Sustainability Commons^™

Technologies And Equipment For Efficient Drilling Rescue, Yao Ningping, Zou Zujie, Zhang Zhonghai, Zhao Jiyun, Hao Shijun, Fan Dong, Dou Bin

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective In China, mining operations are progressively extending to greater depths, with annual tunneling of mine roadways and tunnels nationwide reaching nearly 20000 km. In this context, mine (tunnel) accidents occur frequently, threatening the safety of state property and people’s lives. To meet the great demand for emergency rescue in mine (tunnel) accidents, drilling rescue, emerging as a hot topic, has been employed as an effective approach. Methods Techniques and equipment for efficient and safe drilling of surface and underground (tunnel) rescue boreholes were investigated by centering on two main roadmaps: (1) surface rescue equipment – forming techniques for search …

Understanding And Assessing Climate Change: Preparing For Nebraska’S Future, 2024 Climate Change Impact Assessment Report, Deborah J. Bathke, Eric Hunt, Heather Akin, Andrea D. Basche, Jesse E. Bell, Daniel R. Dileo, Ross Dixon, Martha Durr, Tonya Haigh, Francis John Hay, Kristina W. Kintziger, Nicholas A. Mcmillan, Hank Miller, Jerome Okojokwu-Idu, Crystal Powers, Tirthankar Roy, Zhenghong Tang, W. Ryan Wishart, Aaron R. Young, Sarah A. Sonsthagen, Jonathan J. Spurgeon

School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications

Contents

Report Team

Acknowledgments

Executive Summary

Introduction

Climate Change Contexts: Global, National, and State

Observed Changes in Nebraska's Climate

Projections of Nebraska's Future Climate

Water Systems

Energy

Ecosystems

Agriculture

Human Health

Communities and the Built Environment

Indigenous Peoples

Climate Justice and Equity

The Response of Faith Communities

Nebraskans' Perceptions of Climate Change

Next Steps and Future Work

Supplemental Report: Adaptation, Risks, and Impacts

About the Authors

Faith-based Communities Survey

Evaluated Plans and Assessments

References

Facilitating The Move Towards A Wellbeing Economy Through Supporting Infrastructure: A Review Of Frontrunner Countries, Henry Bartelet, Vincent De Gooyert

Quantitative Methods and Information Technology Faculty Publications

As more governments seek to shift beyond gross domestic product (GDP) as the dominant measure of progress, the concept of a “wellbeing economy” has gained traction. This approach prioritizes human and environmental wellbeing through broader, more holistic policy frameworks. A central question in this transition is what the implications of shifts to a wellbeing economy are for infrastructure investments. In this study, we identify four frontrunner governments, Bhutan, Scotland, New Zealand, and Wales, that have formally adopted wellbeing economy principles. We analyse how each operationalizes the concept and assess the resulting implications for infrastructure planning and investment. Despite shared goals, …

Assessing The Sustainable Circular Fashion Supply Chain As A Model For Achieving Economic Growth In The Global Market, Andrew P. Burnstine, Raouf Ghattas

Faculty and Staff Publications & Presentations

The fashion industry faces a critical sustainability crisis, contributing up to 10% of global carbon emissions and generating 92 million tons of textile waste annually. The study highlights the complex interplay of material flows, business models, power structures, and cultural mindsets, presenting a multi-scaled framework for advancing cleaner production and circularity in one of the world’s most resource-intensive sectors. This study proposes a transformative model for circular bioeconomy in fashion, integrating systems-change theory, degrowth economics, and emotional durability. Through case studies, including Patagonia, Eileen Fisher, and EU policy frameworks, the paper demonstrates how circular strategies can reduce waste, extend product …

Designing A Hybrid Renewable Energy System For The College Of Engineering And Computer Science At Arkansas State University, Partho Das Neer

Student Theses and Dissertations

The main objective of this thesis is to design and analyze the performance of a hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES) for the college of engineering and computer science at Arkansas State University. By implementing the framework as a micro-grid to supply the required power to the Lab Science West building of the college. The proposed model ensures energy reliability and cost reduction. The model consists of photovoltaic (PV) panels, wind turbines (WT), and batteries, whereas MATLAB software was used to design the system and the Electrical Transient Analyzer Program (ETAP) Software is utilized to analyze the effectiveness of the operation …

Procedures For Rangeland Condition Assessment In The Pilbara And Southern Rangelands 2025, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Natural resources published reports

This report defines the procedures used in 2025 by DPIRD to complete rangeland condition assessment (RCA) in the Pilbara and southern rangelands region which has predominantly shrub-based pastures. For the rest of the pastoral estate, DPIRD uses the Procedures for RCA in the Kimberley which has grass pastures.

