Digital Commons Network^™

Engineered Uio-66-Nh2 Hybrid Nanocomposites For Antifouling Ultrafiltration Membranes With Dual Resistance To Microplastics And Protein Fouling, Mitra Golgoli, Mohadeseh Najafi, Javad Farahbakhsh, Masoumeh Zargar

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The growing presence of microplastics (MPs) in water and their impact on ultrafiltration (UF) membranes during the early stages of wastewater treatment highlight the need for effective mitigation strategies. This study explores the innovative modification of UF membranes by incorporating various hybrid metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) nanoparticles, including UiO-66-NH2 hybrids with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) (UiOM), chitosan (UiOC), and sulfobetaine zwitterions (UiOZ). These nanoparticles were synthesized and integrated into innovative UF membranes to compare their performance on MPs fouling effect in particular. The integration enhanced membrane hydrophilicity and altered surface roughness, creating a hydrophilic functional network that improved water permeability. Water …

Comparative Fatigue Analysis Of Cf-Pla Metamaterial Bone Plates For Orthopaedic Fixation, Ani Daniel, Hamed Bakhtiari, Barun K. Das, Muhammad Aamir, Majid Tolouei-Rad

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Bone plates are widely used in orthopaedic surgery to stabilise fractured bones and support healing following traumatic injuries or osteotomies. However, conventional metallic bone plates suffer from stress shielding and stiffness mismatch with bone, which can hinder optimal healing. Additive manufacturing enables the incorporation of novel metamaterial architectures into polymer-based implants to enhance mechanical properties. The fatigue behaviour of these implants during the healing period is critical to ensuring their structural integrity and long-term performance. In this study, the compressive fatigue performance of fused deposition modelling (FDM)-printed carbon fibre-reinforced polylactic acid (CF-PLA) bone plates were investigated. Four metamaterial structures—tetrachiral, re-entrant, …

Thermo-Hydro-Chemical Coupled Numerical Modeling Of Hydrogen-Thermal Co-Development In Hydraulically Fractured Peridotite, Jiacheng Dai, Zhonglin Ma, Yunzhi Yue, Yujie Yuan, Shouceng Tian

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Hydrogen generation through serpentinization reactions in peridotite formations under high temperature conditions represents a promising avenue for subsurface hydrogen production. However, the thermal energy in the formation environment have not been sufficiently considered. To integrate hydrogen production with thermal energy development, this study develops a thermo-hydro-chemical coupled numerical model, which is used to investigate hydrogen-thermal co-development in hydraulically fractured peridotite. Given that the hydrogen-thermal co-development process involves fluid flow, heat transfer and serpentinization reactions, the governing equations are formulated based on Darcy flow and energy conservation equations, with serpentinization kinetics incorporated through the reactive source terms. To evaluate hydrogen production …

Mechanistic Investigation Of Arsenic Removal From Drinking Water Using Metal–Organic Frameworks And Granular Activated Carbon, Mousa Almousa

Theses and Dissertations

Arsenic contamination in groundwater represents a critical environmental and public health challenge due to its high toxicity and widespread occurrence in natural aquifers. Chronic exposure to arsenic, even at trace levels, is associated with severe health effects, including skin lesions and increased cancer risk. Conventional treatment technologies, such as adsorption using activated carbon or metal oxides, often suffer from limited selectivity, regeneration difficulty, and reduced efficiency under varying pH conditions. Therefore, developing advanced sorbent materials with high capacity, selectivity, and structural stability is essential for addressing arsenic pollution in decentralized water systems.Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have recently emerged as promising materials …

Variable Selection Via Penalized Logistic Regression For Binary Classification, Gloria Antwi-Boasiako

Theses and Dissertations

In this study, we developed some hybrid estimators for variable selection in logistic regression by integrating the sparse local gradients (SLG) with some existing variable selection methods such as LASSO, Elastic net, SCAD, and MCP. The goal is to retain the flexibility of penalized likelihood estimation while improving the stability and interpretability of the selected model.

