Digital Commons Network^™

Species Of The Month Crested Caracara January 2025, Arizona Birds - Journal Of Arizona Field Ornithologists

Arizona Birds

No abstract provided.

Species Of The Month Chihuahuan Meadowlark February 2025, Arizona Birds - Journal Of Arizona Field Ornithologists

Arizona Birds

No abstract provided.

Arizona Bird Highlights, Fall 2024, Doug Jenness

Arizona Birds

No abstract provided.

Application Of Artificial Intelligence Techniques To Improve Leadership Decision Making With Uncertainty, Michael David Parrish

Doctoral Dissertations

"Every good leader is a good manager, but not every good manager is a good leader. The difference between the leader and the manager is critical decision-making. Today’s decision-making environment is characterized as Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous (VUCA). With the exponential increase in the technical capabilities of systems, the human has become the weakest link in the use of such systems. To remain relevant, good leaders must continuously adapt to new advances in technology and processes.

The research contributions of this work provide several unique and novel solutions for leaders to utilize artificial intelligence tools to improve and optimize …

Investigation Of The Transport And Plugging Behavior Of Preformed Particle Gels (Ppgs) In Fractures For Conformance Control In Carbonate Reservoirs, Abdulaziz A. Almakimi

Doctoral Dissertations

This study aims to systematically evaluate the performance of preformed particle gels (PPGs) in fractured carbonates mainly through a series of core flooding experiments. Carbonate reservoirs exhibit unique features of heterogeneity and pore geometry, while (PPGs) are known for their plugging efficiency, deformability, and dehydratable nature. The main goal of gel injection in fractured reservoirs is to place a gel pack appropriately into the fracture, diverting injected fluid to the oil-bearing matrix and reducing excessive water production. However, considerable dehydration of (PPGs) is possible at the adjacent matrix and within the fracture, which could lead to a filter-cake formation and/or …

Experimental Investgation Of Core Fluid And Heat Transfer Of Pwr By Using Advanced Measurments Techniques, Saud Aldawood

Doctoral Dissertations

This comprehensive study investigates the thermal-hydraulic mechanisms and convective heat transfer characteristics within (PWRs), with a focus on (SMRs) under both single-phase and two-phase bubbly flow conditions. Specifically, the research investigates the complex bubble dynamics in two-phase flow rod bundles, which are crucial for understanding reactor behavior during loss-of-coolant accidents (LOCA). Employing an advanced experimental setup developed at the (mFReel) at MST, this work measures critical parameters such as void fraction, bubble passage frequency, bubble velocity, bubble chord length, and interfacial area concentration (IAC) using a four-tip optical probe across various locations in the rod bundle. The findings reveal that …

A Comprehensive Analysis Of Climate Resilience Strategies For Small Island Developing States, Ashley-Ann Davis

Doctoral Dissertations

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) face unique and disproportionate challenges in their efforts to achieve climate resilience due to their geographic vulnerabilities, limited resources, and systemic economic and social constraints. This dissertation provides a comprehensive analysis of climate resilience strategies tailored to SIDS, addressing critical systemic issues and exploring interdisciplinary solutions. It synthesizes findings across four interconnected studies, including an analysis of disaster preparedness and response mechanisms in developing countries to identify gaps and opportunities for improving resilience in extreme events. The research investigates economic factors influencing energy portfolio transitions in the Caribbean, emphasizing the complexities of renewable energy adoption. …

Application Of Gurney And Flight Of Fragment Calculations For Water Jet Velocities In Explosive Applications, Rachel L. Bauer, Tate B. Friedrich, Catherine E. Johnson

Mining Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This study investigates the application of Gurney and flight of fragment equations, typically used to predict metal fragment velocities, in modeling the water jet behavior. Three shotgun cartridge sizes were used as the energy source: 2.59 g, 5.83 g, and 7.13 g. Two configurations were tested: standard (full-barrel water load) and "negative 8" (partial water load). High-speed footage captured water column velocities, and Gurney models, including infinitely tamped and open-faced configurations, combined with the flight of fragment model were used to assess prediction accuracy. Results showed charge strength significantly affects water column velocity, with higher strengths yielding greater stability and …

