Digital Commons Network^™

Understanding The Drivers Of Industry 4.0 Technologies To Enhance Supply Chain Sustainability: Insights From The Agri-Food Industry, Guoqing Zhao, Xiaoning Chen, Paul Jones, Shaofeng Liu, Carmen Lopez, Leonardo Leoni, Denis Dennehy

Plymouth Business School

The sustainability of agri-food supply chains (AFSCs) is severely threatened by regional and global events (e.g., conflicts, natural and human-made disasters, climate crises). In response, the AFSC industry is seeking digital solutions using Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies to enhance resilience and efficiency. However, why I4.0 adoption remains stubbornly low in the agri-food industry remains poorly understood. To address this gap, this study draws on middle-range theory (MRT) and uses thematic analysis, the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process, total interpretive structural modelling, and fuzzy cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to classification to produce insights from nine case studies in China that have invested …

Two Roads: A Case Study Comparing Project-Based Learning To Traditional Program With Student Choice, Gregory D. Warsen, Rick Vandermolen

School Leadership Review

Do the advantages of increased student engagement in a project-based learning environment sustain during a pandemic when compared to a traditional program? Researchers were able to meet with students in both programs in a midwestern school district that gave them a choice between both project-based and traditional approaches. Semi structured interviews with randomly selected students in focus groups allowed researchers to make useful comparisons to themes based on engagement using Schlecty’s (2011) model. An ability to maintain task focus using Duckworth’s GRIT scale (2007) was also captured longitudinally via a survey in students’ freshman and senior years. Qualitative analysis of …

Vol. 27, No. 3 - Whole No. 117, David Bratman

Mythprint

Mythprint is the monthly bulletin of the Mythopoeic Society, a nonprofit educational organization devoted to the study, discussion, and enjoyment of myth and fantasy literature, especially the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and Charles Williams. To promote these interests, the Society publishes three magazines, maintains a World Wide Web site, and sponsors the annual Mythopoeic Conference and awards for fiction and scholarship, as well as local and written discussion groups.

Title: Questioning Attebery’S ‘Bullseye’: Interviews With Young Readers Of Fantasy May De-Center The Lord Of The Rings, Luke Shelton

Journal of Tolkien Research

In 2018 and 2019, I interviewed young readers about their opinions of The Lord of the Rings (LotR) as a part of my PhD thesis. Their ideas concerning the genre of the text destabilize Attebery's use of it as a central point for the genre. Since these readers do not demonstrate a consensus that LotR is a work of fantasy, one is left to wonder if the idea of the fuzzy set proposed by Attebery is accurate when considering the lived experiences of readers. This leads to several questions about why these young readers have categorized the story …

Chacahoula 2024, Vol 91, Alayna Pellegrin

Chacahoula

MERGING REALITIES:

The 2023 issue of Chacahoula includes December 2023 and May 2024 graduating classes, as well as stunning photography of Week of Welcome, Homecoming, Mardi Gras, and Spring Fever. With features covering notable students, faculty, and staff, this year's time capsule beautifully preserves an academic year in the life of the University of Louisiana at Monroe.

Geological Support Technology Framework System For Mining Induced Hazards And Damage Reduction Mining Of Geological Conditions In Western Mining Area, Wang Shuangming, Sun Qiang, Geng Jishi, Yuan Shihao, Gu Chao, Yang Duoxing, Niu Chao, Lu Tuo, Guo Chen, Zhang Huanlan, Huang Haiyu, Shi Qingmin

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Coals, as the main energy in China for the long term, secure the basic needs for energy development in China. However, large-scale, intense coal mining damages the geologic environment of coal mining areas, as well as inducing hazards such as water inrushes and rock bursts. Methods To overcome the challenges in geological security through the prediction and early warning of damage to geologic environments and damage-reducing mining faced by safe, efficient coal mining, this study, based on the interdisciplinary characteristics of the geological security, highlighted the hazard control mechanisms and mining-inducing hazard patterns of geological conditions, underscored the whole-space-time …

Table Of Contents, The Editors

Coal Geology & Exploration

No abstract provided.

