Digital Commons Network^™

Mechanisms Behind Thermal Evolution Of The Structural Alignment Of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons In Coals: Implications For Structural Transition Of Coal Macromolecules, Song Yu, Jiang Bo, Cheng Guoxi, Zheng Sijian, Li Ming, Ge Yao, Dai Yan, Wang Qian, Feng Guangjun

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Coals are highly sensitive to variations in temperature and pressure conditions. The structural evolution of coal macromolecules, driven by tectono-thermal processes, is the key to understanding coal rank transition and geological evolution. The structural alignment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in coals represents a critical indicator for characterizing coal rank transition and geological evolution. However, due to limited studies, there is a lack of systematic experimental demonstration and theoretical support for the structural alignment and microstructural characteristics of PAHs in coals, as well as their intrinsic relationships with the structural transition of coal macromolecules, during pyrolysis. Methods This study …

Sedimentary Characteristics And Coal Accumulation Patterns Of The Permian Shallow-Water Deltas In Shandong And Its Adjacent Regions, Feng Kai, Li Zengxue, Li Ying, Li Xuchao, Zhang Hui, Zhou Xiaojuan

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective The Shanxi Formation, deposited during the critical transitional period from the sedimentary filling of epicontinental sea basins to the sedimentation of continental basins, exhibits well-developed shallow-water delta systems and significant coal-forming processes. This study aims to reveal the characteristics of sedimentary environment transformation during the late stage of sedimentary filling of epicontinental sea basins in North China. To this end, the Early Permian shallow-water delta systems in Shandong and its adjacent regions during that period was investigated, including their primary sedimentary characteristics, the predominant bases of sedimentary transformation, and the lithofacies paleogeographic characteristics of coal-forming processes.Methods Based on …

Geological Characteristics And Enrichment-Accumulation Patterns Of Coalbed Methane Within The Jurassic Strata In The Miquan Area Along The Southern Margin Of The Junggar Basin, Wu Luofei, Yang Kangjun, Zhang Jie, Shi Yongxia, Fu Haijiao, Yang Shuguang, Wang Gang, Liu Mengmeng, Li Yueguo, Wang Xiaoming

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective The southern margin of the Junggar Basin (also referred to as the southern Junggar) possesses abundant medium- to low-rank coalbed methane (CBM) resources, with significant progress achieved in CBM exploration and production. However, there remains a lack of systematic understanding of the genetic mechanisms of CBM within the Middle-Lower Jurassic strata, along with its accumulation and evolution laws, in the Miquan area, southern Junggar. This absence restricts the commercial development of CBM in these strata.Method Focusing on CBM within the Middle-Lower Jurassic Xishanyao and Badaowan formations in the Miquan area, this study further identified the CBM origins and …

Exploring Water Migration Patterns In Reconstructed Soil Layers For Waste Dumps Of Open-Pit Coal Mines Based On Ct Scanning, Fan Tingyu, Zhang Xinghui, Lu Akang, Yang Changde, Wang Shun, Wang Xingming, Sun Xueliang, Ji Quancai

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective In the arid regions of western China, the ecological restoration of waste dumps within open-pit coal mines plays a key role in green mine construction, while creating a suitable soil profile structure serves as a prerequisite for the ecological restoration.Methods This study investigated the reconstructed soils with a three-layer sponge-like structure consisting of the topsoil, sandy-soil, and mudstone layers for the waste dump of the Hongshaquan open-pit coal mine in Xinjiang. Using computed tomography (CT) scanning, a three-dimensional (3D) pore network model (PNM), and water migration simulation, this study systematically analyzed the pore structures and water migration characteristics …

Technologies For Controlling Water Inrushes From Coal Seam Floors Under Flowing Water And Their Water Plugging Performance, Yang Zhibin

