Digital Commons Network^™

Effect Of Environmental Conditions On Fracture Of Composite Materials And Thin Films, Victor Birman

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Environmental conditions, i.e., temperature and moisture, affect mechanical properties of materials, including composites. In this paper, we concentrate on one of the aspects of the effect of environment on fracture in a composite lamina. The paper demonstrates an analytical approach to account for the effect of the changes in environment on the strain energy release rate of composite materials and thin films. These analytically determined strain energy release rates should be compared to fracture toughness to predict the susceptibility of the material to fracture. Numerical examples are presented for several polymeric and metal matrix composites using available experimental data for …

Validity Of The Schrage Equation In Prediction Of Evaporation Rate Of Liquid N-Dodecane In High-Pressure Nitrogen Gas: A Molecular Dynamics Study, Wazih Tausif, Jordan Hartfield, Md Amin Haque, Zhi Liang

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Evaporation of liquid fuel in a high-pressure air is a process that critically influences fuel–air mixing in advanced propulsion systems. In this work, we use molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to study the validity and accuracy of the Schrage equation in quantifying the evaporation and condensation rates of n-dodecane (a diesel surrogate) in air (approximated as N2 gas) with gas pressure varying from 0 atm to above the critical pressure of n-dodecane. The MD simulation results show that the evaporation coefficient (αe) is higher than the condensation coefficient (αc) at the evaporating n-dodecane surface and is lower than αc at the …

Machine Vision For In Situ Measurement And Control Of Wire Stickout In Lwded Process, Braden Mclain, Remy Mathenia, Todd Sparks, Frank Liou

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This work presents a machine-vision–based measurement and control framework for laser wire directed energy deposition (LWDED) processes. A visible-light camera system is used to capture meltpool images, from which a novel vision algorithm extracts the wire–meltpool interface location. By utilizing a camera that is rigidly mounted to the deposition head, the vision algorithm provides a relative measurement of the distance between the nozzle tip and the workpiece, also referred to as wire stickout. A proportional-derivative (PD) control strategy is implemented using the measured stickout as feedback to adjust deposition feedrate. Results show that the control system successfully compensates for improper …

Using Machine-Learning-Based Process Map To Guide Evaluation Of Inconel 625 Mechanical Properties In Laser Foil Printing, Yu Hsiang Wang, Sung Heng Wu, Hung Chu Chiang, Pen Ning Yu, Chia Hung Hung, Ming C. Leu

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Inconel 625 is widely studied in powder-based additive manufacturing, but its processing characteristics and mechanical performance in foil-feedstock laser foil printing (LFP) remain largely unexplored. In this study, a gradient boosting regression (GBR)-based process map was developed for LFP of Inconel 625 using 32 single-track experiments. The GBR model achieved R² values of 0.859 and 0.793 and mean absolute errors of 22.25 μm and 19.83 μm for melt-pool depth and width, respectively, outperforming second- and third-order polynomial regressions in capturing nonlinear melt-pool responses and distinguishing lack-of-fusion, conduction, and keyhole regimes. Three conduction-mode conditions with target depth-to-foil thickness ratios (D/T) …

Evaluation Of Iron-Phosphate Glass–Ceramic Waste Form For Electrorefiner Salt Waste Simulant Dechlorinated With Phosphoric Acid, Harmony Werth, Paige Murray, Lucas Greiner, Jade Beland, Charmayne Lonergan, Brian Riley, Krista Carlson

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The importance of glass and glass–ceramic nuclear waste forms has been reaffirmed in recent years by the growing interest in nuclear power as a reliable energy source. Determination of processing methods for the disposal of halide-containing wastes will be essential for the advancement of nuclear technologies such as non-aqueous fuel reprocessing. Phosphate-based dechlorination and subsequent vitrification of radioactive salt waste into an iron-phosphate waste form have been identified as a potential processing scheme for electrochemical processing waste. The impact of H₃PO₄-based dechlorination of complex salt mixtures on the vitrification process and structure of the final iron-phosphate …

