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What Climate Change Means For Nebraska

United States Environmental Protection Agency: Staff Publications

Nebraska’s climate is changing. In the past century, most of the state has warmed by at least one degree (F). The soil is becoming drier, and rainstorms are becoming more intense. In the coming decades, flooding is likely to increase, yet summers are likely to become increasingly hot and dry, which would reduce yields of some crops, require farmers to use more water, and amplify some risks to human health.

Our climate is changing because the earth is warming. People have increased the amount of carbon dioxide in the air by 40 percent since the late 1700s. Other heat-trapping greenhouse …

Urban And Rural Bmi Trajectories In Southeastern Ghana: A Space-Time Modeling Perspective On Spatial Autocorrelation, Hsiao-Chien Shih, Xiaoxiao Wei, Li An, John Weeks, Douglas Stow

International Journal of Geospatial and Environmental Research

Spatial autocorrelation in model residuals can have a significant impact on the results of spatial or space-time models. This can result in misleading estimates of the influence of different factors, potentially exaggerating or even reversing the perceived effects of these factors. This study also considers the potential implications of the Modifiable Areal Unit Problem (MAUP) in the context of spatial-temporal models. In this case study for southeastern Ghana, we examined whether and how spatial autocorrelation in model residuals might generate bias in regression coefficients when explaining women’s body mass index (BMI) across urban and rural areas. Eigenvector spatial filtering, with …

Reevaluating Texas Energy Market Forecasts In The Wake Of Recent Extreme Weather Events, Robert A. Derner, Richard W. Butler Ii, Alexandria Neff, Adam R. Ruthford

SMU Data Science Review

This paper provides updated forecasts of energy demand in Texas and recognizes the impact of sustainable energy. It is important that the forecasts of the adoption of sustainable energy are reexamined after Winter Storm Uri crippled the Texas power grid and left many without power. This storm highlighted the issues the Texas power grid had and has continued to struggle with in supplying the state with energy. This paper will offer an overview of the relevant literature on the adoption of sustainable energy and relevant events that have occurred in the state of Texas that will give the reader the …

Biotechnology For Sustainable Materials: Innovating Today For A Greener Tomorrow, Shashi Kant Bhatia, Saurabh Bhatia, Maria Eugenia Inda-Webb, Konstantina Kourmentza, Tae Seok Moon, Vijai Singh, Vishal Ahuja, Jingbo Li, Sanjeet Mehariya, Jikai Zhao

School of Earth, Environmental, and Marine Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations

No abstract provided.

Double Acting Liberation Of Ni And Co In The Pre-Treatment Process To Increase Recovery Of Nickel From Low-Grade Nickel Laterite, Eni Febriana, Muhamad Irham Mulyadi, Wahyu Mayangsari, Januar Irawan, Iwan Setiawan, Ahmad Maksum, Florentinus Firdiyono, Soesaptri Oediyani, Agus Budi Prasetyo, Johny W. Soedarsono

Journal of Sustainable Mining

This study highlights the effectiveness of employing double-acting liberation to release Ni and Co from the complex phases of the low-grade nickel laterite. It includes the addition of concentrated sulphuric acid and NaF as well as the heat treatment prior to roasting and leaching processes to improve the destruction of the complex phases contained. The finding describes that dehydration of iron sulfate and decomposition of the lizardite at a lower temperature, 270°C, were occurred in the pre-treatment process, followed by hematite formation in the roasting process. It subsequently accelerated Ni and Co extraction in the pregnant solution and omitted Fe …

A Simulation Study Of Mechanisms Behind Water Inrush From Fault-Bearing Floors Of Ultra-Thick Coal Seams Under Loading And Unloading At Significantly Variable Amplitude, Li Hao, Zhu Kaipeng, Guo Guoqiang, Zhou Yang, Kang Zhiqin

Coal Geology & Exploration

Ultra-thick coal seams feature large stope spaces and extensive disturbance ranges. Significantly variable amplitude loading and unloading are prone to cause the fault rupture of floors of ultra-thick coal seams, inducing water disasters. Numerical simulation serves as a critical method for revealing the fault reactivation and water inrush mechanisms at the floors of ultra-thick coal seams. The key of this method is to accurately inflect the coupling characteristics of rock mass rupture and fissure water under significantly variable amplitude loading and unloading. This study determined the correlations of the damage variable with plastic strain and stress, deriving the equations for …

Construction And Analysis Of A Method For Grading Long-Term Vegetation Carbon Sink In Waste Dumps Of An Open-Pit Coal Mine, Yang Fei, Cui Kuankuan, Zhang Chengye, Li Jun, Wang Jinyang, Du Tianmeng, Zhang Haoran

