Sustainability Commons^™

Solving A Multi-Stage Mine Sequencing Model Encompassing Excavator Allocation Through Constraint Programming In A Bauxite Strip Mining Operation, Jorge Luiz Valença Mariz, Marcel Antonio Arcari Bassani, Rodrigo De Lemos Peroni, Octávio R. A. Guimarães, Flávio H. Tavares

Journal of Sustainable Mining

Sedimentary mineral deposits are generally tabular and sub-horizontal, composed of one or multiple well-defined seams, arranged over large extensions, and when close to the surface, they are mined by surface mining methods. These geometric characteristics make it suitable for the application of the strip mining method as an alternative to the traditional open-pit mining method, which allows the reduction of the truck haulage fleet and the costs associated with waste disposal. Consequently, it reduces the greenhouse gas emissions and carbon footprint associated with excavation and transportation processes. This article presents a two-stage mathematical model based on Integer Linear Programming to …

The Sustainability Stones: Culturally Embedded Conservation Strategies And Their Vulnerability In Maupiti, French Polynesia, Russell Fielding, Fiona Gimenez

Honors College Faculty Publications

This paper explores culturally embedded conservation strategies through the lens of the traditional agroforestry and fisheries cycles in Maupiti, French Polynesia. By pairing certain breadfruit cultivars with specific fish species, the island’s community created a culinary system that regulates the seasonal consumption of marine resources, making the sustainable use of those resources more likely. While modern pressures such as reduced breadfruit diversity, competition with imported foods, and climate change have weakened these traditional practices, they remain an example of local ecological knowledge guiding conservation. The study highlights the threat of losing sustainable resource-use practices and biodiversity as both biodiversity and …

Indigenous Futures: Decolonizing Conservation And Restoring Ecological Sovereignty, Jasmine Beach

University Honors Theses

This study examines how members of Indigenous-led conservation organizations perceive the ecological and social implications of colonial conservation ideologies in the context of contemporary grassroots strategies. By analyzing the ongoing impact of conservation frameworks in Kenya, this research highlights the role of Indigenous-led initiatives in advancing sustainable, community-driven alternatives. Using a Two-Eyed Seeing approach, which integrates Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) with Western scientific methods, the study employs qualitative, semi-structured interviews with leaders from Zawadisha, KENVO, Wildlife Works, and CER-Kenya. Findings indicate that these organizations, particularly those led by women, actively restore biodiversity, enhance climate resilience, and challenge exclusionary conservation policies. …

Challenges In Artisanal Small-Scale Gold Mining: Perspectives And Transformations To Sustainability Along Br-163 In Brazil, Carlos Henrique Xavier Araujo, Irfan Ullah, Giorgio De Tomi

Journal of Sustainable Mining

Artisanal Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM) is a sector beset with unique and complex challenges. Recent literature highlights the growing acknowledgment of the critical need for reforms in how the ASGM industry interacts with communities and the environment. Discussions about sustainable transformations go beyond theoretical and conceptual borders, attempting to understand how local transformative events might reflect global developments. Thus, the goal of this article is to give an analysis from the perspective of the actors participating in artisanal gold mining activities. A survey was carried out along BR-163, which runs from Sinop (Mato Grosso) to Santarém (Pará). Fifty-five (55) interviews …

Transcriptional Profiles Reveal Physiological Mechanisms For Compensation During A Simulated Marine Heatwave In Yellowtail Kingfish (Seriola Lalandi), Sharon E. Hook, Ryan J. Farr, Jenny Su, Alistair J. Hobday, Catherine Wingate, Lindsey Woolley, Luke Pilmer

Fisheries Research Articles

Background

Changing ocean temperatures are already causing declines in populations of marine organisms. Predicting the capacity of organisms to adjust to the pressures posed by climate change is a topic of much current research effort, particularly for species we farm or harvest. To explore one measure of phenotypic plasticity, the physiological compensations in response to heat stress as might be experienced in a marine heatwave, we exposed Yellowtail Kingfish (Seriola lalandi) to sublethal heat stress, and used the transcriptome in gill and muscle, benchmarked against heat shock proteins and oxidative stress indicators, to characterise the acute heat stress …

Fostering & Understanding Diversity Within The Ant Microbiome & Research Group, Manuela O. Ramalho

Sustainability Research & Practice Seminar Presentations

Dr. Manu Ramalho of the Biology Department presents: Fostering and understanding diversity: within the ant microbiome and our research group.

