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In 2021/2022 a consortium of European universities delivered a scientific basis for a policy fighting fake news and hate speech with support of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, describing also the technical and legal basics of both phenomena. In this context a survey was performed with the delegates of the Congress and the book, which contained also the survey results, was presented to the Congress in its Spring Session 2022. In 2023 a broader survey was done in a selection of countries, which also returned 675 filled-in questionnaires from Romania. The part of the questionnaire dealing with possible remedies contained questions which remedies are considered technically and legally feasible by the participants. Confirming the results of the survey in 2021/2022 the results for Romania showed a severe lack of basic knowledge about how the internet works and its governance. In this paper we want to show the results for Romania in detail, discuss them and suggest possible training measures which seem necessary to make the local and regional politics and administration fit for the Digitalization.The analysis of data from other European countries showed that this phenomenon is not restricted to Romania but is widely recognizable all over Europe. It also confirms the results from the survey among the Congress delegates. Therefore, this paper may be based on the Romanian dataset, however it signifies a pan-European issue.The authors are grateful to Vice Dean Nicolae Urs (Babeș-Bolyai University Cluj-Napoca) and Catalin Vrabie (National University of Political Studies and Public Administration) for their support in spreading the survey among Romanian municipalities.

There has been a global increase in the demand for woody biomass in the last decade. The imperative to achieve the highest production per unit of land while preserving natural forest resources has expanded intensive forest cultivation in industrial plantations. The development of a global bioeconomy is expected to further increase the demand for biomass for material and energy use from industrial forest plantations. Efficiently planning supply from these timber sources requires up-to-date information on current harvesting systems. This study aims to provide an overview of existing systems and their performance in industrial plantations located in seven relevant global regions. Eight regional experts combined knowledge, supported by relevant literature, to create a unique database for benchmarking harvesting systems regarding their productivity and supply costs. Current mechanized systems can reach harvesting productivity exceeding 100 m3 per productive machine hour (PMH), while roadside costs range between 5 and 20 USD m−3 solid volume. Harvesting systems are modified continuously to adapt to plantations’ characteristics and industrial requirements in the different regions. Local socioeconomic factors and the historical sectorial evolution in each region significantly impact the selection of harvesting systems, mechanization levels, type of machinery, and resulting harvesting costs. Expanding plantations to more marginal lands requires further research on adapting agricultural/construction machinery to steep terrain plantations. International literature tends to represent large-scale, highly mechanized systems well. In contrast, fewer studies are available for characterizing small-scale systems, particularly in developing regions.

Dank neuer Technologien wie Internet of Things (IoT) sowie durch die fortschreitende Miniaturisierung von Sensorik und elektronischen Komponenten ist es möglich, Produkte, Maschinen etc. miteinander sowie auch mit den User*innen zu vernetzen und Daten auszutauschen. Dadurch ergibt sich ein großes Potential für die Schaffung eines zusätzlichen Mehrwerts von physischen Produkten. Kombiniert mit digitalen Services, ergeben sich dabei Smarte Produkte, die durch die genannten Eigenschaften einen Mehrwert für die Kund*innen aber auch für das Unternehmen generieren, indem sie insbesondere spezifische individuelle Kundenbedürfnisse erfüllen. ‚Smart‘ bezieht sich dabei auf den Aspekt, dass das Produkt bzw. der Service selbständig Daten verarbeiten und analysieren sowie autonome Entscheidungen treffen bzw. Aktionen ausführen kann. Erweitert ein Unternehmen sein Produktportfolio um Smart Products, so erfordert es in der Regel eine Anpassung des bestehenden Geschäftsmodells. Im Fokus der Masterarbeit steht die eingehende Analyse der Auswirkungen der Einführung von Smart Products auf die Geschäftsmodelle traditioneller, produzierender Unternehmen. Dabei werden charakteristische Merkmale dieser neuen Geschäftsmodelle identifiziert und die Anpassungen oder Veränderungen, insbesondere im Hinblick auf den Business Model Canvas, beleuchtet. Ebenso wird in der Auseinandersetzung mit dem Thema auf die Herausforderungen eingegangen, die bei der Umsetzung und Etablierung dieser Smart Products in der Praxis entstehen. Thanks to new technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and the ongoing miniaturization of sensors and electronic components, it is possible to network products, machines, etc. with each other and with users and exchange data. This offers great potential for creating additional added value for physical products. Combined with digital services, this results in smart products that generate added value for customers as well as for the company through the mentioned properties, in particular by meeting specific individual customer needs. 'Smart' refers to the aspect that the product or service can independently process and analyze data and make autonomous decisions or perform actions. If a company expands its product portfolio to include smart products, this usually requires an adjustment to the existing business model. This master's thesis focuses on an in-depth analysis of the effects of the introduction of smart products on the business models of traditional manufacturing companies. Characteristic features of these new business models are identified and the adjustments or changes are examined, particularly with regard to the Business Model Canvas. The challenges that arise when implementing and establishing these smart products in practice are also addressed in the discussion of the topic. eingereicht von Mag. Georg Pilsner Abweichender Titel laut Übersetzung der Verfasserin/des Verfassers Masterarbeit Universität Linz 2024 Arbeit auf den öffentlichen PCs in den Bibliotheken der JKU+Medizin abrufbar

