The stability of soil in high-altitude regions is significantly affected by freeze-thaw cycles, which alter its mechanical and physical properties. This study investigates the impact of 12 consecutive freeze-thaw cycles on poorly graded sandy-silt soil collected from Arunachal Pradesh. To enhance soil resistance, a bio-slurry containing urea (60 g/L) and calcium chloride (111 g/L), along with vetiver and bamboo fibers (by soil weight), was introduced as a stabilizing agent. The durability of the treated soil was evaluated by measuring the weight fluctuations after each cycle and assessing unconfined compressive strength (UCS) after 5, 10, and 12 cycles. The results revealed that untreated soil experienced a 50% reduction in UCS, while bioslurry-treated soil retained 70-80% of its original strength after 12 freeze-thaw cycles. The greatest strength retention was observed in soil treated with bioslurry and bamboo fiber, which retained 80% of its strength, followed by vetiver-treated soil at 75% strength retention. Weight loss measurements indicated that untreated soil samples lost 9.5% of their initial mass, whereas bioslurry-treated samples exhibited only a 3-5% weight loss. The findings of the study highlight the potential of bioslurry and natural fibers in mitigating freeze-thaw-induced soil degradation, making them suitable for applications in geotechnical engineering in cold-climate regions.

Uranium/cadmium (U/Cd) pollution poses a significant global environmental challenge, and phytoremediation offers a sustainable solution for heavy metal contamination. However, the mechanisms by which plants survive U/Cd stress remain unclear. Here, we conducted soil culture experiments of moso bamboo seedlings under U/Cd stress (U, Cd and U + Cd) to examine the effects of it on plant growth, mineral metabolism, and rhizosphere micro-environment. Our findings reveal that U/Cd stress inhibits seedling growth, enhances reactive oxygen species damage, and bolsters the antioxidant system. Additionally, Partial Least Squares Path Modeling (PLS-PM) was employed to uncover potential tolerance mechanisms in moso bamboo under U/Cd stress. U/Cd is mainly distributed in the root cell walls and also exists predominantly in the residual state within the roots. Correspondingly, U and Cd significantly disrupt mineral metabolism in plant. Metabolomic analyses indicate that U/ Cd markedly suppress amino acid metabolism pathways, while they stimulate carbon metabolism to mitigate toxicity. Furthermore, U/Cd stress disrupts the rhizosphere microbial community structure, and the competitive interaction of nitrogen functions exists between rhizosphere microorganism and bamboo roots. PLS-PM reveal the U/Cd stress impacts the interaction of the soil-rhizosphere-plant system. Together, these findings offer new insights into the response mechanism of bamboo plants to heavy metal stress, and provide a theoretical foundation for screening heavy metal tolerant plants and managing mining areas.

Herin, a biodegradable bioplastic composite packaging film was prepared by utilizing bamboo powder partially in replace of plastic. Bamboo powder lignocellulose and polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) resin granules were mixed together with certain percentage to form bamboo-plastic complex, and then through hotpressed to obtain the bamboo/PBAT bioplastic composite films. The effect of bamboo powder content on overall properties of the composite film was systematically investigated. Results showed that the addition of bamboo powder could greatly improve the mechanical properties of composite films, especially the tensile strength and elastic modulus increased by 18.90 %, 251.58 %, respectively. Besides, the bioplastic composite film exhibited superior water resistance including the high water contact angle value of 108.13 degrees, low water absorption rate (2.38 %), and water absorption thickness expansion rate (1.08 %) with 10.0 % bamboo powder content. Notably, the enhanced bonding between bamboo powder and PBAT contributed to the excellent gas barrier performance (1.48 x 10- 2 cm3 & sdot;m/(m2 & sdot;24 h & sdot;0.1 MPa)). With the increase of bamboo powder addition, the melt flow rate of the composite was increased, indicating the improved processing performance. More importantly, the bamboo/PBAT bioplastic composite film showed good packaging preservation ability for strawberry and excellent biodegradability in soil, presenting feasible and green alternatives to biodegradable plastic food packaging material.

