Digital Commons Network^™

An Analysis Of Generational Differences Among Civil Servants, Stacey L. Williams

Theses and Dissertations

There seems to be a wide held belief that different generations have different attitudes toward work, organizations, and co-workers. Clearly, these observed differences have implications for managers and leaders. Actions taken by leaders (who are often older) might be misunderstood by junior organizational members (who are often younger), leading to undesirable outcomes (i.e., turnover). Considering that many generational groups are represented within government service, there is a need to analyze and understand potential generational differences. With the notable exception of the Smola and Sutton (2002) study, little empirical research has explored the extent to which these differences actually exist and …

Analysis Of The Current Air Force-Specific Status Of Resources And Training System (Sorts) Reporting System, Tia A. Jordan

Theses and Dissertations

The status of resources and training system (SORTS) is a process that measures the health of units and wings in day-to-day preparedness and the ability to execute a major theater war or other scenario envisioned in the national security strategy. With talk of the current reporting system not accurately reflecting units readiness, it is time to evaluate the system to identify key problems and re-design the process to better reflect units capabilities. The objective of this thesis was to inform Air Force leadership of the current state of the SORTS system to ensure it was adequate. By surveying current MAJCOM, …

A Demand Side Requirements Model To Forecast C-17 Mobility Aircraft Availability, Joseph R. Huscroft Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

Current aircraft forecasting methods of the Air Mobility Command (AMC) Directorate of Logistics are reliant on the experience of personnel and lead to after the fact, labor-intensive analysis. These deficiencies led AMC to the development of a Mobility Aircraft Availability Forecasting (MAAF) model. The purpose of the MAAF model is threefold: predict aircraft availability in order to provide the Tanker Airlift Control Center (TACC) with a forecast of aircraft that will be available for AMC mission requirements, provide what if capabilities that analyze the effects of tasking and policy changes, and to provide foresight into problems associated with aircraft availability …

Reusable Space Vehicle Ground Operations Baseline Conceptual Model, Dennis R. Maynard, Patricia Pettit

Theses and Dissertations

Modeling efforts for future space operation vehicles at the United States Air Force Research Labs Air Vehicles Directorate have been focused towards the in-flight mission. To better serve the research and development effort, a simulation of the ground operations is required allowing for trade-offs within turnaround operations and between the components that drive those procedures. However, before a simulation can be developed a conceptual model must be generated to guide the model building process. This research provides a baseline conceptual model for reusable space vehicles based on the space shuttle as the only operational vehicle of its kind. The model …

An Analysis Of The Impact Of Base Support Resources On The Availability Of Air Mobility Command Aircraft, Christian E. Randall

Theses and Dissertations

The AMC Directorate of Logistics is responsible for ensuring AMC aircraft are available to accomplish the mission. Currently, however, the organization lacks an objective tool for assessing the impact of proposed operations on the health of the fleet, To improve this process, the Directorate has initiated the development of a Mobility Aircraft Availability Forecast (MAAF) simulation model designed to identify alternatives and associated impacts on aircraft availability, manpower, and cost. This research seeks to assist the MAAF development effort by identifying and demonstrating how different base support factors impact the availability of AMC aircraft. To address this research objective, multiple …

Analysis Of Army Reserve Officer Training Corps Cadet Behavioral Leadership And Development, Matthew S. Woodruff

Theses and Dissertations

The United States Army is continually looking for ways to improve the training of its leaders. FM 22-100, Army Leadership: Be, Know, Do (1999), provides the foundation for the Army's leadership training. Its goal is to train leaders who can both accomplish the mission and take care of soldiers and their families. This project investigates how individuals' leadership opinions may vary according to their year in the Reserve Officer Training Corps program and also compared to non-ROTC students of similar academic standing. Does the leadership training implemented in ROTC effect change in leadership opinions from the MS III (junior) to …

Supply Chain Management In Humanitarian Relief Logistics, William K. Rodman

Theses and Dissertations

Hundreds of millions of people are affected by disasters each year. This thesis explores the use of supply chain management techniques to overcome the barriers encountered by logistics managers during humanitarian relief operations. Using grounded theory methodology, barriers were analyzed based on academic, organizational, and contemporary literature. Possible solutions to these barriers were selected from available supply chain management literature. This work is different from others in that it marries supply chain principles from different disciplines (including private, nonprofit, and military sectors) to benefit humanitarian operations. It also serves to advance the body of knowledge on this subject so that …

Modeling A Field Application Of In Situ Bioremediation Of Perchlorate-Contaminated Groundwater Using Horizontal Flow Treatment Wells (Hftws), Peter G. Chosa