RCA is the process DPIRD uses to make systematic, station-level assessment of rangeland. Rangeland condition considers both the condition of pastures (defined in the ‘Pasture condition guides for the Pilbara’ and ‘Pasture condition guides for the southern rangelands including the Gascoyne, Murchison and Goldfields-Nullarbor’) and soils as determined by erosion, using the …

Procedures For Rangeland Condition Assessment In The Kimberley 2025, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Natural resources published reports

This report defines the procedures used in 2025 by DPIRD to complete rangeland condition assessment (RCA) in the Kimberley region which has grass-based pastures. For the rest of the pastoral estate, DPIRD uses the Procedures for RCA in the Pilbara and southern rangelands which have predominantly shrub pastures.

RCA is the process DPIRD uses to make systematic, station-level assessment of rangeland. Rangeland condition considers both the condition of pastures (as defined in the 'Pasture condition guide for the Kimberley') and soils as determined by erosion, using the erosion assessment method on pastoral lands in Western Australia. The methods have evolved …

Advancing Social Sustainability In Operations And Supply Chain Management: A Multi-Theoretical Exploration Of Technology, Task Familiarity, And Sustainability Interactions, Satabdi Hazarika

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Social sustainability in operations and supply chain management (OSCM) centers on generating economic value through practices that safeguard people, communities, and broader societal systems impacted by the supply chain. While the importance of such practices is increasingly recognized, firms face persistent challenges in embedding social sustainability into formal management systems. This dissertation tackles three such challenges, with a particular focus on safety in trucking—a vital yet underexamined aspect from the lens of social sustainability. Safety performance in this context is influenced by the complexities of using advanced safety technologies, the demanding and solitary nature of truck driving, and the temporal …

Global Commons, Local Crises: The Ecological Embeddedness Of Global Production Networks, Christopher R. Whynacht

Graduate Doctoral Dissertations

Notions of Global Production Networks (GPNs) are popular approaches to studying the complex, dispersed, and socially embedded production of goods and services. Yet, these concepts have largely struggled with incorporating environmental resources, risks, and actors. My dissertation leverages insights from Actor-Network Theory (ANT) to contextualize ecological elements of production as coequal participants with social stakeholders. I describe how GPNs are ecologically embedded and nested within the natural environment. I draw from ANT to develop a GPN framework that internalizes ecological dimensions. The second chapter in this dissertation develops these ideas and provides theoretical framing for further empirical chapters. The third …

The Effect Of Group Counseling On Hope With Diverse Undergraduates During Sustainability-Focused Internship, Hailey Spinks, Michael D. Hannon, Matthew Murray, Nina M. Goodey, Lora Billings, Amy Tuininga

PSEG Institute for Sustainability Studies Publications

Many adolescents report feeling overwhelmed, depressed, anxious, and hopeless in the face of global climate change. These feelings are both valid and antithetical to the necessary hope and courage it takes to address real-world environmental crises and contribute to meaningful societal impact. The Green Teams Program, an internship-based experiential learning initiative, prepares young professionals with skills and knowledge needed to address these challenges and provides an intentionally inclusive and safe environment for students from all backgrounds to do so. This structured environment includes psychoeducational group counseling among other supports. Intern self-assessments revealed significant gains in measures of Hope, Agency, …

Assessing Solar Radiation Patterns In Sarawak Using Measured Data And The Hargreaves-Samani Model For Photovoltaic Systems Application, Chun Yong Soo, Xian Hwa Chan, Wan Mohamad Husni Wan Mokhtar, Ahmad Rujhan Mohd Rais