The finite-sample performance of the proposed methods is examined through a Monte Carlo simulation study covering low-, moderate-, and high-dimensional settings under different levels of predictor correlation. The simulation results show that incorporating SLG screening generally leads to more controlled model sizes and fewer …

Non-Terrestrial Colonial Security And Critical Contingency Operations, Augustine Gabriel Wesley Batten

Theses and Dissertations

Since the turn of the century, the dependence of state functionality and capability on cyber infrastructure has grown exponentially, resulting in an equally expanding list of means to exploit this dependency. Cyberattacks have demonstrated the ability to target the space industry and critical infrastructure beyond our atmosphere. The potential damage this growing threat can bring is what this research aims to prepare for and mitigate. The purpose of this research is to determine cyber-attack indicators and develop responses designed to mitigate the effects of worst-case scenarios. It is important to understand that this study included a theoretical scenario to address …

A Comparative Study Of Dsmc Codes For Rarefied Atmospheric Re-Entry Applications, Laina Behrenbrinker

Theses and Dissertations

Hypersonic atmospheric re-entry involves complex rarefied flow phenomena, including thermochemical non-equilibrium and plasma formation, which must be accurately predicted to assess vehicle performance and communication blackout. The Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method is applied to model these effects through code-to-code comparison and rarefied re-entry simulation. DSMC codes SPARTA and Comet are compared with a 2D cylinder test case to evaluate consistency in predicted flowfield quantities. This is followed by 2D and 3D axi-symmetric simulation of the Varda re-entry capsule at 78 km altitude to characterize plasma formation. 2D cylinder results show agreement in translational and rotational temperature and neutral …

Climate Messages In An Ai-Integrated Experiment: Interpretive Divergence, Policy Support, And A New Resonance Consistency Framework, Jayme Colosimo

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation examined how environmental frames—particularly “Mother Earth” and “Mother Nature”—influence public support for climate policy and how these effects differ across demographic groups. Using a mixed-methods explanatory sequential design, the study executed a media survey experiment (N = 470) followed by semi-structured expert interviews to assess responses to two primes using a conventional corporate media message, and a message with similar content that was generated by Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Quantitative findings showed that these metaphors generated uneven and sometimes divergent priming effects. Some groups—most notably White male Republicans—reported higher support for environmental policy under the conventional media prime. Under …

Strengthening Teacher Retention Through Strategic Onboarding, Stacey Eger-Converse

Theses and Dissertations

The United States education system is currently facing a critical staffing crisis characterized by dwindling enrollment in teacher preparation programs and alarming rates of voluntary attrition. Each school year, school districts report difficulties filling certified positions. This cycle of departure incurs staggering fiscal costs and creates a "recursive loop" where high turnover leads to lower student performance and community dissatisfaction, which further drives teacher exits. While most new teachers participate in induction programs, districts continue to lose approximately half of their new hires, suggesting that current support structures are insufficient. This research addresses a significant gap in the literature: the …

Numerical Verification Of A Gpu-Accelerated Particle-In-Cell Code For Low-Temperature Plasma Simulations, Wei Guo

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis presents the numerical verification of Comet, a GPU-accelerated Particle-in-Cell with Monte Carlo Collisions (PIC/MCC) code designed for low-temperature plasma simulations. To ensure efficient deployment across heterogeneous computing architectures, the framework leverages the Kokkos performance-portability layer for high-performance execution. Verification was conducted through a series of hierarchical stages with increasing physical complexity, benchmarking each component of the fundamental PIC/MCC simulation cycle. This structured approach establishes the numerical fidelity of the code's algorithmic building blocks prior to its application in predictive plasma research.

The first stage verifies field interpolation and particle pusher modules against canonical single-particle cases, focusing on ion …

Machine Learning For Laminar Heat Transfer In Supercritical Fluids, Luke Holtshouser

Theses and Dissertations

In the last 10 years machine learning has become increasingly more used in the field of fluid dynamics and heat transfer. However, with this increase in activity, gaps still exist with respect to supercritical fluids and laminar flows, where laminar flow in general seems understudied. For supercritical fluids, there are many peculiar studies that are isolated to unique systems or they are obscure enough to include everything but the kitchen sink. This strategy provides no real insights into how the field can make further progress in the utilization of the technology available, or rather build-upon previous knowledge. For this reason, …

Flipping The Odds: At-Risk Students’ Perceptions Of The Benefits Of The Flipped Classroom Model In High School Mathematics, Roberto Alonzo Moedano

Theses and Dissertations

High school educators tasked with teaching and learning are often challenged to find ways to keep students engaged and ensure they are learning content. However, the COVID-19 pandemic that the United States experienced from 2020 to 2023 (Northwestern Medicine Staff & Northwestern Medicine, 2025) made educators’ efforts more difficult. This unprecedented time of remote teaching and learning transformed the educational landscape overnight. It removed face-to-face learning and replaced it with virtual classes—neither teachers nor students were prepared for the challenges. This research study examines how a flipped classroom approach has the potential to yield positive results at the high school …