Theses and Dissertations

Perchlorate contaminated groundwater is rapidly becoming a significant environmental remediation issue for the Department of Defense. In this study, an existing numerical model that simulates the operation of a Horizontal Flow Treatment Well (HFTW) system to effect the in situ biodegradation of perchlorate through the addition of an electron donor is modified to include a submodel that describes bioclogging. Bioclogging restricts flow out of the HFTW due to the accumulation of biomass directly adjacent to the well. The modified model is then applied to an existing perchlorate contaminated site that will be used for an evaluation of the HFTW technology. …

Developing Team Cohesion: A Quasi-Field Experiment, John F. Costello

Theses and Dissertations

Within military organizations, research findings have lent support to the positive influence cohesion has on group performance in combat and non-combat areas, Beyond performance, research findings show that cohesion influences the job satisfaction, and health of military members, particularly under highly stressful conditions, such as those encountered in combat or extended deployments. The purpose of this research effort is to further analyze the strategies that should be used to develop cohesiveness among Air Force members. This was done by testing the extent to which cohesion changed when familiarization and challenging situations were coupled in a technical training course geared towards …

Aerobic Biodegradation Of Alternative Fuel Oxygenates In Unsaturated Soil Columns, Kevin A. Mares

Theses and Dissertations

Groundwater contamination problems caused by methyl-tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) in subsurface waters have prompted the search for a gasoline oxygenate replacement. In order to avoid the problems encountered with MTBE, it is prudent to evaluate the fate and transport in the subsurface of proposed replacements, such as ethanol. In this study, ethanol transport and degradation in unsaturated soil was investigated using a series of eight soil columns. This preliminary study was to see if the soil column system components functioned properly, how similarly the eight soil columns performed, and if soil oxygen concentration affected degradation of ethanol. Tracer tests, using …

An Evaluation Of Vegetated Roofing Technology: Application At Air Force Plant Four, Building 15, Benjamin J. Morgan

Theses and Dissertations

The United States Air Force maintains thousands of facilities around the world. Many of these facilities have asphalt built up roofs or some other less than sustainable roofing system. In an effort to find roofing systems suitable for Air Force facilities that are both economically and environmentally friendly, this thesis investigated vegetated roofing as a possible alternative to conventional roofing systems. While vegetated roofs are a relatively new roofing system, they exhibit performance qualities that seem to be in line with Air Force needs. An investigation into the feasibility of vegetated roofing technology revealed that this roofing system has many …

Application Of Horizontal Flow Treatment Wells For In Situ Treatment Of Mtbe-Contaminated Groundwater, Preston F. Rufe

Theses and Dissertations

This study utilized a three-dimensional numerical model to evaluate the potential application of HFTWs to manage MTBE-contaminated groundwater. HFTWs consist of two dual-screened treatment wells. One well operates in an upflow mode, with MTBE-contaminated water extracted from an aquifer through a screen in the deep portion of an aquifer and injected into the aquifer through a shallow well screen, while the adjacent well operates in a downflow mode, extracting water from the shallow zone of the aquifer and injecting it into the deep zone. As the MTBE-contaminated water flows through the wells, an electron acceptor and/or another electron donor is …

An Evaluation Of Formic Acid As An Electron Donor For Palladium (Pd) Catalyzed Destruction Of Nitroaromatic Compounds, Mark R. Stevens

Theses and Dissertations

The Department of Defense is responsible for over 2,000 hazardous waste sites containing nitroaromatic compounds (NACs) such as 2,4,6-TNT, 2,4- and 2,6-DNT that resulted from the production and use of munitions throughout the nation and world, NACs are typically persistent in natural environments, though they can be oxidized or reduced under engineered conditions, NACs and their reduction products are toxic chemicals and suspected human carcinogens, Both TNT and 2,4-DNT are listed as priority pollutants by the U,S EPA, This study investigates the effectiveness of using a palladium (Pd) catalyst in concert with formic acid as an electron donor to reduce …

An Evaluation Of Formate As An Electron Donor To Facilitate Palladium (Pd) - Catalyzed Destruction Of Chlorinated Aliphatic Hydrocarbons, Matthew D. Welling

Theses and Dissertations

Chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons (CAHs) such as trichloroethylene (TCE), tetrachloroethylene (PCE), and trichloroethane (TCA) are probable human carcinogens that have been used widely within the DoD, primarily as solvents for cleaning and metal degreasing. These compounds are frequently found to be groundwater contaminants. In fact, TCE and PCE are the first and third most commonly detected groundwater contaminants nationwide. The focus of this study was to determine the effectiveness of using a palladium (Pd) catalyst with formate as a reductant to treat CAH-contaminated groundwater. TCE was used as a model CAH. Other investigators have focused on hydrogen gas (H₂) …

Characterization Of Chlorinated Solvent Degradation Profile Due To Microbial And Chemical Processes In A Constructed Wetland, Teresa A. Sobolewski

