Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Towards Sustainable Mining: Ghg Considerate Open Pit Long-Term Planning Using Adaptive Large Neighborhood Search Algorithm, Bahar Amirmoeini, Martin Grenon, Ali Moradi Afrapoli

Journal of Sustainable Mining

Mine planning involves the systematic design and coordination of mineral extraction from the earth’s crust, integrating exploration, production, and various engineering considerations. With increasing emphasis on environmental responsibility, the mining industry is under pressure to incorporate environmental considerations into mine planning. This paper addresses the precedence-constrained production scheduling problem (PCPSP) within the context of green long-term mining planning, aiming to optimize extraction processes while restricting carbon emission. Given the NP-hard nature of the PCPSP, this study introduces an adaptive large neighborhood search (ALNS) algorithm tailored specifically for long-term mine planning. A range of computational experiments have been carried out, including …

Economic Viability And Environmental Sustainability: A Cost-Benefit Analysis Of Green Technologies In Mineral Extraction, Tshinkobo Bukasa Orphea, Agyingi Babaca Agyingib, Xiangrui Meng

Journal of Sustainable Mining

This research offers a novel approach to comparing green technologies’ economic profitability and environmental sustainability of their mineral extraction based upon econometric and life cycle assessment methodologies. Quantitative results show attractive results with an NPV of $2,014,001 and an IRR of 17%. In the third year, the project nets at $300,000, or 63%, at a 7% discount rate. However, soil protection remains challenging, but pollution coefficients are improved, as evidenced by environmental impact assessments (EIAs). The findings in the study further underscore how regulatory frameworks and market drivers dictate the use of green technology. The economic, environmental and regulatory costs …

A Case Study Comparing The Results Of A Copper Open-Pit Mine Scheduling Considering Two Different Approaches For Spatial Interpolation Of Comminution Geometallurgical Variables, Sílvia Martins, Pedro Campos, Douglas Mazzinghy

Journal of Sustainable Mining

The use of geometallurgical variables to improve the accuracy obtained in mine planning is an increasingly present reality in mining. However, the way these variables are interpolated to construct the block model is still a major challenge since they are non-additive variables. In this case study, a database from a copper mine located in Brazil was used to compare mining planning by Direct Block Scheduling using two spatial interpolation approaches. In the first approach, the geometallurgy block model was produced interpolating the comminution indexes Axb and BWI from the drill holes, and the specific energy was calculated at each block. …

Impact Of Multiple Mining Subsidence On Large Diameter Steel Pipelines: The Upper Silesian Coal Basin Case Study, Piotr Kalisz, Magdalena Zięba, Marcin Grygierek

Journal of Sustainable Mining

The article concerns the impact of multiple mining subsidence on pipeline expansion capacity based on the analysis of the field research results. The article presents a case study related to a water mains system that supplies drinking water to approximately 3.5 million consumers. These pipelines are made of steel with diameters of 1600 mm and 1400 mm. The water mains partly run through mining and post-mining areas in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin in Poland. These pipelines are equipped with expansion joints to protect them against the impact of ground deformations. The field research concerned the assessment of the position …

Recovery Of Magnesium Sulfate And Calcium Sulfate From Zinc Flotation Tailing, Raquel Húngaro Costa, Jonathan Tenório Vinhal, Tatiana Scarazzato, Denise Crocce Romano Espinosa

Journal of Sustainable Mining

Resource recovery is a process that has been used to obtain products from industrial waste. Mining tailings can be used as an alternative through ore beneficiation to create by-products for this type of waste. The work herein investigated the recovery of two products from a real tailing generated in the Zn beneficiation route in the flotation step. A non-magnetic fraction was submitted to a hydrometallurgical route to produce MgSO₄ and CaSO_4. Thermodynamic simulations using FactSage software were performed to evaluate the optimal leaching conditions varying the S:L ratio, the sulfuric acid concentration, and temperature. The best modeled conditions …

Construction, Optimization, And Characterization Of An Undergraduate Cold Cathode Table-Top Electron Accelerator For Radiation Physics Education, Caitlin Balmer, Mason Skeath, Mehran M. Zaini, Peter Zencak, Erin M. Craig