Effect Of Composition On Grain-Boundary Chemistry And Fracture Behavior In High-Entropy Carbides, Caleb Schenck, Marium Mostafiz Mou, Elizabeth Pritchett, Fu Yun Tsai, Josephine Hartmann, Michael Lastovich, Sam Daigle, Kayla Yano, Matthew J. Olszta, Sanjit Bhowick, Elizabeth Kautz, Gregory E. Hilmas, William G. Fahrenholtz, Donald W. Brenner

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

High-entropy carbides (HECs) are often treated as a single material class defined by configurational entropy; however, their properties are governed by composition-specific defects and grain-boundary chemistry. This study demonstrates that substituting a single element can qualitatively change grain-boundary structure and fracture behavior in HEC ceramics. Two HECs, (Cr,Hf,Ta,Ti,Zr)C (HEC-Cr) and (Hf,Ta,Ti,W,Zr)C (HEC-W), were examined via electron microscopy, atom probe tomography, and molecular dynamics simulations. Simulations predict preferential segregation of Cr, W, and Zr to grain boundaries. Experiments confirmed Cr enrichment at grain boundaries and the formation of W-rich nanograins along boundary networks. Mechanical testing revealed that these compositional differences translated …

Evaluating The Integration Of Bio-Based Waste Into Cement Production: A Pathway To Sustainable Building, Anja Terzić, Suzana Filipović, Adriana Peleš Tadić, Jelena Živojinović, Ivana N. Jelić, Nina Obradović, William G. Fahrenholtz

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Rapid urbanization has increased the demand for building materials, depleting natural resources used in cement production and prompting the use of alternative and waste materials. This research verifies that eggshell powder waste can fully replace limestone in clinker synthesis. Five clinkers were produced using eggshell powder, aluminum sources (bentonite, zeolite, fly ash, and kaolinitic–illitic clay), Fe-slag, and quartz sand, with mechanical preprocessing (10–30 min) before sintering at 1300 °C. Experimental tests assessed the effects of mix design and mechanical activation on clinkerization, phase formation, temperature, and mechanical properties. XRD, FTIR, and SEM/EDS confirmed consistent phase compositions and primary cement minerals. …

Cultural Dimensions And Ethical Perceptions Of Tax Evasion In The Digital Tax Reporting Era, Renna Magdalena, Henny Cheirine

International Conference on Business and Management Research (ICBMR)

Tax evasion is still a significant challenge for Indonesia's state revenue. This study examines how Hofstede's cultural dimension affects the ethical perception of tax evasion in Javanese MSME owners to overcome the gap in understanding of cultural factors that affect tax compliance behaviour at the individual level. In the context of a tax reporting system that has been fully digitised through e-filing and online applications, it is important to understand that the existence of technology does not necessarily remove the moral rationale for fraudulent acts. A quantitative survey was conducted on 112 MSME owners. Using validated instruments, the study used …

One For All, All For Innovation: Transforming The Indonesia’S Public Sector Through Ambidextrous Leadership, Dian Mulia Sari, Elok Savitri Pusparini

International Conference on Business and Management Research (ICBMR)

In an era defined by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA), public sector organizations face increasing pressure to innovate. This study examines how ambidextrous leadership influences innovative work behavior (IWB) among civil servants, with psychological ownership (PO) serving as a mediator. Using a quantitative approach, data were collected from 152 structural and functional officials within Indonesia’s State Finance Organization (OKN) and analyzed using PLS-SEM. The results indicate that ambidextrous leadership has a significant direct effect on IWB. More importantly, psychological ownership mediates this relationship through two distinct pathways: promotive PO strengthens IWB by fostering confidence and proactive contribution, while preventive …

Cutting Red Tape In Research: A Business Process Improvement Approach For The Riim Collaboration Scheme, Novia Nurul Fatmawati, Arviansyah Arviansyah

International Conference on Business and Management Research (ICBMR)

Strengthening the national research and innovation ecosystem is crucial for sustainable development, with the government playing a key role through strategic funding schemes. The Research and Innovation for Advanced Indonesia (RIIM) Collaboration scheme, managed by the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), is vital for fostering international research partnerships. However, its implementation faces significant challenges, including lengthy and complex business processes that lead to delays in research execution. This study aims to analyze the current (as-is) business process of the RIIM Collaboration scheme and design an optimized (to-be) process to enhance operational efficiency. This research employs a mixed-method case study …

