Sustainability Commons^™

Historical Overview, Advancements, And Future Prospects Of Coalfield Structure Research In China, Cao Daiyong, Ju Yiwen, Xia Yucheng, Jiang Bo, Ning Shuzheng, Wei Yingchun, Wang Anmin, Li Xiaoming, Zhan Wenfeng, Li Huantong, Wang Lu, Cai Zhuocheng

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Coalfield structures represent a basic aspect of coalfield geology. In China, research into this domain has a history of over a century, yielding numerous results after undergoing exploration, learning, and innovation. These results have played a positive role in the long-term, stable coal supply in China. Amidst the ongoing energy structure optimization and the transformation and upgrading of coalfield geology in China, it is both practically and historically significant to review the history of coalfield structure research, summarize relevant experience, and contemplate future directions of the research under emerging circumstances.Methods Based on literature analysis, as well as the …

Classification-Based Point Cloud Denoising And 3d Reconstruction Of Roadways, Chen Denghong, Pang Ning, Nie Wen, Feng Juqiang, Kan Jiliang, Zhang Jinjing

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective The point cloud denoising and 3D reconstruction of roadways serve as a key step in the digital modeling and analysis of roadways. However, the conventional algorithm based on single filtering fails to effectively remove the noise at varying scales from point clouds. Meanwhile, the existing 3D reconstruction algorithms suffer from low modeling accuracy and high susceptibility to distortion. These necessitate developing methods and technologies to obtain high-quality point cloud data and construct high-accuracy 3D models for roadways. Methods This study proposed an adaptive classification-based point cloud denoising algorithm using neighborhood radius (R), minimum neighborhood point number ( …

Characteristics And Control Modes Of Geothermal Fields In Deep Coal Reservoirs In The Linxing-Shenfu Block, Xu Lifu, Bai Yuhu, Xu Bingxiang, Hu Weiqiang, Chen Jianqi, Li Yong

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Geothermal fields serve as a crucial geological condition controlling the phases and seepage of deep coalbed methane (CBM). Investigating geothermal fields facilitates the assessment and efficient development of deep CBM resources.Methods This study explored the Nos. 8 and 9 coal seams in the Linxing-Shenfu block using data from drilling, well logging, well tests, and experiments. Specifically, this study summarized the regional distribution patterns of geothermal fields in deep coal reservoirs in the block, analyzed the impacts of the geothermal fields on the gas-bearing and physical properties of the reservoirs, and revealed the controlling factors and mechanisms of the …

Dynamic Evolutionary Patterns Of High-Temperature Steam Seepage And Thermal Strains Of Coals During Heat Injection, Li Zhiqiang, Zhang Ningchao, Chen Jinsheng, Chen Liwei, Feng Wenxiang, Liu Longwei, Wang Yungang

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Thermal stimulation of coal seams using high-temperature steam is recognized as a highly promising technology used to increase gas production. Steam permeability serves as a critical parameter for characterizing the injection capacity of thermal fluids. However, the seepage patterns and evolutionary mechanism of steam in coals remain unclear, and exploring these issues holds critical scientific significance for gas production enhancement via heat injection. Methods Through experiments on the seepage and thermal strains of coals during the injection of high-temperature steam performed using the steady-state method, this study investigated the dynamic time variation patterns of the steam permeability and thermal …

Fluoride Ion Removal From Mine Water Via Nucleation Crystallization Pelleting Process, Zhang Xiyu, Dong Shuning, Wang Hao, Jin Pengkang, Wang Xiaodong, Wang Qiangmin, Zhang Tao

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective The mine water associated with coal mining tends to be rich in fluoride ions. If discharged directly without effective treatment, such water will cause severe pollution to regional ecology, affecting the quality of water resources and the stability of the ecosystem. Methods This study focuses on the challenging treatment of the fluoride pollution caused by coal mining-associated mine water. To overcome the bottlenecks including low efficiency and weak anti-interference of traditional methods for fluoride removal, this study designed a setup for fluoride removal using the nucleation crystallization pelleting (NCP) processing and proposed a novel fluoride removal method—NCP chemical precipitation. …

A Method For Efficient Virtual-Physical Synchronization Of The Digital Twin System Of An Excavation-Supporting Robot Cluster Targeting Coal Pillars Between Mining Faces, Mao Qinghua, Sima Junlei, Ma Hongwei, Wang Chuanwei, Chen Yanzhang, Guo Wenjin, Cui Wenda, Cheng Jiashuai

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Virtual models for excavation-supporting robot clusters targeting coal pillars between mining faces encounter challenges like a large data size and anomalies in data transmission, which lead to poor virtual-physical synchronization. This study proposed a method for efficient virtual-physical synchronization of the digital twin (DT) system of an excavation-supporting robot cluster using 3D model lightweighting and a trajectory prediction and correction model. Methods Fit-controlling vertices were defined, and their collapse cost factor was introduced to improve the quadratic error metric (QEM) algorithm and to constrain the lightweighting process of the 3D model of an assembly while maintaining fits between components. …