Digital transformation creates customer value and economic welfare in companies of all sizes. This involves making existing business processes more efficient and fulfilling customer needs more effectively. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) must embrace digital transformation in order to meet customer needs through better products and services and at a lower cost than competitors. Digital transformation may also involve fundamental changes to existing business models through disruptive digital technologies. SMEs can also use digital transformation to be perceived as a unique business partner as they stand out from the standard solutions of large companies. However, SMEs often fail to implement digital transformation due to a lack of concepts, guidelines and action plans. Furthermore, opportunities related to digital transformation are overlooked because the focus tends to be on existing day-to-day business. SMEs often also lack the necessary skills with regard to digital technologies in SMEs. Last but not least, digital transformation requires significant financial resources. The aim of this master thesis is to provide guidance on how to manage these and other challenges arising from the need for digital transformation in SMEs. It discusses how to best exploit the opportunities of digital transformation. A selection of procedures and blueprints to initiate and manage digital transformation in SMEs is presented. A literature review was chosen as the research method. The Master Thesis first explains SMEs and their contribution to the economy. It also defines digital transformation, digital business transformation and the corresponding technologies. It then reviews the status of digital transformation in SMEs and, for comparison, in large companies. The literature indicates that companies of all sizes are lagging behind in terms of digital transformation. Even worse, SMEs are behind large companies by about 40%. The biggest challenges for SMEs are mainly IT security, financial hurdles and a lack of expertise. Although opportunities are not sufficiently described in the literature. Digital transformation is seen as an opportunity by 74% of the SMEs surveyed. The section on management process blueprints starts with a procedure called "potential analysis" due to Kugler and Anrich. It evaluates whether an SME is ready for digital transformation. One digital transformation management process blueprint from the literature is the Enterprise Transformation Cycle (ETC), which includes the steps “envision”, “engage”, “optimize” and “transform” due to Fischer. Another blueprint for the digital transformation process is the digital transformation process due to Bosse and colleagues. That process features an inspiration, orientation, planning, realization and evaluation phase. As an alternative when neither approach is suitable, design thinking is suggested. In addition, ten success factors for digital transformation according to Kugler & Anrich are explained. The case studies described in the last part of this thesis illustrate practical approaches to implementing digital transformation. The challenges to digital transformation in SMEs are re-encountered in the case studies, as each one explains why and how digital transformation was initiated in each particular case. The most common aims are the desire to increase efficiency, to create a unique selling proposition (USP), to grow in numbers or generate new customers. Objective limitations to digital transformation processes include legal obstacles and broadband availability, as these are beyond the control of SMEs. Author Paul Schwaiger, BSc Abweichender Titel laut Übersetzung der Verfasserin/des Verfassers Masterarbeit Johannes Kepler Universität Linz 2024

Interventional oncology (IO) is the field of Interventional Radiology that provides minimally invasive procedures under imaging guidance for the diagnosis and treatment of malignant tumors. Sophisticated devices can be utilized to increase standardization, accuracy, outcomes, and “repeatability” in performing percutaneous Interventional Oncology techniques. These technologies can reduce variability, reduce human error, and outperform human hand-to-eye coordination and spatial relations, thus potentially normalizing an otherwise broad diversity of IO techniques, impacting simulation, training, navigation, outcomes, and performance, as well as verification of desired minimum ablation margin or other measures of successful procedures. Stereotactic navigation and robotic systems may yield specific advantages, such as the potential to reduce procedure duration and ionizing radiation exposure during the procedure and, at the same time, increase accuracy. Enhanced accuracy, in turn, is linked to improved outcomes in many clinical scenarios. The present review focuses on the current role of percutaneous navigation systems and robotics in diagnostic and therapeutic Interventional Oncology procedures. The currently available alternatives are presented, including their potential impact on clinical practice as reflected in the peer-reviewed medical literature. A review of such data may inform wiser investment of time and resources toward the most impactful IR/IO applications of robotics and navigation to both standardize and address unmet clinical needs.

