Digital Commons Network^™

Effect Of Zro2 Content And Oxide Additives On The Wear Resistance Of Pressureless-Sintered Si3n4 – Zro2 Composites, Kamol Traipanya, Thanakorn Wasanapiarnpong, Charusporn Mongkolkachit

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

Silicon nitride (Si3N4) and zirconia (ZrO2) ceramics are well-known for their excellent wear resistance, high hardness, and high mechanical strength. This research focuses on the development and investigation of Si3N4–ZrO2 ceramic composites. Test specimens were fabricated by pressureless sintering at 1550-1650 oC for 2 hours in a nitrogen atmosphere, using SiO2, MgO, and Y2O3 as sintering additives. Density measurements indicated that the weight ratio of SiO2:MgO:Y2O3 at 3:3:5 promoted densification and improved with the addition of ZrO2 (3 mol% yttria-stabilized zirconia). However, the hardness of Si3N4 containing 5 wt% ZrO2 was 14.63 GPa and showed a decreasing trend as the …

Investigating The Effects Of Lamno. On The Morphology, Structural And Optical Properties Of Epoxy-Based Plastic Scintillators, Yeni Febrianti, Airine Hijrah Handayani, Marzuki Naibaho, Phahul Zhemas Zul Nehan, Zulkarnain -, Arbi Dimyati, Budhy Kurniawan

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

Plastic scintillators are widely used in radiation detection due to their low cost, fast response, and ease of fabrication, although their performace is often limited by low density, low atomic number, make them less efficient for applications requiring high-energy radiation. In this study, LaMnO3 was synthesized using the hydrothermal method and employed as a dopant to enhance the optical and scintillation properties of epoxy-based plastic scintillators. Structural, morphological, and optical characterizations of LaMnO3 were carried out using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), UV-Vis and  photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The results confirm that …

Effect Of Mgo On Crawling And Physical Properties In Ceramic Glazes, Thongpanchang Timclub, Pathitta Anuraksombat, Thatree Muangkaew, Niti Yongvanich

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

This study attempted to seek and verify the scientific aspects responsible for crawling in ceramic glazes. The selected additive was magnesium oxide (MgO). The glazes were applied on porcelain biscuits and fired between 1100℃ and 1300℃. The degree of crawling was enhanced with increasing amount of MgO, which was accompanied by formation of forsterite (Mg2SiO4) as a major phase. Complete island separation was achieved with 10 wt% MgO with good wettability and shiny surface. The morphology of the glaze demonstrated this phase as small crystals within the glaze layer. Addition of MgO resulted in a continuous decrease in the thermal …

Enhancing Aqueous Solubility Of A Psoralen Derivative Via Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complexation : In Silico And In Vitro Study, Gulzaib Basharat, Saba Ali, Pattharamon Chaikhun, Choosak Jaroenrit, Kuakarun Krusong, Thanthapatra Bunchuay, Tanatorn Khotavivattana, Thanyada Rungrotmongkol

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

N-(4-Bromobenzoyl)-8-methoxypsoralen-4-amine (BNB) is a psoralen derivative with potent cytotoxic activity against breast cancer cells but with limited pharmaceutical application and therapeutic potential due to its extremely low aqueous solubility. To overcome this limitation, β-cyclodextrin (βCD) and its derivatives dimethyl-βCD (DMβCD), hydroxypropyl-βCD (HPβCD), and sulfobutylether-βCD (SBEβCD) were investigated as carriers to enhance BNB's aqueous solubility via cyclodextrin inclusion complexation. A combined computational–experimental strategy was employed, integrating molecular docking, 500-ns all-atom molecular dynamics simulations in quintuplicate runs (2.5 µs in total), and experimental validation by phase solubility analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Docking and simulations revealed …

The Performance Of The Heat Affected Zone Of 9% Ni Steel Narrow Gap Joint Performed By The Gmaw Process With Rotating Electrode, Jorge Carlos Ferreira Jorge, Jeferson Frederico Monteiro Costa, Matheus Campolina Mendes, Luís Felipe Guimarães De Souza, Hiron Akira Yamada Magalhães, Leonardo Sales Araújo

