Comparison of E-ink and OLED screens as train seat displays : a user study

This study was designed to provide an evaluation of two types of train seat displays (OLED and E-ink), from a user-centred perspective. Numerous factors influence the decisions on which display to use, such as costs or energy use. It is also important to consider human factors aspects like readability and user preferences. To provide some real-world insights into these issues we designed a pilot study to compare both displays. Participants were asked to give their impressions and respond to questions during a semi-structured interview process, when they were presented with both displays. Results show that participants favour the OLED display overall as it is easily noticeable in different light conditions. However, some aspects of the E-ink are preferred: it is easier to read and understand. We conclude that research with real users is extremely important when designing and defining hardware to be used during the implementation of intelligent transport systems

Mapping phyllopshere and soil fungal function using AVRIS-NG hyperspectral data

Challenge Microbial communities play a crucial role in forest ecosystems, where they are fundamental to the health, structure, and sustainability of the forest. Developments in molecular research allow for the evaluation of these understudied communities but are generally too costly and labour intensive for large-scale assessments. In temperate forests, the collection of samples from the top canopy (phyllopshere) especially poses challenges due to the accessibility of the crown of tall (30+ meter) trees, greatly limiting the spatial and temporal density of existing sample points. Advances in hyperspectral sensors offers a solution for bridging these data gaps, enabling the extrapolation of environmental DNA (eDNA)-based microbial profiles across extensive regions. Methodology To demonstrate the utilisation of hyperspectral airborne data to predict and map microbial functions of temperate European forests, we modelled the spatial distribution of fungal trophic groups in the soil and top-canopy using AVRIS-NG hyperspectral airborne data collected from the Bavarian Forest National Park in Germany. Putative functional profiles were created from eDNA (genetic material obtained from environmental samples [e.g. canopy, soil] without capturing the organisms themselves) samples from soil and top-canopy leaf material. The public data base “Funguild” was used to concatenate eDNA taxonomic data to functional profiles, allowing linking microbial profiles to ecosystem functions. The fungal functional profiles were used as training and validation data for the models (using PLSR and gaussian processing algorithms), which were consecutive inverted for prediction and mapping. Results Our results show for the first time that microbial function in the soil and canopy can accurately predicted for temperate European forests when combining eDNA point profiles with AVRIS-NG hyperspectral airborne data. The findings demonstrate that fungal trophic groups show substantial variation in their spatial distribution across a forest landscape. Furthermore, top canopy functions were predicted with higher reliability than soil microbial functions, presumably due to the stronger link between the phyllosphere and host-tree attributes (chemical, compositional, and functional characteristics) that can be sensed remotely using spectral reflectance. Outlook for the futureThis study demonstrates a clear example of how spaceborne next generation hyperspectral data could be used to effectively predict putative microbial functions, providing maps and models with high relevance for forest ecology and management. The findings of this study highlight a significant breakthrough in utilizing airborne or spaceborne next-generation hyperspectral data to effectively predict putative microbial functions, and this research offers valuable insights and tools essential for the sustainable management of forests. Looking ahead, novel next-generation remote sensing platforms, such as the imminent launch of the CHIME satellite, holds the promise of revolutionizing the utilisation and upscaling of environmental DNA (eDNA) point-based information, offering innovative solutions for addressing ecological challenges on a global scale.<br/

Human μ-calpain: Simple isolation from erythrocytes and characterization of autolysis fragments

Heterodimeric μ-calpain, consisting of the large (80 kDa) and the small (30 kDa) subunit, was isolated and purified from human erythrocytes by a highly reproducible four-step purification procedure. Obtained material is more than 95% pure and has a specific activity of 6 - 7 mU/mg. Presence of contaminating proteins could not be detected by HPLC and sequence analysis. During storage at -80 °C the enzyme remains fully activatable by Ca²⁺, although the small subunit is partially processed to a 22 kDa fragment. This novel autolysis product of the small subunit starts with the sequence (60)RILG and is further processed to the known 18 kDa fragment. Active forms and typical transient and stable autolysis products of the large subunit were identified by protein sequencing. In casein-zymograms only the activatable forms 80 kDa+30 kDa, 80 kDa+22 kDa and 80 kDa+18 kDa displayed caseinolysis