Pillar Wall Angles Of Karst Collapse Pillars In The Xishan Coalfield: Characteristics And Implications, Zhao Jingui, Wang Jiangwei, Yang Gaofeng, Guo Mintai

Coal Geology & Exploration

Significance As coal mining expands into deep parts, karst collapse pillars have become one of the most concealed disaster-causing geological factors in coal mining from mines in North China. The pillar wall angle of a collapse pillar serves as an important index used to describe the morphology of the collapse pillar. Methods and Results With 265 karst collapse pillars cut by the fully mechanized mining of the upper and lower coal seams in the Xishan coalfield as the data source, this study extracted the geological information contained in the pillar wall angles of karst collapse pillars in the Xishan coalfield …

R&D And Application Of An Experimental System For Coal Permeability Enhancement Through Resonance Under The Excitation Of Low-Frequency Vibration, Wen Zhihui, Guo Shuqian, Wei Jianping, Zhang Tiegang, Wang Jianwei, Zhang Libo, Ren Yongjie

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective As an emerging green, efficient method for enhancing coal permeability, coal resonance under the excitation of vibration waves works by stimulating the development of pores and fractures in coals using the stress waves generated by low-frequency vibration. To investigate the impacts of excitation frequency, stress field, and resonance effect on permeability enhancement, as well as exploring the mechanisms behind coal permeability enhancement using the method, this study independently designed and developed an experimental system. Methods The system, consisting of a mainframe control unit, a coal-sample clamping unit, a vibrational excitation unit, and a coal vibration parameter monitoring unit, allows …

A Tin-Gtp Algorithm-Based Technique For 3d Geological Modeling Of Coal Mines, Wang Xiaohui, Liu Zaibin, Zhang Dongliang, Ma Liang, Chen Baohui, Lei Xiaorong, Bai Baojun, Yan Junsheng

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background A 3D geological model of a coal mine serves as an essential prerequisite to guiding the safe and efficient production of coal mines, holding great significance for precise coal mining and geological guarantee. Especially in complex geologic conditions, the failure of geological models to accurately describe the relationship between structures and strata will affect the mining area planning, mining processes, and production efficiency during the production of coal mines. Methods With the Qipanjing Coal Mine in the Zhuozishan Coalfield, Inner Mongolia, as an example, this study investigated the technology for high-accuracy 3D geological modeling of coal mines based on …

Accumulation Mechanisms And Resource Potential Of Helium In Coal Measures: A Case Study Of The Eastern Margin Of The Ordos Basin, Liu Xiangbai, Tao Shizhen, Yang Xiuchun, Zhao Qun, Chen Yanyan, Liu Ziyang, Pei Xiangbing, Wang Longfei, Yi Wei, Feng Jianqiu, Zhang Tan, Gao Jianrong, Tao Xiaowan, Liu Zhuangxiaoxue, Li Chaozheng, Yang Yiqing, Chen Yue

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Helium, with advantages such as stable chemical properties and high thermal conductivity, has been extensively applied in high-tech sectors like national defense, military, aviation, and aerospace, playing an irreplaceable role. Presently, helium in China is primarily imported from other countries, manifesting a high degree of dependence on foreign trade, suggesting a prominent issue concerning helium resource security. Previous studies on helium principally focus on conventional natural gas, rendering helium in coal measures relatively under-studied. Objective and Methods To determine the distribution and potential of helium resources in coal measures, this study analyzed the coal-measure gas sampled from the eastern …

Coal Permeability Enhancement Via Cyclic Percussion Using Low-Temperature Liquid Co2 And High-Temperature Water Vapor And Simulations Of Resultant Gas Drainage Performance, Qin Lei, Wang Ping, School Of Civil And Resource Engineering, University Of Science And Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China Shugang, Wang Hui, Liu Pengfei, Li Jiawei, Lin Haifei