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

This work investigates the mechanical properties and microstructural evolution of the heat-affected zone of 9% Ni steel narrow-gap welded joints produced by the GMAW process with a rotating electrode, since no literature on this subject is available. This process is an innovation of the GMAW process, which permits narrow gap welding because the circular motion of the electrode overcomes the main issue of the sidewall's lack of fusion observed in the conventional process. However, the rotation movement of the electric arc imposes a higher peak temperature at the heat affected zone, which can negatively affect the mechanical properties. The joints …

Enhanced Red Emission Of Gd2moo6:Eu Phosphor-In-Glass Embedded In Sio2-Teo2-Na2o-Bao Matrix For Solid-State Lighting, Patarawagee Yasaka, Winut Wongwan, Seubsakun Khondara, Jakrapong Kaewkhao

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

Gd2MoO6:Eu3+ phosphor-in-glass (PIG) composites were synthesized by a microwave-assisted melting technique using a 50SiO2:20TeO2:15Na2O:15BaO glass matrix containing 0.00 wt% to 10.00 wt% phosphor. Their structural, optical, and luminescent properties were systematically investigated. X-ray diffraction confirmed the formation of crystalline Gd2MoO6 phases, which became prominent at 5.00 wt% and 10.00 wt%, indicating partial crystallization within the glass network. The density and refractive index increased from 3.621 g∙cm‒3 to 3.774 g∙cm‒3 and 1.535 to 1.692 with higher phosphor loading, suggesting a more compact structure. Absorption spectra showed four characteristic Eu3+ bands at 464 nm, 534 nm, 2088 nm, and 2203 nm, while …

Hybrid Interface Effect Of G-C3n4/Zno Nanocomposites On The Photoelectrochemical Cathodic Protection Of 304 Stainless Steel In Chloride Solution, Htet Yadanar Soe, Thanate Na Wichean, Jularpar Sunttiprapar, Parichart Chaum, Gasidit Panomsuwan, Oratai Jongprateep, Ratchatee Techapiesancharoenkij

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

The development of efficient and environmentally friendly corrosion protection systems for metals in aggressive environments has become a critical area of research, particularly for stainless steel used in marine and industrial applications. In this study, a series of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) and zinc oxide (ZnO) composites with varying g-C3N4 weight ratios (10 wt% and 30 wt%), are integrated to form heterojunction structures with enhanced charge separation and interfacial activity. The g-C3N4/ ZnO (ZCN) composite thin films were prepared using a facile thermal mixing method and were characterized using XRD, SEM, BET, FTIR, UV-Vis, and PL to confirm their structural, …

Mechanical And Microstructural Characterization Of Tib2/Zro2 Reinforced Al5052 Nanocomposites For Structural Applications, Saumy Agarwal, Satnam Singh

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

This study investigates the fabrication and mechanical characterization of Al5052 composites reinforced with nanosized TiB2 and ZrO2 particles via stir casting. Al5052 was chosen for its high strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance, making it suitable for marine and automotive applications. The addition of hard ceramic reinforcements aimed to enhance mechanical properties without severely affecting ductility. Composite samples were tested as per ASTM standards. SEM analysis confirmed sound metallurgical bonding and generally uniform particle distribution. Density tests showed slight differences between theoretical and experimental values, with porosity generally increasing with reinforcement addition, attributed to particle agglomeration at higher loadings. Mechanical testing …

Green Synthesis And Optimized Annealing Temperature Effects On Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Mango Peel Extract, Supamas Wirunchit, Natchayaporn Sakulpeeb, Woradech Meedech, Sutee Chutipaijit, Wantana Koetniyom

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

This study presents the green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) using mango peel extract (MgE) as a natural reducing and stabilizing agent. Phytochemical extraction was performed with deionized water, ethanol, and methanol for 1 h to 5 h, with deionized water at 4 h yielding the highest flavonoid content. Using zinc nitrate as a precursor, 25 mL of MgE successfully facilitated the synthesis of ZnO-NPs (ZnO-25MgE). It was found that annealing temperature at 400℃ for 6 h produced pure ZnO. The obtained nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and field emission scanning electron microscopy …

The Effect Of Granule Composition On The Densification And Strength Of Two Different Compacted 92% Aluminas, Ryan Mccuiston, Kritkaew Somton

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

High-alumina (Al2O3) ceramics are an important, but sometimes overlooked industrial material. Two 92% alumina spray-dried granules, which contained different sintering aid compositions, were studied. The two alumina granules, called MT and JP, were die compacted to form bend bars and heated at temperatures from 200℃ to 1600℃. The effect of the sintering aid composition on the shrinkage, density, and fracture strength of samples were investigated. It was found that MT samples had a lower density than the JP samples up to 1100℃, due to a greater weight loss following binder removal.  However, between 1200℃ to 1600℃, the MT samples had …

