Digital Commons Network^™

A Study Of The Effectiveness Of A Structured Tutoring Program On Student Reading Skills, Rita M. Neyer

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if the students in the after school tutoring program made greater gains when receiving tutoring by certified teachers in a consistent structured program when compared to students not enrolled in the program as measured by a pre and post assessment using the Macmillan/McGraw-Hill Informal Reading Inventory and Decoding and Phonics Inventory.

The population for the study consisted of two groups of first and second grade students. Group one (treatment group) attended the tutoring program, which met two times per week. A certified teacher tutored students, one on one. Group two (control Group) …

Enhancing Teacher Education Through The Use Of Technology, Tracey Reed

Theses and Dissertations

With the need for teachers in this decade well documented, state policymakers have directed much attention to programs aimed at retaining new teachers. States, school districts, and schools can ill afford to lose good teachers at a time when pressure to improve student achievement is increasing. Some states are using induction programs to help new teachers from both traditional and alternative preparation programs, make a successful transition to the classroom and stay in the profession.

The New Teacher mentoring program at Powell School offers support and guidance to new teachers through mentoring, workshops, additional training, and on-the-job assessments. The New …

Service Learning – Facilitating Academic Learning And Development Of Social Skills, Kathleen E. White

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a service learning project in raising the civic responsibility, social skills, and academic skills of special education students, while meeting the needs of homeless individuals living in Callalily County, New Jersey. Service learning provided an opportunity for student growth. Students learned to be dependable, solve problems, and learned cooperation and teamwork, while increasing their academic skills.

The study involved three classrooms of special education students: one elementary class of students with behavioral disabilities, one middle school class of students with behavioral disabilities, and one high school class of students …

Measuring The Sense Of Community In A Magnet School, Marianne Dell

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to measure covenantal climate within a magnet high school, and to determine if specific professional development (Project SPARC) enhanced staff commitment to the magnet school's focus. The Royal and Rossi Measures of Sense of Community were administered in the form of a questionnaire to all staff within the school both before and after Project SPARC was offered as a professional development program during the summer of 2001.

The questionnaires consisted of sixty-four statements requiring Likert-type responses. Data were grouped according to length of respondent membership on the staff of the school as well as …

Implementing A Teacher Mentor Program, Nan L. Holland

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to develop a mentor program for novice teachers that will ease the inevitable anxiety that occurs during the first year and increase the retention rate of new teachers to the profession and at Camden High School. The intern monitored this program as its coordinator and conducted mentor training through regular workshops.

Management decisions related to mentoring influenced the quality of instruction and learning of both mentors and novices. Camden High School transmitted the school culture to novice teachers in a well-developed program. Through interviews, surveys, classroom visitations, reflective journals, and personal contact with a …

Teacher Mentoring: The Needs Of First Year Teachers, Susan E. Barkowski

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to identify the needs of the first year teachers in one public school district for the 2001-2002 school year. The intern distributed two surveys over the course of the study. The first survey was distributed in the beginning of the school year and the second survey at the end of January. The purpose of the surveys was to determine if the needs of the first year teachers changed over the course of the school year.

All of the first year teachers in the intern's school district were identified and sent a survey asking them …

Design A Discipline Code With Staff That Reflects Board Policy And Provides A Framework For The Change Of A School From K-5 To K-4, Margaret L. Haynes

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to develop an acceptable set of discipline guidelines developed by the teachers for the new K-4 structure to begin the next school year. The intern wanted to determine whether a discipline code created by the teachers as stakeholders was more acceptable to the staff because it helps to improve the learning environment. The committee was comprised of one teacher from each of the K-4 levels as well as a resource teacher. The intern served as facilitator. The principal was also invited to attend the meetings. This project took about seven months to complete. The …

A Multiobjective Approach Applied To The Protein Structure Prediction Problem, Richard O. Day

Theses and Dissertations

Interest in discovering a methodology for solving the Protein Structure Prediction problem extends into many fields of study including biochemistry, medicine, biology, and numerous engineering and science disciplines. Experimental approaches, such as, x-ray crystallographic studies or solution Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy, to mathematical modeling, such as minimum energy models are used to solve this problem. Recently, Evolutionary Algorithm studies at the Air Force Institute of Technology include the following: Simple Genetic Algorithm (GA), messy GA, fast messy GA, and Linkage Learning GA, as approaches for potential protein energy minimization. Prepackaged software like GENOCOP, GENESIS, and mGA are in use to …

Alternative Pulse Detonation Engine Ignition System Investigation Through Detonation Splitting, August J. Rolling

