Sustainability Commons^™

A Deep Learning-Based Method For The Intelligent Identification Of The Quantity Of Coals Flushed Out During Borehole Hydraulic Flushing, Li Xiaojun, Zhao Mingyang, Li Miao

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Given the inaccurate and low-efficiency manual statistics of the quantity of coals flushed out during borehole hydraulic flushing, this study proposed an intelligent identification method that combines YOLOv8n, ResNet34, and PP-OCRv4 algorithms. Methods First, the first-level detection was completed using the YOLOv8n algorithm, which, combined with the ResNet34 and PP-OCRv4 algorithms via parallel cascade, was then employed to conduct second-level processing. Through the above processing and in combination with the method for classification status discrimination based on tracking frame numbers, the framework of an algorithm for automatically calculating the quantity of coals flushed out was established. Subsequently, the deformable …

Feasibility Study For Providing Remedial Measures For Overburden Dump In New Majri Ug To Oc Mine, Wcl Majri Area, Warora, Chandrapur, Himanshu Kumar Jangir, Rahul Shende, Omkar Navagire, Srinivasan Venkatraman, Anirban Mandal, Anjan Patel

Journal of Sustainable Mining

The central region of India is abundant in fertile black cotton soil, and the presence of such weak floors in open-cast mines poses significant slope stability concerns for overburden (OB) dumps. Addressing these issues is crucial for ensuring safe mining operations and cost-effectiveness. Several coal mines in this region have experienced overburden dump collapses due to the weak soil foundation. To enhance slope stability and mitigate the heaving effect near the toe of the dump, this study proposes parametric research that explores the flattening of the overall slope angle of the dump, bench angle optimization, and various feasible dimensions for …

An Attempt To Determine The Strong Tremors Causes During Longwall Mining Of Destressed Bottom Layer Of A Thick Coal Seam, Rafał Pakosz, Łukasz Wojtecki, Maciej J. Mendecki, Agnieszka Krzyżanowska

Journal of Sustainable Mining

The sequence and method of coal seam mining can significantly minimize the risk of rock bursts. The planning of exploitation in the Bielszowice part of the Ruda Hard Coal Mine involves maximizing the destress effect associated with the mining of adjacent coal seams or layers of thick coal seams. Longwall mining of destressed coal seams is characterized by much lower seismic activity; however, even during such mining, high-energy tremors may occur. This article analyzes the seismic activity accompanying the mining of longwall panels in the bottom and top layers of thick seam No. 510 and seam No. 507 in the …

Optimizing Underground Construction And Plan Management For The Mong Duong Coal Mine, Vietnam, Phi Hung Nguyen, Thi Kim Thanh Nguyen, Duc Hung Pham, Quang Phuc Le, Thai Tien Dung Vu

Journal of Sustainable Mining

Mong Duong mine’s output objective is 1.5 million tons, which requires approximately 10,000 m of tunnel excavation each year. Because of the complicated geological features, the actual work is vastly different, necessitating regular changes in design and technical approaches, as well as plans for material supply, money, and staff. On the other hand, office personnel visit the construction site to update the work status after each report, and the department head and board of directors make choices on development and execution. This process takes time because it is carried out manually. As a result, a solution to support the optimization …

Spatiotemporal Variation Of Vegetation Cover In Mining Areas Of Ysr Kadapa District, Andhra Pradesh Using Remote Sensing And Gis, Vinod Kumar Yarlanki, Prudhvi Raj Muppala, Prem Kumar Yasam, Balaji Gollapudi, Sumanth Moddu, Appanna Besta

Journal of Sustainable Mining

The spatiotemporal variation of vegetation cover in the mining areas of YSR Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh, using Remote Sensing and GIS techniques. By focusing on the years 2014, 2018, and 2023, the analysis provides insights into changes observed in water bodies, bare soil, sparse vegetation, moderate vegetation, and dense vegetation. The results reveal dynamic trends in land cover categories, highlighting the environmental impact of mining activities in the region. A significant decline in water bodies is observed, with the area reducing from 3.48 km² in 2014 to 1.91km² in 2023. This decrease raises concerns about the potential degradation …

Assessing The Perception Gap: Mining Impacts From Community And Company Perspectives In Nigeria, Ikechukwu Mbachu

