of solidarity and produces political inclusion for marginalised groups such as refugees. My findings show that being entitled to and accessing services in the healthcare system holds meaning beyond the provision of care: It enables to act autonomously, to build familiar relationships with Austrian institutions, inclusion via the personal electronic health card and to support others in the same solidaristic system. These insights can be used to raise awareness about the inclusional function of healthcare services among practitioners. They also show how solidarity‐based healthcare systems can be a motor for shaping positive relationships between immigrants and the host country, and point to additional modes of solidarity in the context of forced migration next to civil society and nonstate support structures. This paper builds upon ethnographic data that were collected between 2018 and 2020 in Vienna, Austria (observational notes before, during and after medical consultations with refugees; interviews with them; interviews with healthcare practitioners and other care providers). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Union has set strict recycling targets for municipal solid wastes, but the implementation of circularity is still hindered by a variety of present set-ups. This paper addresses the recycling transitions and their complex nature in Austria, Sweden and Finland and points out the differences that are connected to the level of success in recycling. Furthermore, this study identifies present lock-ins in the waste management regime to provide an understanding on the factors preventing further development towards a recycling society. This is done by analysing different waste policy documents and interviews of national waste experts. The study employs the multilevel perspective (MLP) framework that is a commonly used approach in sustainability transitions research. The results highlight the variety of social, political, technical and economic elements, but also the connections between them that result in a stable regime. The pathways to achieve the recycling society differ between Austria, Sweden and Finland. National waste policy, the division of responsibilities, the variety of infrastructure and collection systems in waste management, the level of general awareness, public-private co-operation and the quality of waste data act as key characteristics that reflect the success in the recycling transition. Identified lock-ins for recycling seem to be slightly stronger in Finland compared to Austria and Sweden, while some of the lock-ins are the same in all countries, such as incineration capacity, malfunction of markets of recyclables or lack of product design for recyclability. • The pathways to a recycling society differ between Austria, Sweden and Finland. • Pressure for recycling has been explicit in Austria at the landscape level. • There are more identified lock-ins in Finland compared to other countries. • Clear responsibilities, a variety of practices, public awareness and quality of data reflect success. • Bottom-up approaches could be utilised in solving the frictions between public and private actors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: While most studies assessing psychotherapy efficacy are randomized-controlled trials conducted in research institutions or short clinical treatments, the understanding of psychotherapy effectiveness under regular, clinically representative conditions, particularly in outpatient practice, remains limited. Representative data examining the effectiveness of psychotherapy under real-world conditions in Austria is lacking. Aims and Methods: This paper introduces a naturalistic observational combined process- and outcome study, implementing a dual-perspective approach through standardised pre- and post-treatment questionnaires and evaluating changes in the therapeutic alliance after each session. Further, semi-structured qualitative interviews aim to illuminate the personal experiences of patients and therapists. The primary objective of the presented study is to discern whether symptoms markedly decrease following therapy. A significant secondary goal is to trace the therapeutic alliance's evolution from both patient and therapist viewpoints, emphasising the alliance-outcome association and gender dynamics within the pairs. This paper discusses the project's feasibility after three years and shares key insights. Discussion: Recruitment for this study has posed substantial challenges due to psychotherapists' concerns regarding data protection, extensive documentation, and philosophical reservations about the study design. Consequently, we recruited fewer participants than initially planned. Despite these hurdles, qualitative data collection has shown notable success. Given psychotherapists' busy schedules and reluctance to participate, more potent external incentives or a legal obligation may be necessary to encourage participation in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emerging energy transition is particularly described as a move towards a cleaner, lower-carbon system. In the context of the global shift towards sustainable energy sources, this paper reviews the potential and roadmap for hydrogen energy as a crucial component of the clean energy landscape. The primary objective is to present a comprehensive literature overview, illuminating key themes, trends, and research gaps in the scientific discourse concerning hydrogen production and energy policy. This review focuses particularly on specified geographic contexts, with an emphasis on understanding the unique energy policies related to renewable energy in Brazil, Austria, and Germany. Given their distinct social systems and developmental stages, this paper aims to delineate the nuanced approaches these countries adopt in their pursuit of renewable energy and the integration of hydrogen within their energy frameworks. Brazil exhibits vast renewable energy potential, particularly in wind and solar energy sectors, positioning itself for substantial growth in the coming years. Germany showcases a regulatory framework that promotes innovation and technological expansion, reflecting its highly developed social system and commitment to transitioning away from fossil fuels. Austria demonstrates dedication to decarbonization, particularly through the exploration of biomethane for residential heating and cooling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Experts are a favorite source of information in the news media as they have the ability to provide balanced and authoritative comments on important issues. However, two factors cast doubt on the extent to which such experts can actually provide balanced information: conflicts of interest and areas of expertise. In this paper, we analyze the use of expert voices during the COVID pandemic in two Austrian broadsheet papers. Methods: We examine the use of reporting verbs employed to indicate the journalists' stance towards the expert comments as well as the relationship of those comments to the experts' fields of expertise and to any potential conflicts of interest. Results: Our analysis shows that the media uncritically reported experts that had considerable conflicts of interest, while others were permitted to comment on topics far outside their particular fields. Conclusions: In the absence of journalistic scrutiny, distance, and context, both of these practices are likely to have led audiences to take the experts' comments at face value and therefore to have embraced unbalanced information that amplified official narratives, to the exclusion of alternative