bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of forest fires influence on chemical and microbiological properties of hydromorphic soils in northern part of Sym-Dubchessk interfluve (Krasnoyarsk territory)
Authors: Grodnitskaya I D , Karpenko L V , Pashkeeva O E , Goncharova N N , Gorbach N M , Dymov A A
Published: October 2022

The subject of the study are three raised bogs located in the vicinity of the Sredneeniseyskya monitoring station of the V. N. Sukachev Institute of Forest SB RAS (Krasnoyarsk Territory), which were affected by fires in different periods of time. It is shown that the bogs differed in thickness and age of peat, the amount of accumulated macro charcoal particles along the soil profiles. The age of the lower peat horizons showed that bog formation in the studied area started at different times: from the second half of the Boreal period of the Holocene to the Subatlantic period. The content of charcoal showed that the pyrogenic activity during the Holocene was different. The morphological structure and chemical properties of peat soils have changed in the pyrogenic horizons of all the sites, compared with non-pyrogenic ones. They are depleted of carbon and nitrogen, enriched in ash elements. The content of microbial biomass (MB) and basal respiration (BR) rate is low due to a lack of organic matter, the microbial trophy is disturbed, and the restoration of microbial activity is extremely slow. The main role in the transformation of pyrogenic horizons was assigned to bacteria, while fungal activity was significantly lower.
Carbon, nitrogen and their stable isotope (δ13C and δ15N) records in two peat deposits of Central Siberia: raised bog of middle taiga and palsa of forest-tundra ecotone
Authors: Prokushkin A S , Novenko E Yu , Kupryanov D A , Karpenko L V , Mazei N G , Serikov S I
Published: October 2022

The peatlands in the northern hemisphere accumulated substantially more atmospheric carbon (C) during the Holocene than other terrestrial ecosystems. In this study we applied a multi-proxy record to distinguish variations in dynamics of two peatlands in the boreal belt (raised bog) and the forest-tundra ecotone (palsa mire) in Central Siberia. Carbon and nitrogen content in peatland soils and their stable isotope composition δ13C and δ15Μ) were used to trace likely changes of hydrothermal regimes, vegetation shifts and diagenetic alteration of accumulated peat. Several inter-related allogenic and autogenic forcings have influenced the changes in macroelement content and stable isotope composition of peat with depth. In particular, there were climate-induced and succession-driven vegetation community shifts in domination of plants characterized by specific nutrient requirements, nutrient stoichiometry and fractionation of stable isotope values. The climate and permafrost-mediated processes like hummock uplift affected 13C uptake by Sphagnum mosses in wet and dry periods and changing hydrothermal conditions in peat profiles resulted in perturbations of the nitrogen cycle inducing N loss and enrichment 15N abundance, as well as enhanced decomposition was responsible for enrichment of organic matter in the heavier isotopes. These findings confirm the hypothesis that combined use of elemental and stable isotope composition provide meaningful insights in tracing the hydrothermal conditions and the functional state of peatbogs for paleoecological and paleoclimate reconstructions.
On a question of non-constant thermal diffusivity of soils
Authors: Glagolev M V , Dyukarev E A , Terentieva I E , Sabrekov A F
Published: October 2022

The general heat conductivity equation includes time- and depth-dependent soil properties (soil heat capacity and thermal conductivity). The simplified form of the heat conductivity equation contains only the soil thermal diffusivity parameter. Numerical solutions of the general and simplified equations were compared to quantify the possibility of equation reduction. Two test runs for soils with different compositions were done. The thermal regime for both peat soil and dark chestnut soil does not change significantly after using a simplified heat equation according to model estimations. The maximal soil temperature discrepancy was about 0.5 °C for peat soil and 2.2-3.3 °C for dark chestnut soil, which results in 4-6% error in methane efflux estimations.
Summer bird populations of burnt bog-forest land of the Kerzhensky Nature Reserve ten years after wildfires (Central Volga region, Russia)
Authors: Noskova O S , Kolesova N E , Bokadorova E I , Denisov D A
Published: October 2022

The bird population was monitored during ten years in the Kerzhensky Nature Reserve damaged by severe wildfires in 2010. In the burned territory 126 bird species (120 species in the breeding season) were noted, for which weighted averages of bird abundance were calculated. It was noted that the number of species was increasing gradually in the breeding season. The birds of forest edges and of dry valleys appeared already during the second post-fire year, but their abundance increased only in the third-fourth year. The bird population abundance has increased almost 2 times in the breeding season over ten years, while it has not increased significantly in the post-breeding season. The total biomass and the transformed energy, on the contrary, decreased especially in the post-breeding season. During the first six years Fringilla coelebs Linnaeus, 1758 was the absolute leader at the abundance, and its co-dominant was Anthus trivialis (Linnaeus, 1758), and in last two years Phylloscopus trochilus (Linnaeus, 1758) was the leader. The share of the leaders in the breeding season gradually decreased, and the species diversity and the alignment grew. The birds fed in the breeding season mostly on the soil surface. The share of shrubby species increased by two times a couple of years after the wildfires, and the share of crowns birds increased after another four years. The similarity of the ornithocomplex of the burnt territory in the first and last two years of the research amounted to only 0.63 units (the Sorensen-Chekanovsky index).
Summer soil CO2 emission from bog surface: controlling factors
Authors: Makhnykina A V , Polosukhina D A , Koshurnikova N N , Prokushkin A S
Published: October 2022

