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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]

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]

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]

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]

Cooperative, connected and automated mobility (CCAM) has a great potential to change drastically the mobility landscape and improve safety on the roads by assisting drivers to take the best decisions in given circumstances or by supporting autonomous driving features aboard the car, among other expected benefits. Yet, providing CCAM services poses not only technical but also business challenges, especially in cross-border environments. In this paper, we present a general techno-economic methodology intended first, to identify the cross-border ecosystem and the potential business models to enable CCAM services provision and second, to derive the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of deploying the required Vehicle to Infrastructure (V2I) and Vehicle to Network (V2N) infrastructure. As an illustration, we then apply this methodology to a canonical Cooperative Lane Merging (CLM) scenario in a representative border environment (i.e., the Brenner pass between Italy and Austria). On this occasion, the impact of Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) placement on the deployment cost is also discussed and finally, a cost allocation model is developed to link these deployment costs to the key stakeholders within the identified business models. Results aim to give insights into the different deployment strategies in typical cross-border environments and settings. • This paper presents a comprehensive techno-economic analysis of providing CCAM services in cross-border environment considering both technical and business challenges. • Proposed business models based on the adoption of new 5G technologies namely network slicing and MEC to ensure seamless service provision. • Collaborative business model is the most promising but needs review of regulations. • The collaborative business model is particularly attractive when considering the implementation of passive and active network sharing strategies. • Cost modelling results provide TCO insights for 5G network deployment scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Product recommendation systems are an important aspect of retailing because of the improved shopping experience provided for customers. Due to the wide range of products offered by retailers, recommendation systems provide an optimal approach for displaying only relevant products to customers by forming associations that exist between products. Still, it is also important to understand the characteristics of customers connected to different product associations. Conventional approaches for product recommendation systems apply association algorithms and unsupervised classification of customers based on product ratings. However, it is not clear what demographic properties of customers are linked to which different product associations. This paper applies a hybrid system of machine learning (ML) association and clustering algorithms to implement a product recommendation system that shows associations that exist in products and unique customer profiles linked to these associations. The method described in this paper is evaluated with a case of a hygiene product retailer in Austria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Waste from public spaces is currently predominantly collected as mixed waste. • The composition of public waste differs from household waste. • High proportions of recyclable materials and packaging waste were identified. • The case city's annual public waste generation is around 100 tonnes. Waste from public places like parks, pedestrian zones or sidewalks is a visible yet unexploited waste stream. Publications and information on the amounts and makeup of this waste flow are very scarce. To evaluate the resource potential and enable waste management planning, this study aims to assess the quality and quantity of public waste in a detailed waste characterisation campaign. For the first time, an analysis at this level of detail was conducted in a medium-sized town (25,000 inhabitants) in Austria. The sampling campaign included the whole town area. In total, almost 1000 kg of waste was sorted in up to 88 different fractions, which allows the detailed composition of, for example, packaging waste and single-use plastics to be delineated. We found that the amount of waste collected in public street bins is approximately 2.6 % of the total mixed municipal solid waste, resulting in 4.1 kg of public waste per inhabitant annually. The vast majority of this waste is currently collected as mixed waste. The results indicate a high share (52 %) of recyclable materials (glass, metal, paper and lightweight packaging) in mixed public waste, most of which is packaging (44 % of total waste). Other large shares include dog feces (18 % of total waste) and biogenic waste (17 % of total waste). The results lay the foundation for further investigations into, for example, exploiting recycling potential or evaluating possible improvements in separate waste collection in public spaces. Further, the collected data serve as an essential knowledge basis for policymakers and local authorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the transformation of information sharing and multi-tier supply chain management (MSCM) from the perspective of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the context of Industry 4.0. SMEs are typically sharing less information digitally, are less active in conducting MSCM, but must be integrated in digital supplier networks to achieve supply chain transparency or traceability. For this purpose, this paper empirically analyzes SMEs from the manufacturing industry in Austria and Germany are investigated regarding information sharing and MSCM. The responses are analyzed to test three hypotheses, using 81 replies from manufacturing SMEs in Austria and Germany. The three hypotheses investigate the upstream and downstream MSCM practices of SMEs as well as which kind of information is shared with and by SMEs. The results help to understand and reveal potential barriers for information sharing besides technical possibilities to SMEs in order to be actively involved in MSCM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the economics of a fuel cell bus fleet powered by hydrogen produced from electricity generated by a wind park in Austria. The main research question is to simultaneously identify the most economical hydrogen generation business model for the electric utility owning wind power plants and to evaluate the economics of operating a fuel cell bus fleet, with the core objective to minimize the total costs of the overall fuel supply (hydrogen production) and use (bus and operation) system. For that, three possible operation modes of the electrolyzer have been identified and the resulting hydrogen production costs calculated. Furthermore, an in-depth economic analysis of the fuel cell buses as well as the electrolyzer technology has been conducted. Results show that investment costs are the largest cost factor for both technologies. Thus, continuous hydrogen production with the smallest possible electrolyzer is the economically most favorable option. In such an operation mode (power grid), the costs of production per kg/H 2 were the lowest. However, this means that the electrolyzer cannot be solely operated with electricity from the wind park, but is also dependent on the electricity mix from the grid. For fuel cell buses, the future cost development will depend very much on the respective policies and funding programs for the market uptake, as to date, the total cost of use for the fuel cell bus is more than two times higher than the diesel bus. The major final conclusion of this paper is that to make fuel cell electric busses competitive in the next years today severe policy interferences, such as subsidies for these busses as well as electrolyzers and bans for fossil energy, along with investments in the setup of a hydrogen infrastructure, are necessary. Cost analysis of a fuel cell electric bus and three hydrogen production operation models. [Display omitted] • Economic analysis of fuel cell buses and green hydrogen production. • Identification of the most suitable electrolyzer operation model. • Investment costs are still the largest cost component. • Technological learning and policy funding schemes may decrease the costs. [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]

