Digital Commons Network^™

A Hybrid Approach To Battlefield Parallel Discrete Event Simulation, Steven R. Soderholm

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis describes a method of parallelizing a battlefield discrete event simulation. The method combines elements of conservative time synchronization together with elements of optimistic computation and local rollback on a message passing hardware architecture. The battle simulation features aircraft moving in a battle area and launching missiles at enemy aircraft. Aircraft are randomly grouped into logical process (LPs), and a single LP is assigned to each processor. Aircraft state information is replicated across all LPs. Only the LP with the minimum next event time can execute safely. While one LP is executing safely all other LPs are precomputing their …

Formalization And Validation Of An Sadt Specification Through Executable Simulation In Vhdl, Daniel L. Eickmeier

Theses and Dissertations

Formalizing an informal requirements specification, such as SADT, and executing the formal specification in a simulation environment, such as VHDL, provides a requirements analyst a means to validate the behavior of a specification early in the development life cycle. This research effort investigated and demonstrated the feasibility and benefit of transforming an SADT specification of a system into an equivalent VHDL executable simulation. Both non-time related behavior and concurrent, real-time related behavior is addressed. First, a decision table extension to SADT is created so that detailed, executable behavior can be specified. Next a mapping from SADT to VHDL is defined. …

The Effect Of Acute Alcohol Intoxication On Memory Scan And Memory Span In Working Memory, Dawn M. Kugler

Theses and Dissertations

The efficiency of working memory processes has been studied by many researchers. Verbal ability and intoxication with ethanol are two hypothesized influences on the efficiency of working memory processes. This study looked at these factors across two measures, memory span tasks and memory scan tasks. This study also examined the extent to which verbal ability modulates the effect of alcohol on working memory performance.

Seventy-eight male subjects participated in the present study. Subjects who reported drinking at least two drinks on two separate occasions per week were invited to participate. Subjects were administered the WAIS-R Vocabulary subtest and categorized as …

Structured Hypermedia Application Development Model (Shadm): A Structured Model For Technical Documentation Application Design, Peter W. Cassell

Theses and Dissertations

This research was conducted to determine how a Royal Australian Air Force technical maintenance publication could be transformed into a task oriented hypermedia application and to develop a model that could be used for future similar transformations. The model was developed following in-depth analysis of the existing USAF F-15E maintenance publication set and validation was conducted using a prototype developed in HyperWriter, a commercial hypermedia product. The prototype model was based around the performance of three maintenance tasks on an aircraft sub-subsystem and incorporated online user access to the necessary support data for task completion. Publication managers, producers, and users …

Design And Application Of An Object Oriented Graphical Database Management System For Synthetic Environments, John A. Brunderman

Theses and Dissertations

The Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) is investigating the use of synthetic environments for military applications under the sponsorship of Rome Laboratories (RL). Areas under investigation include mission planning, battle management and flight simulation. The work reported in this thesis focuses on the object-oriented design and implementation of the Graphical Database Management System (GDMS) used to support research in these areas. GDMS provides the data structures, file format and algorithms to manage and render hierarchical, three-dimensional, polygonal models. Flexibility and adaptability were key factors in its design. A secondary objective of this research was to demonstrate the functionality of …

The Application Of Statistical Estimation Techniques To Terrain Modeling, Donald P. Duckett Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis researches methods of generating accurate and realistic polygonal terrain models by reducing gridded sampled terrain elevation data such as DMA DTED. The terrain models generated should be applicable for use in flight simulators and other systems. Existing methods of terrain modeling are discussed, and limitations of these systems are presented. The geostatistical estimation technique known as kriging is presented as a method estimating terrain elevations at locations not provided in DMA DTED or other gridded terrain elevation data. Kriging is an optimal interpolation method based on statistical analysis of the data. It also provides a measure of accuracy, …

Enhanced Animation Of Parallel Algorithms, Michael D. Lack

Theses and Dissertations

Algorithm animation is a visualization method used to enhance understanding of the functioning of an algorithm or program. Visualization is used for many purposes, including education, algorithm research, performance analysis, and program debugging. This research, which follows from previous work, examines algorithm animation requirements for the various visualization purposes and extends the capabilities of an existing facilities, the AFIT algorithm Animation Research Facility (AAARF). The structure of AAARF is summarised and its visualization capabilities presented, analysed and compared with other similar packages. This research focuses on the parallel data requirements of the AAARF users, and the meaningful display of large …

A Dynamic Computer Graphics Model Of Satellite Orbits For Use In Instruction And Analysis, John P. Anton