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective In the application of the coal seam permeability enhancement technique based on liquid CO₂, pore water in coal seams freezes due to low temperatures, blocking pathways for gas migration. Hence, this study developed a technique for coal permeability enhancement through cyclic percussion using low-temperature liquid CO₂ and high-temperature water vapor (also referred to as the cyclic cold and hot percussion). Methods This study delved into the permeability evolutionary patterns of coals under cyclic cold and hot percussion using a low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer, an automatic coal permeability tester, a contact angle tester, and 3D …

Deep Beam Theory-Based Mechanical Analysis Of Water-Resisting Key Strata Of Coal Seam Floors In A Deep Mining Environment, Wang Bingwen, Zha Wenhua, Lu Haifeng

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective An increase in the mining depth of mines poses a more serious threat from highly confined karst water, resulting in water hazards like water inflow and inrushes on the mining faces of coal seams. The key content used to address this issue is to analyze the water pressure resistance of the water-resisting key stratum of the coal seam floor in a deep mining environment. Methods This study simplified a water-resisting key stratum into a rock beam model and then dealt with this model using the deep beam theory in the prediction of water inrushes in deep mining. Specifically, by …

Fracture Mechanical Criteria And Simulation Of Floors With Y-Shaped Branches Of Major Faults In Coal Mines, Li Ang, Sun Jingxin, Zhang Wenzhong, Zhang Zhuang, Yang Yuxuan, Wang Weidong, Lyu Wei, Fan Liuyi

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Despite wide distribution, the branches of major faults (also referred to as the fault branches) tend to be overlooked. However, they represent one of the primary causes of water inrush. Methods Under the engineering geological background of the Liuzhuang coal mine in Anhui Province, this study established a fracture mechanical disaster model for fault branches under the impacts of both seepage and stress based on the criteria for compression-shear fracture of rock masses considering the Mohr-Coulomb criterion. Using this model, this study obtained the critical water pressure and the minimum safe distance between the fault branch and the floor's …

Elastoplastic Stress Analysis Of Multi-Refrigerant Combined Heterogeneous Artificial Frozen Wall, Wang Bin, Liang Xiuling, Zhang Zihao, Cai Haibing, Rong Chuanxin

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Affected by the temperature difference of the refrigerant and the distance difference between the frozen formation and the freezing pipes, the heterogeneity of the multi-refrigerant combined double-row-pipe frozen wall is more significant. In order to evaluate the safety of such frozen wall reasonably, the elastic plastic stress analysis should be carried out for the artificial frozen wall with multi-refrigerant considering the heterogeneity. Methods The frozen wall at 1/4 pipe distance was selected as the characteristic section. Then, the temperature distribution curve on this section was equivalently converted to three linear functions, and the frozen wall was regarded as a …

Analytical Model For Reactive Solute Transport In A Channel-Matrix System, Wei Nana, Li Xu, Xu Guangquan, Zhang Haitao, Shao Zefan

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective The accurate quantitative characterization of fractured media and the theoretical research on solute transport in fractured media have become the key to the prevention and control of groundwater contamination in fractured aquifers. Currently, fractured aquifers are generalized to horizontal fractures, ignoring the geometric characteristics of the open parts of fractures, called channels, and the impacts of matrix diffusion on solute transport. Methods A model for solute transport in a single channel-matrix system was established, obtaining the semi-analytical solutions using Laplace and numerical inverse transforms. The COMSOL Multiphysics software was employed to construct a numerical model for verification. Furthermore, the …

Landslide Sensitivity Assessment Of Coal Mining Subsidence Areas Based On Information Value - Machine Learning Coupling Models, Niu Chenhao, Jiao Runcheng, Han Jianfeng, Wang Shengyu, Guo Xuefei, Liu Chang, Han Yucheng, Song Guofeng

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Due to their special geological conditions and coal mining background, coal mining subsidence areas are prone to suffer from ground cracks and subsidence, which tend to further induce geological disasters such as landslides. This makes it extremely necessary to conduct landslide sensitivity assessment of these areas using appropriate influencing factors and training models. Methods This study investigated the Xishan coal mine area in Beijing as an example to conduct landslide sensitivity assessment of coal mining subsidence areas by coupling slope units with mathematical statistical and machine learning models. With 10 influencing factors, including topographic and geomorphic factors such as …

