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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]

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]

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]

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]

Copyright of Teoria y Realidad Constitucional is the property of Editorial UNED 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.)

Background: A healthy diet is a critical factor in maintaining long-term health. In addition to a health-promoting food environment, the nutrition health literacy (NHL) and food literacy (FL) of the population are important in this context. This paper describes the development and validation of two short instruments to measure the nutrition literacy of the population, used in the Austrian Nutrition Literacy Survey 2021. Methods: An instrument to measure NHL (Nutrition Health Literacy Scale; NHLS) has been adapted and further developed. To measure FL, the Self-perceived Food Literacy Scale by Poelman et al. has been modified and shortened (SPFL-SF). Validation of the instruments was based on data from a web survey conducted in Austria in 2021 with almost 3,000 participants aged 18 years and older. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed to assess the factorial validity/dimensionality of the instruments. Additionally, internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha, ordinal alpha, and McDonald's omega. Results: Both instruments demonstrate excellent data-model fit. The NHLS also shows excellent internal consistency (α = 0.91), while the SPFL-SF displays a sufficient internal consistency for all (α between 0.70 and 0.89) but one sub-dimension (resisting temptation α = 0.61). Furthermore, the distribution of the items indicates that the measures are understandable and suitable, as evidenced by the absence of missing values in the sample. In addition, the items of both instruments differ in their level of difficulty or agreement. Conclusions: The NHLS and SPFL-SF are reliable and valid instruments for measuring NHL and FL in the general adult population. The brief instruments measuring the different aspects of nutrition literacy can be easily used in nutritional or evaluation studies. Further work is required to investigate other aspects of validity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flood hazard mapping is currently in a transitional phase involving the use of data and methods that were traditionally in the domain of local studies in a regional or nationwide context. Challenges include the representation of local information such as hydrological particularities and small hydraulic structures, as well as computational and labour costs. This paper proposes a methodology of flood hazard mapping that merges the best of the two worlds (local and regional studies) based on experiences in Austria. The analysis steps include (a) quality control and correction of river network and catchment boundary data; (b) estimation of flood discharge peaks and volumes on the entire river network; (c) creation of a digital elevation model (DEM) that is consistent with all relevant flood information, including riverbed geometry; and (d) simulation of inundation patterns and velocities associated with a consistent flood return period across the entire river network. In each step, automatic methods are combined with manual interventions in order to maximise the efficiency and at the same time ensure estimation accuracy similar to that of local studies. The accuracy of the estimates is evaluated in each step. The study uses flood discharge records from 781 stations to estimate flood hazard patterns of a given return period at a resolution of 2 m over a total stream length of 38 000 km. It is argued that a combined local–regional methodology will advance flood mapping, making it even more useful in nationwide or global contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Person-centred healthcare focuses on placing the beliefs and values of service users at the centre of decision-making and creating the context for practitioners to do this effectively. Measuring the outcomes arising from person-centred practices is complex and challenging and often adopts multiple perspectives and approaches. Few measurement frameworks are grounded in an explicit person-centred theoretical framework. Aims: In the study reported in this paper, the aim was to develop a valid and reliable instrument to measure the experience of person-centred care by service users (patients)–The Person-centred Practice Inventory-Care (PCPI-C). Methods: Based on the 'person-centred processes' construct of an established Person-centred Practice Framework (PCPF), a service user instrument was developed to complement existing instruments informed by the same theoretical framework–the PCPF. An exploratory sequential mixed methods design was used to construct and test the instrument, working with international partners and service users in Scotland, Northern Ireland, Australia and Austria. A three-phase approach was adopted to the development and testing of the PCPI-C: Phase 1 –Item Selection: following an iterative process a list of 20 items were agreed upon by the research team for use in phase 2 of the project; Phase 2 –Instrument Development and Refinement: Development of the PCPI-C was undertaken through two stages. Stage 1 involved three sequential rounds of data collection using focus groups in Scotland, Australia and Northern Ireland; Stage 2 involved distributing the instrument to members of a global community of practice for person-centred practice for review and feedback, as well as refinement and translation through one: one interviews in Austria. Phase 3: Testing Structural Validity of the PCPI-C: A sample of 452 participants participated in this phase of the study. Service users participating in existing cancer research in the UK, Malta, Poland and Portugal, as well as care homes research in Austria completed the draft PCPI-C. Data were collected over a 14month period (January 2021-March 2022). Descriptive and measures of dispersion statistics were generated for all items to help inform subsequent analysis. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted using maximum likelihood robust extraction testing of the 5-factor model of the PCPI-C. Results: The testing of the PCPI-C resulted in a final 18 item instrument. The results demonstrate that the PCPI-C is a psychometrically sound instrument, supporting a five-factor model that examines the service user's perspective of what constitutes person-centred care. Conclusion and implications: This new instrument is generic in nature and so can be used to evaluate how person-centredness is perceived by service users in different healthcare contexts and at different levels of an organisation. Thus, it brings a service user perspective to an organisation-wide evaluation framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a practical method that combines low-cost camera systems with remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to accomplish a comprehensive but economically feasible underwater survey of large hydropower infrastructures. Typically, inspecting reservoirs entails draining them off to allow for visual inspections, which are time-intensive, pose risks to operators' safety and are associated with generation losses. In this regard, ROVs are a much safer and more efficient alternative to traditional methods. The study was conducted at the Pack reservoir in Austria, where a reference framework was set up using terrestrial laser scanning and checkerboard markings for the above-water components. A ROV equipped with a GoPro camera and lighting system for the underwater recordings has been employed. Via a close-range photogrammetric approach, it was possible to generate 3D point clouds of the submerged infrastructure with a survey-grade accuracy level. Various strategies were explored to perform bundle block adjustment (BBA), among these were strategies where ground control points (GCPs) were used, strategies without the use of GCPs but pre-calibrated initial camera parameters and strategies with a combination of using both GCPs and pre-calibrated camera parameters in the BBA. The deployment of an inspection technique using low-cost sensors that can generate highly detailed three-dimensional models of submerged infrastructure areas is presented and discussed, allowing easy detection and localization for maintenance inspection, all while being cost-effective. The paper strengthens the suggestion of best practices that optimize camera settings, considering the effect of electronic image stabilization, suggesting