Journal of Sustainable Mining

The study intends to evaluate how mining companies and their host communities perceive the impacts of mining operations and to ascertain if there are significant differences in how both parties perceive the impacts of mining in Nigeria. The study was carried out in twelve states in Nigeria and covered the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria. Data was collected through a questionnaire and interviews carried out separately with community members and company representatives. The study investigated ten categories of mining impacts such as socioeconomic, environmental, health, physical and so on. To gauge the perceptions of the respondents on the different impact …

Effect Of Depth And Particle Size On Spontaneous Combustion Of Coal In Deep Underground Mines Of Jharia Coalfield, Debashish Mishra, D.P. Mishra, N K Mohalik, S K Ray, J K Pandey

Journal of Sustainable Mining

Since their inception, the deep mines have faced the challenges of spontaneous heating and fire. The study examines the impact of coal seam depth and particle size on the spontaneous combustion of coal. A spontaneous heating study of seven coal samples shows moisture, volatile matter, and ash do not exhibit any clear trend except for fixed carbon, which shows a direct relationship. However, crossing point temperature (CPT) and thermo-gravimetric (TG_ignition) temperature reveal an inverse relationship between spontaneous combustion and the depth of the coal seam. Five size ranges: < 106, 106–212, 212–425, 425–2000, and 0–212 µm are studied, which displayed an increase in mean specific surface area (SSA) by 87% and a decrease in …

Mineralogical Analysis And Beneficiation Assessment To Unlock The Lithium Potential In Kenticha Pegmatite Ore, Gutema Mekonen, Mulugeta Sisay, Goitom Gebreyohannes

Journal of Sustainable Mining

Lithium is utilized in various industries, especially currently Lithium-ion batteries are employed in electric vehicles and portable electronic devices as an energy source, in pharmaceutical industries, aerospace applications, glass and ceramics production, lubricants and greases, air purification systems, nuclear power, and aluminum production. The Kenticha pegmatite ore deposit in Ethiopia holds potential, and this study analyzed the mineralization of Kenticha spodumene ore and assessed its suitability for beneficiation by employing X-ray diffraction (XRD), Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), and petrographic microscope analysis. The study determined the mineral composition, average composition, and texture of spodumene pegmatite ore for spodumene concentrate liberation. Based …

Potential Impact Of Coal Mining And Use For Electricity Generation In Brazil On Global Warming., Marisa Nascimento, Paulo Sergio Moreira Soares

Journal of Sustainable Mining

The study aims to evaluate the potential contribution of coal production for electric power generation in Brazil to greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions, applying life cycle assessment (LCA). The product system studied consists of mining, transportation of the coal to the power station, and power generation. The LCA was first developed only for coal mining in Brazil. Secondly, it was enlarged to include transportation of the coal domestically produced, the hard coal imported, and power generation (Integrated System BR). In the mining stage in Brazil (Brazilian coal), the contribution to the global warming potential was estimated at 237 kg of CO …

Determination Of The Liberation Size Of Mekaneselam Iron Ore In The Southern Wollo Zone, Northern Ethiopia: Implications For Beneficiation, Getahun Meseret, Bisrat Kebede, Belayneh Digafe

Journal of Sustainable Mining

Previous investigations in the target area primarily focused on ore genesis or the geological formations of the ore deposit, neglecting the specific beneficiation aspects associated with the ore. Due to gaps with respect to beneficiation aspects,the research aimed to determine the liberation size of the target iron-bearing ore mineral through mineralogical identification, chemical composition analysis, and examination of the particle size distribution. In this study, various methods were employed, including atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), X-ray fluorescence (X-RF), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, and sieve analysis. The chemical composition analysis of Mekaneselam iron ore revealed significant amount of 16.55–77.59 % Fe2O3, 7.31–59.02% …

Leveraging Intrinsic Properties For Classification Of Coal Seams Towards Spontaneous Combustion Proclivity And Predicting Susceptibility Using Machine Learning: Smart And Sustainable Mining Approach, Siddhartha Agarwal, Pradeep K. Gautam, Yuhao Zou, Rishabh Dwivedi, D.C. Panigrahi, C. Dagli, Atul Singh

Journal of Sustainable Mining

Mine fires and other hazards caused by spontaneous coal combustion are a pervasive and longstanding issue in Jharia coalfields, India. This study proposes a novel approach to classify coal seams based on their propensity to spontaneous combustion using the intrinsic properties of 30 coal samples from different seams. This method eliminates the need for expensive and time-consuming experimental determinations of susceptibility indices (SI) such as crossing point temperature (CPT), critical air blast (CAB), and differential thermal analysis (DTA). All clustering models, viz. hierarchical, k-means, and multidimensional scaling, aptly classify coal seams into three categories: highly risky, medium risky, and low …