The peatlands in the northern hemisphere cover just 3% of the global landmass but their impact to the carbon emission is huge. The current climate changes exert influence on these ecosystems by changing water supply, temperature regime, plant growing activity and others. Nowadays studies predicted the important role of the northern bogs and peatlands as an additional source of atmospheric CO2. In our study we estimated how microrelief and microclimatic conditions can control the CO2 emission from the bog area. We compared also the waterlogged bog conditions and forest ecosystem to find out the main drivers of soil emission dynamics during the summer season. The rate of CO2 emission varies widely within bog area depending on the microrelief of the area: hollow – 0.74±0.03, ridge – 1.69±0.08 kg CO2 m–2. The comparative analysis versus the forest area showed that the upland parts of the bog area are not inferior to the forest area in terms of the emission rate. Moisture conditions determined the CO2 efflux for the hollow site (r=0.49, p<0.05) and forested area (r=0.39, p<0.05). The temperature impact is observed for all sites and it is significant throughout the season.
Vegetation diversity in inundated and paludal sites along motor roads in Karelia
Authors: Kantserova L
Published: October 2022

The article reports the results of a study on vegetation diversity in the inundated and paludal sites along the motor roads in Karelia. 17 associations were identified by way of processing 295 geobotanic relevés. Ordination methods were used to track the existing gradients between the associations, which shape their floristic diversity, and the key factors: trophic and soil moisture levels.
7th European Conference on Geosynthetics EUROGEO-7
Authors: Kawalec Jacek
Published: October 2022

Within the framework of the presented material as result of Scientific Committee decision paper accepted for publication and presentation at the 7th European Conference on Geosynthetics EuroGeo-7.
Resilient modulus of crushed stone material reinforced with geogrids
Authors: Kaluder J , Lenart S , Mulabdic M , Minazek K
Published: October 2022

Unbound base layers can be stabilized with geogrids that reduce lateral movement of granular material thus improving its stiffness through particle interlocking inside geogrid openings. Good particles-geogrid interlocking depends significantly on the ratio of geogrid aperture size to the average soil particle size. This paper describes testing of a resilient modulus and a permanent deformation of geogrid reinforced granular material. Biaxial and triaxial geogrids made with 3D printer were used in which geogrids were of different aperture sizes and rib thickness. It was thus possible to test parametrically the effect of geogrid geometry and rib stiffness on the resilient behaviour and permanent deformations. Experiments were conducted on cylindrical specimens of 160 mm diameter and 320 mm height and were reinforced with one or several layers of geogrids. The results of cyclic triaxial tests for unreinforced and reinforced specimens with created geogrids are presented in the paper, as well as the results of the previous research on commercially available geogrids. It is observed from the presented results that resilient behaviour of the tested granular material was not improved with the use of geogrids, while geogrids gave certain improvement with respect to permanent deformations. Presented research is a part of the ongoing project at the University of J.J. Strossmayer in Osijek and the Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute.
The behaviour of containment bund using stacked geotextile tubes filled with lightly cemented soft soil
Authors: Koh J W , Chew S H , Aw Y J E , Chua K E , Yim H M A , Tan D S E , Toh Y S
Published: October 2022

This land reclamation project used stacked geotextile tubes to construct a 1 km long containment bund. In the past, sand is the preferred infilling material of geotextile tubes due to its ease of construction. However, due to sand scarcity in Singapore, soft soil becomes a potential alternative infilling material. One of the challenges of using soft soil as infilling material is that there will be an excessive settlement and concerns about the overall stability of the stacked tubes. Hence, the soft soil is lightly cemented before infilling into the geotextile tubes. This paper presents the design consideration and the construction sequence of the construction of a stacked geotextile tubes containment bund. Extensive instrumentation was installed at a section of the containment bund to study the behaviour of this geotextile tube. The instrumentation includes strain gauges, pore pressure transducer and total pressure cell. After two years of construction was completed, Standard Penetration Test (SPT) and laboratory triaxial test were used to evaluate the strength of the infilling material. All the instrument data and strength tests results were used to ascertain the performance of the stacked geotextile tubes containment bund.
Innovative geocomposite for dredged sediments depollution
Authors: Forogo B W , Stolz G , Coquery M , Bonelli S , Chaouch N , Touze N
Published: October 2022