Beyond Bureaucracy: Entrepreneurial Mindset And Ai Readiness As Drivers Of Business Model Innovation In Blu Business Units — A Conceptual Framework, Ahmad Nurholis, Muhammad Rifky Adzakie

International Conference on Business and Management Research (ICBMR)

This paper advances a conceptual framework that examines how entrepreneurial mindset (EM) and AI readiness interact to shape business model innovation (BMI) and financial performance (FP) within Indonesia’s profit-oriented Public Service Agency (BLU) business units. As hybrid organizations, BLU business units must simultaneously fulfill their public service mandate while pursuing revenue generation, creating a unique context that demands stronger theoretical grounding. The framework draws on New Public Management (NPM) principles and the Dynamic Capabilities (DC) perspective to argue that an entrepreneurial mindset stimulates BMI both directly and indirectly through enhanced AI readiness. In turn, BMI is positioned as a driver …

Ai As A Catalyst For Managerial Strategy Transformation: Operational Efficiency And Business Model Innovation, Nazilatul Hidayah

International Conference on Business and Management Research (ICBMR)

This study investigates how Artificial Intelligence (AI) serves as a catalyst for managerial strategy transformation, focusing on two critical areas: operational efficiency and business model innovation. Drawing on multiple case studies, the paper analyzes how companies such as Unilever, Wayfair, Amazon, and Alibaba integrate AI technologies into their strategic processes. Results show that AI implementation has enabled cost reductions of up to 15-20%, improved throughput in logistics operations, and enhanced personalization strategies that significantly impact revenue. For instance, Alibaba attributes approximately 35% of its sales volume to AI-powered recommendation systems. These outcomes demonstrate that AI not only improves operational workflows …

Project Scheduling Analysis For The Overhaul Of Indramayu Steam Power Plant (Pltu), Hano Kharismantoko, Ratih Dyah Kusumastuti

International Conference on Business and Management Research (ICBMR)

This study aims to analyze time and cost efficiency in the overhaul project of PLTU Unit 2 Indramayu by applying project crashing using mixed method approach. The growing electricity demand in Indonesia and the vital role of Steam Power Plants (PLTU) require effective maintenance strategies to prevent revenue losses due to overhaul project delays. The research integrates qualitative insights from direct observation and interviews with quantitative data from project documentation. The Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and Critical Path Method (CPM) were used to identify critical activities, followed by project crashing using linear programming approach to determine the optimal schedule and …

Designing Digital Marketing Through Generative Ai For Koperasi Merah Putih Urban, Alfonsius Alfonsius, Daniel Cassa Augustinus, Ricky Banke

International Conference on Business and Management Research (ICBMR)

This qualitative study examines the potential of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) to strengthen digital marketing strategies for urban cooperatives, focusing on Koperasi Merah Putih Urban in Medan, Indonesia. Despite cooperatives playing a crucial role in promoting inclusive economic growth, many remain dependent on offline promotion, facing challenges of visibility, uneven member engagement, and lack of sustainable governance structures. Using a juridical-empirical case study approach, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with cooperative officials and MSME actors, observation of cooperative communities, and analysis of legal and policy documents. Thematic analysis revealed three key issues: limited visibility due to inconsistent branding, unequal …

Unraveling The Evolution Of Customer Perspectives In Ride-Hailing And Ridesharing: A Bibliometric Analysis, Arga Hananto, Rhenald Kasali Ph.D, Sri Rahayu Hijrah Hati Ph.D

International Conference on Business and Management Research (ICBMR)

Ride-sourcing services (i.e., ride-hailing and ridesharing)—represent one of the fastest-growing segments of the sharing economy. Although their success fundamentally depends on customer engagement, scholarly reviews have often focused more on operational and technical developments than on customer behavior, satisfaction, and loyalty. This study examines the evolution of ride-sourcing research during the COVID and post-COVID period (2020–2025) through a bibliometric and content analysis of 297 journal articles retrieved from Scopus. While earlier reviews often emphasized operational and technological aspects, this analysis focuses on customer-centered perspectives such as adoption, satisfaction, loyalty, and attitudes.