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Limestone water hazards in coal seam floors represent one of the two primary categories of mine water hazards in China. Limestone aquifers are generally characterized by abundant static water reserves and considerable dynamic water recharge. To reduce economic losses and casualties caused by water inrushes from limestone aquifers, post-disaster emergency rescue through grouting for water plugging is frequently carried out under flowing water.Methods Based on numerous cases of water inrush control under flowing water in China and the fundamental requirements for control scheme design, this study presents a systematic review of existing technologies for water inrush control under …

Joint Inversion For Heat Transfer Parameters Of Porous Media With Geothermal-Seepage Coupling Based On A Physics-Informed Neural Network, Zhang Xiao, Yang Duoxing, Cong Lin, Cheng Yimei, Zhang Lianzhong

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background The thermal diffusivity and vertical seepage velocity of porous media are critical to characterizing the mechanisms underlying subsurface heat transfer. These two parameters are typically determined through inversion using temperature data since they are difficult to measure directly. Fiber-optic distributed temperature sensing (FO-DTS) can yield high-resolution, continuous temperature profiles, providing data for parameter identification. However, conventional numerical inversion suffers from limitations such as mesh dependency and sensitivity to initial values when used to process continuous monitoring data. Methods This study proposed a joint geothermal parameter inversion method that integrates FO-DTS data with a physics-informed neural network (PINN). Specifically, the …

Joint Inversion Of Borehole-Surface Direct-Current Resistivity Data, Xu Kaijun, Jin Heran, Cao Danping, Mou Bin, Hu Zuzhi

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective The conventional inversion of surface direct-current (DC) resistivity data faces challenges such as limited exploration accuracy and depth. This study aims to enhance the accuracy and reliability of exploration in complex engineering and geological settings through the joint inversion of borehole-surface DC resistivity data. Methods First, different geoelectric models were constructed through three-dimensional (3D) forward modeling of full-space DC resistivity. Then, the potential response characteristics under surface and borehole observation methods were systematically analyzed to determine the differences in detection sensitivity between surface and borehole observations. Accordingly, a joint 3D inversion technique for borehole-surface DC resistivity data was developed …

Oil-Based Mud Electrical Imaging Logging Responses Of Carbonate Strata, Wu Yuyu, Lai Qiang, Pan Feng, Zhao Zuo’An, Wang Xiaoxing, Wang Yue, Cheng Lu, Wang Zeyu, Yin Rong

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objectives This study aims to characterize the oil-based mud (OBM) electrical imaging logging responses of carbonate strata, highlighting the response characteristics of dissolution vugs, fractures, stratigraphical structures, and special minerals. Methods Tests were conducted on logging data acquisition of a drilled well within the Dengying Formation in the Sichuan Basin before and after OBM was replaced with water-based mud (WBM). Based on the fine-scale core-to-log (CTL) calibration, this study compared the WBM and OBM electrical imaging logging responses of different geological and pore structures. Furthermore, the characteristics of OBM electrical imaging logging responses were further discussed from the measurement principles …

A Cutting Trajectory Planning Technology Driven By Coal Seam Data In A Comprehensive Mining Face, Guo Yifeng, Xue Xusheng, Ma Hongwei, Zhang Guangming, Su Hao, Qi Ailing, Nie Zhen, Ma Kexiang, Wu Xuefei

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Currently, the insufficient full-element digitization and the prevalence of “data silos” in fully mechanized mining faces (FMMF) result in poor cutting precision and operational instability of shearers under complex undulating and abrupt geological conditions. These factors pose significant challenges to high-precision proactive trajectory planning. Methods Guided by the academic philosophy that “mining is data acquisition”, this paper proposes a coal seam data-driven cutting trajectory planning method for FMMFs. It elaborates on three core technologies: high-precision digital coal seam modeling, generative model updating and digital twin construction, and data-driven trajectory planning.To address low modeling precision, an intelligent interpolation-based digital coal …

Cost Analysis Formulation For Pv–Evcs–Dstatcom Integrated Distribution Systems Using Enhanced Hunter–Prey Optimization, Pappu Soundarya Lahari, Varaprasad Janamala

