Digital Commons Network^™

Testing Of Accelerated Pozzolanic Activity Of Fly Ash, Anne Oberlink, Tom Robl, Bob Jewell, Haley Johnson

World of Coal Ash Proceedings

The determination of the pozzolanic reaction in fly ash by ASTM strength activity index has been shown to be problematic, frequently producing false positives. The use of Wenner probe resistivity has been demonstrated to be rapid, simple and non-destructive method, producing no false positives. However, using this method and confirming it with other techniques finds that the reaction itself is slow with a dilatancy of 28 days or more before the measurements become discriminatory, a major drawback to this method. This study used high-temperature, high humidity curing of OPC-based mortars with various fly ash sources to determine how pozzolanic activity …

Innovative Analysis Of Groundwater Data For Scalable, Defensible, And Predictive Compliance, Shannon Zahuranec

World of Coal Ash Proceedings

Groundwater monitoring networks at coal combustion residual (CCR) facilities now yield dataset volumes that routinely exceed the capacity of traditional, univariate interpretation. This presentation introduces a scalable multivariate and machine learning (ML) framework that prioritizes understanding data structure before predictive models are applied. The workflow applies Principal Component Analysis and other multivariate statistics to groundwater datasets, to illustrate how unsupervised learning can rapidly reveal dominant sources and controls on impacted and unimpacted groundwater quality. The talk frames multivariate analysis as a practical portfolio management tool, emphasizing inference categories rather than concentrations or site identifiers. Fleet-scale multivariate screening offers strategic advantages …

Subsurface Delineation Of Coal Combustion Residuals Using Multiple Geophysical Methods, Eric Hageman, Adam Rak, Thomas Jordan, Kate Mckinley

World of Coal Ash Proceedings

Geophysical techniques provide alternative methods of Coal Combustion Residual (CCR) delineation and characterization to supplement more invasive boring programs used for beneficial reuse planning. A demonstration project was designed to characterize the electromagnetic and seismic stratigraphy of CCR material and test the effectiveness of three geophysical techniques: Electrical Resistivity Imaging (ERI), Transient Electromagnetic (TEM) induction, and Multi-channel Analysis of Surface Wave (MASW). The demonstration project was completed at a dry-stack CCR unit containing a variety of CCR ash, gypsum, and thin layers of drainage aggregate (limestone). During a single-day deployment, several geophysical survey tests were conducted in specific areas of …

Geopolymers For Construction And Mining: Material Characterization And Application Prospects, Radoslaw Pomykala, Gabriela Fuks

World of Coal Ash Proceedings

Geopolymers have long been presented as an alternative to conventional concretes and cement-based binders, yet their practical use remains limited for various reasons. This paper examines both the material properties of such mixtures and their potential for broader application.

The study evaluated geopolymers produced from different types of fly ash, including typical siliceous ashes and ash with elevated CaO content. The influence of mixture components, such as solids content, activator type, and sample preparation and curing methods, on technological properties was investigated. Research covered fresh mixtures—rheological behavior and setting time—as well as hardened samples using mechanical testing, XRD, and SEM. …

Riki&Dolphin: Real Time Data Transmission From The Bottom Of A Cave To A Website, Luca Tringali, Giacomo Canciani Dr., Tecla Tripari, Alexander Debenjak, Caterina Bearzotti

International Journal of Speleology

Coming from over 10 years of experience in cave monitoring in northeast Italy, Gruppo Speleologico Talpe del Carso, has designed Riki and Dolphin: customizable, low cost, and easy to assemble tools for getting real time data transmission from the bottom of a cave, even underwater, to a webserver. Their use has been tested to monitor air temperature inside the Abisso Bonetti Cave (Classical Karst, Italy), proving for the first time that a cave in Gorizian Karst can systematically be colder than the outdoor temperature even in winter, recording an internal temperature even lower than 0°C. The Dolphin device can be …

Evaluating The Properties Of Ohio Ponded Fly Ash For Reliable Use In Concrete Mixtures, Ayah Suliman

World of Coal Ash Proceedings

Concrete producers are under pressure to reduce the carbon footprint of concrete while maintaining a reliable supply of supplementary cementitious materials. Meanwhile, U.S. coal production in 2023 declined to less than half of its 2008 peak, significantly reducing the availability of fresh ASTM C618 compliant fly ash. At the same time Ohio contains more than 145 million cubic yards of coal combustion residuals stored in ponds, representing a large and underutilized source of potential fly ash for concrete applications. This study evaluates the suitability of harvested Ohio ponded fly ash for use in concrete through practical and specification-driven testing aligned …