Coal Geology & Exploration

Vegetation carbon sink serves as a crucial indicator for the ecological assessment of an open-pit coal mine. The accurate inversion and grading of vegetation carbon sink play a significant role in exploring the ecological restoration of coal mines. This study proposed a method for grading vegetation carbon sink of an open-pit coal mine based on the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. Specifically, using a light use efficiency (LUE) model, this study first determined the spatio-temporal distributions of the 2005‒2020 vegetation carbon sink in the waste dumps of the Shengli No.1 open-pit coal mine through inversion based on Landsat images and …

Development Of Remote Control System For Automatic Drilling Rig Used In Coal Mine, Dong Hongbo, Yao Ningping, Wang Tianlong, Ma Bin, Peng Guangyu

Coal Geology & Exploration

In response to the problems of high labor intensity and great safety risk of drilling rig under the complex construction environment, a set of remote monitoring system for automatic drilling rig of coal mine was developed using the electronic circuit, measurement sensing, remote control, video monitoring and big data technologies. The system, based on ZDY4500LFK coal mine drilling rig, has implemented the three control modes: in-line-of-sight control, underground centralized control and ground remote monitoring. Besides, a cloud automatic drilling rig management and control platform was established. Specifically, the in-line-of-sight monitoring is used to realize the accurate operation of drilling rig …

Water Inrush Mechanism And Water-Conducting Fractured Zone’ Developmental Patterns Of A Typical Ultra-Thick Coal Seam In The Huanglong Coalfield During Fully Mechanized Mining, Yan Heping, Li Wenping, Duan Zhonghui, Yang Yugui

Coal Geology & Exploration

The mining of thick coal seams in the Huanglong Jurassic coalfield has led to the formation of high water-conducting fractured zones, which are prone to connect the extremely thick sandstone aquifers of the overlying Cretaceous Luohe Formation. Qinggangping Coal Mine in the coalfield exhibits the typical characteristics of pulsed water inrushes during coal mining, posing a severe threat to safe mining. This study investigated the fully mechanized mining face 42105 in Qinggangping Coal Mine. Using 3DEC discrete element simulation, flushing fluid leakage in boreholes, integrated geophysical exploration, and borehole TV, this study examined the developmental patterns of the water-conducting fractured …

Research On Digital Twin-Driven Tracking, Positioning And Collision Detection Method Of Excavating And Anchoring Equipment, Yang Wenjuan, Zhao Dian, Zhang Xuhui, Chen Xin, Zheng Xili, Liu Yanhui, Zhang Ran, Wan Jicheng

Coal Geology & Exploration

The automation of excavating and anchoring operation is critical for intelligent excavation of coal mine roadway. Aiming at the challenges of relative pose measurement and collision detection during the alternating operation of the current excavating and anchoring equipment, a digital twin-driven tracking, positioning and collision detection method was proposed. Firstly, in order to overcome the influence of low illumination, high dust and complex background interference in the underground excavating face, the multi-point infrared LED target is taken as the information source, the infrared LED feature point image is collected by industrial camera, the center of the spot is extracted using …

Intelligent Identification Method Of Drilling Fluid Rheological Parameters Based On Machine Learning, Liu Changye, Yang Xianyu, Cai Jihua, Wang Ren, Wang Jianlong, Dai Fanfei, Guo Wanyang, Jiang Guoshe, Feng Yang

Coal Geology & Exploration

The rheology of drilling fluid, which characterizes its flow and deformation, is vital for transporting and suspending rock cuttings as well as for enhancing the drilling rate. Precise control of drilling fluid rheological parameters is essential to ensure borehole cleanliness and efficient drilling. This paper proposes an intelligent identification method for drilling fluid rheological parameters based on Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs). The method employs magnetic stirring to generate stable images of drilling fluid flow, uses various data augmentation methods to increase the number of images and create a database, thereby enhancing the model’s robustness and generalization capabilities. The AlexNet CNN …

Weight And Resistance Reduction Mechanism Of Drilling Rods For Drilling In Soft Coal Seam And Its Application, Wang Yonglong, Guo Jiakuan, Yu Zaijiang, Du Kang, Sun Yuning

Coal Geology & Exploration

Gas drainage boreholes during construction is a necessary means to control gas hazards. In response to the issues such as high drilling resistance, low drilling efficiency, and high labor intensity caused by the significant self-weight of the drilling rod in drilling into the soft coal seams, a research approach of reducing the self-weight and lowering the drilling resistance by optimizing the drilling rod structure was proposed. Thus, a four-winged concave grooved drilling rod was designed to address both of its advancing resistance and rotating torque losses. Meanwhile, a drilling resistance model for the drilling rod was established. On this basis, …

Table Of Contents, The Editors

Coal Geology & Exploration

No abstract provided.