Mansoura Engineering Journal

With the rapid and significant growth of Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Distributed Generation (DGs), such as Photovoltaic (PV) deployment, in the distribution system, it is essential to address the challenges of rising power losses, voltage fluctuations, and reactive power imbalances. Optimal DSTATCOM placement in PV-EV integrated systems to mitigate power quality issues is an effective solution. It is thus necessary to evaluate the economic considerations of such heavily compensated networks. This study proposes Enhanced Hunter-Prey Optimization (EHPO) to assess the net savings of the PV-EVCS-DSTATCOM integrated IEEE-33,69, and 118 bus distribution networks in both single and multi-objective modes. The multi-objective …

Ceres Cow Excrement For Renewable Energy Supplies, Jeremy J. Land

Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Student Publications

On March 27th, 2026, President Trump announced the finalization of the Renewable Fuel Standard “Set 2”, which establishes a 60% increase in the requirement for renewable fuels from 2025 to 2026 & 2027. AIChE issued the 2026 Senior Design Challenge to design a renewable natural gas plant for a 12-Farm Dairy Co-Op in Green Bay Wisconsin. This design integrates the latest cutting-edge technologies to sustainably optimize NPV.

Slait - Secure Language Assembly Inspector Tool, Michael Bratcher, Maria Linkins-Nielsen

Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Student Publications

Develop a secure web-based platform that enables users to:

• Upload assembly programs through a browser
• Select instruction inspection points
• Execute code inside an isolated sandbox
• Capture register and flag state changes
• Visualize execution behavior step-by-step

Diode-Pumped Solid-State (Dpss) Laser, Ryan Farrar, Kiahna Taylor, Jules Stone, Finn Mcmanus, Zoe Kreisler, Reis Knowles

Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Student Publications

The objective of this project is to create a working Nd:YAG laser design using an 808nm laser instead of a traditional flashlamp. The reason for the 808nm laser is to enable controlled lasing, and furthering accuracy & efficiency relative to a flashlamp.

Rapid Reach, Rishi Ammanabrolu, Alex Dumbell, Peyton Hay, Ashley Hurtado, Ryan Matthews, Mac Mchale, Sean Miller, Dan Zschau

Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Student Publications

Survival of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest depends on rapid heart defibrillation, yet automated external defibrillator (AED) retrieval, high acquisition costs, and maintenance requirements often limit unit availability. Consequently, the delay inherent in traditional manual retrieval and EMS arrival frequently prevents aid from reaching victims in time.

Chess Observation Based Operable Technology (Cobot), Brandon Goerz, Jeremy Hay, Luke Jacobsen, Sean Kalkiewicz, Logan Steele

Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Student Publications

This project aims to develop an autonomous robotic chess system capable of interpreting board state and physically executing moves. With a focus in real time against a human opponent. Utilizing integrating computer vision, game logic, user friendly GUI, and a robotic arm.

Srcis: Human-Robot Collaboration In Urban Search And Rescue Operations, Younghoon Cho, Yavanni Ensley, Jaylin Ollivierre

Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Student Publications

Search and Rescue Coordinated Intelligence System (SRCIS) is a human-agent system designed to:

• Improve the effectiveness of real-time search and rescue operations.
• Integrate human judgement with robotic autonomy and capabilities
• Enable coordinated action and adaptive response in dynamic environments.