Magnetic And Optical Properties Of Airborne Dust Particles Nearby Coal-Fired Power Plants In Upper Silesia, Poland: A Mineralogical, Petrographical And Chemical Approach, Chrysoula Chrysakopoulou, Konstantinos Perleros, Małgorzata Wojtaszek-Kalaitzidi, Lambrini Papadopoulou, Nikolaos Kantiranis, Stavros Kalaitzidis

Journal of Sustainable Mining

Coal mining and exploitation pose certain challenges in terms of environmental management. The objective of this research is the study of airborne dust from Knurow region, Southern Poland, aiming to identify the level and the features of anthropogenic particles, mostly in the form of fly ash. Two samples collected from a domestic gutter system were analysed regarding their mineralogical, chemical and petrographical features, emphasizing the magnetic fraction and the carbonized organic particles. The airborne dust contains 22 wt.% of fossil and fresh organic matter, whereas the major mineralogical phase is magnetite. The magnetic fraction (up to 3 wt.%) appears in …

The Role Of Artificial Intelligence In Transforming Physical And Online Fashion Retail: Enhancing Experiences, Driving Sustainability, And Fostering Innovation, Andrew Burnstine

Faculty and Staff Publications & Presentations

This study explores the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in revolutionizing the fashion industry, with a focus on enhancing consumer experiences, promoting sustainability, and driving innovation in retail. It examines AI applications in personalized recommendations, virtual try-ons, and supply chain optimization, while also addressing societal implications. Sustainability is a central theme, highlighting how AI minimizes overproduction, enables circular fashion, and encourages conscious consumerism. Case studies, such as Nike’s AI-powered retail stores and Lynn University’s Surreal Fashion Show, demonstrate practical applications and innovations during the COVID-19 pandemic. This research synthesizes insights from reports by The Business of Fashion and McKinsey …

Urban Heat Dynamics In Pune: The Influence Of Land Cover And Local Climate, Arpit Tiwari, Preethi Nanjundan, Ravi Ranjan Kumar, Ananya Karmakar, Satyaban Bishoyi Ratna

Northeast Journal of Complex Systems (NEJCS)

Urban areas with high population density and extensive infrastructure development have been experiencing an increasing strain on the local heat budget, leading to a surge in heat-related illnesses and discomfort. This study examined the impact of climate and land use as heat islands in Pune, India, from 2012 to 2023 at six different locations representing varying degree of urbanization. Satellite land cover observations revealed that 55.17% of the total area was urbanized in the city itself, which was limited to 44.8% in 2012. This urbanization has significantly impacted the increasing tendency of maximum temperature (T_max; 0.13℃ to 1.63℃ …

Prediction Of Unit Haulage Cost In An Underground Mine Using Machine Learning Techniques, Marco Cotrina, Jairo Marquina, Junior Polo

Journal of Sustainable Mining

The primary objective of the research was to apply machine learning techniques to forecast the unit costs of ore hauling in an underground mine. The methodology employed was quantitative, with a non-experimental and descriptive design. Haulage data were collected over a 12-month period. Furthermore, an exploratory data analysis (EDA) was conducted using various models, including ANN-MLP (Artificial Neural Network – Multilayer Perceptron), Random Forests, Extreme Gradient Boosting, Support Vector Regression, Decision Tree, KNN, and Bayesian Regression, to handle the data’s complexity. The data were split into 80% for training, 10% for testing, and 10% for validation. The results indicated that …

Refining Chlorosulfonation Methods For The Synthesis Of A Perfluoroalkyl Arylsulfonimide (Pfsi) Monomer, Ainsley P. Foster, Ben Varney, Hua Mei

SPARK Symposium Presentations

Proton-exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells are sources of energy that are clean, quiet, and highly responsive to changes in power needs, making them promising for use in automobiles and other portable power devices. The electrolyte of a PEM cell–the layer responsible for conductivity–is a polymer membrane, commonly consisting of perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acid (PFSA) polymers. In place of the PFSA polymers, perfluoroalkyl arylsulfonimide (PFSI) polymers are expected to improve the efficiency of PEM fuel cells with better stability and proton conductivity. The trifluovinylether (TFVE) aryl perfluorosulfonamide monomer is a new PFSI monomer proposed to fulfill these benefits once polymerized. The previous …

Mind The Green Skills Gap, Panchali Guha

Asian Management Insights

The need to build tomorrow’s sustainable green economy today. Climate change and the shift towards a net zero economy pose significant risks to jobs globally unless workers are equipped with green skills and competencies. There is already a green skills gap in the labour market that will only widen over time if it is not addressed. Comprehensive and coordinated policies must be developed to define and measure green jobs and skills, enhance educational offerings, and provide support for workers and employers during the transition.