Journal of the Symposium of University Research and Creative Expression

Project Mentor(s): Mehran Zaini, PhD; Peter Zencak

Rising cancer cases spurred advancements in radiation therapy modalities, including electron accelerators. In this report, descriptive and diagnostic analysis was utilized to develop and characterize a functional, low energy cold cathode table-top electron accelerator for radiation physics experimentation in Central Washington University’s (CWU) undergraduate radiation lab. The device features a tungsten cathode (TC), brass anode, and copper Faraday Cup (FC) in a vacuum, enclosed by blue-tinted polyvinyl chloride (PVC). TC electron emission was facilitated by applied electric fields from input voltages of 1000 V to 5000 V. FC collected electron current in the …

Effect Of Coniferous Trees And Water Availability On Soil Acidification, Jessica A. Cheever

Journal of the Symposium of University Research and Creative Expression

Project Mentor(s): Mary Poulson, PhD

Water availability and coniferous tree species can cause acidification and a change in soil fertility. Previous research in European forests found that rainfall, soil acidity, and conifer prevalence influenced soil quality and biodiversity. However, not much is known about these effects in the Pacific Northwest’s forests. Three forests were chosen based on a gradient of annual precipitation. The Hoh Rain Forest, the Tiger Mountain State Forest, and the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest were used for wet, mesic, and dry conditions, respectively. Each location had a three-by-six grid spaced 50 meters between each plot. The location was …

Building Career Pathways: Investigating The Potential For A Cooperative Education Program For Graduate Itm Students At Central Washington University, Liam J. E Holland

Journal of the Symposium of University Research and Creative Expression

Project Mentor(s): Susan Rivera, PhD

This research examines the feasibility of introducing a cooperative education (co-op) program at the master’s level in the Central Washington University (CWU) ITM Department. Methods included a review of existing co-op programs, analysis of interviews with past co-op students, and an examination of survey data on student interest in graduate-level cooperative education. The study aims to identify key elements of effective co-op programs and assess demand for such programs. The analysis of current co-op models offers insights into program structure, industry engagement, and student success. The 2019 NACE Internship & Co-op Survey found that 50.2% …

Cwu's Electronic Waste Management: A Success Story In Sustainable Practice, Srijita Gurung

Journal of the Symposium of University Research and Creative Expression

Project Mentor(s): Susan Rivera, PhD; Kevin Lomax

Purpose: This research examines how Central Washington University (CWU) manages electronic waste (e-waste) to promote economic, environmental, and equitable sustainability practices. In February 2024, Computer Support Services (CSS) started a computer reconciliation project, which is vital due to the Windows 10 operating system going end of life after October 14, 2025, and no longer receiving software support. This project tracks and documents the life of electronic assets, with a focus on the role of Surplus and IT Asset Disposal (ITAD) companies. Method: The primary research methods involve interviews, and online research of active …

Optimizing Cybersecurity Through Ai Predictive Analytics And Human Expertise, Cathy Mae C. Dutong

Journal of the Symposium of University Research and Creative Expression

Project Mentor(s): Hideki Takei, DBA

As cybersecurity threats evolve in complexity and scale, the reliance on artificial intelligence (AI) has become increasingly prevalent across both public and private sectors. This study examines the dual role of AI-driven predictive analytics in strengthening organizational cybersecurity, while addressing the ongoing need for human oversight. Through a mixed-method approach, combining survey data from cybersecurity professionals with an extensive literature review, this research analyzes AI's capacity to detect emerging threats, the systemic challenges associated with AI integration, and the indispensable role of human expertise in interpreting AI outputs. Findings indicate that while AI enhances proactive …

Global Trends In Ai-Driven Product Development: A Cross-Country Analysis, Shilpa Dhananjayan

Journal of the Symposium of University Research and Creative Expression

Project Mentor(s): Hideki Takei, DBA

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming industries and accelerating global innovation, yet its benefits remain unevenly distributed. A nation’s AI readiness—its capacity to adopt and implement AI technologies—plays a crucial role in economic growth and technological advancement. Key determinants of AI readiness include digital infrastructure, data accessibility, government policies, research and development (R&D) investment, and workforce development. This study examines the relationship between AI readiness, AI adoption, innovation, R&D investment of a nation, Digital Infrastructure Index (DII) and Human Capital Index (HCI) using a Random Forest regression model. Findings reveal a strong correlation between AI adoption …

Innovation Within Sustainable Technologies: The Future Of Energy Conserving Hardware In Data Centers, Brooke Cruz

