Search

This chapter describes networking for education for sustainable development within the Austrian ECOLOG-schools network. It discusses theoretical concepts of Education for Sustainable Development and school development from an Austrian perspective, as well as networks in education in general and the organization of the ECOLOG-network in particular. Furthermore, the international Environment and School Initiatives (ENSI) network is described as an influential stimulus for the development of ECOLOG. Based upon these foundations, the concept and results of evaluation studies of ECOLOG-schools are described and reflected. The impact of ECOLOG on the developments in environmental education/education for sustainable development in Austria is described and reflected. The paper concludes with a summary of the evaluation process and with an outlook for the future development of the network.

The goal of the university professional development course BINE is to encourage participants to address education for sustainable development (ESD) in a reflective way. The main aims are for the participants to learn about action research and to reflect and implement ESD in their work and institutions. This paper briefly describes the concepts of action research in relation to ESD and gives an overview of the structure of the course. The central part reports on the programme evaluation and the main results. Findings indicate that the systematic collection and analysis of data and the writing of a study are regarded as strenuous but conducive to learning. It seems that a balance of provocation and support as elements of a dynamic didactical design offers space for more in-depth reflections on ESD.

Scaling up educational innovations is a complex endeavour. It often fails or is only successful to a limited extent. More knowledge is therefore needed about the factors that lead to successful scaling up and about the challenges in doing so. The factors fostering the scaling up of educational innovations depend on the level where innovations are expected-at the teachers', schools', regional or at the national level. There is a lack of knowledge about these factors and their interconnectedness, in particular regarding large initiatives aiming at innovations at some or even at all of these levels. This paper reports a meta-study building on several existing empirical studies, theoretical considerations and complementing new studies related to the multi-layered nationwide initiative IMST (Innovations Make Schools Top) in Austria. The meta-study synthesises findings and considerations regarding IMST and aims to analyse and identify relevant fostering factors and challenges. The diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory and the self-determination theory (SDT) are used as lenses on the complex topic of scaling up of educational innovations. The meta-study highlights the particular relevance of the factors need for competence (referring to SDT) as well as relative advantage and trialability (both referring to DOI) in scaling up the initiative. As major challenges, we highlight the interconnection between individual and organisational learning, the balance between a bottom-up and top-down strategy and the need to further build up resources in subject didactics in Austria. Finally, we sketch ideas how to further develop IMST.

This paper explores the effectiveness of networking in promoting inquiry-based science education (IBSE) through raising the self-efficacy of science teachers to take ownership of more effective ways of teaching students, supported by stakeholders (Holbrook & Rannikmae, 2010). As PROFILES project (Professional Reflection Oriented Focus on Inquiry-based Learning and Education through Science) is based on "teacher partnerships," the project recognises the importance, not only of dissemination of developments for the benefit of science teachers across Europe and even worldwide, but also the need for interaction through a well-researched and effective networking system at the school, local, national and European/worldwide levels. The theoretical and practical approach of PROFILES networking is presented, including examples from Austria, Latvia and Romania. Research (evaluative) findings show that networking can operate at the school, local, regional and national levels and that networking is able to play an important role in the functioning of PROFILES. Evaluative findings show that networks offer goal-oriented exchange processes among teachers which support the professional development of teachers. Networking has the potential to create a culture of trust and supports self-efficacy and teacher ownership. Hence, networking is playing a significant role in the functioning of PROFILES in the presented countries.

This article describes and evaluates an activity within the process of socio-scientific inquiry-based learning (SSIBL). 'Mobility, Traffic and Renewable Energies' is a project drawing on an inquiry approach in schools in the province of Carinthia in Austria, involving a range of scientific and educational support agencies. This activity was carried out with older primary school children and was based on real-life aspects and environmental effects of heat transfer, together with an evaluation through teacher responses.

Competences are intensively discussed in the context of cross-curricular themes, such as Sustainable Development and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), especially in light of the United Nations Decade for ESD (2004-2015). Recent literature on ESD lists a number of competences for ESD in various fields with the exception of teacher education. A competence model for ESD for educators was generated in the Austrian research project KOM-BiNE (Competences for ESD in Teacher Education) as part of a large-scale EU project. The KOM-BiNE competence model consists of areas of competences within fields of action. The constituent elements of the competence model are described in detail and are illustrated with examples.