Underground winter bamboo shoots, prized for their high nutritional value and economic significance, face harvesting challenges owing to inefficient manual methods and the lack of specialized detection technologies. This review systematically evaluates current detection approaches, including manual harvesting, microwave detection, resistivity methods, and biomimetic techniques. While manual methods remain dominant, they suffer from labor shortages, low efficiency, and high damage rates. Microwave-based technologies demonstrate high accuracy and good depths but are hindered by high costs and soil moisture interference. Resistivity methods show feasibility in controlled environments but struggle with field complexity and low resolution. Biomimetic approaches, though innovative, face limitations in odor sensitivity and real-time data processing. Key challenges include heterogeneous soil conditions, performance loss, and a lack of standardized protocols. To address these, an integrated intelligent framework is proposed: (1) three-dimensional modeling via multi-sensor fusion for subsurface mapping; (2) artificial intelligence (AI)-driven harvesting robots with adaptive excavation arms and obstacle avoidance; (3) standardized cultivation systems to optimize soil conditions; (4) convolution neural network-transformer hybrid models for visual-aided radar image analysis; and (5) aeroponic AI systems for controlled growth monitoring. These advancements aim to enhance detection accuracy, reduce labor dependency, and increase yields. Future research should prioritize edge-computing solutions, cost-effective sensor networks, and cross-disciplinary collaborations to bridge technical and practical gaps. The integration of intelligent technologies is poised to transform traditional bamboo forestry into automated, sustainable smart forest farms, addressing global supply demands while preserving ecological integrity.

A statistical Design of Experiment (DOE) is innovatively applied to assess the physical and mechanical properties of natural composite rods extracted from the proximal of the giant bamboo. The proximal section, roughly the first 2.4 m from the first useable culm above the soil, has the greatest wall thickness, allowing for the extraction of rods with larger transverse dimensions and sampling from different radial positions, resulting in composite rods with varying fibre volume fractions. A 31 x 21 full factorial design is conducted considering three levels of longitudinal position (base, middle, and top) along the proximal section, and two radial positions within the culms (inner and outer). The bulk density of the rods tends to increase (up to 12 %) from the base to the top levels and from the in-extracted to the out-extracted rods, while water absorption exhibits the opposite behaviour, but increasing up to 25 %. Tensile properties tend to increase up to 13 % from the base-extracted rods to those extracted from the middle and top parts of the proximal section, and up to 24 % from the in-extracted to the out-extracted specimens. Compressive properties increase up to 43 % from the base to middle and top levels, and up to 45 % from the in-extracted to the out-extracted rods. The impact resistance depends only on the longitudinal position, increasing by 11 % from the top to the base levels. Specific tensile stiffness and strength are similar for any extraction position, while the specific compressive properties follow similar behaviour as the absolute compressive properties. The failure mode under tension is mostly characterised by delamination, whilst for compression the type of damage appears to be random and does not follow any discernible pattern. The impact specimens undergo a full rupture of the bamboo structure. These findings contribute valuable insights into the multi-scale characterisation of giant bamboo, laying the groundwork for its potential application in rod- based structural designs employing rods extracted from the culms of the plant.

Railway infrastructure holds a crucial role in a nation's economic development as an affordable mode of transportation and promotes social integration. Mud pumping is one of the major challenges the railway network has faced recently in the soft and mountainous terrain within the ballast layer due to high-speed rail loads. Many researchers found that reinforcement of the ballast and sub-ballast interfaces with geosynthetics is a feasible solution to reduce mud pumping. Still, the demand for sustainable geotechnic solutions is continuously increasing, particularly in countries with abundant natural plant resources. However, studies on the natural soil reinforcement in rail embankment are scarce. In this current study, a numerical investigation was conducted to study the effectiveness of geotextiles and geogrids made from natural plants (Geo-Naturals) in railway embankments. The results showed vertical settlements drastically decreased when Geo-Naturals were included in the poor subgrade. Further, the estimated axial forces, in the lateral direction to the rail length, in single-layer geogrids were found to be the maximum in poor subgrade due to higher compressibility. Geogrids placed close to ballast and sub-ballast were effective in the reinforcement function. Geotextile placed at the subgrade and sub-ballast interface accelerated in-plane drainage and reduced excess pore water pressure, thus preventing mud pumping potential. The outcome of the current study showed the effectiveness of geo-naturals in sustainability, eco-friendliness, and cost-effectiveness in railway embankments.