Temperate forest soil pH accurately Quantified with image spectroscopy

Forest canopies to some extent obscure passive reflectance of soil traits such as pH, as well as below-canopy vegetation, in the optical to middle infrared portions of the electromagnetic spectrum (approximately 400–2500 nm) which are typically used in airborne and spaceborne image spectrometers. In this study, we present, for the first time, an accurate estimation of soil pH across extensive areas using hyperspectral imaging data obtained from the DLR Earth Sensing Imaging Spectrometer (DESIS) satellite. Furthermore, we investigate the impact of predicted soil pH variation on the concentrations of micronutrients in both leaves and soil. Our modelling is based on a comprehensive in-situ field campaign conducted during the summers of 2020 and 2021. This campaign collected soil pH data for model calibration and validation from 197 plots located across three distinct temperate forest sites: Veluwezoom and Hoge Veluwe National Parks in the Netherlands, as well as the Bavarian Forest National Park in Germany. The soil pH for each test site was accurately predicted by means of a partial least squares regression (PLSR) model, root mean square error (RMSEcv) of 0.22 and the cross-validated coefficient of determination (R2CV) of 0.66. Our findings demonstrate that there are patches of extremely low soil pH possibly due to ongoing soil acidification processes. We saw a particularly significant decrease in soil pH (p ≤ 0.05) in the coniferous forests when compared to the deciduous forest. The acidification of forest soils had a profound impact on the variation of soil and leaf micronutrient content, particularly iron concentration. These results highlight the potential of image spectroscopy data from the DESIS satellite to monitor and estimate soil pH in forested areas over extensive areas given sufficient data. Our findings hold significant implications for soil pH monitoring programs, enabling forest managers to assess the impact of their management practices and gauge their effectiveness in maintaining soil and forest vitality

Quantifying Canopy Nitrogen Content in a Soil-Acidified Temperate Forest Using Image Spectroscopy

The challenge of monitoring the impact of soil acidification on forest health is a critical ecological concern, particularly in the context of increasing nitrogen deposition, which results in decreased soil pH levels. Soil acidification, often stemming from excess nitrogen deposition from sources such as industrial emissions and agricultural runoff, has far-reaching consequences on forest ecosystems. It disrupts the delicate natural nutrient balance within these ecosystems, directly influencing nutrient availability to the forest's resident trees. The interplay of soil acidification and nitrogen deposition creates a multifaceted problem for forest management and conservation. When soil pH levels drop, it can lead to leaching of essential nutrients, like calcium and magnesium, which are vital for the health of both the soil and the trees. This nutrient imbalance negatively affects the growth and vitality of the forest ecosystem, making it imperative to monitor and mitigate these changes effectively. Traditionally, monitoring the impact of soil acidification on forest health has been a challenging task. To address this, scientists and environmental researchers have been exploring advanced technologies, one of which is the use of hyperspectral satellites like PRISMA. These newly launched satellites have the potential to revolutionize our ability to assess the effects of soil acidification on forest ecosystems

Anterior implant restorations with a convex emergence profile increase the frequency of recession: 12-month results of a randomized controlled clinical trial

