Niloufar Alipour Talemi, Julia Boone, Fatemeh Afghah
The paradigm of Earth Observation analysis is shifting from static deep learning models to autonomous agentic AI. Although recent vision foundation models and multimodal large language models advance representation learning, they often lack the sequential planning and active tool orchestration required for complex geospatial workflows. This survey presents the first comprehensive review of agentic AI in remote sensing. We introduce a unified taxonomy distinguishing between single-agent copilots and multi-agent systems while analyzing architectural foundations such as planning mechanisms, retrieval-augmented generation, and memory structures. Furthermore, we review emerging benchmarks that move the evaluation from pixel-level accuracy to trajectory-aware reasoning correctness. By critically examining limitations in grounding, safety, and orchestration, this work outlines a strategic roadmap for the development of robust, autonomous geospatial intelligence.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a transformative yet double-edged technology that can advance human welfare while also posing risks to humans and society. In response, the Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HCAI) approach has emerged as both a design philosophy and a methodological complement to prevailing technology-centered AI paradigms. Placing humans at the core, HCAI seeks to ensure that AI systems serve, augment, and empower humans rather than harm or replace them. This chapter establishes the conceptual and methodological foundations of HCAI by tracing its evolution and recent advancements. It introduces key HCAI concepts, frameworks, guiding principles, methodologies, and practical strategies that bridge philosophical HCAI principles with operational implementation. Through an analytical review of the emerging characteristics and challenges of AI technologies, the chapter positions HCAI as a holistic paradigm for aligning AI innovation with human values, societal well-being, and sustainable progress. Finally, this chapter outlines the structure and contributions of the Handbook of Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence. The purpose of this chapter is to provide an integrated foundation that connects HCAI conceptual frameworks, principles, methodology, and practices for this handbook, thereby paving the way for the content of subsequent chapters.
<p>The quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) is a slowly repeating cycle of winds which dominates tropical lower-stratospheric dynamics and has been described as the “heartbeat of the stratosphere”. However, it is challenging to represent in weather and climate models because its periodicity and magnitude are controlled by small-scale gravity waves (GWs) that cannot be resolved on model grids. To quantify this GW driving we require high-resolution measurements, ideally from satellites to ensure full spatial coverage. Since 2002, the SABER instrument on the TIMED satellite has provided such data, facilitating long-term studies of QBO GW driving. However, SABER is expected to be decommissioned later this year, and no replacement is planned. Here, we assess the possibility of using GNSS-RO data to extend the 23-year SABER record. GNSS-RO cannot be used as a simple replacement for long-term studies because data volumes are too low before 2006 and for most of the late 2010s, and thus, we ideally wish to supplement rather than replace the SABER record. However, while the two datasets have broadly similar lower stratospheric resolutions when compared to the full Earth observation constellation, GNSS-RO measurements are higher resolution in all three dimensions than SABER and are oriented differently in 3D space. As a result of this, GNSS-RO GW measurements exhibit much larger GW potential energies (GWPE) and shorter vertical wavelengths than those from SABER. To understand these differences, we use a high-resolution run of the GEOS model to produce synthetic GW measurements, then systematically vary the measurement characteristics between those of the two real instruments. This allows us to identify the key drivers of the different GW properties they measure. We demonstrate that the differences between QBO-driving GW properties measured by the two instruments are primarily due to vertical resolution, with horizontal resolution (either along or across line of sight) and orientation angle playing a negligible role. We further demonstrate that, with a simple vertical smoothing of the GNSS-RO data in the vertical before analysis for GWs, the measured GW properties become near-identical, allowing us to use SABER and GNSS-RO data near-equivalently for this use case. Since GNSS-RO data are now a crucial component of the global numerical weather prediction constellation and are hence highly likely to be available in the long term, this allows us to produce a consistent long-term record of QBO GW forcing from 2002 onwards without key gaps which would be otherwise present in the early 2000s and late 2010s.</p>
The design of slab foundations relies on the accurate assessment of the interaction between the structure and the soil base, particularly on the reliable determination of contact stresses. The choice of calculation method directly affects the results of bearing capacity evaluation and the prediction of soil deformations. Analytical approaches, such as the corner points method, are traditionally widely used in engineering practice due to their simplicity and relatively low labor intensity. However, these methods are based on simplified assumptions regarding the stress–strain state of the soil, which can lead to errors under specific conditions, such as non-uniform loading, complex geometry, or heterogeneous soil composition. Modern numerical methods, particularly finite element modeling, allow for a more detailed consideration of soil behavior, including elastic–plastic properties and realistic boundary conditions. Nevertheless, they require significant computational resources, expertise in specialized software, and comprehensive input data on soil properties. Therefore, a comparative study of the results obtained using the analytical corner points method and numerical modeling is relevant both for verifying the accuracy and applicability limits of traditional approaches and for refining influence coefficients to adapt calculation methods to current engineering requirements. Understanding the quantitative and qualitative differences between these methods will enable engineers to make informed decisions when selecting a calculation approach depending on the design conditions, while also optimizing the balance between accuracy, available resources, and calculation time. The article presents a comparison of contact stresses in a soil base under a rectangular slab foundation obtained by the analytical corner points method and finite element numerical modeling for elastic–linear and elastic–plastic soil models (with the Mohr–Coulomb strength criterion). The aim of the study is to refine the influence coefficients used in the corner points method, to identify quantitative and qualitative differences between the approaches, and to outline the boundaries of their correct application. The comparison revealed significant discrepancies not only in the values of contact stresses but also in the shape of their distribution surface. Preliminary discrepancy coefficients for the studied case have been determined.
