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.

Combining Mobile Crowdsensing and Ecological Momentary Assessments in the Healthcare Domain.

Abstract: The increasing prevalence of smart mobile devices (e.g., smartphones) enables the combined use of mobile crowdsensing (MCS) and ecological momentary assessments (EMA) in the healthcare domain. By correlating qualitative longitudinal and ecologically valid EMA assessment data sets with sensor measurements in mobile apps, new valuable insights about patients (e.g., humans who suffer from chronic diseases) can be gained. However, there are numerous conceptual, architectural and technical, as well as legal challenges when implementing a respective software solution. Therefore, the work at hand (1) identifies these challenges, (2) derives respective recommendations, and (3) proposes a reference architecture for a MCS-EMA-platform addressing the defined recommendations. The required insights to propose the reference architecture were gained in several large-scale mHealth crowdsensing studies running for many years and different healthcare questions. To mention only two examples, we are running crowdsensing studies on questions for the tinnitus chronic disorder or psychological stress. We consider the proposed reference architecture and the identified challenges and recommendations as a contribution in two respects. First, they enable other researchers to align our practical studies with a baseline setting that can satisfy the variously revealed insights. Second, they are a proper basis to better compare data that was gathered using MCS and EMA. In addition, the combined use of MCS and EMA increasingly requires suitable architectures and associated digital solutions for the healthcare domain.

Democracy of Climate and Climate for Democracy: the Evolution of Quadruple and Quintuple Helix Innovation Systems

Abstract: Quadruple and Quintuple Helix innovation systems are based on democracy and ecology. Two propositions are here key: (1) without a democracy or knowledge democracy, the further advancement of knowledge and innovation are seriously constrained, so in that sense, knowledge and innovation evolution depend on democracy and knowledge democracy; (2) ecology and environmental protection represent a necessity and challenge for humanity, but they also act as drivers for further knowledge and innovation (this should lead to a win–win situation for ecology and innovation). Therefore, for an innovation system to be a Quadruple/Quintuple Helix innovation system, the political regime hosting these helixes needs to be democratic in essence, not just in form. The next stage in evolution of innovation systems may be that this also will require a “democracy of climate” (promoting a social, cultural, economic, and political “climate for democracy”), where democracies as innovation enablers are creating innovation that regard the ecology as a crucial driver for further innovation and for responsible innovation.

Hierarchical Temporal Patterns and Interactive Aggregated Views for Pixel-Based Visualizations

Abstract: Many real-world problems involve time-oriented data. Time data is different from other kinds of data--explicitly harnessing the structures of time in visualizations can guide and support users’ visual analysis processes. State-of-the-art visualizations hardly take advantage of the structures of time to aid users in understanding and exploring the data. To bring more flexibility to the analysis process, we have developed interactive visual methods incorporating the structures of time within a pixel-based visualization called GROOVE (granular overview overlay). GROOVE uses different techniques to visualize time-oriented data by overlaying several time granularities in one visualization and provides interactive operators, which utilize the structures of time in different ways to capture and explore time-oriented data.

Chondroprotective effect of high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid on osteoarthritic chondrocytes in a co-cultivation inflammation model with M1 macrophages.

Abstract: Osteoarthritis (OA) is described by an imbalance between anabolic and catabolic processes in the affected joint. This dysregulation of metabolism affects not only chondrocytes within cartilage tissue but also the cells of the synovial membrane across the border of the joint. An important factor in OA is the low viscosity of the synovial fluid. High-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid (HA) can be used to increase the viscosity and also reduce inflammatory processes. The purpose was to establish an in vitro inflammation model and to evaluate the effects of high-molecular-weight HA in a co-cultivation inflammation model of osteoarthritic chondrocytes and M1 macrophages. For the establishment of the inflammation model THP-1 cells were, at first, differentiated to M0 macrophages and then activated to the M1 subtype after 5 days of resting period. Surface markers, cytokine release, and gene expression, were analyzed to examine the successful differentiation. In the inflammation model, the defined M1 macrophages were co-cultivated with osteoarthritic chondrocytes for 2 days, with and without the addition of 10 % HA and further analyzed for chondrogenic gene expression markers and the release of cytokines in the supernatant. The differentiation and activation process was successful as M1 macrophages expressed higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and specific genes. Similarly, the surface marker CD14 was significantly decreased compared to M0 macrophages. For the co-culture system, the analysis of gene expression showed that HA increased the expression of cartilage-specific genes while catabolic-encoding genes exhibited lower expression levels than the control group. This positive effect of HA was also demonstrated by the measurement of pro-inflammatory cytokines, as their level decreased. Our study implies that high-molecular-weight HA has a chondroprotective effect in the present co-cultivation inflammation model, as it decreases pro-inflammatory cytokines and increases anabolic factors.