A Preliminary Study Of Coalbed Methane Adsorption At Fractal Interfaces, Jin Yi, Li Yani, Song Huibo, Zhao Mengyu, Yang Yunhang, Chen Zenan

Coal Geology & Exploration

The adsorption and desorption mechanisms of coalbed methane (CBM) are foundational for revealing CBM accumulation mechanisms and achieving efficient CBM exploitation. Studies have indicated that coal reservoirs exhibit complex pore structures with fractal features, significantly influencing CBM adsorption at pore-solid interfaces. Based on a comparative analysis of several common adsorption models for gas-solid interfaces and a summary of their characteristics and applicable conditions, this study suggests that all these adsorption models still rely on the stationary assumption of adsorption selectivity for the description and application of CBM adsorption behavior at fractal interfaces while overlooking the scale invariance of the adsorption …

Dynamic Mechanisms Of Coal And Gas Outbursts Based On A Multi-Zone Combined Coal Model, Li Feng, Wang Chenchen, Wang Bo, Jing Yadong, Yan Zhengxu, Zhang Minbo

Coal Geology & Exploration

Coal and gas outbursts (hereafter referred to as outbursts) severely affect coal mining safety. However, many scientific problems underlying the outbursts remain unsolved. To minimize the influence of anisotropy in the mechanical properties of coals on research into outbursts, this study constructed a multi-zone combined coal model. Based on the stress distribution of overlying strata and the stress wave propagation mechanisms, this study located the weak zone of coals, shrinking the research object from the outburst center to the weak zone. Given that outbursts are triggered by the disturbance of external dynamic load, this study examined the propagation patterns of …

Carbon Microspheres In Natural Coke: Optical Microscopic Characteristics And Their Origin And Implications, An Yanfei, Chen Kaixin, Wang Yaqiao, Cheng Shuo, Huang Jian, He Shuyang, Wang Shengjian

Coal Geology & Exploration

Carbon microspheres (CMs) in natural coke are formed when coal seams undergo magma-induced rapid thermal metamorphism. Analyzing the origin of the optical microscopic characteristics of CMs assists in gaining deep insights into the rapid thermal carbonization and metamorphism of coals. This study examined the natural coke samples rich in CMs from Shitai Coal Mine in Huaibei, Anhui Province. Using experiments like high-resolution reflected polarized light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), this study characterized the particle sizes, distribution, optical microscopic characteristics, and ultramicrofabrics of CMs in natural coke, revealing the origin and thermal evolution implications of their optical anisotropy. The …

Evolutionary Mechanisms And Models Of Strain, Porosity, And Permeability Of Compacted Broken Coals, Li Lei, Lu Shouqing, Chu Tingxiang, Zhong Xiaoxing, Liu Chongyang, Ren Ting

Coal Geology & Exploration

Residual coal areas in caving zones of goaves in coal mines serve as primary sites for low-temperature reactions between coal and oxygen. Hence, exploring the evolutionary models of the strain, porosity, and permeability of coals in these areas holds great significance for gaining a deep understanding of the spontaneous combustion process and regularity of coals. Based on the self-developed experimental device for gas seepage in compacted broken coals, this study explored the evolutionary patterns of the strain, porosity, and permeability of compacted coals with single/mixed particle sizes during gas seepage. Furthermore, this study analyzed the variations in the strain, porosity, …

Botdr-Based Horizontal Deformation Monitoring Of Section Coal Pillars, Chai Jing, Hao Hongru, Yang Jianfeng, Gao Dengyan, Gao Kuiying, Chen Jianhua, Yang Lei, Liu Zeyu

Coal Geology & Exploration

To address potential safety hazards like microcrack initiation, deformation, and failure inside coal pillars, this study monitored the horizontal deformations of coal pillars using the Brillouin optical time-domain reflectometry (BOTDR)—a distributed optical fiber sensing technology. Firstly, this study established a method for converting the axial strain of optical fibers into horizontal deformations based on a theoretical analysis of the failure and bulking characteristics of coal pillars. Secondly, it determined the axial tensile response of metal-based cord-shaped sensing optical fibers by conducting laboratory tests. Then, it corrected the strain coefficient based on the deformation and failure patterns of coal pillars. Finally, …