Forests of the Carpathians are of increasing research interest, as they cover a large area (>9 Mha) within European forests and are influenced by diverse environmental conditions and contrasting historical developments. We reviewed 251 papers dealing with Carpathian forests, their history, and future perspectives. Over 70% of articles and reviews appeared in the last ten years, and 80% refer to the Western and Eastern Carpathians, while the Serbian Carpathians remain a gap in this research field. Forest expansion and species changes have occurred since Holocene deglaciation, influenced by timber use, settlements, cropland development, and, since the Bronze Age, pasture activities. At higher elevations, early conifer successors have been increasingly replaced by Norway spruce (Picea abies), silver fir (Abies alba), European beech (Fagus sylvatica), and hornbeam (Carpinus betulus), while oaks have been present in the Carpathian foothills throughout the whole of history. In the 19th and 20th centuries, Norway spruce afforestation was favored, and timber use peaked. Recent transitions from agriculture to forest land use have led to a further increase in forest cover (+1 to +14% in different countries), though past forest management practices and recent environmental changes have impaired forest vitality in many regions; climate warming already causes shifts in treelines and species distributions, and it triggers pest outbreaks and diseases and affects tree–water relations. The risk of forest damage is the highest in monodominant Norway spruce forests, which often experience dieback after cascade disturbances. European beech forests are more resilient unless affected by summer droughts. In the future, increasing dominance of broadleaves within Carpathian forests and forest management based on a mix of intensive management and ecological silviculture are expected. Maintenance and promotion of silver fir and mixed European beech forests should be encouraged with respect to forest stability, biodiversity, and economic sustainability. As supported by the Carpathian Convention and related institutions and initiatives, connectivity, management, and stakeholder cooperation across administrative borders will be crucial for the future adaptive potential of Carpathian forests.

Small scattered plots of a few hundred square meters well reflect structural variability at stand level, but not at small spatial scales as the data between plots is missing. Information about structural similarities between managed and unmanaged stands, especially based on large sample plots, is still scarce. Our first objective was to quantify and illustrate structural variability of a selection-managed stand and a corresponding old-growth (OG) stand at small spatial scales. The second goal was to find out if there is a positive autocorrelation among neighboring patches in these stands regarding tree density (N) and basal area (BA). Tree positions and their diameters were recorded in 1.5 ha plots. Structural variation was examined at scales from 0.01 ha to 0.36 ha. Spatial correlation of N and BA was examined by applying experimental semivariograms. The variability of N was similar in both stands, whereas it significantly differed regarding BA (α = 0.05). Semivariance did not detect positive spatial autocorrelation of BA, while adjacent plots appeared to be more similar (autocorrelated) regarding N in both stands. Despite statistical difference regarding BA variability, the selection-managed stand exhibited many structural similarities to the OG stand, which makes it potentially suitable for modulating, if needed, to bring it step closer to an old-growth structure.

Forests are highly relevant for the water dynamics of mountain areas. This study assesses the water balance of two mountainous watersheds in Austria (Rindbach and Schmittental) with similar average annual precipitation patterns but different parent material, i.e., limestone in Rindbach versus greywacke in Schmittental. The biogeochemical mechanistic ecosystem model Biome-BGC with parameter settings developed for the central European tree species was obtained to assess the energy, nutrient, and water cycle as relevant for tree growth (=carbon cycle). The seasonal precipitation pattern, the snow accumulation, the evapotranspiration, the transpiration, the water-use efficiency, and the outflow are investigated. For the period 1960 to 2022, no precipitation trends are detectable, but a temperature increase of 1.9 °C in Rindbach and 1.6 °C in Schmittental is evident, leading to a declining snow accumulation. The model simulations suggest that transpiration and evapotranspiration rates increase with increasing LAI, indicating higher rates in Rindbach compared to Schmittental. The water use efficiency increases up to an LAI = 3 m2 m−2 and declines afterwards. The water balance variables follow the same pattern, i.e., with increasing LAI, the water outflow at the Rindbach catchment declines from 78% to 29% and from 72% to 31% in Schmittental. This confirms that forest cover is important to reduce water outflow and thus enhances the protection function of mountain forests.

The first ecological research in the Illyrian phytogeographic area, located on the Balkan peninsula in south-eastern Europe, dates back to the early 20th century. Traditionally, the Illyrian phytogeographic area includes Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Croatia and parts of Slovenia. Due to climate change, more available data and new measurement techniques, the Illyrian phytogeographic area may have shifted northwards to the southern Alps and parts of Austria. In this study we have analysed climate as an important ecological variable for delineating the Illyrian phytogeographic area using precipitation and air temperature from 75 climatological stations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Slovenia and Austria (Carinthia). Our statistical analysis suggests, that there are significant differences in the analysed climate parameters across the countries, suggesting that sub-sections may already exist within the extent of the Illyrian phytogeographic area.