its avoidance, and using advanced calibration methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forestry work, which is considered one of the most demanding and dangerous professions in the world, is claiming more and more lives. In a country as small as Austria, more than 50 forestry workers are killed in accidents every year, and the number is increasing rapidly. This serves as a catalyst for us to implement more stringent measures for workplace safety in order to achieve the sustainability objective of SDG 3, which focuses on health and well-being. This study contributes to the analysis of occupational accidents and focuses on two large real-world datasets from both the Austrian Federal Forests (ÖBf) and the Austrian Workers' Compensation Board (AUVA). Decision trees, random forests, and fully connected neural networks are used for the analysis. By exploring different interpretation methods, this study sheds light on the decision-making processes ranging from basic association to causal inference and emphasizes the importance of causal inference in providing actionable insights for accident prevention. This paper contributes to the topic of explainable AI, specifically in its application to occupational safety in forestry. As a result, it introduces novel aspects to decision support systems in this application domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper aims to study the Wachau Valley in Austria as a representative Cultural Landscape under threat from extreme hydrometeorological hazards linked to climate change. The primary objective is to investigate the impacts and assess the vulnerability associated with the events of heavy rain and flooding. The methodology employed consists of an investigation of recorded past events impacting the Wachau; a vulnerability ranking system; a climate time series analysis based on earth observation products; and future hazard maps at territorial level, developed with outputs from regional and global climate models. The investigation we carried out provides a vulnerability assessment of two terraced areas with a surface of about 10,000 m2 in total, characterized by the presence of dry stone walls, with different state of conservation in the Municipality of Krems (Wachau). In addition, climate projections at territorial level for the extreme climate indices R20mm, R95pTOT, and R×5day—selected for investigating the likelihood of increases/decreases in events of heavy rain and large basin flooding—are provided, with a spatial resolution of ~12 km for the near and far future (2021–2050; 2071–2100) under stabilizing (RCP 4.5) and pessimistic (RCP 8.5) scenarios. The results indicate a general increase for the three indices in the studied areas during the far future under the pessimistic scenario, suggesting a heightened risk of heavy rain and flooding. These findings aim to inform policymakers and decision-makers in their development of strategies for safeguarding cultural heritage. Furthermore, they serve to assist local stakeholders in enhancing their understanding of prioritizing interventions related to preparedness, emergency response, and recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crafts sector, traditionally characterized by its adherence to heritage and small-scale familial enterprises, confronts an array of unprecedented challenges stemming from rapid technological advancement, globalization, climate change, and shifting demographics. This article presents a pioneering investigation into the profound and transformative effects of digitalization on the crafts sector, offering novel insights into the future trajectory of this industry. Through an explorative approach, we critically examine and interrogate the social imaginary underpinning the crafts sector, shedding light on the intricate interplay between tradition and innovation. Leveraging an inter- and transdisciplinary framework, our research brings together academics, experts, and practitioners from diverse regions in Italy and Austria to explore the nexus of digitalization and craft futures. We introduce three future scenarios for the crafts sector, each delineating varying degrees of digitalization and their potential implications. Employing a mixed-method approach encompassing expert interviews, a Delphi survey, focus groups, and scenario development, our study offers a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted landscape of craft futures. Furthermore, through the visualization of these scenarios, we provide a tangible platform for envisioning and engaging with the myriad possibilities that lie ahead. By synthesizing innovative methodologies from future studies and social imaginaries with a specific focus on the crafts sector, our research offers a robust analytical framework for navigating the complex dynamics of digitalization and envisioning transformative futures. This paper not only illuminates the disruptive forces unleashed by digitalization but also provides strategic insights to inform future decision-making processes within the crafts sector and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Raumforschung und Raumordnung is the property of Oekom Verlag GmbH 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.)

In this paper, we propose novel transdisciplinary STEAM practices to enable students and teachers to model architecture using technology. Architectural modelling can foster students' mathematical knowledge and computational thinking while connecting them to other disciplines such as culture and history. Our study focuses on enabling architectural, cultural, and historical diversity in educational practices. Moreover, the study tries to foster participants' modelling skills and innovative technology use as augmented reality and 3D printing. Thus, this paper will describe three case studies from Austria, Libya, and Indonesia and how these STEAM practices were used in different ways to allow participants to express their diversities through modelling diverse architectural constructions cross-culturally. We followed a qualitative data analysis approach for the participants' interviews, questionnaires and artefacts including architectural modelling, disciplines connections and lesson plans. The data analysis resulted in emerging themes emphasizing STEAM practices' possibilities to connect architecture to culture and history and highlighting the participants' cultural diversities in each of the three case studies.

The research study voyage commences with the foundational objective of fitting a suitable Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedastic (GARCH) model to assess market volatility, a fundamental pillar of financial analysis. This research embarks on an ambitious quest to predict and understand stock market volatility within the realms of the DJIA and S&P 500 of USA and ATX index of Austria using different sophisticated GARCH models. The dataset used in this study comprises daily stock market data for two key indices: the S&P 500 Index, representing the USA stock market, and the ATX Index, representing the Austria stock market. Additionally, the DJIA Index, another representative of the USA stock market, was included. The dataset consists of 5967 daily observations over the specified time period from January 3, 2000, to September 21, 2023. The observation of results, analysis and discussion depicts that PARCH model shows most promising results and found suitable to model the volatility patterns of the selected indices. The findings and methodologies presented in this paper can be seen as a solid foundation upon which to build future investigations, refining our ability to anticipate market movements and make informed decisions in an uncertain financial landscape. In closing, this research not only contributes to the body of knowledge in financial econometrics but also underscores the importance of modeling long-term stock market behavior with precision and diligence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper represents an evaluation essay regarding the position of Austria- Hungary within the Triple Alliance. Even though it was regarded as a great power, in this essay I argue that the weak link of the Triple Alliance was Austria-Hungary, as a result of its internal problems and strategic position. Austria-Hungary was a multinational empire, weakened by ethnic disputes and economic backwardness, as a result of a conservative style of rule by the Habsburg dynasty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Türkiyat Mecmuasi is the property of Istanbul University, Institute of Turkish Studies 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.)