A Dynamic Intuitionistic Fuzzy Group Decision Analysis For Sustainability Risk Assessment In Surface Mining Operation Projects, Mohammad Panahi Borujeni, Arash Behzadipour, Hossein Gitinavard

Journal of Sustainable Mining

With the increasing advancement of technology and science in the fields of engineering, different industries have different benefits that can help the global community in areas related to social, environmental, and economic requirements. The mining industry is one of the suitable sources of wealth production in different societies, which leads different societies to appropriate profitability. In this regard, one of the challenges facing managers and decision-makers is not related to financial challenges and risks. This research uses the dynamic intuitionistic fuzzy entropy method to compute the criteria weights, and the dynamic intuitionistic fuzzy maximizing similarity (DIF-SM) approach to compute the …

An Automated Integrated Web-Based Smart Tool For Open Stope Design, Yerkezhan Madenova, Fidelis Suorineni, Shuai Xu

Journal of Sustainable Mining

The Stability Graph is a widely used tool for the design of open stopes in underground mining. Many users of the Stability Graph still apply this design method manually. Although the manual approach has benefits, using multiple graphs and stability number computation charts for each stope surface is time-consuming, even for the experienced mining engineer. Current practice in the use of the method also limits data sharing. This paper presents a StopeSoft web-based tool for open stope stability prediction that is developed on the basis of the Stability Graph method and is available at openstope.com. StopeSoft incorporates flexibility in terms …

The Rhythm Of Renewables: Minute-By-Minute Insights From Kentucky, David S. Beyerle, Noah M. Stewart, Shaun E. Lavin, Chad C. Alkire, Heather Nikolic, Samuel Kelty, Ezekiel A. Boggs, Declan Boyle, Lawrence E. Holloway, Aron Patrick

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Kentucky’s renewable energy landscape beats with a distinct rhythm shaped by ever-changing variations in sunlight, wind, rainfall, and the ever-modernizing grid that connects them. This paper analyzes minute-by-minute performance data from seven renewable and storage assets owned and operated by the PPL Corporation in Kentucky, including hydroelectric, solar, wind, and lithium-ion battery systems. Using a full year of synchronized, high-resolution data from multiple sites in the Commonwealth, the study examines daily and seasonal capacity factor trends, explores correlations among generation types, and evaluates their alignment with utility load profiles. Our analysis found 279 hours—about 3.2% of the year—with zero renewable …

Navigating Wastewater: Minnesota Mining Wastewater Permit Challenges And Evolving Compliance Standards, Madelaine Adamich

Journal of Earth and Life Science

February of 2021 marked the beginning of Minnesota clearly establishing that groundwater qualifies as a Class 1 water in a legal battle involving United States Steel, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, WaterLegacy, Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, the Minnesota Court of Appeals, and eventually the Minnesota Supreme Court (MNSC). Minnesota has a water classification system, as required by the federal Clean Water Act, with 7 classes of use. Class 1 waters are waters used for domestic consumption (MPCA 4, n.d.). According to Minnesota Statute § 7050.0220, the acceptable level for sulfate is 250 mg/L in Class 1 …

Every Publication Needs An Author Verified Tl;Dr Statement, Sarah Oerther, Daniel B. Oerther

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

No abstract provided.

Hydrogen Standards And Aviation Sustainability, Eva Maleviti, Evan Stamoulis, Elen Paraschi

Publications

Standards from ISO, SAE, and ASTM are essential for certification, safety, and sustainability validation.

Hydrogen Readiness In Aviation & Challenges- Technology Meets Regulation And Market Demand, Eva Maleviti

Publications

Where technology meets regulation and market demand.

Frozen Commons: Food Security And Food Sovereignty In Rural Alaskan Communities And Tribes, Catey Selby, Weiwei Mo

Honors Theses and Capstones

This project explored the challenges, needs, and potential solutions related to food security and food sovereignty in rural Alaskan communities. These communities have long relied on traditional subsistence practices like fishing, hunting, and foraging, but those practices have been increasingly affected by climate change, regulatory restrictions, and commercial overfishing. Key issues identified included shorter hunting seasons, changes in animal migration, unsafe ice conditions, habitat loss, complex land ownership, and permitting barriers. Large-scale commercial fisheries also put additional pressure on subsistence resources, reducing access to traditional food sources.

