Danube University Krems

About: Danube University Krems is a education organization based out in Krems, Niederösterreich, Austria. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Stroke & Population. The organization has 498 authors who have published 1572 publications receiving 68797 citations.

Timestamping and Ranging Performance for IEEE 802.15.4 CSS Systems

Abstract: This paper deals with the characterization of IEEE 802.15.4 using the chirp spread spectrum (CSS) physical layer. A new test bench, which has full bandwidth capability and extreme flexibility because of the field programmable gate array-based probes, is used for managing reproducible measurement results. Several scenarios and algorithms have been considered for the estimation of the IEEE 802.15.4 CSS performance in real indoor environments. The absolute timestamping errors have been evaluated using the distributed synchronization feature (synchronous Ethernet) of the test bench probes. The ranging performance has been evaluated using both two-way ranging (TWR) and symmetrical double-sided TWR approaches. The characterization results in indoor situations show that the tested implementation of IEEE 802.15.4 CSS achieves mean timestamping errors of 200 ps, and a ranging root mean square error down to 0.5 m. Moreover, the CSS modulation highlights a good robustness against interference.

Introducing Psychological Factors into E-Participation Research

Abstract: This chapter looks at e-petitioning as a successful application of e-participation from a psychological perspective. It notes that e-participation should not be viewed uncritically, as digital technologies cannot remedy all (political) problems: indeed, they can strengthen old ones and create new ones. Following a brief reviews of socio-economic and application-acceptance models of e-participation, a small selection of psychological approaches factors are presented that could be applied to this context. It is argued that it is useful and important to understand the psychological factors that influence the decisions made by individuals about whether to participate in the political system by initiating, or simply signing, a petition, or choose to remain mere passive observers, no matter how well informed. These insights can both help practitioners designing an e-participation system, and designing new research projects.

Leukoencephalopathies in Mitochondrial Disorders: Clinical and MRI Findings

Abstract: The second most frequently affected organ in mitochondrial disorders (MIDs) is the central nervous system (CNS). One of the most frequent CNS abnormalities on imaging is the affection of the white matter (WMLs) for which the term, leukoencephalopathies in mitochondrial disorders (LEM), is proposed. The morphology of LEM on imaging is quite variable even within the same type of MID and the same family. LEM can be a subtle or prominent feature on imaging and may go along with or without clinical neurologic or neuropsychological manifestations. WMLs are most likely due to the underlying metabolic defect of the respiratory chain or concomitant oxidative stress, resulting in neuronal death and replacement of neurons by glial cells. WMLs in MIDs frequently give rise to misinterpretation, particularly if the mitochondrial defect is not evident in organs other than the CNS or if the presence of WMLs does not induce consideration of a MID as a differential. The diagnosis of a LEM requires the diagnosis of an MID, the detection of WMLs on imaging, and the exclusion of all possible differentials. Because the presence of LEM has an impact on the prognosis of an MID, all MID patients should undergo cerebral imaging even in the absence of clinical CNS manifestations.

Stress levels in high-school students after a semester of home-schooling.

Abstract: There has been an increase in stress in adolescents since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Social distancing and home-schooling are just two of many stress factors for this age group. The aim of this study was to assess stress in high-school students after a semester of home-schooling. A cross-sectional online survey (February 3rd to 28th 2021) was performed, measuring stress with the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) in Austria. In total, N = 2884 students (age: M = 16.47 (SD = 1.44); 70.4% females) completed the survey. Mean PSS-10 score was M = 23.50 (SD = 7.47) [females: M = 24.69 (SD = 6.80); males: M = 20.11 (SD = 7.93); p < 0.001]. 11.0% reported low stress (females: 7.2%; males 20.9%), 52.5% moderate stress (females: 51.5%; males: 57.3%), and 36.5% high stress (females: 41.3%; males 21.8%); p < 0.001. Around one-third of high-school students suffer from high stress level, females almost twice as often as males. Psychological support should particularly focus on stress and possibilities to reduce it.

Comparison of transcatheter aortic valve implantation with other approaches to treat aortic valve stenosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVI) is an alternative treatment for patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis ineligible for surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) or at increased perioperative risk. Due to continually emerging evidence, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing benefits and harms of TAVI, SAVR, medical therapy, and balloon aortic valvuloplasty. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL from 2002 to June 6, 2017. We dually screened abstracts and full-text articles for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and propensity score-matched observational studies. Two investigators independently rated the risk of bias of included studies and determined the certainty of evidence using GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation). If data permitted, we performed meta-analyses using random- and fixed-effects models. Out of 7755 citations, we included six RCTs (5862 patients) and 13 observational studies (6376 patients). In meta-analyses, patients treated with SAVR or TAVI had similar risks for mortality at 30 days (relative risk [RR] 1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.82 to 1.33) and 1 year (RR 1.02; 95% CI 0.93 to 1.13). TAVI had significantly lower risks for major bleeding but increased risks for major vascular complications, moderate or severe paravalvular aortic regurgitation, and new pacemaker implantation compared to SAVR. Comparing TAVI to medical therapy, mortality did not differ at 30 days but was significantly reduced at 1 year (RR 0.51; 95% CI 0.34 to 0.77). Given similar mortality risks but different patterns of adverse events, the choice between TAVI and SAVR remains an individual one.