The evaluation of the stress-strain state of shallow foundations, taking into account the heterogeneity and non-linearity of soil deformation and the requirements for ensuring the reliability and safety of the foundations using a probabilistic approach, allows the full use of the bearing capacity. The objective of this study is to improve the methodology for probabilistic analysis of the stress-strain state of foundations with a computational technique using random sampling, a validated non-linear method and computer programming. It is proposed to use probabilistic analysis to determine the allowable pressure in terms of both ultimate and serviceability limit states, namely ultimate bearing capacity, settlement exceedance and deformation. Calculations of square spread footings to support column loads on sandy and clay soils were carried out using both probabilistic and deterministic approaches. Probabilistic calculations yielded the following values of variation coefficients: ν(S)=0.06–0.17, ν(∆S/L)=0.74–0.79, ν(R)=0.08–0.14, ν(Pu)=0.10–0.18. In the case of heterogeneous soil mechanical properties with variation coefficients v ≥ 0.15 – 0.2, and with these variations taken into account in the probabilistic calculations, the allowable pressures on the footings did not exceed the calculated resistance as the limit of linearity. At higher pressures, the probability of soil failure also increases, and from the point at which 40-60 % of the bearing capacity is reached, it rises rapidly to values exceeding the allowable limits. According to the results of probabilistic analysis, the values of allowable pressures are 5-50 % lower than those obtained from deterministic calculations, which confirms the need to take into account the heterogeneity of soil characteristics, especially when assessing the possibility of the foundation's operation in the nonlinear stage of deformation due to their bearing capacity reserves.
Serhiy Golovko, Yevhenii Bausk, Oleksiy Golovko
et al.
Using the example of long-term observations of settlements and tilting of reactor compartments of NPPs, the regularities of deformation development over time were studied to assess operational reliability and guaranteed extension of the safe operation period of the structure. The work focuses on the analysis of the obtained materials of field observations of settlements and tilting and deformations of the bases of large-sized foundations of reactor compartments (RC) in the soil conditions of Zaporizhzhia NPP. Monitoring of deformations of the bases of structures and the building complex was carried out for 30 to 40 years, which included measurements of settlements and tilting of the RC structure, measurements of the reactor vessel tilt along the flange of the main separator, and observation of the dynamics of the tilt during continuous monitoring. The purpose of the full-scale experimental studies was to determine and assess the development of the roll of the reactor over time under high static loads to determine the correct models and perform calculations with the design of roll stabilization and ensuring the permissible roll for further operation of the reactor. The results of the studies of rolls of eccentrically loaded foundations were evaluated, the determination of rolls by known or calculated settlement was proposed using the model of the stiffness coefficient of the base at an experimentally established value of the ratio of the coefficients of uniform and uneven compression. In particular, the method of stabilization by one-sided additional load was adopted, the magnitude and location of which were determined by calculations. The condition and strength of the structures of the reactor structure were taken into account to ensure additional loading. It was established that the design of roll correction of large-sized highly loaded foundations of structures requires further study of calculation schemes and situations that significantly affect the overall level of reliability and trouble-free operation of the structure as a whole.
The development of a new mining operation is challenging in many ways. To develop the business case, engineering economics have to be considered to minimize the capital and operational costs of every element needed to bring the mineral to market. A key component of any mining operation is the processing plant. If the plant is sited too far away from the mining operation the long-term operation costs are uneconomical; however, if the site near the mining operation is unfavourable; the capital costs may make the mining operation unviable before it starts. This paper investigates the complexities of the ground engineering model development for a proposed processing plant with respect to identifying underlying geohazards and the challenges of the earthworks and foundations systems to mitigate the risks to develop innovative and economical solutions.
M. Imanov, Bolotbek Temir, Kalamkas Abdrakhmanova
et al.