The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic has led to a discursive change in the representation of urban-rural mobilities in the Austrian public media. Before the pandemic, a narrative of 'rural decline' had dominated the media discourse. Media have since changed this narrative to one of counterurbanisation as a result of the (perceived) effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on residential location choices. However, in contrast to media perceptions, scientific debates were more reluctant to identify a Covid-induced counterurban movement. In this paper, we take the opposition between the media representation and the scientific evidence as a starting point for a critical investigation of the media representation of counterurbanisation in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. Following the approach of discourse coalitions, we investigated the actors and the coalitions they had formed to promote a Covid-induced 'counterurbanisation story'. We could identify two coalitions that created two variations of the Covid-induced 'counterurbanisation story': a prudent and an idealised discourse. These two discourses were promoted by different actors with different interests. Through our findings, the paper adds another layer to study of the construction of a 'counterurbanisation story'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The last 20 years has seen rapid expansion of sustainable energy deployment in the European Union (EU) and the United States (U.S.) that is driving the demand for trained professionals. An engineering degree with coursework in sustainable energy systems is a desirable initial qualification. However, engineering students should also appreciate the societal and environmental impacts of the sustainable energy transition. Furthermore, since the sustainable energy transition is a global endeavor, an international perspective is needed. The sustainable energy engineering course described in this paper taught students the scientific and engineering principles underlying the major types of emerging sustainable energy technologies from a chemical engineering perspective. The technical content served as context for comparing renewable energy deployment in the EU country of Austria with the U.S. The broader impacts (societal and environmental) of renewable energy deployment were then illustrated through student presentations. Survey results showed that students gained understanding of the engineering fundamentals underlying these renewable energy systems and challenges of their deployment in Austria and the U.S. Therefore, a unique outcome of this course was that students gained an international perspective on the expansion of sustainable energy systems needed to secure a low-carbon energy future. • New approach for developing and teaching a sustainable energy engineering course. • Topics sequenced through Technology-Resources-Deployment-Broader Impact subtopics. • Renewable energy technologies taught from a chemical engineering perspective. • International perspectives by comparing US and Austria renewable energy deployment. • Broader (societal, environmental) impact discussions through student presentations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today's production methods are challenged by changing paradigms from a static constraint mass production and mass customization to continuing personalization and regionalization of product, production and markets. It is yet unclear what future production systems will be the most appropriate, how they will look like and how the current, uncertain trends in manufacturing can be tackled most effectively. In this paper, first results from a comprehensive questionnaire on »The Intelligent Production of the Future«, performed by a consortium of researchers from the Institute for Computer Science and Control (SZTAKI) and the Fraunhofer-Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA are outlined. During this survey, stakeholders and peers from more than 70 companies and research institutions in Germany, Austria and Hungary have been asked to share their impressions, describe their opinions and rate central statements on future production systems, methodologies and trends. The paper outlines the most important topics of future production systems and lessons learned during the evaluation of the survey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digitisation and automation are expected to change the transport system and settlement structures in a disruptive way. Due to new developments in sensor and communication technology different business models of automated vehicles (AV) - such as private AV, car-sharing-AV, ride-sharing-AV and public transport-AV – are likely to enter the transport market. Further, different penetration rates of AVs, extension of user groups (elderly and young, people without driving licenses etc.), different cost scenarios of AV veh-kms, parking regimes/fees, etc. will have significant impact on future transport demand. The objective of the work presented in this paper was to develop a simulation-based approach to analyse the potential impacts of different vehicle automation scenarios in Austria. A multitude of complex cause-effect-chains and feedback loops characterise the relationship between AV take up, travel demand and environmental effects. The method of System Dynamics (SD) is designed to deal with such complexities. As a first step the qualitative method of Causal Loop Diagrams (CLD) was used to identify all potential automation related factors influencing the attractiveness of car and public transport use. In a second step the identified factors were coded into an operational version of the Stock-Flow based land use and transport interaction model MARS (Metropolitan Activity Relocation Simulator). As a third step sensitivity tests and scenarios were defined and simulated. Finally the resulting quantitative impacts were assessed and discussed. In this paper we describe briefly how MARS was adapted to be able to simulate the effects of different AV-take up rates on the national level of Austria. Simulation results are presented for the scenario elements road capacity, remote parking, value of travel time, access for new user groups in the business models private car, car-sharing and ride-sharing and automation of the first and last mile in public transport. The results show that with a fleet share of 90% of private AVs in 2050, the nationwide changes in veh-kms travelled are between −2% (impact on road capacity) and +22 percent (new user groups in the case of AVs as private cars). An uncontrolled market take-up of AVs into the transport system will very likely increase the dependency on motorized transport, veh-kms driven and related emissions. Compensating policies have to be implemented in parallel to avoid un-sustainable developments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is increasing interest across European contexts in promoting active social lives in older age, and counteracting pathways and outcomes related to social isolation and loneliness for men and women in later life. This is evidenced within national and European level policy, including the 2021 Green Paper on Ageing and its concern with understanding how risks can accrue for European ageing populations in the relational sphere. Research indicates that life-course transitions can function as a source of these risks, leading to a range of potentially exclusionary impacts for the social relations of older men and women. Findings presented in this paper are drawn from the qualitative component of a larger European mixed-methods study on exclusion from social relations (GENPATH: A life course perspective on the GENdered PATHways of social exclusion in later life, and its consequences for health and well-being). We use data from 119 in-depth interviews from four jurisdictions: Austria, Czechia, Ireland and Spain. This research employed an approach that focused on capturing lived experienced insights related to relational change across the life course, the implications of these changes for multifaceted forms of exclusion from social relations and the role of gender in patterning these changes and implications. We focused on transitions that commonly emerged across those jurisdictions for older people: onset of ill-health, bereavement, retirement and relocation. We found that these transitions translate into multidimensional experiences of exclusion from social relations in the lives of older men and women by constraining their social networks, support networks, social opportunities and intimate relationships. • The life-course transitions are experienced differently by older men and women. • Exclusionary outcomes of the life course transitions are gendered. • Exclusion from social relations experienced in transitional trajectories differs in time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emergency Departments around the world are under increasing pressure due to rising demand. In the United Kingdom ambulatory emergency care has been demonstrated to deliver safe and effective care for emergency patients and has now become an accepted treatment modality. This paper outlines a quality improvement project undertaken to evaluate an ambulatory emergency care centre implemented at a tertiary hospital in Perth, Western Australia, from February to August 2021. The findings demonstrated a 4% improvement in the Western Australian Emergency Access Target for a four week period, a 6.3% reduction in the number of patients admitted with a length of stay less than 24 h and that patient's attending the Ambulatory Emergency Care Centre were managed as safely as if they were seen in the Emergency Department. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