In France, sediments from river dredging are considered as waste. Without any special treatment, they must be stored in landfills. The dredged sediments of our area of study (North of France) are polluted with trace metals (antimony and zinc are above the French regulation threshold). The main objective of this study is to develop a new method of active depollution and dewatering treatment in order to enable the reuse of treated sediments. This treatment is carried out through ponds equipped with innovative geocomposite. This innovative geocomposite has two typical passive functions (filtration and drainage). In addition, it is functionalized by an innovative electrokinetic technology to confer it active roles (depollution and dewatering). Electrokinetic consists in applying a difference of electrical potential to a porous medium. We present here the results of a preliminary laboratory study that simulates this new method on a short-term (3 weeks) experiment. The results show that the electrokinetic treatment has an impact on the chemical and physical properties of sediments. The treatment reduces by 50% the concentration of zinc in the leachate after lixiviation.
Effects of geogrid reinforcement on the seismic performance of lightweight embankments
Authors: Edinçliler A , Toksoy Y S
Published: October 2022

Highway embankments have experienced earthquake induced damages from minor to catastrophic scales during the past few decades despite the fact that highways are considered as major lifelines that should be in continuous operation under any circumstances. Recent advances in highway engineering suggest that geosynthetic reinforcement can be considered as a novel approach to mitigate the earthquake hazards on highway embankments successfully. The use EPS geofoam inclusions is one of the prominent improvement methods available to increase the seismic performance of lightweight embankments. It’s a well-known method to reduce the magnitude of earthquake-induced dynamic forces. The aim of this numerical study is to determine the effects of using geogrid reinforcement on the seismic performance of lightweight embankments. Non-linear dynamic analyses were performed using the PLAXIS software using real earthquake records. Evaluation of the results reveal that inclusion of geogrid reinforcement layer beneath the lightweight embankment model successfully decreases earthquake-induced dynamic forces and increases the seismic performance of the embankment model in comparison of the nominally identical structure with no geogrid reinforcement. Numerical results obtained from this novel technique suggest that the implementation of a geogrid layer beneath such lightweight embankments can successfully and effectively increase the seismic performance of such structures.
Seismic design of geosynthetic-reinforced earth retaining walls following a pseudo-static approach
Authors: Gaudio D , Masini L , Rampello S
Published: October 2022

Geosynthetic-reinforced earth (GRE) retaining walls show a better performance than conventionally-designed walls during destructive earthquakes, due to their capability of redistributing seismic-induced deformations within the reinforced zone. In this paper, a recently-proposed method to design GRE walls is first recalled, where the wall is designed to trigger an internal plastic mechanism in the presence of strong earthquakes. Following a pseudo-static approach, the seismic coefficient k is therefore assumed equal to the internal seismic resistance of the wall k
c
int. The seismic coefficient is then calibrated against given seismic wall performance, expressed in terms of limit values of earthquake-induced displacements. Permanent displacements are evaluated through empirical relationships that were previously developed on the basis of a parametric integration of an updated Italian seismic database. Effectiveness of the proposed procedure is then demonstrated by assessing, through Finite Difference nonlinear dynamic analyses, the seismic performance of two walls, namely a GRE and a conventional gravity wall, characterised by the same seismic resistance but triggering an internal and external plastic mechanism, respectively. They are both subjected to a real strong motion, capable of activating a plastic mechanism. Results showed that lower permanent displacements are accumulated in the GRE wall where internal mechanisms are triggered.
Micro-structural analysis of cement composites using stone waste: A review
Authors: Devi K , Saini B , Aggarwal P
Published: October 2022

The direct disposal of industrial by-products to environment is the potential threat to the ecosystem. A possible solution can be utilization of these materials into construction industries to counteract the consumption of cement. Along with the strength and durability properties, study of micro-structural properties of concrete is equally important. The microstructure of concrete largely depends on the type of cement, admixtures, water-cement ratio and curing age. To characterize and quantify the hydration products i.e., calcium silicate hydrate, calcium hydroxide etc. of cement based materials, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) etc. techniques are being used worldwide. XRD is a powerful tool for the identification of chemical compounds present in the cement-based materials. SEM reveals the information about external morphology, chemical composition, crystalline structure and orientation of the material. EDS is an analytical technique that can be coupled with SEM and used to determine the elemental composition. A critical review of microstructural analysis using above mentioned techniques for mortar and concrete using stone waste has been done. It was found that these techniques are capable to address the morphological and crystalline structure along with chemical elements and compounds of the materials; and can also be correlated with strength and durability properties. The micrographs showed stone waste, being a filler material aid in forming the dense matrix by filling the voids. Elemental analysis coheres to the chemical compounds (calcium oxide, silica dioxide, etc.) present in the mortar and concrete specimens corresponding to micrographs images.
Reinforced Soil Structures: From Standard Design to BIM
Authors: Trovato F , Intrevado G , Pezzano P , Lugli G
Published: October 2022