Twenty-three species of the genera Aspistomella Hendel, 1909, Polyteloptera Hendel, 1909, and Ulivellia Speiser, 1929 occurring in South America (Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil) form a monophyletic lineage sharing certain combinations of plesiomorphies and apomorphies with similar larval biology. The name Aspistomella Hendel, 1909 is a new senior subjective synonym of Paraphyola Hendel, 1909. The group of genera is extended by the addition of six known species, Aspistomella angustifrons (Hendel, 1909) comb. nov., A. crucifera (Hendel, 1909) comb. nov., A. lobioptera Hendel, 1909, A. heteroptera Hendel, 1909, A. lunata (Hendel, 1909) comb. nov., Polyteloptera apotropa Hendel, 1909, and Ulivellia inversa Speiser, 1929, and 17 previously unknown species. Aspistomella duo Kovac, Kameneva & v. Korneyev, sp. nov., A. enderleini Kameneva & v. Korneyev, sp. nov., A. garleppi Kameneva & v. Korneyev, sp. nov., A. obliqua Kameneva, v. Korneyev & Savaris, sp. nov., A. pachitea Kameneva & v. Korneyev, sp. nov., A. quinquincisa Kameneva & v. Korneyev, sp. nov., A. sachavaca Smit & Kameneva, sp. nov., A. schnusei Kameneva & v. Korneyev, sp. nov., A. steyskali Kameneva & S. Korneyev, sp. nov., A. teresensis Ara & uacute;jo, v. Korneyev & Savaris, sp. nov., A. tres Kovac, Kameneva & v. Korneyev, sp. nov., Ulivellia amnoni Smit, sp. nov., U. arcuata Kovac & Kameneva, sp. nov., U. laetitiae Smit, sp. nov., U. pseudinsolita Kameneva & v. Korneyev sp. nov., and U. tenoris Kovac & Kameneva sp. nov. are described. A key to the genera and species is given. Among the Lipsanini, this group of genera is easily recognised by the combination of an enlarged, anteriorly produced epistome (lower part of the face) and a low clypeus (in the other lipsanine genera the clypeus is high and the epistome is not enlarged), which supports its monophyly, and the differentiated short parafrontal setulae and long and strong frontal and interfrontal setae, which is a synapomorphy of a larger monophyletic lineage that also includes Chaetopsis Loew, 1868 and related taxa, as well as Amethysa Macquart, 1835, Euphara Loew, 1868 and their relatives. As far as is known, most species of this larger lineage are associated with various Poaceae plants. The species included here in the Aspistomella group are also associated with neotropical tall grasses: bamboo ( Guadua ) and wild cane ( Gynerium ). Aspistomella and Ulivellia larvae inhabit water-filled internode cavities (= bamboo phytotelmata) of living bamboo culms of Guadua angustifolia. Newly emerged larvae use tunnels made by lepidopteran borers (Crambidae caterpillars) to penetrate the hard bamboo walls. Aspistomella and Ulivellia larvae are saprophagous and adapted to an aquatic lifestyle. The last instar larvae jump easily and pupate in the soil. The external morphology, cuticular sensilla and cephalopharyngeal skeletons of the third instar larvae of five Aspistomella and Ulivellia species (one with unknown adult stage) were studied by light and scanning electron microscopy. The main features that allow the identification of larvae and puparia are the unique posterior spiracles and the structure of the abdominal creeping welts. The morphological characteristics of Aspistomella and Ulivellia larvae are compared with other Lipsanini and their feeding habits with other ulidiids. An identification key for Aspistomella and Ulivellia is given. The adaptations to life in bamboo phytotelmata found in both neotropical Aspistomella and Ulivellia and in oriental members of the closely related family Tephritidae are discussed.

