Plan and Design Together – Just a Vision?

Landscape visualization is a representation of the real world that can be displayed as 3D simulations with various levels of realism (Schroth, 2010). Landscape visualization may demonstrate past, present conditions or future scenarios (Lewis et al., 2005). Therefore, it can be said that landscape visualization gives a chance to display scenes that are non-existent (e.g. current state visualization of altered land use, possible future design scenarios). It can be represented as static, animated or interactive scenes (Sheppard and Salter, 2004) and immersive or outside of the context (Danahy, 2001; Bishop and Lange, 2005). Human perception towards to 3D visualizations has been studied in recent years by comparing visualization and its effectiveness (Campbell and Salter, 2004; Lange, 1994; Zube et al. 1987). According to comparisons made between visualizations and realism, computer generated environments still need to be developed in order to demonstrate the high degree of realism (Bishop and Rohrmann, 2003). There have been studies investigating various degrees of realism depicted in images, especially in regard to vegetation and moving objects within the virtual environment. However, further study is required for future projects to improve the degrees of realism, raise awareness and stimulate public participation. In the field of landscape architecture, virtual reality and internet-based landscape visualization technologies (Lange, 2001) and public participation during the decision- making and design process (Saleh and Nassar, 2011) gained rising recognition over the last decade. Development in 3D landscape visualization, now, allows using mobile devices as a valuable tool in landscape design, planning and management (Lange, 2011). There is a possibility that mobile devices can be the standard method for planning and design processes (Lange, 2011). This paper focuses on the use of interactive 3D visualisation of an urban park to enhance public participation during the planning and decision-making process using mobile devices. The work presented in this paper is part of the EU Project Value+ a collaborative INTERREG IVB project. Unique to the kind of project, the research is linked to a real world investment site. Edward Street Park in the city centre of Sheffield is one of the investment sites in the INTERREG project

Distributed intelligence in pedestrian simulations

In order to accurately simulate pedestrian behaviour in complex situations, one is required to model both the physical environment and the strategic decision-making of individuals We present a method for integrating both of these model requirements, by distributing the computational complexity across discrete modules. These modules communicate with each other via XML messages. The approach also provides considerable flexibility for changing and evolving the model. The model is explained using an example of simulating hikers in the Swiss Alps.SNF, NFP 48, Habitats and Landscapes of the Alp

Getting virtual 3D landscapes out of the lab

Increasingly realistic virtual three dimensional (3D) models have been created that demonstrate a variety of landscape designs. They have supported a more collaborative and participative approach in planning and design. However, these 3D landscape models are often developed for use in bespoke virtual reality labs that tie the models to expensive graphics hardware, or complex arrays of screens, with the viewer spatially detached from the actual site. Given the increase in prevalence of advanced “smartphone” and tablet technology with GPS and compass functionality, this paper demonstrates two methods for on-demand dissemination of existing virtual 3D landscape models using: (1) a touch based interface with integrated mapping; (2) a standard web browser interface on mobile phones. The latter method demonstrates the potential to reduce the complexity of accessing an existing 3D landscape model on-site to simply pointing a smartphone in a particular direction, loading a web page and seeing the relevant view of the model as an image. A prototype system was developed to demonstrate both methods successfully, but it was also ascertained that the accuracy of GPS positional data can have a negative effect on the browser based method. Finally, potential developments are presented exploring the future of the technology underpinning the method and possible extensions to the prototype as a technique for increasing public participation in planning and design

What you see is not always what you get: A qualitative, comparative analysis of ex ante visualizations with ex post photography of landscape and architectural projects

This study presents a qualitative, comparative analysis of ex ante visualizations, created during planning and design phases, with ex post photography of landscape and architectural projects. Visualizations play an increasingly important role as decision-making tools in the planning process and are expected to successfully communicate proposals to both experts and laypersons. Outside of the wind farm industry there is a lack of detailed guidance for those creating landscape visualizations and currently no method of analyzing the accuracy of visualizations exists. In a world where we increasingly rely on information communicated in a visual manner itis imperative that potential viewers are provided with clues to enable them to distinguish between what is real and what is not. This study analyses a selection of visualizations from a cross section of landscape and architectural projects and reveals reoccurring patterns of inconsistencies in the depiction of content elements. The control of production through agreed guidelines proposed by previously published research could have both positive and negative effects for the future of visualization production. This research proposes that the starting point for honest communication lies in transparency, in both production techniques and presentation to clients, stakeholders and the public. There is scope for more in depth image analysis of a larger body of projects that may reveal more detailed findings that could contribute to future guideline discussions

Non-cross-linked biological mesh in complex abdominal wall hernia: a cohort study

Purpose: Complex abdominal wall hernia repair (CAWHR) is a challenging procedure. Mesh prosthesis is indicated, but the use of synthetic mesh in a contaminated area may add to overall morbidity. Biological meshes may provide a solution, but little is known about long-term results. The aim of our study was to evaluate clinical efficacy and patient satisfaction following Strattice™ (PADM) placement. Methods: In this cohort study, all patients operated for CAWHR with PADM in three large community hospitals in Germany were included. Patients underwent abdominal examination, an ultrasound was performed, and patients completed quality-of-life questionnaires. The study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov under Identifier NCT02168231. Results: Twenty-seven patients were assessed (14 male, age 67.5 years, follow-up 42.4 months). The most frequent postoperative complication was wound infection (39.1%). In no case, the PADM had to be removed. Four patients had passed away. During outpatient clinic visit, six out of 23 patients (26.1%) had a recurrence of hernia, one patient had undergone reoperation. Five patients (21.7%) had bulging of the abdominal wall. Quality-of-life questionnaires revealed that patients judged their scar with a median 3.5 out of 10 points (0 = best) and judged their restrictions during daily activities with a median of 0 out of 10