Theses and Dissertations

A Pulse Detonation Engine (PDE) combusts fuel air mixtures through a form of combustion: detonation. Recent PDE research has focused on designing working subsystems. This investigation continued this trend by examining ignition system alternatives. Existing designs required spark plugs in each separate thrust tube to ignite premixed reactants. A single thrust tube could require the spark plug to fire hundreds of times per second for long durations. The goal was to minimize hardware and increase reliability by limiting the number of ignition sources. This research used a continuously propagating detonation wave as both a thrust mechanism and an ignition system …

Cell Modeling, Matthew L. Campbell

Theses and Dissertations

The Air Force is currently developing new products that incorporate a variety of chemicals which may come in contact with product users. To define which chemicals are dangerous to the user, toxicity studies have been performed. However, analysis of toxicity ultimately requires models of the exposed cellular systems. This thesis provides an introduction of how to model and analyze small and large cellular systems. Understanding the underlying behavior of small models and their relation to large systems will lead to a better understanding of how the Air Force should construct intracellular models to assist in future toxicology studies. Developing analysis …

The Management Of Energy Savings Performance Contracts (Espcs), Ericka M. Dailey

Theses and Dissertations

Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPCs) originated to accomplish several objectives: (1) to meet energy efficiency goals mandated by executive orders and energy policies; (2) to improve federal government facilities using funds allocated for utility bills; and (3) to receive repayment of expenditures through energy savings reflected in reduced utility bills. In ESPC's, the contractor guarantees savings to the federal government agency. 10 CFR 436 limits the time necessary for payback. However, this regulation and others were written prior to the deregulation of utility companies. This theory is based on the underlying premise that the contractor payback is a direct result …

Data Mining Feature Subset Weighting And Selection Using Genetic Algorithms, Okan Yilmaz

Theses and Dissertations

We present a simple genetic algorithm (sGA), which is developed under Genetic Rule and Classifier Construction Environment (GRaCCE) to solve feature subset selection and weighting problem to have better classification accuracy on k-nearest neighborhood (KNN) algorithm. Our hypotheses are that weighting the features will affect the performance of the KNN algorithm and will cause better classification accuracy rate than that of binary classification. The weighted-sGA algorithm uses real-value chromosomes to find the weights for features and binary-sGA uses integer-value chromosomes to select the subset of features from original feature set. A Repair algorithm is developed for weighted-sGA algorithm to guarantee …

Application Of Horizontal Flow Treatment Wells For In Situ Treatment Of Perchlorate Contaminated Groundwater, Jeffrey C. Parr

Theses and Dissertations

Groundwater contamination by perchlorate has recently been recognized as a significant environmental problem across the United States, and especially at Department of Defense facilities. In this study, a model is used to evaluate the potential of a innovative in situ bioremediation technology using Horizontal Flow Treatment Wells (HFTWs) to manage perchlorate-contaminated groundwater. The technology uses HFTWs to mix an electron donor into perchlorate-contaminated groundwater in order to promote reduction of the perchlorate by indigenous microorganisms in bioactive zones within the aquifer, as well as recirculate the contaminated water between treatment well pairs to achieve multiple passes of contaminated water through …

Chromate Content Bias Versus Overspray Particle Size In Three Aircraft Primer Paints, Brian S. Rhodes

Theses and Dissertations

The United States Air Force relies on the corrosion inhibiting properties of chromate-containing primer paints to protect the aluminum skin of its aircraft. Hexavalent chromium (Cr⁶⁺) the ingredient responsible for the corrosion inhibiting characteristics of these primers is a known human carcinogen. The concentration of Cr⁶⁺ in different particle sizes of paint overspray is important to understand health implications to painters as well as filtration efficiency. Previous research indicates disproportionately less Cr⁶⁺ content in smaller particles collected in the overspray of solvent-based epoxy-polyamide paint primers (MIL-P-2377G). This research explores the possibility of a particle size bias …

Hexavalent Chromium Dissociation From Overspray Particles Into Fluid For Three Aircraft Primers, Richard A. Schilke

Theses and Dissertations

DOD and industry use chromate-containing primers extensively to inhibit corrosion on metal assets. Chromate contains Cr⁶⁺, a human carcinogen, but there is little epidemiological evidence of increased lung cancer among spray painters. Using bio-aerosol impingers, overspray particles from three primers (solvent-borne epoxy, water-borne epoxy, and solvent-borne polyurethane) were collected into water to test the hypothesis that the paint matrix inhibits Cr⁶⁺ release into water, under the premise that this simulates Cr⁶⁺ release from particles into lung fluid. Particles were allowed to reside in water for 1 or 24 hours, then separated from the water by centrifugation, …