Theses and Dissertations

A computer model of satellite orbits was developed to illustrate difficult orbital concepts. It was also designed to analyze the positions of a satellite constellation with respect to locations on the earth as an aid to analysts. A literature review revealed that existing methods relay on drawings, expensive computers, or are satellite system specific, but that it would be possible to develop such a tool for an IMB-compatible personal computer using the Pascal language. Model capabilities selected included (1) a menu driven user interface; (2) a screen display showing satellite locations, ground track, and an earth map in one of …

A Formal Definition Of The Object-Oriented Paradigm For Requirements Analysis, Andrew D. Boyd

Theses and Dissertations

This paper develops a formal definition of the Object-Oriented paradigm for requirements analysis. The literature was surveyed for both formal and informal methods for conducting an Object-Oriented Requirements Analysis (OORA). The informal methods reviewed are: Bailin's, Shlaer and Mellor's, Booch's, and Coad and Yourdon's. The formal methods reviewed are: Bralick's, Z, and REFINE. None of the methods were found to be adequate for doing an OORA. A formal definition of an OORA, based on the concept of classes, is developed. The definition itself is presented as set and relation theory. A supporting graphical representation is also developed and presented. The …

Guanine Nucleotide-Utilizing Enzymes In The Matrix Of Mitochondria From Rabbit Heart And Liver: Nucleoside Diphosphate Kinase, Succinate Thiokinase, And Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxykinase., Eddie F. Kadrmas

Theses and Dissertations

Three guanine nucleotide-utilizing enzymes--nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDPK), succinate thiokinase (STK), and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK)--were studied in mitochondrial matrix preparations from rabbit heart and liver. Previous investigation by others has shown results consistent with the apparent absence of NDPK in mitochondrial matrix as well as with the existence of distinct ATP and GTP-utilizing succinate thiokinases in several species. Possible interrelationships between NDPK and STK in rabbit heart and between NDPK, STK, and PEPCK in rabbit liver were investigated.Indirect evidence for the existence of a NDPK activity in the matrix compartment of mitochondria from rabbit heart and liver was obtained via assay …

Curriculum, Pedagogy And Instruction In Aquatics: A Review Of The Literature., Roman John Horejsi

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is a review of research literature in swimming instruction since 1968. Such a review may be used by swimming instructors as a basis for aquatic instruction and curriculum development.The source of the data for this study was a review of literature from 1968 to the present published by organizations such as the American Red Cross and YMCA, professional journal articles, and textbooks written by recognized authorities.Some disagreement exists in the literature on the best method of adjusting the beginning swimmer to the water and how the initial experience in water relates to the fear of …

Industrial Wastewater Management Practices In Air Force Logistics Command, Patrick J. Smith

Theses and Dissertations

The selection of a model plant was based upon criteria established by a review of current literature. The criteria were permit compliance, plant performance, and the adoption of pollution prevention as a corporate environmental philosophy. In this study, private sector firms were examined to identify the best industrial wastewater management practices using a Total Quality Management (TQM) tool called benchmarking. The data gathering process consisted a survey of water pollution control organizations, and a survey of benchmark candidates. The purpose of surveying water pollution control organizations was to objectively identify possible benchmark candidates. A questionnaire was then used to gather …

Improved Decision Making Through Group Composition, William E. Page Iii

Theses and Dissertations

This experimental study attempted to prove that teams formed with dissimilar personality types would have better decision making than teams which were not formed by dissimilar types. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, based on Jung's Theory of Psychological Type, was used to determine the subject's personality type preferences. Subjects' perceptions of team processes were also investigated. The sample population consisted of military officers and civil servants who attended the Advanced Program Management course at the Air Force Institute of Technology. Decision making effectiveness was determined from team performance on the Time-by-Event-by-Member-Pattern-Observation system (TEMPO). The design for this research consisted of comparing …

An Experimental Study In The Use Of Computer-Based Instruction To Teach Automated Spreadsheet Functions, Russell A. Greene

Theses and Dissertations

Educational institutions at all levels are increasingly examining the advantages of computer-based instruction (CBI) to augment or replace conventional classroom learning environments. This research measures the effectiveness and efficiency of a CBI program in relation to the same course content delivered in a conventional classroom mode of an undergraduate course that teaches students the basic concepts and techniques of automated (electronic) spreadsheets. A CBI program was created to mirror the in-class instructional material of the course. The performance of the students who took the course by CBI was compared to the performance of the students who took the course in …