An Improved Mp-Nmo Correction Method Based On Multiparameter Fitting And Its Application, Yang Xiaohui, Yu Pengfei, Zhang Jiawei

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective and Methods Normal moveout (NMO) correction is a core step in seismic data processing. However, the conventional NMO correction method tends to cause wavelet stretching when processing wide-angle or large-offset seismic data, leading to degraded stacking quality and distorted amplitude variation with offset (AVO) attributes. Although the matching pursuit (MP)-NMO correction method can mitigate the stretching effect, it will cause lateral discontinuity due to overlapping seismic events. Therefore, this study developed an improved MP-NMO correction method based on multiparameter fitting. Specifically, during MP decomposition, cubic polynomial fitting was applied to the amplitude, frequencies, and phases of wavelets from the …

Sustainability In The Cruising Industry: Innovations In Air Quality, Energy Efficiency, And Waste Management, Fikret Durmus, Mi Ran Kim

ICHRIE Research Reports

The cruise industry, a cornerstone of the global hospitality and tourism sector, faces increasing scrutiny over its environmental impact. As passenger numbers grow, so does the industry's responsibility to adopt sustainable practices. This report examines key innovations in air quality management, energy efficiency, and waste management, highlighting the industry's transition from historically high emissions and waste production to advanced sustainability initiatives. Key focus areas include evolving maritime regulations, adopting cleaner propulsion technologies, integrating energy-efficient solutions, and improving waste treatment practices. Findings indicate that industry leaders are investing in liquefied natural gas engines, exhaust gas cleaning systems, and onshore power supply …

The State Of Municipal Scale Highest Use Urban Wood Reclamation Projects, Bradley C. Almond

Graduate Liberal Studies Theses and Dissertations

Millions of urban trees are downed annually for various reasons, such as storms, disease, or development. We are all witnesses to the loss of trees as we see the piles of woody waste assembled on the curbside, ready for public works pickup. Today, most urban wood waste ends up in landfills, mulching/chipping facilities, or firewood production. Each of these alternatives results in the release of sequestered carbon back into the atmosphere.

The initial research led to successful diversion from landfills to mulch and firewood operations. Then, the research shifted to converting urban wood waste for its best use, which outlined …

Evaluating San Francisco Urban Green Spaces And Policy To Inform Future Decision-Making: How Climate Change Adaptation Strategies Can Be Prioritized And Incorporated In Urban Park Design And Planning Through A Decision-Making Tool, Holley Anne Maassen

Master's Projects and Capstones

Amid the current climate crisis, enhancing urban green spaces (UGS), parks, and open spaces with climate change adaptation (CCA) as a strategic pillar in San Francisco’s urban planning is an essential strategic pillar to develop more resilient cities. However, in complex bureaucratic landscapes, integrating CCA strategies that meet project goals while ensuring inclusive stakeholder engagement presents a challenge. This project presents the identification, development, and application of a holistic decision-making tool (DMT) in the form of a Pugh matrix/decision matrix and with a focus on urban planning in San Francisco, California. Key decision-making criteria are identified and weighted through a …

Who Owns The Wind: The Absence Of Community Wind Farms In California, Sky Berry-Weiss

Master's Projects and Capstones

Community ownership structures for wind farms have been around for decades, particularly in European countries, due to high socioeconomic benefits. Given these significant benefits, one might expect community wind to thrive in the United States—especially in a state like California, which prides itself on progressive climate policy and renewable energy leadership. Yet utility-scale community wind remains largely absent from research on California’s energy system, raising questions about its existence in the state. To pinpoint how many utility-scale community owned wind farms are in California, this study surveys every operational wind turbine in the state. After classifying each wind farm by …

Effectiveness Of Urban Composting And Waste Management In The San Francisco Bay Area, Elijah Ashiagbor

Master's Projects and Capstones

The increasing food waste epidemic contributes to environmental degradation through amplified GHG emissions, notably CH4, from MSW landfills. Addressing this challenge is essential for public health and environmental sustainability. This research reviews municipal composting initiatives within the San Francisco Bay Area, evaluating effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability. Utilizing data from CalRecycle and local municipalities, this study analyzes different composting processes, regulatory compliance with California’s Senate Bill 1383, and factors affecting waste diversion rates. Key discoveries indicate that in-vessel composting shows better efficiency and compost quality compared to windrow methods, particularly suitable for urban counties with space limitations. However, participation rates in …

Trade-Off Between Limonene & Geraniol-Based Reprocessable And Non-Reprocessable Epoxy Thermosets: Role Of Aliphatic Diamines In Polymer Networks Design, Priyankkumar Kanubhai Patel