Makara Journal of Technology

This study evaluates the Hargreaves-Samani model for estimating solar radiation in five locations in Sarawak: Bintulu, Kapit, Sri Aman, Kuching, and Miri (Subis), using minimum and maximum temperatures as key inputs. Analysis reveals stable minimum temperatures (19.7 °C to 28.8 °C), supporting consistent solar radiation patterns favorable for Photovoltaic (PV) performance. Miri (Subis) recorded the highest daily maximum temperature of 44.8 °C, while Kuching had the lowest at 24.7 °C, highlighting significant regional climatic variability. Analysis also indicates strong solar potential in Bintulu, Kapit, Sri Aman, Kuching, and Miri, with radiation peaking at 7.5 kWh/m², though seasonal variations impact PV …

Anionic Azo Dyes: Wastewater Pollutants As Functionalizing Agents For Porous Polycarbonate Membranes Aiding In Water Decolorization, Alan Jarrett Messinger, Isabella S. Mays, Brennon Craigo, Jeffrey Joering, Sean P. Mcbride

Physics Faculty Research

Efficient water decolorization techniques are vital for ensuring fresh water for future generations. Azo dyes are used heavily in the textile industry and are a challenge to remove from industrial wastewater. This research expands on recent innovative work where anionic azo dyes themselves were used to functionalize track-etched porous polycarbonate filtration membranes with decolorized water obtained as a byproduct. The objective of this research is to determine whether the observed dye rejection is dependent on the magnitude of the intrinsic charge of the dye molecule or on its structure, using two selectively chosen anionic azo dye series during functionalization. The …

Mechanisms Behind The Cross And Fusion Of Gas Migration And Storage Zones Under The Influence Of The Mining Height Of Fully Mechanized Mining Faces, Zhao Pengxiang, Guo Xu, Wang Chao, Li Shugang, Zhuo Risheng, Chang Zechen, Lei Wen

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective The mining height of coal seams along fully mechanized mining faces significantly influences the formation and evolution of fractures in the overburden, as well as the characteristics of gas migration and storage zones. Investigating the influential patterns under varying mining heights will provide guidance for the arrangement of gas extraction boreholes, thus enhancing gas extraction efficiency. Methods This study investigated mining face 203 in the Tianchi Coal Mine in Heshun County, Shanxi Province. By integrating methods such as physical simulation experiments with similar materials, theoretical analysis, and engineering verification, this study systematically examined the developmental characteristics of fractures in …

Impacts Of Co2/Ch4/N2 Adsorption/Desorption On The Macromolecular Structure Of Anthracite: Insights From In Situ Raman Spectroscopy, Wang Tian, Pan Jienan, Li Meng, Wang Kai, Tang Zhuyun, Cheng Nannan, Hou Quanlin

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective and Methods The adsorption/desorption of coalbed methane (CBM) not only induces the macroscopic deformations of coals but also significantly alters their macromolecular structures, with different gases exhibiting greatly varying mechanisms and influence degrees. Utilizing an independently developed in situ laser Raman spectroscopy system, this study revealed the differential structural responses and mechanisms of anthracite under CO₂, CH₄, and N₂ injection. Results and Conclusion Experimental results indicate that gas injection led to notable blue shifts in the D₄, D, D₃, and G peaks characterizing the microcrystalline structures of coals. In contrast, …

Log-Based Identification Of Sedimentary Facies In Coal Measures In The Southern Wuxiang Block, Shanxi Province, China, Jin Yi, Tian Yunqing, Song Huibo, Hu Bin, Yu Zhenfeng

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective The Carboniferous and Permian coal-bearing strata in the southern Wuxiang block, Qinshui Basin, Shanxi Province, China contain abundant coalbed methane (CBM) resources. To develop intelligent discrimination technology for CBM exploration in this block, it is necessary to establish lithology discrimination criteria based on log data, reveal the response relationships between logging and sedimentary facies, and determine sedimentary patterns. Methods Using a comprehensive analysis of lithologies, sedimentary facies, and logging facies, this study systematically investigated the distributions of logging and sedimentary facies in the Shanxi and Taiyuan formations—the primary coal-bearing strata in the southern Wuxiang block. By comprehensively analyzing the …