• The paper examines the politics of reducing meat production and consumption. • It uses food regime and critical state theory to analyze meat politics in Austria. • Incumbent actors drive the meat regime towards national production and consumption. • Alternative ways of production and consumption favor strong political regulations. • Retail sector vertically integrates producers and consumers increasing its power. Meat consumption is increasingly discussed as a key lever for reducing environmental and human health impacts within food systems. As in many high-income countries, meat consumption in Austria exceeds dietary and planetary-health recommendations. If, and how, to address overconsumption has become a site of political conflict. Calls for political measures toward sustainable dietary transitions make it important to consider the political economy of meat consumption and production in national contexts. It is thus important to understand the surrounding structures, institutions, and power relations. Using a theoretical approach grounded in food regime theory and critical state analysis, we shed light on important actors and power relations concerning meat production and consumption in Austria. Drawing on a qualitative analysis of interviews and documents, we identify three political projects competing for influence. A strong production driven project pushes to establish a regime of national consumption rather than addressing excessive production and consumption. A civil society driven project is gaining ground in challenging dominant forms of accumulation. In a third project, national producers and alternative production pathways are subject to an increasingly powerful corporate retail sector, which advances economic and increasingly ecologically oriented rationalization to increase profits. Strategies to challenge this corporate power have so far been sparse. Rather, the reproduction of consumer power and responsibility in the producing sector serves to strengthen this development as food retailers can effectively position themselves as custodians of the consumer. Active policies and willingness to accept the necessity for changing consumption are required to redistribute power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Open access (OA) publishing upends the traditional business model in scientific publishing by requiring authors instead of readers to pay for the publishing-related costs. In this paper, we aim to elicit the willingness to pay (WTP) of authors for open access publishing. We conduct two separate field studies with different methodological approaches in different scientific disciplines (economics and medicine). First, a choice-based conjoint (CBC) analysis measures stated preferences of 243 economists in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland regarding their valuations of open access publishing in the "Top 5" economics journals. Second, a field experiment at four different open access medical journals elicits authors' self-determined ("Pay-What-You-Want") payments for open access publications. The results provide a plausible range of authors' valuations, given that the first study rather provides an upper bound and the second study a lower bound of authors' willingness to pay for open access publishing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Pluricentric Research on German by means of a listener judgment experiment. • Interpolation of speech samples between Austrian and German German standard language. • Interpolated samples are perceived as a continuum by Austrian and German listeners. • Listener groups judge the original and interpolated speech as closer to their own respective standard. • Judgments are based more on spectral information than the F0 contour. This article focuses on the perception of standard varieties produced by Austrian and German TV newscasters from the perspective of listeners from both countries, Germany and Austria. Thus, the paper's sociolinguistic scope is located in the pluricentric realm. It assesses (the perception of) standard language variation on fine phonetic levels. In addition to naturally produced stimuli (read sentences), "intermediate" samples were generated by means of a two-step interpolation procedure: First, the symbolic phone sequences were aligned with a Levenshtein-distance algorithm. Second, a phone-level Dynamic-Time-Warping (DTW) algorithm was applied to align the two utterances on a frame level, taking phoneme boundaries into account. Additionally, the spectrum and the fundamental frequency (F0) contour of the utterances was manipulated to be either interpolated or fixed to a given speaker. This procedure allowed for assessing these features' contribution to listeners' judgments of whether a given utterance sounds as if spoken by a speaker from (rather) Germany or (rather) Austria. Results of the judgment task showed that the interpolated samples were perceived in a continuous fashion, similarly by both groups, and with overall greater reliance on spectral than F0 information. These findings suggest that even fine phonetic differences between Standard German from Germany and Austria are recognized and evaluated by listeners from both countries. An overall bias towards perceiving all speech samples as closer to the listeners' own national standard points to a factor of familiarity with one's own and uncertainty towards the 'foreign' standard. The similar degree of this bias indicates that both groups have similar levels of familiarity with their own and uncertainty about the other standard variety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PV hosting capacity quantification is currently of importance for distribution system operators to manage upcoming PV installation requests, especially within low-voltage grids. The violation-mitigation-based (VMB) method presented a novel downward approach to quantify the PV hosting capacity in low-voltage grids, having the advantage of also quantifying possible expansions in the hosting capacity. The VMB method, however, requires typically hundreds of power flow simulations to quantify the hosting capacity in a low-voltage grid. In this paper, we address this issue by introducing sensitivity matrices to optimize the downward process of quantification. Evaluated in 79 low-voltage feeders from Austria, the enhanced VMB method reduces the number of iterations required from a median of 1764 to 7 while obtaining the same or higher hosting capacity values. The reduced computational effort permits the application of the method proposed at a large-scale. The application of the method proposed on the standard CIGRE residential low-voltage grid is also presented for possible comparison with other methods. • A heuristic method to quantify the hosting capacity in low voltage grids. • The use of voltage and current sensitivities to reduce the computational effort. • Evaluation of the method proposed on real low voltage grids from Austria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