Building Information Modeling (BIM) emerges as a new process for the architectural, structural, engineering and construction sectors. It is based on three-dimensional (3D) parametric models which centralizes geometrical, physical and project information. The implementation of BIM within the Geotechnical Engineering sector has not reached yet a good level of robustness, frequently appearing as a new concept. BIM methodology in geotechnics and in the design of Reinforced Soil Structures (RSS) represents an opportunity which could enable the AECO world (Architecture, Engineering, Construction, Owner and Operator) to implement the infrastructural BIM, managing complex projects. With BIM, it is possible to improve the construction quality and reduce the wastage of the supplied materials as it allows an overview of the construction models through multidimensional digital design solutions which provide simulation and analysis by using different design software. This paper aims to clarify issues which might arise during the BIM design of RSS. In particular, this paper presents the case of a Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) wall which comprises precast concrete facing panels and discrete high adherence polymeric soil reinforcing strips. The application of BIM technology in this research provides guidelines for design optimization and construction improvement.
Modelling the impact of landslides on geosyntethics-reinforced barrier using DEM-FDM analyses
Authors: Cuomo S , Camusso M , Gambardella P , Moretti S , Frigo L
Published: October 2022

Geosynthetics-reinforced barriers can be used as protection structures for mitigating the risk posed by fast-moving flow-like landslides such as debris avalanches. In the design of such kind of barriers a crucial role is generally played by the correct analysis of the mutual interaction between the flowing mass and the barrier. This paper is focused on the evaluation of the impact forces and the deformation mechanisms of the barrier. An extensive numerical campaign of dynamic analyses has been performed by means of a coupled 3D Discrete Element Model (DEM) code, namely Particle Flow Code (PFC) and a continuum Finite Difference Method model, named Fast Lagrangian Analysis of Continua (FLAC3D code), both provided by Itasca software. The impacting flow with given initial height and velocity is here simply schematised as a dry granular mass, made of a random distribution of rigid spherical particles. The barrier is conceived as multilayered embankment reinforced by geogrids wrapped around the facing. The geometry of the barrier and the combinations of the materials have been varied to take in account a large variety of factors, also including the size of the impacting mass, the inter-particle friction angle and the initial velocity of the flowing mass. From the numerical results it was learned that the height of the flow may change significantly (or not) during the impact process depending on some of the previously mentioned factors. On the other hand, the global response of the deformable barrier depends on the combined behaviour of the granular soil and the geosynthetics reinforcements installed inside the barrier. Other novelty of the paper is that far from the semi-empirical formulations typically used for a safe design of such barriers, here the time-space dependent mutual interactions are accurately computed along the impact front also providing the chance to adequately take into account the mechanical features of the flowing mass and of the impacted barrier.
Durability of EPDM geomembranes - Lifetime estimation by using high pressure autoclave test method
Authors: Armani A , Zanzinger H , Monami A , Hahn W , Amat B
Published: October 2022

For determination of end of service life different accelerated ageing tests are available. However, ageing of modern polymers in conventional oven ageing tests takes many years. In high-pressure autoclave test (HPAT), thermo-oxidative ageing is caused by elevated temperature and by elevated oxygen availability. This results in significantly shorter test times of around 8 months. An EPDM geomembrane was submitted to thermo-oxidative ageing in high pressure autoclaves (HPA) at 3 temperatures (75 °C, 80 °C and 85 °C) and 3 elevated oxygen pressures (5 bar, 10 bar and 51 bar). During exposure in HPAT the oxidation progress was monitored via tensile tests and oxygen pressure measurements. Tensile strength decreases steadily with increasing exposure time, temperature and oxygen pressure. Based on 75% residual tensile strength as theoretical failure criteria and Arrhenius based 3D extrapolation model, time till failure for service temperature at atmospheric condition was calculated. As a result, service life of about 360 years at 40 °C and atmospheric pressure was estimated.
Numerical analysis of stress concentration around bridge bank seat in Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil – Integrated Bridge Systems (GRS-IBS)
Authors: El Refai Bahia S , Naughton Patrick J
Published: October 2022

Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil – Integrated Bridge Systems involve directly supporting the bridge abutment bank seat on the top of a reinforced soil structure without piles or bridge bearings. Analysis, using Plaxis 2D, found that the arrangement of geogrid in the upper part of the reinforced soil abutment, the distance of the abutment bank seat from the wall face and the direction of horizontal load application were important considerations in controlling the deformational response of the abutment. Placing the bank seat further away from the wall face reduced wall displacement, peak vertical stress and settlement under the bank seat and peak strain in the geogrid. Adding secondary reinforcement in the top of the wall reduced wall deformations, peak vertical stress and settlement under the bank seat. The secondary reinforcement redistributed the tension in the geogrid immediately under the bank seat. Longer secondary reinforcement was more efficient at controlling displacement, while shorter secondary reinforcement reduced the peak vertical stress under the bank seat. The line of maximum tension, which was largely independent of horizontal load direction, originated close to the bottom-rear corner of the bank seat and was log spiral in shape, terminating at the toe of the wall.
Current condition of recovery method of disaster embankments using geo-cell and soil reinforcement bar
Authors: Kojima K , Noda G , Yazaki S , Harata M , Yokota K
Published: October 2022

