Sustainability Commons^™

Can Corporate Sustainability Performance (Csp) Overcome Indonesia's Corporate Debt Problems?, Johnson Ferry Febrian, Nora Sri Hendriyeni

Jurnal Akuntansi dan Keuangan Indonesia

Based on IMF publications (2022), Indonesian companies have a risky debt level that may cause bankruptcy, so companies are required to make leverage adjustments to return the debt to its optimal level. In recent years, corporate sustainability performance (CSP) practices have been proven to improve performance and overcome financial problems such as debt by integrating sustainability aspects into business processes. Based on stakeholder theory and trade-off theory, this study aims to examine the effect of CSP on leverage adjustment and the role of competitive advantage, equity mispricing, profitability, and firm size in moderating this relationship. This study used a sample …

An Examination Of The Ways In Which Transdisciplinary Research Could Be Used To Incentivize Local Communities To Combat The Illegal Wildlife Trade, Jessica Rios

FIU Undergraduate Research Journal

The illegal wildlife trade (IWT) is currently one of the most critical conservation concerns, given its direct impact on biodiversity loss, endangering local ecosystems, and adding pressure to all species at a point when they face dangers like deforestation and mass extinctions. This industry also significantly impacts local communities, many of which are compelled to engage in it as a result of their precarious socioeconomic conditions. While effective countermeasures to this global issue have been identified, successful implementation of these countermeasures require diverse disciplines and collaborators. This paper argues that a transdisciplinary approach that converges knowledge and skills from social …

Understanding The Health Impacts Of Vehicular Emissions In South Florida: A Comprehensive Analysis, Janelle Ducheine, Noah Horesh, Jason C. Quinn

FIU Undergraduate Research Journal

South Florida is famous for its diverse cultural scene and year-round sunshine. This success, however, has not been without its consequences. While the region enjoys economic prosperity, the hidden cost of deteriorating air quality and adverse health effects from vehicle emissions necessitates urgent attention. Electric vehicles (EVs) have emerged as a potential solution, promising reduced emissions, and increased energy efficiency. However, the intricate life cycle emissions associated with EV energy production raise questions about their net benefits. Using predictive modeling and historical data, the study forecasts emissions trajectories and assesses their health implications. Results indicate a substantial reduction in pollutants …

Implications Of Microplastic Pollution For The Conservation Of Marine Protected Areas, Estefany D. Carvajal, Amanda Di Perna, Alain Duran

FIU Undergraduate Research Journal

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) function as a tool for the protection and conservation of marine ecosystems. These designated areas should be free of any environmentally harmful pollutants. Microplastics (MPs) are plastic fragments measuring less than 5 mm (about 0.2 in). These fragments are an emerging threat to our oceans, and we are investigating the effectiveness of MPAs against these pollutants. We analyzed data gathered from research conducted on microplastic concentrations in MPAs and non-MPAs around the world. 53 MPAs and 53 non-MPAs around the world were used and the microplastic concentrations were deemed low, medium, or high by using the …

The Environmental Craftsfolk: Making Things In A World Full Of Stuff, Zoey Ballard

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

This Civic Engagement Project (CEP) proposes a transformative approach to addressing the complex challenges of environmental degradation and disconnection from nature through the establishment of the Eco-Craft Cabal in Missoula, Montana. The project seeks to reframe environmental consciousness through the lens of craft, fostering improved connections with the local environment and promoting community resilience. By repurposing both natural and artificial materials in inclusive, accessible crafting activities, the Eco-Craft Cabal aims to empower participants to confront feelings of despair and hopelessness with tangible, meaningful actions.

Wyoming Conservation Exchange: A Case Study In Grassroots Conservation Program Design, Kristiana Hansen, Sara Brodnax, Roger Coupal, Jennifer Lamb, Anne Mackinnon, Ginger Paige, Eric Peterson, Melanie Purcell

The Journal of Extension

This article describes the conception and development of a market-based conservation program in Wyoming whose purpose was threefold: to compensate landowners for good stewardship of their land and water resources; facilitate meaningful conservation; and encourage environmentally responsible energy development. The program was developed with strong stakeholder support against a backdrop of significant regulatory change. The project, called the Wyoming Conservation Exchange (WCE), represents a project-based alternative to more traditional program-based Extension efforts. This article evaluates ways in which the WCE can act as a road map—but also a cautionary tale—for similar Extension efforts in the future.