Journal of the Symposium of University Research and Creative Expression

Project Mentor(s): Susan Rivera, PhD

The US is confronting a growing energy demand crisis, with analysts projecting a 2.4% rise in data center energy consumption by 2030. Data centers are major energy consumers, with primary usage concentrated in IT equipment and extensive cooling systems. While Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) remains the leading metric for assessing energy efficiency, it is limited to assessing total facility energy and IT energy use without accounting for environmental and social impacts. Supplementary metrics of data center energy consumption include Water Usage Effectiveness (WUE) and Carbon Usage Effectiveness (CUE), which measure water use and carbon emissions, …

Synthesis Of Nitrogen-Enriched 3d Graphene Foam For Electrochemical Sensing Of Hydrogen Peroxide (H₂O₂), Bhargavi Dronavalli, Madhava Rao Vallabhaneni, Jatla Murali Prakash, Deepti Kolli, Dandamudi Srilaxmi

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

In this work, A simple hydrothermal process was utilized to create 3D-foam-type Nitrogen-doped graphene (NDG). The synthesized material was characterized using a range of physicochemical characterization techniques. These techniques confirm that nitrogen is successfully incorporated into the carbon network, resulting in NDG. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) investigation demonstrated that NDG-modified glassy carbon electrode (NDG/GCE) displayed finite charge transfer properties against typical redox systems. NDG/GCE is identified as a simple, facile, and efficient electrocatalyst material for the estimation of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). From CV analysis, it is revealed that NDG/GCE can produce a signal for electrochemical quantification of …

Investigating The Market Dynamics Of Aeroponically Cultivated Products With Delay, Pulak Kundu, Uzzwal Kumar Mallick

Mathematical Modelling and Numerical Simulation with Applications

Aeroponically grown potatoes offer higher yields and year-round production but often face delayed market entry due to high setup costs, technical barriers, and logistical challenges. A delay-based mathematical model has been newly proposed in this study to analyze the dynamics of demand, supply, and pricing for aeroponically grown products. The model’s existence, stability, and sensitivity have been investigated analytically, and numerical simulations have been carried out using the Runge-Kutta 4th order method with the dde23 solver. Findings reveal that market stability is maintained when delays are below seven years, but delays beyond this threshold lead to persistent fluctuations in price, …

The Saltpond Oilfield’S Second Life: Ghana’S Bioenergy With Carbon Capture And Storage (Beccs) Opportunity, Justice Appiah Nuamah

COP30

As the achievement of net-zero emissions requires the unavoidable deployment of Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) technologies, this paper presents a technical and policy case for Ghana to implement Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) through the repurposing of the decommissioned Saltpond offshore oilfield for permanent CO2 sequestration. The proposal addresses two of Ghana’s developmental challenges in a single intervention: the conversion of millions of tonnes of agricultural and forestry residues into a sustainable feedstock solves a national waste management issue, while the resultant bioenergy generation supports rural electrification. This approach offers a more cost-effective CDR pathway than direct air …

A Feature Engineering Technique For Enhancing The Generalization Of Machine Learning Models In Estimating Crop Evapotranspiration, Gaku Yokoyama, Sohta Harigai, Shigehiro Kubota, Koichi Nomura, Gregory R. Goldsmith, Daisuke Yasutake, Tomoyoshi Hirota, Masaharu Kitano

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

Accurate and precise estimation of evapotranspiration (ET) is crucial for understanding the terrestrial carbon, water, and energy cycles. While process-based models of ET, such as the Penman–Monteith model offer robust generalization capabilities, they are limited by the need for detailed parameters (e.g., stomatal conductance,) that are challenging to measure continuously. On the other hand, machine learning models can estimate ET by capturing relationships between ET and environmental variables without experimentally measuring model parameters. However, machine learning models face the challenge of limited generalizability. This issue is particularly significant given the uncertainty introduced by changing climatic …

Fundamentals Of The New Neutrosophic Matrices, Adebisi Sunday Adesina, Ogunmuyiwa Sodiq Damilola

