Digital Commons Network^™

A Benchmark Of Tractor Trailer Operator Training Between The United States Army's 37th Transportation Command And A Selected Civilian Industry Leader, Stephen J. Mayhew, Joel T. Peterson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose or this research was to determine differences between the Army's 37th Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) TRACTOR TRAILER (T/T) driver training program and a selected civilian industry leader's training program in order to identify practices which could improve 37th TRANSCOM's training program. In order to make this comparison, the researchers used a benchmarking methodology to compare T/T training programs of 37th TRANSCOM and Eaton Roadranger Training Institute. Major findings were identified in five areas. There were negative gaps in the four benchmark areas of minimum age requirement, course content, prior driving experience required of instructors, and mock-up training aids. One …

Boson Stars In The Brans-Dicke Gravitational Theories, Mark Gunderson

Theses and Dissertations

Boson stars consist of a system of self gravitating scalar fields (bosons) which form a macroscopic quantum state and is one of several dark matter candidates. When considering cosmological models based on the Brans-Dicke gravitational theories, one question that must be addressed is whether certain types of dark matter candidates, possibly boson stars, can exist in the Brans-Dicke gravitational theories. We show in this paper that at least one type of dark matter - boson stars— can exist in these gravitational theories.

For purposes of comparison, we introduce a boson star model in general relativity with a quartic coupling interaction …

Economic Analysis Of Costs Incurred From Chemical Exposures In The Workplace Resulting In Non-Carcinogenic Responses As Additional Justification For Pollution Prevention Projects, Michael L. Forcht, Timothy D. Neu

Theses and Dissertations

This research determines the applicability of using costs associated with chemical exposures in the workplace for financial justification of pollution prevention projects. Specifically, this thesis looks at costs incurred due to noncarcinogenic effects caused by chemical exposures. Average costs are determined through researching applicable statistical cost data. Acute effects are analyzed using an analysis of available statistical accident data from multiple sources. Expected values are then calculated based upon the projected cost of an accident and the probability of having an accident. Chronic effects are analyzed using an empirical analysis. A risk assessment is used to determine the likelihood of …

Effects Of Pre- And Post- Trial Caffeine Treatment On Memory For Prose, Malva F. Walters

Theses and Dissertations

Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant which is considered part of the normal diet. One approach to understanding whether ingestion of caffeine influences human cognition is to examine the effects of caffeine on memory.

This study examined the effects of caffeine ingested both before and after a prose learning task. Two hundred-forty-five subjects (121 males, 124 females) were divided into two groups. One group received 0, 2, or 4 mg/kg of caffeine before hearing three narrative prose passages. The second group received 0, 2, or 4 mg/kg of caffeine after hearing the prose passages. All subjects returned 24 hours …

A Grammar Sketch Of Dəməna, Cindy S. Williams

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis provides a description of the morphology and syntax of Dəməna, a Chibchan language of northern Colombia. Dəməna is an SOV language with postpositions and genitive-nominal, noun-adjective word orders.

Unusual features of Dəməna include: case marking suffixes which occur as phrasal affixes, a fusion of person marking and deixis in verbal suffixes, and interaction of temporal and special deixis on question suffixes.

Dəməna exhibits more agreement than would be expected. Causative constructions may contain two different direct object person agreement prefixes side by side on a single verb. In cases of advancement to direct object, the same argument may …

Photochemical And Spectroscopic Studies Of Citric Acid And Selected Alphahydroxydi- And Tricarboxylic Acid Complexes Of Iron(Iii)., Ahmad Rezvani

Theses and Dissertations

The overall objective of this work was: (1) to determine the chemistry of organic acids formic, acetic, succinic, malic, tartaric, isocitric, and citric acid in the photoinduced-reduction of iron(III) to iron(II), and (2) to determine some of the factors influencing the quantum yield for production of iron(II) from iron(III) in the presence of citric acid.It was shown that the quantum yields for photoreduction of iron(III) to iron(II) in the presence of the selected organic acids acid depends on the structure and concentration of the carboxylate ligand as well as the pH of the solution. The quantum yields for the photoreduction …

