bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
When and Why Do People Post Questions about Health and Illness on Web2.0-based Q&A Sites in Japan
Authors: Nakayama Kazuhiro  , Nishio Arisa  , Yokoyama Yukari  , Setoyama Yoko  , Togari Taisuke  , Yonekura Yuki
Published: February 2025

Web2.0-based Q&A sites such as Yahoo! Answers and OKWave are the fastest-growing sites in Japan. Such sites exploit user-generated content and information-sharing methods and have established point systems and user ratings to reward participation. We analyzed the questions and answers concerning health and illness posted on these sites. We found that the people who posted questions desired to obtain information related to their health problems from various sources, and to seek validation of this information not only by experts but also by people who have undergone similar experiences.
Using Computerized Tailored Questionnaires for Symptom Assessment and Coping Strategies Evaluation in Nursing Research
Authors: Guo Jia-Wen  , Wong Bob  , Beck Susan
Published: February 2025

This presentation is to demonstrate how a ubiquitous database program (Microsoft Access) was utilized to collect data when individuals' symptoms, and the self-care strategies they implemented, changed on a week to week basis.
XTENS – an eXTensible Environment for NeuroScience
Authors: Corradi Luca  , Arnulfo Gabriele  , Schenone Andrea  , Porro Ivan  , Fato Marco
Published: February 2025

The XTENS (eXTensible Environment for NeuroScience) platform consists in an highly extensible environment for collaborative work that improve repeatability of experiment and provides data storage and analysis capabilities. The platform is divided in repository and application domains, branched in services with different purpose. The first domain is the central component of the platform and consists in a multimodal repository with a client-server architecture. The second one provides remote tools for image and signal visualization and analysis. The main issue for such a platform is not only to provide an extensible collaborative environment, but also to build a development platform for testing models and algorithms in neuroscience. For these reasons a Grid approach has been considered. Both computational and data Grids infrastructures can be exploited to analyze and share large datasets of distributed data. The architecture has been deployed to support surgical planning for patients affected by drug resistant epilepsy. In that scenario, a complex analysis for a fully multimodal dataset including different image modalities, EEG and video is required to localize the origin of the ictal discharge and critical brain areas. As first results, prototype versions of both repository and application domain components are presented.
Effets d'installation de pieux chargés axialement dans les sables: analyse numérique par EF standards
Authors: Said I.  , Frank R.  , De Gennaro V.
Published: February 2025

Ce travail s'intéresse au comportement des fondations profondes et, plus particulièrement, au contact entre un sol granulaire et un pieu. Dans ce problème typique d'interaction sol-structure, des analyses disponibles du comportement mécanique de pieux soumis à un chargement axial ont montré que l'interface sol-pieu exerce une influence significative pour les conditions de stabilité de la structure. Un aspect important dans le cas des pieux consiste en la définition de l'état initial, après installation et avant chargement du pieu, dans le sol et à l'interface. Dans ce cadre, on propose un procédé général qui concerne la simulation des effets d'installation. Les résultats expérimentaux obtenus à partir d'essais de chargement de pieu sur site réel sont donc considérés et simulés avec succès. Les calculs avec la méthode des éléments finis montrent comment le comportement mécanique du pieu peut être décrit en considérant explicitement: (i) les effets d'installation en termes de changements de contrainte dans la couche d'interface et dans le sol environnant., et (ii) la caractérisation géotechnique du sol et de l'interface Le choix des paramètres mécaniques pour le sol et l'interface, comme la stratégie de modélisation, sont mis en relief.
Seismic performance evaluation of a deep foundation system build in the lake zone area, in Mexico City
Authors: Mayoral J.M.  , Mendoza M.J.  , Alberto Y.  , Romo M.P.
Published: February 2025

Seeking for developing both safe and economical designs, calibration of numerical models of soil-foundation-structure system is essential to improve the prediction of the seismic response of civil engineering structures during severe earthquakes. In difficult subsoil conditions, as those prevailing in Mexico City, the well-suited approach to calibrate these models is from data gathered from real-scaled instrumented structures. This paper presents the numerical modeling of one of the supports of a large vehicular bridge, part of a subway station, built 12 years ago in the so-called lake zone area, in Mexico City. This support has a mixed foundation system, consisting of a box foundation and friction piles, which was instrumented since its construction to monitor its response under static and dynamic loading. Ever since, several state variables that control the behavior of this type of foundation have been measured, including the evolution of contact pressures between the lower mat of the box foundation and the soil, the distribution over time acting on some pile heads, the pore pressure in the soil underneath the foundation, and the free field and soil-foundation-structure system seismic response. The seismic performance evaluation was conducted with finite element models of the system to estimate the bridge support response exhibited during the January 1st, 2004, Guerrero Coast earthquake (Mw=6.3). The computed response was compared with the measured response in the free field, box foundation, and structure, establishing the model prediction capabilities. Change in dynamic properties due the regional subsidence was accounted for in the analysis, and estimations of future performance were established.
Design methodology for retaining walls for deep excavations in London using pseudo finite element methods
Authors: Ingram P.J.  , Chodorowski A.R.  , Anderson S.E.  , Gaba A.R.
Published: February 2025