Nocap: Article Fact-Checking With Ai, Thomas Chamberlain, Anthony Ciero, Varun Doddapaneni, Joshua Pechan

Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Student Publications

Fact checking media is important for properly obtaining information

Create a website that uses AI knowledge to allow users to fact check an article

Give these articles an authenticity score and report on what is fact or fiction

Aggregate scores of articles by the same publisher in a database allowing users to view their scores and article authenticity reports

Program And Proceedings, The Nebraska Academy Of Sciences 1880–2026: 146th Anniversary Year, One Hundred-Thirty-Sixth Annual Meeting

Nebraska Academy of Sciences: Programs and Proceedings

Program and abstracts of the proceedings for the Nebraska Academy of Sciences 136th annual meeting, 2025

Sessions

Aeronautics and Space Science

Anthropology

Biological and Medical Sciences

Earth Sciences

Ecology, Sustainability, and Environmental Science

Physics and Engineering

General Poster Session

2026 Maiben Lecture: Shifting Extremes: Understanding Nebraska’s Changing Climate and Preparing for What Lies Ahead, Deborah Bathke

2026 Friends of Science Awards: Julie Shaffer and Irina Filina

2026 C. Bertrand and Marian Othmer Schultz Colleaguate Schoalrship Award: Piper Ryschon and Bryce Reeson

In Memoriam: Paul Royster

Effects Of Pilot Seeking Mental Health Treatment On Passenger Willingness To Fly Before And After An Educational Intervention, Angela Thompson, Emily Mongeon, Elizabeth Brewer, Vivek Sharma, Brooke Wheeler

Aeronautics Student Publications

Willingness to fly before and after an intervention showed no significant difference, but there was a significant difference in willingness to fly with a pilot who is versus is not seeking mental health treatment.

Comparison Of Faa Forecasted And Actual Annual Enplanements At U.S. Airports In 2007, 2011, And 2023, Jordan Alexander Kattner, Ninthushan Nithiyanandan, Yunjae Son, Vivek Sharma, Brooke Wheeler

Aeronautics Student Publications

Accurate forecasting of passenger demand is essential for effective airport planning, infrastructure, and policy decision-making particularly from a risk management perspective (Mandel, 2014). However, making long-term forecasts is extremely difficult with many different factors at play leading airport planners to make misinformed investments. This study used publicly available data from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) forecast and Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) actual annual enplanements to examine the difference between forecasted and actual observed annual enplanements at 30 large hub airports in the United States to improve passenger demand forecasts. The result showed a statistically significant difference but small effect …

Annual Wildlife Strikes Per Operation By Runway Configuration In The Southern U.S. From 2015 To 2024, Cam Mann, Arie Ebanks, Vivek Sharm, Brooke Wheeler

Aeronautics Student Publications

Research on wildlife strikes is vital to the understanding of wildlife behavior at airports. This study focused on reported wildlife strikes per operation by differing runway configurations, parallel and intersecting, in 16 southern states from 2015 to 2024. Parallel runway configurations experienced more reported wildlife strikes per operation than intersecting runway configurations, consistent with previous research. Wildlife strikes that occur at critical phases of flight bring detrimental effects to aviation economies and wildlife habitats. Wildlife Hazard Management Programs (WHMP) in effect at airports do show success, but with limited range. The study used an ex post facto design due to …

Student Perceived Stress Correlated With Study Approaches In A Collegiate Part 141 Flight School, Jonathan Doherty, Nate Petrie, Jonathan Vroman, Brooke Wheeler, Vivek Sharma

Aeronautics Student Publications

Collegiate flight students experience unique academic and technical challenges that may contribute to stress levels. Although previous research has examined stress in aviation students, limited research has investigated how students’ approaches to studying relate to perceived stress within this population. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between perceived stress and two study approaches, Surface and Deep Approach, among collegiate flight students enrolled in their university’s Part 141 flight training program. A correlational research design was used. Participants completed an online questionnaire comprising the Revised Two-Factor Study Process Questionnaire (R-SPQ-2F) to measure Deep and Surface study approaches …

The Danger Zone: Uas Sightings By Distance From Airports, Jalee Noel Boucher, Omkar Aaditya Sahoo, Brian Winston Anthony Williams, Vivek Sharma, Brooke Wheeler