The project focused on identifying key stakeholders—such as government agencies, tribal organizations, and …

Maritime Digitalization And Decarbonization: A Sustainable Future, World Maritime University, Korea Research Institute Of Ships And Ocean Engineering, Korea Maritime Institute

Books

The book with the title “Maritime Digitalization and Decarbonization: A Sustainable Future” is the second major outcome following the publication of the Proceedings of WMU Maritime Week (WMW) 2024.

The purpose of WMU Maritime Week 2024 (WMW) was to convene experts from diverse sectors to discuss contemporary maritime issues, generate practical and academic insights, and contribute to the advancement of the international maritime community. Following the success of WMW 2024, the aim is to deliver a top-notch annual conference in the maritime field, producing practical and academic outputs through in-depth discussions of critical contemporary issues in the maritime field. …

Assessing Tidal Energy Potential In The Visayas: Viability Of The San Bernardino, San Juanico, And Cebu Straits, Justin Kyle O. Ricafort, King Harold A. Recto

Sustainability, Disaster Science and Energy

By laying the groundwork for sustainable tidal energy infrastructure, this study contributes to advancing the Philippines' renewable energy portfolio and supports the global transition to clean energy solutions. With the country's extensive coastline and rising energy demands, tidal energy presents a largely underutilized yet promising resource that can address both local and global energy challenges. Tidal energy is highly predictable, stable, and environmentally friendly, offering a reliable alternative to conventional energy sources like coal and natural gas, which are often subject to price volatility and environmental concerns. The study focuses on the Visayas region, a prime candidate for tidal energy …

Integrating Sustainability Into Aviation Training: Perspectives From Industry Professionals, Eva Maleviti, Sarah Talley

Publications

This paper is part of a broader research project aimed at identifying the most appropriate training materials, formats, and delivery methods for aviation sustainability content for future aviation professionals, starting from the early stages of their training. The current paper presents the data analysis and results of a short online survey targeting aviation professionals. Specifically, it provides preliminary data on sustainability perspectives from global aviation professionals. Through qualitative analysis, the creation of a baseline from a random sample of aviation professionals offers insight into their perspectives and how they could be influenced toward a more sustainable pathway. Additionally, the paper …

Integrated Valuation Of The Ecological, Social And Economic Benefits Provided By A Multifunctional Nature-Based Solution, Laura Costadone, Shan Zhang

ODU Articles

Nature-based Solutions (NbS) offer multifunctional approaches to address climate change and environmental challenges, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional gray infrastructure. Despite their promise, widespread adoption remains limited, in part due to an incomplete understanding of their full costs and benefits relative to conventional infrastructure. Traditional benefit–cost analyses often overlook non-monetized benefits and the interconnected ecosystem services provided by NbS. This study introduces a methodological approach to quantify both the physical and monetary value of ecosystem services and co-benefits delivered by an NbS project. We applied an integrated valuation framework to a case study in Virginia Beach, VA, USA, where …

In-Season Nitrogen Mmanagement: Leveraging Data Visualization For Precision Agriculture, Chathurika Harshani Narayana

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Effective nitrogen management is vital for sustainable agriculture, impacting both crop yield and environmental health. Traditional methods often use fixed application rates set before planting, which do not adapt to changing crop needs during the season. This can lead to over- or under-application, reducing efficiency and sustainability. While modern tools like sensors, satellites, and UAVs provide valuable real-time data on crop and field conditions, integrating and using this data to guide timely nitrogen decisions remains a major challenge. In-season nitrogen management offers a solution by allowing for dynamic adjustments to nitrogen applications, addressing crop needs as they arise. This approach …

The Pluralistic Natural Capital Values Of A Tropical City, Adrienne Grêt-Regamey, Justine Saunders, Peter Edwards, Daniel Richards, Jahson I. Alemu, Natasha Bhatia, Roman Carrasco, Zuzana Drillet, Tze Kwan Fung, Yan Feng Leon Gaw, Wanggi Jaung, Andrea Law, Rachel Ai Ting Leong, Aikeen Youu Ming Lim, Mahyar Masoudi, Yudhishthra Nathan, Rachel Rui Ying Oh, Wen Ting Ooi, Fairul Edros Ahmad Shaikh Shaikh, Xiao Ping Song, Claudia L.Y. Tan, Puay Yok Tan, Sergio Wicki, Lynn-Wei Wong, Yanyun Yan, Erik Yando, Alex Thiam Koon Yee, Jingyuan Zhang, Daniel A. Friess