Fractures And Their Macro-Mesoscopic Mechanical Evolution Pattern In Coals In The Benxi Formation, Ordos Basin, Zhu Boxu, Yang Xu, Li Gaoren, Li Gao, Feng Jiaxin

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective This study aims to determine the relationship between multi-scale fracture characteristics and the mechanical behavior of deep coals, thereby helping gain further insights into the mechanisms behind the macro-mesoscopic damage and failure of the coals and providing a scientific basis for the stability assessment and mechanical modeling of deep coalbed methane (CBM) reservoirs. To this end, it is necessary to examine the differences in the coals’ mechanical properties under varying scales. Methods This study conducted uniaxial and triaxial mechanical tests, nanoindentation experiments, and CT scanning of the No. 8 coal seam in the Benxi Formation within the Ordos Basin. …

Spatial Distribution Of Coalbed Methane Migration Pathways And Selection Of Optimal Target Areas For Coalbed Methane Extraction For Abandoned Mines, Liu Qinjie, Yang Youxing, Wu Benniu, Duan Minke, Deng Zhuoyue, Guo Chenye, Sun Qiang

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective and Methods The spatial distribution and long-term evolution of effective migration pathways determine the migration pathways of residual coalbed methane (CBM) in abandoned mines. Furthermore, they provide an important basis for selecting the optimal target areas for CBM extraction drilling in abandoned mines and maximizing extraction efficiency. This study investigated the first mining area at the first horizontal elevation of the Songzao Coal Mine in Chongqing. Using a comprehensive approach that integrated theoretical analysis, numerical simulations, and physical simulation experiments using similar materials, this study systematically examined the distribution patterns of effective CBM migration pathways in abandoned mines under …

Mechanisms Underlying Responses Of Pore Structures In Continental Oil Shale To Microwave Pyrolysis, Lyu Pengrui, Yuan Shihao, Geng Jishi, Li Delu, Zhang Huiyuan, Ge Zhenlong

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective and Methods Microwave pyrolysis technology holds great potential to achieve clean energy conversion and efficient energy utilization of oil shale resources. This study investigated oil shale in the Triassic Yanchang Formation, Ordos Basin. Through microwave pyrolysis experiments under different power values (600 W, 800 W, and 1000 W) conducted using a microwave equipment monitoring system, this study tested the gas products generated during pyrolysis. Using the nitrogen adsorption method, this study compared and analyzed the pore structure characteristics between the original oil shale and samples after microwave heating under different power values. Additionally, the mechanisms behind damage to oil …

Spatiotemporal Evolution Pattern Of The Inertial Horizontal Displacement Of Mining Overburden And A Surface Prediction Model Considering Inertial Horizontal Displacement, Chen Yuanfei, Wang Lei

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Substantial measured data indicate that the along-strike horizontal displacement of the surface tends to be nonzero in the central part of the mining-affected zone. This phenomenon deviates from traditional understanding, leading to systematic deviations in the predicted results of the traditional prediction model for horizontal displacement. Methods This study investigated mining face 1414 of the Guqiao Coal Mine in the Huainan mining area, Anhui Province. Using measured data and numerical simulation methods, this study explored the spatiotemporal evolution of the horizontal displacement within the mining overburden and of the surface. Then, it analyzed the sources, patterns, and distribution characteristics …

Deterioration And Instability Mechanisms Of Water-Rich And Weakly Cemented Open-Pit Slopes, Wang Ming, Wu Zhang, Xu Changyou, Zhao Fu, Meng Xiangchun, Shi Bin, Liu Jingyu, Xu Yongchao, Wang Jingwei, Zhao Lichun

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background During the mining of an open-pit mine, denudated layers contain loose Neogene and Quaternary aeolian, alluvial, and diluvial deposits, facilitating water storage and conduction. This is prone to cause slope degradation and instability, severely threatening mining safety. Methods Based on results from field surveys and laboratory experiments, this study systematically analyzed the impacts of groundwater on the weak layer along a slope of an open-pit mine in the Huolinhe Coalfield, Inner Mongolia, focusing on its softening effect on mudstones. By establishing a mechanical model for unconsolidated strata, this study derived an equation for calculating the seepage force in the …