Theses and Dissertations

Perchloroethene (PCE) and its degradation products are among the most common organic groundwater contaminants in the United States. Constructed wetlands are a relatively new approach to dealing with this contamination problem. With their upward flow capability it is possible to introduce an aerobic and anaerobic environment with a consortium of microorganisms available to degrade the contaminants to within acceptable levels established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This study is a follow-up to the previous two years of research on PCE degradation in cell 1 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. This thesis was conducted in order to study the wetland …

Effects Of Duty Schedule Variance And Overtime On The Job Satisfaction And Turnover Intentions Of Usaf F-16 Crew Chiefs, Michael J. Shellhamer

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis empirically assessed how duty schedule variance and overtime affect the job satisfaction and turnover intentions of USAF F-16 crew chiefs. A survey was completed by 346 active duty USAF F-16 crew chiefs regarding their perceptions of duty schedule variance, overtime, job satisfaction and intent to leave the Air Force. Theory suggests that turnover behavior is a multistage process that involves organizational, individual, and attitudinal components. Using multivariate correlation and regression analyses, plausible evidence was found to support the idea that duty schedule variance and overtime plays a role in USAF F-16 crew chief turnover intentions via job satisfaction. …

Cross-Service Investigation Of Geographical Information Systems, Matthew H. Beverly

Theses and Dissertations

This research investigated the armed services current uses of GIS, and asked the question whether or not a joint GIS program could benefit the DOD. An information technology implementation model was presented as a framework to implement a joint GIS program. It was found that all four armed services use GIS for forward deployments. The Army has its Combat Terrain Information System (CTIS). The Navy's digital nautical charts are a GIS. The Marine Corps has created their Geographically Linked Information Display Environment (GLIDE) program, which is similar to a map repository. Finally, the Air Force has its GeoBase program for …

Isolated Ventricular Myocyte Contractile Function Is Depressed In Rats Fed High Fat And/Or Marginally Copper -Deficient Diets., David P. Relling

Theses and Dissertations

Obesity is influenced by dietary consumption of fat while much of the population consumes a diet deficient of the trace mineral copper. Obesity and copper deficiency can alter cardiovascular function; including cardiac hypertrophy, increased myocyte lipid droplet volume, and cardiac contractile depression. Interestingly, lipotoxic dysfunction is characterized by many of the same mechanistic alterations that are observed in obesity and copper deficiency. Additionally, the sphingolipid ceramide is elevated in lipotoxic dysfunction. However, functional leptin:leptin receptor signaling prevents lipotoxic dysfunction. The purpose of my dissertation was to determine the role of a high fat and marginal copper deficient diet on cardiac …

Characterizing A Rapid Extraction Apparatus For The Removal Of Vocs From Aqueous Samples And Interfacing It With Fast Analysis Systems Such As The Aromatic Specific Laser Ionization Detector., Melissa Jean Meyer

Theses and Dissertations

Analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is an important analytical task because of the prevalence of these compounds and the detriment they pose to the environment and human health. There are many improvements that are possible in the extraction and detection steps of these analytes. This dissertation will focus on these improvements. In particular, an extraction apparatus was developed in our laboratory for the removal of VOCs from aqueous samples in less than one minute. Also, a detector that is highly selective for aromatic VOCs will be discussed in detail.

Extraction of VOCs from aqueous samples into the gas phase …

Effects Of Friction Stir Welding On Polymer Microstructure, Seth R. Strand

Theses and Dissertations

This work establishes the relationships between several key Friction Stir Welding process parameters and the resulting microstructural and flexural properties of the welded joint. A series of four single parameter experiments were run. The parameters investigated were pin diameter, feedrate, shoe temperature, and pressure time. Butt welds were made in 6 mm thick stress-relieved extruded polypropylene sheet. Three-point bend tests were used to determine the ultimate flexural strength and coincident strain. The maximum bend angle before failure was used to label the welds as "good or bad." An optical microscope capable of cross polarization was used to examine and photograph …

Measuring Prejudiced Attitudes Toward Mexicans In Latter-Day Saint Missionaries During Missionary Service In The American Southwest, Jared A. Montoya

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the foundations of prejudiced attitudes toward Mexicans held by White Americans and to investigate a means of reducing it, paying specific attention to prejudice found within a subpopulation of White Americans. The origins of American prejudice toward Mexicans are outlined using both historical and psychological explanations. An understanding of these origins leads to the notion that increased favorable contact is the best method for reducing prejudice. A field study focusing on prejudice toward Mexicans among ecclesiastical volunteers demonstrated that missionary service can be considered a means of favorable contact. Eighty-one White American …

The Development Of A Service-Learning Curriculum At The University Of North Carolina At Greensboro, Donna Jeffers Brown