A geotechnical design methodology for horizontal and vertical equilibrium of retaining walls has been developed which considers the wall friction conditions appropriate for the excavation sequence and vertical loading conditions. The methodology is compatible with EC7, builds on the guidance of CIRIA C580, and has been developed from experience on previous large infrastructure projects in the UK, including the Channel Tunnel Rail Link and Crossrail. Recommendations for retaining wall design for the Ultimate Limit State during the excavation stage have been proposed, incorporating compatible wall friction assumptions for both lateral stability and vertical capacity checks. The design methodology also provides guidance for the design of retaining walls to resist upilift actions. The methodology provides a robust design and would be appropriate for the design of retaining walls for deep excavations.
Numerical modeling of a MSE wall under water infiltration using unsaturated soil properties
Authors: Kim W.S.  , Borden R.H.
Published: February 2025

A 5.4-m high MSE wall constructed with marginal fills in the Research Triangle Park (RTP) of North Carolina experienced a localized failure in March, 2001, during a rainy period shortly after completion of wall construction. In this study, numerical simulations with unsaturated soil properties (elastic modulus, shear strength and permeability) were performed to provide better understanding of the behavior of this MSE wall at the end of construction and during rainfall.
On the prediction of slope saturated time considering unsaturated soils characteristics under rainfalls
Authors: Kang In-kyu  , Sim Young-jong  , Back Seung-cheol  , Lee In  , Kim Hong-taek
Published: February 2025

Many studies on slope stability have indicated that the slope stability decreases due to infiltration of rain water into a slope. In Korea, the fully saturated ground condition during rainy season, which is the worst, is used for the slope stability analysis where rainfall intensity, soil type and slope geometry are ignored. However, use of such a condition in rainy season would be conservative because most of the soil slopes is maintained at unsaturated condition. To evaluate slope stability properly, therefore, seepage analyses in an unsaturated soil need to be considered. Although, based on these results, slope stability analyses need to be performed by considering pore water pressure, many difficulties exist due to complicated processes. This paper suggests a simple method to predict saturated time of weathered granite soil slope in unsaturated ground condition on the basis of a result of seepage analyses in various conditions. If predicted saturated time exists within possible range (within 24 hours), we can understand that the fully saturation ground condition is appropriate for the slope stability analyses. To investigate the effects of soil-water characteristics, permeability at saturation, slope geometry, and rainfall intensity on saturated time of soil slope, the finite element analyses of transient water flow in unsaturated slopes are carried out. From the results, the chart for predicting saturation time of soil slope by considering soil-water characteristics, permeability at saturation, and slope height is presented. To verify the proposed chart, the prediction time is compared with laboratory model tests.
Uncertainty in predicted hydraulic conductivity functions of unsaturated soils
Authors: McCartney J.S.  , Parks J.
Published: February 2025

Hydraulic conductivity function data from the technical literature for different soil types, defined using different experimental approaches, are used to assess the uncertainty involved in empirical prediction models. Empirical predictions were found to lead to an error in hydraulic conductivity of 1 to 4 orders of magnitude, with the greatest discrepancies at low moisture contents. This finding emphasizes the importance of soil-specific characterization of hydraulic properties for use in design, using either flow pump permeameter testing or column infiltration testing. An infiltration example is used to highlight the impact of uncertainty in predicted hydraulic conductivity functions on engineering analyses. Uncertainty in the hydraulic conductivity function was found to have the greatest impact on suction profiles observed during wetting under infiltration rates close to the saturated hydraulic conductivity.
Calculation method for residual displacement during earthquake for embankment affected by seepage water
Authors: Matsumaru T.  , Kojima K.  , Tateyama M.  , Watanabe K.  , Watanabe H.
Published: February 2025

During the mid Nigata prefecture earthquake in 2004, a lot of railway and road embankments collapsed in mountain regions. It seems that the main reason of these damages was the increase of the degree of water saturation and the water level in embankments caused by the typhoon just before this earthquake. This paper aimed at developing a caluclation method for the residual displacement during earthquake for embankment affected by seepage water. We conducted the shaking table tests of the embankment affected by seepage water and simulation analyses, to confirm the effectiveness of the calculation method, taking into consideration the effect of seepage water and based on Newmark method.
Effect of unbraced excavation in clayey soil on adjacent buildings
Authors: Ramadan E.H.  , Hussein M.H.  , Senoon A.A.  , Mohamed A.A.
Published: February 2025

