Digital Commons Network^™

Cnn-Based Assessment Of The Degrees Of Fracture Development In Bedrocks And Classification Of Bedrock Weathering Zones, Lei Jian, Lu Haifeng, Fan Yufei

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Bedrock weathering zones exhibit distinct vertical gradational characteristics. Accurately identifying the degrees of fracture development in the zones is critical to the safe production of mines in shallowly buried coal seams covered by thick water-bearing unconsolidated layers. Methods Focusing on the Qinan coal mine in Anhui Province, this study proposed a hybrid convolutional neural network (CNN) model, which enabled feature extraction using a synergistic architecture consisting of conventional convolutional layers and inception modules. Specifically, based on conventional log data and calculated shale content and fracture development index, combined with core observations, this study constructed a dataset containing labels that …

Three-Dimensional, Collaborative Detection Approach For Fire Zones In Shallowly Buried Coal Seams And Its Application, Fan Kaixiang, Hu Xiangming, Hong Haibo, Dong Hao, Yu Shijian, Wei Zhengrong, Guo Yongxiang

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Fire zones in shallowly buried coal seams have long restricted safe and efficient coal mining due to their considerably hidden and hazardous nature. However, individual methods for fire source detection are susceptible to geological conditions and ambient noise, suffering from limited detection dimensions and the presence of technical blind spots. Therefore, they fail to accurately localize hidden fire sources in shallow coal seams. Methods This study proposes a three-dimensional, collaborative multi-source detection approach that combines the self-potential (SP) method, the radon measurement (Rn) method, electrical resistivity tomography (ERT; also referred to as high-density resistivity method), and the transient electromagnetic …

Analysis Of Inorganic Element Content And Health Risk Assessment Of Ranunculi Ternati Radix From Different Origins, Li Juan, Geng Xiaotong, Yao Weijie, Zhou Tao, Bi Jingjing

Food and Machinery

[Objective] The variations in inorganic element content and the safety of heavy metals and harmful elements in Ranunculi ternati radix from different origins were investigated. [Methods] The quantitative analysis of 24 elements in the samples was performed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Health risk assessment was conducted using estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), and carcinogenic risk (CR). Principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were used for origin identification analysis and differential element screening. [Results] All 25 Ranunculi ternati radix samples from different origins contain abundant macronutrients (K, Na, Ca, and Mg) …

Effects Of Various Extraction Methods On The Performance Of Corn Fiber Gum-Pea Protein Composite Gels, Wu Chenglong, Jiang Zhili, Huang Lilin, Tang Leiming, Sun Xiaohong

Food and Machinery

[Objective] This study aims to investigate the effects of three extraction methods - alkaline extraction, enzymatic extraction, and acid extraction - on the properties of corn fiber gum (CFG)-pea protein composite gels. [Methods] CFG was extracted from corn bran using the three methods. The gel strength, water-holding capacity, rheological properties, and microstructure of the CFG-pea protein composite gels are evaluated. [Results] The CFG extracted by enzymatic extraction increases the gel strength of pea protein gels from (27.20±2.45) g to (65.80±2.67) g, and the water-holding capacity from (40.60±3.40)% to (75.80±5.10)%. Additionally, it forms a more compact and ordered network structure with …

Effects Of Extraction Methods On The Composition And Physicochemical Properties Of Flavonoids From Lycium Barbarum Leaves, Li Juanxia, Li Jianxin, Gao Jianying, Mai Wenting, Fan Yanli, Ma Jinchao, Meng Xuemei

Food and Machinery

[Objective] To investigate the effects of different extraction methods on the efficacy, chemical composition, and functional group characteristics of flavonoids in Lycium barbarum leaves. [Methods] This study comparatively analyzes the effects of three methods - ultrasound-assisted ethanol extraction (UAE), microwave-assisted ethanol extraction (MAE), and aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) - on the yield, composition, and in vitro antioxidant activity of flavonoids from L. barbarum leaves. [Results] UAE and MAE achieve the highest yield of flavonoids from dried L. barbarum leaves. The main components are rutin, quercetin, chlorogenic acid, and kaempferol. The antioxidant capacity of the flavonoid extract from dried L. barbarum …

Improving Provider Adherence To Adolescent Depression Screening: Implementation Of A Standardized Phq-A Workflow In Pediatric Primary Care, Taylor P. H. Wamser

Student Scholarly Projects

Practice Problem: Adolescent depression is frequently under identified in pediatric primary care because of inconsistent implementation of routine depression screening despite national recommendations. This practice gap may delay diagnosis and treatment which may increase the risk of adverse mental health outcomes.

PICOT: The PICOT question that guided this project was: In pediatric primary care providers, how does the implementation of a standardized PHQ-A (Patient Health Questionnaire for Adolescents) workflow compared to informal screening practices affect provider adherence to depression screening guidelines over 12 weeks?