3d Advanced Geological Prediction Based On Reflected Seismic Waves And Its Application Effects, Cai Sheng

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective For the advance geological prediction of tunnels based on reflected seismic waves, the traditional 2D observation method tends to cause spatial positioning deviations of anomalies. To overcome this limitation, this study developed a 3D seismic wave-based advance geological prediction method according to the actual geometries of tunnels. Methods Using the technical path consisting of theoretical analysis, numerical simulation, and engineering verification, this study solved key technical challenges including 3D wavefield reconstruction, spatial modeling, and migration imaging in the 3D detection system. Based on the principle of geometric seismology, this study demonstrated the enhancement effects of 3D observation on the …

A Time Series Forecasting Model Integrating Spatial Features For Inter-Borehole Resistivity And Its Application, Wang Jianghong, Liu Shuo, Wang Gang, Xue Wuqiang, Li Bofan

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Mine resistivity prediction serves as a core technique for water hazards monitoring in coal mines. However, due to sparse monitoring points and insufficient spatial resolution, conventional prediction approaches fail to capture dynamic resistivity variations under complex geological conditions.Objective and Methods To address this challenge, this study developed a deep learning-based time series forecasting model integrating spatial features for inter-borehole resistivity. Using a prediction framework constructed based on long short-term memory (LSTM) and critical spatial monitoring points selected through Pearson correlation analysis, this model (also referred to as the LSTM model) enabled high-precision prediction of resistivity in unknown areas. …

Parameter Characteristics And Rock-Breaking Mechanisms Of Horizontal Drilling Of Underground Collapsed Bodies In Coal Mines, Yao Ningping, Dou Xuqian, Han Zhaoyang, Zhang Guohua, Sun Yuchen, Li Hao, Wang Li

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective With continuously increasing coal mining depth, the risks of hazards such as roof collapse and personnel entrapment caused by high in situ stress and mining-induced pressure have significantly intensified. Drilling emerges as a key means of rapidly establishing rescue passageways. However, the drilling process tends to face multiple challenges, including complex geological structures, unstable collapsed bodies, and low drilling efficiency. Methods This study aims to reveal the rock-breaking mechanisms during the drilling of collapsed bodies, optimize drilling parameters to ensure reliable borehole formation, and achieve efficient drilling of collapsed bodies. To this end, this study developed a large-scale experimental …

A Design Method For Timeliness Optimization Of The Round-Trip Actuating Mechanisms Of Rescue Vehicle-Mounted Drilling Rigs, Cao Chao, Mao Bingquan, Zhang Zhonghai, Chang Renqi, Zhao Jiyun, Han Jing, Huang Di

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective In the field of mine accident rescue, creating vertical rescue channels through surface drilling operations using a rescue vehicle-mounted drilling rig (RVMDR) proves the most effective. However, the limitation of the vehicle’s load capacity necessitates balancing the driving speeds and stability of the round-trip actuating mechanisms. Furthermore, establishing an optimization design and configuration system of parameters to maximize the operational capacities of these actuating mechanisms plays a key role in ensuring rescue efficiency. Methods By establishing a multiple spatiotemporal planning model for the round-trip actuating mechanisms of the RVMDR, this study determined the value ranges and design processes of …

Well Spacing Optimization Technology For Coalbed Methane Horizontal Wells, Wang Yuting, Yang Yanhui, Zhang Cong, Wang Xiuwei, Liu Zhong, Chen Jiale, Dong Qing, Sun Tao, Zhang Wuchang, Li Kexin, Wang Qi

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Well spacing design directly affects the resource utilization and exploitation benefits of blocks. Rational well spacing design plays a significant role in the commercial exploitation of coalbed methane (CBM) fields. Since the beginning of China’s 14th Five-Year Plan, blocks for CBM production in the southern Qinshui Basin have experienced a gradual increase in burial depth, a progressive decline in permeability, and a constant update of primary exploitation technology. Consequently, traditional well spacings fail to meet the requirements for field CBM exploitation any longer. Methods This study investigated the western Qinnan – eastern Mabi block by combining numerical simulations with …