Environmental Justice And Ecology In Social Work Education: Emerging Trends Among Faculty., Keri Otte

Doctor of Social Work Capstone Projects

March 31, 2025

This paper presents a study of how social work educators in the U.S. are integrating environmental justice and ecological content into social work coursework and /or curriculum. Current literature in this area suggests that educators should be incorporating deep ecology philosophy, using experiential learning techniques, and moving away from anthropocentrism towards ecocentrism. Ten semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather data on pedagogical approaches, educator knowledge and previous training, and barriers to content integration. The interviews took place virtually with social work educators from five geographical areas in the United States. The findings illustrate the importance of transformative …

Too Much Of A Good Thing: Lessons From Compromised Rootworm Bt Maize In The Us Corn Belt, Ziwei Ye, Christina Difonzo, David A. Hennessy, Jinhua Zhao, Felicia Wu, Shawn P. Conley, Aaron J. Gassmann, Erin W. Hodgson, Bryan Jensen, Janet J. Knodel, Bradley Mcmanus, Lance J. Meinke, Andrew Michel, Bruce Potter, Nicholas J. Seiter, Jocelyn L. Smith, Joseph L. Spencer, Kelley J. Tilmon, Robert J. Wright, Christian H. Krupke

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

Widespread use of genetically engineered maize targeting the corn rootworm complex (Diabrotica species) has raised concerns about insect resistance. Twelve years of university field trial and farm survey data from ten United States Corn Belt states indicate that maize hybrids expressing toxins derived from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt maize) exhibited declining protection from rootworm feeding with increased planting while pest pressures simultaneously decreased. The analysis revealed a tendency to overplant Bt maize, leading to substantial economic losses; this was particularly striking in eastern Corn Belt states. Our findings highlight the need to go beyond the “tragedy of the …

Investigation Of Methane Content And Sorption Properties Of Lignite Deposits, Marcin Karbownik

Journal of Sustainable Mining

Methane is one of the main greenhouse gases (GHG) affecting climate change, and proper quantification of the amount of its emissions to the atmosphere is crucial. The basic parameter for determining the potential amounts of naturally occurring methane in coal for both hard coal and lignite is the methane content. Determination of the methane content of lignite for open-pit mines is not commonly used and required as there is no possibility of its accumulation in the mine workings, as is the case for underground hard coal mines. In this article, two research areas for open-pit lignite mines were analyzed in …

Safety Distances For Fires In Underground Hard Rock Mines, Rickard Hansen

Journal of Sustainable Mining

Preventing the ignition of combustibles in an underground mine will be one of the decisive actions affecting the risk to mining personnel during a fire. This study focuses on the application of safety distances in underground hard rock mines, where a safety distance will ensure that the incipient heat flux upon the fuel surface will not be sufficient for ignition. No earlier study has been conducted on safety distances in underground mines, and where data from earlier fire experiments and studies were applied. Safety distances were calculated using empirical expressions, accounting for influencing parameters. It was found that safety distances …

Relationship Between Continental Chemical Weathering Trends In The North China Basin And The High-Latitude Glacial Cycles From The Late Carboniferous To The Early Permian, Ling Ziyu, Yang Minfang, Wang Lei, Wang Ye, Zhang Peixin, Liu Haoqing, Shao Longyi, Lu Jing

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective and Methods The Late Paleozoic Ice Age (LPIA; ca. 360‒254 Ma), the only period recording the transition from icehouse to greenhouse conditions throughout the geological history, can provide a deep-time perspective for glacier-environment-climate coevolution and future climate change. To gain a deep understanding of the potential relationship between the continental chemical weathering trends in low-latitude regions and the glacial cycles in the high-latitude Gondwana region from the Late Carboniferous to the Early Permian, this study investigated the mudstones of the Benxi-Taiyuan formations, Liujiang coalfield, North China Basin. Using multiple chemical weathering indices such as chemical index of alteration (CIA), …

Anisotropy In Non-Darcy Flow In Individual Rough-Walled Rock Fractures, Zhu Yinbin, Liao Zhen, Li Changdong, Liu Hongbin, Jiang Xihui

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Investigating the flow behavior of fluids in individual rough-walled rock fractures is fundamental for fully understanding the seepage characteristics of fluids in rock fracture networks. Methods Rock fractures were artificially synthesized based on the fractal theory, and numerical simulations of seepage along these fractures were performed using the COMSOL Multiphysics software. Then, fracture specimens with the same geometric characteristics as numerical models of fractures were prepared using 3D printing technology. In combination with the self-designed equipment for seepage experiments, this study conducted seepage experiments on these fracture specimens under different injection flow rates to investigate the impacts of varying …

