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Aircraft measurements compared with ceilometer measurements during a sahara dust period in Germany
(2015)
A significant Sahara dust event took place at the beginning of April 2014 over large areas of Germany and Europe. The German Weather Service (DWD) detected and monitored the expansion and propagation of this dust cloud with a ceilometer network of more than 50 ceilometers. Moreover, these ceilometers were also able to track the altitude of the dust cloud at the positions of the ceilometers.
Additionally, aircraft measurements over Germany and France were performed with two aircraft by the Duesseldorf University of Applied Sciences. These aircraft were equipped with optical particle counters (OPC) and were able to measure the particle size distribution within the Sahara dust cloud and as a result of this to calculate the particle mass concentration of the dust. The ceilometer measurements and the aircraft measurements complemented each other: whereas the ceilometers gave continuous information about the Sahara dust cloud at the ceilometer positions, the aircraft measurements delivered interpolating results between the ceilometer positions.
Moreover, at several ceilometer positions intercomparison flights were performed by spiraling with the aircraft up or down around the ceilometer laser beam. This gave the unique possibility for comparing the remote sensing results of the ceilometers with the in-situ measurements of the aircraft.
This study shows that a significant high amount of Saharan dust particles was transported over Germany during a several days long episode. Furthermore, the intercomparison study between the German ceilometer network and aircraft measurements results shows a good agreement. A combination of these techniques could help to detect the vertical and horizontal distribution of the dust cloud and additionally the particle mass concentration.
Background/Objectives: Aging is often accompanied by physical and cognitive decline, affecting older adults’ mobility. Virtual reality (VR) offers innovative opportunities to safely practice everyday tasks, such as street crossing. This study was designed as a feasibility and pilot study to explore acceptance, usability, and preliminary effects of a VR-based road-crossing intervention for older adults. It investigates the use of virtual reality (VR) as an innovative training tool to support senior citizens in safely navigating everyday challenges such as crossing roads. By providing an immersive environment with realistic traffic scenarios, VR enables participants to practice in a safe and controlled setting, minimizing the risks associated with real-world road traffic. Methods: A VR training application called “Wegfest” was developed to facilitate targeted road-crossing practice. The application simulates various scenarios commonly encountered by older adults, such as crossing busy streets or waiting at traffic lights. The study applied a single-group pre-post design. Outcomes included the Timed Up and Go test (TUG), Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I), and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Results: The development process of “Wegfest” demonstrates how a highly realistic street environment can be created for VR-based road-crossing training. Significant improvements were found in the Timed Up and Go test (p = 0.002, d = 0.784) and fall-related self-efficacy (FES-I, p = 0.005). No change was observed in cognitive function (MoCA, p = 0.56). Participants reported increased subjective safety (p < 0.001). Discussion: The development of the VR training application “Wegfest” highlights the feasibility of creating realistic virtual environments for skill development. By leveraging immersive technology, both physical and cognitive skills required for road-crossing can be effectively trained. The findings suggest that “Wegfest” has the potential to enhance the mobility and safety of older adults in road traffic through immersive experiences and targeted training interventions. Conclusions: As an innovative training tool, the VR application not only provides an engaging and enjoyable learning environment but also fosters self-confidence and independence among older adults in traffic settings. Regular training within the virtual world enables senior citizens to continuously refine their skills, ultimately improving their quality of life.