The findings show a substantial increase in research output …

Assessing The Impact Of Economic And Social Dynamics On Domestic Tourism In Indonesia: An Econometric And Cluster Analysis, Darol Arkum, Mudrajad Kuncoro, Ghardapaty Ghaly Ghiffary, Diah Setyorini Gunawan

International Conference on Business and Management Research (ICBMR)

ABSTRACT

Introduction: A strategic method of evaluating the economic impact of tourism across regions while taking into consideration Indonesia's geographical and socioeconomic diversity is to divide tourist destinations according to the reasons for travel. Background Problems: This study introduces an integrated statistical framework to assess the economic impact of domestic tourism in Indonesia, emphasizing regional heterogeneity and evolving travel behavior. Research Methods: A novel clustering approach is developed based on travel motivations—rather than geographical proximity—utilizing hierarchical clustering in conjunction with time series analysis and ANOVA techniques. The time series analysis identifies pronounced seasonal trends and fluctuations in spending, influenced significantly …

Integrating Steam Through Honeybee Education In Southern Appalachia, Gary Padgett, Haley Holt

The Transdisciplinary STEAM+ Journal

Honeybees are vital to pollination and food production, yet their populations are declining in the United States.  This underscores the need for ecological literacy, making honeybees an ideal focus for STEM/STEAM lessons. Middle grades students are familiar with honeybees and instantly engage with them, providing a framework for promoting inquiry, creativity, and real-world problem solving. This article presents a lesson taught in Southern Appalachia, a region facing educational disparities with limited access to advanced STEM/STEAM opportunities. The honeybee focused STEAM lesson presented in this article addresses this gap by providing middle grades students with an interactive, interdisciplinary opportunity that links …

The Team In Steam: Integrating Disciplinary Practices Into Project-Based Experiences, Margaret L. Borden, Meghan Raftery, David Reese, Michelle Richter

The Transdisciplinary STEAM+ Journal

In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on integrating science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM) education into the curriculum to enhance student engagement and prepare them for success in an evolving global society. Project-Based Learning (PBL) has emerged as a powerful pedagogical approach to address these goals, offering opportunities for rigorous, collaborative, and authentic learning experiences. Drawing from literature and practical examples, the article discusses the implementation of PBL in STEAM curriculum development, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, interdisciplinary collaboration, and real-world connections. Additionally, the article provides insights into the GRASP framework as a tool for infusing …

Fractsynth: Exploring Glitch Timbres With Chaos Theory, Aidan Roach

The Transdisciplinary STEAM+ Journal

In this paper, I explore how chaos theory can be used to design a new kind of synthesizer with the primary focus of producing glitchy, unpredictable sounds. Glitch music embraces abstract sound design, malfunctioning electronics, and randomness as the main compositional elements. However, most synthesizers rely on stable, repetitive oscillators that often sound too controlled. To challenge this, I developed FractSynth, a real-time synthesizer that uses chaotic attractors–including the Logistic Map, Henon Map, and Lorenz System–as modulation sources for frequency, amplitude, and tone. The software also features real-time Lyapunov Exponent Tracking, which gives users a direct visual of how …

From Vibration To Visualization: Building An Real-Time Audio Visualization System For Learning And Exploration Using Pyqt5, Aidan Roach

The Transdisciplinary STEAM+ Journal

This paper presents the design, development, and analysis of my real-time audio visualization system created entirely in Python using PyQt5, called WaveCatcher. The system captures live audio input from a microphone and provides simultaneous visual feedback through multiple signal representations: including a time-domain waveform, a frequency-domain FFT spectrum, a scrolling spectrogram, harmonic peak visualization, dynamic range, amplitude envelope, spectral centroid, and spectral bandwidth. These features offer insight not just into the raw structure of sound, but into how humans perceive its qualities–like timbre! This terminology may seem intimidating—it certainly was when I first began learning it—but I’ll explain all of …

The Unsmart Home: A Steam Approach To Coding Though Drama And Creative Play, Jennifer R. Roberts

The Transdisciplinary STEAM+ Journal

This article examines how integrating drama and coding can enhance computational thinking, creativity, and inclusivity in children. Grounded in constructivist and embodied learning theories, it presents The UnSmart Home, a drama-based coding experience. In this immersive project, children interact with a mal-functioning smart home through character-led, narrative challenges that require basic coding to solve problems. This approach reframes programming as creative play, making abstract concepts tangible through storytelling and physical engagement. Positioned within the STEAM education framework, the article argues that drama offers a powerful entry point into technical learning. It supports multimodal learning, encourages collaboration, and challenges stereotypes about …