Earthen houses are practiced as a traditional and low-cost housing in many countries around the globe. These houses were exposed to unacceptable earthquake (EQ) risks despite their environmental benefits. Past earthquakes including the recent past 2017 Tripura EQ has evidenced significant damages mostly in earthen/masonry houses which are built in a non-engineered manner. In this context, the current study aims to investigate the seismic behavior and failure patterns of both unreinforced and using proposed retrofitted rammed earth model houses (with and without openings) built using typical Tripura soils having higher silt content using unidirectional shake table experiments on total 26 physical models. Besides, both seismic strength and structural stability are also examined for retrofitted earthen houses. The study indicates that, proposed novel low-cost natural fiber made textile encasing reinforcement technique has exhibited promising seismic performance of such houses from the view point of structural strength and ductile behavior as compared to traditional cementitious additives and fiber blended stabilized retrofitted houses as well untreated houses. The fundamental lateral period of model unreinforced and reinforced houses found within the range of 0.08 to 0.15 s respectively which indicates increased stiffness of walls due to strengthening may decrease the lateral period maximum up to 46.67%. On the other hand, the maximum increase in seismic strength was observed in order of 4.50 to 6.31 times in the case of bitumen treated bamboo fiber textile based encased houses with L-shaped bamboo splint corner reinforcement whereas traditional cementitious stabilized method has offered maximum 1.13 to 1.83 times increment in lateral strength. Further, the effect of different parametric variations such as area of openings (doors and windows), thickness to height ratio, variation in compaction methodologies on seismic performances of unreinforced rammed earthen houses were also studied in detail. Finally, regression based closed form predictive expressions for seismic strength of rammed earthen houses and without retrofitting are proposed herein. The performed cost analysis study will also help to assess the effectiveness of proposed strengthening techniques.

Bamboo is already a convenient construction resource, as it offers an efficient structural performance. As this plant has native varieties adapted to different climates and soils of Brazil, bamboo silviculture can be intensified to supply the national industry. Three bamboo species from Brazil (Dendrocalamus asper, Bambusa tuldoides, and Phyllostachys aurea) were analyzed for the flexural load capacity applied on the internal and external surfaces. Specimens were prepared without knots and with knots centered at the middle of each sample. In total, 240 samples were tested in terms of static bending and dynamic bending (impact). The results showed a higher flexural elasticity and a higher proportional limit strength of knotted P. aurea. The presence of knots provided higher values of ultimate strength in P. aurea, even reducing the bamboo flexibility. Also, P. aurea exhibited the best characteristic of flexural dynamic energy absorption among the three bamboo species under evaluation.

Dendrocalamus asper (Schult. & Schult.f.) Backer and Guadua angustifolia Kunth are cultivated in Costa Rica for their commercial benefits, and their application in different constructions projects. G. angustifolia has two varieties: the Caribe and the South varieties. Existing knowledge of the variation in culm properties of these two varieties and the differences between the two species is limited. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the physical and mechanical properties of G. angustifolia varieties and D. asper planted at various heights at the same site in the Atlantic Region of Costa Rica. Some properties exhibited statistical differences between species, but almost no properties of the two varieties of G. angustifolia differed significantly. D. asper exhibited the highest levels of moisture content, specific gravity, density, parameters of flexion test, tension stress, diameter, area and frequency of bundles specifically from base to 25% of height, although beyond this height, no significant differences were observed between species. Regarding the two varieties of G. angustifolia, external and internal diameters, wall thickness culm, moisture content, specific gravity, density, parameters of flexion test, tension stress, diameter, area, and frequency of bundles showed no statistical differences. These results indicate that the differences observed in the two varieties of G. angustifolia may be attributable to the adaptation of the species to distinct soil and climate conditions for growth. When the two varieties were planted at the same site, no differences were observed.