Neutrosophic Systems with Applications

The New Neutrosophic Matrices provides a mathematical extension of classical and fuzzy matrix theory that incorporates the element of indeterminacy alongside truth and falsity. Neutrosophic logic, pioneered by FlorentinSmarandache, provides a richer framework for dealing with uncertainty and vagueness in real-world data. This study explores the definitions, classifications, and algebraic operations onneutrosophic matrices, including addition, multiplication, scalar operations, and the formation of identities.A comparative analysis is presented to highlight the distinctions between classical, fuzzy, and neutrosophic matrices. From the concepts, potential applications could be proposed most especially, for more problem solving as well as for future exploration.Findingsaffirmthat neutrosophic matrices offer …

Near Real-Time Monitoring Reveals Extensive Recent Forest Disturbance In Ghana’S Protected Areas, Luofan Dong, Xiaojing Tang, Foster Mensah, Bashara Ahmed Abubakari, Kelsee H. Bratley, Pontus Olofsson, Curtis E. Woodcock

Faculty Scholarship

The Protected Areas (PAs) in Ghana play a critical role in preserving the abundant biodiversity of the West Africa Green Belt. But recent changes in policies and regulations have facilitated logging and mining activities, which have accelerated forest disturbances. While there is a consensus that PAs are undergoing destructive change, the extent, rate, and locations of forest disturbances are undocumented. In this study, we applied the fusion near real-time (FNRT) algorithm that utilizes Landsat, Sentinel-1, and Sentinel-2 data and sampling to monitor forests in the PAs of Ghana. The results reveal that 704.74 (±177.24) km2 of forest in the PAs …

Re: Approval Letter For The Butte Priority Soils Operable Unit (Bpsou) Draft Final Insufficiently Reclaimed Sites Field Sampling (Fsp): Bres No.177 - North Alice Culvert (Dated August 21, 2025), Molly Roby

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

High-Order Adaptive Solutions For Coupled Fractional Riccati Equations Via Daubechies Redundant Frames, Mutaz Mohammad, Alexander Trounev

Mathematical Modelling and Numerical Simulation with Applications

Coupled fractional Riccati equations play a fundamental role in modeling complex systems with memory effects and anomalous diffusion, frequently arising in engineering, control theory, finance, and quantum mechanics. Their analytical and numerical treatment remains highly challenging due to the nonlocal nature of fractional-order derivatives and the presence of nonlinear coupling terms. This study introduces an adaptive numerical framework that combines the Caputo fractional derivative with redundant Daubechies wavelet frames. The method leverages multi-resolution analysis, compact support, and controlled redundancy to achieve accurate approximation of both localized and global solution features, particularly in scenarios characterized by singular behavior and long-range memory …

Stabilized Weak-Gradient Discontinuous Finite Elements With Optimal Error Estimates For Second-Order Elliptic Pdes, Aymen Laadhari

Mathematical Modelling and Numerical Simulation with Applications

This work introduces an accurate finite element approach employing a new stabilized discrete weak gradient, designed for second-order elliptic problems on arbitrary conforming meshes. We formulate the approach within a discontinuous Galerkin framework and derive a consistent and coercive bilinear form. Appropriate error analysis on a model problem confirms optimal convergence. Building on the core analysis, we extend the method to more challenging settings, including time-dependent heterogeneous scenarios and a biophysically realistic optimal-control model of photobleaching in the budding yeast cell. We further illustrate the versatility of the weak-gradient construction by applying it to an unsteady level-set equation relevant to …

Revised Final Uniform Federal Policy- Quality Assurance Project Plan, Hydrogeologic, Inc.

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

The Consideration Of Two Scalarization Methods For The Multi-Objective Nurse-To-Patient Assignment Problem, Ilgın Acar, Steven E. Butt, Aydın Sipahioğlu, İslam Altın

Mathematical Modelling and Numerical Simulation with Applications

In this research, the application of two scalarization methods, namely the conic scalarization method and the $\varepsilon$-constraint method, is investigated within the context of a multi-objective optimization problem. These methods are used to address the challenge of assigning nurses to patients on a hospital unit during a shift. The two objective functions of this assignment problem are based on patient workload metrics and unit-related travel distance measures. The proposed solution approach demonstrates the ability to generate solutions that eluded the previous mathematical programming techniques that relied on simplistic weightings of conflicting objective functions. In addition, it is found that the …

Global Stability And Bifurcation Analysis Of A Predator-Prey Model Involving Allee Effect And Monod-Haldane Functional Response, Resmawan Resmawan, Agus Suryanto, Isnani Darti, Hasan S. Panigoro

