Digital Commons Network^™

Geothermal Resource Assessment Of The Eastern Da’An Area Based On 3d Geothermal Geological Modeling, Chen Wenwen, Rao Song, Meng Boyan, Guo Menghao, Luo Yang, Cai Jiahao, Li Wenjing, Zhang Qiaoran, Tang Yucong

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective The Da’an area in Jilin Province, located in the southwestern Central Depression of the Songliao Basin, exhibits significant geothermal anomalies, which suggest substantial potential for geothermal exploitation. However, there remains a lack of detailed geothermal resource assessment of this area. Among conventional assessment methodologies, the volumetric method fails to accurately characterize irregular stratigraphic geometries and the spatial heterogeneity of parameters, while the Monte Carlo method suffers from limitations such as heavy dependence on the probability distribution models of geothermal reservoir parameters. Methods To overcome the limitations of the conventional methods, this study established a 3D geothermal geological model by …

A Collocation Point Sampling Method For Solving The Helmholtz Equation Using Physics-Informed Neural Networks, Shan Lianpu, Yu Caixia, Wang Yanfei

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background In the field of seismic wavefield simulation, physics-informed neural networks (PINNs) have emerged as a new method for efficiently solving the Helmholtz equation due to their characteristic of grid-free computation. However, for the forward modeling of complex medium models using the Helmholtz equation, traditional uniform grid-based methods for collocation point sampling are insufficient to efficiently provide gradient information, leading to prolonged training time and high resource consumption. Objective and Method To improve the forward modeling efficiency and accuracy based on PINNs and overcome the anomalous concentration of collocation points in the seismic source during dynamic sampling, this study proposed …

Anomalous Responses Of Coal Seam Mining Face Floor Derived Based On Stress-Induced Failure Modeling And 3d Direct Current Electric Method, Gao Weifu, Zou Xu, Niu Chao, Xiao Lele, Zi Jianxiao

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective In recent years, floor water inrushes have frequently occurred in North China-type coalfields. To address this challenge, determining the anomalous responses of water inrushes from stope floors has emerged as a focus of research on water disaster prevention and control. Methods This study established a stress model of the stope floor based on the mine pressure theory. Using this model, it analyzed the stress distribution and failure characteristics of the stope floor. The floor failure characteristics revealed that the coal seam floor can be divided into three zones: the compression, expansion, and recovery zones. Through stress-resistivity tests, this study …

Technologies And Equipment For Efficient Drilling Rescue, Yao Ningping, Zou Zujie, Zhang Zhonghai, Zhao Jiyun, Hao Shijun, Fan Dong, Dou Bin

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective In China, mining operations are progressively extending to greater depths, with annual tunneling of mine roadways and tunnels nationwide reaching nearly 20000 km. In this context, mine (tunnel) accidents occur frequently, threatening the safety of state property and people’s lives. To meet the great demand for emergency rescue in mine (tunnel) accidents, drilling rescue, emerging as a hot topic, has been employed as an effective approach. Methods Techniques and equipment for efficient and safe drilling of surface and underground (tunnel) rescue boreholes were investigated by centering on two main roadmaps: (1) surface rescue equipment – forming techniques for search …

High-Precision Reconstruction Of Seismic Data Based On Improved U-Net++, Wang Minling, Zhou Fei, Wang Honghua, He Xiang, Hou Zhiyang

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Conventional reconstruction methods are insufficient for the reconstruction of seismic data with missing consecutive traces, producing a negative impact on subsequent processing accuracy. Hence, this study proposed CU-Net++, a deep learning network based on the U-Net++ architecture combined with the convolutional block attention module (CBAM). Methods During the reconstruction of missing data, the independent decoder for each sub-U-Net in the nested U-Net++ architecture enables the utilization of information from different depths. The long and short skip connections can effectively enhance the network's capability to extract multi-scale features from data. The core innovation of CU-Net++ is the introduction of CBAM, …