Distributed Optical Fiber Acoustic Sensing-Based Optimization Of Microseismic Source Localization In The Hydraulic Fracturing For Coalbed Methane Production, Hua Hao, Cheng Bingjie, Xu Tianji, Yan Zhenqian, Gao Bo, He Cheng

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective To achieve safe and efficient hydraulic fracturing, it is necessary to conduct timely and accurate microseismic monitoring in the reservoir stimulation process. The purpose is to analyze and assess the fracturing effects. Methods Using a permanently deployed fiber-optic cable outside the casing of a coalbed methane (CBM) well, this study employed distributed optical fiber acoustic sensing (DAS)for full-borehole, wide-azimuth, and high-density real-time monitoring of microseismic events induced by the hydraulic fracturing of coal seams. Furthermore, this study proposed a novel method for localizing microseismic sources based on information about wave travel time and a source-constrained mapping algorithm. First, effective …

A Model Predictive Control Method For Directional Borehole Trajectories In Underground Coal Mines, Li Hao, Yao Ningping, Lu Chengda, Zhang Jinbao, Wei Hongchao, Wu Jiajun, Li Jinyu

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective It is challenging to control the borehole trajectories during directional drilling in complex strata in underground coal mines, resulting in significant deviations from the designed trajectories. Given this, this study proposed a method for tracking and controlling directional borehole trajectories based on model predictive control (MPC). Methods Focusing on the directional drilling process conducted using a screw drill, this study investigated the movement patterns of the directional screw drill by analyzing the characteristics of directional drilling in complex strata in underground coal mines. Based on the kinematic theory, this study developed a borehole trajectory extension model for sliding directional …

Analyzing In-Situ Stress Response Characteristics Of Coals Based On Optimized Measurement-While-Drilling Parameters, Zhang Kun, Wang Ke, Ren Jianxi, Feng Shangxin, Chang Pengbo, Zhao Yutao, Miao Yanping, Hu Jian

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background The spatial distribution of stress in coals in underground coal mines is a significant factor influencing the safe production of mines and the optimization of mining processes. The quantitative, advanced prediction of in-situ stress in coals is significant for the precise regulation of the underground stress field and the classification of areas with rock burst risks. Methods Using the self-developed monitoring-while-drilling system, this study conducted indoor coal drilling experiments under different drilling conditions and explored the laws of effects of drilling conditions on drilling parameters (e.g., torque and drilling displacement) under varying stresses. Furthermore, this study developed a method …

Design And Simulations Of A Balancing Device With A Hydraulic Circuit For A Fully Hydraulic Top Drive Drilling System For A Drilling Rig Capable Of 10 000-M-Deep Drilling, Luo Chaochun, Wang Qingyan, Fan Liming, Li Haoxuan, Zhong Weiling, Guo Naiming

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective The balancing device for a fully hydraulic top drive drilling system (TDDS), an important part of a drilling rig capable of 10000-m-deep drilling, is designed to dynamically and accurately regulate the axial load in the screwing and unscrewing processes. This helps protect the threads of drill rod connectors from damage, thereby ensuring the stability and safety of drilling operations. Methods This study designed a balancing device with a hydraulic circuit for the SP.TD-01A fully hydraulic TDDS, aiming to achieve the balancing and bouncing functions required during the application of the TDDS. First, this study determined the structure and principal …

Table Of Contents, The Editors

Coal Geology & Exploration

No abstract provided.

Sedimentary Characteristics Of Coals In Meandering River And Braided River Facies And During Their Transitions: A Case Study The Walloon Subgroup In The F8 Block In The Surat Basin, Australia, Cui Zehong, Zhao Yibo, Li Zhihua, Li Shengli, Li Weiru

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Australia is recognized as the fourth largest producer and the second largest exporter of coals in the world. The Bowen-Surat Basin is the largest coal producing basin in this country. The Surat Basin exhibits coal-bearing layers of the Middle Jurassic Walloon Subgroup. This subgroup features a sedimentary environment of fluvial facies, necessitating clarifying the differential sedimentary characteristics and patterns of coal seams in braided river and meandering river facies and during their transitions. Methods Using comprehensive geological analysis methods, as well as seismic data, logs, and core data, this study established the sedimentary pattern of the study area. Using …

Geological-Engineering Integrated Reconnaissance Survey Technology For Skylights As A Hidden Disaster-Causing Factor, Dong Mintao