Modernizing Rotc Training: Evaluating The Impact Of Digital Learning On Tactical Performance, Dominick Olhava

Honors Program Theses

Tactical proficiency is a critical component of ROTC officer development, yet current study practices–primarily physical manuals, PowerPoint briefings, and in person instruction–offer limited opportunities for individualized learning, repetition, and long term retention. While digital learning platforms are widely adopted across higher education, they remain underutilized within ROTC programs despite their potential to enhance accessibility, engagement, and performance.

To address this gap, ROTCELERATE (rotcelerate.com) was developed to serve as a comprehensive digital repository designed to centralize and modernize ROTC training materials. The platform consolidates doctrinal references, tactical methodologies, and written study resources, and supplements them with interactive animated visualizations that illustrate …

Predictors Of Resilience Among East Asian American Adults: The Role Of Ethnic Identity, Parental Cultural Socialization And K-12 Experiences Of Stereotype-Related Stress, Regina Lee

Selected Full Text Dissertations, 2011-

This quantitative retrospective study examined predictors of resilience among East Asian American adults reflecting on their K-12 educational experiences of stereotype-related stress. Guided by Asian Critical Theory (AsianCrit), Ethnic Identity Theory, Resilience Theory, and Quantitative Critical Race Theory (QuantCrit), the study investigated whether ethnic identity and parental maintenance of heritage culture during K-12 schooling predicted adult resilience. Participants (N = 207) completed validated measures of ethnic identity (MEIM; Phinney, 1992; Roberts et al., 1999), parental maintenance of heritage culture subscale (AAPRES; Juang et al., 2016), stereotype-related stress (MMM Scale, Thompson & Kiang, 2010; Perpetual Foreigner subscale, Liang et al., 2004), …

Today And Yesterday, Vol. 50, 2026, Illinois State University, Department Of History

Today and Yesterday

Newsletter of the Illinois State University Department of History

Slices And Lumps: Division And Aggregation In Law And Life, Lee Anne Fennell

Books

No abstract provided.

To Pursue Or Not To Pursue An Academic Doctoral Degree: Perceived Motivators And Barriers Of Women Working In Allied Health Educational Programs, Karen J. Honeycutt, Betsy Becker, Victoria Kennel, Sarah Mcbrien, Makayla Schissel, Tammy Webster

Journal Articles: Medical Laboratory Science

BACKGROUND: Women faculty in allied health education frequently transition from clinical roles without formal training in teaching or research methodologies. This study examined motivators and barriers of women faculty in an allied health educational setting when determining to pursue an academic doctoral degree. Data was collected from faculty working in 48 allied health programs in Nebraska representing 14 professions.

METHODS: Women faculty were invited to complete a confidential online survey. Using a four-point Likert scale, participants responded to perceived motivators (nine) and barriers (nine) related to their decision to pursue or not pursue a doctoral degree.

RESULTS: Responses from 142 …

What Church Planters Need : How Community, Training, & Intentional Relationships Fuel Church Growth, Carolina G. Miller

Heritage Material

No abstract provided.

Green Modification Of A Coupling Reaction Between N-Acetylated Amino Acids And P-Nitrothiophenol, Kaitlyn S. Marley, Hannah M. Werle, John P. Morgan

SURF Posters 2026

Native Chemical Ligation (NCL) is a process by which smaller peptides can be linked together to form larger peptides and proteins, but the preparation of necessary thioester starting materials often relies on hazardous reagents. We report a greener synthesis of S-(4- nitrophenyl) N-acetylphenylalaninethioate, building upon the methodology reported by Raines et al.1 This literature synthesis uses N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) as solvent in the final thioester coupling step to accommodate the limited solubility of N-acetylphenylalanine in less polar solvents. However, DMF is a known reproductive toxin and environmental hazard. Our research demonstrates that acidic water serves as a highly effective, benign alternative …

Simulation Scenario Builder, Jami Monico

Instructional Materials: Graduate Medical Education

Simulation Scenario Builder is a structured Excel‑based tool designed to guide educators through the complete development of clinical simulation experiences. Organized according to the Healthcare Simulation Standards of Best Practice™, this builder ensures consistency, quality, and standardization when creating simulation activities for learners in health professions education. The file includes linked resources, fillable planning sections, and templates for scenario design, prebriefing, debriefing, learner preparation, assessment, fidelity planning, and evaluation.