Effects Of Post-Trial Ethanol Treatment On Memory., Gregory J. Lamberty

Theses and Dissertations

In the past 20 years, a great deal of research has been conducted examining the effects of acute intoxication with alcohol (ethyl alcohol) on human memory. The aim of most of this research has been to determine how alcohol affects the varying "stages" of memory, as well as examining how it might affect different types of memory tasks. A few recent studies (Parker, et al., 1980, 1981) have examined the effects of alcohol on the post-learning processes of memory, independent of acquisition, by administering alcohol immediately after the acquisition of new material. This paradigm allows a stronger inference of any …

A Hypertext Version Of The Certified Professional Contracts Manager Candidate's Workbook, Dean P. Mclain

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to develop and test a hypertext version of the Certified Professional Contracts Manager Candidate's Workbook and Supplements. A literature review was conducted on two distinct subject areas. The first area includes a review of the findings of six commissions on professionalism of acquisition personnel, initiatives of the Office of Personnel Management, the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act, and the National Contract Management Association. The discussion of professionalism in contracting establishes the relevance of products like the hypertext workbook completed as a result of this research. The second area is a review of the history …

A Computer Simulation Analysis Of The Usaf Vehicle Allowance/ Authorization Process, Charles T. Butler

Theses and Dissertations

This research examined the effects of the incorporation of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) on the USAF vehicle allowance/authorization process. The study utilized a computer simulation model to mimic the flow of the AF form 601, Equipment Action Request, as it is submitted at base level and coordinated through the MAJCOM and WR-ALC. The hypothesis was that the allowance/authorization cycle time could be made shorter by transmitting the information contained on the form 601 electronically, rather than mailing the form to each coordinating agency. In order to compare the process with and without the use of EDI, two computer simulation models …

Evaluation Of Corrective Action Team (Cat) Leader Training In Aeronautical Systems Division, Kirk J. Streitmater

Theses and Dissertations

This study evaluated corrective action team (CAT) leader training, a team dynamics and group problem solving course provided by an Air Force product division. A pre/post knowledge test, using developed behavioral objectives, was administered to 61 participants as part of an internal evaluation while 373 past participants were provided a questionnaire for a field evaluation. Results from the internal evaluation indicated that students learned the majority of training material presented in the course. Self-efficacy increased in most cases showing an improved self-perception regarding the ability to perform training related tasks. Predictors for a pre-test score model were identified, but overall …

The Drama Of Alienation: An Interpersonal Examination Of Edward Albee's The Zoo Story And Sam Shepard's Buried Child, Lisa Arnold

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined alienation from an interpersonal communication perspective in order to find a connection between aspects of alienation and interpersonal communication.

Alienation occurs at two levels according to scholars in sociology and psychology. At the social level, one's culture influences behavior in interpersonal relations. At the psychological level, one's perception of self worth influences interpersonal relations. This study used Srole's five aspects of alienation (isolation, estrangement, powerlessness, unpredictability, and meaninglessness) to analyze interpersonal relationships between those alienated on both levels.

Two plays were chosen to exemplify how alienated people need close interpersonal communication. The Zoo Story, by Edward Albee …

Small Mammal Demographics In North Dakota Conservation Reserve Program Plantings, Larry A. Lysne

Theses and Dissertations

During the summers of 1989 and 1990, capture-recapture methods were used to de~ermine small mammal demographics and population dynamics in Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) plantings in north central North Dakota. Four age classes (1-4 years) of CRP plantings were sampled. Small mammal species diversity was low (H'=0.057-0.374). Eight species of small mammals were captured on CRP tracts, with deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) comprising 92% of all small mammals recorded. Largest deer mouse populations (64/ha .and 51/ha) occurred in late August and early September, 1990. Peak densities in 1990 were over twice as high as those of 1989. Home range sizes …

A Comparison Of The Development And Importance Of Play In Handicapped And Nonhandicapped Preschoolers, Lynn Ann Moen

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Measurement Of Ascorbic Acid And Dehydroascorbic Acid In Mammalian Tissues Using Hplc With Electrochemical Detection, Debra A. Fry

Theses and Dissertations

The oxidized and reduced forms of ascorbic acid (AA) are reactive and unstable compounds making their measurement difficult. Detection of small amounts of AA and dehydroascorbic acid (DHAA) is essential for determining the biochemical function of the vitamin in cells and subcellular organelles. While a variety of techniques exist which detect millimolar levels of AA, accurate assessment of pmol levels of AA and DHAA in a variety of tissues has not been perfected. In the present study, a method was developed for quantitation of AA and DHAA that combines HPLC separation with the advantages of increased sensitivity and selectivity available …

The Impact Of Early Intervention On Subsequent Classroom Placement, Amy Jo Sanner

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of an Early Childhood Special Education program in a small city in northeastern North Dakota. The study examined the classroom placements and supportive services required by two hundred seventy two (272) preschool aged handicapped children prior to, during, and subsequent to their participation in the early intervention program. Children included in the study had attended the preschool program some time between the 1984-1985 school year and the 1990-1991 school year.

