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In the present study road safety impact analysis for certain advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) was conducted. Based on a literature review, expert interviews and current adaptations in legislation, the most promising nine ADAS were selected. The impact was analysed based on statistical crash data from Austria. Factors such as infrastructure and weather conditions, market penetration, expected functionality of sensors, user acceptance and risk homeostasis were considered. A software tool was developed to calculate the crash reduction potential of the selected ADAS for the scenarios 2025, 2030 and 2040. The results show that the ADAS related to warning/braking have the greatest future reduction potential and could lead to a reduction of up to 8,700 crashes and 70 fatalities in Austria in 2040. In addition, the Intelligent Speed Assistance system would lead to an overall crash reduction of 8% compared to current crash numbers in Austria in 2040. The Turning Assistant for heavy goods vehicles shows the lowest reduction in crashes and casualties, but due to the highest severity per crash (93 fatalities per 1,000 crashes), it nevertheless provides an important contribution to the reduction of fatalities in road traffic. However, to benefit from the ADAS safety potential, it is highly relevant that these systems are used in a correct manner. In the future, it will be necessary to provide users with more information on the correct use, benefits and limitations of the respective ADAS and to integrate the use of these systems into driver education procedures and tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Due to life-long immunosuppression, organ transplant recipients are prone to skin cancer development. We evaluated the association of cumulative UV burden with skin aging and skin cancer in two groups of transplant patients with and without skin cancer, who were matched for gender, age, type of organ transplanted, post-transplantation period, and immunosuppressive therapy. Individuals with actinic keratoses had a 7.5-fold risk for skin cancer development, and those with green or blue eyes a 4.1- or 3.6-fold risk, respectively; carriers of particular MC1R genotypes associated with a diminished function had a 1.9-fold increased risk. The extent of skin aging was only connected with a higher number of tumors, but not with the development of skin cancer per se. The risk of keratinocyte cancer is determined by intrinsic and extrinsic factors, which also influence skin aging. Few studies have linked skin aging and UV exposure with the incidence of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). We evaluated signs of actinic skin damage and aging, individual UV burden, and melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) variants. A total of 194 organ transplant recipients (OTR) who suffered from NMSC were compared to 194 tumor-free controls matched for gender, age, type of transplanted organ, post-transplantation (TX) period, and immunosuppressive therapy. Compared with the cases, the controls scored higher in all skin aging scores and there were no differences in UV burden except for intentional whole-body UV exposure for specific UV scenarios and periods of life in favor of cases. The number of NMSCs correlated with all types of skin aging scores, the extent of intentional sun exposure, older age, longer post-TX period, shorter interval from TX to first NMSC, and specific MC1R risk groups. Multivariable models revealed a 7.5-fold risk of developing NMSC in individuals with actinic keratosis; 4.1- or 3.6-fold in those with green or blue eyes, respectively; and a 1.9-fold increased risk in the MC1R medium- + high-risk group. In the absence of skin aging contributing to NMSC development, certain MC1R risk types may identify OTR at risk for high tumor burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The drivers behind regional differences of SARS-CoV-2 spread on finer spatio-temporal scales are yet to be fully understood. Here we develop a data-driven modelling approach based on an age-structured compartmental model that compares 116 Austrian regions to a suitably chosen control set of regions to explain variations in local transmission rates through a combination of meteorological factors, non-pharmaceutical interventions and mobility. We find that more than 60% of the observed regional variations can be explained by these factors. Decreasing temperature and humidity, increasing cloudiness, precipitation and the absence of mitigation measures for public events are the strongest drivers for increased virus transmission, leading in combination to a doubling of the transmission rates compared to regions with more favourable weather. We conjecture that regions with little mitigation measures for large events that experience shifts toward unfavourable weather conditions are particularly predisposed as nucleation points for the next seasonal SARS-CoV-2 waves. Author summary: How weather modulates the spread of SARS-CoV-2 on fine spatio-temporal scales is still not fully understood. Here we use a controlled regional comparison to isolate the impact of five different meteorological factors, four types of non-pharmaceutical interventions as well as individual-level mobility on transmission rates in Austria. We find that more than 60% of regional variations can be explained by these factors. Temperature and humidity relate inversely with transmission rates whereas cloudiness and precipitation correlate with increasing transmission. We also observe a particularly strong impact of restrictions targeting large events. Our results suggest that a combination of weather shifts towards winter conditions combined with little mitigation measures for large gatherings drive the early growth of seasonal SARS-CoV-2 waves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this research paper is to identify determinants influencing hotel room design now and in the future to offer hotel owners, hotel investors, architects and other partners involved in hotel planning, a framework regarding hotel room design 2030. Based both on theoretical foundations and empirical findings, guidelines for an innovative future hotel room design are