Relationship coffee models are generally characterized by a shortened value chain and efforts to achieve social, economic, and environmental sustainability. In three case studies with farmers organized in cooperatives in Peru and buyers in Austria or Germany, we analyzed the proximity among the geographically distant value chain actors. This paper aims to provide a more nuanced perspective on relational (organizational, institutional, cognitive, and social) proximity in relationship coffee models. The comparative analysis of the proximities in our case studies revealed that initial face-to-face contacts are required to build further proximity dimensions. Proximate relationship coffee models have led to more recognition, pride, a good reputation of the actors, higher coffee quality and thus farm-gate prices, and stable long-term relationships. However, relationship coffees require more coordination and communication among chain actors and advanced farmer skills and efforts to produce high-quality coffee. In relationship coffee models, farmers still depend on buyers and roasters to benefit from higher quality of their green coffee. • Relationship coffee models show geographical and relational proximity. • They needed temporary geographical proximity first to build social or cognitive proximity. • Relational proximity has led to higher quality and prices and stable, long-term relationships. • Relational proximities cannot fully compensate for power imbalances. • Farmers still depend on buyers to access the specialty coffee market and make profits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The roll of railways in rural areas is a subject of wide range of discussions. Cost benefit analysis (CBA) gives us some quantitative indicators to discuss it, while social benefits estimated through CBA are currently not comprehensive. Some studies have shown the existence of the rail bonus, which leads to people's preference of rail-based transportation to bus-based transportation. Others have made attempts to quantify option values (OV) and non-user values (NUV), which has been excluded from conventional CBA. It is difficult to apply those studies to practical issues. In this paper, using the contingent valuation method (CVM), an estimation of railways' additional relative values over buses in Austria, which are comparable and applicable to other cases, is made. The results show that premium rates obtained from the survey data from residents along two Austrian regional railways are around ten percent on average, which are similar to the results of prior researches in Japan. Those premium rates are recognized not only by frequent users but also by occasional users or non-users, which means that OV and NUV greatly contribute to the rail bonus. It is also found that the rail bonus could depend on geographical conditions, to some extent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The collection of data on accidents in inland navigation is not mandatory in many European countries. The lack of a harmonized methodology or a centralized database of information on accidents makes it difficult to have a comprehensive picture of safety on European inland waterways. The problem becomes particularly evident in light of significant navigational challenges such as the introduction of autonomous shipping. To provide a better understanding of safety in inland navigation, the paper presents the results of an analysis of data on some 700 accidents which took place on the inland waterways in Austria and Serbia, over a 15-year period (2001/2002–2017). The analysis identifies the safety "hot spots" and the most important safety issues on examined waterways. Contrary to the widely-accepted belief, the results do not confirm that most of the accidents could be attributed to human failures and show that the removal of human operators from inland vessels could only have a limited positive impact on safety unless other aspects (primarily related to maintenance of the fleet and the waterway) are considered. Consequently, the paper outlines the fundamental conditions in which it would be possible to reduce the human presence or even remove the crew from inland ships. • Over 700 accidents on inland waterways in Austria and Serbia are analyzed. • Critical waterway sectors where most of the accidents took place are identified. • AcCident types and causes are classified with respect to frequency. • Human failures caused less than 60% of accidents in Austria and 20% of accidents in Serbia. • Conditions for removal of human operators from inland vessels are outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous studies suggest that power-to-hydrogen (PtH 2) will take a decisive part in future sustainable energy systems. District heating (DH) networks are also assigned a crucial role for the overall efficiency of such. In this regard, heat flows resulting from PtH 2 may lead to synergies with the heat supply of DH systems. This paper discusses the potentials of PtH 2 as a relevant heat source for DH (with focus on Austrian system conditions). Technology-specific efficiencies, heat flows and temperatures are put in context with today's and future DH system specifications and synergies are analyzed. A qualitative analysis summarizes the opportunities and challenges that arise from a system perspective, e.g. electrolyzer location, user type, and user-specific operation (i.e. generation load). It is found that high-temperature electrolysis is likely to be fully integrated in industrial utility operations and heat utilization corresponds to the well-known challenges of integrating industrial waste heat into DH networks. The location of low-temperature electrolysis is subject to infrastructure limitations and the economics of utilizing by-products. Operation is likely to be more electricity-market-oriented and may seasonally differ from heat demand. However, its waste heat is sufficient to feed modern low-temperature DH networks and by 2030 could cover up to 12% of Austria's current DH demands and up to 4% of the EU demand for heat below 100 °C. [Display omitted] • Discussion of practical synergies of power-to-hydrogen and district heating. • By 2030 up to 12% of Austrian DH demand could be covered by electrolysis waste heat. • 2.5–4% of EU heat demand <100 °C is discovered as electrolysis waste heat potential. • Electrolysis is likely to be recognized equivalent to today's waste heat sources. • Quantification of found synergies is important for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we analyze the extent of political judiciary in the transformed system of the Corporate State of Austria using the computational methods of a network approach. We investigate the differences in the legal prosecution of the political opposition, namely of members of the Communist, Social Democratic and National Socialist parties based on Vienna as a case study. Based on over 1,800 court records from 1935 processed at the Viennese provincial courts, we evaluate the courts' practice in contrast to the official legislature during the consolidated phase of the regime. In this study, we examine whether the law was strategically utilized against specific groups (following the concept of Kirchheimer (1965) 's political lawsuit), and as in the more lenient version of Fraenkel (1927/1968) 's tendency justice , we analyze whether the law was disadvantageously interpreted for political partisanship up to a blatant breach of conduct. Combining quantitative and qualitative methods with network science approaches, we identify patterns of political prosecution and structural predispositions for the sentencing of left- and right-wing groups of the political opposition. We can prove different practices of political judiciary and differentiate between the different treatment of Social Democrats, Communists and National Socialists in 1935 in Vienna. We identify specialized strategies to prosecute the political opposition, resulting in a clear bias against left-wing groups and a relative leniency in the conviction of National Socialists based on the evolution of charges in the courts' actions. Using a multimodal network approach, we reveal key players and cooperation of judges and prosecutors which accounted for harsher sentences. We provide evidence that the system of control over the judiciary and over the political opposition was already crumbling in the Austrian capital in 1935, even before the "Anschluss" to NS-Germany in 1938. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Usual economic analyses skip the web of social relations rooted across global chains. • Social brokerage follows varied stances: as social broker, researcher or scientist. • An ethnographic approach proposes a relational pathway for social brokerage. • Material quality shall not be the only guiding knowledge and coordination constructs. • Collaborative approaches yield a sense of fairness and humanity across global chains. The usual economic analyses skip the web of social relations where economic but also social influences are equally relevant. Reinecke et al. (2018) offer a conceptual perspective to study social brokerage (the 'social turn') across global value chains. This paper aims: 1) to reveal how Colombian producers and Austrian roasters start social ties (i.e. through social brokerage) and eventually become business partners with the illustrative example of specialty coffee chains, 2) to propose a research-based relational pathway for social brokerage, and 3) to unpack how encounters between producers and roasters originated and developed as well as to identify the required knowledge and coordination devices used. The encounters follow an ethnographic approach relying on participant observation (e.g. in Vienna, Austria and in selected Colombian coffee regions). Coffee is one of the many commodities suitable to analyze social interactions across global chains. Colonial patterns are still embedded in the economic geography of global value chains. The