The problems associated with the suffusion compressibility of saline soils used in the construction of earthworks as foundations in flood conditions are considered. The author conducted studies of the effect of soaking, the amount and type of salts on the physical, deformation and filtration characteristics of soils. The results of the conducted research can be used for the design of engineering structures in flooded areas. Compressibility of saline soils of earthworks in conditions of flooding is an important aspect of geotechnical design and construction. Saline soils are characterized by increased density and reduced porosity, which can lead to significant changes in their compressibility when exposed to loads during flooding. Studies show that saline soils may be more susceptible to compressibility during prolonged soaking than conventional soils. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct special studies and calculations to assess the suffusion compressibility of saline soils in conditions of flooding and to take measures to prevent possible accidents. Thus, the study of the suffusion compressibility of saline soils of earthworks in conditions of flooding is an urgent and important task that requires special attention from geotechnical engineers and builders
Due to the transition of modern buildings to the frame-monolithic scheme, buildings grow up and down. This increases the pressure on the foundations and leads to the need to solve nonlinear problems of soil mechanics in their design, since the main problem of technical systems is reliability. Recently, there has been a clear tendency to strengthen theoretical research in foundation engineering. Obtaining reliable modeling results in most cases is reduced to the use of nonlinear elastic-plastic models based on the theory of plastic flow, dilatancy relations of V.M. Nikolayevsky and I.P. Boyko. Domestic geotechnics is on the path of intensive development. Numerical methods based on elastic-plastic models are widely used. The destruction of discrete materials (including soil) occurs as a result of the accumulation of plastic (residual) deformations, which in the limiting state causes a break in the continuity of the massif in the form of mutual slippage of its particles. The effect of plasticity is manifested in the development of displacements and redistribution of internal forces. The strength of the bonds in dispersed soils is much lower than the strength of the particles themselves, and in the absence of adhesion forces (sand), the main factor of deformation of the soil base is the forces of contact interaction and deformation associated with repacking of particles. The main direction of development in construction is the use of new, rational and efficient pile designs that would increase their bearing capacity, manufacturability and installation. Low utilization of the material strength of square piles - low specific bearing capacity (25-60%) - hinders technical and economic progress in construction and requires the use of new efficient and rational pile designs. The introduction of piles with a complex cross-sectional shape is promising in this direction and is described in (Malyshev, 2011). Despite a considerable number of experimental studies of piles with complex cross-sectional shapes, there are few specific guidelines for their operation and calculation. The most efficient piles are cross-sectional, I-beam, and tavern piles. The least effective are round and square piles. It is also important to take into account and not to take into account the filling of the volume between the pile ribs with soil, since piles with a complex shape of the lateral surface (I-beam, I-beam, cross-shaped) have a different nature of soil compaction around their lateral surface and involve in their work some compacted soil zone that is formed between the pile ribs during their deepening, as noted in (Malyshev, 2011). Therefore, verification of the methodology for calculating the bearing capacity and deformation of the soil base by the numerical FEM of this type of piles, static vertical load, is an urgent task.
Urbanized areas are an example of a powerful and unbalanced impact on the geological environment of technogenic factors that disrupt the hydrogeological and geoecological conditions of the territory. In built-up areas, changes in the conditions for the formation of surface and groundwater runoff are observed, the nature of the hydraulic connection of surface and groundwater, as well as aquifers between themselves, is disrupted. When performing work on the construction of buried structures and the arrangement of excavations, the engineering and geological hydrogeological conditions of the construction site should be taken into account. The construction of foundations on piles, tunnels, and underground parking lots in most cases leads to the barrage of the flow of groundwater, and as a result, to flooding. The underground space of a modern city is saturated with water-bearing communications that have unpredictable leaks. Water leaks from communications cause a significant rise in groundwater levels in the upper aquifer, which are random and difficult to predict. Design and construction of new buildings and structures of increased responsibility in difficult engineering and geological conditions and in conditions of dense development requires additional measures that should ensure the possibility of safe execution of construction work, limit the impact on surrounding structures and networks and protect new buildings and surrounding development from the manifestation of dangerous engineering and geological processes. The article considers the option of arranging a pit during the reconstruction of a sewer collector D=2280 mm in Kyiv on the left bank of the Dnieper River. Currently, the performance of such work is not regulated by current modern regulatory documents in force in Ukraine. The standards that were developed during the USSR are used, but they are currently in force in our country [1, 2]/ Based on the above, when designing and constructing facilities, a set of measures should be provided for protection against the impact of groundwater on the construction and operational periods.