Application Of Geophysical Logging To Selection Of Optimum Target Horizons For Salt Cavern Storage: A Case Study Of Borehole Zk01 In Qingjiang Salt Mine, Jiangxi Province, China, Liu Dongming, Lin Zhenzhou, Liu Dongyan, Qiu Changyi, Liang Mingxing, Zhai Jinghong, Zhang Jie, Jiang Zhengzhong

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Under the guidance of the strategies to achieve the goals of peak carbon dioxide emissions and carbon neutrality, salt cavern storage facilities, serving as key infrastructure for clean energy strategic reserves, have emerged as a core approach to promoting the transformation and upgrade of the salt industry and to building a low-carbon energy system in China. Jiangxi Province, located in the middle part of the Yangtze River Economic Belt, is endowed with abundant salt rock resources, making it a national priority zone for developing resources for salt cavern storage. However, traditional methods for the siting of the facilities rely …

Understanding And Assessing Climate Change: Preparing For Nebraska’S Future, 2024 Climate Change Impact Assessment Report, Deborah J. Bathke, Eric Hunt, Heather Akin, Andrea D. Basche, Jesse E. Bell, Daniel R. Dileo, Ross Dixon, Martha Durr, Tonya Haigh, Francis John Hay, Kristina W. Kintziger, Nicholas A. Mcmillan, Hank Miller, Jerome Okojokwu-Idu, Crystal Powers, Tirthankar Roy, Zhenghong Tang, W. Ryan Wishart, Aaron R. Young, Sarah A. Sonsthagen, Jonathan J. Spurgeon

School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications

Contents

Report Team

Acknowledgments

Executive Summary

Introduction

Climate Change Contexts: Global, National, and State

Observed Changes in Nebraska's Climate

Projections of Nebraska's Future Climate

Water Systems

Energy

Ecosystems

Agriculture

Human Health

Communities and the Built Environment

Indigenous Peoples

Climate Justice and Equity

The Response of Faith Communities

Nebraskans' Perceptions of Climate Change

Next Steps and Future Work

Supplemental Report: Adaptation, Risks, and Impacts

About the Authors

Faith-based Communities Survey

Evaluated Plans and Assessments

References

Facilitating The Move Towards A Wellbeing Economy Through Supporting Infrastructure: A Review Of Frontrunner Countries, Henry Bartelet, Vincent De Gooyert

Quantitative Methods and Information Technology Faculty Publications

As more governments seek to shift beyond gross domestic product (GDP) as the dominant measure of progress, the concept of a “wellbeing economy” has gained traction. This approach prioritizes human and environmental wellbeing through broader, more holistic policy frameworks. A central question in this transition is what the implications of shifts to a wellbeing economy are for infrastructure investments. In this study, we identify four frontrunner governments, Bhutan, Scotland, New Zealand, and Wales, that have formally adopted wellbeing economy principles. We analyse how each operationalizes the concept and assess the resulting implications for infrastructure planning and investment. Despite shared goals, …

Correlation Of Radon Gas Concentrations And Associated Radiological Risks In Soil Using Ssntds With Gis And Spss At Najaf Governorate, Iraq, Rafal Mohamed Abdulsada, Lubna A. Alasadi

Al-Bahir

All human beings are affected by soil directly or indirectly. This study focuses on the effect of radon gas and related radiological risks using SSNTDs, specifically CR-39 detectors, in eighty secondary schools in Najaf and Kufa cities, Najaf Governorate, Iraq. As we recognize the importance of soil and its strong connection to humans, the study focused on areas where public and private schools were built, where students are present, and the potential for radiation risks to affect students' health. The results show that the average concentrations of C, C_Rn were 64.329±59.149 Bq / m³ and 3150.699±2897.036 Bq / …

Draft Final Butte Mine Waste Repository Geotechnical Investigation Work Plan, Pioneer Technical Services, Inc.