This case describes networking for education for sustainable development within the Austrian ECOLOG-schools network. The article presents theoretical concepts of networks in education in general, and the organization of the ECOLOG-network in particular. Based upon these foundations, the concept and results of a participatory evaluation study are described and reflected. The article closes with a summary of the evaluation process and with an outlook for the future development of the network. ECOLOG-schools have to deal with tensions between different interests and stakeholders within education for sustainable development and schooling. Spaces for exchange and reflection offered by the network support the ability to deal with these tensions constructively. The overall challenge of the network might be described as keeping momentum between structures and processes or, in other words, between stability and flow to enable the sustainable development of learning.

This paper deals with the topic of professional development programmes' impact. Concepts and ideas of action research, constructivism, and systems theory are used as a theoretical framework and are combined to describe and analyse an exemplary professional development programme in Austria. Empirical findings from both quantitative and qualitative studies regarding the programme's impact are provided and discussed. Moreover, implications for future programmes' planning and implementation are provided.

Introduction/objectives: The ASCORE study on treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) showed better retention and clinical response rates for abatacept as first-line versus later-line therapy. This post hoc analysis of ASCORE assessed 2-year retention, efficacy, and safety of subcutaneous (SC) abatacept in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Methods: Adults with RA who initiated SC abatacept 125 mg once weekly were assessed. Primary endpoint was abatacept retention rate at 2 years. Secondary endpoints: proportions of patients with low disease activity (LDA)/remission per Disease Activity Score in 28 joints based on erythrocyte sedimentation rate (≤ 3.2), Simplified Disease Activity Index (≤ 11), and Clinical Disease Activity Index (≤ 10). Outcomes were analyzed by treatment line and serostatus. Results: For the pooled cohort, the 2-year abatacept retention rate was 47.6%; retention was highest in biologic-naïve patients (50.5% [95% confidence interval 44.9, 55.9]). Patients seropositive for both anti-citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA) and rheumatoid factor (RF; + / +) at baseline had a higher 2-year abatacept retention rate than patients with single seropositivity for either APCA or RF or double-seronegativity (− / −), irrespective of treatment line. At 2 years, a higher proportion of patients who were biologic-naïve were in LDA/remission than patients with one or ≥ two prior biologics. Conclusion: A higher proportion of patients with + / + RA (compared with − / − RA) had abatacept retention after 2 years. Early identification of patients with seropositive RA may facilitate a precision-medicine approach to RA treatment, leading to a higher proportion of patients in LDA/remission. Trial registration number: NCT02090556; date registered: March 18, 2014 (retrospectively registered). Key Points • This post hoc analysis of a German-speaking subset of European patients with RA from the global ASCORE study (NCT02090556) showed that retention of SC abatacept within this subset was 47.6%, with good clinical outcomes after 2 years. • Patients with double-seropositive RA (ACPA and RF positive) had higher retention of abatacept than patients with double-seronegative RA (ACPA and RF negative). Retention and clinical responses were highest for patients who were biologic-naïve compared with patients who had one or ≥ two prior biologic treatments. • These real-world data may be useful for clinicians in informing individualized treatment pathways for patients with RA, and fostering superior disease control and clinical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This case study presents the development of networks in education, using the Austrian IMST (Innovations Make Schools Top) project as illustration. The regional networks are coordinated in every Austrian federal province by groups made up of teachers, representatives of the educational authorities, and members of academia. In the framework of the IMST project, all networks are monitored by a team of the Institute of Instructional and School Development at the University of Klagenfurt. This article presents theoretical concepts, network structures and network activities, as well as evaluation data. The overall challenge in trying to enable sustainable development of learning of those involved might be described as keeping momentum between network structures and network processes or, in other words, between stability and flow.