Excavations inevitably result in deformations of the adjacent ground and settlement of adjacent buildings. This problem was investigated numerically in the present research using finite element method. The two dimensional plane strain program PLAXIS was used in this study. Two parameters were considered, the first is the foundation depth and the second is the distance of building from the excavation. Nodal displacements and elements straining actions were obtained from the finite element model results and were analyzed.
Inherent anisotropy in allophane clay in Colombia
Authors: Builes M.A.  , Gomez D.V.  , Millan A.A
Published: February 2025

Allophane clays are derived primarily from the in situ weathering of volcanic ash, although they may be derived from other volcanic material. This parent material may be either basic or acidic in nature. It appears that the primary condition for Allophane formation is that the parent material be of non-crystalline (or poorly ordered structure) composition. Volcanic ash meets this criteria; it is formed by the rapid cooling of relatively fine-grained pyroclastic material, the cooling process being too rapid for the formation of well ordered crystalline structures.
Evaluation of Full Scale Levee Stability Tests at Booneschans and Corresponding Centrifuge Tests
Authors: Van M.A.  , Zwanenburg C.  , Koelewijn A.R.  , van Lottum H.
Published: February 2025

The IJkdijk project is an international test site for inspection and monitoring techniques for levees. The objectives are two-fold: firstly, to develop and validate new sensor techniques and secondly to perform full-scale failure experiments on levees to understand fundamental behaviour in order to be able to increase the quality of the inspection process and safety assessment of levees. The final goal is to be able to respond timely with appropriate measures. The experiment that will be focused on in this paper is a stability test. In the beginning of 2008, a preliminary full-scale test has been performed to determine the characteristics of the subsoil in the area. The results of this test are needed to optimize the full–scale, heavily monitored levee stability failure test, which is executed in the end of 2008. The full-scale tests also have been simulated on a much smaller scale in centrifuge tests. The paper illustrates the applicability and benefits of modern sensor technology by one of the measured parameters, the horizontal deformations. They seem to indicate trends, already hours before failure occurred and may thus act as an early warning system…
Monitoring of tunnel lining deformation and deterioration
Authors: Vaníček I.  , Vaníček M.  , Záleský J.
Published: February 2025

In recent years the infrastructure owners are getting more involved in the determination of the level of deterioration of underground infrastructure in order to predict future performance and to optimize the plan of care (repair, refurbishment, reconstruction). Especially the tunnels for transport infrastructure are of the most importance. Therefore international research project was established to study these effects. In Prague metro tunnels monitoring of tunnel lining deformation and deterioration started in 2006 and the results of these monitoring activities are presented in this paper. The monitoring techniques used are wide from traditional convergence measurements, through crack behaviour monitoring by crackmeters, geophysical observation of lining segment properties changes in time by geophones and velocity sampling method to novel monitoring techniques like micro sensing using MEMS sensors – strain gauge and inclinometer, computer vision – comparison of photos / videos from the same location in time to detect new cracks and movement of existing ones. All possible monitoring techniques were combined into system of wireless data collection and transfer for further evaluation. The wireless system is very useful to avoid regular visits in the tunnels for data collection and can provide online data during some critical events. The monitoring methods mentioned in this paper proved to be useful for the purpose of determination of the tunnel lining deterioration.
Long-term technologies of bases and foundations for strengthening of monuments in conformably with ground of Central Asia
Authors: Khasanov A.Z.  , Khasanov Z.A.  , Ikramov F.A.
Published: February 2025

The paper considers the problems of engineering-geological analysis of historical cities, territories, traditional methods of erection and materials of the foundations of historical monuments of architecture. The main reasons of deformations of structures and methods of foundations and bases strengthening including waterproofing devices are analyzed.
Construction of a trial embankment on peaty ground using vacuum consolidation method for a highway construction project in Sri Lanka
Authors: Karunawardena Asiri  , Nithiwana Wana
Published: February 2025

A well instrumented trial embankment was built in order to study the effect of the vacuum consolidation method in improving the peaty ground for a highway construction project in Sri Lanka. The foundation soil mainly consisted of a 5 m – 6 m thick peat layer with high compressibility and low shear strength. The peat layer was improved by a combined vacuum and fill surcharge preloading method. An 11 m high fill surcharge was applied in stages in addition to the vacuum load to compensate the primary consolidation settlements and to minimize the secondary settlements that can take place in the actual structure. Construction of the vacuum system and embankment, the details of the field instrumentation and their observed behavior during the embankment construction period are presented in this paper. The improvement in the peaty soil due to the soft ground treatment was assessed from the data obtained through the field monitoring program and the results obtained from the laboratory and field tests carried out on improved and unimproved ground areas. The results indicate that the properties of the peaty soil have been improved significantly, providing the required control over future settlements while ensuring embankment stability.
A bearing capacity characteristic of dredged and reclaimed ground reinforced by bamboo net
Authors: Yang K.S.  , Jeon J.S.  , Lee S.
Published: February 2025