Evidence: Current evidence and national clinical practice guidelines support routine adolescent depression screening using validated tools …

Patent Valorization And Business Performance: Evidence From An Italian Public Policy, Paolo Castelnovo, Cinzia Lombardo, Valentina Morretta

Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei Working Papers

This paper evaluates the effectiveness of a public policy intervention introduced by the Italian government to support the economic valorization of patents held by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Using original survey data collected in 2025, the analysis compares firms that benefited from the measure during the 2020-2021 calls with a control group of comparable non beneficiary firms. The study examines patenting behavior, strategies for patent valorization, perceived obstacles, and innovation-related outcomes beyond traditional financial indicators. The results show that the measure effectively increases patenting activity and supports technological maturation, particularly for smaller, younger, and more resource-constrained firms, without crowding …

Behavioral Emergencies: Workplace Violence? We Have A Plan (Bert Team Implementation), Marcia L. Ozdenvar, Mimi Olsson

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

During early 2024 we averaged 8.8 type-two workplace violence incidents increasing to 19 incidents in September. After workplace-related high-profile staff injuries occurred and our staff verbalizing increased concerns during patient interactions, staff were reporting practice changes to avoid patients they felt were agitated. A deficiency in staff on identification, mitigation and de-escalation of these patient behaviors (Bruccoli, 2023) was noted. The team evaluated best practices locally, regionally and within current literature, concluding that the implementation of a Behavioral Emergency Response Team (BERT) would be ideally suited to reduce workplace violence (Parker, et al. 2020).

Literature review identified the consistent effectiveness …

Coverage And Access Policies And Maternal Outcomes For Refugee Women: A Cross-Country Analysis, Sana Sahar Ebadi, Burhan Amiri, Roya Haghiri-Vijeh

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Objective: This review will critically compare how national health coverage and access policies shape refugee women’s maternal outcomes across pregnancy, birth, and the first year postpartum in four selected countries (Canada, Germany, Australia, and the United States), and identify policies that negatively impact maternal outcomes of refugee women.

Introduction: Refugee and other migrant women frequently encounter host-country coverage and access rules that constrain antenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal care, and are associated with poorer maternal and perinatal outcomes (Aldridge et al., 2018; Fair et al., 2020; Heslehurst et al., 2018; ; Lebano et al., 2020; Mantini et al., 2017). Because these …

Current Icu Practices And Barriers To Calm Icu Guideline Uptake, Anne Mette Noerby Adams, Hila Dafny, Maria Alejandra Pinero De Plaza, Joanne Mcintyre, Xia Jin, Shailesh Bihari, Kay Bruce, Cherie Waite, Heather Block, Kathrine De Lyster, Frances Fengzhi Lin

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: Agitation in the intensive care unit (ICU) can compromise patient safety, prolong recovery, and contribute to staff injuries. While pharmacological interventions are sometimes necessary, they carry risks such as oversedation, delirium, and prolonged mechanical ventilation. The CALM ICU guideline provides recommendations for the non-pharmacological prevention and management of patient agitation. However, guidance on how to implement these strategies in complex ICU environments remains limited.

Aim: To explore current ICU practices and stakeholder perspectives on the barriers and facilitators to implementing non-pharmacological strategies for managing agitation.

Methods: This mixed-methods study used an exploratory sequential design guided by the i-PARIHS framework. …

Impact Of Sbirt And Virtual Simulation On Nursing Students’ Screening Readiness And Behaviors, Manal Alatrash, Muder Alkrisat

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Purpose: This study examined changes in Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students’ screening readiness and practice behaviors related to substance use following Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) education and training. It also evaluated the added impact of Kognito virtual simulation to identify areas for curriculum improvement.

Substance use disorder is a major public health issue, and nurses are key to early detection and intervention. Many nursing students reported feeling unprepared to address it (Myers et al., 2021; Quaye et al., 2020). SBIRT education improves knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy (Gomez et al., 2023; Zucker et al, 2022), …

Virtual Reality Communication Training In Health Professions Education: A Multi-Country Evaluation, Mohamad M. Saab, Mark O'Donovan, Irem Koç, Jennifer Kenny, Jan Hrdlička, Jiri Wild, Martin Zielina, Lucie Hrdličková, Katerina Rusinová, Martin Loučka, Aleksandrina Skvortsova, Liesbeth M. Van Vliet, Madelief Medema, Arianne D. Pieterse, Claudia Bausewein, Sabine H. Krauss, Johannes Rosenbruch, Stephanie Stiel, Kambiz Afshar, Malte Klemmt, Vasco Silva-Neves, Salomé Pinho, Ana Carolina Monteiro, Cathy Payne, Irene Hartigan