The purpose of this paper is to formalize the concept that best synthesizes our intuitive understanding of quantum mechanics -- that the information carried by a system is limited -- and, from this principle, to construct the foundations of quantum theory. In our discussion, we also introduce a second important hypothesis: if a measurement closely approximates an ideal one in terms of experimental precision, the information it provides about a physical system is independent of the measurement method and, specifically, of the system's physical quantities being measured. This principle can be expressed in terms of metric properties of a manifold whose points represent the state of the system. These and other reasonable hypotheses provide the foundation for a framework of quantum reconstruction. The theory presented in this paper is based on a description of physical systems in terms of their statistical properties, specifically statistical parameters, and focuses on the study of estimators for these parameters. To achieve the goal of quantum reconstruction, a divide-and-conquer approach is employed, wherein the space of two discrete conjugate Hamiltonian variables is partitioned into a binary tree of nested sets. This approach naturally leads to the reconstruction of the linear and probabilistic structure of quantum mechanics.
Nouha Karaouli, Denis Coquenet, Elisa Fromont
et al.
Foundation Models are designed to serve as versatile embedding machines, with strong zero shot capabilities and superior generalization performance when fine-tuned on diverse downstream tasks. While this is largely true for language and vision foundation models, we argue that the inherent diversity of time series data makes them less suited for building effective foundation models. We demonstrate this using forecasting as our downstream task. We show that the zero-shot capabilities of a time series foundation model are significantly influenced and tied to the specific domains it has been pretrained on. Furthermore, when applied to unseen real-world time series data, fine-tuned foundation models do not consistently yield substantially better results, relative to their increased parameter count and memory footprint, than smaller, dedicated models tailored to the specific forecasting task at hand.
Information theory is introduced in this lecture note with a particular emphasis on its relevance to algebraic coding theory. The document develops the mathematical foundations for quantifying uncertainty and information transmission by building upon Shannon's pioneering formulation of information, entropy, and channel capacity. Examples, including the binary symmetric channel, illustrate key concepts such as entropy, conditional entropy, mutual information, and the noisy channel model. Furthermore, the note describes the principles of maximum likelihood decoding and Shannon's noisy channel coding theorem, which characterizes the theoretical limits of reliable communication over noisy channels. Students and researchers seeking a connection between probabilistic frameworks of information theory and structural and algebraic techniques used in modern coding theory will find this work helpful.
<p>The open-source Video In Situ Snowfall Sensor (VISSS) is introduced as a novel instrument for the characterization of particle shape and size in snowfall. The VISSS consists of two cameras with LED backlights and telecentric lenses that allow accurate sizing and combine a large observation volume with relatively high pixel resolution and a design that limits wind disturbance. VISSS data products include various particle properties such as maximum extent, cross-sectional area, perimeter, complexity, and sedimentation velocity. Initial analysis shows that the VISSS provides robust statistics based on up to 10 000 unique particle observations per minute. Comparison of the VISSS with the collocated PIP (Precipitation Imaging Package) and Parsivel instruments at Hyytiälä, Finland, shows excellent agreement with the Parsivel but reveals some differences for the PIP that are likely related to PIP data processing and limitations of the PIP with respect to observing smaller particles. The open-source nature of the VISSS hardware plans, data acquisition software, and data processing libraries invites the community to contribute to the development of the instrument, which has many potential applications in atmospheric science and beyond.</p>
<p>Biological particulate matter or bioaerosol are a subset of atmospheric aerosol. They influence climate, air quality, and health via several mechanisms which often are poorly understood. In particular, the quantitative study of possible relationship between bioaerosol viability and air quality or meteorological conditions is an open and relevant issue. The difficulty of retrieving such possible correlations by analyses of data collected during in-field campaigns can benefit of targeted experiments conducted in well-controlled conditions inside atmospheric simulation chambers (ASCs). ChAMBRe (Chamber for Aerosol Modelling and Bio-aerosol Research) is an ASC in Genoa (Italy) designed and built to perform experimental research on bioaerosol. In this article, we focus on bacteria viability. A multi-step protocol was developed and thoroughly tested to cultivate a suitable bacteria population (<i>E. coli</i>), nebulize and inject in a chamber of viable cells, expose and monitor the viability variation inside ChAMBRe, hold at selected conditions, and finally incubate and count the concentration of viable bacteria. The whole procedure showed an estimated lifetime of total (T) and viable (V) <i>E. coli</i> of about 153 and 32 min, respectively and a V <span class="inline-formula">:</span> T lifetime ratio of <span class="inline-formula">40±5</span> min when ChAMBRe is held in a reference baseline condition. The coefficient of variation of 13 % shows how sensitive the protocol is also to changes in viability when the bacteria are exposed to other (e.g. polluted) conditions. First results showing a viability reduction observed exposing the <i>E. coli</i> strain to <span class="inline-formula">NO<sub><i>x</i></sub></span> concentrations and solar irradiation are presented and discussed. The present results pave the way for systematic studies aimed at the definition of dose–effect relationship for several bacteria strains under different conditions of atmospheric pollutants.</p>