More practical surface strengthening methods are required in order to reinforce the soft ground of dredged or reclaimed ground with minimum troubles. To this end, bamboo which are cultivated or grow naturally in Korea are used as the reinforcement material due to their good physical properties and economical advantage. In this study, large scale plate loading test was conducted to investigate the characteristics of the load bearing capacity of very soft ground reinforced with bamboo net. From the test results for variables pertinent to bearing capacity, good relationships could be obtained between the bearing capacity ratio(BCR) and the ratio of embedded depth to bamboo spacing.
Design and construction of highway A143 above abandoned lignite mines
Authors: Wittke E.h. Walter  , Wittke Martin
Published: February 2025

The highway A143 is located near the city of Halle/Saale in Eastern Germany. 3 km of the southern section of this highway are located above abandoned and not properly backfilled room and pillar lignite mines as well as corresponding shafts and galleries. As a consequence of mining, cavities and loose zones are existing in the ground which lead to the occurrence of sinkholes.
The behavior of sand modified with steel slag and the effect of microstructure
Authors: Azzam W.A.
Published: February 2025

This paper describes the behavior of waste materials used as an alternative to enhance the mechanical characteristics of sandy soil and mitigate strains at a different stress level. This research aims to investigate the benefits of usingslag waste material as available as a cheap inclusion to improve the shear strength of sandy soil. A series of direct shear tests studied the main parameters of natural and reinforced sand. The microstructure behavior of the tested materials and sandy soil was investigated using a light microscope. The study revealed that at the same stresslevel the existence of such materials can effectively increase the shear strength and is mainly related to microstructures of slag. This technique is an effective method to decrease the vertical deformation and mitigate the strain under a different stress level. The conclusions of this paper support the use of waste materials as an environmentally acceptable cheaper inclusion in soil improvement applications.
Self-sealing capability of some bentonite buffers in artificial seawater
Authors: Komine H.
Published: February 2025

A high-level radioactive waste disposal facility might be built in a coastal area of Japan to facilitate transportation of radioactive waste. This study investigates the influence of seawater on the self-sealing capability of a bentonite-based buffer. It also investigates the change of compositions of exchangeable cations such as Na+and Ca2+in a bentonite-based buffer before and after self-sealing to clarify infiltration/filtration mechanisms of seawater cations into bentonite.
Tunnel Failure Mechanism by Exsolving Gas: A Proposed Model
Authors: Wightman N.R.  , Tattersall J.W.
Published: February 2025

A tunnelling failure by inundation caused complete loss of a tunnel and cofferdam by flooding. The observed gas inflow monitored was followed by a rapid increase in water inflow rate is explained through gas assisted liquefaction of the uniform marine sand at the tunnel invert. The failure is explained through the mechanism of gas exsolving from the groundwater, proved to abundantly exist by gas ground investigations. The accompanying geological ground model of Hung Hom Bay, Hong Kong area was primarily of quaternary age interbedded sediments which proved the source of both the gas producing and storage strata. The methane exceeded safety levels at the time of failure along with high carbon dioxide concentrations as measured later provided the environment for rapid release of gases promoting piping failure of the grouted zone and energy for sudden liquefaction.
L'accompagnement géotechnique indispensable pour la réussite d'un projet
Authors: Robert J.
Published: February 2025

Les risques géologiques à maîtriser lors de la réalisation d'un projet se sont accrus suite à une complexité grandissante des ouvrages à construire sur des terrains disponibles de moins bonne qualité géotechnique et avec un environnement plus sensible dû à une forte occupation du sol et du sous-sol par des ouvrages vulnérables. Seul l'enchaînement des missions d'ingénierie géotechnique au cours des étapes d'élaboration et de réalisation du projet permet une réduction progressive des incertitudes et des aléas géologiques, donc des risques associés. Ainsi les études géotechniques successives d'avant projet et de projet finalisent une conception «interactive » des ouvrages géotechniques, validée ou adaptée en cours de travaux selon les conditions géotechniques réellement observées et prises en compte en temps réel grâce à une mission d'étude et suivi géotechniques d'exécution encadrée par une mission de supervision géotechnique d'exécution. Seul cet accompagnement permet de répondre aux attentes du maître d'ouvrage à la recherche d'un ouvrage de qualité sans dépassement de délai et de coût.
Geomaterial behavior and testing
Authors: Mayne Paul W.  , Coop Matthew R.  , Springman Sarah M.  , Huang An-Bin  , Zornberg Jorge G.
Published: February 2025