Benefits Of Geophysical Imaging For Coal Combustion Residuals Management Unit Delineation, Gabriel Herbert

World of Coal Ash Proceedings

Gabriel J. Hebert1, Gregory B. Byer1, Margaret Gentile1 1Arcadis U.S., Inc., 2839 Paces Ferry Road SE, Suite 1000, Atlanta, GA 30339 KEYWORDS: geophysical imaging, delineation, CCRMU ABSTRACT Under the 2024 Legacy CCR Rule detailed in 40 CFR Part 257, Section 75, all electric utility companies with a known legacy coal combustion residuals (CCR) surface impoundment are required to conduct a facility evaluation to identify the location, dimensions, and volumes of CCR placed and remaining on site and to assess structural stability. At a minimum, the presence or absence of CCR management units (CCRMUs) must be documented through a desktop records …

Extracting Rees From Refuse Pile Coal, Howard Mcclintic

World of Coal Ash Proceedings

Concurrent Technologies Corporation (CTC) has a patented high temperature electric arc furnace (EAF) technology that reaches 4000-degree centigrade temperature(s). Such high temperatures are sufficient to extract each of the seventeen rare earth elements (REEs) from coal fly ash to ultimately manufacture diverse magnets. Neodymium iron boron magnets (NdFeB) are the strongest magnets produced, heretofore almost exclusively by the Chinese. For national security reasons, CTC has become part of the domestic supply chain, as an alternate to China. Scaling is the next hurdle, since our demonstration unit is operational. Nationwide, coal is decreasingly used as a fuel for generating electricity. However, …

Basin Ash Harvesting At The Brunner Island Station, Kyle Flynn

World of Coal Ash Proceedings

Tribo-electrostatic separation has been used for the commercial beneficiation of coal combustion fly ash to produce a low carbon product for use as a cement replacement in concrete for over twenty-five years. With 24 separators in 18 coal-fired power plants and cement plants across the world, ST Equipment & Technology LLC’s (STET) patented electrostatic separator has been used to produce over 25 million tons of low carbon product that has been recycled for use in concrete or cement production. STET has developed and commercialized a new process for beneficiation of reclaimed fly ash from landfills and ponds that utilizes fly …

Adaptive Design And Execution In Ccr Pond Closure: A Case Study Of Technical And Regulatory Innovation, Jay Mokotoff, Angie Casbon-Scheller

World of Coal Ash Proceedings

Closure by removal (CbR) of CCR impoundments presents complex challenges, particularly when unique hydrogeologic conditions exist. This presentation highlights the advance planning and ongoing closure of a Midwestern utility’s East Ash Pond (EAP), a relatively small facility with highly atypical characteristics. To comply with the CCR Rule, sluicing to the EAP ceased while the generating unit remained operational. Fly ash handling was converted to a dry system for beneficial reuse; however, wet sluicing of bottom ash continued. To avoid constructing a new regulated CCR impoundment, an innovative geotextile tube containment area (GTCA) was designed and implemented to capture bottom ash …

Evolution Of Instrumentation Use For Ccr Unit Decision Making, Nick Mcclung, Victoria Bierwirth, Matt Bishop

World of Coal Ash Proceedings

Over the past decades, the power industry’s instrumentation needs and requirements have shifted to meet industry standards and regulations. In the early 2010s, piezometers and slope inclinometers were the primary types of instrumentation used to evaluate the stability of a CCR Unit. Some of the piezometers and slope inclinometers installed are still in use today to evaluate long-term stability for operations and closure. Since this time, additional instrument types were selected for installation including observation wells and temporary wells to further understand phreatic conditions within the CCR Unit. As utilities are faced with closures including removal of free liquids, data …

The Current Legal Landscape Of The War On Terror; An Analysis Of The 2001 Authorization For Use Of Military Force And Its Constitutionality, Scope And Applicability, Avalyn Crosson

NSU Undergraduate Law Journal

This paper will examine the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force [hereby known as “The Authorization”] passed by Congress in the wake of September 11, 2001. For the past two decades, the applicability and legality of its application have been called into question by both Congress and the public. While controversial, The Authorization continues to be the central legal authority for counterterrorism operations against Al-Qaeda and affiliated forces. Signed into law by President George W. Bush, The Authorization mirrors the urgency of defending against further terrorist attacks and the demand by the American public to bring those responsible to …

Psychiatry Meets Ai: Are Residents Ready?, Jacob De Castro, John Case

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Artificial intelligence (AI) use is increasing in healthcare, but psychiatry residency training remains unstructured. In a 20-resident pilot survey, AI was frequently used for literature review and clinical support, with limited confidence and institutional guidance. We found most residents desired formal training and would use AI more if institutionally supported. Findings highlight a gap between rapid adoption and structured education.