Viscoelastic Materials Evaluated For Blast-Resistant Designs, M. Sutter, C. Thomas, A. D. Douglas, F. Dogan, C. E. Johnson

Mining Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Viscoelastic materials have extensive military applications due to their energy absorption capabilities, with the potential to reduce blast energy imposed on buildings, vehicles, and personnel. Based on current literature, limited information is available regarding the mitigation of blast energy related to these uses. The impact of thickness, nanoparticle addition, and layering variation was assessed in this study using commercially available viscoelastic materials in open-air blasts of Composition C4 to determine shock energy mitigation capabilities. Time-pressure waveforms were recorded to identify optimal changes in shock wave characteristics: reduced peak pressure, positive phase duration, and impulse, with increased rise times. Results were …

Optimizing Hy Wet Ball Mill Efficiency Using Response Surface Methodology, Peng Chen, Ying Hou, Hongxu Lv, Ahmed Sobhy

Mining Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This study uses response surface methodology (RSM) with a central composite design to optimize the HY wet ball mill work index. Key operational parameters—ore quantity, water addition, and media proportion—were systematically investigated. Variance analysis identified these factors as statistically significant (p < 0.0001), with ore quantity exhibiting the strongest influence (F value = 82.67). Optimal conditions (water addition: 1083.880 mL, media filling rate: 40.362%, ore quantity: 1827.130 g) achieved a minimum work index of 10.195 kW h t⁻¹. Validation tests confirmed the model's accuracy, yielding an average work index of 10.168 kW h t⁻¹ (deviation: 0.027 kW h t⁻¹). Compared to single-factor tests, RSM optimization reduced energy consumption by 3.76% (0.3975 kW h t⁻¹), translating to annual savings of $214,000 for a mid-sized processing plant. This demonstrates RSM's efficacy in …

Using Telemetry To Assess Operator Effects On Hydraulic Shovel Energy Efficiency. Part Ii: Assessing Operator Effects, Noah Adekunle Aluko, Kwame Awuah-Offei

Mining Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In this second part of a two-part series, this study investigates whether operator practices significantly affect the energy efficiency of hydraulic shovels, using detailed telemetry data. Rather than assuming this relationship, the research systematically tests it through a combination of statistical and regression analyses. First, Welch's and Kruskal–Wallis ANOVA confirm that operators differ significantly in their energy efficiency (p = 0.0000). Next, correlation analysis links parameters identified in Part I to energy per unit loading rate, and difference regression analysis determines which parameters most strongly influence efficiency variations. The results show that differences in payloads are the primary driver of …

Understanding The Usefulness Of Self-Escape Technologies In Underground Mining: Perspectives Of Metal/Nonmetal Miners, Eugene A. Gyawu, Kwame Awuah-Offei, D. A. Baker

Mining Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Research on mine self-escape often focuses on coal mining, while perspectives from underground metal/nonmetal miners remain understudied despite their distinct emergency response challenges and unique operating environments. Using a scenario-based survey approach, this study evaluated underground metal/nonmetal miners' perceptions of the usefulness of 18 hypothetical self-escape interventions and how these perceptions are influenced by worker characteristics. Employment type was the strongest predictor of usefulness ratings, with hourly employees rating several self-escape interventions significantly higher than salaried employees, including those related to improving self-contained self-rescuers (SCSRs) and tethered guidance systems. The data suggested potential trends where perceived usefulness increased with more …

Evaluating Feasibility Of Incorporating Fuel Cell Drive Trains Into Existing Haul Trucks, Ayorinde Akinrinlola, Kwame Awuah-Offei, Abdullah Al Moinee

Mining Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Hydrogen, as a fuel source in material handling, has become a viable option for achieving carbon reduction targets. The objective of this work was to apply vehicle drive train and energy simulation in MATLAB/Simulink to guide a discussion of the challenges and opportunities of incorporating hydrogen fuel cell drive trains into the current form factors of mine haul trucks. We built and validated a model based on the Komatsu 830-E truck and used it to estimate the hydrogen requirements for typical short-haul, medium-haul, and long-haul cycles; in the short-haul case (cycle time = 852 s) the truck consumed 23.6 L …