A complete characterization detailing the intricate and complex response of geomaterials remains a challenging task that can only be realized on a partial basis via a careful drilling and sampling program coupled with detailed laboratory testing and comprehensive series of in-situ tests and field geophysics. As now evidenced from results reported from over 60 international geotechnical experimentation sites at worldwide locations, such extensive efforts directed at a particular soil formation take decades of time and considerable funding for completion. For a practical approach in routine site characterizations, the minimal standard of work should be seismic piezocone tests (SCPTu) or seismic flat dilatometer tests (SDMT), as up to 5 separate measurements of soil behavior are captured during a single sounding. These results should be supplemented with sampling and laboratory testing directed at defining parameters within a rational effective stress framework, and in particular, critical state soil mechanics (CSSM). Even then, a number of challenges remain, including the appreciation of rate effects, fabric, particle breakage, weathering, and diagenesis. Furthermore, nontextbook geomaterials (e.g., silty sands, carbonate clays, diatomaceous earth, peats, organic silts) will require a considerably higher level of testing and investigative effort because of greater uncertainty in understanding their anomalous behavior. Also, the characterization of geosynthetics, often used to complement or replace the function of earthen materials in many structures (e.g., reinforcement, drainage) requires the characterization of product-specific hydraulic, mechanical, and rheological properties.
Prediction, monitoring and evaluation of performance of geotechnical structures
Authors: Negro Jr. Arsenio  , Karlsrud Kjell  , Srithar Sri  , Ervin Max  , Vorster Eduard
Published: February 2025

A review is presented on three core activities of geotechnical engineering: the prediction, the monitoring and the evaluation of performance of geotechnical structures. Four types of geotechnical structures are contemplated, each with its particular type of response: Foundations (mainly deep), Earth Fills, Supported Excavations and Tunnels. Each structure is treated separately, reviewing typical response, evaluating response prediction, reviewing procedures for response monitoring, evaluating performance and discussing specificities of application of Interactive Design, together with some selected case histories description. A final section is provided on geotechnical instrumentation, where requirements for planning and selection of instruments to be used are reviewed and recent fibre optic monitoring developments are discussed. A section with summary and conclusions is finally added.
Management, training and education in geotechnical engineering
Authors: Jaksa M.B.  , Ho K.K.S.  , Woodward M.A.
Published: February 2025

This paper examines the state-of-the-art associated with the management of geotechnical data and processes; training of geotechnical engineers in the private and public sectors; and attempts to predict the future of geotechnical engineering education. The paper also explores issues related to the awareness of the importance of geotechnical engineering by owners, engineers and the public at large, and how this awareness might be enhanced in the future.
Measurement of soil variability for probabilistic slope stability analysis
Authors: Van Helden M. J.  , Blatz J. A.  , Bannister K.
Published: February 2025

It has been known for some time that the factor of safety is of little physical significance. Attempting to predict future performance of geotechnical structures using the deterministic factor of safety is fraught with uncertainty and risk. Probabilistic analysis of slope stability can allow the quantification of the input parameter uncertainty and temporal forecasting to be more accurately achieved. Accounting for the spatial correlation structure of soil deposits is essential to proper estimation of probabilities of failure. The current study involves three-dimensional cluster analysis of Cone Penetration Testing with Pore-Pressure measurements (CPTu). The clustered data are to be used in an assessment of the autocorrelation statistics for lacustrine clay foundation soils of a water retention dyke. Dyke 17W is located at the McArthur Falls hydro-electric generating station owned and operated by Manitoba Hydro, located near Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The results of the geostatistical analysis will be modeled as a random field in a probabilistic Monte-Carlo simulation.
A comprehensive view of measuring soil stiffness with bender elements
Authors: Lohani T.N.  , Shibuya S.
Published: February 2025

A laboratory experiment to determine the shear wave velocity of geomaterials by using bender elements has been reviewed. Problems associated with uniqueness and objectivity in judging correct arrival time and uniformity in interpretations are analyzed by using experimental results from a consolidation test on reconstituted clay samples. The error associated with different techniques adopted in arrival time determination is detailed by varying an input frequency and signal type. An alternative start-to-start reading method when cross-verified with resonance and cross-correlation is very essential in avoiding gross error in time measurement.
Evaluating soil parameters using numerical optimisation
Authors: Doherty J.P.  , Lehane B.M.
Published: February 2025

Evaluating parameters for complex constitutive models can be a laborious and time consuming task, particularly where data from a number of different tests and test types are available. This paper explores the use of mathematical optimisation techniques to derive parameters for a given constitutive model based on the stress-strain/load-displacement response measured in both laboratory and in-situ tests. An example is presented involving triaxial, plate-load and pressuremeter tests conducted at different elevations in a clay deposit for which the strength and stiffness increase (non-linearly) with depth. Finite element models representing each test are used to calculate the constitutive model's response with a given set of parameters. Individual norms, which measure differences between the actual and calculated load-displacement response, are then calculated for each test. Individual norms for each test are combined to form a global norm, or objective function, for all tests. Direct search methods are then employed to vary the constitutive model parameters with the aim of minimising the objective function. Methods for forming both individual norms and objective functions are discussed and the performance of a commercially available search method is assessed. It is concluded that mathematical optimisation can assist in the practical application of constitutive models, as it promotes a systematic treatment of data and removes much of the subjectivity involved in parameter selection. It also provides a rational basis for extrapolating from the known test data to predict the unknown field response. This is because precisely the same assumptions are made when interpreting soil test data as those that are made when undertaking calculations to predict the performance of real structures (i.e. the assumption in the constitutive model).
Probabilistic calibration of discrete particle models for geomaterials
Authors: Medina-Cetina Z.  , Khoa H.D.V.
Published: February 2025

