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Austria (Europe)’s university system does not allocate tuition fees to its students and allows for multiple simultaneous enrollments. This leads to students having different constellations between earlier enrollments, i.e., “pre-studies”, and their current ones. This study aimed at gathering explorative insights into the relationship of these constellations with students’ outcomes (graduation/dropout). The sample consisted of 61,098 unique students in 108,915 programs between the academic years 2010/11 and 2022/23, with 24% of students having multiple enrollments and 26% having pre-studies. Survival analyses showed higher probabilities of graduating in each semester when students had pre-studies. Odds ratio tests revealed that the odds of graduation in at least one program are lower when having pre-studies in bachelor’s programs, but higher in master’s programs. This can be explained by the transferability of exam results, a possible knowledge transfer and academic readiness as well as a higher workload with an increasing number of enrollments.

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

University admission test rankings are related to later student performance. Austria (Europe) faces amendments to the psychotherapy law, introducing a polyvalent bachelor's program in psychology, enabling admission for both a master's program in psychology and psychotherapy. Psychology is in high demand at public universities and has restricted access. This study aimed to answer the question whether increasing the number of places for psychology students can be recommended in the Austrian university system. Objective data of administrative university databases was merged, resulting in a sample of 1323 bachelor's psychology students of the cohorts from 2013/14 to 2023/24. Admission exam results, student performance metrics, the outcome (graduation/ dropout) and sociodemographic and -economic data was retrieved. Analyses showed low to moderate correlations between the rankings in the admission exam and later performance, different for graduates and dropouts in psychology and students, who were admitted, but enrolled elsewhere. Logistic regression models showed that rankings can predict students' outcomes. Based on graduation rates, results were extrapolated from 230 current places. Results suggest that 376 to 470 students in total may be admitted. The results of this study can help policymakers, university systems and university managers (re-)evaluate the number of places for bachelor's psychology students.

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

Dropout of university students can have negative consequences for students’ futures as well as for university income. University systems with a multiple enrollment policy may offer students benefits, such as a second chance to graduate instead of dropping out. However, little is known about the outcome constellations (graduation, dropout) of undergraduate students in such a university system. Austria’s (Europe) university system has no tuition fees, but has introduced student performance regulations based on student workload and study duration. Students have to fulfill certain performance goals within a predefined period to not lose their enrollment to a program. Therefore, this study aims to cluster different groups of students based on their outcome constellations of dropout and graduation in a university system allowing multiple enrollments. The sample consisted of 59,574 students in 93,969 bachelor’s and diploma programs of an Austrian university between 2010/11 and 2022/23. The data was retrieved from the administrative database of the University of Graz. Workload and study duration were used as the major outcome dimensions. Cluster analyses with four algorithms were calculated per outcome constellation, the results were categorized and aggregated in matrices for workload (low, medium, high) and duration (low, medium, long). Having more than one enrollment can be associated with a higher workload and longer overall study duration. There are student groups graduating from one program and dropping out of another, representing those that get a second chance for a degree or those that strategically switch programs. A multiple enrollment policy can give students the opportunity to try out different programs and to fail, since they can choose a program that fits them best to finally graduate. The results can aid policymaker’s decisions around multiple enrollment policies, considering possible advantages and disadvantages for students and institutions.

High college dropout rates are not a desired outcome for university management. Efforts have been made to increase student retention via understanding dropouts and building support mechanisms. With the emergence of Big Data, educational process mining came into existence, allowing for new methods of structuring and visualizing data. Previous studies have established an approach to generate process maps from the course sequences students take. This study improves this method by focusing on visualizing students’ pathways through a study program dependent on their status as a “dropout” or “graduate” and on the level of every degree program. An interactive framework in a web application dedicated to curriculum designers was created. The data of 53,839 students in 78,495 studies at the University of Graz (Austria) between 2012/13 and 2022/23 were used for process mining. The generated process maps provide information on the exam sequence of students. They have been implemented in discussion forums with stakeholder groups and are part of the curriculum (re)design processes. The maps provide the benefit of being able to compare and monitor successful and non-successful students’ maps using real-time data. Despite their use for curriculum development, they are limited in their size and the number of exams that can be displayed, making them a good fit for early dropout evaluation.