Development And Characterization Of An Emergency Communications System Using Near Vertical Incident Skywave Antennas, Richard A. Allnutt

Theses and Dissertations

The NVIS system characterized in this work was designed to eliminate skip propagation by optimizing the design for contiguous coverage. The NVIS technique involves use of transmission and receiving antennas that create nearly vertical propagation and continuous coverage from the transmitter to a distance of 200 miles. Man portable, very low power transceivers (5 watts maximum) and horizontal dipole antennas five feet above the ground are used in an NVIS communication system for this work. The system is designed for the purpose of supporting communication with emergency workers in areas where other communication is difficult. Digital and analog effectiveness are …

Using The Gps To Collect Trajectory Data For Ejection Seat Design, Validation, And Testing, Brian R. Tredway

Theses and Dissertations

The dynamic characteristics of an aircraft ejection seat are a crucial concern when evaluating aircraft ejection systems and their ability to separate aircrew members safely from disabled aircraft. Every ejection seat model undergoes real-time dynamic tests to determine potential injury to aircrew members during ejection. Ejection seat tests are conducted at high-speed test tracks. The test track facilities provide the required telemetry and high-speed photography to monitor and validate the aircraft escape system performance. Ejection seat test and evaluation requires very accurate position and velocity determination during each test run to determine the relative positions between the aircraft, ejection seat, …

An Exploratory Analysis Of The Impacts Of Acquisition Reform Initiatives On Small Business Participation In The Aerospace Industry, Bruce J. Miller

Theses and Dissertations

The United States Government is a major purchaser of goods and services within the nation and overseas. In addition to having the responsibility of acquiring goods and services for the direct benefit of the Government at a price, level of quality, timeliness and other terms and conditions that reflect the best value to the nation, the persons involved in procurement for the Government must also do so in way that reflects certain socio-economic goals set forth by the Congress. The Small Business Act (15 USC 637, Public Law 85-536 (1958) established the beginnings of a program to assist domestic small …

Determination Of Chlorinated Solvent Contamination In An Upward Flow Constructed Wetland, Bryan C. Opperman

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to determine chlorinated solvent contamination levels in an upward flow constructed wetland at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB), Ohio. A stratified grid sampling methodology will be used in sampling the contaminated groundwater. Analysis will be accomplished by means of purge-and-trap gas chromatography. The contaminant concentration levels will be used to enhance the design and construction of man-made wetlands used to remove chlorinated solvents from aquifers. PCE levels declined from an average of 33.97 ppb in the inflow stream to an average of 3.65 ppb in the upper layer, a 91% reduction. High concentrations occurred …

Decision Analysis With Value Focused Thinking As A Methodology To Select Force Protection Initiatives For Evaluation, David M. Jurk

Theses and Dissertations

Current emphasis on homeland security/defense is high. Decision makers responsible for enhancing the protection of both military and civilian personnel require additional insight when selecting ideas, concepts, or technologies to pursue with constrained resources. They are faced with multiple criteria and multiple objectives; yet they have no defensible, objective, and repeatable selection process to assist them in making their decisions. This thesis explores whether the value-focused thinking (VFT) process is appropriate for providing the necessary insight to those decision makers. To prove the VFT process is appropriate and viable; this thesis focuses on constructing a value model, scoring alternatives, and …

An Analysis Of Horizontal Flow Treatment Well Applicability For The Treatment Of Chlorinated Solvent Contaminated Groundwater At United States Forces Korea Installations, Michael R. Staples

Theses and Dissertations

Past research has shown that there is a rising public concern with environmental issues in the Republic of Korea (ROK). As Korean government and public interest in the environment grow, there is likely to be increased pressure to remediate environmental contamination at United States Department of Defense (DoD) installations in Korea. Impacting DoD's ability to remediate contaminated sites overseas is the fact that limited environmental funds must compete with high priority mission requirements. Thus, particularly at overseas bases, there is an urgent need for inexpensive and effective groundwater remediation technologies. Horizontal Flow Treatment Well (HFTW) systems have been demonstrated in …

Comparative Energy And Cost Analysis Between Conventional Hvac Systems And Geothermal Heat Pump Systems, David D. Vanderburg

Theses and Dissertations

To sustain the United States current affluence and strength, the U.S. Government has encouraged energy conservation through executive orders, federal and local laws, and consumer education. A substantial reduction in U.S. energy consumption could be realized by using geothermal heat pumps to heat and cool buildings throughout the U.S., though initial installation cost are a deterrent. This thesis uses Monte Carlo simulation to predict energy consumption, life cycle cost and payback period for the vertical closed-loop ground source heat pump (GSHP) relative to conventional heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems: air-source heat pumps (ASHP), air-cooled air conditioning with either …