Geochemical Characteristics And Influencing Factors Of Deep Coalbed Methane In The Linxing-Shenfu Block, Wu Peng, Hu Weiqiang, Li Yangbing, Ma Litao, Li Yong, Zhao Fei, Niu Yanwei, Chen Jianqi, Li Panpan, Liu Zaizhen, Li Chenchen, Cao Di, Liu Cheng

Coal Geology & Exploration

Identifying the origin and geochemical characteristics of deep coalbed methane (CBM) is critical for its exploration and production. This study examined the desorbed gas from deep-CBM parameter wells in the Linxing-Shenfu block on the eastern margin of the Ordos Basin. It systematically tested the composition, content, and carbon isotopes of CBM in coal seams Nos. 8 and 9. In combination with the degree of thermal evolution, gas-bearing properties, coal seam burial depths, geological structures, and hydrogeologic conditions, it delved into the geochemical characteristics and influencing factors of deep CBM. The results show that the deep CBM in the study area …

Dynamic Simulations And Applicability Evaluation Of Novel Perforation Techniques, Bi Gang, Yuan Peijie, Han Fei, Fu Shuaishuai, Wu Jiemin, Ma Ying

Coal Geology & Exploration

The development and improvement of perforated completion techniques hold great practical significance and value for efficient testing and exploitation of oil and gas fields. However, conventional shaped-charge perforation for well completion of low-permeability reservoirs (e.g., low-permeability coal seams) suffered high seepage resistance and reduced productivity due to the presence of compaction damage zones. To achieve enhanced exploitation efficiency of low-permeability reservoirs, novel perforation techniques, including self-cleaning and after-effect perforation, have been proposed. However, their perforation performance and applicability remain ambiguous. Based on the explicit time integration algorithm and fluid-structure interaction mechanism of LS-DYNA, this study proposed a method for finite …

Anti-Channeling Methods For Coalbed Methane Production Using L-Type Horizontal Wells, Liu Zhan, Zhang Qunxia, Geng Yuxin, Luo Dan, Wang Minggang

Coal Geology & Exploration

Coalbed methane (CBM) production using L-type horizontal wells can yield stable single-well production of up to above 8 000 m³/d. However, due to the lack of sand settling pockets, L-type horizontal wells fail to achieve gas-water separation under the action of gravity. Consequently, gas channeling from tubing is prone to occur, significantly decreasing pumping efficiency and restricting further drainage and pressure reduction. By optimizing the lifting process for production in the early stage, the gas channeling from tubing has been somewhat alleviated. However, the anti-channeling effects remain unsatisfactory in low-fluid-pressure and high-yield gas wells. This study examined L-type …

Technologies For Water Hazard Prevention And Control In Burnt Rock Aquifers Within Concealed Burnt Areas, Wang Hai

Coal Geology & Exploration

Burnt rocks are extensively distributed in northwestern China, featuring well-developed pores and fractures and abundant water, emerging as primary aquifers in this region. The burnt rocks in concealed burnt areas in this region show inconspicuous surface remains, complicating their identification. Penetrating burnt rock aquifers in coal mining will lead to water hazard and destroy water resources in these aquifers. To prevent and control water hazard in burnt rocks within concealed burnt areas and preserve water resources in burnt rock aquifers, this study analyzed the distributions of burnt rocks in China and the effects of water in them on coal mining. …

Exploring A Fly Ash-Based Grouting Material For Toughening Through In Situ Polymerization Of Acrylamide, Zhang Yuehong, Wang Xiaodong, Wang Hai, Wu Boqiang, Ji Zhongkui, Zhu Shibin, Han Le, Feng Longfei

Coal Geology & Exploration

Efficiently controlling the water inflow (loss) of burnt rocks in the roof of coal mining faces requires grouting reinforcement materials with excellent compressive toughness. Silicate cement-based grouting materials, characterized by low costs, have been extensively applied to grouting reinforcement in coal mines. However, their hardened grout is susceptible to deformation, exhibiting poor toughness. By employing the in-situ polymerization of acrylamide (AM) for toughening, this study investigated the effects of AM, cross-linking agent, initiator, and water-cement ratio on the setting time, swelling capacity, compressive strength, and toughness index of the fly ash-based grouting materials. Furthermore, the microstructures of the hardened grout …

Some Reflections On The Application Of Machine Learning To Research Into The Theoretical System Of Mine Water Prevention And Control, Yao Hui, Yin Huichao, Liang Manyu, Yin Shangxian, Hou Enke, Lian Huiqing, Xia Xiangxue, Zhang Jinfu, Wu Chuanshi

