Sustainability Commons^™

Three-Dimensional Forward Modeling Using The Transient Electromagnetic Method Under Complex Terrains And The Analysis Of Terrain Effects, Qu Shaobo, Zhu Jiao, Jiang Zhihai, Li Maofei, He Zhilong

Coal Geology & Exploration

The ground-based transient electromagnetic method (TEM), with unique advantages, has been extensively applied for hydrogeological exploration in coal mines. However, in field exploration, complex terrains tend to cause variations in geometric shapes of transmitting sources and deviations in signals received, reducing exploration accuracy. Hence, by integrating theoretical analysis and numerical simulations with the analysis of actual terrain data, this study systematically investigated the response characteristics of electrical- and magnetic-source TEM fields under complex terrains. Using the vector finite-element electromagnetic forward modeling technique based on second-order backward Euler discretization, this study delved into the laws of influence of peak and valley …

Exploring The Detection Performance Of Different Array Configurations For Multi-Electrode Resistivity Method Tomography Using A 2.5d Finite Element Method, Zhao Rongchun, Lyu Yuzeng, Zhang Zhi, Wei Liuye, Pan Hongxu

Coal Geology & Exploration

Multi-electrode resistivity method is equipped with various electrode array configurations. Due to their different electrode arrangements, various electrode array configurations tend to exhibit significantly varying detection effects under different survey environments. Hence, to achieve satisfactory detection effects using high-resolution electrical resistivity tomography, it is necessary to explore the strategy for choosing appropriate array configurations targeting different objects in practical work. Given the high applicability of the method, its forward and inversion calculations remain a critical task. Based on the differential equations to be satisfied by the point source potential in a three-dimensional structure, this study derived the variational problem to …

Research On Path Planning Methods For Underground Roadheader Robots, Zhang Xuhui, Zheng Xili, Yang Wenjuan, Li Yuyang, Ma Bing, Dong Zheng, Chen Xin

Coal Geology & Exploration

In order to solve the problems of difficulty and low efficiency in the movement of robotic roadheaders under conditions of non-full-section roadways in coal mines, the characteristics of unstructured environments in coal mines and the motion characteristics of robotic roadheaders were analyzed, and a path planning method for robotic roadheaders based on deep reinforcement learning was proposed. The tunnel environment was constructed in real time using depth cameras, a virtual model for detecting roadheader-tunnel collisions was established, collision detection was performed in a virtual environment using the hierarchical bounding box method, and an obstacle avoidance strategy under the restrictions of …

Intelligent Identification Method For Overburden Three Zones Of A Goaf, Li Jianwen, Zhao Wen, Wu Zhenkun, Xu Xiaobing, Wang Qingtao, Duan Longchen

Coal Geology & Exploration

In this paper, an intelligent identification method was proposed to ascertain overlying strata failure types and fracture development in the overlying strata of a goaf, and identify three zones (sagging zone, fractured zone and caving zone) quickly and accurately. This method is expected to be a basis in later development of goaf treatment plans. A coal mine goaf in Shandong Province was introduced for case study, where the Bayesian Online Changepoint Detection (BOCD) algorithm was employed to analyze the changes and response characteristics of the drilling fluid loss and drilling rate over the drilling process at the boundaries of three …

Edge Detection Of Low Illumination Image In Cutting Unit Of Shearer, Jia Pengtao, Jin Luwei, Wang Bin, Guo Fengjing, Li Na

Coal Geology & Exploration

In this paper, a fractional differentiation-based edge detection algorithm named Lif is proposed to address the edge detection problems of missing edge and fuzzy details in the cutting unit of shearers working in low-light underground environments. First, the initial fractional mask operator was built using a larger detection template according to the Grünwald-Letnikov definition of the fractional derivative. Then, the weight coefficients at various positions of the mask operator were determined according to the theory of Pascal’s triangle, and the mask operator was extended to four different directions. Finally, the mask operator was convolved with the image, and the local …

Exploring Dynamic Parameters And Tooth Structure Of Self-Propelled Borehole Repairing Drill Bits, Liu Yong, Li Yang, Wei Jianping, Yuan Yongwang, Dai Shuo, Li Linyu

Coal Geology & Exploration

Self-propelled borehole repairing drill bits provide an effective technique for repairing long boreholes that have failed. In order to further improve the borehole repair speed and gas drainage efficiency, based on the theory of jet recoil, the relationship between the jet recoil force and nozzle parameters was analyzed, and a theoretical model was established for rotational mechanics of self-propelled borehole repairing drill bits. Subsequently, the coal-breaking processes of drill bits with different tooth structures were simulated using LS-DYNA, the failure modes in coal mass broken by cutting teeth and the rules of variation in the volume of coal broken by …