involvement of researchers (including non-Europeans) was key to enhance social brokerage (e.g. structural holes, boundary work) and in that way allowed disadvantaged chain actors to uninhibitedly voice whatever discomfort resulted from those interactions. Although material quality is paramount in the trade of specialty coffee, it shall not be the only guiding coordination device and knowledge construct to be followed by chain actors. Building collaborative relationships is not an easy or static task. Nonetheless, it is key to encourage knowledge sharing, to yield a sense of fairness and humanity across global chains and to cope with opportunistic gatekeepers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Composite index of CE development in EU countries is proposed using MCDM methods. • CE development is positively correlated with country's socio-economic development. • CE progress has no immediate impact on environmental sustainability. • Environmental performance effects are realized subsequently, in two-year lag period. • Germany has the most developed CE, followed by the Netherlands, France and Austria. In order to ensure environmental sustainability, reducing the consumption of renewable resources, finding adequate substitutes for non-renewable resources, and reducing the generation of waste and pollution are necessities. The concept of circular economy one of the possible and good responses to improve the sustainability of the system, as it places particular emphasis on the reduction, reutilization and recycling of its elements. The paper presents a comparative analysis of the circular economy development in European Union countries based on the dataset encompasses 11 indicators, covering the seven-year period with biennial data. The analysis was performed using the integrated approach of the Principal Component Analysis and PROMETHEE with the aim of creating a composite index as a measure of the development of the circular economy at the national level. The ranking outcomes indicate that during the observed period Germany has the most developed circular economy, followed by the Netherlands, France and Austria. Additionally, the results of the research clearly indicate the positive correlation between the development of circular economies at the national level and the socio-economic development of the country, while progress in the circular economy has no immediate impact on environmental sustainability, but the effects are realized subsequently, with the intensity of the relationship increasing in two-year lag periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the optimal planning of microgrids including the hydrogen energy system through mixed-integer linear programming model. A real case study is analyzed by extending the only microgrid lab facility in Austria. The case study considers the hydrogen production via electrolysis, seasonal storage and fueling station for meeting the hydrogen fuel demand of fuel cell vehicles, busses and trucks. The optimization is performed relative to two different reference cases which satisfy the mobility demand by diesel fuel and utility electricity based hydrogen fuel production respectively. The key results indicate that the low emission hydrogen mobility framework is achieved by high share of renewable energy sources and seasonal hydrogen storage in the microgrid. The investment optimization scenarios provide at least 66% and at most 99% carbon emission savings at increased costs of 30% and 100% respectively relative to the costs of the diesel reference case (current situation). • A MILP model for renewable based hydrogen production, seasonal storage and mobility. • A real case study is analyzed by extending a microgrid lab facility in Austria. • Multiple investment optimization scenarios relative to two distinct reference cases. • CO 2 reduction by at least 66% and at most 99% relative to the diesel reference case. • Introducing carbon prices to bridge the cost gap between hydrogen and diesel fuel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serpentinite-derived fluids play a crucial role in mass exchange between the Earth's crust and mantle. However, there is currently a limited understanding of how serpentinite-derived fluids influence the Si isotope composition of mantle and subducted crustal materials. Whiteschists in the Dora-Maira Massif of the Western Alps and leucophyllites in Austria of the Eastern Alps were formed through serpentinite-derived fluid metasomatism of metagranite protoliths. Thus, they can provide valuable insights into the geochemical diversity of such rocks resulting from fluid–rock interactions. A special focus is on Si isotope compositions, which were analyzed in whiteschists, leucophyllites, and their corresponding country rocks. The aim of this paper is to investigate the impact of serpentinite-derived metasomatic fluids on the Si isotope compositions of subducted continental crust. With the exception of one whiteschist sample, which contains high amounts of pyrope, and one pyrope megablast, all other whiteschists and leucophyllites exhibit Si isotope compositions similar to those of their country rocks. This observation suggests that the Si isotopes of whiteschists and leucophyllites were inherited from their respective country rocks; fluid metasomatism did not significantly modify the Si isotope compositions of whiteschists and leucophyllites. Because pyrope has much lower δ30Si values than quartz and phengite as further major mineral constituents of the studied whiteschists, the samples with high pyrope contents reveal lighter Si isotopes than those containing lower amounts of pyrope. Interestingly, the metagranites and the majority of whiteschists and leucophyllites exhibit Si isotope compositions below the igneous array, implying that their protoliths are S-type granites. These granites commonly contain sedimentary components derived from their sources. Our results document that Si behaves immobile during serpentinite-derived fluid metasomatism of the subducted continental crust. Combined with previous results, we were able to show that slab derived fluids, including serpentinite-derived fluids, produce only a minimal influence on the Si isotope composition of the overlying mantle wedge and its derived magmas. Thus, the Si isotope compositions of rocks, even if highly affected by metasomatizing fluids, can be used as significant fingerprints that refer to their unaltered precursors. • Whiteschist and leucophyllite are formed by serpentinite-derived fluid metasomatism. • The δ30Si values of most whiteschists and leucophyllites are same to country rocks. • Serpentinite-derived fluids did not affect Si isotopes of metagranites and mantle. • Pyrope has much lower δ30Si values than quartz and phengite. • The samples with high pyrope contents have lighter Si isotopes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research on the voting behavior of lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) in Europe showed that LGB people favor left-wing or progressive parties (Turnbull-Dugarte 2020; Hunklinger 2021; Wurthmann 2023). Furthermore, Turnbull-Dugarte (2021) showed that LGB voters are, possibly due to their socialization, supportive of social liberalism and progressive issues. As we know from classic voting theory, there are different explanations for voting behavior, e.g. issue orientation, candidate and party preferences. This paper explores why LGB persons vote for left-wing parties in Austria. We use a sample among LGB persons conducted upfront the 2019 national elections in Austria. We test to what extent issue and candidate orientations (including LGB issues) as well as group identity affect LGB persons' intended voting behavior for left-wing parties in Austria. Our results show that instead of group-specific issue orientations, a general issue orientation, and socio-cultural attitudes are crucial for LGB persons to vote for left-wing parties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combining theoretical perspectives and analytical methods from the social sciences and literary studies, this interdisciplinary paper discusses key findings of online focus groups conducted with Austrian men aged 65+ as well as 'media logbooks' they kept. Within the frameworks of the EU Gender-Net Project MascAge (Analyzing Social Constructions of Aging Masculinities and their Cultural Representations in Contemporary European Literatures and Cinemas), older men of diverse backgrounds met online to reflect on their aging and its intersections with gender. Analyzing these conversations, the paper showcases older men's personal experiences of aging as well as their societal implications. We put forward the hypothesis that the understanding of aging, and aging masculinities in particular, of Austrian men 65+ primarily revolves around the idea of power. Most