This paper introduces the use of a probabilistic inverse model method to calibrate numerical models based on Particle Flow Code in three dimensions (PFC3D). The main aim is to fully define the parameters of the particle models through a joint probability density function conditioned on experimental observations obtained from triaxial rock testing. The discrete particle model built for the rock specimen simulation is comprised of an assembly of spheres of specified stiffness bonded together with specified strengths. A case study is presented where the probabilistic calibration method is applied to experimental results of triaxial compressive tests of Vosges sandstone specimens tested at the L3S-R (Grenoble, France). Calibration results will serve for simulating likely rock specimens' behaviour when matching not only the global stress-strain and volumetric responses of jointed rock for different confining pressures, but also the fracture modes observed in the laboratory. Additionally, probability descriptions of the models' performance at different levels of axial strain are also retrieved, enhancing the quantity and quality of inferences that are obtained traditionally by optimization methods for inverse problems. Preliminary results include in-progress trends and model relationships as the probabilistic calibration is currently being computed.
Field and laboratory experience with the soft subsoil deformation
Authors: Szymanski A.  , Sas W.  , Niesiolowska A.
Published: February 2025

The paper presents the results of field and laboratory investigations carried out on two test embankments located on soft soils in north-western Poland. Comprehensive investigations including observations of test embankments and laboratory testing have been conducted in order to study the behaviour of the consolidation process in soft subsoil. This paper presents the analysis of factors determining the assessment of the deformation process of soft subsoil. The analysis was focused on determining non-linear deformation-stress characteristics used for modelling the deformation of soft subsoil under the earth structure. Deformation characteristics obtained in laboratory tests were compared with field measurements, which included vertical and horizontal displacements, as well as pore pressure dissipation. Based on analysis of field observations and laboratory tests results, the characteristics determining the consolidation process were elaborated.
Elasto-plastic FEM model for researching of problematic soil ground of St. Petersburg city
Authors: Okajima K.  , Tanaka T.  , Zhusupbekov A.  , Baitassov T.  , Bazarbayev D.  , Popov V.
Published: February 2025

A test pit work was carried out in 2007 in the area of the Extension of Mariinsky Theatre. It was applied to the work to use sheet pile cofferdam. In the work large displacement of sheet pile was measured. We analyzed this work by our elasto-plastic FEM in total stress condision. In this study Mohr-Coulomb type yield function and Drucker-Plager type plastic potential were applied to constitutive equation. We decided the cohesion of each soil layer from the geological colum and the Young's modulus of the strut and sheet pile not to be able to get the detailed soil parameter and the sheet pile and strut data. For this analysis, it was obvious that the ineffective strut progressed the measured large displacement of the sheet pile.
Strength of chemically grouted micro pile model in Calcareous sand
Authors: Hassanlourad M.  , Salehzadeh H.  , Shahnazari H.
Published: February 2025

In this paper, at first the improvement susceptibility of calcareous sand is investigated using grouting method. The calcareous sand was obtained from Kish Island, located in Persian Gulf in south of Iran. The grouting process of sand was conducted using injection of a sodium silicate grout. It was observed that the maximum unconfined compressive strength, initial tangent modulus and failure strain of grouted samples are obtained in water/sodium silicate ratio of 0.5. Based on unconfined compressive test results, a model of micro pile was constructed, grouted and loaded axially. Results show that the sodium silicate grout increases the compression bearing capacity of micro pile model. The bearing capacity of grouted model of micro piles using a relatively moderate grout in loose sand is about 35 to 5.4 times of the un-grouted one located in loose and dense soil respectively. Also, the grouted model micro pile bearing increment is proportional to unconfined compressive strength of the grouted samples.
Active soils of the Niger Delta
Authors: Omotosho Olujide
Published: February 2025

Active or expansive soils of the freshwater area of the Niger delta in southern Nigeria swell and shrink in the rainy and dry seasons respectively together with any structure constructed with and/or on them. In this paper, data on some natural engineering characteristics of these soils derived from previous soil investigation activities within the region were used to identify, characterize and evaluate them for better and more resourceful engineering applications. Also, disturbed samples taken from four locations were chemically stabilized with CaCl2and slaked-lime to reduce swelling potential to tolerable level (i.e. 2.5% for 24-hour free swell index) and with cement to improve strength. 24-hour free swell index was found to diminish with increasing stabilizer content while addition of cement was found to enhance continual increase in MDD, soaked-CBR and durability index such that the soil becomes better compactible, stronger and more durable with increasing cement content. About 2.6% and 14.6% cement contents were found needed to respectively produce sub-base and base-course materials in road works.
Stress-strain behavior of a residual soil profile from gneiss
Authors: Reis R.M.  , Vilar O.M.  , Azevedo R.F.
Published: February 2025