Amending The Native American Graves Protection And Repatriation Act: Human Rights, Sovereignty, And Cultural Sustainability, Maddie Mulcahey

Sustainability Research & Practice Seminar Presentations

Madeline Mulcahey, Anthropology '24 presents "Amending the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act: Human Rights, Sovereignty, and Cultural Sustainability"

Cash For Conservation: Payments For Ecosystem Service Programs And Forest Loss, John Shandra

Sustainability Seminar Series

According to the World Bank, 1.1 million square miles of tree cover were cleared from 2001 to 2020. Approximately 90% of forests were cleared in low- and middle-income nations. This loss is equivalent to a 7% reduction in tree cover and corresponds with 107 trillion metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions being released into the atmosphere. To limit forest loss, low and middle-income nations often implement payment for ecosystem service programs. By 2020, over 550 programs were active globally, accounting for an estimated $36–42 billion in annual transactions between users and providers. However, we not aware of any cross-national research …

Insights On Further Deepening Carbon Peaking And Carbon Neutrality Strategy And Pathways, Baihe Gu, Donghui Yu, Chen Wang, Yi Wang

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

The low carbon transition pathway is a series of goals, technologies, fundings, policies, and other integrated driven system action roadmap. With the deepening of society’s understanding of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality, China’s dual-carbon faces the challenge of systemic advancement of comprehensive deepening implementation. The 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China once again emphasized that achieving the dual-carbon goal will bring about extensive and profound economic and social systemic changes, and pointed out that based on China’s energy endowment, we should adhere to first establishment and then phase-out and implement the carbon peaking actions in a planned …

Strategic Pattern And Optimization Of China's Eco-Regions During Fifteenth Five-Year Plan Period, Kan Zhou, Jie Fan, Daojing Zhou, Zhedong Qian, Hu Yu, Hanchu Liu, Jian Zhang

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Since the implementation of the major function oriented zoning, the ecological space of key ecological functional areas has continuously expanded, with a significant increase in vegetation coverage. Concurrently, there has been a dual change in population dynamics, characterized by a decrease in total population and an increase in the urban population. Furthermore, significant achievements have been made in economic and social development, and there has been a steady improvement in the functions of ecological security barriers, contributing to an alleviation of tension in human-environment relationships. During the 15th Five-Year Plan period, it is imperative to adhere to the functional orientation …

Evolution, Stage Characteristics And Governance Model Transformation Of China's Low-Carbon Policy, Yigang Wei, Jiawei Shi, Guannan Xu

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

A systematic review of China’s low-carbon policy and paradigm transformation is imperative for establishing a well-designed policy system to achieve the “dual carbon” goals. Based on the theory of policy change, this study constructs an analytical framework of “policy objectives—policy themes—policy fluctuations”. This study uses text mining techniques and policy measurement methods to analyze 1 743 low-carbon policies implemented in China from 2000 to 2021. The study summarizes the stage characteristics and evolutionary path of low-carbon policy development in China, evaluates the contribution of each policy theme at different stages, and portrays the paradigm shift in low-carbon governance. The findings …

Wild Seahorse Conservation And Industrial Growth Strategies: A Dual-Perspective Study, Shicheng Wang, Bo Li, Lanliang Yu

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

The United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030) prioritizes healthy oceans and sustainable development. Protecting marine biodiversity, promoting sustainable fisheries, and achieving global sustainability goals are critical concerns for the international community. This study addresses critical challenges in seahorse conservation and industrial development, including wild resource depletion, limitations in aquaculture technology, low-value industrial chains, and inadequate regulatory coordination. Through systematic analysis of current conservation status and industrial trends, establishing demonstration bases is proposed for seahorse resource protection and high-value utilization ("Hippocampus Hub"), guided by natural habitat integrity, scientific research capacity, industrial chain integration, and policy support. By …

Türkiye's Sustainable Tourism Transformation: An Overview, Mustafa Sogut

GSTC Academic Symposium - In conjunction with the GSTC Global Conference

Türkiye has initiated a paradigm shift in its tourism industry, marked by a collaboration with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), renowned for setting robust sustainability standards. The agreement, initiated in 2022, prioritizes sustainability commitment, commencing with formulating national program criteria and certification bodies training. The initial phase is targeted for completion by the end of 2023, with subsequent stages progressively implemented by 2025, ultimately aiming to meet all international standards by 2030.