Self-Selecting Literature: A Qualitative Study In A Sixth-Grade Classroom., Dale L. Sakrison

Theses and Dissertations

Self-selection of literature, one of the foundations of whole language philosophy, has received increased attention in recent years. It was the intent of this study to examine questions related to the practice of allowing students in a sixth grade classroom to select their own reading material in a literature-based reading program. The books, authors, and genre selected by the students in the study were identified. In addition, the difficulty level of material selected, the selection techniques used by students, and influences upon the book selections were also studied.The study was conducted in a self-contained, sixth grade classroom with fourteen students. …

Use Of Chlorine For Removal Of Fish Pathogens From Garrison Diversion Water, David Bruschwein

Theses and Dissertations

Chlorination is a water treatment process that involves the addition of chlorine to water to kill potentially disease causing organisms. This process is referred to as disinfection.

The objective of this project was to perform a preliminary cost estimate on the disinfection of fish pathogens by chlorination of Garrison Diversion Unit waters. The cost estimate was used to find the most economical chlorination option. The cost estimate used cost curves developed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency in 1979 that are updated to current price levels. Because of possible harm to the aquatic environment by chlorine, a cost estimate …

The Effects Of Time Of Testing And Elevated Blood Glucose On Cognitive Performance., Mark Randolph Hill

Theses and Dissertations

Previous findings have suggested that glucose may enhance performance on memory tasks in rats and humans. However, other studies have shown that the effects of carbohydrates may vary by the time of their ingestion. The present investigation examined accuracy and latencies on a semantic task performed in the morning or evening and under two levels of blood glucose. The task consisted of three subtests. In the first subtest, subjects discerned the physical differences between word pairs. In the second subtest, they looked for word matches, regardless of typographical case. On the third subtest, subjects compared words for membership in the …

Effects Of Mood Induction On The Visual Attention Of The Dysphoric And The Nondysphoric., Griffith Robert Matthews

Theses and Dissertations

Matthews and Antes (1992) tested the hypothesis that dysphoric people possess a negative attentional bias while the nondysphoric possess a positive attentional bias. They found that both dysphoric and nondysphoric subjects fixated regions of dual-mood pictorial stimuli rated happy more often, longer, and sooner than regions of the stimuli rated sad. It was also found that the dysphoric fixated sad regions more often than did the nondysphoric. The present study was an attempt to replicate and extend these findings by employing the Velten Mood Induction Procedure to induce sad, elated, and neutral mood in dysphoric and nondysphoric subjects. It was …

Anns An X Window Based Version Of The Afit Neural Network Simulator, Ching-Seh Wu

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis presents an X Window based neural network simulation environment developed at Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) using the techniques of modern software engineering. This artificial neural network simulator is a tool running on Sun SPARCstations and supporting two user modes: end-users and client-programmers. End-users interact with neural network paradigms developed by client-programmers for the purpose of studying and analyzing the execution of a particular Neural Network (NN) paradigm, or class of NN algorithms. Client programmers maintain the system and use this environment for the development of new NN paradigms or algorithms for end-users. The development follows a …

Parables For Long Knives. (Original Writing)., Gordon Donald Henry Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

Parables for Long Knives is a creative work which includes short stories, poems, mini-dramas and farcical essays on life in a mythological American Indian community in the Midwest. The work finds literary direction from Native oral traditions and culture, Midwest tribal histories, contemporary tribal issues and lifestyle, and personal experiences in Indian and non-Indian communities. In addition, parts of this work employ oblique allusions to American and English literature past and present.

The Motivations For Meaning: A Study Of Persuasive Appeals In Martin Scorsese's Taxi Driver, Lawrence Arthur Lannoo

Theses and Dissertations

In 1976, one of the most violent and controversial films of that decade was released in American movie theaters. The film, Martin Scorsese's Taxi Driver, was heralded by some film scholars as a masterpiece.