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Re: Butte Priority Soils Operable Unit (Bpsou) Final Insufficiently Reclaimed Sites Field Sampling And Investigation Plan (Fsp): Bres No. 100 – Capri Motel – Arctic Dump, Mike Mcanulty

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Assessing The Sustainable Circular Fashion Supply Chain As A Model For Achieving Economic Growth In The Global Market, Andrew P. Burnstine, Raouf Ghattas

Faculty and Staff Publications & Presentations

The fashion industry faces a critical sustainability crisis, contributing up to 10% of global carbon emissions and generating 92 million tons of textile waste annually. The study highlights the complex interplay of material flows, business models, power structures, and cultural mindsets, presenting a multi-scaled framework for advancing cleaner production and circularity in one of the world’s most resource-intensive sectors. This study proposes a transformative model for circular bioeconomy in fashion, integrating systems-change theory, degrowth economics, and emotional durability. Through case studies, including Patagonia, Eileen Fisher, and EU policy frameworks, the paper demonstrates how circular strategies can reduce waste, extend product …

Designing A Hybrid Renewable Energy System For The College Of Engineering And Computer Science At Arkansas State University, Partho Das Neer

Student Theses and Dissertations

The main objective of this thesis is to design and analyze the performance of a hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES) for the college of engineering and computer science at Arkansas State University. By implementing the framework as a micro-grid to supply the required power to the Lab Science West building of the college. The proposed model ensures energy reliability and cost reduction. The model consists of photovoltaic (PV) panels, wind turbines (WT), and batteries, whereas MATLAB software was used to design the system and the Electrical Transient Analyzer Program (ETAP) Software is utilized to analyze the effectiveness of the operation …

Aquatic Macroinvertebrate Diversity And Water Quality As Indicators Of Wetland Health In Natural And Constructed Wetlands Of Northeast Arkansas, Helena Grace Wheeler

Student Theses and Dissertations

Exposure to different abiotic factors drives a shift in macroinvertebrate communities. In wetland systems, soil is the primary driver of the aquatic system. Analyzing community dynamics in association with soil composition, water physiochemical properties, wetland size and age is valuable in determining wetland health. Little research has been done to examine the direct relationship between wetland soil parameters and macroinvertebrate communities. Macroinvertebrate diversity, community composition, and soil and water composition data were analyzed from natural wetlands, Agricultural Conservation Easement - Wetland Reserve Easement Program (ACEP-WRE) wetlands, and agricultural wetlands within the Mississippi Alluvial Plain. Sample collection occurred from February to …

Stream Temperature Responses To Summer Urban Rain Events Along The Savannah River, Joseph E. Wermter, Vivian L. Turner, Max K. Appelbaum, James M. Shepherd, Jacob Z. Lott

Journal of South Carolina Water Resources

The hydrological urban heat island (HUHI) is a recent facet of the urban heat island (UHI), describing thermal enhancement of bodies of water in response to urbanization. Although the forefront of this work has been studied for large Metropolitan areas, this effect on developing cities is currently unknown. To locally measure and quantify HUHI effects in a developing city, we utilized Multi-Radar Multi Sensor (MRMS) radar-derived rainfall data to estimate rainfall in the Augusta Metropolitan Area (AMA) and the Savannah Metropolitan Area (SMA), two developing communities adjacent to the Savannah River. We analyzed mean temperature trends of two stream gauges …

Re: Comment Letter For Butte Priority Soils Operable Unit Draft Final Leak Infiltration Evaluation (Dated July 24, 2025), Emma Rott

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Butte Priority Soils Operable Unit (Bpsou) Superfund Operation And Maintenance (O&M) Request For Maintenance – Kelley Stormwater Channels (Dated April 22, 2025), Josh Bryson

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Re: Comment Letter For Bpsou Blacktail Creek Riparian Actions Revised Draft Final Uniform Federal Policy Quality Assurance Project Plan (Dated July 31, 2025), Emma Rott

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Re: Butte Priority Soils Operable Unit (Bpsou) Final Insufficiently Reclaimed Sites Field Sampling Plan (Fsp): Bres No. 181 – Mountain Con-3 Dump., Mike Mcanulty

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Re: Approval Letter For The Butte Priority Soils Operable Unit (Bpsou) Draft Final Insufficiently Reclaimed Sites Field Sampling Plan (Fsp): Bres No. 26 – Cripple Dump (Dated August 21, 2025), Molly Roby