This article outlines the leading concepts which are being discussed in the current debate on education for sustainable development (ESD) in Austria, detailing their historic development and characteristic features, as well as the empirical experience gained in school development to date. These concepts are environmental education, development education/global learning and peace education. With the emergence of ESD and, notably, the launch of the United Nations Decade for ESD, these hitherto separate currents should start to converge. We will be seeing common endeavours to define ESD more concretely as a regulatory idea and to learn from one another and, in joint settings, to support cooperation, launch joint projects and also to enhance individual profiles. These endeavours should be promoted under an Austrian strategy for ESD. (Contains 1 note.)

While there is broad evidence to suggest that individual stress increases, and that high couple relationship quality reduces the risk for psychological distress, our understanding of these associations in couples dealing with infertility remains limited. In this cross-sectional study, we used dyadic data-analysis (Actor-Partner Interdependence Model; APIM) to examine the effects of infertility-related distress (experienced as an individual risk factor) and couple relationship quality (experienced as a couple-based resource), on psychological distress in a sample of 116 infertile couples. 59% of women and 23% of men reported clinical levels of psychological distress, 71% of women and 45% of men reported infertility-related distress, and 3% of participants reported low couple relationship quality. Infertility-related distress predicted psychological distress at the individual level ('actor effects') while men's infertility-related distress predicted women's psychological distress (partner effect'). Women without medically assisted reproduction (MAR) treatment exposure reported significantly higher couple relationship quality than women with MAR exposure, and men without treatment exposure reported significantly lower infertility-related distress than men with exposure. The level of psychological distress depended on whether both or neither of the partners, or only one partner reported infertility-related distress. Couple relationship quality was not associated with distress, which may imply that dyadic dimensions other than overall satisfaction could be relevant in supporting couples facing infertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, applications of soil and water bioengineering constructions using living plants and supplementary materials have become increasingly popular. Besides technical effects, soil and water bioengineering has the advantage of additionally taking into consideration ecological values and the values of landscape aesthetics. When implementing soil and water bioengineering structures, suitable plants must be selected, and the structures must be given a dimension taking into account potential impact loads. A consideration of energy flows and the potential negative impact of construction in terms of energy and greenhouse gas balance has been neglected until now. The current study closes this gap of knowledge by introducing a method for detecting the possible negative effects of installing soil and water bioengineering measures. For this purpose, an environmental life cycle assessment model has been applied. The impact categories global warming potential and cumulative energy demand are used in this paper to describe the type of impacts which a bioengineering construction site causes. Additionally, the water bioengineering measure is contrasted with a conventional civil engineering structure. The results determine that the bioengineering alternative performs slightly better, in terms of energy demand and global warming potential, than the conventional measure. The most relevant factor is shown to be the impact of the running machines at the water bioengineering construction site. Finally, an integral ecological assessment model for applications of soil and water bioengineering structures should point out the potential negative effects caused during installation and, furthermore, integrate the assessment of potential positive effects due to the development of living plants in the use stage of the structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of GAIA: Ecological Perspectives for Science & Society 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.)