Thriving Within Digital Learning Courses: Examining The Influence Of Interactions In Kinesiology Undergraduate Students, Jimmy J. Morin

Theses and Dissertations

The expansion of online and hybrid education has reshaped higher education, particularly in applied fields such as kinesiology that emphasize hands-on learning. Despite this growth, limited research has examined how specific interaction types (academic, social, and deeper life) contribute to student thriving in digital environments. This dissertation explored how interactions with faculty, staff, and peers influence holistic student success in online and hybrid kinesiology programs utilizing a three-paper dissertation approach to address this gap through complementary methods. Paper 1 synthesizes existing literature on student interactions and thriving in digital learning contexts. Paper 2 uses one-way ANOVA and ANCOVA to examine …

Modeled Decrease In Wildfire Occurrence In Alaska By 2100, Hayden Patterson

Theses and Dissertations

Wildfire occurrence in Alaska has increased since 1979 due to global climate change. The rising temperatures affect relative humidity, vapor pressure deficit, precipitation, and other factors that lead to the increased ignition of wildfires. Therefore, there is a distinct need for a statewide prediction-model for wildfire occurrence in Alaska. This research modeled the effects of changing humidity on spatial evolution of the predict wildfires out to 2100. We found that the wildfire occurrence area would grow by 65% until 2052 and then would shrink until 2100 by 94%. This suggests that the increasing moisture in the warming air is outcompeting …

Teachers’ Perceptions Of Their Culturally Relevant Practices Within Stem Education, Focusing On Native American Students, Cortney Ellen Shuley

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study examines how culturally relevant practices are perceived and enacted by K-12 STEM educators working with Native American and non-Native American students. Situated within the context of North Dakota’s educational landscape, the research explores both teacher perspectives and curriculum design, with particular attention to the role and integration of the North Dakota Native American Essential Understandings (NDNAEU) within STEM instruction and curriculum design. Using thematic analysis of interviews and photo elicitation with three K-12 teachers who have participated in culturally relevant engineering education, as well as document analysis of NDNAEU and state-standards-aligned STEM lesson plans, the study examines …

Predicting Diversity Gaps In Clinical Trials Using Digital Twin Modeling, Abigail Tubbs

Theses and Dissertations

Demographic underrepresentation in clinical trials continues to limit the external validity, equity, and generalizability of biomedical evidence. While regulatory reforms have increased the availability of aggregate demographic reporting, most existing approaches assess representation retrospectively, after recruitment has begun, offering limited support for design-stage decision-making. This dissertation presents a digital twin–based framework for prospective assessment of demographic diversity in clinical trials using trial-level metadata. The work integrates three core contributions. First, an open, reproducible, no-code extraction tool was developed to enable bulk retrieval and harmonization of baseline demographic data (race, ethnicity, sex/gender, and age) from ClinicalTrials.gov using National Clinical Trial identifiers. …

Techno-Economic Analysis And Density Functional Theory Modeling Of Hydrogen Fuel Cells With Platinum-Based Catalysts For Effective Deployment In Long-Range Electric Vehicles, Thomas Cheekwang Yap

Theses and Dissertations

The transition to sustainable transportation is constrained by carbon emissions and fossil fuel dependence. Hydrogen fuel cells (HFCs), particularly those utilizing platinum-based catalysts, offer high efficiency and suitability for long-range electric vehicles (EVs). However, the high cost and durability limitations of platinum catalysts remain major barriers to large-scale deployment.

This study integrates techno-economic analysis (TEA) with density functional theory (DFT) modeling to evaluate cost–performance trade-offs of platinum-based catalysts for long-range hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. DFT simulations were conducted to assess platinum alloy compositions and oxygen reduction reaction activity. These performance metrics were incorporated into a MATLAB-based TEA framework to quantify …

Green Synthesis And Characterization Of Carbon Dots From Date Seeds For Antimicrobial Applications, Mariam Rami Hamdan

Theses

This thesis focuses on the synthesis and functionalization of Carbon Dots (CDs) derived from date seeds, followed by their conjugation with different antibiotics for antimicrobial applications. Carbon dots have gained increasing popularity due to their unique optical characteristics, surface properties, and biocompatibility. On the other hand, the utilization of date seeds offers a sustainable route towards obtaining value-added nanomaterials from agricultural waste. The central aim of this project is to develop and characterize CDs from date seeds and investigate their possible use as antibiotic carriers to improve antibacterial efficacy. The CDs were prepared using a green, cost-effective method and characterized …

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 …