importantly, they conceive of the aging process as a 'power game' in which one frequently loses, ideally maintains, and – in exceptional cases only – gains power. The paper outlines how both personal experiences and engagement with media representations of aging relate to cultural ideals of old men as figures of authority. In doing so, the paper critically examines these stereotypical notions of aging masculinities as well as older men's potential to subvert them through a narrative process. • Key findings of online focus groups with Austrian men aged 65+ and 'media logbooks' • Aging and aging masculinities revolves around the idea of power. • Cultural ideals of old men as figures of authority • Stereotypical notions of aging masculinities and older men's potential for subversion through a narrative process [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on the requirement of the Energy Efficiency Directive for assessing the potential of efficient heating and cooling. The paper describes the method for calculating the economic potential of efficient district heating (DH) in Austria under different scenarios, assuming the full decarbonisation of the heating sector by 2050. A spatially explicit approach is used to derive heat demand density maps, heat distribution costs and potential DH areas. The obtained areas are clustered, and depending on their potential spreads, up to four supply portfolios on the installed generation capacities are assessed in each cluster. While this method maintains the level of detail, it significantly reduces the number of required sensitivity analyses. Finally, the least cost portfolios of DH supply in each cluster are identified and compared with the costs of individual heat supply. The economic potential of DH by 2050 is calculated accordingly. The analyses revealed that the DH market share within DH areas is the main driver of DH competitiveness. Depending on the scenario, the economic DH potential varies between 13% and 50% of space and water heating demand in Austria. The extensive application of renewable gases in this sector was not economically feasible under any scenario. • A method for assessing national economic district heating potentials is presented. • Decarbonisation targets strongly affect the parameterization of the approach. • Connection rates have a significant impact on the total district heating potential. • In Austria the economic district heating potential can exceed 50% of heat demand. • Decarbonisation of the sector through renewable gases is not economically feasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

External energy security has gained importance within the EU due to the current Russian-Ukrainian natural gas dispute, but also because of mid- and long-term issues connected to the availability of energy supply in Europe. The Energy Union proposal is supposed to increase the coherence of the EU in external energy, thus contributing to the energy security of the Community. However, various member states have already expressed different (not always positive) views, concerning this project. In order to shed light on the further development of the Energy Union, the present paper – based on 52 semi-structured interviews – examines members states' support for and opposition to the further deepening of integration in external energy security. By analysing Austria, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, this paper argues that member states' preferences depend at least partly on the decision-makers' perceptions of their state's ability to cope with three energy security challenges (external, internal and business). States whose decision-makers believe that their countries are able to successfully cope with these challenges are more likely to oppose further integration in energy security area, while member states whose decision-makers view these tasks as challenging are more likely to support the transfer of competences to the EU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is a critical engagement with Freud's anthropological theory of the origins of law and religion, which Freud developed as his representation and development of the Oedipal myth. Freud's mythology, it is argued, is the theoretical result of the essentially narrative nature of psychoanalytical praxis. Freud's myth, especially its treatment of patricide as the original sin, is seen to be a displacement of the biblical myth of fratricide as the original sin. It is argued that the biblical myth is more coherent than Freud's myth, and that it corresponds to the reality of the human condition better than Freud's myth. The paper concludes with the suggestion that the acceptance of the biblical myth in place of Freud's does not necessarily entail a rejection of psychoanalysis as a praxis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to improve our knowledge of energy use and well-being in energy efficient office buildings. It explores the interrelations between forms and patterns of energy use on the one hand and user satisfaction, comfort, and well-being on the other hand. Findings are derived from qualitative and quantitative data collected in a recently finished research project in Austria. Fieldwork consisted of two qualitative case studies as well as an online-based survey amongst users of energy efficient office buildings. In addition, secondary data from energy-monitoring research was used to underpin the analysis. The results show that extremely low levels of energy use in office buildings can be aligned with high levels of well-being. Based on empirical findings the paper argues that both well-being and energy performance in office buildings are the result of a complex, on-going and intertwined process that involves various material and social elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current political discussions and developments indicate the importance and urgency of incorporating climate change considerations into EIA processes. The recent revision of the EU Directive 2014/52/EU on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) requires changes in the EIA practice of the EU member states. This paper investigates the extent to which the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) can contribute to an early consideration of climate change consequences in planning processes. In particular the roles of different actors in order to incorporate climate change impacts and adaptation into project planning subject to EIA at the appropriate levels are a core topic. Semi-structured expert interviews were carried out with representatives of the main infrastructure companies and institutions responsible in these sectors in Austria, which have to carry out EIA regularly. In a second step expert interviews were conducted with EIA assessors and EIA authorities in Austria and Germany, in order to examine the extent to which climate-based changes are already considered in EIA processes. This paper aims to discuss the different perspectives in the current EIA practice with regard to integrating climate change impacts as well as barriers and solutions identified by the groups of actors involved, namely project developers, environmental competent authorities and consultants (EIA assessors/practitioners). The interviews show that different groups of actors consider the topic to different degrees. Downscaling of climate change scenarios is in this context both, a critical issue with regards to availability of data and costs. Furthermore, assistance for the interpretation of relevant impacts, to be deducted from climate change scenarios, on the specific environmental issues in the area is needed. The main barriers identified by the EIA experts therefore include a lack of data as well as general uncertainty as to how far climate change should be considered in the process without reliable data but in the presence of knowledge about possible consequences at an abstract level. A joint strategy on how to cope with uncertain prognoses about main impacts on environmental issues for areas without reliable data requires a discussion and cooperation between EIA consultants and environmental authorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyses the impact of the introduction of electromobility in Austria, focusing specifically on the potential demand for electric vehicles in the automotive market. We estimate discrete choice behavioral mixture models considering latent variables; these allows us to deal with this potential demand as well as to analyze the effect of different attributes of the alternatives over the potential market penetration. We find out that some usual assumptions regarding electromobility also hold for the Austrian market (e.g. proclivity of green-minded people and reluctance of older individuals), while others are only partially valid (e.g. the power of the engine is