The following research questions were posed: 1) What types of children, based on primary handicapping condition, require a less restrictive …

Should North Dakota Have A Medical School? An Analysis From The Taxpayer's Perspective, Al Larson

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Child Witness: The Effects Of Videotaped Versus Live Testimony On Juror Perceptions Of Guilt., Sharon Kaye Hagen

Theses and Dissertations

A total of 192 jury-qualified subjects participated in this study which compared the effects of a child's videotaped deposition on juror's perceptions of a defendant's guilt to live in-court testimony. A three hour trial, videotaped from a simulated case of child physical use being conducted for the Trial Advocacy Class of the University of North Dakota Law school, was shown to all subjects. A separate deposition of the child's testimony, identical to the live testimony, was also videotaped and shown to half the subjects. Eight juries viewed the videotapes of the trial with the child testifying on the witness stand …

Robotics And Children: Their Relationship To Science Achievement, Problem Solving, Adhd Rating Scale Scores, And Learning Styles, Susan Preston Wagner

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated whether robotics could significantly improve science achievement scores or problem solving scores as compared to battery powered manipulatives or an untreated traditionally taught control. Also examined was whether there were interactions between treatment group membership and ADHD Rating Scale scores, and treatment group membership and the learning styles subscales auditory, visual, tactile, and kinesthetic. Fifteen fourth through sixth grade classes, involving 364 students from three schools participated in this study. A fifth grade science unit on force, motion, and machines was taught for 20-30 minutes daily, followed by a 50-60 minute robotics session. The treatments lasted for …

Species- And Tissue-Specific Distribution Of Mitochondrial And Cytoplasmic Isozymes Of Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxykinase., Thomas John Wiese

Theses and Dissertations

Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), an enzyme which exists as two distinct isozymes, is distributed in a species- and tissue-specific manner. The purpose of this study was to systematically determine the quantity and intracellular location of both isozyme activities of PEPCK in a number of major and important tissues of several species of mammals and birds.Both the intracellular distribution and quantities of both PEPCK isozyme activities were determined in liver, kidney, gastrointestinal mucosa, and adipose tissue; and the total quantity of the enzyme activity was determined in skeletal muscle, brain, spleen, lung, and heart of fed rat and fed and fasted rabbit, …

A Vision System Model, Erik J. Fretheim

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation provides four major contributions to the field of vision research. The first contribution is a general vision system model. The model, which blends biological as well as technological methods into a coherent approach to vision, will provide a basis for implementing vision systems. The second contribution of this dissertation is to demonstrate particular implementations of portions of the model. These implementations will include methods for using Gabor wavelets in edge detection, in preprocessing images for use as feature vectors in backpropagation neural networks, and as basis functions in a recognition/reconstruction network, as well as methods for integrating color …

The Expanding Rol Of The President As Commander-In-Chief Since World War Ii, David E. Kugler

Theses and Dissertations

While conflict has always existed between the president and the Congress over war-making roles, the president's Commander-in-Chief role has expanded significantly since World War II. This study examines expansion of presidential power in terms of the establishment of the United States as a world economic and political power and the development of nuclear weapons.

Case studies were selected from each of the administrations from Truman through Reagan to illustrate these points. The Truman administration is studied in terms of the war in Korea and the advent of the limited war concept in a nuclear-powered world.

President Eisenhower's massive retaliation strategy …

Alice L. Milligan: The Celtic Twilight's Forgotten Star, Kathryn J. O'Hehir

Theses and Dissertations

During the course of a historical examination of any given time period, persons and events are remembered in some texts and forgotten in others. The historical process of selection and rejection of materials is, in itself, the subject of much study. This study unearths a forgotten turn of the century Irish patriot named Alice L. Milligan, a Protestant nationalist writer from County Tyrone, Northern Ireland.

She is worthy of study in that she breaks traditional sectarian lines still drawn in Ireland today, where the stereotype prevails that only Catholics desire a reunited Ireland, with Protestants desiring inclusion with Great Britain. …