Recently, many embankment disasters have occurred. The main causes of these disasters are natural hazards, such as earthquakes, rainfalls and the combination of these. We are proposing a sustainable seismic and rainfall countermeasures for railway and road embankments by means of geo-cells (made of HDPE) and soil reinforcement bars (Gc-Rb embankment). The soil reinforcement bar is inserted into an embankment, and the geo-cell is laid on the slope of the embankment. The characteristics of this method are the convenience of construction and the economy, in addition to the reinforcement against the natural hazards. The embankment of the Sanriku Railway Riasu Line was seriously damaged by the Tohoku Region Pacific Offshore Earthquake occurred on March 11, 2011 in Japan. Many civil structures were damaged not only in the Sanriku railway but also in Pacific ocean side of Tohoku area. In the restoration works of these structures, the shortage of the construction machine, the machine operator and related materials was the problem. Therefore easiness of construction and usual materials were demanded (such materials other than concrete and so on). The proposed method satisfies these required conditions. The operation of this railway line was restarted on April 3, 2013, two years after the earthquake. In this paper we report the current state of the embankment using this recovery method, including the maintenance, after 6 years from the restart of the service.
Use of ASTM D8058 Flexural Strength Test Method to assess overall GCCM performance
Authors: Kujawski M , Church L , Crawford W
Published: October 2022

ASTM D8058, a flexural strength test, is currently used as the main index test for Geosynthetic Cementitious Composite Mats (GCCMs) within Factory Production Control and is also used to assess comparative performance of GCCMs for durability and chemical resistance testing. This paper provides an overview of the suitability of ASTM D8058, three-point flexural strength test as an indicative method for assessing overall GCCM performance. Specifically, this paper will look at the relationship between GCCM Initial Flexural Strength (IFS) values obtained using ASTM D8058 and characteristics associated with the cementitious fill material. It also recommends further research to assess the relationship between Final Flexural Strength (FFS) values and characteristics associated with the geosynthetic components of the GCCM. IFS is obtained at the end of the first stage of a three-point bending test in the form of the first peak that is observed when the cementitious material first cracks in the tested specimen. The value of that first peak is mainly governed by the strength of the cementitious component of the GCCM. The relationship between IFS and the following GCCM properties is examined: Dry (uncured) mix density, Hardened (cured) density, Comressive strength development, Resistance to abrasion, Freeze and thaw durability and Resistance to chemicals.
Field measurements in a partly submerged woven geotextile-reinforced pile-supported embankment
Authors: van Eekelen S J M , Zwaan R A , Nancey A , Hazenkamp M , Jung Y H
Published: October 2022

The geosynthetic reinforcement in a pile-supported (GRPS) embankment can be designed using the CUR226 (2016) design guideline. This design guideline adopted the Concentric Arches model (Van Eekelen et al, 2013, 2015). The validated application of this model is limited to GRPS embankments whose geometry and materials meet the conditions of the field cases and experiments used for the validation of the Concentric Arches model. This means for example that: the whole embankment should be located above the groundwater table and that at least one geogrid layer should be used as reinforcement. If these requirements are not met, additional measurements are requested by CUR226 to demonstrate that the system comes within the framework of the guideline. This paper presents and discusses field measurements that were therefore conducted in a partially submerged GRPS embankment. The embankment was reinforced with two layers woven geotextile and no geogrid. It was concluded that the Concentric Arches model matches the measured geotextile strains very well, so that we may conclude that the CUR226 is also applicable for geotextile-reinforced piled embankment without geogrids. Furthermore, an increasing groundwater level seems to result in a reduction of the geotextile strain. It is recommended to conduct more research to further analyse the influence of water in GRPS embankments.
Geogrid stabilisation application – review of strain measurement methods, research and implications on design approaches
Authors: Zamara K , Fowmes G , Kawalec J
Published: October 2022