• The telemetry study on Rutilus meidingeri shows that the provision of a permanently available bypass at a weir has created an important corridor for downstream migration. • The fish pass is not used by tracked pearlfish during downstream migration. • In the powerplant area, there are noticeable delays in downstream migration and the tracked pearlfish show discharge-related migration patterns. • Threats in the powerplant area are identified that need to be addressed to ensure the persistence of the protected and endemic species. Downstream passage at a hydroelectric power plant of pearlfish (Rutilus meidingeri), a cyprinid species endemic to the Danube catchment, was examined. Forty pearlfish were trapped in the fish pass during their upstream migration, tagged with telemetry transmitters and subsequently released to the upstream section of the weir. The tagged fish were monitored to determine their descending behaviour and ability to overcome the obstacle through three possible corridors: a bypass channel, the overflown weir, and a vertical slot fish pass. Pearlfish used the entire 2.7 km of the river by successfully migrating further upstream and also by descending past the obstacle back to Lake Attersee through the bypass channel (65 %), and the weir overflow (35 %). No fish utilised the fish ladder as a descent corridor, even though 82 % of the fish were registered in the vicinity of the entrance to the facility. Apart from the unfavourable positioning of the fish pass for downstream migration, the discharge conditions proved to be decisive for the choice and availability of the descent corridor as well as the behaviour during descent. Significant delays in power plant passage occur both in the forebay and at the used corridors. Even if the ability to find corridors and the passability of adult pearlfish can be proven, further measures appear to be necessary for the safe migration and protection of the endangered species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the changes in water management, from the construction of new systems to the rehabilitation of existing networks, integrated strategic rehabilitation management has become more and more important. Consequently, this paper shows a method that considers sewer and water distribution networks against environmental factors (e.g. street network and connected buildings) in a priority model. This approach aids in not only identifying areas where rehabilitation is technically necessary but also economically recommendable (e.g. completely depreciated). This is achieved by implementing factors of structural resiliency, vulnerability of the network, capital value and other network components (e.g. manholes, house connections). This model is applied to a medium sized case study in which the rehabilitation areas identified by the developed model are compared to the actual rehabilitation plans of the water and sewage companies. Results also show the application of the estimated ranking for rehabilitation planning with a fixed budget. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the topic of professional development programmes’ impact. Concepts and ideas of action research, constructivism, and systems theory are used as a theoretical framework and are combined to describe and analyse an exemplary professional development programme in Austria. Empirical findings from both quantitative and qualitative studies regarding the programme’s impact are provided and discussed. Moreover, implications for future programmes’ planning and implementation are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The performance assessment of storage tanks and combined sewer overflow (CSO) structures in sewer systems requires knowledge of the total inflow from the catchment during rainfall events. Many structures are, however, only equipped with sensors to measure water level and/or outflows. Based on the geometry of the tank, expressed as a level-storage relationship, inflow can be calculated from these data using a simple conceptual storage model. This paper compares a deterministic and a Bayesian approach for estimating the inflow to a CSO structure from measurements of outflows and water level. The Bayesian approach clearly outperforms the deterministic estimation which is very sensitive to measurement errors. Although computationally more demanding, the use of a simple linear storage model allows the online application of the Bayesian approach to repeatedly estimate inflow in short time intervals of a few minutes. The method could thus be used as an online software sensor for inflow to storage structures in sewer systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Common cold is caused by a variety of respiratory viruses. The prevalence in children is high, and it potentially contributes to significant morbidity. Iota-carragenan, a polymer derived from red seaweed, has reduced viral load in nasal secretions and alleviated symptoms in adults with common cold. Methods: We have assessed the antiviral and therapeutic activity of a nasal spray containing iota-carrageenan in children with acute symptoms of common cold. A cohort of 153 children between 1-18 years (mean age 5 years), displaying acute symptoms of common cold were randomly assigned to treatment with a nasal spray containing iota-carrageenan (0.12%) as verum or 0.9% sodium chloride solution as placebo for seven days. Symptoms of common cold were recorded and the viral load of respiratory viruses in nasal secretions was determined at two consecutive visits. Results: The results of the present study showed no significant difference between the iota carrageenan and the placebo group on the mean of TSS between study days 2-7. Secondary endpoints, such as reduced time to clearance of disease (7.6 vs 9.4 days; p = 0.038), reduction of viral load (p = 0.026), and lower incidence of secondary infections with other respiratory viruses (p = 0.046) indicated beneficial effects of iota-carrageenan in this population. The treatment was safe and well tolerated, with less side effects observed in the verum group compared to placebo. Conclusion: In this study iota-carrageenan did not alleviate symptoms in children with acute symptoms of common cold, but significantly reduced viral load in nasal secretions that may have important implications for future studies. Trial registration: ISRCTN52519535, http://www.controlled-trials.com/ISRCTN52519535/ [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