Forcing The Issue: Nebraska’S Collective Bargaining Stand-Off, Shannon Cummins

Journal of Collective Bargaining in the Academy

This paper describes the unusual collective bargaining landscape for public academic institutions in the state of Nebraska where state legislation has mandated both pay transparency and limits to the collective bargaining process. Specifically, it explores the unprecedented 2024-2025 bargaining cycle which relied on innovative union tactics of nationwide freedom of information requests (FOIA) to reach contract agreement in the face of twelve years of administration stonewalling tactics. The case study of Nebraska is important as it provides an actual account of negotiations where state limits on collective bargaining have yet to be tested in the courts.

One Faculty, One Mission: A Unified Faculty Model For California Community Colleges, Debbie Klein

Journal of Collective Bargaining in the Academy

This article advances a unified, non-tiered faculty model as essential to fulfilling the mission of the California Community Colleges (CCC) system. Although the system is charged with realizing open access and educational equity, nearly 70% of faculty serve in part-time or contingent roles—often without proportional compensation, institutional stability, or meaningful participation in governance. Drawing on research demonstrating that faculty working conditions shape student learning conditions, the article argues that structural employment inequities undermine the system’s democratic promise. Situating the proposal within national “One Faculty” efforts and recent legislative attention to pay parity in California, it demonstrates that reform is both …

Development Of A Metal-Based Catalyst For The Ammonia Dehydrogenation Reaction, Othman Mohammed Abdullah Al-Amodi

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Developing cost-effective and active catalysts that would replace noble metals is desirable for the ammonia decomposition reaction. Hence, this thesis focuses on the development and evaluation of a 10Ni/0.75TiO2-0.25CeO2 catalyst for ammonia decomposition, a promising route to carbon-free hydrogen production. The system parameters investigated include the effect of reaction temperature (550, 650, and 750°C) and the catalyst mass (100, 200, and 300 mg) on the performance of the ammonia decomposition process. The primary objective of this work is to investigate how catalyst composition and metal-support interactions influence activity, hydrogen production, and ammonia conversion. Catalysts were prepared by the incipient wetness …

Witness Beyond Technique: Gospel, Conversion, And The Moral Formation Of The Church, Christopher Flanders

Discernment: Theology and the Practice of Ministry

Technique, efficiency, and measurable outcomes typically govern contemporary Western approaches to evangelism. Such approaches presume a thin account of the gospel, a punctiliar understanding of conversion, and an instrumental view of the church’s witness. This article argues that these assumptions represent not merely pragmatic missteps but theological distortions. Drawing on Scripture, historical theology, missiology, and practices of Christian initiation, I contend that evangelism is best understood as ecclesial witness oriented toward the moral formation of persons and communities under the reign of God. Conversion, on this account, is not a discrete decision secured through persuasive technique but a transformative journey …

Mapping The Global Classroom: An Innovation Spotlight On The Ngo Education Survey Directory Database, Angie Holzer, Roseanne M. Mirabella

Journal of Nonprofit Innovation

This article highlights the NGO Education Survey Directory Database as a critical tool for strengthening global nonprofit infrastructure by addressing longstanding gaps in data on nonprofit education programs. It maps the global landscape of nonprofit management education with detailed, institution-level insights, enabling researchers, funders, and practitioners to better understand capacity-building efforts worldwide. By improving transparency and access to information, the directory supports more strategic philanthropy, fosters collaboration, and promotes the development of locally grounded leadership within the nonprofit sector.

Academic Summaries - Philanthropy, Erica Jensen, Sebastian Dorantes, Faith Manchester, Isabelle Stoddard

Journal of Nonprofit Innovation

No abstract provided.

Philanthropy - Joni Full Issue April 2026, Angie Holzer, Erica Jensen

Journal of Nonprofit Innovation

No abstract provided.

Va Dent J July, August And September 2020

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

Technical Complications In Implant Restorations, Sorin Uram-Tuculescu D.D.S., M.S., Ph.D.

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.