Aeronautics Student Publications

The increased usage of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) has called for an increase in pilot awareness as they approach or depart airports. Given the increase in UAS usage and the growing academic and industry relevance of UAS, encounters between manned aircraft and UAS are to be expected. The purpose of this study is to examine differences in the number of monthly reported UAS sightings across distance categories from the airport in the contiguous United States between January 2021 and December 2025 (FAA, 2025). An ex post facto design was used and distance categories were established. Data that lacked distance information …

Difference In Weather Delays At U.S. Large Hub Airports By Season, Momoka Okabe, Mitchell Riordan Rivers, Julian Waller, Vivek Sharma, Brooke E. Wheeler

Aeronautics Student Publications

At 31 large hub airports in the United States, there was a statistically significant difference in weather delays between Fall and both Winter and Summer, and Summer and Spring.

Aircraft Violations Related To Temporary Flight Restrictions & Operations​ From 2017 To 2021, Mark Lipp, Tea Yankova, Hudson Schnier, Vivek Sharm, Brooke Wheeler

Aeronautics Student Publications

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) are temporary airspace limitations issued to protect sensitive operations, events, and public safety within the United States and Territories National Airspace System (NAS). Despite widespread dissemination of TFR information, violations continue to occur. This study examined the relationship between the monthly number of active TFRs, total aircraft operations, and TFR violations from 2017 to 2021. A quantitative, non-experimental correlational design was used to analyze publicly available Federal Aviation Administration datasets, including TFR records and incident reports from the Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS). Descriptive statistics and Pearson product–moment correlations were calculated using 59 monthly observations. Results …

Human Error-Related Aviation Accidents And Incidents Scheduled Vs. Non-Scheduled Operations, Aidan J. Cosgrove, Christopher K. Budiman, Julia Palma Gil, Vivek Sharma, Brooke Wheeler

Aeronautics Student Publications

Scheduled operations had higher monthly human error (HE) related aviation accidents and incidents than nonscheduled operations; however, the effect size is small.

Traffic Alert:​ Correlation Between Near Midair Collision Reports And Takeoffs And Landings At U.S. Class Bravo Airports: 2010 To 2025, Nash Slettom, Brooklyn Stellato, Taylor Jackson, Vivek Sharma, Brooke Wheeler

Aeronautics Student Publications

A significant, positive correlation was identified between airport operations and near midair collision(NMAC) reports.

A Continuous Viral Vaccine Biomanufacturing Platform Utilizing Multiple Bioreactor Configurations, Justin Sargunas, Bradley Priem, Dylan Carman, Taravat Sarvari, Natalie Nold, Vaishali Sharma, Andrew Pekosz, Caryn Heldt, Michael Betenbaugh

Michigan Tech Publications

Scalable, continuous biomanufacturing processes have grown in importance to meet demand for smaller bioreactor sizes, lowered production costs, and improved quality attribute consistency. The Sf9/recombinant baculovirus (rBV) expression system demonstrates promise for virus-like particle (VLP) vaccine and gene therapy production. Here, we present a continuous rBV platform integrating an infection plug flow reactor (PFR) between stirred tank growth (gCSTR) and production (pCSTR) bioreactors. Cell expansion in the gCSTR included a ramp-up stage followed by continuous growth, reaching a steady state of 5×10 cells/mL and >90% viability. Péclet number-fit tracer studies confirmed near-ideal plug flow in the PFR, yielding a 10 …

Analysis Toolkit For Potential Lunar Landing Zones, Jacobo Matallana

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

A thesis presented to the faculty of the College of Science and Engineering Morehead State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree Master of Science by Jacobo Matallana on April 24, 2026.

Florida Tech Botanical Gardens Improvement: Raised Bridged Walkway Design, Peter Abdou, Logan Allen, Severiano Cartagena, Brennan Lackey, Miranda Schwartz

Mechanical and Civil Engineering Student Publications

Design a flood-resilient pedestrian system using hydrologic and hydraulic modeling to improve safety, accessibility, and environmental performance within the Botanical Gardens.