Coal Geology & Exploration

The theoretical system of mine water prevention and control encompasses three fundamental aspects: disaster-causing mechanisms, risk evaluation, and disaster prediction. This theoretical system, having undergone rapid development over the past 20 years, aims to gain insights into the behavior characteristics of mine water and predict its evolutionary trend, thus serving the prevention and control of water disasters in mining areas. Applying machine learning, a powerful tool for data analysis and mining in the era of big data, to research into the theoretical system has garnered considerable attention. This study focuses on the specific applications of machine learning to the three …

Progress And Challenges Of Sustainable Development Goals (Sdgs) In The World And In China, Bojie Fu, Junze Zhang

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by United Nations is a critical task for countries around the world from 2016 to 2030. Yet, recent assessments indicate that progress on half of the SDGs has stagnated or even regressed, and that most goals are unlikely to be met by 2030. This study reviews the progress globally and in China towards achieving the 17 SDGs, and summarizes five key challenges that are impinging their realization: 1) the data gaps and insufficient monitoring capacity, 2) the high complexity of interlinkages among the SDGs, 3) the influence of regional disparities and negative …

Some Reflections On Developing Trend Of Gravimetry In China, Heping Sun

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

With the development of modern science and technology, gravimetry is growing vigorously and is increasingly becoming an interdisciplinary subject that is closely related to many others such as geology, fundamental physics, geodynamics, hydrology, oceanography, and astronomy. It is now a key subject in giving service to demands in national strategy and fundamental researches in geoscience such as fiducial surveying and mapping, resource exploration, military security, and hazard monitoring. Therefore, owning the core gravimetric techniques is one of the pivots which reflect national core competitiveness. This study first briefly overviews the history and actuality of the growth of gravimetry subject in …

Releases Of Hazardous Materials And Waste From Transportation Incidents In The Us: An Analysis To Increase Environmental Resiliency, Elizabeth Irene Tautges

Master's Projects and Capstones

Excessive amounts of hazardous materials and waste are released into the environment from transportation incidents. The United States federal government has regulations on the movement of hazardous material and waste during transportation, but preventing environmental releases is not a major priority. Multiple external factors influence the release of hazardous material and waste into the environment. Transportation incidents can be prevented by modifying the information collected in emergency reports, adjusting transportation patterns and conditions, and expressing negative environmental impacts, preparing responder efforts to communicate effectively. The components of previous hazardous materials and waste releases emphasize the needed improvements for increasing environmental …

Evaluating The Impact Of Wildfires On Mixed Conifer Forest Regeneration And The Effectiveness Of Usfs Management Strategies On Restoring Ecosystem Services, Wyatt Farino

Master's Projects and Capstones

Wildfires are increasing in frequency, duration, and severity across Western North America. 20,438,720 acres (20.1%) of California has burned at least once since 2010. Projections suggest a statewide increase in burned area between 36% and 74% by 2085, with some forested areas in Northern California exceeding 100% in all modeled scenarios. Fire regimes have deviated far from their historical norm, significantly increasing the risk of type conversion from forest to other ecosystems. Californians rely on the myriad of ecosystem services produced by these forests to meet their basic needs. Access to these fundamental services will be severely reduced if appropriate …

An Inventory Of Tidal Marsh Restoration Opportunities In Humboldt Bay And Their Impact On Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Nicholas Rowlands

Master's Projects and Capstones

Blue carbon ecosystems like tidal marshes, mangroves, and seagrass are efficient carbon sinks that release minimal methane under saline conditions. However, coastal wetlands globally are under threat, and on the U.S. West Coast some 85% of historic tidal wetlands have been lost. As such, there is increasing interest in their restoration as a necessary climate mitigation strategy. This GIS analysis identifies potential tidal marsh restoration sites in Humboldt Bay, California, and estimates the post-restoration greenhouse gas benefits. An elevation-based model of Humboldt Bay’s full estuary extent developed by West Coast researchers was combined with data from the California Aquatic Resources …

From Pixels To Plants: Remote Sensing Of California Invasive Plants, Kenneth Rangel

Master's Projects and Capstones

Invasive plants cause significant impacts to ecosystems, the economy, and human health. California has experienced significant plant invasions and is well suited to future invasion because of its Mediterranean climate and human disturbance. Eradication or control of invasive plant species requires a detailed understanding of their spatial distribution, which typically involves on the ground surveys that can be expensive or inconsistent. Remote sensing offers a potential alternative or supplement to in-person invasive plant mapping. This study performed a comparative analysis of 41 remote sensing studies that mapped the distribution of California invasive plants. I found that while high spectral resolution …