This paper deals with the stress-strain behavior of mature and young soils of a typical residual soil profile from gneiss, as found in Viçosa - MG, Brazil. It is shown that the shear strength of saturated soil, both mature and young is independent of shearing direction. However, the visually more homogeneous mature soil showed to be more anisotropic, regarding the deformability, than the young residual soil that visually seems to be heterogeneous. The cohesion intercept tends to increase with soil suction according to a non linear relationship that can be adjusted through a hyperbolic function, while the angle of shearing stress was not influenced by soil suction. The yield curve of young soil was found to be fairly predicted using modified Cam-Clay model for saturated and unsaturated conditions. It is centered along the hydrostatic axis of stress and its shape did not change during saturated soil strain hardening that was obtained by joining the points to that exhibited the same plastic work and also did not change with increase soil suction.
Geosynthetic Encased Columns in a Tropical Collapsible Porous Clay
Authors: Araújo Gregório L.S.  , Palmeira Ennio Marques  , Pinto da Cunha Renato
Published: February 2025

Embakments constructed on soft soils can have their performance compromised because of settlements due to consolidation or colapse of the soft foundation soils. The same can happen in case of embankments on collapsible soils. One way to avoid or minimise this type of problem is by using granular columns underneath the embankment. This paper presents the results of field loading tests on granular (sand) columns. The results obtained from tests on conventional and on geotextile encased columns are presented and discussed. A significant increase on column bearing capacity was achieved due to column geotextile encasing and the experiments showed the potential of the use of this type of solution to stabilise embankments on collapsible soils.
Reinforcing mechanism of Geosynthetics on bearing capacity problems – model tests and numerical simulations
Authors: Nakai T.  , Shahin H.M.  , Watanabe A.  , Yonaha S.
Published: February 2025

In this paper, bearing capacity problem of reinforced-soil ground is investigated and the reinforcing mechanism is clarified through two-dimensional laboratory model tests and the corresponding numerical analyses. The numerical analyses are carried out using elastoplastic subloading tijmodel. Changing the installation depth, length and skin friction of the reinforcements several tests are carried out. It is revealed that the effectiveness of reinforcement, bearing capacity of reinforced ground, mainly depends on the position of reinforcement and its skin friction. There is almost no extra reinforcement effect is seen when it is placed deeper than a certain depth. The results obtained from the numerical analyses show very good agreement with the results of the model tests.
The Role of International Classification of Diseases in Assessment of Patients with Biliary Tract Disease
Authors: Pandza Haris  , Masic Izet  , Karabeg Reuf  , Hajdarevic Braco  , Sabanovic Zekerijah  , Hadziahmetovic Zoran
Published: February 2025

One of the most common events in Surgical Ward is admission of patients with biliary tract disease. To evaluate such patients, it is necessary to create appropriate database and define attributes that will be analyzed. The patients should be divided in groups for analysis and data processing. There were 219 patients included in the study. All patients were selected on the basis of ICD-10 codes and then divided into categories according to the code. In order to assess selected patients, the database was created with all relevant questions about anamnesis, diagnostic tests and surgical procedures. The data about patients was entered into the database. It is possible to analyze data about the most frequent disorders of biliary tract. The most common entity was chronic cholecystitis with calculus and most common procedure was laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The other important attributes are also assessed. ICD-10 classification can be used as a basis for aggregation of data of the patients with biliary tract disease. Some of the codes are more frequent than others and some are rarely used.
Issues on Evaluating the Usability of a Pen-Tablet System Using Server-Based Computing
Authors: Teramoto Kei  , Kuwata Shigeki  , Kushniruk Andre W.  , Borycki Elizabeth M.  , Kondoh Hiroshi
Published: February 2025

The purpose of this study is to define the issues in evaluating the usability of pen-tablet systems (PTS) with server-based computing (SBC) in hospital settings. For five subjects with PTS operation, we measured the delay of drawing under SBC environments and compared it with the results of questionnaires from subjects. It was found that the relation of the usability with the drawing velocity and the delay is the crucial issue for a further study.
Optimized Detection of Tar Content in the Manufacturing Process Using Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference Systems
Authors: Avdagic Zikrija  , Begic Fazlic Lejla  , Konjicija Samim
Published: February 2025

The purpose of this study is to model and optimize the detection of tar in cigarettes during the manufacturing process and show that low yield cigarettes contain similar levels of nicotine as compared to high yield cigarettes while B (Benzene), T(toluene) and X (xylene) (BTX) levels increase with increasing tar yields. A neuro-fuzzy system which comprises a fuzzy inference structure is used to model such a system. Given a training set of samples, the Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) classifiers learned how to differentiate a new case in the domain. The ANFIS classifiers were used to detect the tar in smoke condensate when five basic features defining cigarette classes indications were used as inputs. A classical method by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) is also introduced to solve this problem. At last the performances of these two methods are compared.
Modelling Clinical Guidelines and Protocols for the Prevention of Risks Against Patient Safety
Authors: Seyfang Andreas  , Kaiser Katharina  , Miksch Silvia
Published: February 2025