This paper aims to explain recent empirical findings on subjunctive II formation in the Bavarian dialects of Austria from both functional and formal perspectives. For this purpose, the explanatory power of the functional principles of natural morphology (NM) is compared with the formal framework of constructional morphology (CxM). It is argued that the two approaches complement each other. Thus, it is shown that the key concepts of NM (constructional iconicity, uniformity and transparency) can easily be adapted in terms of CxM. These adjustments are needed to explain the ongoing changes in subjunctive II formation in the Bavarian dialects of Austria. This is due to the well-documented shift towards the use of periphrastic constructions (with the täte- and würde-auxiliary) that are located at the interface between morphology and syntax. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy-related occupant behaviour in the built environment is considered crucial when aiming towards Energy Efficiency (EE), especially given the notion that people are most often unaware and disengaged regarding the impacts of energy-consuming habits. In order to affect such energy-related behaviour, various approaches have been employed, being the most common the provision of recommendations towards more energy-efficient actions. In this work, the authors extend prior research findings in an effort to automatically identify the optimal Persuasion Strategy (PS), out of ten pre-selected by experts, tailored to a user (i.e., the context to trigger a message, allocate a task or providing cues to enact an action). This process aims to successfully influence the employees' decisions about EE in tertiary buildings. The framework presented in this study utilizes cultural traits and socio-economic information. It is based on one of the largest survey datasets on this subject, comprising responses from 743 users collected through an online survey in four countries across Europe (Spain, Greece, Austria and the UK). The resulting framework was designed as a cascade of sequential data-driven prediction models. The first step employs a particular case of matrix factorisation to rank the ten PP in terms of preference for each user, followed by a random forest regression model that uses these rankings as a filtering step to compute scores for each PP and conclude with the best selection for each user. An ex-post assessment of the individual steps and the combined ensemble revealed increased accuracy over baseline non-personalised methods. Furthermore, the analysis also sheds light on important user characteristics to take into account for future interventions related to EE and the most effective persuasion strategies to adopt based on user data. Discussion and implications of the reported results are provided in the text regarding the flourishing field of personalisation to motivate pro-environmental behaviour change in tertiary buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The achievement of global climate targets outlined in the Paris Agreement represents a critical challenge in the coming decades. Certain industry sectors cannot completely avoid all emissions from their processes. In this context, the term unavoidable or Hard-to-abate emissions is used. Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) and Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) are recognized as essential components for addressing those emissions to achieve Net Zero Emissions. To identify effective Carbon Management Strategies, balancing future CO2 sources and possible sinks for achieving long-term climate targets is essential. Especially in Austria hardly any comprehensive studies have been carried out. This work presents a comprehensive analysis of Austria's CO2 point sources as well as their projected development until 2050 based on technology-based scenarios. Geological CO2 storage in Austria is primarily feasible in former hydrocarbon reservoirs and saline aquifers. Future demands for CO2 as CCU feedstock will arise in the chemical industry. By 2050, industry will emit approximately 4 Million tons (Mt) of unavoidable CO2 annually. These emissions must be stored in the long term and correspond to the minimum demand for CCS. Fugitive emissions from agriculture, for example, cannot be captured. Thus, they are not subject of CCU/S measures. Negative emissions are therefore necessary to achieve the climate targets. These negative emissions and the possible use of CO2 as feedstock are covered by biogenic CO2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Machine learning is a popular tool for solving problems, however, incorporating it into a use case with additional business logic poses many challenges. Training, managing and storing many different models is not an easy task, requiring the use of multiple frameworks and languages. To take full advantage of existing frameworks it is necessary to facilitate communication between different programming languages. This paper presents an approach to integrating machine learning in a real-world use case which involves predicting demand for a diverse set of products and combining it with business rules and other components to establish a system that improves and automates the ordering process. Machine learning models are trained on real-world data from a retailer in Austria and the predictions are incorporated into a heuristic that controls and manages stock levels. This work focuses on the challenges that emerge from the integration of machine learning and presents a message bus based architecture to address them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper develops a sufficient statistics framework for analyzing the welfare effects of disability insurance (DI). We derive social‐optimality conditions for the two main DI policy parameters: (i) eligibility rules and (ii) benefit levels. Applying this framework to two restrictive DI reforms in Austria, we find that tighter DI eligibility rules triggered higher fiscal cost savings and lower insurance losses. Hence, tighter DI eligibility rules dominate DI benefit reductions in scaling back the Austrian DI system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multimarket Multireservoir Hydro Scheduling Peak/off-peak spreads on European electricity forward and spot markets are eroding due to the ongoing nuclear phaseout in Germany and the steady growth in photovoltaic capacity. The reduced profitability of peak/off-peak arbitrage forces hydropower producers to recover part of their original profitability on the reserve markets. In their paper titled "A Planner-Trader Decomposition for Multimarket Hydro Scheduling" Schindler, Rujeerapaiboon, Kuhn, and Wiesemann propose a bi-layer stochastic programming framework that jointly optimizes the trading strategies on the spot and reserve markets. The model faithfully accounts for uncertainty in electricity prices, water inflows, and reserve activations, and it ensures that the hydropower producers can fulfill their market commitments under any circumstances. The model is numerically challenging due to the various sources of uncertainty that are revealed at different time scales and that affect the problem's objective function and constraints, and the authors propose a new planner-trader decomposition and an information restriction for its solution. A case study based on real data from Austria reveals significant benefits of simultaneously participating in the spot and the reserve markets. Peak/off-peak spreads on European electricity forward and spot markets are eroding due to the ongoing nuclear phaseout in Germany and the steady growth in photovoltaic capacity. The reduced profitability of peak/off-peak arbitrage forces hydropower producers to recover part of their original profitability on the reserve markets. We propose a bilayer stochastic programming framework for the optimal operation of a fleet of interconnected hydropower plants that sells energy on both the spot and the reserve markets. The outer layer (the planner's problem) optimizes end-of-day reservoir filling levels over one year, whereas the inner layer (the trader's problem) selects optimal hourly market bids within each day. Using an information restriction whereby the planner prescribes the end-of-day reservoir targets one day in advance, we prove that the trader's problem simplifies from an infinite-dimensional stochastic program with 25 stages to a finite two-stage stochastic program with only two scenarios. Substituting this reformulation back into the outer layer and approximating the reservoir targets by affine decision rules allows us to simplify the planner's problem from an infinite-dimensional stochastic program with 365 stages to a two-stage stochastic program that can conveniently be solved via the sample average approximation. Numerical experiments based on a cascade in the Salzburg region of Austria demonstrate the effectiveness of the suggested framework. Funding: This research was supported by the Ministry of Education, Singapore, under its 2019 Academic Research Fund Tier 3 [Grant MOE-2019-T3-1-010], the National University of Singapore [Grant A-0009135-01-00], and the Swiss National Science Foundation [Grant BSCGI0_157733] as well as the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council [Grant EP/R045518/1]. Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/opre.2023.2456. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summer skiing on glaciers is a leisure activity highly dependent on natural factors like weather and glacier conditions. While the literature agrees that climate change is shaping the fate of summer skiing, longer time series covering both the supply and demand side of glacier/summer skiing, and research that combines natural and non-natural factors affecting the summer ski market are missing. To close this research gap, we conducted a detailed supply-side analysis of nine Austrian glacier ski areas focusing on the number of operating days (in the summer half-year, as well as for meteorological and astronomical summer ski definitions), show how these numbers evolve over time, test how they correlate with meteorological and glaciological data using time-series regression models on a yearly and monthly basis, and highlight how managerial decisions come into play when trying to explain the summer ski supply's decline. Between 2002 and 2019, summer ski operating days in Austrian glacier ski areas declined by 48.3% in the summer half-year, 65.2% in the meteorological, and 62.3% in the astronomical summer parallel to rising mean temperatures and shrinking glaciers. This decrease is strongest in June to September and weakest in May and October but in two glacier ski areas, the operating days in the summer season remain constant or are even on the rise. This is in line with model results indicating that meteorological and glaciological data only explain parts of the variance of the decline trends. Operators' agency, strategies, and decisions play an important role underlining that global warming is not monocausally determining summer ski operation., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

The electricity market transitions from a market clearing in which flexible generation meets inflexible demand to one in which inflexible generation meets flexible demand. Consequently, new types of flexibility are needed to balance generation and demand. This paper mainly aims to analyse competition and synergy between various flexibility options in the electricity market. The developed European electricity market model maximises the joint socio-economic welfare of the electricity and the hydrogen market. Transmission grid,- storage expansion, electric vehicle demand side flexibility and hydrogen sector coupling are flexibility options. This work examines the implementation of different flexibility options in the bidding zones Austria and Germany. Austria, with a very high storage capacity in the alpine arc and Germany, with massive wind turbine capacities serve as representative case study. Results show that the storage location heavily influences the corresponding socio-economic welfare increase. Hence, location-dependent synergy and competition between storage and transmission line expansion can occur. In contrast, sector coupled hydrogen production and storage expansion compete with each other as both will reduce very low electricity prices. Demand-side flexibility primarily benefits end-users while producer surplus reduces. In combination with storage expansion, further positive synergistic effects for end-users occur. The combination of storage expansion and demand-side flexibility can replace transmission line expansion and vice versa if used comprehensively. Further efforts could address the evaluation of these effects if the individual flexibility providers aim for something other than a system-wide but individual optimum. • Implementation of several flexibility options into the European electricity market. • Storage location and transmission capacity have a huge influence on the results. • Consumers benefit from combined storage and demand-side flexibility use. • Additional electricity demand by sector coupling increases renewable energy revenue. • Storage and sector coupling compete with each other as both reduce price volatility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropospheric ozone is an air pollutant that poses a public health problem in Europe. Climate change could increase the formation of ozone. Applying past and predicted annual total (all-cause) mortality data and modeled daily ozone concentrations, we performed a nationwide health impact assessment estimating annual ozone-related (attributable) deaths in Austria. Different approaches were compared. Estimates were based on maximal 1-h averages of ozone. Until the decade from 2045 till 2055, more people will die in Austria because of the demographic trends. Therefore, more deaths will also be attributable to ozone. Higher greenhouse gas emission scenarios (e.g. Representative Concentration Pathway RCP8.5 compared to RCP2.6) will lead to more ozone-related deaths, mostly due to the national emission of ozone precursors (a difference of 250–340 cases per year, depending on the model), but to a lesser extent because of global climate change. Increases in attributable deaths will be affected mostly by national, not global mitigation measures. National emission reduction will certainly have a strong and beneficial effect on local atmospheric chemistry, air quality, and public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The issue of oral health problems among refugees, not only during their journey but also once they arrive at their destination, is a current one. This study aimed to evaluate the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of refugees, with the intention of highlighting a potential need for improved education and easier access to dental care. Materials and methods: A questionnaire based on the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) was distributed via hyperlink on social media, targeting individuals with a refugee background to collect data on their OHRQoL. Results: A total of 401 participants completed the questionnaire. The median OHIP score for all participants was 8 (IQR 2–17) out of a maximum of 56, with 0 representing the best possible OHRQoL. The median OHIP score was 6 (IQR 2–16) for male and 8 (IQR 2–18) for female participants. Conclusion: A comparison of the OHIP score from this study with reference values from non-refugee populations shows an elevated score and, thus, a lower oral quality of life. Clinical relevance: The findings of this study indicate a clear need for enhanced access to dental care for refugees, coupled with an educational initiative aimed at fostering an appreciation of the importance of daily dental hygiene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Seasonal migrations, such as those of ungulates, are particularly threatened by habitat transformations and fragmentation, climate and other environmental changes caused by anthropogenic activities. Mountain ungulate migrations are neglected because they are relatively short, although traversing heterogeneous altitudinal gradients particularly exposed to anthropogenic threats. Detecting migration routes of these species and understanding their drivers are therefore of primary importance to predict connectivity and preserve ecosystem functions and services. The populations of Alpine ibex Capra ibex have all been reintroduced from the last remnant source population. Despite a general increase in abundance and overall distribution range, ibex populations are mostly disconnected but display intra‐population migrations. Therefore, its conservation is strictly linked to the interplay between external threats and related behavioural responses, including space use and migration. Location: Austria, France, Italy and Switzerland. Methods: By using 337 migratory tracks from 425 GPS‐collared individuals from 15 Alpine ibex populations distributed across their entire range, we (i) identified the environmental drivers of movement corridors in both spring and autumn and (ii) compared the ability of a connectivity modelling algorithm to predict migratory movements between seasonal ranges of the 15 populations, using either population‐specific or multipopulation datasets, and three validation procedures. Results: Steep, south‐facing, snow‐free slopes were selected while high elevation changes were avoided. This revealed the importance of favourable resources and an attempt to limit energy expenditures and perceived predation risk. The abilities of the modelling methods we compared to predict migratory connectivity from the results of those movement analyses were similar. Main Conclusions: The trade‐off between energy expenditure, food and cover was the major driver of migration routes and was overall consistent among populations. Based on these findings, we provided useful connectivity models to inform conservation of Alpine ibex and its habitats, and a framework for future research investigating connectivity in migratory species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores ways to integrate social justice issues pertaining to decolonization and anti-racism into the world language classroom at all levels of instruction. It describes tasks designed to introduce language learners briefly to German colonialism, raise awareness of colonial legacies in contemporary German-speaking societies, and familiarize students with current decolonization initiatives. By engaging students with the complex diversity of German-speaking societies, the tasks provide examples for diversifying and decolonizing the language curriculum while fostering collaboration, critical thinking, and transcultural sensitivity. The examples highlight approaches to anti-racist pedagogies and ways of incorporating social justice practices across all levels of instruction and applicable to all languages.