Community Responses To Us Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs, Bethani Turley

Student Research Symposium

In 2023, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law designated 7 billion dollars to fund regional hydrogen hubs across the US with the goal of kickstarting a utility scale hydrogen economy for the US electric grid. A promising technology in the renewable energy transition, hydrogen can be made from a multitude of energy sources, often designated by colors: green hydrogen is made from solar and wind, pink hydrogen from nuclear, and blue hydrogen from natural gas. This presentation examines this new hydrogen economy through the case study of the Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub (ARCH2). ARCH2 is a blue hydrogen hub proposal by …

Fireflies At Rpa Natural Area Final Report, Olivia H. Bush, Sydney M. Shea, Sofia J. Gordon, Nick S. Wiebke

Final Reports in ENST 411: Environmental Community Projects

Our group worked alongside community partners Shaunna Barnhart and Jim Dunn during the Spring 2024 semester to assist with their annual event Fireflies at RPA Natural Area. RPA Natural Area is a local park in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania that was recently acquired by Southside Recreational Authority. Since taking over the park, the organization has begun hosting an event each July to educate the general public about firefly biology and conservation by showing a film and guiding attendees through a firefly tour through the park. Our goals for this project included creating physical educational materials to be used at the park …

A Just, Sustainable Transition At Fordham University, Ethan Shepard

Student Theses 2015-Present

This paper takes a deeper look at Fordham University’s environmental impact and concludes with a strategy outline that works towards a just, sustainable future on the university campus and surrounding areas. New York City is an area already facing the adverse effects of climate change, and there are several threats that have the potential to cause grave consequences moving forward. Prior to constructing a climate action plan, it is integral to understand the past and present status of The Bronx under a socio-environmental lens. Chapter One focuses on the current status of Fordham’s Rose Hill Campus from a sustainability perspective …

Bibliometric Review Of The Landscape And Thematic Structure Of Research On Sustainable Mining In Asean, 1942–2022, Nathatai Janjirawatna, Sirisuhk Rakthin, Philip Hallinger

Journal of Sustainable Mining

This bibliometric review addressed the lack of consolidated information on the current state of sustainable mining in the ASEAN region. The review analyzed bibliographic data associated with 539 Scopus-indexed documents on sustainable mining in ASEAN nations published through the end of 2022. Descriptive statistics identified a great disparity in the scope of research on sustainable mining practices across the ASEAN countries. Surprisingly, a significant portion of the extant research on sustainable mining in the region has been authored by scholars from outside of ASEAN. Keyword analyses highlighted several emerging research topics including life cycle assessment, conservation of natural resources, climate …

Identifying Phytoremediation Performing Plant Species That Can Be Utilized In The Improvement Of Heavy Metal Contaminated Soils, Ashley Clark*, Samuel Mutiti

Graduate Research Showcase

Heavy metal pollution is a problem associated with industrialization and development. Two major metals that are commonly mined and can enter the environment, which can jeopardize communities’ health, are copper (Cu) and lead (Pb). There are different options for reducing heavy metal pollution in the environment via remediation efforts, including physical, chemical, and biological methods. However, physical and chemical remediation can be costly and labor-intensive, making them unsuitable for regions that do not have the funds to utilize these practices. Biological remediation is a more cost-conservative practice that has been shown in many studies to be effective in the gradual …

The Effect Of Agrivoltaics On Irrigation Water Consumption In Central California, London Camba

Undergraduate Theses

An agricultural system where solar energy generation and agricultural systems are used together for mutual benefit, agrivoltaics reduces loss of water due to evaporation, particularly in drylands. Central California has faced extreme droughts, and water has become a scarce resource. However, the wide-scale use of agrivoltaics has been limited due to lack of knowledge about agrivoltaics and also the lack of funding for start-up agrivoltaics projects. Therefore, this research investigated the potential for agrivoltaics in Central California to reduce irrigation water consumption using a review of multiple crop studies using agrivoltaics to determine an optimal crop for agrivoltaics and a …

Traffic Analysis Of Cities In San Bernardino County, Sai Kalyan Ayyagari

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This research offers an in-depth analysis of vehicular traffic within San Bernardino County, California, aiming to spotlight congestion areas and suggest improvements for more efficient and sustainable transportation. Leveraging 2021 data from StreetLight Data, traffic patterns in 15 key cities were examined based on their population sizes, covering various vehicle types to dissect dynamics and flow. The methodology focused on analyzing trip purposes and metrics to calculate Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) and its influence on congestion and environmental factors.