Geochemical Characteristics And Genesis Of Element Enrichment Of Niobium-Rich-Rare Earth Metal Layer In Longtan Formation Of Zhina Coalfield, Ding Yunlong, Wang Fangfa, Li Bi, Tang Lifang, Yang Yi, Li Shangyuan, Wang Xiaofang, Zou Yinhong, Wang Yang

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background With the increasing demand for strategic metals and the gradual depletion of traditional metal deposit resources, coal and coal-bearing rock series are considered to be potential sources of rare metals, and coal series associated has become one of the main directions of current mineral exploration. A set of coal measure strata rich in niobium (Nb) and rare earth elements (REE) has been found in Zhina coalfield, western Guizhou and the contents of Nb and REE are as high as 334.89 μg/g and 1014.51 μg/g, respectively. This discovery is of great significance to the theoretical study of coal measure metal …

Advances In Research On The Activation And Recovery Of Strategic And Critical Valuable Metals From Coal Fly Ash, Wang Yuhao, Dong Zhongbing

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Coal fly ash, a bulk solid waste byproduct from coal-fired power generation, has a global annual output exceeding 0.75 billion tons. Its disordered piling poses severe environmental risks, such as the generation of heavy metal leachate and PM_2.5 emissions. However, coal fly ash is rich in aluminum (Al 100‒200 mg/g), gallium (Ga 10‒300 μg/g), lithium (Li 1 300‒3 700 μg/g), and rare earth elements (REEs 200‒800 μg/g), establishing it as a potential alternative resource of strategic metals. Methods By analyzing the current domestic and international technologies for metal recovery from coal fly ash, this study expatiates on the …

Hybrid Differentiator-Based Method For Estimating The Drilling Speed Of A Vehicle-Mounted Drilling Rig During Surface Drilling For Mine Rescue, Wang Yunfei, Zhao Jiyun, Hu Yongjie, Zhang Zongyang, Pan Xiaochen

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Vehicle-mounted drilling rigs (VMDRs), key devices in surface drilling for mine rescue, directly connect the ground and underground disaster-hit areas through vertical drilling, thereby creating rescue channels for trapped people. In this case, the drilling speed of VMDRs serves as an important indicator for evaluating surface drilling operations. However, directly determining the drilling speed is challenging due to the limitations of position sensors. Methods This study developed an estimation method based on a new hybrid differentiator (NHD), allowing the drilling speed to be calculated using measurable displacement signals. First, a continuous switching function was devised, and its convergence characteristics …

Methodology And Integration For Dynamic Safety Assessment And Early Warning Of Drilling Sites For Emergency Rescue After Underground Space Collapse, Xie Zhongzhi, Zhang Guohua, Wei Xingtong, Zhang Ning, Wang Xiaotian, Ni Xiaoyang, Zhou Zhengwen, Wang Xianze

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective IGiven the lack of methods for dynamic safety assessment related to disasters in drilling site environments for emergency rescue after underground space collapse, this study proposed a multisource data-driven methodology for dynamic safety assessment and real-time early warning. Methods By comprehensively considering the disaster-inducing environment and disaster-causing factors at drilling sites for emergency rescue, this study established the safety assessment indices of the environment and their grading system. By integrating multi-source data on surrounding rock deformation, gas concentration, and drilling rig vibration, this study developed a safety assessment method through combination weighting achieved using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) …

Digital Rock Modeling And Elastic Simulations Of Fractured-Vuggy Carbonate Reservoirs, Zhu Wei, Zhao Luanxiao, Wang Yirong

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective The Tarim Basin exhibits extensively distributed deep fractured-vuggy carbonate reservoirs. Therefore, determining the seismic and petrophysical characteristics of carbonate reservoirs with a fracture and vug system will provide significant guidance for the exploration, discovery, drilling, and exploitation of favorable reservoirs in the basin. Variations in the filling state of dissolution fractures and vugs will lead to significantly different elastic and attenuation characteristics of the reservoirs. Methods Based on geological insights into the geometric structural and filling characteristics of the dissolution fracture-vug system in the outcrop sections of carbonate strata in the Tarim Basin, this study proposed a digital rock …