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Purpose: Virtual reality (VR) is transforming nursing and medical education by providing immersive, safe, and realistic environments for developing skills [1-4]. The use of VR for teaching emotionally complex communication, such as delivering bad news, is underexplored [5,6]. This study evaluated the feasibility, usability, acceptability, and satisfaction with VR-based communication training among nursing and medical students and educators in Europe.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted across six universities in five European countries. Two VR scenarios simulating “breaking bad news” were developed using the NURSE [7] and SPIKES [8] communication frameworks. Participants took part in a pre-briefing session, then engaged …

Beyond Surviving: Resilience In Advanced Practice Nursing Students, Gerard Thomas Hogan

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Purpose: Advanced practice graduate nursing students (APGNS)—including nurse anesthesia, nurse practitioner, midwifery, and clinical nurse specialist students—face intense academic and clinical demands affecting mental health and learning outcomes. The shift from 24–28-month master’s to 36-month doctoral programs has amplified stressors, especially for nurse anesthesia students. This integrative review examines resilience development, measurement, and outcomes amid evolving educational demands.

Methods: Guided by Whittemore and Knafl’s integrative review method (2005), a systematic search of PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, and PsycINFO (2010–2025) identified 204 studies; 24 met inclusion criteria. Studies addressed resilience or related constructs among graduate nursing students. Quality appraisal used Joanna Briggs …

Algorithmic Bias In Ai: Preparing Nurses For Critical And Culturally Safe Engagement, Claire Song, Tanvir Gill, Pamela Cawley

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

AI is increasingly used in healthcare and education, often framed as a tool for efficiency and objectivity. Yet, these systems are trained on data shaped by Western biomedical norms, reproducing structural and cultural biases. Deep learning does not create new knowledge; it reorganizes existing information. When that data-electronic health records, clinical trials, DSM-based tools- reflects Western perspectives, inequities are amplified under the guise of neutrality.

Consider mental health tools built on DSM frameworks, which pathologize non-Western expressions of distress. Despite the American Psychiatric Association’s 2021 acknowledgment of structural racism, AI-driven assessments still rely on instruments like PHQ-9 and GAD-7. Bias …

Professional Identity, Nurse Educator Competencies, And Job Satisfaction In Academic Nurse Educators, Lexi A. Ayala, Desiree Hensel

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background. A strong professional identity in nursing has been linked to safe practice and job satisfaction. However, the influence of professional identity on role competencies and job satisfaction in academic nurse educators is unclear. The ongoing nursing faculty shortage underscores the urgency of understanding this influence to help recruit and retain educators.

Purpose. Framed within the International Society for Professional Identity in Nursing domains and definitions and Benner’s Novice to Expert theory, this study investigates the relationships among professional identity, academic nurse educator competencies, and job satisfaction in US academic nurse educators.

Method. A total of 165 US nurse faculty …

Co-Opted Boards And Anti-Takeover Provisions In Us Firms: Do Better Financial Outcomes And Dynamic Governance Matter?, Mohammad Dulal Miah, Rashedul Hasan, Sabur Mollah, Arun Upadhyay

Management Faculty Publications

This research examines the relationship between co-opted boards and firms' anti-takeover provisions (ATPs). Analyzing 5585 US firm-year observations for the period 2012–2022, the authors document a positive relationship between co-opted boards and ATPs. They further illustrate that the positive relationship is stronger in firms that exhibit subpar performance and compensate senior executives and directors more than the industry average. Furthermore, their research finds that good governance, board and executive gender diversity, gender equality, and board cultural diversity moderate the positive relationship between co-opted boards and ATPs. Our results remain robust across a battery of tests. The findings of this research …

Impaired Microvascular Reactivity To Passive Limb Movement After Stroke Is Improved By A Single Session Of Ischemic Conditioning, Alicen A. Whitaker-Hilbig, Jennifer N. Nguyen, Amanda Wietrzny, Akash Desai, Samuel Wietrzny, Macey Dunn, Yelyzaveta Merenzon, Sergey Tarima, Emilie Klevenow, Allison S. Hyngstrom, Matthew J. Durand

Biostatistics Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Microvascular dysfunction post stroke remains insufficiently investigated and may contribute to impairments in physical function. Single passive limb movement (sPLM) provides a clinically relevant assessment of microvascular vasodilation. We hypothesized the response to sPLM would be attenuated in the paretic leg compared with age- and sex-matched controls (CON) and would improve following a single session of ischemic conditioning (IC), an intervention known to enhance vasodilation. METHODS: In this randomized crossover trial, superficial femoral artery leg blood flow was measured during sPLM, using a Biodex dynamometer, which passively moved the leg 90° at 1Hz. A thigh cuff was placed around …

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.

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 …

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 …

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 …