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.

A User-Centered Design Approach to Self-Service Ticket Vending Machines

Abstract: Since their introduction, self-service ticket vending machines (TVMs) have become an increasingly important distribution channel in the public transport sector, progressively replacing the traditional ticket counter. In a public transport setting, where ticket counter closures have left different groups of people dependent on TVM to meet their mobility needs, a single, effective system is required. Research questions: (1) Which barriers do currently hinder the usage of TVM? (2) Which requirements should a barrier-free TVM fulfill? (3) How can we design a new self-service TVM for a nationwide public railway company? (4) How can we ensure that the usability and user experience (UX) is high for all users, especially for those with low levels of technological affinity? Situating the case: Most other studies on the use and usability of TVMs were conducted as post-hoc evaluations. In contrast, our case study presents a user-centered design (UCD) approach that takes the needs of the different target groups into account throughout the whole development process. Theories and concepts that guided the case included UCD, which involves alternating test and evaluation loops that actively involve users to create a usable product and UX, which describes the quality of the experience a person has when interacting with a specific computer system using a specific interaction technique. Methodology: More than 250 participants were involved in focus groups, observations, interviews, and experiments from the very first stages of development. Interface designs were presented to the future end users to obtain their feedback, with the results fed back into the design process. About the case: A prototype for a novel generation of TVM was developed in three phases: First, the context of use was analyzed. In the second phase, we conducted a requirements analysis. Third, different hardware and software interaction designs were iteratively tested and evaluated. The resulting prototype met the requirements of most user groups, though further adjustments are necessary. Conclusions: The UCD approach proved to be a valuable framework for the development and design of self-service systems.

mHealth Applications: Potentials, Limitations, Current Quality and Future Directions

Abstract: Due to the constant use of smartphones in daily life, mHealth apps might bear great potential for the use in health care support. In this chapter the potentials, limitations, current quality and future directions of mHealth apps will be discussed. First, we describe potential benefits like quicker facilitation of information, patient empowerment and inclusion of undersupplied population groups. Furthermore, the use of mHealth apps for diverse somatic and mental health conditions will be discussed. Beyond, the chapter provides the reader with a short overview on the efficacy of mHealth apps for different indications: Exemplary, we provide evidence for the efficacy of mHealth apps in the realm of asthmatic disease, depression and anxiety disorder. Despite the availability of mHealth solutions, the acceptance of among health care providers is still moderate to low. This represents a substantial problem, as health care providers are important gate keepers for intervention uptake. In this context we describe methods to foster acceptance. Furthermore, we address potential risks of mHealth app use including low responsiveness towards critical situations (e.g. self-harm) or the difficulty for users to assess the quality of the app’s content. Here we refer to standardized instruments to assess app quality. With respect to the massive amount of sensitive data already being collected through such mHealth apps, we also reflect on the latest current legal situation in Europe and the United States.

Linked open data: a means for public sector information management

Abstract: Currently information management in public administration is discussed under the aspects of information production, effective information provision and information logistics. The authors point out why the provision of Open Government Data shall be seen as a core element of strategic information management in the public sector and why extensive literature on the subject will be needed in future. The authors have designed an architectural model for Linked Open Government Data based on Good Practice Models in administration and economics. The proposed model is based on current wide spread technologies of Semantic Web, using Tim Berners-Lee 5-star Model. Simple APIs based on RESTful Services are necessary to take advantage of benefits of Peer Production and to guarantee compatibility with the growing market of mobile applications. Issues concerning licencing and legal liability are discussed in the concluding section.

Comparative Benefits and Harms of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Therapies for Initial Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Abstract: Objectives: To report the comparative benefits and harms of exercise and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments with second-generation antidepressants (SGA) for major depressive disorder (MDD). Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Settings: Outpatient clinics. Subjects: Adults, aged 18 years and older, with MDD receiving an initial treatment attempt with SGA. Interventions: Any CAM or exercise intervention compared with an SGA. Outcome measures: Treatment response, remission, change in depression rating, adverse events, treatment discontinuation, and treatment discontinuation due to adverse events. Results: We found 22 randomized controlled trials for direct comparisons and 127 trials for network meta-analyses, including trials of acupuncture, omega-3 fatty acids, S-adenosyl methionine, St. John's wort, and exercise. For most treatment comparisons, we found no differences between treatment groups for response and remission. However, the risk of bias of these studies led u...