Ai-Augmented Digital Auscultation For Point-Of-Care Screening Of Valvular Heart Disease: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Harshal Parmar, Akhila Archakam, Nikhila Archakam, Wesley Kim, Eduard Koman Md

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Valvular heart disease (VHD) affects >10% of adults aged 75+ yet remains underdiagnosed when asymptomatic due to declining auscultatory proficiency. AI-augmented digital auscultation offers a point-of-care screening solution, though no meta-analysis has pooled diagnostic accuracy across VHD subtypes in adults using echocardiography as the reference.

Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted per PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, IEEE Xplore, and Scopus were searched without date restriction. Studies applying AI or machine learning to digital auscultation or phonocardiography for VHD classification in adults with echocardiographic reference and patient-level diagnostic metrics were included. Studies using only public datasets, pediatric …

Developing A Comprehensive Resource Guide For Caregivers Within The Area Agency On Aging, Aiden R. Murphy

Public Health Capstone Projects

This project developed a new universal caregiver resource guide for caregivers within the Area Agency on Aging, in order to improve resource navigation and workflow efficiency. Resources were collected, verified, and organized into a new, streamlined guide via the ARIA chatbot, covering multiple needs. Caregiver resources were collected and verified by the capstone student and mentor, Michael Kroeker, and organized into a centralized knowledge base within the ARIA chatbot. A mixed methods evaluation was conducted utilizing a 5-point Likert scale with three quantitative questions and one open-ended qualitative question. The data was given to the SeniorLine staff, who wanted to …

What History Shows: A Structural Account Of Fixed-Point Theory Formation, Griselda Poe

Publications and Research

Theory generation has long been subsumed under categories such as creativity, genius, and innovation. These categories do not distinguish assembly-based conceptual synthesis from fixed-point theory generation.

This paper makes that distinction explicit. The termination condition of assembly is external: data, citation, endorsement, usability. The termination condition of fixed-point theory generation is internal: consistency with internally held constraints, resolution of structural contradiction. The two operate under different processing conditions.

The historical record confirms this distinction. What Darwin, Einstein, Spinoza, and Kant produced was not assembly. Their processes involved unresolved branch retention and decomposition necessity, arriving at internally constrained fixed-point termination. Freud …

Air Quality, Atmospheric Pressure, And Migraine Presentations In The Emergency Department, James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Migraine is a leading cause of Emergency Department (ED) visits and global disability. Weather has long been reported by patients as a trigger, yet the literature remains inconsistent. Prior ED-based data demonstrated an association between higher mean barometric pressure and increased migraine presentations, without a relationship to short-term pressure change. Because high-pressure systems are frequently associated with atmospheric stagnation and pollutant accumulation, air quality may represent a biologically plausible mediator.

Objective: To examine the relationship between air quality and ED migraine presentations within the existing body of literature and to explore whether air quality may help explain previously observed …

Listening To The System: Reframing Emergency Department Noise: The Case For Noise As A Real-Time Operational Signal In A Complex Adaptive System (Cas), James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna, Henry Schuitema

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Emergency Department (ED) noise has historically been framed as an occupational and environmental hazard requiring mitigation. And this is still true—but not complete. Early work focused on exposure reduction and spike identification. Subsequent mapping studies demonstrated spatial and temporal differentiation in ED acoustic load. We propose an expanded conceptual model: acoustic variability may function not only as a hazard, but also as a real-time signal of operational turbulence within the ED as a complex adaptive system (CAS). Drawing on human factors, alarm fatigue, resilience engineering, and complexity science, we synthesize existing literature and institutional experience to identify a critical gap—noise …

The Physics And Biology Of High-Risk Falls: Biomechanical Analysis And Physics Assists In Understanding Why The Threshold For High-Risk Was Lowered To 10 Feet, James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Recent revisions to the National Guideline for the Field Triage of Injured Patients lowered the high-risk fall threshold from >20 feet  to >10 feet for all ages. Guideline changes are multifactorial and typically reflect epidemiologic registry data, injury severity trends, and systems-level performance feedback. However, biomechanical analysis assists in understanding the importance of the change.