However, others criticized the film for its graphic presentation of urban violence. This criticism intensified when John Hinckley, Jr. attempted to assassinate President Ronald Reagan in 1981, apparently motivated by his love for a character in the film, played by Jodie Foster.

The director of Taxi Driver, Martin Scorsese, responded to the criticisms of the violence in his film. He suggested that he was not trying …

A Comparative Character Analysis Of Ruth And Kate In Harold Pinter's The Homecoming And Old Times: The Issues Of Need, Possession And Power, Daniel K. Dammel

Theses and Dissertations

In comparing Ruth of Harold Pinter’s The Homecoming and Kate of Pinter’s Old Times, it was necessary to analyze the women individually within the context of their respective plays. The focus of each distinct analysis is on the issues of need, possession and power, which are prevalent in both plays. Both Ruth and Kate elicit need in the other characters of their respective plays. The needs that Ruth and Kate evoke, and the process through which they elicit these needs were examined. Motivated by the needs Ruth and Kate elicit, the characters surrounding the women attempt to possess them. As …

The Prevention Of Aids: Assessment And Intervention In A Heterosexual College Population., Dawn Marie Ehde

Theses and Dissertations

In an examination of heterosexual college students' knowledge, attitudes, risk perception, and behavior as they relate to the prevention of AIDS in this population, the present study included two separate but related studies. The first study examined midwestern heterosexual students': (a) knowledge of HIV risk factors; (b) attitudes toward homosexuality, AIDS, and mandatory HIV testing; (c) sexual and other risk behavior; and (d) self-perception of risk for exposure to HIV. Students (N = 308) completed an assessment battery that included the AIDS Risk Behavior Knowledge Test, the AIDS Attitude Scale, the Sexual Risk Behavior Questionnaire, and a background questionnaire which …

An Immersive Synthetic Environment For Observation And Interaction With A Large Volume Of Interest, Rex G. Haddix Iii

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis addresses the initial development of a Synthetic Battlebridge System designed to provide the user with a synthetic three- dimensional view of moving and stationary vehicles dispersed over a hundred thousand cubic mile volume. The system contains provisions to allow a user to view the battlefield either in the Polhemus LookingGlass™ fiber optic based high resolution head mounted display, a standard CRT, or through the Fake Space Labs BOOM2M™ high resolution monochrome display. Users can also video tape a session in the Synthetic Battlebridge System. A voice recognition system provides user interaction to the Synthetic Battlebridge System. Using a …

Using Animation In The Validation Of Simulation Models, Michael L. Carpenter

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined three aspects of animation (movement, color, and detail of icons) to determine which one (or ones) best communicated the operation of a simulation model. The procedure was done in the context of using animation to establish a model's face validity. Movement, color, and detail of icons were looked at individually and in combination. The ability to communicate was measured both subjectively and objectively. The subjective measures were a selection of best and worst animation types where best and worst referred to how well an animation communicated, and a pairwise comparison of the animation types which resulted in …

Enhancements To The Animated Tutor For Air Combat Simulation, David A. Legge

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates the use of the Ada programming language in combat modeling. It takes an existing combat model, the Animated Tutor for Air Combat Simulation (ATACS), and re-writes it into Ada. The new model also includes enhancements to the original model. ATACS+, as it is now called, is used as a learning tool in combat modeling classes at the Air Force Institute of Technology. ATACS+ consists of a preprocessor and a model, complete with two and three-dimensional graphics and engagement status reports. Conclusion are made about Ada's suitability for combat modeling, some of the features of Ada which can …

The Integration Of Tanker Aircraft Into Aslar, John S. Stieven

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to analyze the proposed addition of heavy KC-135 tanker aircraft to the United States Air Force Aircraft Surge Launch and Recovery (ASLAR) instrument approach system. The Air Force Communications Command, which oversees ASLAR operations, will use these results to determine if KC-135 aircraft should be permitted to fly ASLAR approaches. A SIMSCRIPT II.5 animated simulation model was developed to simulate the Runway 26 approach at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base under a variety of wind conditions. This model was expanded to show the feasibility of KC-135s flying ASLAR approaches and to determine proper controller …