The Austrian standard for designing combined sewer overflow (CSO) detention basins introduces the efficiency of the combined sewer overflows as an indicator for CSO pollution. Additionally criteria for the ambient water quality are defined, which comprehend six kinds of impacts. In this paper, the Austrian legal requirements are described and discussed by means of hydrological modelling. This is exemplified with the case study Innsbruck (Austria) including a description for model building and model calibration. Furthermore an example is shown in order to demonstrate how - in this case - the overall system performance could be improved by implementing a cost-effective rearrangement of the storage tanks already available at the inflow of the wastewater treatment plant. However, this guideline also allows more innovative methods for reducing CSO emissions as measures for better usage of storage volume or de-centralised treatment of stormwater runoff because it is based on a sewer system simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change will induce an increasing drought risk in western and southern Europe and a resulting increase in water stress. This paper investigates the impact of both the extreme hot and dry summer of 2003 and the PRUDENCE CHRM climate change scenario summer for 2071-2100 on the monthly water balance (available water resources versus water demand) within the Kitzbueheler Region in the Austrian Alps. As a baseline period the climate normal period from 1961 to 1990 was chosen. In both summer scenarios total flow and ground water recharge decrease substantially, due to the decrease in precipitation and increase in evapotranspiration However, regional water availability is still sufficient to serve all water demand stakeholders. As a result of decreased snow cover duration, flow seasonality changes within the CHRM scenario. Especially springs are very vulnerable to these climatological conditions; average local groundwater recharge is reduced by 20% up to 70% within both scenarios. Due to the hydrogeological characteristics of the case study area and the typical small structured alpine water supply infrastructure, local deficits can occur. But also groundwater aquifers in the valleys show a decrease in water availability. These results are supported by observations made in 2003 throughout Austria and Switzerland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: New regulations on bioenergy lead to increasing demand for forest fuel. This paper describes a new approach to configure a wood biomass supply network for a certain region, a federal state of Austria. The network consists of several forest areas and a number of energy plants with a total demand of 1.2 million loose cubic meter (lcbm) wood biomass and 502,000lcbm forest fuels. Starting with the regionally available forest fuel and the potential number of heating and energy plants we evaluate the different supply lines for the woody biomass from forest to plants by calculating the system cost for a number of alternative configurations. Especially, we compare central chipping against a local approach. The main contribution of this paper is to provide an evaluation method of forest fuel supply network design for a whole region. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The use of UV/VIS-spectroscopy for water quality measurements is based on the solution of the correlation between the surrogate parameter absorbance and the resulting equivalence parameters. The coherence of absorbance and equivalence parameters (CODtot, CODsol, TSS) is solved in this paper with different regression methods. The correlation of absorbance and concentrations are analysed based on linear regression methods, model tree regressions, multivariate regression methods and support vector machines using sequential minimal optimisation algorithm. For this purpose the regression methods are calibrated on three 24hours measurement campaigns of a combined sewer measurement station situated in the combined sewer overflow chamber in Graz (Austria). The online measurement station has been conveying data for more than 2⅛ years up to now. Finally, the load calculation based on the different regression methods and its comparison demonstrate that an apparently complex model does not inevitably lead to accurate concentration values due to possible model overfitting. Hence, the paper points out the possibilities and the drawbacks of spectroscopy measuring in sewers and the arising concentration values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In 2002, periphyton samples were collected 14 times from six stations within a floating vegetation mat in Lake Lunzer Obersee, a small mountain lake in Austria. Water temperature, conductivity, pH, alkalinity, Ca2+- and total-hardness were measured and quantitative samples were taken for algal biomass and chlorophyll-a analysis. Algal biomass results clearly indicated the dominance of green algae. Cluster analyses were carried out, based on both algal data and environmental parameters. The algal data separated sites, whereas the abiotic clustering revealed a temporal aspect. An indicator species analysis determined the characteristic taxa for each species group. Indicator species were then related to environmental factors using a redundancy analysis (RDA). Both pH and conductivity were significant factors, whereas water temperature, alkalinity, Ca2+- and total-hardness were not. The results of the RDA show that three species groups could be identified along a gradient of pH. One group was positively correlated with high alkalinity and another group occurred at higher values of conductivity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This article outlines the leading concepts which are being discussed in the current debate on education for