Optimizing Acid Mist Suppression: Unraveling Surfactant Effects On Bubble Formation And Bursting Dynamics In Copper Electrowinning, Ashish Kakoria, Mirza Muhammad Zaid, Aamir Iqbal, Ellen Amoako Afful, Guang Xu

Mining Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The working mechanism of surfactant to reduce acid mist in copper electrowinning system is not well understood. Most of the studies are based on the surface tension reduction phenomenon but this is not the only function that causes acid mist reduction. In this paper, we investigated the effect of different surfactants on a bubble's residence time, terminal velocity, flow regime, and bursting dynamics using a high-speed camera. We have evaluated five different surfactants and found that the presence of surfactants reduces the terminal velocity, bubble diameter, and increases the residence time of the bubble in electrolyte. Especially for FC-1100, the …

Cracking The Code: Harnessing Serpentinization-Driven Micro-Crack Networks For Hydrogen Generation And Subsurface Resource Recovery, U. Mutlu, G. Boitnott, A. Lisjak, J. Ha, O. Mahabadi, P. Connolly, B. N. Tunnell, T. Sherizadeh, S. Nowak, J. E. Olson

Mining Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This study focuses on simulating volume-increasing processes caused by natural hydrogen-generating serpentinization, a reaction in which olivine and pyroxene typically transform into serpentine minerals. The volume increase leads to crack propagation along grain interfaces and new crack generation within unreacted crystals (aka grains). The interplay between thermo-hydro-mechanicalchemical (THMC) conditions plays a critical role in the initiation, propagation, and coalescence of various fracture surfaces, which enhances permeability and can accelerate serpentinization and hydrogen production rates. In the scenarios considered, chemical reactions between formation brine and reactive minerals result in volumetric expansion, generating stress and promoting the propagation of micro-cracks. Our results …

Good Forestry In The Granite State: Wildlife Habitat, Cooperative Extension

UNH Cooperative Extension

No abstract provided.

Wellness Wheel Action Guide Fillable Form, Michele Kroll

UNH Cooperative Extension

No abstract provided.

Wearable Solutions: Addressing Dressing Challenges Among Hong Kong’S Elderly Through Adaptive Clothing Design, Man Hin, Eve Chan

Department of Design and Architecture

Background/Objectives: This research enhances the wear comfort and functionality of adaptive clothing for elderly individuals (65 years old and older) in Hong Kong. There are three study objectives: (1) to identify the specific dressing challenges and difficulties of the elderly and their caregivers, (2) to explore the needs and preferences of the aged towards adaptive clothing, taking into account factors such as wear comfort, ease of use, style, and culture, and (3) to propose a design solution that addresses the identified challenges and meets the needs of elderly people, with a focus on wear comfort and functionality. Methods: The general …

Integrating Artificial Neural Networks Into The Gravity Model: Analyzing Apparel Export From Belt And Road Asian Countries To The United States, Man Hin, Eve Chan, Tsz Leung Yip, Hong-Oanh Nguyen, Yin Cheung Eugene Wong

Department of Design and Architecture

Launched by China in 2013, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) aims to enhance trade connectivity between Asia and the global market while fostering mutually beneficial economic cooperation among participant countries. While previous research has highlighted the positive effects of the BRI on trade between China and its partner nations along the Belt and Road (B&R), there is limited understanding of its impact on trade among B&R countries themselves. This study seeks to fill this gap by examining bilateral apparel trade patterns, specifically focusing on clothing exports from China and 21 Asian B&R countries/cities to the United States (US). To …

Nuclear Weapons And In-Group Moral Reasoning: The Case Of Orthodox Christianity, Christopher Ferrero

Intelligence and Security Studies

Are nuclear weapons moral? The contemporary ban movement asserts that they are not, and a common view prevails that even if possession for deterrence can be accepted, there is a taboo against the use of nuclear weapons. However, the literature of the last quarter century shows that in-group political identification supports the possession and even the first use of nuclear weapons. Meanwhile, the literature on how organized religious groups perceive nuclear ethics is underdeveloped. The Russian Orthodox Church argues that Russia’s nuclear arsenal is divine and legitimate. It posits a religiopolitical civilization as the in-group for whom nuclear armament is …