The Effects Of Age And Sense Of Coherence On Bereavement Outcome., Michelle Marie Micsko

Theses and Dissertations

An important component of hospice programs is providing ongoing support to bereaved individuals. Bereaved, who receive organized support following the death of a loved one, have better bereavement outcomes than individuals who do not receive organized support. Many risk factors relating to characteristics of individuals might place them at risk for experiencing a pathological bereavement reaction following the death of their spouse such as the nature of the relationship they had with the deceased, nature of the death of the deceased, behaviors and attitudes appearing early in the grieving process, and specific characteristics of the bereaved individuals. Hence, in identifying …

The Hakluyt Stage: Travel, Narcissism, And The Narrative., Thomas Palakeel

Theses and Dissertations

In this quincentenary year of the Columbus landfall, as the theorists debate the limitations of Western civilization, my dissertation critiques the narratives collected by Richard Hakluyt (1552-1616) who sought to enter the geographical and ethnographic discourse of the late Renaissance by inscribing the emergent English nation as the custodian of modern civilization. The English rhetoric of civility in the New World has taken the form of a series of monologic narratives, forced inscriptions that seek to normalize the history of colonization, slavery, and imperialism.My study of the narratives in Hakluyt's Principal Navigations (1598) reveals the cultural narcissism of the English …

Report Of Developed Services In The El Pinalito Village Of The Chiquimula Municipality, Department Of Chiquimula, Fredy Samuel Coronado López

Theses and Dissertations

This paper reports on efforts to improve socioeconomic conditions and natural resource use in the El Pina lito community, department of Chiquimula, Guatemala. Students participating in supervised practical training at Centro Universitario de Oriente/Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala (CUNORI) developed projects to address these issues. A general diagnostic instrument was created for this community to assist in the development of specific work projects. Students prepared community first-aid kits, agricultural activities with school children, and instructional sessions with farmers on how to prepare a family garden and efficiently manage domestic animals. Other activities included ornamental tree preparation for female participants …

Pus, Pox, Propaganda And Progress: The Compulsory Smallpox Vaccination Controversy In Utah, 1899-1901, Eric L. Bluth

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examines the compulsory smallpox vaccination controversy in Utah, 1899-1901. It looks at the two smallpox epidemics during 1899-1901 and follows the boards of health attempts to eradicate smallpox primarily by compelling the vaccination of school children.

Dr. Theodore B. Beatty, secretary of the State Board of Health, championed the effort to vaccinate all Utahns; however, the opposition led by Charles W. Penrose, editor of the Deseret Evening News, produced anti-compulsion and vaccination information which influenced Utahns to generally oppose vaccination. Consequently, the legislature passed an anti-compulsory vaccination statute over the governor's veto to annul the courts decision …

The Importance Of Manufacturing In The Economic Development Of Grand Forks : A Case Study, Melford J. Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Hemodynamic Changes During Anesthesia Induction With Etomidate Versus Propofol, Lynn M. Reynolds

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Conflict Over Land Use In North Dakota's Prairie Pothole Region : Historic And Geographic Perspectives On Public Policy, Chris Meindl

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Anatomical, Mechanical And Baroreceptor Responses Of Chronic Sympathetic Denervated Rabbit Carotid Sinuses, Steven T. Oncay

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

A Comparison Of Famotidine And Ranitidine In Reducing Gastric Acidity And Volume In Patients Undergoing General Anesthesia, Paul E. Novak

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Mechanistic Basis And Adaptive Significance Of Temperature-Dependent Sex Determination In The Common Snapping Turtle, Chelydra Serpentina, Turk Rhen

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Effects Of Veratridine And Tetrodotoxin On Acetylcholine Receptor Expression In Cultured Mouse Muscle Cells, Abul Kalam Hasan

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.