sustainable development (ESD) in Austria, detailing their historic development and characteristic features, as well as the empirical experience gained in school development to date. These concepts are environmental education, development education/global learning and peace education. With the emergence of ESD and, notably, the launch of the United Nations Decade for ESD, these hitherto separate currents should start to converge. We will be seeing common endeavours to define ESD more concretely as a regulatory idea and to learn from one another and, in joint settings, to support cooperation, launch joint projects and also to enhance individual profiles. These endeavours should be promoted under an Austrian strategy for ESD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper explores a methodology for the definition of ecological water quality indicators on basis of a case study on an alpine river in Austria. Further, it discusses a particular interpretation of the combined approach introduced in the European Union Water Framework Directive that allows violating emission regulations if cost-effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the concept of 'ecologisation of schools' as a form of school development and is based upon a study commissioned by the Federal Austrian Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs. On the basis of a material and literature search on models and experiences gained from school-based environmental projects in Central Europe and in England, some quality features for an ecologisation process of schools are suggested. These features are the basis of an ecological school development programme in Austria, which is described briefly in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intense international competition pushes the actors of wood supply chains to implement efficient wood supply chain management incorporating coordinated cost-saving strategies to remain competitive. In order to observe the effects of individual and coordinated decision making, mixed-integer programming models for forestry, round-wood transport, and the wood-based industry were developed and integrated. The models deal with operational planning issues regarding production, harvest, and transport and are solved sequentially for individual cost optimization of each wood supply chain actor as well as simultaneously by a combined model representing joint cost optimization in an integrated wood supply chain. This allows for the first time, benchmarking relative cost-saving potential of the wood procurement strategies coordinated transports, integrated supply chains, satellite stockyards, and higher truck payloads within a single case study setting. Based on case study data from southern Austria, results show the advantages of an integrated supply chain with a cost-saving potential of up to 24%. Higher truck payloads reinforce this potential and enable up to 40% savings compared to the predominant wood procurement situation in Central Europe. Wood supply chain integration for Central European circumstances seems to be feasible only for a limited consortium of a few companies, for example when restricted to a wood-buying syndicate supplying several industry plants or a few large forest enterprises, especially as both groups are commonly steering wood transport on their own. Consequently, further research on the challenging task of implementing integrated supply chains using the opportunities of digitalization to realize existing cost savings potential by deepening cooperation and intensifying information exchange is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Scientific guidelines have been developed to update and harmonize exercise based cardiac rehabilitation (ebCR) in German speaking countries. Key recommendations for ebCR indications have recently been published in part 1 of this journal. The present part 2 updates the evidence with respect to contents and delivery of ebCR in clinical practice, focusing on exercise training (ET), psychological interventions (PI), patient education (PE). In addition, special patients' groups and new developments, such as telemedical (Tele) or home-based ebCR, are discussed as well. Methods: Generation of evidence and search of literature have been described in part 1. Results: Well documented evidence confirms the prognostic significance of ET in patients with coronary artery disease. Positive clinical effects of ET are described in patients with congestive heart failure, heart valve surgery or intervention, adults with congenital heart disease, and peripheral arterial disease. Specific recommendations for risk stratification and adequate exercise prescription for continuous-, interval-, and strength training are given in detail. PI when added to ebCR did not show significant positive effects in general. There was a positive trend towards reduction in depressive symptoms for "distress management" and "lifestyle changes". PE is able to increase patients' knowledge and motivation, as well as behavior changes, regarding physical activity, dietary habits, and smoking cessation. The evidence for distinct ebCR programs in special patients' groups is less clear. Studies on Tele-CR predominantly included low-risk patients. Hence, it is questionable, whether clinical results derived from studies in conventional ebCR may be transferred to Tele-CR. Conclusions: ET is the cornerstone of ebCR. Additional PI should be included, adjusted to the needs of the individual patient. PE is able to promote patients self-management, empowerment, and motivation. Diversity-sensitive structures should be established to interact with the needs of special patient groups and gender issues. Tele-CR should be further investigated as a valuable tool to implement ebCR more widely and effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although