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Re: Butte Priority Soils Operable Unit (Bpsou) Final Reclamation Improvement Sites Field Sampling And Investigation Plan (Fsp): Bres No. 18 – Walkerville Ballfield, Mike Mcanulty

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Settling Defendants Bmfou Annual Report Consent Decree For The Butte Mine Flooding Site Cd, Cv 02-35 Bu-Rfc Remedial Action – Implementation Of The Remedy Horseshoe Bend Water Treatment Plant 2024 Annual Report, Mark Thompson, Dave Griffis

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Re: Approval Letter For The Butte Priority Soils Operable Unit (Bpsou) Draft Final Insufficiently Reclaimed Sites Field Sampling Plan (Fsp): Bres No. 18 – Walkerville Ballfield (Dated August 13, 2025), Molly Roby

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Re: Approval Letter For The Butte Priority Soils Operable Unit (Bpsou) Draft Final Insufficiently Reclaimed Sites Field Sampling Plan (Fsp): Bres No. 100 – Capri Motel-Arctic Dump (Dated August 12, 2025), Molly Roby

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Re: Comment Letter For The Draft Final Butte Priority Soils Operable Unit Unreclaimed Sites New And Mahoney (Ur-23) Construction Completion Report., Molly Roby

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Air Pollution And Diseases: Signaling, G Protein-Coupled And Toll Like Receptors, Isabella Cattani-Cavalieri, Katrina F. Ostrom, Jordyn Margolis, Rennolds S. Ostrom, Martina Schmidt

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Air pollution is a significant public health issue that impacts lung health, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions. Both natural and anthropogenic sources of air pollution give rise to a variety of toxic compounds, including particulate matter (PM), ozone (O₃), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Exposure to these pollutants is strongly associated with the development and exacerbation of respiratory diseases, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Notably, early life exposure to pollutants such as …

Re: Butte Priority Soils Operable Unit (Bpsou) Final Insufficiently Reclaimed Sites Field Sampling And Investigation Plan (Fsp): Bres No. 120 – Bonanza Dump, Mike Mcanulty

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Re: Approval Letter For The Butte Priority Soils Operable Unit (Bpsou) Revised Draft Final Insufficiently Reclaimed Sites Field Sampling Plan (Fsp): Bres No. 120 – Bonanza Dump (Dated August 12, 2025), Molly Roby

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

The Floodnet Community Engagement Guide, Véronëque Ignace, Sofia Mariyamis, Kendra Krueger, Polly Pierone, Hayley Elszasz, Hannah Eisler Burnett

The Science and Resilience Institute at Jamaica Bay, SRIJB

"At the Intersection of Science, Policy, and Community: The FloodNet NYC Community Engagement Strategy” is a public-facing community engagement guide that documents the strategies, tools, and lessons developed through FloodNet NYC, a cross-sector partnership among researchers at NYU and CUNY and New York City agencies. Designed as a practical resource, this guide shares our approach to community engagement and dissemination so that researchers, practitioners, community organizations, and public agencies can adapt these methods to their own urban climate science projects and other community-centered efforts that address climate challenges.

Grounded in community-based participatory research (CBPR) principles, the guide presents community engagement …

Miscanthus × Giganteus Increases Soil Maximum Water Holding Capacity Compared To Maize, Jessica T. Nelson, Maoz Dor, Andy D. Vanloocke, Jacob E. Studt, Perla K. Schrock, Marshall D. Mcdaniel

School of Earth, Environmental, & Marine Sciences Faculty Publications

Soil ecosystem services, like the ability to store water, have been depleted after a century of conventional, annual cropping, and perennial crops offer a solution to this and other agricultural environmental issues. We assessed the impact of Miscanthus × giganteus (miscanthus), a perennial biomass crop, on soil water holding capacity and structure compared to continuous maize (Zea mays L.) at two sites in Iowa. After three growing seasons, we measured the following: (1) maximum water holding capacity (MWHC) with and without soil structure, and (2) total porosity and pore size distribution (PSD) via micro-computed tomography (microCT). Miscanthus increased MWHC …