voices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How and to what extent does far-right populism impact the nation-specific implementation of neoliberal policymaking? While scholarship convincingly demonstrated the importance of ideas and the political agents propagating neoliberal ideas in policy paradigmatic shifts, there is little investigation of the role that far-right populists play in economic policy change. Exploring the ideational power and impact of far-right populism in neoliberal policymaking provides an important insight into how neoliberal political economies enact nationalist cultural exclusion. The paper traces the process through which the Austrian Freedom Party's ideational trajectory evolved in post-war Austria and how it impacted the political mainstream. The analysis draws from the party's discourse in manifestos, interviews, and other publications in the period 1956–2006. The results show how the specific far-right populist actor, the Austrian Freedom Party, played a significant role in rendering neoliberal ideas viable as policy option early on and ultimately constructing the neoliberal exclusionary state. By empirically showcasing how political actors from the fringes of the political spectrum can impact economic policy change, this presents an important contribution to the study of paradigm shifts, which predominantly focused on major national political actors. In light of the recent rise of far-right populism in Europe and beyond, this raises important questions for the continuity and change of the global paradigmatic dominance of neoliberalism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Palliative care is insufficiently integrated in the continuum of care for older people. It is unclear to what extent healthcare policy for older people includes elements of palliative care and thus supports its integration. Aim: (1) To develop a reference framework for identifying palliative care contents in policy documents; (2) to determine inclusion of palliative care in public policy documents on healthcare for older people in 13 rapidly ageing countries. Design: Directed documentary analysis of public policy documents (legislation, policies/strategies, guidelines, white papers) on healthcare for older people. Using existing literature, we developed a reference framework and data extraction form assessing 10 criteria of palliative care inclusion. Country experts identified documents and extracted data. Setting: Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, England, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain. Results: Of 139 identified documents, 50 met inclusion criteria. The most frequently addressed palliative care elements were coordination and continuity of care (12 countries), communication and care planning, care for family, and ethical and legal aspects (11 countries). Documents in 10 countries explicitly mentioned palliative care, nine addressed symptom management, eight mentioned end-of-life care, and five referred to existing palliative care strategies (out of nine that had them). Conclusions: Health care policies for older people need revising to include reference to end-of-life care and dying and ensure linkage to existing national or regional palliative care strategies. The strong policy focus on care coordination and continuity in policies for older people is an opportunity window for palliative care advocacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The White Paper on Opioids and Pain: A Pan-European Challenge, which was presented to the European Parliament, has led to legislation in Austria to improve opioid usage. Process and outcomes of this work are summarized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research background: The aim of the paper is to compare the performance of economic researchers in Austria, Romania and the Visegrad 4 (Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia) using performance indicators of researchers from the Scopus and SciVal databases. In the comparison of countries, Austria is included as a benchmark country, while the other five countries represent the countries of the former Eastern bloc. In the study, the definition of an economic researcher is based on indicators that can be obtained from databases. The study focuses first on the statistical properties of the indicators and then groups' researchers from countries using these indicators. Purpose of the article: Paper pursued two goals. First, by presenting the relationships between the data obtained from the Scopus/SciVal databases, to present the most important key indicators, then to group the researchers with the help of the analyzed indicators, and to compare the publication performance of the chosen countries. A researcher is considered to be an economic researcher in the study whose at least thirty percent of the published articles in the SCImago database are in the subject areas of Business, Management, and Accounting and Economics, Econometrics, and Finance. Methods: Three methods were used to perform the study. First, principal component analysis, multicollinearity analysis with variance inflation factor (VIF), and partial correlation analysis were performed using the correlation matrix. Second, using the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) ranking procedure, researchers from each country were ranked using indicators. Finally, the distribution of ninths and tenths of ranked researchers was analyzed for each country. Three data sets were used for the analysis. A representative sample proportional to the population of a country, followed by the principle known in team sports that each country nominates the same number of athletes, and finally a dataset of all selected researchers. Findings & value added: The first most important result can be stated that the stochastic linear relationships that can be described with the three data sets are very similar, the causal relationships are also the same. Based on the principal component analysis, the indicators can be divided into two groups: the component consisting of raw data and the component consisting of reference-based variables. In this case, too, the three datasets resulted in the same groups of variables. Of the eight indicators, two proved to be collinear: all references and the Hirsch index of all publications. A comparison of researchers from countries showed that economic researchers in Austria perform best, and researchers from other countries only follow in each dataset. The results are similar; it is difficult to rank between countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article analyses the structure and development of Austrian apprenticeship in the context of the country's wider vocational education and training (VET) system. In doing so, it draws on official data and survey results as well as the available, related literature on historical institutionalism. It begins with an analysis of the basic structure of the VET system and shows that the modernising element in VET in Austria has always been situated in the schooling sector, whereas the structure of the apprenticeship system has changed little, remaining primarily in the traditional sectors of employment. It goes on to analyse recent developments in the apprenticeship system, revealing signs of a "crisis" that is being resolved by establishing more institutional forms of apprenticeship. Finally, the developments in Austria are analysed with regard to more basic questions relating to the strengths and weaknesses of the apprenticeship model, indicating some quite paradoxical features and unresolved puzzles. (Contains 15 notes, 2 tables, and 5 figures.)