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.

Evaluation of an E-participation Project: Lessons Learned and Success Factors from a Cross-Cultural Perspective

Abstract: In the area of large-scale e-participation projects on a cross-national level, the project we present is based on the idea that the active involvement of young people in the process of socio-political decision-making plays an important societal role. OurSpace is a multi-national project supporting a closer relationship between European decision makers, and Europe’s younger generation. OurSpace tried to combine ICT usage, young peoples’ readiness and motivation to participate, and their assumed lack of information regarding European politics. We present the evaluation framework and methodology applied for OurSpace, the major results of the project evaluation, and the lessons learned from a comparative perspective.

Intravenous thrombolysis in wake-up stroke: real-world data from the Austrian Stroke Unit Registry.

Abstract: Background and purpose Data on real-world experience with intravenous thrombolysis (IV tPA) in wake-up stroke (WUS) are limited. The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy and safety of IV tPA in patients with WUS included in the Austrian Stroke Unit Registry. Methods Data from a large nationwide stroke unit registry including initial stroke severity, vascular risk factors, comorbidities, treatment with IV tPA, symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage (sICH) and functional outcome were extracted and analysed. Patients with WUS were compared with patients with known-onset stroke (KOS) regarding the frequency of IV tPA treatment, neurological improvement (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score ≥4), sICH and 3-month functional outcome by modified Rankin Scale score using standard statistical tests. Results A total of 107 895 stroke patients entered the analysis, including 12 534 with WUS and 91 899 with KOS. Altogether, 904 (7.2%) patients with WUS received IV tPA as compared with 16 694 (18.2%) patients with KOS. Patients with WUS who received IV tPA treatment had twofold higher initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (median 8 vs. median 4) as compared with patients with KOS. There was no statistical difference in functional outcome by modified Rankin Scale score 0-1 at 3 months between patients with WUS and patients with KOS treated with IV tPA (adjusted odds ratio, 1.08; 95% confidence interval, 0.9-1.31). Also, the rate of sICH did not differ (4.1% vs. 4%, P = 0.852). Conclusions In this large non-randomized comparison, the safety and efficacy of IV tPA in patients with WUS in the real-world setting seems to be comparable to patients with KOS.

How online lurking contributes value to E-participation: A conceptual approach to evaluating the role of lurkers in e-participation

Abstract: This conceptual paper looks at the online behavior known as lurking, the value of lurking and how it contributes to e-participation and innovation in public administrations. Online lurking is often defined using negative terms, but it is argued in this paper that positive definitions may be more appropriate and using Takahashi's definition of “active lurkers” can show how online participation that is not visible may have an impact in online participation and e-participation by engaging in activities such as listening, acting as an audience, using, propagating and sharing knowledge. This works represents a contribution to a more differentiated understanding of online participation. It aims to show that lurking represents many online behaviors that may not always be visible, but are important in online contexts, as they represent participants who are active and may contribute valuable and innovative information. The role and value of lurkers is considered in general for online participation and specifically for e-participation and public administration.

The performance of diabetes risk prediction models in new populations: the role of ethnicity of the development cohort

Abstract: It is believed that diabetes risk scores need to be ethnic specific. However, this prerequisite has not been tested. We examined the performance of several risk models, developed in various populations, in a Europid and a South Asian population. The performance of 14 published risk prediction models were tested in two prospective studies: the Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle (AusDiab) study and the Mauritius non-communicable diseases survey. Eight models were developed in Europid populations; the remainder in various non-Europid populations. Model performance was assessed using area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (discrimination), Hosmer–Lemeshow tests (goodness-of-fit) and Brier scores (accuracy). In both AusDiab and Mauritius, discrimination was highest for a model developed in a mixed population (non-Hispanic white and African American) and lowest for a model developed in a Europid population. Discrimination for all scores was higher in AusDiab than in Mauritius. For almost all models, goodness-of-fit was poor irrespective of the ethnicity of the development cohort, and accuracy was higher in AusDiab compared to Mauritius. Our results suggest that similarity of ethnicity or similarity of diabetes risk may not be the best way of identifying models that will perform well in another population. Differences in study methodology likely account for much of the difference in the performance. Thus, identifying models which use measurements that are clearly described and easily reproducible for both research and clinical settings may be more important.