The operation of energy systems has changed significantly with the increase of intermittent renewable energy sources. New market players that produce, consume, and store electricity- prosumages, along with the different global factors, influence price spreads in the electricity market. This paper gives a comprehensive analysis of the economic viability of two of the currently most cost-effective electricity storage technologies: pumped hydro storage (PHS) and lithium-ion (Li-ion) when used for price arbitrage. The analysis is conducted using a price-taker approach for electricity market prices from 2011.-2019. in which the market has changed. The mixed-integer optimization model is applied with the subtraction of the total storage costs. Arbitrage opportunities for two different energy systems- one with a high generation of renewables and one with high shares of fossil generation are analyzed. Results indicate that pumped hydro storage with a total cost of 0.032 €/kWh is economically justified contrary to Li-ion batteries with a total cost of 0.217 €/kWh. The average yearly profit of PHS, for a study case with 83% of electricity generation from renewables, is 65% lower compared to the case highly dependent on fossil generation. Comparison between study cases indicates that profits of price arbitrage are dependent on full load hours, electricity price spreads, and flexibility options available, rather than on installed shares of renewables. • Storage economic viability depends on the full load hours, electricity market prices and total costs of the technology. • Average yearly arbitraging profit of PHS in Austria is 65% lower compared to the Bosnia and Herzegovina case. • Total costs for 2000 full load hours are: Li-ion 0.217 €/kWh and PHS 0.032 €/kWh. • Energy arbitrage of Li-ion storage is unprofitable. • Increase of energy storage profits isn't proportional to higher shares of renewable generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a response to the increasing threat to sport events from climate change and expectations around climate change mitigation, sport event managers increasingly engage in environmentally-related initiatives that aim to reduce GHG emissions. One of the major contributors to GHG emissions at large sport events is spectators' travel and, thus, their associated modal choices. Building on the Sport Logistics Framework (SLF) and using the case study of Rapid Vienna, the largest football club in Austria, this study investigates spectators' modal choice to systematically assess the total GHGs emitted by spectators at a professional football home game. Data was obtained from two sources: a) an extensive data set collected on Rapid Vienna season ticket holders, and b) three surveys at home games which, together, constituted 3317 valid responses. The calculation of the GHG emissions resulted in 99,548 kg GHG emissions per home game or 6.0 kg GHG emissions per spectator. It was also found that 42.4 per cent spectators arriving by car emit 71.6 per cent of GHG emissions, while in contrast, 52.8 per cent of spectators using public transport emit 27.1 per cent of GHG emissions. The results also indicate that the possession of an annual public transport ticket seems to determine travel behavior, i.e. the majority of spectators with an annual ticket are using it, while spectators without a ticket are using a car. As such, this paper not only provides an opportunity for academics and managers to benchmark the data in order to identify initiatives to reduce the impact of GHG emissions, but also allows for the systematic measuring of the environmental impact of fan and spectator travel. • Fan travel to professional football games is a major contributor to GHG emissions. • We assess fans' modal choices and their carbon footprint at a football home game. • The home game emits a total 99,548 kg GHG emissions or 6.0 kg GHG emissions per fan. • We found that 42.4% fans arriving by car emit 71.6% of GHG emissions. • The study allows for benchmarking and systematic measuring of fan travel behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Paediatric palliative and hospice care aims to improve the quality of life of children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions and their families. The number of these patients has risen significantly in recent years, resulting in an increased need for palliative care for this population. Although the need for paediatric palliative and hospice care is growing, meaningful outcome evaluation to demonstrate its effectiveness as a complex healthcare intervention is in its early stages. For complex interventions (programmes), theory-based evaluations have grown in prominence in recent years. They seek to understand how and why an intervention works by uncovering its underlying mechanisms by means of programme theory. To support both outcome evaluation in paediatric palliative care and a reflective practice of programme theorizing, we aimed to describe the construction of a programme theory for a specialist paediatric palliative and hospice care programme in Austria and to offer a reflective account of its development process. Methods: We drew on a combination of theory-based evaluation frameworks to construct a programme theory consisting of an action and a change component. Through multiple iterations, incorporating different stakeholders' perspectives and drawing on different sources of knowledge and theory, we theorized how and why the programme likely achieves its intended outcomes. Results: The programme theory outlines the proposed chains of events, causal mechanisms and outcomes of a specialist paediatric palliative and hospice care programme for children and families in several areas corresponding to its main conceptual tenets. Through a range of activities and interventions, the programme triggers coping and adaptation mechanisms that ultimately contribute to family and child wellbeing in physical, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions. Established trust and partnership between children/families and healthcare professionals as well as a person-centered and family-centered approach were identified as enabling factors. Conclusions: Our findings provide insights into how a specialized paediatric palliative and hospice care programme works to achieve its intended outcomes for children and families. This helps demonstrate its impact, contributing to meaningful outcome evaluation and service improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In Central Europe, the increase in mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic exceeded the number of deaths registered due to coronavirus disease. Excess deaths reported to causes other than COVID-19 may have been due to unrecognised coronavirus disease, the interruptions in care in the overwhelmed health care facilities, or socioeconomic effects of the pandemic and lockdowns. Death certificates provide exhaustive medical information, allowing us to assess the extent of unrecognised COVID-19 deaths. Materials and methods: Data from 187,300 death certificates with a COVID-19 mention from Austria, Bavaria (Germany), Czechia, Lithuania and Poland, 2020–2021, was used. The two step analysis uses Cause of Death Association Indicators (CDAIs) and Contributing CDAIs to identify and measure the statistical strength of associations between COVID-19 and all other medical mentions. Results: 15,700 deaths were reported with COVID-19 only as a contributing condition (comorbidity). In three cases out of four, a typical, statistically significant coronavirus complication or pre-existing condition was registered as the underlying causes of death. In Austria, Bavaria, Czechia and Lithuania the scale of COVID-19 mortality would have been up to 18–27% higher had COVID-19 been coded as the underlying cause of death. Unrecognised coronavirus deaths were equivalent to the entire surplus of excess mortality beyond registered COVID-19 deaths in Austria and the Czech Republic, and its large proportion (25–31%) in Lithuania and Bavaria. Conclusions: Death certificates with typical coronavirus complications or comorbidities as the underlying causes of death and contributing COVID-19 mentions were plausibly unrecognized coronavirus deaths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this analysis was to assess glycemic control before and during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: Data from 64 (main analysis) and 80 (sensitivity