From 3D landscape visualization to environmental simulation: The contribution of sound to the perception of virtual environments

This research investigated the perceptual interaction of combining sound with 3D landscape visualizations. Images sourced from Google Earth at St. James’s Park, London, UK, showing terrain only,terrain with built form or terrain with primarily vegetation were paired with four sound conditions using recordings from the park (i.e. ‘no sound’, anthropogenic, mechanical and natural). Perceived realism and preference were evaluated using a survey delivered via the Internet and in a controlled laboratory environment (N = 199 total). Analysis using repeated measures ANOVA indicated the interaction of sound and 3D visualizations significantly alters environmental perception both positively and negatively. Sounds and visuals that are congruent receive higher realism and preference ratings while the more incongruent the combination is, the lower the corresponding ratings. The lowest realism and preference ratings are given to visualizations showing terrain only combined with speech. The highest realism ratings overall correspond to visualization with built form combined with speech, and visualizations showing primarily vegetation paired with a birdcall. The absolute highest realism rating was for the visualization with primarily vegetation and some built form paired with speech, while the highest preference ratings correspond to visualizations showing vegetation paired with birdcall or no sound. Aural-visual data collected via the web-based survey was comparable to data collected in the laboratory and overall realism ratings for the Google Earth visualizations were low (e.g. below 3 on a 1–5 likert type scale). The results suggest there is an opportunity to increase experiential authenticity of 3D landscape visualizations with sound

Multiple Sclerosis: MicroRNA Expression Profiles Accurately Differentiate Patients with Relapsing-Remitting Disease from Healthy Controls

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, which is heterogenous with respect to clinical manifestations and response to therapy. Identification of biomarkers appears desirable for an improved diagnosis of MS as well as for monitoring of disease activity and treatment response. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs, which have been shown to have the potential to serve as biomarkers for different human diseases, most notably cancer. Here, we analyzed the expression profiles of 866 human miRNAs. In detail, we investigated the miRNA expression in blood cells of 20 patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) and 19 healthy controls using a human miRNA microarray and the Geniom Real Time Analyzer (GRTA) platform. We identified 165 miRNAs that were significantly up- or downregulated in patients with RRMS as compared to healthy controls. The best single miRNA marker, hsa-miR-145, allowed discriminating MS from controls with a specificity of 89.5%, a sensitivity of 90.0%, and an accuracy of 89.7%. A set of 48 miRNAs that was evaluated by radial basis function kernel support vector machines and 10-fold cross validation yielded a specificity of 95%, a sensitivity of 97.6%, and an accuracy of 96.3%. While 43 of the 165 miRNAs deregulated in patients with MS have previously been related to other human diseases, the remaining 122 miRNAs are so far exclusively associated with MS. The implications of our study are twofold. The miRNA expression profiles in blood cells may serve as a biomarker for MS, and deregulation of miRNA expression may play a role in the pathogenesis of MS

Monocytes, neutrophils, and platelets cooperate to initiate and propagate venous thrombosis in mice in vivo

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a major cause of cardiovascular death. The sequence of events that promote DVT remains obscure, largely as a result of the lack of an appropriate rodent model. We describe a novel mouse model of DVT which reproduces a frequent trigger and resembles the time course, histological features, and clinical presentation of DVT in humans. We demonstrate by intravital two-photon and epifluorescence microscopy that blood monocytes and neutrophils crawling along and adhering to the venous endothelium provide the initiating stimulus for DVT development. Using conditional mutants and bone marrow chimeras, we show that intravascular activation of the extrinsic pathway of coagulation via tissue factor (TF) derived from myeloid leukocytes causes the extensive intraluminal fibrin formation characteristic of DVT. We demonstrate that thrombus-resident neutrophils are indispensable for subsequent DVT propagation by binding factor XII (FXII) and by supporting its activation through the release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Correspondingly, neutropenia, genetic ablation of FXII, or disintegration of NETs each confers protection against DVT amplification. Platelets associate with innate immune cells via glycoprotein Ibα and contribute to DVT progression by promoting leukocyte recruitment and stimulating neutrophil-dependent coagulation. Hence, we identified a cross talk between monocytes, neutrophils, and platelets responsible for the initiation and amplification of DVT and for inducing its unique clinical features

99 volumes later: We can visualise. Now what?

The early years of landscape and urban planning coincided with the start of the era of digital landscape visualizations, and work published since then has contributed to advancements in representation, assessment, and decision-making in landscape planning and design. This paper examines the journal's articles on landscape visualization published over its 99 volume history (1974-2011), noting technological advances, case studies, and research topics and questions considered to be important during this time. This work is then examined in the context of subsequent developments in the field of landscape visualization in terms of distinct research areas, directions, and topics reflected in the publications. From this analysis, the paper presents an outlook on future challenges for research and practice that includes themes such as the diffusion of 3D visualization in our everyday environment, linking visualizations with underlying models, going beyond highly realistic but simply descriptive visualizations, using visualizations in an assessment and decision-making context, and incorporating multi-sensory experiences. It also considers the prospects for further technological advancements such as augmented reality for making decisions in the planning and design of our future environments. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved