Digital Commons Network^™

The Perfectly Imperfect God, Grace Van Hooydonk

Consensus

Moving beyond traditional, masculine, and flawless depictions of the divine, this reflection integrates visual art and theology to present a "perfectly imperfect" God. Exploring symbols of disability, communal response to suffering, brokenness, feminine divinity, and ongoing learning, the analysis affirms a fluid, inclusive divine presence.

Mixed Messages, Moms, Nuns, And Missionaries: Women In Christian Higher Education In Canada, Ellen Duffield

Consensus

Addressing institutional gender disparities in theological education, this study employs Participatory Action Research at a Canadian seminary to foster culture-shaping change. Anchored in a relational Trinitarian theology, the paper presents a model for institutional transformation focused on Kenotic Community, Connected Learning, and Collaborative Leadership to create environments where women and men thrive.

The Fiftieth Anniversary Of The Ordination Of Women In Canadian Lutheranism, Kyle K. Schiefelbein-Guerrero

Consensus

Commemorating fifty years of women’s ordination in Canadian Lutheranism, this editorial grounds the evolution of female church leadership in Confessional Lutheran theology and the ELCIC’s *Reimagining Our Church*. By framing ministry as functional and Christocentric, the author addresses persistent systemic challenges facing female clergy while introducing a collection of female-authored perspectives on adaptive, Spirit-led leadership for the future.

Policy Brief: North Dakota Maternal Mortality Committee, Kilyn R. Parisien

Public Health Student Publications

The following policy brief was created to examine North Dakota policies that are specific to maternal mortality and morbidity reviews. The North Dakota Maternal Mortality Committee (NDMMRC) is responsible for conducting maternal mortality and morbidity reviews in the state of North Dakota. This brief is guided by policies from North Dakota and MMRC reviews from surrounding states to inform six recommendations intended that guarantee the highest quality data collection and data reporting on maternal mortality and morbidity.

Theoretical Model To Predict The Flexural Response Of Concrete Beams Pre-Tensioned With Cfrp Rods Considering Cfrp Slippage Effects, Yasir Saeed, Karrar Al-Lami, Franz Rad

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

The overwhelming costs of maintenance for reinforced concrete structures due to steel corrosion have motivated researchers to look for alternatives. One of the promising alternatives is Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP). Among FRP materials, Carbon FRP (CFRP) is the most attractive material for prestressed concrete members due to its high tensile strength and modulus of elasticity. Previous studies investigated the use of CFRP in prestressed concrete through experimental tests and theoretical analysis. However, there is a significant need for more experimental data to develop an accurate model that can accurately predict the behavior of CFRP prestressed concrete beams. In the current …

Exploring Instructor Engagement With Aviation Safety Messaging At Und: A Pilot Study, Brendan Aug

Aviation Student Publications

Effective communication of safety information is critical in fostering a strong safety culture within collegiate aviation. This pilot study explores how flight instructors at the University of North Dakota (UND) engage with two safety communication tools: The ASAP Spotlight email update and the 60-Seconds for Safety flyers. A 25-question survey distributed to active UND Line Flight Instructors examined engagement levels, behavioral impact, perceived effectiveness, and preferred communication methods. Descriptive statistics, correlations, and an exploratory factor analysis were used to evaluate responses across four constructs: engagement, behavior, perception, and communication preference. Results indicate that while instructors do generally engage with and …

Evaluation Of Deep High-Quality Reservoirs Based On The Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process And The Entropy Weight Method: A Case Study Of The No. 8 Coal Seam In The East-Central Ordos Basin, Yan Ronghui, Xu Hao, Hu Jianling, Li Xiaotian, Jiao Pengshuai, Huang Daojun, Chen Shida, Wu Xiaozhuo

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Significant breakthroughs have been achieved in the exploration and exploitation of coalbed methane (CBM) in the deep No. 8 coal seam within the east-central Ordos Basin. However, a comprehensive quantitative evaluation system at the regional scale is yet to be established for reservoirs in the No. 8 coal seam. Methods Based on logs, coal quality, and measured physical property data from over 270 wells in the east-central Ordos Basin, this study developed a comprehensive evaluation system for deep coal reservoirs using the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process combined with the entropy weight method. Specifically, the evaluation system consisted of nine …

Co2 Fracturing Stimulation Technology For Low-Yield Directional Coalbed Methane Wells And Its Applications, Zhang Junsheng, Cao Yunxing, Wang Li, Wang Zhongbin, Yang Baige, Shi Bin, Cao Yongsen, Xu Fengyi

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background In China, low-yield coalbed methane (CBM) wells represent a high proportion of approximately 57% (over 12400 wells), generally encountering challenges such as low pressure, dry reservoirs, and near-wellbore formation damage and blockage. Conventional hydraulic fracturing is prone to induce water blocking damage, while treatments such as acidification offer only limited blockage-removing radii. Therefore, existing techniques are insufficient to achieve blockage removal and permeability enhancement while avoiding reservoir damage. Exploring efficient waterless stimulation technologies suitable for these low-yield wells is of great significance for increasing CBM production and advancing the CBM industry. Methods This study investigated directional wells PXC-03 and …

Water Hazards In Thick Floor Aquicludes For Coal Mining Above Confined Aquifers In North China-Type Coalfields: Patterns, Mechanisms, And Prevention And Control, Meng Haopeng, Yin Shangxian, Lian Huiqing, Yin Huichao, Hou Enke, Zhang Yi’An, Wang Zhuo, Jin Zidong, Cai Xiangjun, Cao Min, Wang Jianguang

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Water hazards in coal seam floors represent a core challenge restricting the exploitation of deep coal resources in North China-type coalfields. As coal mining extends to greater depths, previous studies and experience exhibit limited applicability in the pattern classification, mechanism interpretation, and prevention and control of water hazards in thick floor aquicludes. Therefore, there is an urgent need to make breakthroughs and improvements in these three aspects.Methods Using several methods, including case-based induction, theoretical analysis, numerical simulation, and technical summary, this study developed a classification system based on parallel multiple criteria for floor water hazards by combining available …

Assessing Fault-Induced Floor Water Inrushes Based On Improved Water Inrush Coefficients, Jiao Bin, Tan Wenfeng, Li Hongsheng, Chen Juntao, Gao Hongbing, Zhao Zizhang, Wu Fangcan

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background As coal mining in mines constantly expands to greater depths, water hazards in the Ordovician limestone aquifers of coal seam floors pose a serious threat to the mining of coal seams in lower formations. Fault reactivation represents a primary factor inducing water inrushes. However, the original water inrush coefficient (T = p/M) suffers from certain limitations when used to assess the water inrushes in areas with faults. Methods Four models of floor water inrushes induced by non-penetrating faults (i.e., concealed hydraulically conductive faults, concealed isolated faults, and exposed faults) and penetrating faults were constructed, and …

Numerical Simulations And Dispersion Analysis Of 3d In-Seam Waves Based On Finite Difference Method On Curvilinear Grids, Liu Dan, Ren Zhiming

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background With the comprehensive advancement in intelligent coal mine construction, creating high-precision, transparent geological models of coal seams and their surrounding strata has emerged as a prerequisite for intelligent coal mining. The accurate identification of concealed geological anomalies, such as folds and faults, within coal seams represents a key challenge in safe coal mining. In-seam seismic exploration has become an important approach to detecting underground concealed structures owing to its advantages, including a considerable detection distance along coal seams, high precision, pronounced frequency dispersion effects, and facilitating the identification of waveform signatures. However, conventional methods for seam wave simulation are …

Research Into Practice: International Standards For Home Healthcare Nursing Practice, Mary Curry Narayan, Marilyn D. Harris, Susan M. Hinck

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Introduction: Home healthcare nursing (HHN) is any nursing care provided in people’s homes. It includes low to very high acuity nursing services that people need throughout their lifespans (Narayan, 2025). Future trends predict nursing care around the world is migrating into people’s homes (Chabouh et al., 2023) because the home setting is frequently more patient-centered, more effective, and less costly than care in facilities (Rusli et al., 2025). HHN has a distinctive set of attitudes, knowledge, skills and goals (Hinck, 2022) that may vary by country. At the same time, the World Health Organization (WHO; 2025) encourages nurses to enhance …

Enhanced Adaptive Smith Predictor Control For Underground Coal Gasification With Long Time Delays, Tang Yang, Wu Qiong, Zhang Lei, Zhou Mingjun, Wan Min, Liao Zhuodong

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Underground coal gasification (UCG) represents an in situ conversion technology used to convert solid coals into gaseous fuel. However, the reaction process during UCG exhibits significant time delays. Such a limitation will reduce the response capability of the UCG system and is prone to induce overshoot and oscillation, thereby increasing the system’s control difficulty and reducing its stability and dynamic performance. Method To address these issues, this study proposed an enhanced Smith predictor control algorithm based on a genetic algorithm and established a semi-physical experimental platform integrating a physical distributed control system DCS-Matlab for modeling. Using the platform, experiments …

Discovery And Implications For Ore Prospecting Of Gravitational Gliding Structures In The Lutang Coal-Based Graphite Mining Area, Hunan Province, China, Xiao Jincheng, Lu Jiang, Liu Zhiyu, Zhu Linying, Xiao Haibin, Li Long, Xiao Jing

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Data from previous exploration and studies indicate that the Lutang coal-based graphite mining area in Hunan Province falls within the Lutang-Shatian synclinorium in terms of tectonic location, with coal-bearing strata dominated by the upper member of the Upper Permian Longtan Formation. Influenced by the intrusion of granites, coal seams adjacent to the Qitianling pluton on the eastern flank of the mining area have undergone contact metamorphism, forming coal-based graphite. Previous exploration results suggest that the Qitianling pluton has a maximum burial depth measured at an elevation of 0 m or less. However, with constant underground exposure in mines, previous …

Comparison Of Log-Based Coal Structure Identification Methods For Structurally Complex Areas: A Case Study Of The Huainan Mining Area, Zhang Zixin, Zhou Xiaozhi, Chen Xuehua

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective CO₂ displacing coalbed methane (CBM) provides substantial environmental and energy benefits. However, differences in coal structures represent a key geological factor influencing the effectiveness of this technique. Constrained by the complex geological conditions for CBM occurrence and the impacts of multiple factors on the log responses of coal structures, traditional log-based methods for coal structure identification face challenges such as much human intervention, complex feature engineering, and poor adaptability. This study aims to achieve effective identification of complex coal structures within a single coal seam. Methods An asymmetric convolution kernel-based convolutional neural network (CNN) model for coal structure …

Heterogeneity And Its Controlling Effect On Coalbed Methane Productivity For Deep Coal Reservoirs In The Northern Part Of The Eastern Margin Of The Ordos Basin, Xi Zhaodong, Tang Shuheng, Wu Jian, Zhang Songhang, Zhao Hang, Chen Jiang, Li Yanfei

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective With the continuous advancement in the exploration and exploitation of coalbed methane (CBM), the focus of research and practices is gradually shifting from shallow to deep parts. Deep CBM, an important unconventional natural gas resource, has become a strategic replacement to ensure energy security and prompt industrial development in China. However, deep coal reservoirs exhibit strong heterogeneities, posing a core geological challenge to their efficient exploration and development. Methods This study investigated the deep No. 8 coal seam in the northern part of the eastern margin of the Ordos Basin. By integrating multiple technical methods, including geostatistics, spatial interpolation, …

Helium Origin And Primary Factors Controlling Helium Enrichment For Bauxite Gas Reservoirs In The Longdong Area, Ordos Basin, Chen Keyu, Wang Xiaofeng, Liu Wenhui, Zhang Dongdong, Li Xiaofu

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Significant breakthroughs have been achieved in the exploration of bauxite gas reservoirs in the Taiyuan Formation, Longdong area, Ordos Basin. Bauxites are generally considered to hold great helium generation potential due to their relatively high uranium (U) and thorium (Th) contents. However, there remains a lack of quantitative studies on their actual contribution to helium abundance in natural gas in the area. Methods To determine dominant helium source rocks and mechanisms behind helium enrichment, this study investigated the bauxite gas reservoirs within the Taiyuan Formation in the Longdong area. Through analyses of the composition, carbon isotopes, and noble gas …

Damage And Fracture Field Evolution In The Overburden Of An Extremely Thick Coal Seam Under Multi-Layered Fully Mechanized Top-Coal Caving Mining, Zhang Cun, Fan Baiqiang, Ren Yiming, Zhao Ruihang, Peng Baoshan, Pan Weidong, Liu Shiqi

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Multi-layered fully mechanized top-coal caving mining represents a primary method for exploiting extremely thick coal seams. Quantitatively characterizing the damage patterns and fracture field evolution characteristics of the overburden in stopes subjected to high-intensity layered mining is critical to the safe production of coal mines. Methods The extremely thick B1 coal seam (average thickness: 53.59 m) in the No. 2 mine of the Dajing mining area in the Zhundong coalfield was selected as the engineering background. By integrating physical simulation using similar materials and numerical simulation, this study revealed the geometric and fractal characteristics of damage to the overburden …

Triaxial Shear Test-Derived Strength Model Of Deeply Buried Frozen Calcareous Clay Incorporating The Effect Of Unfrozen Water Content, Xing Lezhang, Rong Chuanxin, Chang Lei, Wang Bin, Deng Jiyuan