Navigating Academic Demands In Higher Education After Mild Traumatic Brain Injury, Abigail Mosteller, Chitrali R. Mamlekar

SURF Posters 2026

Although, mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) are classified as mild; their consequences can be substantial. These injuries can result in significant cognitive, physical, and emotional symptoms. While many individuals recover within a few weeks, others experience persisting symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, fatigue, brain fog, difficulties with attention and memory. For college students, these ongoing symptoms can significantly interfere with academic participation and success, impairments in communication, executive functioning, processing speed, memory, or attention may make it difficult to follow lectures, complete assignments, meet deadlines and study effectively. Universities may offer accommodations and academic support services; however, the availability of …

Ain’T Nothing Like The Real Thing: How Legal Research Programs Can Provide The Needed Safety Rails For Pro Se Litigants Using Ai In Litigation, Nicole Belbin

Faculty Scholarship

An estimated 92% of legal needs go unmet in America, leaving a growing number of pro se litigants to “manage their own cause.” Between 2000 and 2019, 27% of all civil cases filed in U.S. District Courts, totaling 1,501,079 cases, had at least one party without attorney representation. The legal profession is abuzz about the potential for generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools to “smooth out any mismatch between available resources and urgent needs in our court system”; however, “hallucinations” have quickly proved a limitation to reaching this technology’s full potential. The complexity of legal research and analysis increases the chance …

Kim Gyeong-Seok And The Origins Of Northeast Asia’S Corporate Accountability Movement For War And Colonialism, Timothy Webster

Faculty Scholarship

Campaigns to review Japan’s wartime legacy and legal liability have recurred throughout postwar Japan. While most of these efforts have targeted the Japanese government, an important subset of actors has also focused on the role of Japanese corporations. And perhaps no one played a larger role in directing attention towards Japan, Inc. than Kim Gyeong-seok, a Korean forced laborer in the 1940s turned redress activist in the 1990s. As described in this Article, Kim’s 1991 lawsuit against Nihon Kokan launched the corporate accountability piece of the reparations project, an endeavor that continues to create ripples even now. The Article briefly …

The Coalition Of Inclusive School Leaders Framework & Guidebook, K. Adams, Meghan Cosier, Audri Sandoval Gomez

Thompson Policy Institute on Disability Policy Reports

"The purpose of this inclusive leadership framework, also supplemental, is to expand further on those actionable steps in the PSEL 2015 and Promoting Principal Leadership for the Success of Students With Disabilities document for direct use with future and current school and district administrators, framing a more inclusive-focused leader than the initial development of the CPSEL and PSEL. This framework will guide leaders toward improving access, equity, and inclusion for students with disabilities (SWD) and other students from traditionally marginalized backgrounds (e.g., students who are Black, Latinx, and Indigenous; students who are LGBTQIA+; and students who are experiencing poverty across …

The Impact Of Rurality On Durable Medical Equipment Access And Discharge Planning For Tracheostomy And Ventilation Care In Nebraska, Karissa Nichols, Kayley Anderson, Morgan Bintner, Teresa Rodriguez, Jana L. Wardian, Jayme Dowdall

Journal Articles: Hospital Medicine

OBJECTIVES: Recognize how rurality impacts safe discharge planning and home management for complex airway patients. This study explores the distribution of durable medical equipment (DME) companies for patients with tracheostomies and/or ventilators, aiming to identify patterns in service access statewide.

METHODS: Key informant phone surveys assessed active DME companies statewide. DME companies were identified through hospital referral lists, discharge directories, and online searches. Data collected included service radius, respiratory supplies, and ventilation types. Geographic information system (GIS) mapping visualized coverage. Rural-urban status was classified using rural-urban commuting area (RUCA) codes.

RESULTS: Of 16 companies identified, 6 were closed, leaving 50 …

Real-Time Electronic Drug Monitoring: Experiences From A Multinational Phase 3 Clinical Trial To Prevent Multidrug-Resistant Tb, T. Jimah, J.E. Haberer, K.R. Amico, J. Tinkamanyire, M.A. Kendall, S. Moonsamy, R.T. Khan, K.B.F. Fetalvero, N. Suryavanshi, A. Gupta, A.C. Hesseling, Susan Swindells, G. Churchyard

Journal Articles: Infectious Diseases

OBJECTIVE: We describe the experience of implementing real-time electronic drug monitoring (EDM) within a clinical trial to prevent multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) among high-risk household contacts.