cardiovascular rehabilitation (CR) is well accepted in general, CR-attendance and delivery still considerably vary between the European countries. Moreover, clinical and prognostic effects of CR are not well established for a variety of cardiovascular diseases. Methods: The guidelines address all aspects of CR including indications, contents and delivery. By processing the guidelines, every step was externally supervised and moderated by independent members of the "Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany" (AWMF). Four meta-analyses were performed to evaluate the prognostic effect of CR after acute coronary syndrome (ACS), after coronary bypass grafting (CABG), in patients with severe chronic systolic heart failure (HFrEF), and to define the effect of psychological interventions during CR. All other indications for CR-delivery were based on a predefined semi-structured literature search and recommendations were established by a formal consenting process including all medical societies involved in guideline generation. Results: Multidisciplinary CR is associated with a significant reduction in all-cause mortality in patients after ACS and after CABG, whereas HFrEF-patients (left ventricular ejection fraction <40%) especially benefit in terms of exercise capacity and health-related quality of life. Patients with other cardiovascular diseases also benefit from CR-participation, but the scientific evidence is less clear. There is increasing evidence that the beneficial effect of CR strongly depends on "treatment intensity" including medical supervision, treatment of cardiovascular risk factors, information and education, and a minimum of individually adapted exercise volume. Additional psychologic interventions should be performed on the basis of individual needs. Conclusions: These guidelines reinforce the substantial benefit of CR in specific clinical indications, but also describe remaining deficits in CR-delivery in clinical practice as well as in CR-science with respect to methodology and presentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Riparian vegetation strongly influences the solar radiation input, especially into small- to medium-sized rivers. Solar radiation is one of the main impact factors concerning the river water temperature regime. Effects of different vegetation management strategies on incident solar radiation are to a large extent unknown. In this study, the stream vegetation model Shade-a-lator 6.2 is calibrated using experimental investigations. The Shade-a-lator 6.2 model is adapted for simulations of the influence of willow coppice riparian vegetation on incident solar radiation on rivers since they are characteristic species of riparian plant associations. The main objective is the simulation of riparian vegetation management scenarios based on the calibrated Shade-a-lator 6.2. Results show that plant configuration effectively influences the energy input into the river system. The Shade-a-lator 6.2 is a helpful instrument to take into account different riparian management strategies. Simulations showed that the largest solar radiation reduction occurred for an Austrian (Vienna) west to east orientated river with 10m width at the time of highest sun elevation when the vegetation was homogeneously distributed along the whole river stretch, starting right next to the river, with a minimum vegetation height of 15m and a minimum width of 2m. Based on these conditions, a reduction of approximately 85% of global irradiance was obtained. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Introduction: In remote and mountainous areas, helicopter emergency medical systems (HEMS) are used to expedite evacuation and provide pre-hospital advanced trauma life support (ATLS) in major trauma victims. Aim of the study was to investigate feasibility of ATLS in HEMS mountain rescue missions and its influence on patient condition at hospital admission.Patients: 58 major trauma victims (Injury Severity Score ≥16), evacuated by physician staffed HEMS from remote and mountainous areas in the State of Tyrol, Austria between 1.1.2011 and 31.12.2013.Results: Pre-hospital time exceeded 90min in 24 (44%) cases. 31 (53%) patients suffered critical impairment of at least one vital function (systolic blood pressure <90mmHg, GCS <10, or respiratory rate <10 or >30). 4 (6.9%) of 58 patients died prior to hospital admission. Volume resuscitation was restrictive: 18 (72%) of 25 hypotensive patients received ≤500ml fluids and blood pressure was increased >90mmHg at hospital admission in only 9 (36%) of these 25 patients. 8 (50%) of 16 brain trauma patients with a blood pressure <90mmHg remained hypotensive at hospital admission. Endotracheal intubation was accomplished without major complications in 15 (79%) of 19 patients with a Glasgow Coma Scale score <10. Rope operations were necessary in 40 (69%) of 58 cases and ATLS was started before hoist evacuation in 30 (75%) of them.Conclusions: The frequent combination of prolonged pre-hospital times, with critical impairment of vital functions, supports the need for early ATLS in HEMS mountain rescue missions. Pre-hospital endotracheal intubation is possible with a high success and low complication rate also in a mountain rescue scenario. Pre-hospital volume resuscitation is restrictive and hypotension is reversed at hospital admission in only one third of patients. Prolonged pre-hospital hypotension remains an unresolved problem in half of all brain trauma patients and indicates the difficulties to increase blood pressure to a desired level in a mountain rescue scenario. Despite technical considerations, on-site ATLS is feasible for an experienced emergency physician in the majority of rope rescue operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]