evolved and represented by a triangular model. Design/methodology/approach: A detailed analysis of basic and topic-related hotel management literature as well as of promising best practices of leading international hotel companies is supplemented by the evaluation of 27 expert interviews with hoteliers of varying hotel conceptions in Germany, Austria and Spain. Findings: The paper presents qualitative as well as quantitative results of the applied methodology and leads to the emergence of a triangular model for an innovative future hotel room design approach. Research limitations/implications: Safety and security aspects (both physical and virtual) as well as sustainability as a limiting factor have not been further discussed within the model construction so far. Practical implications: The theoretical findings and the emergent framework may be customized to the determining factors and specific needs of individual hotels, hotel consortia or hotel chains to meet the needs of hotel room design 2030. Originality/value: This research paper offers guidelines beyond design aspects by considering target group priorities, technological innovation and economical aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Information on the impact of genetic predisposition on metal toxicokinetics in the human body is limited. There is increasing evidence that certain genetic polymorphisms modify lead and mercury toxicokinetics. This called for analysis of further candidate genes. Objectives: Medical students (N=324) were examined in order to detect potential associations between lead exposure and polymorphisms in HFE, VDR, ALAD, and MT genes, as well as between mercury exposure and GSTT1, GSTM1, GSTA1, GSTP1, GCLC, and MT polymorphisms. Methods: The levels of lead and mercury exposure of students were determined by blood, urine, and hair analyses (ICP-MS, CV-AAS). Genotyping of common polymorphisms was examined by MALDI-TOF MS and the TaqMan methodology. Associations between lead and mercury exposures and genetic background were examined by bivariate analysis, and by categorical regression analysis (CATREG) controlled by metal- and matrix-specific variables. Results: Lead and mercury levels in urine, blood, and hair indicated low exposures. VDR polymorphism and joint presence of VDR/ALAD polymorphisms were significantly and independently associated with urine lead concentrations (CATREG P<0.05). Polymorphisms in GSTP1-114 and MT4 genes as well as dual gene combinations including GSTP1, GCLC, GSTT1, and GSTM1 polymorphisms were independent variables related to mercury body burdens (CATREG P<0.05). GSTP1-114/GSTT1 and GSTP1-105/GCLC combinations showed synergistic effects on hair mercury levels compared to single-gene variants. Conclusions: We found evidence that certain genetic backgrounds were associated with lead and mercury metabolism, suggesting gene–environment and gene–gene–environment interactions. The modes of interaction remain to be evaluated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Breast milk might be a source of potentially toxic metals such as cadmium (Cd). The purpose of the present study is to provide data pertaining to the influence of maternal lifestyles on Cd concentrations in breast milk in the Austrian setting. Breast milk was obtained from 124 Austrian women. Each participant provided 10 ml of milk. A second group of eight mothers were recruited to investigate changes in their milk cadmium levels at 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 weeks post partum. The study participants filled a questionnaire concerning nutrition, supplementation, and smoking habits. The samples were analyzed using GF-Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The mean Cd content in breast milk was among the lowest in Europe (0.086±0.085 μg/l, 95% CI: 0.07–0.10; n=124). Increased Cd levels in breast milk were found to be significantly associated with frequent cereal consumption and smoking. Smokers had a two-fold higher concentration than did non-smokers (0.15 versus 0.07 μg/l; P=0.000). In contrast, low Cd levels in breast milk were associated with the intake of supplements containing trace elements or vitamins and trace elements (P<0.05). This protective effect of supplements on Cd levels was only observed in non-smokers. The Cd levels registered in the present investigation were far below critical levels. We conclude that the current maternal Cd levels in Austria signify no risk for the breastfed infant of a healthy mother. Further research will have to focus on the specific effects of supplementation and smoking on Cd concentrations.Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology (2007) 17, 39–46. doi:10.1038/sj.jes.7500518; published online 06 September 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extreme precipitation plays a crucial role in managing weather-related risks, particularly flooding, and has a significant impact on various sectors such as hydrology, agriculture, and economy. It is important to evaluate precipitation forecast outputs to help refining prediction models, especially for heavy events. This study examines the performance of two weather models, both designed to provide frequently updated forecasts for a short time range, but using different approaches: extrapolation-based and fully dynamical 3D numerical weather prediction (NWP) models. These models are assessed over a two-month period with several heavy thunderstorms, using data from Austria and a smaller catchment in southeast Austria. We addressed the errors and uncertainties in these models using different verification metrics and two different observational datasets. In general, both models performed well in the first hour of the forecast at both large and small scales. However, performance decreased with lead time after the first hour, with a faster decline in the extrapolation-based model. The performance of the models changed when considering different precipitation thresholds. For higher thresholds (heavier precipitation), the NWP model performed better than the extrapolation-based model, whereas it performed worse for lower thresholds. When using the object-oriented Structure Amplitude Location (SAL) metric, the dynamical NWP model performed better regarding the structure of