analysis) people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) using intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring (isCGM) were investigated retrospectively. The baseline characteristics were collected from electronic medical records. The data were examined over three periods of three months each: from 16th of March 2019 until 16th of June 2019 (pre-pandemic), from 1st of December 2019 until 29th of February 2020 (pre-lockdown) and from 16th of March 2020 until 16th of June 2020 (lockdown 2020), representing the very beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and the first Austrian-wide lockdown. Results: For the main analysis, 64 individuals with T1D (22 female, 42 male), who had a mean glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) of 58.5 mmol/mol (51.0 to 69.3 mmol/mol) and a mean diabetes duration 13.5 years (5.5 to 22.0 years) were included in the analysis. The time in range (TIR[70–180mg/dL]) was the highest percentage of measures within all three studied phases, but the lockdown 2020 phase delivered the best data in all these cases. Concerning the time below range (TBR[<70mg/dL]) and the time above range (TAR[>180mg/dL]), the lockdown 2020 phase also had the best values. Regarding the sensitivity analysis, 80 individuals with T1D (26 female, 54 male), who had a mean HbA1c of 57.5 mmol/mol (51.0 to 69.3 mmol/mol) and a mean diabetes duration of 12.5 years (5.5 to 20.7 years), were included. The TIR[70–180mg/dL] was also the highest percentage of measures within all three studied phases, with the lockdown 2020 phase also delivering the best data in all these cases. The TBR[<70mg/dL] and the TAR[>180mg/dL] underscored the data in the main analysis. Conclusion: Superior glycemic control, based on all parameters analyzed, was achieved during the first Austrian-wide lockdown compared to prior periods, which might be a result of reduced daily exertion or more time spent focusing on glycemic management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern dog and cat owners increasingly use internet resources to obtain information on pet health issues. While access to online information can improve owners' knowledge of patient care and inform conversations with their veterinarian during consultations, there is also a risk that owners will misinterpret online information or gain a false impression of current standards in veterinary medicine. This in turn can cause problems or tensions, for example if the owner delays consulting their veterinarian about necessary treatment, or questions the veterinarian's medical advice. Based on an online questionnaire aimed at dog and cat owners in Austria, Denmark and the United Kingdom (N = 2117) we investigated the use of internet resources to find veterinary medical information, the type of internet resources that were used, and whether owner beliefs explain how often they used the internet to find medical information about their pet. Approximately one in three owners reported that they never used internet resources prior to (31.7%) or after (37.0%) a consultation with their veterinarian. However, when owners do make use of the internet, our results show that they were more likely to use it before than after the consultation. The most common internet resources used by owners were practice websites (35.0%), veterinary association websites (24.0%), or 'other' websites providing veterinary information (55.2%). Owners who believe that the use of internet resources enables them to have a more informed discussion with their veterinarians more often use internet resources prior to a consultation, whereas owners who believed that internet resources help them to make the right decision for their animal more often use internet resources after a consultation. The results suggest that veterinarians should actively ask pet owners if they use internet resources, and what resources they use, in order to facilitate open discussion about information obtained from the internet. Given that more than a third of pet owners use practice websites, the findings also suggest that veterinarians should actively curate their own websites where they can post information that they consider accurate and trustworthy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Habitat degradation and fragmentation are two of the main drivers for biodiversity loss. To mitigate the negative impact of fragmentation in forests, conservation targets are increasingly addressing connectivity to facilitate the independent movement of species between habitat fragments to ensure genetic diversity and adaptation to climate change. In this article, we present a novel approach to identifying and prioritizing stepping stones for preserving connectivity based on national and regional biodiversity data for Austrian forest ecosystems. Our study identified forest areas where conservation measures should be taken to ensure future habitat connectivity by combining four indicator values with different requirements of a stepping stone habitat into a prioritization value. The four compounded indicators are: (i) the Protect Value, which includes distances to patches of protected areas with restricted management for the undisturbed development of retention areas, (ii) the Connect Value, which combines datasets of designated habitat corridors and connectivity areas in Austria based on landscape models and expert validation, (iii) the Species Value identifying species‐rich areas, and (iv) the Habitat Value identifying biotopes of high ecological value, key biodiversity areas, and sites of favorable protection status. Nonparametric tests revealed significant differences in prioritization value among the ecoregions of Austria and therefore encourage the consideration of stepping stone prioritization at local and regional context. Building upon the insights from this case study on Austrian forest ecosystems, we developed a robust framework derived from our methodology. This framework is designed to facilitate future implementations in diverse study regions, accounting for factors beyond connectivity crucial for identifying high value stepping stone habitats. We encourage adaptation of this framework to local data availability, species requirements, and local conditions. The compiled framework provides decision support for managers and conservationists for prioritizing areas to conserve and improve connectivity of forest habitats. However, it does not substitute on‐the‐ground field assessments of habitat quality and measures of functional connectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungi have always posed an unquestionable threat to heritage collections worldwide. Now, in a future of climate change, biological risk factors may have to be considered even more than before. Models and simulations to assess possible impacts a changing outdoor climate will have on indoor environments and, in turn, on biodeterioration are still underdeveloped and require a more substantial data basis. This study aimed at filling some of these knowledge gaps through a broad-based approach combining microclimatic and microbiological monitoring in four historic libraries in Austria with an uncontrolled indoor climate: Altenburg Abbey, Melk Abbey, Klosterneuburg Monastery and the Capuchin Monastery in Vienna. Data were generated from thermohygrometric sensors, cultivation-dependent air- and surface sampling and further surface dust sampling for cultivation-independent analyses. Results gave insights on the status quo of microbiological loads in the libraries and outdoor–indoor relationships. Influences of the geographic location and room-use on corresponding indoor fungal profiles were identified. Lower fungal diversities were found at the most rural site with the strongest climatic fluctuations and extreme values than in the most urban, sheltered library with a very stable climate. Further, the humidity-stabilizing potential of large collections of hygroscopic materials, such as books, was also examined. Implications for a sustainable approach to prevent future biodeterioration are discussed, supporting the long-term preservation of these valuable historic collections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studying the spatiotemporal dynamics of crime is crucial for accurate crime geography research. While studies have examined crime patterns related to weekdays, seasons, and specific events, there is a noticeable gap in research on nighttime crimes. This study focuses on crimes occurring during the