Theses and Dissertations

The purposes of this study were to (a) successfully create a required service component in an undergraduate course that specifically addresses service learning and (b) develop recommendations for implementation of community service experiences in an existing academic department curriculum. Students, faculty, higher education institutions, and professional organizations contributed numerous suggestions for successful institutionalization of service learning. Relating course content to meaningful service, developing partnerships with community agencies, and providing faculty with recognition for service courses contributed to successful service-learning programs. The results revealed barriers to participation in service-learning activities, such as student and faculty apathy, lack of administrative support, and …

Emission Analysis Of Biodiesel In A Commercial Aircraft Engine, Venus Rivera Larson

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Effect Of Bulbourethrectomy And Collection Frequency On Macro- And Microscopic Characteristics Of Llama (Lama Glama) Ejaculate, Víctor Efrain Gonzáles Vargas

Theses and Dissertations

This study occurred in the Rural Academic Unit-Tiahuanaco installations, of the Bolivian Catholic University-La Paz, Bolviia, with the objective of evaluating macro- and microscopic characteristics of sperm ejaculation from bulbourethrectomized llamas. Six q'ara-variety male llamas of 3, 4, and 5 years of age were used over 8 weeks during which they were fed with natural and cultivated pastures. Ejaculate was collected with an artificial vagina with stimulation (libido) of male llamas by female llamas, for macro- and microscopic evaluation (volume, pH, color, appearance, motility, concentration, and sperm vitality). The results obtained were: average volume of 0.55[+or-]0.36 ml, with a CV …

The Relationship Between Imagery Use And Confidence In Coaches, Matthew G. Smiley

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

A Comparative Study Of Parental Demographics For Students In Open-Enrollment Charter Schools And Public Schools In Arkansas, Deborah Yeldell Mcafee

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was designed to determine if there was a statistically significant difference based on parental demographics, and parental factors, of students enrolled in Arkansas public schools and Arkansas open-enrollment charter schools. Four Arkansas open-enrollment charter schools, chartered prior to the 2004-2005 school year, and four public schools, within close proximity, were surveyed. The information was disaggregated into parent demographics of age, gender, income, number of children attending school in the home, educational level, marital status and distance between the home and school. Forty parental factors were categorized into four headings: policy and procedures, career, academics and …

Student Perceptions Of Concomitant Learnings Of East Lab In A Small, Rural Arkansas School District, Judith Lane Bynum

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to study the evidence of concomitant learnings that are a result of a technology-rich, project-based learning environment; the empowerment of the student by these learnings; and their worth in better preparing high school students for college success. This qualitative, phenomenological study used interviews of present and past EAST Lab students from a small, rural Arkansas school district as its data. The interview questions focused on comparison and contrast of the learning environments of the students' classes, affective and cognitive knowledge gained from these environments; and student opinions concerning the influence of the EAST experience …

Purification And Characterization Of A Methyl-Dna Binding Protein Complex From Primary Erythroid Cells, Evan Paul Kransdorf

Theses and Dissertations

The chicken embryonic β-type globin gene, ρ, is silenced on day five of embryogenesis. Concomitant with this silencing is methylation of cytosine residues in the promoter and proximal transcribed region of the gene, which is first detected on day seven and is complete in adult cells. Once methylated, expression of the gene cannot be induced unless the methylation is removed by treatment of cells with Sazacytidine. Therefore ρ-globin is a member of a small group of genes whose normal developmentally regulated expression is mediated at least in part by DNA methylation.A methyl-DNA binding complex, termed the MeCPC (Erythroid Methyl Cytosine-binding …

The Effects Of A One-Tesla Magnet On Human Fibroblast Cell Growth, Ashley Chaplin

Theses and Dissertations

The controversy regarding the ill effects of electromagnetic fields began in 1979 when Nancy Wertheimer and Ed Leeper claimed to have found a connection between childhood leukemia and power lines. In 1997, a group of researchers led by Martha Linet, M. D., attempted to provide evidence that there was no link between cancer and electromagnetic fields. The study showed that the risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia did not escalate with increasing electromagnetic field levels in the children's homes. When compared to the Earth's static magnetic field of 0.5 Gauss, these fields were extremely small. Within the past decade, magnets have …

Internet-Mediated Communication: Publicly Interpersonal, Katharine A. Cannella

Theses and Dissertations

A thesis on communication between individuals as mediated by the Internet, concluding that certain types of messages are interpersonal as well as public in nature. Away messages and blogs are examined as evidence that Internet- mediated interpersonal communication is a new context. The researcher determines that Internet-mediated communication (IMC) results in several communicative adaptations unique to this medium and that significance lies within the development of extended interpersonal relationship through the creation and expansion of online social networks.