A Novel Electrocardiogram Segmentation Algorithm Using A Multiple Model Adaptive Estimator, Gregory S. Hoffman

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis presents a novel electrocardiogram (ECG) processing algorithm design based on a Multiple Model Adaptive Estimator (MMAE) for a physiological monitoring system. Twenty ECG signals from the MIT ECG database were used to develop system models for the MMAE. The P-wave, QRS complex, and T-wave segments from the characteristic ECG waveform were used to develop hypothesis filter banks. By adding a threshold filter-switching algorithm to the conventional MMAE implementation, the device mimics the way a human analyzer searches the complex ECG signal for a useable temporal landmark and then branches out to find the other key wave components and …

Development Of A Method For Assessing The Organizational, Cultural, And Political Considerations Affecting The Insertion Of Siloms Into The Mod, Samir Mustafa

Theses and Dissertations

United States Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) has a minimal number of aircraft at its disposal. As a result, the aircraft are considered high demand, low-density (small number in Air Force inventory) weapon systems. Any chance to increase aircraft availability would greatly enhance the capability of AFSOC. Isochronal maintenance (ISO) conducted once every 365 days (per AFI for C-130 aircraft) provides the best opportunity to increase aircraft availability by improving the scheduling of tasks and accurately estimating the inspection duration. Scheduled maintenance portrays the characteristics of projects, therefore, this theses proposed that Critical Chain (CC) scheduling, a project management …

Advanced Planning And Scheduling In The United States Air Force Depot-Level Maintenance, Shenn-Rong Shyong

Theses and Dissertations

In the post cold war environment, the rapid deployment of combat capability is critical. Deployment lift capability is limited, however, so the real-time selection of the optimal combat asset mix that balances capability provided and sustainment required has become paramount. In this model, the value of a force mix is determined by the sum of the individual weapon system "suitabilities" against their assigned missions. The value is constrained by the numerical limits on the items required to create and support the force mix, and the lift required to move these items. The research considered heuristic and complete enumeration methods against …

Analysis Of Gps Satellite Allocation For The United States Nuclear Detonation Detection System (Usnds), Aaron J. Bell

Theses and Dissertations

We present an approach for identifying salient input features in high feature to exemplar ratio conditions. Basically we modify the SNR saliency-screening algorithm to improve the solution of the optimal salient feature subset problem. We propose that applying the SNR method to randomly selected subsets (SRSS) has a superior potential to identify the salient features than the traditional SNR algorithm has. Two experimental studies are provided to demonstrate the consistency of the SRSS. In the first experiment we used a noise-corrupted version of the Fisher s Iris classification problem. The first experiment designed to prove the fidelity of the SRSS …

An Evaluation Of Public And Private Sector Housing Alternatives For Military Families, Lawrence P. Kokocha Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

This study explored the three primary housing alternatives along with their associated benefits and costs for military members at Robins Air Force Base. Using a case study methodology, qualitative and quantitative data were collected from contract documents, cost records, statements and testimonies to Congress, literature, census data, and interviews with civil engineering, contracting, financial management and legal professionals. This data was analyzed to determine which housing alternative seems to provide the best benefits at the lowest costs for military members and the government. The results of the study indicated that private sector alternatives are less expensive than government provided housing. …

An Analysis Of The Knowledge And Skill Levels Required To Effectively Support Analytical Cost Decisions In Source Selections, Anthony L. Smith

Theses and Dissertations

We analyze these three factors (education, experience, and training) in an effort to identify the knowledge and skills necessary for cost analysts to possess to be effective members of cost panel evaluation teams during source selections. This research effort assesses whether the cost panel members and senior Air Force acquisition military and civilian personnel associate the levels of education, experience, and training as being key factors in fulfilling cost analysts duties while supporting the selection of a source in the government procurement process. To accomplish this objective, a literature review, personal interviews, and questionnaires were utilized. Descriptive statistics and hypothesis …

Comparison Study Of Electoral Mechanisms Between The Us Constitution And Tribal Constitutions, Francine Mcdonald

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Pbp 5: Characterization Of An Escherichia Coli Morphogene., David Emmet Nelson

Theses and Dissertations

The penicillin binding proteins (PBPs) are a group o f enzymes responsible for the latter stages o f peptidoglycan synthesis. Our major research objective in this study was to determine the physiological roles o f the low molecular weight (LMW) PBPs of the Gram negative bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli). During extensive screening of a set o f mutant strains that lack different combinations of LMW PBP genes we determined that PBP 5 played a role in maintaining E. co li’s normal rod shape. However, loss of PBP 5 did not cause severe morphological alterations unless the cells were also …