nighttime, investigating the temporal definition of nighttime crime and the correlation between nighttime lights and criminal activities. The study concentrates on four types of nighttime crimes, assault, theft, burglary, and robbery, conducting univariate and multivariate analyses. In the univariate analysis, correlations between nighttime crimes and nighttime light (NTL) values detected in satellite images and between streetlight density and nighttime crimes are explored. The results highlight that nighttime burglary strongly relates to NTL and streetlight density. The multivariate analysis delves into the relationships between each nighttime crime type and socioeconomic and urban infrastructure variables. Once again, nighttime burglary exhibits the highest correlation. For both univariate and multivariate regression models the geographically weighted regression (GWR) outperforms ordinary least squares (OLS) regression in explaining the relationships. This study underscores the importance of considering the location and offense time in crime geography research and emphasizes the potential of using NTL in nighttime crime analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study road safety impact analysis for certain advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) was conducted. Based on a literature review, expert interviews and current adaptations in legislation, the most promising nine ADAS were selected. The impact was analysed based on statistical crash data from Austria. Factors such as infrastructure and weather conditions, market penetration, expected functionality of sensors, user acceptance and risk homeostasis were considered. A software tool was developed to calculate the crash reduction potential of the selected ADAS for the scenarios 2025, 2030 and 2040. The results show that the ADAS related to warning/braking have the greatest future reduction potential and could lead to a reduction of up to 8,700 crashes and 70 fatalities in Austria in 2040. In addition, the Intelligent Speed Assistance system would lead to an overall crash reduction of 8% compared to current crash numbers in Austria in 2040. The Turning Assistant for heavy goods vehicles shows the lowest reduction in crashes and casualties, but due to the highest severity per crash (93 fatalities per 1,000 crashes), it nevertheless provides an important contribution to the reduction of fatalities in road traffic. However, to benefit from the ADAS safety potential, it is highly relevant that these systems are used in a correct manner. In the future, it will be necessary to provide users with more information on the correct use, benefits and limitations of the respective ADAS and to integrate the use of these systems into driver education procedures and tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel Bayesian spatial distributional regression model is presented to predict forest structural diversity in terms of the distributions of the stem diameter at breast height (DBH) in the protection forests in Ebensee, Austria. The distributional regression approach overcomes the limitations and uncertainties of traditional regression modeling, in which the conditional mean of the response is regressed against explanatory variables. The distributional regression addresses the complete conditional response distribution, instead. In total 36,338 sample trees were measured via a handheld mobile personal laser scanning system (PLS) on 273 sample plots each having a 20 m radius. Recent airborne laser scanning (ALS) data were used to derive regression covariates from the normalized digital vegetation height model (DVHM) and the digital terrain model (DTM). Candidate models were constructed that differed in their linear predictors of the two gamma distribution parameters. In the distributional regression approach, covariates can enter the model in a flexible form, such as via nonlinear smooth curves, cyclic smooths, or spatial effects. Supported by Bayesian diagnostics DIC and WAIC, nonlinear smoothing splines outperformed linear parametric slope coefficients, and the best implementation of spatial structured effects was achieved by a Gaussian process smooth. Model fitting and posterior parameter inference was achieved by using full Bayesian methodology and MCMC sampling algorithms implemented in the R-package BAMLSS. With BAMLSS, spatial interval predictions of the DBH distribution at any new geo-locations were enabled via straightforward access to the posterior predictive distributions of the model terms and by offering simple plug-in solutions for new covariate values. A cross-validation analysis validated the robustness of the proposed method's parameter estimation and out-of-sample prediction. Spatial predictions of stem count proportions per DBH classes revealed that regeneration of smaller trees was lacking in certain areas of the protection forest landscape. Therefore, the intensity of final felling needs to be increased to reduce shading from the dense, overmature shelter trees and to promote sunlight for the young regeneration trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although the issue of high mental health burden among veterinarians is well-documented in previous studies, little is known about the specific occupational stress factors associated with mental health issues. Therefore, the aims of this study were twofold: (1) to assess occupational stress factors within the veterinary profession, with a particular emphasis on comparing the expectations of veterinary students with the experiences of practicing veterinarians and (2) to link the experienced stress with mental health indicators in veterinarians. Methods: All registered veterinarians and veterinary-medicine students in Austria were invited to participate in a cross-sectional online survey. The data collection took place during the winter of 2022/2023 and included standardized questionnaires on mental well-being (WHO-5), depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), stress (PSS-4), and insomnia (ISI-2). Additionally, participants were asked about various estimated (students) or experienced (vets) occupational stress factors, which were to be rated on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from "not at all" to "very strongly". An open question invited respondents to identify in free text further experienced/anticipated sources of work-related stressors in veterinary practice. Results: A total of 430 students and 440 veterinarians participated in the study. The results of a repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicate that the burden of bureaucracy is perceived as less stressful by students than experienced by veterinarians, all other areas are perceived as more stressful by students than by veterinarians. In veterinarians, bureaucracy is experienced as the most burdensome, followed by animal suffering, and communication with animal owners. Further analysis of possible associations between the extent of perceived stressors and indicators of mental health shows that while bureaucracy is the most burdensome, it has the smallest correlation with mental health indicators. On the other hand, financial concerns, which are not ranked among the main stressors, have the strongest correlation with impaired mental health. Conclusion: The results suggest that financial security for veterinarians is crucial to safeguard their mental health. The training of veterinary medicine students and practicing veterinarians in the areas of administration, time management, handling animal suffering, and communication with animal owners might be beneficial in reducing their job-related stressors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