Objective: To demonstrate that a 10-foot fall generates sufficient kinetic energy and deceleration forces to exceed structural tolerance thresholds in multiple human tissues, and to show that fundamental physics independently supports the recent trauma protocol change.

Methods: Application of gravitational motion equations (v = …

Detecting Early Operational Turbulence In The Emergency Department Using Fourier And Wavelet Analysis: A Conceptual Framework For Signal-Informed Anticipation And Prediction In The Ed Complex Adaptive System, James Espinosa, David Ho, Alan Lucerna

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background:

We theorize that Emergency Departments (EDs) function as complex adaptive systems characterized by nonlinear interactions, oscillatory demand patterns, and abrupt phase transitions from stable flow to turbulent states. Traditional dashboards rely on threshold metrics that detect instability after degradation becomes visible. Many ED data streams are significantly retrospective as well as compression-averaged into temporal systems such as days, months, quarters or even years. Signal processing methods—particularly Fourier and wavelet analysis—offer the  framework for detecting latent oscillatory shifts preceding overt operational change from laminar to transitional to turbulent flow states. This could lead to better methods of adaptation.

Conceptual Framework: …

Designing Patient Update Intervals In The Emergency Department: A Queueing-Theory And Operational Science Model Of Patient Updates And Progress Signaling To Improve Patient Experience, James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna, Henry Schuitema

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background Patients in the Emergency Department (ED) frequently experience uncertainty while awaiting diagnostic results, reassessment, and disposition. Even when clinical processes are progressing, prolonged informational silence may create the perception of that those processes are not advancing.

Objective To develop a conceptual and operational mathematical, queuing-theory based  model linking bedside communication, conversational time, and informational silence to patient experience.

Methods A back-of-the-envelope operational model was constructed to estimate the time required for bedside update communication during a typical physician shift. A queueing-theory framework was applied to examine how intervals between informational updates influence perceived waiting burden. Concepts from queueing theory …

In School Age Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Does Academic Achievement And Social Development Improve In Inclusive Classroom Environments?, Ashley A. Macquaid

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder characterized by difficulties in social skills, communication, and sensory processing 1. ASD affects approximately 1 in 100 children internationally 2. With the growing prevalence, classroom inclusivity of individuals with autism has emerged as a priority in education. However, current literature presents a range of positive and negative factors without clear indication of effective classroom placement for students' specific needs. This research aims to determine if inclusive classroom environments improve academic achievement and social development for school-age children with ASD. A systematic search on PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases yielded studies published between …

Evaluating The 4mm Endometrial Thickness Threshold: Racial Disparities In Ultrasound Sensitivity And Diagnostic Delay, Ngozi Ikpeama, Sophia Vogiatzidakis, Xuezhi Jiang, Elizabeth Hertz, Vitoria Chaves, Peter Schnatz

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Title: Evaluating the 4mm Endometrial Thickness Threshold: Racial Disparities in Ultrasound Sensitivity and Diagnostic Delay

Background: Current ACOG guidelines utilize a 4mm endometrial thickness (ET) threshold via transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) to exclude malignancy in postmenopausal women. However, recent evidence suggests these standardized thresholds may not be equally effective across all racial cohorts. This systematic review evaluates the diagnostic performance of the 4mm threshold specifically in Black patients.

Methods: A systematic search of peer-reviewed literature was conducted to identify studies comparing TVUS sensitivity and clinical outcomes between racial groups. Data were extracted focusing on the diagnostic sensitivity of the 4mm threshold, …

Genetic Analysis Of Triplicated Genes Affecting Sex-Specific Skeletal Deficits In Down Syndrome Model Mice, Kourtney Sloan, Kristina M. Piner, Pathum Randunu Nawarathna Kandedura Arachchige, Charles R. Goodlett, Yann Herault, Gayla R. Olbricht, Joseph M. Wallace, Randall J. Roper