Nursing Education For End-Of-Life Oncology Pain Management, Anilyse Deisher, Savannah Phongsouvanh, Beau Glenn, Kaitlyn Woods

SPARK Symposium Presentations

The project addresses the lack of confidence and education among nurses in end-of-life care and pain management for cancer patients, specifically regarding ethical concerns related to hastening death. Nurses currently experience knowledge deficits in pain management and symptom control, which contributes to suboptimal care, ethical challenges, and inconsistent use of tools like RDOS and CPOT. The goal is to improve nursing confidence and their ability to efficiently manage pain and provide ethical treatment. By implementing the ELNEC training program, nurses will gain the skills necessary to assess and respond to symptoms of active death, ensuring proper care that reduces suffering. …

Combating Fake Science In The Age Of Generative Artificial Intelligence: A Biomedical Perspective, Xing Jian, Lauren H. Yaeger

Becker Library Publications and Presentations

No abstract provided.

Becker Medical Library Annual Report 2025

Library Annual Reports

No abstract provided.

Resources And Tools To Combat Fake Science In The Age Of Artificial Intelligence, Xing Jian, Lauren Yaeger

Becker Library Publications and Presentations

No abstract provided.

Washington University Magazine, April 2025

Washington University Magazine

No abstract provided.

Vol. 53, No. 2: Full Issue, Denver Journal Of International Law & Policy

Denver Journal of International Law & Policy

No abstract provided.

Marketing The Message: Maximizing Engagement With Digital Publications Through Social Media, Email, And Analytics, Rich Evans

AADEJ - The Communicator

This article outlines a strategic approach for professional associations to enhance engagement with their digital publications in today's digital-first environment. Drawing from the Michigan Dental Association (MDA)'s transition to a fully digital Journal, it emphasizes the vital role of marketing and analytics. Key recommendations include leveraging social media for strategic visibility (e.g., summarizing articles, tagging authors, video pitches), implementing direct email delivery to members (e.g., monthly digests, audience segmentation), and ensuring easy website integration for accessible content. The piece also stresses the importance of mobile-responsive design, clear formatting, and multimedia embedding to improve the digital reading experience. It suggests evaluating …

Coaching Authors With Generative Ai, Christopher J. Smiley

AADEJ - The Communicator

This paper outlines a systematic methodology for dental editors to coach authors in the ethical use of generative artificial intelligence (GAI). By adopting "AI-First" or "Write-First" strategies, editors can help authors refine their thesis statements and improve logical flow while maintaining human oversight and intellectual integrity. Dr. Smiley asserts that GAI should be used as a tool to enhance communication rather than replace human creativity, ensuring authors remain accountable for their final expressions.

Benefits Washing, Samantha Prince

Faculty Scholarly Works

Employee benefits often comprise between 24% and 26% of an employee’s total compensation. As such, it is important that people know what benefits companies actually offer. Unfortunately, instead of being transparent, numerous companies engage in what this author calls “benefits washing.” Benefits washing occurs when companies provide vague or misleading information about their employee benefits in an effort to make their benefits appear better than they are. The practice occurs in three primary ways: detail omission, attention deflection, and deceptive manipulation.

This Essay elaborates on what constitutes benefits washing. It presents numerous examples of America’s largest employers engaging in benefits …

Sex Crimes And Progressive Prosecution: Reimagining Sex Offenses And Sorn Laws As An Opportunity For Criminal Justice Reform, Kana Turley

Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology

As progressive efforts to reform the U.S. criminal legal system continue to take form, one category of crime has been consistently overlooked: sex offenses. While the carceral system is often condemned for its excessive punitiveness, severe punishments for sex offenders remain largely unchallenged and even popular. A primary example of these punishments is sex offender registration and notification (SORN) laws, which significantly constrain the lives of sex offenders after they have served their time in prison. Though subject to decades of empirical criticism from scholars, much of which has found that SORN laws have no significant impact on sex offender …