The detection and prevention of Risks Against Patient Safety (RAPS) are ever-increasing issues in health care. One aspect of the many measures taken against RAPS is the comparison of the actual care practice against descriptions of best practice given in clinical guidelines and protocols (CGPs). In order to perform such comparisons automatically, CGPs need to be modelled in a computer-executable form. In addition, the execution of the CGP model must be integrated with the care process at the site of application, and with risk-assessment tools used by the hospital's risk manager to explore what-if scenarios. In this paper, we describe the modelling and execution of CGPs in Asbru within the EU project Remine, which develops a high-performance platform for the prediction, detection and monitoring of RAPS.
European Efforts in Nanoinformatics Research Applied to Nanomedicine
Authors: Chiesa Stefano  , De La Iglesia Diana  , Crespo Jose  , Martin-Sanchez Fernando  , Kern Josipa  , Potamias George  , Maojo Victor
Published: February 2025

Nanomedicine and nanoinformatics are emerging disciplines with substantial challenges ahead. For instance, nanomedicine involves complex and massive data analysis. Nanoinformatics could expand previous experiences in Biomedical Informatics with new features required to study different scientific biological and physical characteristics at a different level of complexity. ACTION-Grid is a project, funded by the European Commission, which aims to the creation of a collaborative environment in biomedical and nanomedical research among countries in Europe, Western Balkans, Latin America and North Africa. In this paper, we briefly review the concepts of nanomedicine and nanoinformatics and then we describe the activities of some of the ACTION-Grid consortium members considering those initiatives related to nanomedicine.
Computer Laboratory in Medical Education for Medical Students
Authors: Hercigonja-Szekeres Mira  , Marinović Darko  , Kern Josipa
Published: February 2025

Five generations of second year students at the Zagreb University School of Medicine were interviewed through an anonymous questionnaire on their use of personal computers, Internet, computer laboratories and computer-assisted education in general. Results show an advance in students' usage of information and communication technology during the period from 1998/99 to 2002/03. However, their positive opinion about computer laboratory depends on installed capacities: the better the computer laboratory technology, the better the students' acceptance and use of it.
An Intelligent Framework for Assessment Systems
Authors: Radenković Sonja D.  , Devedžić Vladan  , Krdžavac Nenad
Published: February 2025

This chapter presents the development of a computer assisted intelligent assessment system. The system is based on the IMS QTI standard and designed by applying the Model Driven Architecture (MDA) software engineering standards, the artificial intelligence and description logic reasoning techniques based on tableau algorithm. The chapter, also, shows the use of metamodel transformations between concrete languages. We propose the framework for assessment system that is reusable, extensible, and facilitates interoperability between its component systems. Also the chapter defines the consistency of test.
PhiloSurfical: an Ontological Approach to Support Philosophy Learning
Authors: Pasin Michele  , Motta Enrico
Published: February 2025

As the Semantic Web is increasingly becoming a reality, the availability of large quantities of structured data brings forward new challenges. In fact, when the content of resources is indexed, not just their status as a text document, an image or a video, it becomes important to have solid semantic models which avoid as much as possible the generation of ambiguities with relation to the resources' meaning. Within an educational context, we believe that only thanks to these models it is possible to organize and present resources in a dynamic and contextual manner. This can be achieved through a process of narrative pathway generation, that is, the active linking of resources into a learning path that contextualizes them with respect to one another. We are experimenting this approach in the PhiloSurfical tool, aimed at supporting philosophy students in understanding a text, by presenting them ‘maps’ of relevant learning resources. An ontology describing the multiple aspects of the philosophical world plays a central role in this system. In this chapter we want to discuss some lessons-learned during the modeling process, which have been crystallized into a series of reusable patterns. We present three of these patterns, showing how they can support different context-based reasoning tasks and allow a formal conceptualization of ambiguities that are primarily philosophy-related but can be easily found in other domains too. In particular, we describe a practical use of the ontology in the context of a classic work in twentieth century philosophy, Wittgenstein's Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus.
E-Learning and the Social Semantic Web
Authors: Jovanovic Jelena  , Gasevic Dragan  , Devedzic Vladan
Published: February 2025

The Social Semantic Web has emerged recently as a new paradigm for creating, managing and sharing information through the combined use of technologies and approaches from the Social Web (aka Web 2.0) and the Semantic Web. In this chapter, we first introduce the fundamental concepts of the Social Semantic Web. Subsequently, we focus on (some of) the benefits that the Social Semantic Web paradigm can bring to e-learning environments, such as effective and reliable knowledge management and sharing, advanced forms of interactivity and ubiquitous access to learning resources.