Electronic Theses & Dissertations

The growing demand for sustainable materials, driven by environmental concerns and the rapid depletion of fossil fuels, has garnered significant attention in the fabrication of bio-based epoxy thermosets as renewable alternatives to petroleum-derived thermosetting polymers. The present study focuses on the synthesis and characterization of epoxy prepolymer resins derived from limonene and geraniol via a two-step process, followed by the fabrication of thermally cross-linked flexible epoxy thermoset films using various traditional aliphatic diamine curing agents, namely 1,2-ethylenediamine (EDA), 1,4-butylenediamine (BDA), and 1,6-hexamethylenediamine (HDA). Additionally, the incorporation of cystamine, a disulfide-containing diamine, enabled the formation of a covalent adaptable network through …

Enhancing Water Supply Resilience & Sustainability: Potential Solutions To Address Water Scarcity In Bogotá, Colombia, Sophia Alvarez Wong

Master's Projects and Capstones

Municipal water utilities are in urgent need of adapting to the intensifying impacts of climate change and population growth—key drivers of urban water scarcity worldwide. In rapidly expanding cities like Bogota, Colombia, these pressures have contributed to a severe water crisis driven by prolonged droughts, ecosystem degradation, increasing water demands, and overdependence on limited water sources. This study explores potential adaptation and management strategies that utilities can implement to sustainably strengthen supply system resilience and enhance water security, in the context of low- to middle-income regions. A series of comparative and case study analyses were conducted to assess the feasibility …

Climate Change Impacts On Drinking Water Security: A Comparative Study In Australia’S Remote Central Australia And Torres Strait Islands, Nina Lansbury, Julia Bradford, Sandra J. Creamer, Geoffrey Evans

Journal of the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are well adapted to the many different environments in which they have lived for thousands of years. However, their environments and communities are highly vulnerable to impacts of anthropogenic climate change, including increasing threats to the security of drinking water supplies. Climate change is intensifying the significant social and economic disadvantage Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities face from poverty, poor housing, and poor health including high exposure to infectious and other diseases. Lack of sufficient safe, clean, drinking water could force Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to leave their homelands, adding …

Creating A Shade Tree Commission For Shamokin, Skye Sunderhauf, Beth Williams, Marques Owens, Olivia Follansbee

Final Reports in ENST 411: Environmental Community Projects

Final Project for ENST411 Environmental Community Projects

Sustainability Planning For Waste Management In Midwestern Small Suburban Cities, Karen Frances Goodwin

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Sustainability planning in small suburban cities, particularly as it relates to waste management programs, remains an underexplored area in scholarly research. Without long-term planning, these cities often react to issues in a fragmented manner rather than implementing proactive policies, negatively affecting public health and well-being. The purpose of this study was to examine sustainable waste management policy processes that enable sustainability planning in Midwestern small suburban cities. Using Jones et al.’s local adaptive capacity framework and Q-methodology, viewpoint patterns were analyzed to understand what motivates decision-makers to foster an environment conducive to sustainability planning. Thirty-one participants representing three local government …

Feasibility Analysis For The Implementation Of An Anaerobic Digestion System In The City Of Pittsburgh, Pa, Gianna L. Kolencik

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The current study is investigating the feasibility of an anaerobic digestion system

in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, at the old State Correctional Institute (SCI-Pittsburgh)

located at 1922 Westhall St. This location is immediately upstream of the Allegheny

County Sanitary Authority (ALCOSAN) along the Ohio River. Municipal solid waste

from ALCOSAN may be used as the main form of feedstock. ALCOSAN produced

roughly 36,500 tons of dry sludge in the reporting year 2023-2024. Based on the volume

of dry sludge from ALCOSAN it is estimated that an anaerobic digestion system could

yield approximately 29,930,000 kWh of energy, which is enough to power over …

Mitigating Supply Chain Disruptions In The Retail Warehousing Industry, Terricka Nichole Townsend

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Retail warehousing stability is increasingly threatened by global uncertainties and supply chain disruptions, requiring urgent and innovative strategies. This issue is critical for retail warehousing managers and supply chain leaders, as their ability to respond impacts organizational resilience, business continuity, and customer satisfaction. The purpose of this qualitative pragmatic inquiry was to explore strategies used by retail warehousing managers to mitigate the negative impacts of supply chain disruptions on business stability. The situational crisis communication theory and attribution theory provided the conceptual framework for understanding how retail warehousing managers communicate and respond to supply chain disruptions while maintaining stakeholder trust …

Community Stakeholders’ Perceptions On Growing A Nonprofit Donor Base Through In-Kind Donations, Brittany A. Heine

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In Northern Virginia alone, over 90,000 people are food insecure. The USDA has reported strong correlations between food insecurity and negative health outcomes. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to determine community stakeholders’ perceptions on engaging in strategic partnerships with Organization X using in-kind donations as a strategy to decrease the organization’s expenditures and grow its donor base. 14 community stakeholders were chosen through purposive sampling and participated in semi structured interviews. Using the conceptual framework of the unified theory of revenue generation for nonprofits, interview questions were developed to determine the variables that impact a stakeholder’s decision …