Mathematical Modelling and Numerical Simulation with Applications

In this paper, the complexity of the dynamic behavior of the interaction between prey and predator is studied. The predator-prey relationship involves Allee effects and Monod-Haldane functional response. The constructed model has been shown to have validity in several respects, including the existence and uniqueness of the solution, as well as its non-negativity and boundedness. Three equilibrium points, namely trivial, axial, and coexistence points, are found, including their global dynamics using the Lyapunov function together with the LaSalle's invariance principle. The effect of the predation conversion rate causes changes in the dynamic behavior of predators and prey, which is characterized …

Solution Of Fractional Order Diffusion Equations With Clique Neural Network, Merve Zeynep Kaya, Mesut Karabacak, Ercan Çelik

Mathematical Modelling and Numerical Simulation with Applications

In this paper, the clique artificial neural network method is used to solve the fractional diffusion equation, which is a subclass of partial differential equations. The clique neural network architecture is constructed using input, hidden, and output layers. Several degrees of clique polynomials were used as activation functions, and the output layer was obtained by multiplying them with weight coefficients. Subsequently, the optimization equation was derived, and the exact solution, numerical solution, and error function graphs were obtained using a specialized algorithm. Analysis of the results demonstrates that the clique artificial neural network method provides quicker and more accurate results …

Synergistic Modeling Of Hydrogel Gelation Via Time-Delay Dynamics And Machine Learning Algorithms, Mine Babaoglu, Dipesh ., Pankaj Kumar, Jagjit Singh Dhatterwal, Mansoor Alsulami

Mathematical Modelling and Numerical Simulation with Applications

This paper presents an integrated framework in which delay differential equation (DDE) modeling and machine learning (ML) approaches are coupled to study hydrogel formation kinetics, with emphasis on delayed crosslinker addition. Conventional mechanistic models disclose many physical and kinetic complexities of reacting mixtures; they seldom depict the nonlinear and time-evolving complexities inherent in developing polymer networks. To address this, a mathematical model is developed that examines how the insertion of crosslinkers affects system stability and equilibrium. Analytical and numerical results show that delays nearing critical levels cause bifurcation behavior with substantial implications on gelation kinetics. Sophisticated machine learning systems, including …

Dynamics And Optimal Intervention Strategies In A Shigellosis Transmission Model, Mehmet Gümüs, Shewafera Wondimagegnhu Teklu, Kemal Türk

Mathematical Modelling and Numerical Simulation with Applications

This research explores how water treatment contributes to limiting the transmission of Shigellosis, an infection caused by bacteria from the Shigella genus. A mathematical framework is formulated to evaluate the influence of protective strategies and water purification on the spread of the disease. To confirm the model's biological relevance, its well-posedness is investigated. The basic reproduction number $(\mathfrak{R}_0)$, a critical indicator of disease behavior, is derived using the matrix operator method. Findings indicate that if $\mathfrak{R}_01$, the infection persists, with the endemic equilibrium exhibiting local asymptotic stability. A comprehensive cost-effectiveness analysis reveals that combining environmental protection with water treatment represents …

Some New Three-Term Conjugate Gradient Methods For Riemannian Optimization With Application To The Gough-Stewart Platform, Nasiru Salihu, Poom Kumam, Lin Wang, Sani Salisu

Mathematical Modelling and Numerical Simulation with Applications

Three-term conjugate gradient (TTCG) methods have been extensively studied for optimization within Euclidean geometry, with some inherently satisfying the sufficient descent property, thus enhancing their theoretical superiority. However, other TTCG methods have been developed that incorporate restarting the search direction, simplify the steepest descent approach, or rely on the convexity assumptions of f to establish their convergence results. This paper introduces the Riemannian three-term conjugate gradient (RTTCG) methods. The search direction in these RTTCG methods consistently satisfies the sufficient descent condition, regardless of the line search employed, and does so without requiring a restart mechanism. By utilizing retraction and vector …

Re: Approval Letter For The Butte Priority Soils Operable Unit (Bpsou) Revised Draft Final Reclamation Improvement Sites Field Sampling And Investigation Plan (Fsp): Bres No. 45 – Garfield Response To Agency Comments (Dated August 14, 2025), Molly Roby

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Re: Pilot Project 2025 Annual Update, Mark Thompson, Loren Burmeister

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.