precipitation, while the extrapolated-based model had a better performance when considering the amplitude parameter, i.e., the total amount of precipitation. With a lower error in the first hours of each run, the dynamical NWP model showed that an hourly update cycle helps to reduce the forecast errors noticeably. The results highlight the need of considering forecast model performance at different intensity thresholds and spatial scales. • Two short-term forecast models are evaluated using two observation datasets. • In heavier precipitation rates, the NWP model shows better results. • The NWP captures the structure of precipitation well. • In terms of total amount of precipitation, the extrapolation-based performs better. • More frequent update cycle has a notable impact on reducing forecast errors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Custodiol solution (HTK) is a well-established preservation solution in organ transplantation. Custodiol-N (HTK-N), is a novel HTK-based solution, which includes iron chelators to reduce oxidative injury, as well as L-arginine, to improve endothelial cell function. Earlier results in coronary artery bypass surgery, showed good cardiac protection without any safety concerns. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and ability of Custodiol-N to preserve cardiac grafts for heart transplantation This prospective randomised, single blind multicenter non-inferiority trial was performed at 3 centers in Austria and Germany. 105 patients were randomized to HTK N (n=53) or HTK (n=52) as preservation solution for their donor hearts. The primary endpoint was creatine kinase (CK-MB) peak value from 4-168 hours after opening of cross clamp, with a 30% non-inferiority margin. Secondary efficacy endpoints were patient survival, incidence of primary graft failure, length of intensive care unit stay. The primary endpoint was analysed in per-protocol (PP) population, whereas other endpoints were analysed in both as treated and PP populations. Median donor age (41years (range:21-64) vs. 46 years (18-67);p=n.s.) and ischemic times (212.5min (range:85-356) vs. 201.5 min.(range: 108-345); p=n.s.) were comparable between HTK-N and HTK groups. For the PP data set, 19 patients (HTK-N n=12, HTK n=7) were excluded due to missing CK-MB values. Average CK-MB peak values 178.17±202.41 U/L in the HTK group compared to 136.29±70,72 U/L in the HTK-N Group (p-value for non-inferiority of HTK-N by 30% <.0001). Patient survival were comparable between groups at 30 days and 1-year post transplantation (HTK-N: 100%, 88,7%; HTK: 98.1%, 90,4%, p=0.83). The incidence of primary graft failure was 21.5% in the HTK and 11.3% in HTK-N group (p=0.19). Median length of intensive care unit stay was 8 days (25%-75%: 5-11 days) in the HTK-N group compared to 11 days in the HTK group (25%-75%: 6-19 days; p=0.13). Safety assessment showed even distributed adverse events with only 7 (HTK:n=4, HTK-N:n=3) possibly related to the preservation solutions. This study shows that HTK-N is safe and provides similar cardiac protection as the established HTK solution. Both solutions were safe to use in clinical heart transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: The heavy metals lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) are ubiquitous environmental pollutants with high neurotoxic potential. We aimed to compare perinatal Pb and Hg concentrations and to explore the potential association between Pb and Hg exposure and newborn anthropometry. Study design: Pregnant women were recruited in 2005 at the General Hospital Vienna for participation in this longitudinal study. Pb and Hg concentrations were measured in maternal blood and hair, placenta, cord blood, meconium, and breast milk of 53 mother-child pairs by CV-AAS, GF-AAS, and HPLC-CV-ICPMS. We conducted bivariate analyses and categorical regression analysis (CATREG) to evaluate the determinants of Pb and Hg exposure, and of infant anthropometry. Results: Median Pb and total Hg contents were low, i.e., 25μg/L (maternal blood-Pb), 13μg/L (cord blood-Pb), 0.7μg/L (maternal blood-Hg), and 1.1μg/L (cord blood-Hg). Hg levels in maternal and fetal tissues were frequently correlated (r >0.3, P <0.05, respectively). Regarding Pb, only maternal blood and cord blood concentrations correlated (P =0.043). Cord blood levels indicated higher Hg exposure but lower Pb exposure relative to maternal blood contents. Adjusted CATREG models indicated the significant predictors of birth length (placenta-Pb, gestational length, meconium-Pb), birth weight (placenta-Pb, gestational length, maternal blood-Pb), and head circumference (maternal education, maternal height). Besides one significant correlation between maternal hair Hg and birth length, the mercury levels were not associated with newborn anthropometry. Conclusions: Our data implicate that different modes of action may exist for placentar transfer of Pb and Hg as well as that low Pb exposure levels can result in lower birth weight. The findings related to newborn anthropometry need to be confirmed by the examination of larger study groups. Further research is needed to clarify the mechanisms of Pb and Hg transfer via the placenta, and to explore how prenatal Pb exposure is related to intrauterine growth. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We checked the change in health status of employees of an Austrian company over a period of one year. In June 1995 medical and anthropometric tests were carried out. From the results of the tests, we made individual recommendations for training and nutrition. Lectures, demonstration sessions and regular sessions in gymnastics were held during the year. In June 1996 a re-test was carried out. In 1995, 95 men and 27 women, in 1996, 62 men and 27 women participated in the investigation. A comparative statistical analysis was carried out for the group of men. Body fat tissue decreased and fat free mass increased highly significantly (p = 0.000), systolic blood pressure decreased about 10 mmHg on average (p = 0.000), exhalation volume as well as the relative physical work capacity increased very high significantly (p = 0.000 for both parameters). There were no significant changes of diastolic blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride levels.