Research And Application Of The Seismic Exploration Technique Using Reflected In-Seam Waves In Identifying Folds And Faults In Coal Seams, Wu Guoqing

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Accurately identifying subsurface anomalies is crucial to building a geological transparency system in the transformation to intelligent coal mines. The precise exploration of fold anomalies is a challenge of underground geophysical exploration technology, holding great significance for reducing excavation costs, mining difficulties, and safety risks. Objective and Methods Previous in-seam seismic explorations reveal that folds pose significant impacts on the propagation characteristics of in-seam waves. However, conventional inversion techniques of in-seam waves are difficult to distinguish folds from faults. This study constructed numerical models for faults and folds with similar geometric shapes and equal exploration distances. Specifically, the differences …

A Method For Reconstructing Consecutively Missing Seismic Data Based On Recurrent Feature Reasoning, Li Zijuan, Chang Guangyao, Jia Yongna

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Due to the constraints of natural environments like rapids, rifts, and high mountains, the acquired seismic data are often challenged by consecutive missing, affecting subsequent seismic data processing and geologic analysis. Hence, it is necessary to reconstruct the missing data through interpolation. Methods This study proposed a method for reconstructing consecutively missing seismic data based on recurrent feature reasoning. First, the missing seismic data undergo partial convolution operations, in which the weight of the convolution results is adaptively adjusted based on the proportion of valid feature map data in the receptive field, avoiding invalid convolution operations on consecutively missing …

A Neural Network-Based Method For Analyzing Diffracted Wave Velocity, Tao Junhong, Zhao Jingtao, Sheng Tongjie

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background In seismic imaging, accurate velocity models are crucial for characterizing subsurface structures in a fine-scale manner. Notably, in coal mining, small-scale geological structures like faults and collapse columns are closely associated with mining accidents. These structures typically occur as diffracted waves in seismograms.Objective and Methods To effectively image these small-scale geological bodies, fine-scale velocity modeling using diffracted wave information is particularly important. Hence, this study proposed a neural network-based method for analyzing diffracted-wave velocity. First, diffracted-wave velocity spectra were generated using the gathers of diffracted waves that were separated in the common virtual source domain. Second, a gamma-ray …

Key Technology And Practice Of Deep Borehole Pneumatic Directional Drilling In Broken-Soft Coal Seam In Yangquan Mining Area, Liu Fei, Li Quanxin, Fang Jun, Liu Jianlin, Yang Weifeng, Chu Zhiwei, Zhao Jianguo, Wang Siyi

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective In response to the need for precise, proactive, and regional management of gas in the broken-soft coal seam of the Yangquan Mining Area, a technical scheme utilizing pneumatic directional drilling for pre-drainage boreholes was proposed. Methods Based on the analysis of the technical challenges in pneumatic directional drilling, a series of technologies suitable for the broken-soft coal seam in the Yangquan Mining Area were developed. These include stable operation technology for pneumatic downhole motors, precise control technology for drilling boreholes, efficient deep-hole slag discharge technology, and pneumatic milling and salvage technology. The pneumatic directional drilling equipment was optimized, and …

Emergency Response And Critical Technologies For Large-Diameter Boreholes In Mine Rescue Through Surface Drilling, Ma Tan, Zhuge Lei, Zhao Weidong

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Large-diameter lifesaving holes have been successfully applied multiple times in mine rescue through surface drilling. However, they show limitations in emergency response like quick dispatch and cross-regional rescue, and their technological adaptability is insufficient to cope with complex strata. Methods From the perspective of overall emergency rescue, with rescue timeliness as an indicator, this study summarized the critical technologies like response capability enhancement and borehole-forming technology for complex strata. It constructed an emergency handling process for mine rescue through surface drilling, specified the improvements in contingency plan activation, response actions, and response speeds, and established the hierarchical cross-regional rescue …