This strategic move aims to position Turkey prominently in sustainable tourism, aligning with the goals of The Paris Agreement. Turkey has proactively steered its tourism industry towards …

Analysis Of Circular Design Principles For The Sustainable End-Of-Life Management Of Renewable Energy Assets: Investigation Of Illinois And Germany Renewable Energy Policies And Programs., Samuel N. Nimaful

2024 Student Research and Creativity Conference

This poster presents an analysis into the integration of circular design principles within renewable energy policies, comparing the approaches of Illinois, USA, and Germany. With the global shift towards renewable energy to combat climate change, the sustainable management of end-of-life (EoL) renewable assets has become crucial. The study utilizes a thematic analysis to explore seven key policies from Illinois and five from Germany, employing NVivo software to dissect aspects such as design strategies, support for innovation, and enforcement mechanisms.

An Ethnography Of Permaculture In Southwest Michigan, Lily Burke

Honors Theses

Permaculture is a holistic design system for meeting human and environmental needs in a sustainable way, using local conditions and circumstances to shape land use and food production practices. My project questions what it means to practice permaculture in southwest Michigan, and how environmental ideological commitments can translate into action and practice. Ethnographically investigating these questions through semi-structured interviews and participant observation with individuals in the permaculture community, along with extensive reading of permaculture materials, my study adds to research on applications and adoptions of permaculture in suburban contexts, and sheds light on how ecological ideological commitments can translate into …

Arkansas Soil Erosion And Conservation Methods In Ornamental Landscapes, Abby J. Cutsinger

ATU Scholars Symposium

This study will attempt to identify the best soil erosion mitigation methods for Arkansas ornamental landscape settings by comparing the strengths and weaknesses of known techniques. Since soil is not a renewable resource, we must apply conservation practices wherever possible, not just in agricultural settings. To determine the most effective erosion prevention techniques, this study will review soil studies conducted by the NRCS and NASA, as well as articles on best practices observed in ornamental landscape and agricultural industries. These are analyzed by comparing and contrasting techniques against known problems with Arkansas soil to determine which methods are most effective. …

Environmental Health Impacts Of Small-Scale Gold Mining In East Indonesia: Mercury Pollution And Nature Conservation, Tri Edhi Budhi Soesilo, Nada Ismita Hawa, Nuraeni Nuraeni

Journal of Sustainable Mining

The expansion of small-scale gold mining impacts environmental health and socioeconomic. Research in Bombana District, one of the gold mining centers in eastern Indonesia, was conducted to explore perceptions of the impact of small-scale gold mining on human health and attitudes towards environmental conservation activities related to small-scale gold mining activities. This research uses a quantitative approach with univariate tests to identify respondent characteristics, bivariate tests (Chi-square) to test relationships and frequency differences, and multivariate analysis (regression) to test the direction and magnitude of the relationship. The perception of the impact of small-scale gold mining on human health was not …

Critical Raw Material In Mineral Elements Found In Fly Ashes From The Czech Republic Power Plant, Agnieszka Klupa

Journal of Sustainable Mining

The economic development of EU countries is limited due to limited access to a number of mineral raw materials, which necessitates actions aimed at securing the supply of CRM. For this reason, CRMs constitute elements of particular importance for the EU. The aim of the study was to assess the content of CRMs as a potential source of REY in fly ash resulting from the coal combustion in one of the power plants in the Czech Republic. In the tested ash the main phases are: glassy phase, mullite and quartz. The chemical composition of the tested fly ashes showed dominance …

Building A Strategic Framework With A Sustainability Lens At Wcu, Stefanie Schwalm

Sustainability Research & Practice Seminar Presentations

Dr. Stefanie Schwalm, WCU Associate Provost for Accreditation, SRPS Spring '24 4/17: "Building a Strategic Framework with a Sustainability Lens at WCU."

The State Of The Carbon Capture And Sequestration Industry In California In 2024: Challenges And Policy Solutions, Noah Jackson

School of Public Policy Capstones

Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS) is the process of capturing CO₂ from an above ground carbon source, transporting it to a sequestration well, and permanently sinking it deep underground. Despite the state of California depending on CCS to reach carbon neutrality, not one CCS project is operational yet in the state. Due to the recent creation and expansion of state low carbon fuel standard (LCFS) credits and the federal 45Q credits, CCS projects are beginning to be developed. Between 2021 and 2023 twelve Class VI applications were submitted to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in California.

This paper …