not relevant for purely electric vehicles). Along the same line, it is established that some policy incentives would have a positive effect for the demand for electrical cars, while others - such as an annual Park and Ride subscription or a one-year-ticket for public transportation - would not increase the willingness-to-pay for electromobility. Our work suggests the existence of reliability thresholds concerning the availability of charging stations. Finally this paper enunciates and successfully tests an alternative approach to address unreported information regarding income in presence of endogeneity and multiple information sources. We find that, for our sample, the presence of endogeneity and correlation makes both classical imputation techniques unsuitable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single tree detection has been a major research topic when it comes to support of collecting automatic field inventory using lidar. All previous methods show under- and over-segmentation effects because the associated control parameters have a limited scope. This paper describes a novel integrated single tree segmentation using a graph-cut clustering method that is supported by automatic stem detection. The key idea is to replace the static stopping criterion, which is usually defined by trial and error or by a sensitivity analysis, here with a query for whether a stem position has been provided by the stem detection in the remaining cluster to be partitioned. The stem detection automatically detects tree stems by identifying vertical lines based on a hierarchical classification procedure. We evaluate both stem detection and integrated single tree segmentation on mixed temperate forest plots captured in a leaf-on situation. The highly dense airborne lidar data was acquired with an average point density of more than 200 points/m2. The forest areas, which are located in Eastern Austria, are characterized by a stem density of around 1000 stems/ha and a tree age between 15 and 63 years. We test our algorithms with reference data measured both by visual interpretation of the laser point clouds using a conventional field campaign. In our experiments, we confirm that the automatic stem detection technique successfully locates stems if the lidar point density of the stems is at least five points/m. The experimental results show that stem detection alone can detect more than 80% of the stems, with a precision of better than 70%. Moreover, we prove that the integration of the stem detection renders the graph-cut segmentation effectively independent of the stopping criterion and improves the overall accuracy of the tree segmentation as well. In terms of F-scores, the overall improvement is up to 15% and 6% for reference data from visual inspection and field measurements, respectively. Compared with the results of two existing tree segmentation methods that were applied to the same datasets, the accuracy improvement is also demonstrated by F-scores increased up to 22% and 5%, respectively. Very interestingly, the integrated tree segmentation considerably enhances the detection accuracy, especially in mixed and deciduous forest areas by more than 10% in the case of reference data provided by visual inspection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Change triggered by natural hazards such as pluvial and coastal floods, sea-level rise as well as risks resulting from water scarcity are highly dynamic and related to the effects of ongoing climate change. Whether and how societies adapt, adjust, change, or transform because of climate change and related risks, is a currently debated topic. This question demands revisiting and comprehensively addressing existing theoretical foundations of transformations in risk management strategies and in risk governance to find effective ways to deal with climate change effects and their social consequences. Hence, the paper discusses current developments in transformation research and exemplifies this discussion with four interdisciplinary cases, which the co-authors reported in previous publications. Findings from Austria include a governance change within flood risk management related to zonation. Relocation in Indonesia and Kiribati showcases its cultural, behavioural as well as economic implications. Water scarcity in South Africa underlines the importance of behavioural change to enable the structural storage of rainwater. This paper analyses aspects of adjustment or transformation in these four examples. This may inform risk managers, decision-makers, practitioners, and planners dealing with natural hazards related to climate change how to conceptualise their (re-)actions. • Differences between the terms adaptation, adjustment, change, and transformation are analysed and working definitions suggested. • Triggers and interventions are analysed whether they express adaptation, adjustment, or transformation. • Empirical cases are re-analysed whether the changes therein exhibit elements of adaptation, adjustment, or transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wooden biomass is the main source for energy based on biomass in Austria. Only a part of the wooden biomass for energy directly originates in forests. Other major sources include post-consumer wood and by-products of the Austrian forest-based industries. Consumption of wooden biomass has been growing much more than domestic production, forest-based industries are building up capacities in neighbouring countries, leaving less raw materials for exports to Austria than in the decades before. The authors have assessed the possible effects of a wood raw material shortage with a System-Dynamics simulation model of the Austrian forest-based sector (FOHOW). The model covers the interactions between the general economy and the forest-based sector, including wood-based energy. The simulation period ranged from 2006 to 2025. Beside a business as usual scenario, scenarios with a sawlog import reduction, a sawmill capacity reduction as well as a paper and panel capacity reduction were simulated. Probably the most notable result of the analysis is the strong impact of the sawmill industry on the fuelwood prices and availability. Despite increased fuelwood supply from forests, reduction of sawmill capacity will lead to the inability of fully meeting renewable energy policy objectives due to a shortage of sawmill residues. With exemption of the panel & paper capacity reduction scenario all other scenarios project a slight reduction of growing stock until 2025. But after decades of harvest below the increment such a development is not per se unsustainable. It can be expected that a shift in the Austrian forests towards younger stands will slightly increase the average increment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate parts of the implementation of a secure cloud storage solution for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It shows by example of an Austrian SME how secure cloud-based storage services can be applied in practice. In order to give an introduction to the topic, the paper first discusses some basic principles of cloud storage. The core of this paper eventually focuses on a cloud storage solution considered to be optimal for SME purposes and exemplifies how it could be implemented within such a company considering its particular requirements. As the primary focus of this work is on security aspects, it discusses how the system's attack surface is minimized and necessary software components are hardened in order to defy network-based attacks. The paper concludes with a discussion on various data security and encryption mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New mobility tools like electric vehicle and e-bike have been an important strategy in many cities for the reduction of traffic problems and the implementation of renewable energy infrastructures. The choice of individuals on mobility tools however may depend on the magnitude of a comparable cost. Home renewable energy equipment like solar panel which generates energy at home may potentially reduce the electricity expenditure of e-mobility. This paper therefore aims to investigate the choice behavior of individuals on their home renewable energy equipment conditioning on the choice of mobility tools. More specifically, we identify the differences among individuals in their preferences and the latent groups. Using the stated preference data collected in the city of Weiz, Austria, we estimated a latent class choice model with social demographics representing the user group membership. Results show that the synergy effect between EV and solar panels and self-sufficient home energy system is more attractive to people with low income although their willingness to buy are lower than people with high income. • Investigate the heterogeneous choice on home renewable