Universities aim at increasing student retention, with evidence-based and data-based governance of universities becoming best practice. In this context, managing large amounts of data in university management is a challenge. Sankey diagram visualizations of student flows per time unit (e.g. semesters) have been used as method for structuring but lacked the ability to go beyond program level. This study aims to advance this method by displaying multiple student lifecycles from school to doctorate, while including user-based input. Data of 83,264 students enrolled into 140,593 programs between 2012/13 and 2022/23 with 657.615 distinct rows in the raw data were used. A self-synchronizing web interface was provided, including filter and stratification variables. The diagrams could be mapped to students' lifecycles and extended over all degree levels and fields of study. Limitations were data availability and the lack of indicators for each stage of the student lifecycle. Improvements in the mapping are warranted.

ObjectiveTo compare surgical success, postoperative intraocular pressure and complication rates between trabeculectomy and XEN gelstent surgery in a cohort of glaucoma patients in a typical clinical setting.MethodsA retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients with refractory open-angle glaucoma including patients who underwent either stand-alone XEN gelstent insertion with Mitomycin C or trabeculectomy with Mitomycin C between 2016 and 2018 at the University Eye Hospital Mainz, Germany. Primary outcome measure was the proportion of surgical success 1 year after surgery. Patients with an IOP ≤18mmHg, an intraocular pressure reduction of >20% and in no need of revision surgery or topical medication were considered a complete surgical success. If topical therapy was necessary, they were considered a qualified success. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was carried out for the primary outcome including gender, age, preoperative intraocular pressure and number of medication classes used preoperatively as adjustment variables.Results171 eyes of 144 patients were included, including 82 eyes of 58 patients in the XEN group and 89 eyes of 86 patients in the trabeculectomy group. The primary outcome defined as the proportion of surgical success after 1 year (mean 11.1 months ± 2.2) was similar for both groups. The complete success proportion was 65.5% (95%-CI: 55.6-75.9%) in the trabeculectomy group, and 58.5% (95%-CI: 47.6-69.4%) in the XEN group and not statistically different in our analysis model (crude OR = 0.61; 95%-CI: 0.31-1.22; adjusted OR = 0.66; 95%-CI: 0.32-1.37). The intraocular pressure reduction, as secondary outcome measure, was higher in the trabeculectomy group (10.5 mmHg) compared to the XEN group (7.2 mmHg; p = 0.003) at the 12-month follow-up.ConclusionBoth XEN gelstent implantation and trabeculectomy show similar proportions of surgical success and of complications and are therefore both recommendable for clinical routine. However, trabeculectomy seems to be more effective in lowering intraocular pressure than the XEN implantation. A prospective randomized clinical trial is necessary to evaluate differences in the long-term clinical outcome.

For an in-depth characterization of catalytic materials and their properties, spectroscopic in-situ (operando) investigations are indispensable. With the rapid development of advanced commercial spectroscopic equipment, it is possible to combine complementary methods in a single system. This allows for simultaneously gaining insights into surface and bulk properties of functional oxides, such as defect chemistry, catalytic characteristics, electronic structure, etc., enabling a direct correlation of structure and reactivity of catalyst materials, thus facilitating effective catalyst development. Here, we present a novel sample-stage, which was specifically developed to pave the way to a lab–based combination of near ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy with simultaneous catalytic operando measurements. This setup is designed to probe different (model) systems under conditions close to real heterogeneous catalysis, with a focus on solid oxide electrochemical cells. In a proof of concept experiment using an electrochemical model cell with the doped perovskite Nd0.6Ca0.4Fe0.9Co0.1O3-δ as working electrode, the precise control of the surface chemistry that is possible with this setup is demonstrated. The exsolution behavior of the material was studied, showing that at a lower temperature (500 °C) with lower reducing potential of the gas phase, only cobalt was exsolved, forming metallic particles on the surface of the perovskite-type oxide. Only when the temperature was increased to 600 °C and a cathodic potential was applied (−250 mV) Fe also started to be released from the perovskite lattice.