AIM To test whether the emergence profile (CONVEX or CONCAVE) of implant-supported crowns influences the mucosal margin stability up to 12 months after insertion of the final restoration. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty-seven patients with a single implant in the anterior region were randomly allocated to one of three groups: (1) CONVEX (n = 15), implant provisional and an implant-supported crown both with a convex profile; (2) CONCAVE (n = 16), implant provisional and an implant-supported crown both with a concave profile; (3) CONTROL (n = 16), no provisional (healing abutment only) and an implant-supported crown. All patients were recalled at baseline, 6, and 12 months. The stability of mucosal margin along with clinical, aesthetic, and profilometric outcomes as well as time and costs were evaluated. To predict the presence of recession, multivariable logistic regressions were performed and linear models using generalized estimation equations were conducted for the different outcomes. RESULTS Forty-four patients were available at 12 months post-loading. The frequency of mucosal recession amounted to 64.3% in group CONVEX, 14.3% in group CONCAVE, and 31.4% in group CONTROL. Regression models revealed that a CONVEX profile was significantly associated with the presence of recessions (odds ratio: 12.6, 95% confidence interval: 1.82-88.48, p = .01) compared with the CONCAVE profile. Pink aesthetic scores amounted to 5.9 in group CONVEX, 6.2 in group CONCAVE, and 5.4 in group CONTROL, with no significant differences between the groups (p = .735). Groups CONVEX and CONCAVE increased the appointments and costs compared with the CONTROL group. CONCLUSIONS The use of implant-supported provisionals with a CONCAVE emergence profile results in a greater stability of the mucosal margin compared with a CONVEX profile up to 12 months of loading. This is accompanied, however, by increased time and costs compared with the absence of a provisional and may not necessarily enhance the aesthetic outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION German Clinical Trials Register; DRKS00009420

Restorative angle of zirconia restorations cemented on non-original titanium bases influences the initial marginal bone loss: 5-year results of a prospective cohort study

AIM: To assess radiographic, restorative, clinical and technical outcomes as well as patient satisfaction of directly veneered zirconia restorations cemented on non-original titanium bases over 5 years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-four patients with a single missing tooth in the aesthetic zone were recruited. All patients received a two-piece implant with a screw-retained veneered zirconia restoration cemented extraorally on a titanium base abutment. Marginal bone levels (MBL), marginal bone changes, technical complications, patient satisfaction and clinical parameters including probing depth, bleeding on probing and plaque index were assessed at crown delivery (baseline), at 1 year (FU-1) and 5 years (FU-5) of follow-up. To investigate the relationship between restorative angle and MBL as well as marginal bone changes (bone loss/bone gain), correlation tests and linear regression models were carried out. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients were available for re-examination at 5 years. The mean MBL amounted to 0.54 ± 0.39 mm at baseline, and to 0.24 ± 0.35 at FU-5 (=bone gain) (p  .05). At distal sites, no correlations or associations between the restorative angle and MBL or marginal bone changes were found regardless of the time point. During the 5-year follow-up, 5 technical complications occurred, mainly within the first year and mostly chippings. All patients were entirely satisfied with their implant-supported restoration at 5 years. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of the present study, the restorative angle of implant-supported crowns on non-original titanium bases might influence the initial marginal bone loss but without affecting their favourable long-term clinical performance. A restorative angle of <40° may limit the initial marginal bone loss at implant-supported crowns with titanium bases

Forest soils further acidify in core Natura 2000 areas amongst unaware government policy

The intensification of agriculture and livestock husbandry has led to increasing atmospheric deposition of nitrogenous compounds and soil acidification. We field measured extremely acidic soils with pH &lt; 3 (i.e., soils with the acidity of domestic vinegar) over extensive areas of the forested national parks on sandy soils in the Netherlands. These areas show stress from the negative impacts of increased soil acidity on forest health and biodiversity. We demonstrate that soil acidity has worsened from an average pH of approximately 4.5 to the current average pH = 3.2 over the last 22 years for extensive areas of Natura 2000 forest soils in the Netherlands. Current government policy has been guided without knowledge of such extreme acidity because the field data sampling does not cover Natura 2000 areas, and soil acidification was estimated based on poorly calibrated atmospheric nitrogen deposition models. The policy challenge of soil acidification in Natura2000 areas is solvable with the following recommendations: • Implement regulatory action to biennially field sample soil pH across Natura 2000 forest parks, focusing on sandy soils with limited buffering capacity. • To include in models of nitrogen deposition all sources of nitrogen, including for example off-leash dog walking areas in Natura 2000 forest areas. • To use these soil pH field samples to regularly recalibrate estimates of soil pH from atmospheric nitrogen deposition models to better inform government, industry, and the agricultural sector about the ongoing impact of N deposition on already severely acidic soils. • To implement further significant reductions in the deposition of all nitrogen compounds on Natura 2000 areas.</p