Findings indicate considerable disparities in traffic volume, purposes, and timings across different urban areas, with population density and intercity connections significantly …

Truck Traffic Analysis In The Inland Empire, Bhavik Khatri

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This study undertakes a meticulous examination of truck traffic within the Inland Empire, focusing on the distribution and dynamics of medium and heavy-duty vehicles, to advocate for the region's transition to electric trucks. Utilizing advanced spatial analysis and data from Streetlight Data, it segments the region into six subregions, revealing distinct traffic patterns and environmental impacts. Notably, the research uncovers that the North Center and West zones, integral to the logistics and warehousing sectors, exhibit the highest traffic volumes, significantly influencing air quality and infrastructure.

Quantitative results from 2021 illustrate a pronounced disparity in truck activity: medium-weight vehicles accounted for …

Exploring The Pore Structure Of Reconstructed Soils And Its Effects On Water And Salt Transport Based On Ct Scanning, Li Huakun, Zheng Liugen, Chen Yongchun, Li Bing, Tao Pengfei, Li Hao

Coal Geology & Exploration

Coal gangue serves as a critical material for landfilling and reclamation in the subsidence areas of coal mines. However, due to its rough textures and poor water-holding capacity, soils reconstructed using coal gangue exhibit somewhat different pore structures and water-salt transport from undisturbed soils. To explore the changes in the pore structure of the reconstructed soils and their effects on water and salt transport, this study analyzed the differences in the pore structures between four samples from undisturbed soils, the overburden, mud-gangue mixtures, and gangue using CT scanning and image analysis. Furthermore, an indoor experimental device was designed to simulate …

Laws Of Changes In The Energy Of Gas Hydrate-Bearing Coals Under Different Confining Pressures And Saturations, Zhu Wei, Gao Xia, Zhang Baoyong, Wu Qiang

Coal Geology & Exploration

Gas hydration for the solidification of coal seams susceptible to outbursts is a novel technology used to prevent coal and gas outbursts by reducing gas pressure and enhancing coal strength. However, an unclear understanding of the failure characteristics and the energy dissipation law of gas hydrate-bearing coals under different confining pressures and saturations leads to the lack of a theoretical basis for the prevention of dynamic disasters such as field coal and gas outbursts in deep mines. Based on the deviatoric stress-strain curves obtained using triaxial compression tests, this study calculated and analyzed the laws of changes in energy of …

Table Of Contents, The Editors

Coal Geology & Exploration

No abstract provided.

Response Mechanism Characteristics Of Mining-Induced Fault Activation, Sun Wenbin, Hao Jianbang, Dai Xianzheng, Kong Lingjun

Coal Geology & Exploration

In the process of coal mining, mining-induced stress perturbation is a key factor leading to fault activation, which is a primary challenge faced by safe coal mining. Fault activation is prone to induce geological disasters such as rock bursts and floor water inrushes of coal mines. Furthermore, it poses a serious threat to mining safety. Using the Flac^3D software for numerical simulations and similar material simulation experiments, this study established a model for faults’ stress-displacement responses under coal mining to analyze the mechanisms behind the evolution of fault structure zones in the process of coal mining. Key findings are …

Prediction Of Mine Water Inflow Along Mining Faces Using The Ssa-Cg-Attention Multifactor Model, Ding Yingying, Yin Shangxian, Lian Huiqing, Liu Wei, Li Qixing, Qi Rongrong, Bu Changsen, Xia Xiangxue, Li Shuqian

Coal Geology & Exploration

Predicting mine water inflow plays an important role in ensuring mine safety, optimizing resource allocation, and improving work efficiency. This study aims to improve the accuracy and stability of the predicted mine water inflow. Given their strong correlations with water inflow, borehole water level and microseismic energy were chosen as multifactor characteristic variables. Using these variables, this study developed the SSA-CG-Attention multifactor prediction model for mine water inflow along mining faces. The new model extracted effective nonlinear local features of data utilizing a new network structure, which was formed by integrating a convolutional neural network (CNN) based on the time …

Three-Dimensional Forward Modeling Using The Transient Electromagnetic Method Under Complex Terrains And The Analysis Of Terrain Effects, Qu Shaobo, Zhu Jiao, Jiang Zhihai, Li Maofei, He Zhilong

Coal Geology & Exploration

The ground-based transient electromagnetic method (TEM), with unique advantages, has been extensively applied for hydrogeological exploration in coal mines. However, in field exploration, complex terrains tend to cause variations in geometric shapes of transmitting sources and deviations in signals received, reducing exploration accuracy. Hence, by integrating theoretical analysis and numerical simulations with the analysis of actual terrain data, this study systematically investigated the response characteristics of electrical- and magnetic-source TEM fields under complex terrains. Using the vector finite-element electromagnetic forward modeling technique based on second-order backward Euler discretization, this study delved into the laws of influence of peak and valley …