Underrepresentation Of Women In Stem, Ella Asare Afortor

JWU Dissertations & Theses

Despite a plethora of initiatives undertaken by the U.S. government, corporate entities, nongovernmental organizations, and the society at large, the representation of women across various Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields remains dismally low (Martinez & Christnacht, 2021; Srivastava, 2019; Swafford & Anderson, 2020; Wright, 2018). This situation is compounded by a high attrition rate with about 50% of women leaving STEM careers by the age of 35 (Maynard, 2021). Numerous studies have highlighted the underrepresentation of women in various STEM disciplines, raising concerns about the missed opportunities for societal progress and the need for comprehensive strategies to address …

Accumulation Patterns And Exploitation And Utilization Targets Of Geothermal Resources In The Coal-Bearing Area In North China, Pang Zhonghe, Duan Zhongfeng

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective China is a major producer and consumer of coal resources in the world. The urgent need for the transition of the coal industry necessitates the investigation of both the origin and distribution patterns of geothermal resources in the coal-bearing areas of the country. The coal-bearing area in North China, with geothermal reserves accounting for 74.7% of the whole country, stands out as one of the areas with the most abundant geothermal resources nationally. This area encompasses four major coal-bearing basins: the Bohai Bay, Ordos, Qinshui, and Southern North China, with the lithospheric thermal state gradually weakening from east to …

Convection - Heat Transfer Coupling Mechanism For Closed-Loop Heat Extraction From Hydrothermal Resources Using Horizontal Wells, Gu Feng, Li Youwu, Zhang Yue, Gao Ying, Yang Peng, Wang Anran, Cui Jingyun

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Closed-loop heat extraction technology, which extracts geothermal energy without draining geothermal water, has emerged as a research focus in geothermal energy exploitation. However, there is a lack of studies on the impacts of convection in reservoirs on heat transfer. Methods To improve single-well heat extraction, this study proposed a technology of closed-loop heat extraction from hydrothermal reservoirs using horizontal wells. This technology aims to increase the contact area between wellbores and reservoirs while fully leveraging the convection in reservoirs. A flow and heat transfer model characterized by the coupling of horizontal wells, circulating water and reservoirs was established to …

A Brighter Tomorrow With Darker Skies: Understanding The Consequences Of Excessive Light And Combating Light Pollution At West Chester University, Finn Schmidhuber

Sustainability Research & Practice Seminar Presentations

Finn Schmidhuber, Computer Science '25, presents on the importance of Dark Skies and limiting light pollution.

In Re: The Hertz Corporation

2024 Decisions

USDC for the District of Delaware

Flexible Operation Of Nuclear Hybrid Energy Systems For Load Following And Water Desalination, An Ho, Blake W. Billings, John Hedengren, Kody M. Powell

Faculty Publications

Nuclear hybrid energy systems (NHES) have the potential to provide dependable and emission-free electricity to the grid while also increasing the flexibility and reliability of the electrical grid. Molten salt reactor (MSR) technology can provide consistent, carbon-free electricity while also increasing efficiency, security, and sustainability and reducing nuclear waste. This study investigates the integration of Molten Salt Reactors (MSR) and conventional Pressurized Water Reactors (PWR) with desalination technologies: Direct Contact Membrane Distillation (DCMD), Multi-Stage Flash Distillation (MSFD), and Reverse Osmosis (RO). Dynamic first-principles models were developed and tested using real grid data from the New York Independent System Operator. The …

Climate Smart Agriculture, J. David Aiken

Cornhusker Economics

There are several programs encouraging producers to reduce their carbon intensity, including United States Department of Agriculture climate-smart agriculture programs, the 2024 Nebraska Climate Action Plan, and the 2024 Nitrogen Reduction Incentive Act. The hope is that producers with lower carbon intensity (CI) scores will receive a premium for their products. Producers would be well advised to learn more about these programs, as reducing carbon intensity in agriculture seems to be an emerging agricultural policy trend that will be with us for some time to come.

2024 Draft Final Butte Reduction Works (Brw) Smelter Area Mine Waste Remediation And Contaminated Groundwater Hydraulic Control Site Phase Iii Quality Assurance Project Plan (Qapp), Pioneer Technical Services, Inc.

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.