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Skylights represent a primary hidden disaster factor in mines in the southern Yushen mining area within the Shanbei Jurassic coalfield, Shaanxi Province. Since they are hidden and difficult to detect, their distribution in the mining area remains unclear, posing pronounced safety hazards. This necessitates developing effective technical means to overcome challenges in the spatial exploration of skylights and ensure mine safety. Methods Focusing on a typical mine in the Yushen mining area as an example, this study explored the spatial distribution characteristics and types of skylights in the study area using the geological-engineering integrated reconnaissance survey technology that combines …

Characteristics And Prediction Methods Of Coal Spontaneous Combustion For Deep Coal Mining In The Ximeng Mining Area, Ma Li, Gao Wenbo, Tuo Longlong, Zhang Pengyu, Zheng Zhou, Guo Ruizhi

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective The mining of deep coal seams in the Ximeng mining area within the Ordos Basin is subjected to complex environmental conditions like high in-situ stress, large water inflow, and severe air leakage, which lead to the encountered with elevated risks and difficult prediction of coal spontaneous combustion and posing challenges in predicting spontaneous combustion. Methods Coal samples from the Yingpanhao and Shilawusu coal mines in the Ximeng mining area were selected for temperature-programmed spontaneous combustion experiments to determine the characteristic parameters of coal spontaneous combustion under different moisture contents and sulfur mass fractions. Based on these parameters, as well …

Geological Condition Assessment And Selection Of Optimal Favorable Areas For Deep Underground Coal Gasification In The Yanchuannan Block, Li Xin, Chen Zhenlong, Guo Tao, Gao Xiaokang, Xiao Cui, Jin Xiaobo, Wu Caifang, Wang Fangfang

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective and Methods Geological condition assessment for underground coal gasification (UCG) allows for considerably reducing the risk of UCG projects, while scientific siting serves as a prerequisite for the success of UCG projects. To achieve the geological condition assessment for deep UCG and the selection of optimal favorable areas in the Yanchuannan block, this study quantified the indices of coal quality, coal seam occurrence, surrounding rocks, hydrogeology, and structures in the No.2 coal seam in the study area. Employing the technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution (TOPSIS) method, this study performed mathematical assessments and grading of …

A Method For Intelligent Information Extraction Of Coal Fractures Based On Μct And Deep Learning, Hu Zhazha, Zhang Xun, Jin Yi, Gong Linxian, Huang Wenhui, Ren Jianji, Norbert Klitzsch

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective The fine-scale characterization of fractures in coal reservoirs is significant for the exploration and exploitation of coalbed methane (CBM) resources. Given that the size, orientation, and density of fractures directly affect the permeability of coal seams, the accurate information identification and extraction of fractures in coal seams plays a key role in revealing the formation and propagation mechanisms of fracture networks during reservoir volume fracturing. Conventional methods for fracture information extraction typically rely on manual labeling and feature extraction based on image processing techniques, exhibiting significantly limited accuracy and efficiency. Methods This study proposed a method for fracture information …

Theories, Technologies, And Prospects For The Utilization Of Deep Underground Storage Space, Wei Hengfei, Fang Jie, Shi Junjie, Li Qiuyuan, Yu Beibei, Chen Jing

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background The world's energy utilization has shifted from high-carbon, high-polluting, non-renewable energy to low-carbon, clean, renewable energy. In this process, the utilization of low-carbon, clean energy typified by natural gas, wind power, solar energy, and hydrogen energy needs to be coupled with deep underground storage space (DUSS) to offset their regional constraints and instability. Additionally, low- and zero-carbon technologies like carbon dioxide (CO₂) geological storage also rely on DUSS. Therefore, investigating the theories, technologies, and prospects of DUSS utilization under the low-carbon background will provide significant guidance for efficient DUSS utilization in China. Methods Based on the investigation …

Factors Influencing The Production Of Coalbed Methane From Deep Reservoirs, Wang Zhenzhi, Fu Xuehai, Pan Jienan, Jin Yi, Wang Haichao

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective The production characteristics of coalbed methane (CBM) from deep reservoirs differ significantly from those of CBM from shallow reservoirs. Key challenges in deep CBM production include maintaining reservoir permeability or minimizing permeability loss, enhancing CBM (CH₄) desorption efficiency, and accurately predicting the laws of CH₄ diffusion. There is an urgent need to overcome these challenges through technological innovation and theoretical research. Methods This study systematically analyzed the advances in domestic and international research on coal reservoir permeability, CBM desorption, and CBM diffusion. By integrating the classification of production stages of deep coal reservoirs with the dominant …