Geogrids have been used in the construction industry for stabilisation applications for decades, however, there is still a lot of conflicting information relating to the mechanical properties required to achieve this stabilisation function. Many designers adopt traditional tensile strength against tensile strain approaches that reflect membrane effect and ignore the actual mechanism of interlock and confinement. Recent ISO 10318-1:2015 defines geogrid stabilisation function by means of aggregate interlock and confinement, whereas tensile strength is seen as a function of reinforcement. Researchers across the globe have attempted to quantify the strain developed in geogrid used in a stabilising function exposed to heavy loads. Instruments used for monitoring typically comprise of standard wire strains gauges, fibre optics or foil strain gauges. Considering the harsh construction environment where the geogrids, and hence the strain gauges are exposed to damage or penetration by sharp aggregate edges, installation of sophisticated and sensitive monitoring systems can be challenging. There are several issues that can affect monitoring results such as the size of the monitoring instrument or the ability to achieve an adequate bond to the grid. Monitoring results have a major influence on geotechnical design and how practitioners perceive stabilisation mechanism in geogrids. Whilst the mechanisms of interlock and increased confinement have been studied, there still exists few design tools to provide designers with a straightforward analysis. This paper reviews research on the methods for in-situ strain measurement of geogrid installed in a stabilisation function, summarises results obtained by researchers and provides a summary of how these are reflected in geotechnical design approaches for geogrid stabilised soil.
Two mechanisms in reinforced soil structures subjected to seismic forces
Authors: Sharma S , Prashant A
Published: October 2022

Internal stability analysis of reinforced soil structures assumes different failure surface generally applicable to geosynthetic reinforcement and steel reinforcement, considering those as extensible and inextensible, respectively. The same assumption is applicable to seismic design too. However, a wall reinforced with geosynthetic reinforcement of high stiffness or small spacing and comparatively rigid facia can depict behaviour similar to walls reinforced with inextensible reinforcement. It is imperative to understand this behaviour and see applicability of different mechanisms depending on relative extensibility of reinforcements during seismic loading. A 2D Finite Element model of a wrap-around reinforced soil structure is developed in OpenSees and subjected to seismic forces. Analysis is focused on the development of failure plane, defined on the basis of the locus of maximum reinforcement forces. The reinforcements with low stiffness in general showed a failure plane that follows Rankine’s active condition and with relatively high stiffness it showed roughly vertical failure mechanism. The locus of maximum reinforcement forces was also observed to be coincident with the zone of localized shear strains. These observations are useful in developing guidelines for safe and economical seismic design of reinforced soil structures.
Embodied Intelligence in Plants
Authors: Mazzolai Barbara , Dottore Emanuela Del , Tramacere Francesca , Mondini Alessio , Margheri Laura
Published: October 2022

Envisioning a rethink of the design of robotic systems is necessary for a step-change in developing more sustainable and efficient artificial machines. Recent trends in robotics have embraced the idea of taking inspiration from plants to create energy-efficient components, self-morphing growing robots, biodegradable robots, and the definition of novel models of embodied intelligence and morphological computation. Plants can move and grow in air, soil, and water. They can sense and explore the surrounding environment, continuously grow and adapt their shape, and even communicate with each other and with other organisms. Their role for us and our planet is fundamental: for the oxygen we breathe, the food we eat, and to preserve the equilibrium of biodiversity and global climate. Understanding their functioning is of paramount importance and represents an opportunity not only for scientific advancements but also for rethinking the design of artificial technologies that can better integrate with our ecosystems. With a specific focus on the aspects of plants’ embodied intelligence, this contribution highlights some of the features of plants that have been investigated for engineering design and introduces new research lines currently at the forefront of the field. A perspective for innovation in science and robotics inspired by plants is also discussed, with a vision toward a new generation of sustainable robots.
From bioinspired to biological robots, and back again.
Authors: Bongard Josh
Published: October 2022

The histories of the Artificial Intelligence and robotics communities have been primarily those of bioinspiration: observing, distilling, and instantiating a wealth of biological structures and mechanisms into machines. However, this transferal from biology to technology has been uneven: the machine learning community has focused on non-physical mechanisms, like synaptic plasticity, while the robotics community has focused on physical structures, like the quadrupedal body plan. Organisms however offer a wealth of physical mechanisms, like bones that strengthen in response to load or tissues that regenerate in response to amputation, that have yet to be instantiated in machines. Biological robots—machines built entirely from biological tissue–exhibit many of these morphological mechanisms ‘for free’, suggesting that biobots could be designed in future to exaggerate these adaptive mechanisms, or provide hints for how they can be incorporated into morphologically self-editing robots.
Adopting Physical Artificial Intelligence in Soft Aerial Robots
Authors: Nguyen Pham Huy , Kovač Mirko
Published: October 2022

In recent years, there has been a lot more attention towards the utilization of physically intelligent features in robotics. In this work, we provide a perspective on the physical artificial intelligence (PAI) paradigm and its impact on the conceptualization, design, and manufacturing of current and future aerial robots and infrastructure. We highlight the theory, enabling technologies, system features, and the tasks that the PAI paradigm will improve beyond the current approaches with conventional rigid aerial robots. We also discuss the multi-disciplinary effort required to collaborate with and educate researchers in the development of physically intelligent robots. PAI promises to lead the development of a new era of robust flying robotic organisms that are capable of adapting to and performing multi-functional tasks autonomously in a complex and unstructured environment. Aerial robotics is a great field of study to validate PAI as a development methodology.
Multifunctional Underwater Soft Robots: A Simulation Essay
Authors: Mathew Anup Teejo , Armanini Costanza , Alshehhi Aysha Ali Samra Ali , Hmida Ikhlas Mohamed Ben , Renda Federico
Published: October 2022