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

Nature in cities is essential for human well-being. Quantifying and valuing the goods and services provided by nature to city dwellers is missing in tropical contexts. Yet, as cities worldwide face similar challenges, understanding the services provided by tropical urban ecosystems becomes imperative for effective management. Here, we present the first Natural Capital Assessment of a tropical city, unveiling three critical insights. Firstly, we demonstrate the vital reliance of a developed tropical city on nature, particularly for climate change mitigation through regulating services. Secondly, we identify intact natural areas as Singapore’s most valuable assets, stressing the significance of the quality …

Building Obsolescence: Key Factors Influencing Demolition Decisions For Commercial Buildings, Azlan Shah Ali, Zakaria Norhanim, Zulkifly Umi-Kalsum, Zaki Faiz

Research Publications (2021 to 2025)

Buildings, while primarily serving to provide shelter, can deteriorate over time without proper maintenance and planning, leading to obsolescence, a significant threat to their functionality. This study investigates the factors contributing to building obsolescence and how they influence the selection of adaption strategies, focusing on commercial buildings as a case study. Questionnaire data were gathered from 386 business owners and occupants of obsolete buildings in Klang Valley, Malaysia, to capture their perspectives on the issue. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) were employed to rank obsolescence factors and solution options on strategies on obsolescence factors. PCA results …

Food Rescue, Food Waste, And Policy In New York: A Mixed-Methods Study Of Food System Impacts, Mariana Torres Arroyo

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

This dissertation investigates how food donation policies in New York State influence the recovery, redistribution, and waste of surplus fresh produce, with a focus on fruits and vegetables. Using an interdisciplinary, systems-based approach that integrates system dynamics modeling with qualitative, community-engaged research, the study analyzes the effectiveness and unintended consequences of three major policies: Nourish New York, the Farm to Food Bank tax credit, and the Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling Law.

Chapter 2 uses simulation modeling to examine how the tax credit and waste ban affect produce recovery and redistribution. Results show that while both policies can boost …

Mechanisms And Influential Factors Of Rock Bursts In Tunneling Roadways Of Extra-Thick Coal Seams, Peng Yujie, Wang Qiang, Cao Anye, Xue Chengchun, Lyu Guowei, Hao Qi, Liu Yaoqi, Bai Xianxi, Li Dong

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Rock bursts occur frequently in tunneling roadways of extra-thick coal seams, significantly constraining safe coal mining. Investigating their mechanisms and influential factors is crucial to preventing and controlling such disasters in tunneling roadways of extra-thick coal seams. Methods Focusing on the tunneling roadway of mining face 250107-1 for an extra-thick coal seam within a coal mine in Gansu Province, this study established the discriminant indices for rock burst-induced roadway instability. By simulating the energy distribution patterns of surrounding rocks in the tunneling roadway using the FLAC^3D software, this study revealed the zonal energy characteristics of the surrounding rocks …

Coal Gasification Through Microbial Degradation In A Low-Pressure Co2 And H2 Environment: An Experimental Study, Jian Kuo, Fu Xuehai, Liu Mingjie, Liu Jian, Li Jin, Ru Zhongliang, Ji Xiaofeng, Wang Qiang

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective and Methods This study aims to investigate the characteristics of CO₂ biomethanation and coal gasification through microbial degradation in a low-pressure environment. With low-rank bituminous coals (R_max = 0.67%) as fermentable substrates, this study conducted a 96-day gas production experiment through microbial fermentation in a low-pressure CO₂ and H₂ environment. Using techniques including gas chromatography, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and low-temperature liquid nitrogen adsorption, this study delved into the intrinsic variation patterns of biogenic gas production, microbial communities, and coal structures. Results and Conclusions The results indicate that compared to conventional fermentation, the injection …

Application Of D-Insar In Monitoring The Impacts Of Shaft Grouting On Surface And Building Deformations, Liu Hui, Lu Rumeng, Su Lijuan, Cheng Shiguang, Zhang Pengfei, Cheng Hua

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective In coal mining engineering, damaged well walls pose a threat to the safety of production facilities and mines. Comprehensively monitoring the impacts of shaft grouting on the deformations of mine surface plants and surface buildings is critical for ensuring the safe production of mines. Methods This study investigated a coal mine in the mining area within northern Anhui Province. Using the 15 scenes of Sentinel-1A image data covering the coal mine and the differential interferometric synthetic aperture radar (D-InSAR) technology, this study comprehensively monitored the subsidence of mine surface plants and surface buildings before and after shaft grouting, obtaining …