energy equipment. • Analyze the choice conditioning on mobility tools. • Designed a stated choice experiment. • Identified the differences among individuals and latent groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two scenarios have shaped the discussion on the deployment of automated vehicles (AVs). The first is the revolutionary or disruptive scenario, in which a competitor would reach fully automated vehicles (level 5) in one giant leap. The second scenario renders the deployment of AVs as a lengthy process of evolutionary vehicle automation, progressing from specialized, controlled and restricted conditions, i.e. operational design domains (ODDs), to ever more complex ones. But as it becomes more and more clear that there are large uncertainties about how far in the future level 5 AVs become available, in the near future situations in which the driver is replaced completely, i.e. not requiring driver interventions, only seem feasible in specific ODDs and cities will likely be faced by highly automated vehicles (level 4) equipped with automated driving systems (ADSs) for specific ODDs over a longer period. However, cities comprise different street spaces with various conditions which lead to different requirements for the ADSs and could affect the deployment of level 4 AVs and thus the impacts of AVs in cities in the near future. This paper presents a framework and related indicators for assessing the automated drivability, i.e. the suitability of street spaces for the functioning operation of ADSs from a technical-infrastructural point of view, based on the relationship between the current technological development state of ADSs and different (urban) street spaces. Using the case study of the city of Vienna in Austria to apply the framework, a set of indicators for the different components of the framework is calculated and integrated to build an automated drivability index (ADX), illustrating the automated drivability within the street network. The results are a first step to indicate which areas are more suitable for level 4 AVs from a technological point of view, as well as areas where a deployment of AVs would only be possible after larger adjustments of the infrastructure or at considerably lower than intended speeds; thus, detailing the complexity of driving urban street spaces in a yet unprecedented level. Besides other aspects this can give hints for policy makers and other stakeholders where to facilitate the deployment of AVs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agent-based transport modelling needs more detail on the synthetic population compared to conventional transport models, as activity chains are required. In many cases, however the sample size of travel surveys from which to gain activity chains is small. Using Bayesian networks and Markov Chain Monte Carlo as well as stratified sampling, we show how a population with activities plans can be generated using limited survey data. Moreover, this paper presents a method for using statistical raster (250 m) census data for all activities and facilities, which guarantees a high spatial resolution. The synthetic population was developed for the predominantly rural to intermediately urban state of Carinthia in Austria. Realistic travel plans were assigned to each agent, considering trip dependencies between household members as well as correlations between socio-demographic attributes and travel behaviour. The resulting synthetic population includes agents with a sequence of activities for 24 hours. The activities and trip length distributions of the simulated population fit the survey data well. The simulation results fit the traffic counts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Austrian Space Forum in cooperation with the Oman Astronomical Society conducted a high-fidelity Mars Analog field simulation in the Dhofar region, Sultanate of Oman in February 2018. Directed by a Mission Support Center in Austria, a carefully selected and trained field crew of 15 researchers conducted experiments from various disciplines (e.g. engineering, planetary surface operations, astrobiology, geophysics/geology, life sciences) preparing for future human Mars missions. Mars analog research in a representative environment is also an excellent tool to enhance the visibility of planetary sciences and to engage with the next generation of researchers. To reach out to young students from 6 to 25 years, special programs and initiatives were set-up. This paper focuses on the Junior Researchers Program, where four high school and undergraduate student teams realized their experiments in a scientific mission, starting with defining their research questions, building their experiment hardware and finally analyzing and publishing the outcomes. • Mars analog research serves as a tool to inspire next generation researchers. • Students executed their experiments during the AMADEE-18 mission. • Students can learn from working alongside senior researchers. • The AMADEE-18 mission provided a platform for outreach and education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• First joint time-use expenditure and mode choice model estimation with expenditure equation. • First estimation of the joint model in panel setting. • First representative VTAT estimates with standard deviations (based on the joint estimation). • First decomposition of user-type effects of the VTTS into effects of the VoL and of the VTAT. • Confirmation of the importance of expenditure information for the estimation of values of time. • First estimation of the joint time-use expenditure and mode choice model with weekly mode choice data This paper presents the joint time-use, expenditure and mode choice model, based on the theoretical framework of Jara-Díaz and Guevara (2003), for the first time estimated in panel setting while using surveyed expenditure data. This extended estimation takes into account multiple trips per individual, as well as mode availability. The model was estimated using the novel dataset gathered in Austria in 2015. It includes individual-specific information on time-use, expenditures and mode choice. As a result, we calculate the value of leisure (VoL), travel time savings (VTTS) and time assigned to travel (VTAT), that are relevant inputs to appraisals of transport policies. We also show that, at least for the Austrian working population, the omission of expenditures in the model might result in a significant overestimation of the value of leisure (16.83%); the VoL (9.29€/h) was estimated to be considerably lower than the wage rate (12.14€/h) and the VTTS varies strongly between the modes (9.98€/h for car, 3.91€/h for public transport, 9.25€/h for bike and 17.53€/h for walk). The joint estimation framework produced positive estimates of VTAT (5.38€/h) only for public transport, reflecting the favorable public transport conditions in Austria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Drivers keep almost equal distance behind other cars, trucks and motorcycles. • Time headway decreases with increasing speed. • Vehicle- and site-based naturalistic data analysis show comparable results. • Detection of motorcycles by image-processing sensor has limited range. Roughly 10% of motorcycle accidents in Austria are rear-end collisions. One explanatory factor for this could be short time headway, hence this research project. Naturalistic research provides a suitable basis for studying the distance to various kinds of lead vehicles. Our study utilizes the dataset created in the first large-scale naturalistic driving study in Europe (UDRIVE) and combines this with site-based speed data from Austria. Data on cars was filtered from the UDRIVE dataset and analyzed for the presence of a lead vehicle, with the pertinent information provided by 'Mobileye', a real-time video processing unit. The analysis included 1242 h of driving recorded at a frequency of 10 Hz. The difference observed between distances behind cars (1.1 s) and motorcycles (1.2 s) proved to be small. Almost twenty million records from roadside radar speed recorders in Austria collected in 2015 and 2016 were then compared with this data. In general, the two methodologies delivered similar results: time headway decreases with increasing driving speed in both datasets. The analysis of the UDRIVE data also showed minor differences in time headway among drivers in the six UDRIVE countries (France, Germany, Poland, Spain, The Netherlands, United Kingdom). Both datasets suggest that time headway is shortest behind trucks. However, the hypothesis that car drivers maintain less time headway behind motorcycles is not supported by either the UDRIVE or the site-based data. In this paper, we will discuss both these results as well as the strengths and weaknesses of both data collection methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]