Introduction: Nonmuscle invasive urothelial cell carcinoma is the most frequent malignancy of the urinary bladder. The high recurrence rate (up to 80%) and risk of progression (up to 30%) reflect the need for long-term follow-up and sometimes multiple interventions. To reduce the rate of recurrences and tumor progression, intravesical immunotherapy, especially the use of Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG), represents the gold standard adjuvant treatment of high-risk nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). This article reviews the role of BCG therapy and several promising new immunotherapeutic approaches such as mycobacterium phlei cell wall-nucleic acid complex, interleukin-10 (IL-10) antibody, vaccine-based therapy, alpha-emitter therapy, and photodynamic therapy checkpoint inhibitors. Methods: A systematic literature review was performed using the terms (immunotherapy, NMIBC, BCG, and intravesical) using PubMed and Cochrane databases. Results: BCG represents the most common intravesical immunotherapeutic agent for the adjuvant treatment of high-risk NMIBC. Its use is associated with a significant reduction of recurrence and progression. Patients with NMIBC of intermediate and high-risk benefit the most from BCG therapy. To achieve maximal efficacy, an induction therapy followed by a maintenance schedule should be used. Full-dose BCG is recommended to obtain ideal antitumoral activity and there is no evidence of a reduction of side effects in patients treated with a reduced dose. There are multiple new approaches and agents in immunotherapy with potential and promising antineoplastic effects. Conclusions: The beneficial effect of BCG is well documented and established. To reduce the tumor specific mortality, it is essential to follow guideline-based treatment. In patients with BCG-failure, there are new promising alternatives other than BCG but BCG remains the gold standard at this stage.

Background. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) allows quantitative analysis of the anterior segment of the eye with a noncontact examination. The aim of this study is to analyze associations of central corneal thickness (CCT) as measured by OCT with ocular and systemic cardiovascular parameters. Methods. A cross-sectional study of 734 persons was performed in a working age population. Only healthy eyes were included. A comprehensive ophthalmological examination including refraction, noncontact tonometry, and imaging of the anterior segment by SD-OCT was performed. In parallel, a broad range of systemic cardiovascular parameters were measured. Associations were analyzed using a generalized estimating equations’ model. Results. CCT measurements showed a significant association with corneal curvature and intraocular pressure: a thinner CCT was associated with a flatter cornea and with lower intraocular pressure (p

An array of analytical methods including surface area determination by gas adsorption using the Brunauer, Emmett, Teller (BET) method, combustion analysis, XRD, ToF-SIMS, TEM and impedance spectroscopy has been used to investigate the interaction of gadolinia doped ceria (GDC) with hydrogen sulphide containing reducing atmospheres. It is shown that sulphur is incorporated into the GDC bulk and might lead to phase changes. Additionally, high concentrations of silicon are found on the surface of model composite microelectrodes. Based on these data, a model is proposed to explain the multi-facetted electrochemical degradation behaviour encountered during long term electrochemical measurements. While electrochemical bulk properties of GDC stay largely unaffected, the surface polarisation resistance is dramatically changed, due to silicon segregation and reaction with adsorbed sulphur.

Austria (Europe)'s university system does not allocate tuition fees to its students and allows for multiple simultaneous enrollments. This leads to students having different constellations between earlier enrollments, i.e., "pre-studies", and their current ones. This study aimed at gathering explorative insights into the relationship of these constellations with students' outcomes (graduation/dropout). The sample consisted of 61,098 unique students in 108,915 programs between the academic years 2010/11 and 2022/23, with 24% of students having multiple enrollments and 26% having pre-studies. Survival analyses showed higher probabilities of graduating in each semester when students had pre-studies. Odds ratio tests revealed that the odds of graduation in at least one program are lower when having pre-studies in bachelor's programs, but higher in master's programs. This can be explained by the transferability of exam results, a possible knowledge transfer and academic readiness as well as a higher workload with an increasing number of enrollments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Purpose: To analyse prognostic features on quality of life (QoL) following radical cystectomy and urinary diversion via orthotopic neobladder in a single-centre patient cohort. Materials and Methods: Postoperative QoL of 152 patients was assessed retrospectively using the validated QLQ-C30 questionnaire. Potential associations of patient's quality of life including pre-and intraoperative characteristics, surgeon experience, postoperative time course, adjuvant therapies, and functional outcome were defined a priori and evaluated. Mann-Whitney-U-, Kruskal-Wallis-, Spearman correlation and post hoc-testing were used. A multivariate analysis using a multiple logistic regression model was performed. A p value 100 previous cystectomies, p=0.007), and nerve-sparing surgery (p=0.001). Patients who underwent secondary chemotherapy or radiotherapy had significant lower QLQ-C30 scores (p=0.04, p=0.02 respectively). Patients who were asymptomatic had a significantly higher quality of life (p

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