Underwater soft robotics is receiving growing popularity within the scientific community, thanks to its prospective capability of tackling challenges that are hard to deal with using traditional rigid technologies, especially while interacting with an unstructured environment. Recently, we proposed a multi-module underwater robotic system with deformable propellers, inspired by bacteria morphology [1]. Here, the same bio-inspired modular structure is employed to perform manipulation tasks, in order to design a multi-functional integrated system. Employing the Geometric Variable Strain Approach, we simulate a scenario where the flagellated robot moves towards a preferred target and, using the same soft appendages, it hooks to it, simulating a monitoring task. The modeling approach and the design allow the Embodied Intelligence principles to exploit the robot’s surrounding environment (water), the shape of the grip-target and the robot’s compliant nature to mediate effective navigation and safe interaction with the target, using few control inputs.
Morphological Computation and Control Complexity
Authors: Thuruthel Thomas George , Iida Fumiya
Published: October 2022

Morphological computation proposes the idea that in a physical system, certain computational processes can be off-loaded to the body. However, the concept has still eluded serious theoretical quantification attempts, unlike traditional computational theory. This perspective examines the notion of morphological computation from the well established theories of traditional computation and computational complexity, drawing parallels between the two, to understand the differences and similarities. Further, we look at the quantification efforts of morphological computation and attempt to link it to the unexplored field of control complexity. We argue that the development of complexity theory for control problems is necessary to study and utilize the concept of morphological computation, if it is possible.
Benefits and Challenges of Morphological Adaptation in Real-world Robots
Authors: Nygaard Tønnes F. , Glette Kyrre
Published: October 2022

For many years, the main target of robotics research has been how to improve control and behavior to allow robots to solve more challenging tasks. Recently, the concept of embodied intelligence has shifted this focus from pure control to a more holistic approach. The mind, body, environment, and the interactions between all these are all highly important for the performance of a robot system. This has previously been investigated in virtual robots in simulation or very simple physical robots in the lab, but the benefits for more advanced and capable real-world robots are still to be determined. We present a case study with several examples of real-world adaptation of morphology, and discuss the benefits and challenges as this direction becomes more important in the field of robotics. Taking an embodied approach promises more adaptive and robust robots, but there are many challenges that need to be addressed before wide-spread adoption in the robotics community.
Embodiment and metaphorising in the learning of mathematics
Authors: Soto-Andrade Jorge , Díaz-Rojas Daniela , Valdés-Zorrilla Amaranta
Published: October 2022

In this paper we undertake a critical reading of the Ouroboric (circular) relationship between the guiding metaphors of artificial intelligence and those of natural human intelligence, which has evolved from a vicious circle, triggered by the metaphorising of cognition as information processing, to a virtuous one, fostered by the advent of the embodied and enactive turn in cognitive science. We describe then our own experimental and theoretical approach to mathematical thinking and learning, where metaphorization plays a key role, besides embodiment and enaction. We comment on some concrete examples of mathematical thinking with different types of learners, in combinatorics, arithmetic, geometry and probability, where idiosyncratic metaphorization emerges and enacting and embodiment make a dramatic difference. We outline finally some significant challenges to contemporary AI, cognitive sciences, and mathematics proper, suggested by our examples. These challenges involve metaphorising as the tip of the iceberg in human cognition, metaphorising in intelligent systems, Ouroboric circularity, mathematical collective improvisation as an analogue of musical improvisation, group creativity and human swarm intelligence.
On the Importance of Embodiment for Artificial Design Intelligence in the Context of Sociotechnical Systems
Authors: Witte Thomas E. F. , Schwarz Jessica , Nitsch Verena
Published: October 2022

Artificial intelligence methods are increasingly used in the design of sociotechnical systems. The design of such systems can be described as an ill-defined problem. The problem space often changes while working on a design solution. Further, an anticipation of future system states is challenging, because of possible changes of organisational, technological or other environmental aspects during the lifecycle of a sociotechnical system. Embodied artificial intelligence can help to structure the problem space. It can also act as a feedback mechanism of the inner workings of a system and its surroundings for a designer. Therefore, this short article discusses the emphasis of embodied artificial intelligence for the theory of design in the context of sociotechnical systems and its implications.
Thinking like a State : Embodied intelligence in the deep history of our collective mind
Authors: Guénin—Carlut Avel
Published: October 2022

This article aims to show how the deep history of early State societies entails the development of a collective form of cognitive agency. It relates classical works in the anthropology of States (in particular Scott’s Seeing like a State) with the enactive account of biological and cognitive organisation, thanks to the unified ontology for self-organisation dynamics across scales offered by the Active Inference framework.