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background The Huanghuai mining area represents an important coal base in eastern China. However, the Cenozoic calcareous clay in the area exhibits high plasticity, low permeability, and potential expansion and deformation during freezing, leading to unstable freezing performance. Consequently, artificial ground freezing (AGF) in the area generally faces a risk of cost surge or out of control due to the excessive thickness or limited strength of frozen walls.Methods This study investigated calcareous clay remolded based on soil samples from the Huanghuai mining area. Using a low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) spectrometer and a high-pressure triaxial system, this study systematically …

Bp-Kan-Based Inversion Imaging For Borehole Resistivity Method And Its Application, Xu Zhongzhong, Yin Longlong, Cheng Jiulong, Xu Jinpeng, Lu Cunjin, Zhao Hongpeng

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective In the monitoring of coal seam mining-induced deformation and failure of surrounding rocks, the borehole resistivity method stands out due to its capacity for dynamic, three-dimensional (3D) full-space measurements. However, conventional resistivity inversion for the method is generally carried out using the least squares algorithm, leading to limited accuracy in practical engineering. In recent years, neural network-based inversion has demonstrated the potential for addressing this challenge, while its performance is yet to be further improved. Methods In this context, inversion imaging based on a back propagation-Kolmogorov-Arnold network (BP-KAN) was proposed for the borehole resistivity method, aiming to accurately monitor …

Design Of An Intelligent Failure Diagnosis And Early Warning System For Tunnel Drilling Rigs In Coal Mines, Song Haitao, Zhang Naiwen, Han Jian, Wu Min

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective In coal mines, harsh environments and complex geological conditions underground lead to frequent failures of tunnel drilling rigs. However, conventional techniques for failure diagnosis and early warning suffer from limitations in diagnostic accuracy, real-time performance, and interpretability. Therefore, these techniques are insufficient for both the rapid identification of the anomalous status of tunnel drilling rigs and the early warning of their potential failures. Methods Considering the complex underground environments in coal mines, this study developed an intelligent failure diagnosis and early warning system for tunnel drilling rigs in coal mines, placing a particular emphasis on key technologies for failure …

A Method For Optimizing The Digital Twin Model Of The Mechanical-Electro-Hydraulic System Of Cantilever Tunnel Boring Machines, Wang Yan, Jia Zeyu, Zhao Yihui, Wei Shirui, Zhang Xuhui, Zhao Youjun, Han Xiao

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Cantilever roadheaders represent roadway tunnelling equipment that integrates the deep coupling of mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems, and their control accuracy directly determines the forming quality of roadways.Methods Cantilever roadheaders involve nonlinear mechanical motion, hydraulic control, and cutting load, rendering it challenging to establish accurate control models. Using the philosophy of digital twin modeling, this study developed a method for optimizing the digital twin model of the mechanical-electro-hydraulic system of cantilever roadheaders based on virtual-physical consistency evaluation. Specifically, a digital twin model of the mechanical-electro-hydraulic system was developed using multi-domain co-simulation between AMESim and Simulink. This model allows …

Heat Transfer Analysis And Packaging Optimization Design Of Self-Heating Rice, Sun Haowen, Li Huan, Wu Xiaomeng, Mao Like

Food and Machinery

[Objective] To further understand the influence of the heat transfer process on the quality of self-heating foods and improve the heating rate of existing self-heating rice products. [Methods] A combination of virtual simulation and experimental methods was used to analyze the actual temperature variations during the heating process of self-heating rice and the effects of heat transfer on rice texture. A three-dimensional heat transfer model of self-heating rice was established using COMSOL software to investigate the heat transfer process, and the packaging design of self-heating rice was optimized with the objective of maximizing the heating rate. [Results] After reheating and …

Iron-Decorated Graphene Nanoplatelets Produced By Atmospheric-Pressure Ferrocene Pyrolysis As Nano-Additives For Cement Mortars, Harutyun Gyulasaryan, Manoj Chhetri, Karen S. Martirosyan, Nelli Muradyan, Hovsep Hoveyan, Manuk Barseghyan, Aram Manukyan

Physics & Astronomy Faculty Publications

This study examines iron-based graphene nanoplatelets (Fe-GNPs), synthesized through a modified ferrocene pyrolysis route, as hybrid nano-additives for cement mortars. The nanomaterial was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis, confirming a graphitic carbon network decorated with crystalline α-Fe nanoparticles. Mortars containing 0.001, 0.01, 0.05, and 0.1 wt.% Fe-GNPs, with and without surfactant-assisted ultrasonication, were tested in flexure and compression after 7 and 28 days of curing. The results showed a clear concentration-dependent response, with 0.01 wt.% yielding the highest strength gains. At 28 days, this dosage increased flexural strength by 14.5% without …

Normal Tissue Objective Versus Manual Optimizer Rings In Eclipse For Multiple Brain Metastases Radiosurgery, Shelby David

Masters Projects

Purpose

To compare the dosimetric performance of manually generated optimizer rings and the Eclipse Normal Tissue Objective (NTO) for single-isocenter volumetric arc therapy (VMAT) planning of patients with multiple brain metastases treated with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS).

Methods

A retrospective treatment planning study was performed using ten patients previously treated with SRS for three or more brain metastases. For each patient, three VMAT plans were generated using identical beam geometry. The three plans consisted of manually generated optimizer rings, NTO alone, and a hybrid approach that incorporated both optimization strategies. Plans were evaluated using conformity index (CI), gradient measure (GM), minimum …

Met Narration And Its Functions In The Novel In Al-Huna (In Arabic) Talib Al- Rifai, Ibrahim Omar Ali Al-Mohayli

Journal of Arabic Sciences and Humanities

Meta-narration is seen as one of the significant techniques introduced by postmodern novels, as it allows readers to observe the behind-the-scenes of the narrative directly. This technique is clearly employed by Talib Al-Rifai in his novel Fi al-Huna, which addresses several social issues through a perceptive narrative vision and refined artistic tackle. This study aims to analyze Fi al-Huna using the meta-narration technique to clarify the discourses and messages that the author intends to deliver to the reader. It also seeks to highlight the creativity and narrative craftsmanship itself, enabling readers to understand the genuine struggles of creators. The study …

Translating Metaphor In Qur'an Into English: Strategies And Challenges, Sultan Samah A Almjlad

Journal of Arabic Sciences and Humanities

Metaphor, or istiʿāra in Arabic, is one of the most prevalent rhetorical devices used in Qur'anic discourse. The Qur'an employed metaphor to convey meanings not immediately apparent on the surface of the text, yet significant. Thus, translating these metaphors into English was extremely difficult due to linguistic and cultural differences. Three well-known English translations of the Qur'an by Ali, Pickthall, and Abdel-Haleem were examined in this study. The study adopted a theoretical approach depending on metaphor translation and Newmark’s conceptual metaphor theory. To achieve its goals, the study was based on 40 Qur'anic verses in Arabic, as only 13 metaphors …

Dynamic Evolution Law Of Volatile Flavor Components During The Aging Process Of Sauce-Flavored Baijiu, Dai Jiahui, Wang Yanan, Kang Xiaoning, Dai Wenting, Wang Shiping

Food and Machinery

[Objective] To investigate the aroma changes of sauce-flavored Baijiu during different aging periods, and to provide a theoretical basis for Baijiu aroma analysis and modern processing technology research. [Methods] Electronic nose, gas chromatography -mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS) were employed. Sauce-flavored Baijiu with different aging times (original liquor, 1-year aged, and 5-year aged) was used as the research objects. Combined with multivariate statistical methods, including principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS -DA), the differences in volatile flavor compounds of Baijiu with different aging times were analyzed. [Results] A total of 1 …

Effect Of Cultivation Methods On Volatile Components In Morchella Esculenta, Liu Ni, Jiang Bo, Li Lang

Food and Machinery

[Objective] To comprehensively reveal the flavor and quality characteristics, and differences of Morchella esculenta under different cultivation methods, and systematically evaluate their volatile aroma components. [Methods] Qualitative and quantitative analyses are conducted on volatile aroma components in M. esculenta cultivated in greenhouses, under forests, and in caves in the vicinity of FAST by headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) techniques. The contribution of different components to the overall flavor is assessed by the relative odor activity value (ROAV) method. Based on this, principal component analysis and cluster analysis are conducted, achieving a comprehensive evaluation of the flavor …

Microwave-Assisted Enzymatic Hydrolysis Of Tibetan Sheep Blood Protein And Analysis Of Product Characteristics, Yu Xilu, Gu Xuedong, Chen Yujin, Zhang Hongxin, Ciren Danzhu

Food and Machinery

[Objective] This study aims to utilize fresh Tibetan sheep blood as raw material, investigate the enhancing effect of microwave-assisted technology on enzymatic hydrolysis efficiency, and achieve high-value utilization of Tibetan sheep blood. [Methods] A microwave-assisted trypsin hydrolysis method is employed to enzymatically hydrolyze the proteins. The optimal hydrolysis conditions are established through single-factor experiments and response surface methodology. The resulting hydrolysates are characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and a fully automated amino acid analyzer. [Results] The optimal hydrolysis conditions are determined as follows: microwave temperature of 40 ℃, microwave time of 50 min, enzymatic hydrolysis time of 240 min, …