METHODS: The Protecting Households On Exposure to Newly Diagnosed Index Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis Patients (PHOENIx) trial is a phase 3, open-label, cluster-randomised clinical trial conducted in 31 sites in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Household contacts of adults with MDR-TB were enrolled from June 2019 to January 2025, each receiving an EDM device to monitor adherence to TB preventive therapy. Here, we review selection of the adherence monitoring approach and key procedures implemented to support EDM …

Scholars Called: Ten Years Of Doctorates In Biblical Studies At Asbury Theological Seminary, David B. Schreiner, Jason A. Myers

Academic Books

No abstract provided.

What Church Planters Need : How Community, Training, & Intentional Relationships Fuel Church Growth, Carolina G. Miller

Academic Books

No abstract provided.

Judgement Morning: Studies In Holiness Radicalism, William Kostlevy

Academic Books

No abstract provided.

Social Health Programming During Adolescence Is Associated With Increased Serum Levels Of Carotenoids, Vitamin A, And Vitamin E In Young Women: An Observational Cohort Study, Rebecca Drakowski, Matthew Vanormer, Laura Ebers, Katie Mayhan, Anum Akbar, Colman Freel, Taija Hahka, Rebekah Rapoza, Corrine K. Hanson, Keyonna King, Aaryn Mustoe, Melissa K. Thoene, Ann Anderson-Berry

Journal Articles: Pediatrics

Over 85% of young women in the United States do not meet fruit and vegetable intake recommendations, placing them at risk for low antioxidant nutrient intake. Social health programming (SHP) can improve dietary intake of fruits and vegetables, but it is not known how SHP impacts serum levels of specific antioxidant nutrients. This observational cohort study assessed the effect of participation in SHP through Girls Inc., Omaha, on serum carotenoid, retinol, and tocopherol levels for 12–29-year-old women. Serum nutrient levels were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography and nutrient intake from diet was measured using three 24 h dietary recalls (ASA24 …

Application Of Current Enteral Nutrition Support Recommendations To Infants Born Less Than 750 Grams Or Less Than 25 Weeks' Gestation: A Critical Review, Mar Romero-Lopez, Mamta Naik, Teresa Hartman, Ann Anderson-Berry, Melissa Thoene

Journal Articles: Pediatrics

Clinicians face a paucity of evidence-based recommendations for provision of enteral nutrition in infants born < 750 g or < 25 weeks' gestation, termed "nano-preterm." Current enteral nutrition recommendations for extremely low birth weight infants may not be broadly applicable to nano-preterm infants due to physiological and developmental differences, while others may be appropriate. Key enteral nutrition-related considerations include: the unique anatomy and physiology of the gastrointestinal tract, altered metabolic capacity, availability of maternal milk and use of alternative substrates, detailed methods of initiation and advancement of enteral feeding, methods of human milk fortification, targeted requirements for macronutrient and micronutrients, and the safety and efficacy of enteral nutrition support management to optimize the growth and development of the nano-preterm infant. This comprehensive review focused on enteral nutrition provision in nano-preterm infants, thoroughly evaluating available literature and identifying knowledge gaps about the unique physiology and metabolism of the nano-preterm infant as it pertains to enteral nutrition. Ultimately, prospective multicenter research is needed to establish evidence-based guidelines to promote optimal growth and development while minimizing complications of extreme prematurity.

A Quest For Food In Bedford-Stuyvesant And Brooklyn Heights: Residential Interactions With Neighborhood Food Resources, Aidan Carroll , ‘26

Senior Theses, Projects, and Awards

This thesis examines urban inequalities situated across Brooklyn, New York by speculating residential interactions with food resources in their neighborhood such as gardens, grocery stores, restaurants, and food pantries. With a specific focus on the areas Bedford-Stuyvesant and Brooklyn Heights of Brooklyn, New York, the study utilized qualitative data such as interviews and dietary food logs during ethnographic fieldwork in order to assess the ways in which experiences with accessing food can reveal a deeper message about systemic inequalities along the lines of racism and class if we are to consider food apartheid. That said, I found that food apartheid …