Mathematics and Statistics Faculty Research & Creative Works

Down syndrome (DS) is caused by the triplication of human chromosome 21 (Hsa21), resulting in skeletal insufficiency (low bone mineral density) and altered bone development. DS mouse models recapitulate these deficits, including sexual dimorphism in long bone alterations. Historically, Ts65Dn mice provided much of the insight behind DS-related skeletal deficits with ∼100 trisomic orthologous genes, but there are concerns about the genetic fidelity in this model due to the included triplication of genes not homologous to Hsa21. A new DS model, Ts66Yah, subtracted the non-Hsa21 homologous trisomic genes from Ts65Dn but has not been evaluated for long bone deficits. Comparing …

A Retrospective Chart Review: Screening Patients With Type 2 Diabetes For Depression, Jennifer Sheldon, Glynnis Haley, Monica Ketchie

The Corinthian

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is defined as an impaired production of insulin resulting in elevated blood glucose levels (Brutsaert E., 2020). Globally, approximately 8% to 9% of adults have diabetes mellitus, the majority of which (95%) have Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, equating to between 624 million to 702 million people (WHO, 2020). Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus represents the seventh leading cause of death, with approximately 1.5 million new cases diagnosed annually in the United States (CDC, 2020).

Depression is clinically defined as a mental health disorder that presents with a continually depressed mood or a loss of interest in daily …

Empowering Junior High School Students’ Collaboration Skills Through Science Learning Using The Secret Mission Game, Rahma Fika Kurnia, Imraatul Mufidah, Dyne Rizki Puspitasari

Journal of Innovation and Teacher Professionalism

This study aimed to empower the collaboration skills of Class VII B students at SMP Laboratorium UM through the implementation of the Game-Based Learning model using the Secret Mission game in science learning on the topic of Physical and Chemical Changes. The study was motivated by the low level of students’ collaboration skills, as indicated by previous classroom assignments that were mostly completed individually rather than collaboratively in groups. The study employed the Lesson Study approach, which consisted of three stages: Plan, Do, and See. During the planning stage, the Lesson Study team collaboratively designed learning modules, game scenarios, instructional …

Engagement Modeling And Inference For Risk-Aware Path Planning Under Adversarial Uncertainty, Grant Stagg

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation develops methods for planning safe and efficient trajectories for autonomous vehicles operating in environments containing adversarial and environmental threats with uncertain parameters. The central objective is to quantify and control the risk of adverse events--such as interception or detection--when threat characteristics are imperfectly known. To address this challenge, probabilistic weapon engagement zone (PEZ) models are introduced to estimate the likelihood of violating adversarial engagement constraints under uncertainty in pursuer state and capabilities. Multiple computational strategies are developed for PEZ evaluation, including first-order sensitivity-based approximations, Monte Carlo estimation, and neural-network surrogate models. These approaches enable rapid engagement-probability assessment and …

Research Instrumentation Center (Ric), Ryan Hilger, Purdue University Office Of Research

University Research Core Facility Boilerplate Descriptions

No abstract provided.

Largest 2-Regular Subgraphs In Complete S-Partite Graphs, Yiyang Jiang

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

In this thesis, we focus on the class of complete $S$-partite graphs, for $S$ an undirected graph possibly with self-loops, and address the problem of finding largest $2$-regular subgraphs of these graphs, which can be formulated as an integer linear program. Roughly speaking, a complete $S$-partite graph is obtained by replacing every single node of $S$ with a number of nodes, preserving the edge/non-edge relations of $S$. Our motivation in studying largest $2$-regular subgraphs is rooted in the structural systems theory, particularly in the problem of finding largest subnetworks that can sustain controllability or asymptotic stability of the corresponding subsystems. …

Toward The Salmon Prize: A Computational Certificate For The M5, M6, And M9 Equation Families Of Σ4(P3 × P3 × P3), John Trevino

Theatre Faculty Publications

We present a computational certificate for three families of explicit polyno- mial equations whose zero locus contains the fourth secant variety σ4(P3×P3×P3) inside P63. The three families are: 192 degree-5 Strassen commutation equa- tions (M5); 160 degree-6 equations lifted from the Bates–Oeding generators of σ4(P2 × P2 × P3) via the Landsberg–Manivel–Friedland theorem (M6); and 64 degree-9 Ottaviani 9 × 9 determinant equations (M9). All 416 generators are explicit polynomials in the coordinate ring Z[Zijk | i, j, k ∈ {0, 1, 2, 3}]. We verify by exact integer arithmetic that every generator vanishes on rank-4 test tensors (six independent …