College students are known to have high stress levels, which can have negative consequences on their academic performance. In Austria (Europe) there are no tuition fees and students are allowed to enroll in as many degree programs as they want simultaneously. The unique setting of Austria allows examination of the impact of parallel enrollments on students' stress dimensions. Therefore, this study aims to exploratively determine associations between performance and well-being, stress coping and resource load of students in one and multiple enrolled programs. 213 students took part in a survey and their answers were merged with their performance indicators of the last academic year, retrieved from the university's internal database. The questionnaire was sent out during the finals- and examination phase prior to the summer holidays. Multivariate linear regression analyses with performance as outcome were conducted on three analysis levels: (1) unfiltered dataset, (2) students with one enrollment and (3) students with two or more enrollments. Results show that well-being, stress coping and resource occupation are associated with performance indicators, but differently on each analysis level. Students with one study program and students in multiple simultaneous programs may be treated as different populations performance-wise. Due to the correlative nature of this study, the outcomes and predictors are likely influencing each other, making future research on the causal relationships warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Open data provide the scientific community and other stakeholders with unrestricted access to data. Open data serve as a foundation for reproducing research findings, while also facilitating collaboration and enabling novel discoveries. However, open data practices are still not commonly applied. To contribute to the implementation of open data strategy in academia in Austria and beyond, a collection of local strategies from regional universities and higher education institutions in the Austrian provinces of Styria and Carinthia was compiled through workshop-based discussions between participants from research support service units at research-performing organizations. The collection was further organized into categories based on application time scenarios, target groups, and involved parties, as well as corresponding thematic focus. A strategic guide consisting of various measures has been developed to encourage the adoption of open data practices from an organizational standpoint. Designed for adaptability, it aims to be applicable and modifiable by all interested research and higher education institutions, regardless of their priorities and resources. Our guideline aids research organizations in crafting a tailored strategy to enhance their data dissemination practices, thereby increasing their research visibility and impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A complete medication plan (MPlan) increases medication safety and adherence and is crucial in care transitions. Countries that implemented a standardized MPlan reported benefits on patients' understanding and handling of their medication. Austria lacks such a standardization, with no available data on the issue. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the current state of all medication documentations (MDocs) at hospital admission in a population at high risk for polypharmacy in Austria. Methods: We enrolled 512 consecutive patients undergoing elective coronary angiography. Their MDocs and medications were recorded at admission. MDocs were categorized, whereby a MPlan was defined as a tabular list including medication name, dose, route, frequency and patient name. Results: Out of 485 patients, 55.1% had an MDoc (median number of drugs: 6, range 2–17), of whom 24.7% had unstructured documentation, 18.0% physicians' letters and 54.3% MPlans. Polypharmacy patients did not have a MDoc in 31.3%. Crucial information as the patients's name or the originator of the MDoc was missing in 31.1% and 20.4%, respectively. Patients with MDoc provided more comprehensive medication information (p = 0.019), although over-the-counter-medication was missing in 94.5% of MDocs. A discrepancy between the MPlan and current medication at admission existed in 64.4%. In total, only 10.7% of our patient cohort presented an MPlan that was in accordance with their current medication. Conclusion: The situation in Austria is far from a standardized MPlan generated in daily routine. Numerous MPlans do not represent the current medication and could pose a potential risk for the effectiveness and safety of pharmacotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by policy measures to combat the virus, evoked public protest movements world-wide. These movements were formed not only in the virtual world but also through local protest gatherings. In contrast to previous research that studied movements in the virtual world through digital network analysis, this study recognizes the importance of the spatial dimension of social movements through local interaction. We therefore introduce a large-scale spatial–social network analysis of a georeferenced Twitter user network to understand the regional connections and transnational influences of the local movement through the virtual network. Our findings indicate that the virtual social network is distinctly structured along geographic and linguistic boundaries. Furthermore, our analysis of transnational influences reveals that the connections within Austria itself hold greater significance compared to their impact on external regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Austria, it is possible to enroll in an unlimited number of programs simultaneously and consecutively. Study duration and student performance are important performance indicators of the university system. The disciplines of psychology and sociology share similarities in their curriculum structures but are different in selectiveness due to their admission rules. They show differences in their motivations to enroll and their trajectories through higher education, leading to different constellations of "dropout" and "graduation." The aim was to identify and compare groups of students' outcomes in bachelor's programs of psychology and sociology along the dimensions of workload and duration, incorporating the possibility of enrolling in multiple programs. The sample consisted of 6498 students between the academic years of 2010/11 and 2022/23 who either graduated or dropped out of one or more programs. Cluster analyses using four algorithms per individual outcome constellation, categorization, and aggregation of the results suggest a longer overall study duration for students with more than one program. In graduation–graduation and graduation–dropout clusters, groups with less overall workload could be identified. The transferability of passed exams may be an important component for students in multiple programs. Implications for policy and practice are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) patients often do not sustain physical activity (PA) behaviour in the long run, once they progress into a self-management stage of secondary prevention. This study aimed to explore former CR patients' PA preferences, determinants (i.e., influencing factors) and motivation for sustained PA engagement. We conducted a cross-sectional multi-centre survey using an original questionnaire based on prior qualitative interviews with cardiac patients. Five CR centres in Austria posted 500 questionnaires to former CR patients who had completed CR approximately three years prior, and 117 patients (23%) responded. Descriptive analysis was used to analyse closed-ended questions, and self-determination theory (SDT) was applied as a qualitative framework to analyse open-ended questions concerning motivation for PA engagement. Patients were generally physically active, but the majority (75.3%) did not fulfil the World Health Organisation's recommendations for aerobic PA and muscle strengthening. Most patients preferred being physically active outdoors (70%), engaging in aerobic-related (95%), individual and non-competitive exercises, with cycling (52%), walking (32%) and hiking (25%) among the most popular activities. Main determinants of PA were health, pain and motivation for 80%, 68%, 67% of patients, respectively. A subset of patients (77%) expanded on their motivations behind PA. According to SDT, most reasons (90%) were regulated by autonomous motivation (either extrinsically autonomously-regulated or intrinsic motivation) and stemmed mostly from health-related goals (e.g., fitness, general health, weight control), future quality-of-life aspirations (e.g., self-sufficiency in old age, presence for loved ones, preserving mobility) and enjoyment of PA. Patients' responses underscore the importance of promoting not only general PA, but also muscle strengthening training in CR interventions to maximise optimal health benefits. Our data further suggest that interventions which are aligned to patients' health goals and foster autonomous motivation may be particularly beneficial in increasing adherence to PA in the long-term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]