Active Inference conceives of cognition as synchronisation across individuated sensorimotor states. It entails that biological or sociocultural constraints display a minimal form of cognition by shaping the behaviour of faster dynamics in a certain way. When such constraints collectively define a basic life form (an integrated, operationally closed system), they can therefore be said to embody adaptive knowledge properly speaking.

The (en)Active Inference account I articulate here strongly motivates and methodologically grounds a holist approach in the social sciences. Indeed, it grounds the study of human societies in the role of structural constraints, whose “meaning” depends both on the broader system’s activity and in the historical context of their emergence. The present account of the dynamics of early urbanisation and State genesis aims to illustrate this approach.
Feasibility of 4D VMAT-CT
Authors: Zhao Xiaodong , Zhang Rui
Published: October 2022

Objective. Feasibility of three-dimensional (3D) tracking of volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) based on VMAT–computed tomography (VMAT-CT) has been shown previously by our group. However, 3D VMAT-CT is not suitable for treatments that involve significant target movement due to patient breathing. The goal of this study was to reconstruct four-dimensional (4D) VMAT-CT and evaluate the feasibility of tracking based on 4D VMAT-CT. Approach. Synchronized portal images of phantoms and linac log were both sorted into four phases, and VMAT-CT+ was generated in each phase by fusing reconstructed VMAT-CT and planning CT using rigid or deformable registration. Dose was calculated in each phase and was registered to the mean position planning CT for 4D dose reconstruction. Trackings based on 4D VMAT-CT+ and 4D cone beam CT (CBCT) were compared. Potential uncertainties were also evaluated. Main results. Tracking based on 4D VMAT-CT+ was accurate, could detect phantom deformation and/or change of breathing pattern, and was superior to that based on 4D CBCT. The impact of uncertainties on tracking was minimal. Significance. Our study shows it is feasible to accurately track position and dose based on 4D VMAT-CT for patients whose VMAT treatments are subject to respiratory motion. It will significantly increase the confidence of VMAT and is a clinically viable solution to daily patient positioning, in vivo dosimetry and treatment monitoring.
Genome analysis of a plastisphere-associated Oceanimonas sp. NSJ1 sequenced on Nanopore MinION platform
Authors: Saini Nirupama , Bhadury Punyasloke
Published: October 2022

Oceanimonas sp. NSJ1 was isolated from macroplastic debris collected previously from Junput, an intertidal beach, facing the northeast coastal Bay of Bengal of the Northern Indian Ocean. The genome of this isolate is closely related to Oceanimonas doudoroffii with a genome size of 3.56 Mbp. The genome annotation confirmed the presence of 5919 total genes, out of which 5809 were CDSs (coding sequences) and all are protein-coding. The genome codes for 110 RNA with 25 rRNA, 84 tRNA (transfer RNA), and one tmRNA (transfer-messenger RNA). Analyses of the annotated genome of Oceanimonas sp. NSJ1 revealed the presence of enzymes involved in the degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The presence of phthalate 4,5-dioxygenase oxygenase reductase subunit pht2 within the genome also highlights the novelty of this isolate and future functional potential for studying phthalate degradation in marine environment.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of reablement interventions for people in permanent residential aged care homes
Authors: Rahja Miia , Laver Kate , Whitehead Craig , Pietsch Ann , Oliver Eliza , Crotty Maria
Published: October 2022

Background

Most evidence for reablement comes from community-based interventions.

Objective

To determine the effect of reablement interventions provided in permanent residential aged care (PRAC) homes on residents’ level of function in activities of daily living (ADL) and quality of life (QoL).

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Setting

PRAC homes.

Subjects

Residents in PRAC.

Methods

Six databases and grey literature were searched until November 2021. Quantitative studies involving a control group or pre-post evaluation were included. Outcomes of interest were the effectiveness of the reablement intervention on overall ADL or QoL in the last available follow-up.

Results

Twelve studies involving 2,620 residents were included. The reablement interventions varied; the primary focus areas were organisational approaches (e.g. educating staff; n = 10) and improving physical function (e.g. increasing physical activity; n = 9). Not all studies could be pooled in the meta-analysis due to reported data and heterogeneity. There was no significant effect of reablement intervention versus usual care on ADL function (five studies, standardised mean difference (SMD): 0.17, 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.25 to 0.59, very low quality evidence). Reablement appeared more beneficial than usual care in improving QoL; however, the overall effect was not statistically significant (four studies, SMD: 0.73, 95% CI: −0.07 to 1.52; very low quality evidence).

Conclusions

Few studies focus on reablement in PRAC homes and their clinical heterogeneity is considerable. There is insufficient evidence for reablement in terms of improving ADL or QoL for residents in PRAC. Tools that are more sensitive to change may be beneficial.