Digital Commons Network^™

An Analysis Of The Records Management Process To Determine The Impact Of Automation On Productivity, David A. Gaines, Trevor J. Nelson

Theses and Dissertations

This research was performed to study the effects of automation on Air Force records management productivity prior to widespread implementation of Document Librarian. Document Librarian is a software tool developed for Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command HQ AFMC to manage records in accordance with Air Force, Federal, and National Archives and Records Administration NARA regulations, and is currently undergoing developmental testing. One organization was used as a case study to determine the effects of Document Librarian on the organizations records management productivity. A records management process model was constructed and used to define the relevant tasks and outputs of their …

Developing A Graphical User Interface To Support A Real-Time Digital Signal Processing System, Jeffrey C. Miller

Theses and Dissertations

A graphical software user interface for a VMEbus-based real-time digital signal processing system was designed. Use, requirements were defined and the Rumbaugh object-oriented analysis and design technique was applied to analyze the requirements and produce an object-oriented design. The software design includes a graphical, mouse- and keyboard driven user interface, specialized hardware driver modules, and operating system interfaces. An implementation plan was also developed to map the design into the C programming language using existing system code, automatically generated code, and newly written code. Based on the implementation plan, a limited software system prototype w successfully developed and demonstrated. The …

Analysis Of Best Management Practices For Storm Water Compliance At Air Force Airfields, Peter A. Ridilla, Bradley T. Hoagland

Theses and Dissertations

This research analyzed storm water best management practices (BMPs) that may a Base Civil Engineers/Environmental Managers in complying with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) storm water discharge requirements for Air Force airfield pavements. As a result of recent storm water regulations issued by the Environmental Protection Agency, increased emphasis has been placed on preventing and controlling the discharge of pollutants into surface waters of the United States. Based on the results of an American Association of Airport Executives' survey of civilian airports, the types and levels of airfield pollutants were identified. Typical NPDES storm water permit standards were then …

Analytical Modeling Of Aquifer Decontamination By Pulsed Pumping When Contaminant Transport Is Affected By Rate-Limited Sorption And Desorption, Thomas A. Adams, Robert C. Viramontes

Theses and Dissertations

This research explores radially convergent contaminated transport in an aquifer towards an extraction well. This thesis presents the equations governing the transport of a contaminant during aquifer remediation by pulsed pumping. Contaminant transport is assumed to be affected by radial advection, dispersion, and sorption/desorption. Sorption is assumed to be either equilibrium or rate-limited, with the rate-limitation described by either a first-order law, or by Fickian diffusion of contaminant through layered, cylindrical, or spherical immobile water regions. The equations are derived using an arbitrary initial distribution of contaminant in both the mobile and immobile regions, and they are analytically solved in …

Capabilities Of Air Force Wastewater Treatment Plants In Complying With Projected Regulatory Requirements, Steven R. Ford

Theses and Dissertations

One of the major environmental regulations that directly affects the Air Force is the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (FWPCA). The 1972 FWPCA amendments set forth a series of national goals regarding water quality. The main mechanism for achieving these goals was the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). NPDES is a program requiring dischargers to limit the quantity of pollutants discharged into the receiving waters. This research effort predicts changes in future NPDES permit requirements, and evaluated the capabilities of Air Force wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in meeting those future requirements. It was found that future permit requirements will …

Development Of An Effectiveness Model Or Metric For The Air Force Environmental Compliance Assessment And Management Program (Ecamp), Craig B. Dezell

Theses and Dissertations

The Department of Defense (DoD) and the Air Force (AF) are committed to being national leaders in protecting and enhancing the environment and achieving environmental compliance. This commitment is exemplified by the Air Force Chief of Staff's goal of no notices of violation (NOVs). However, the number of AF NOVs from 1990-1992 rose from 103 to 178 an increase of 73 percent. A July 1992 AF Inspector General Report also concluded that Environmental Compliance Assessment and Management Program (ECAMP) findings were not being effectively utilized by the Major Commands (MAJCOM). To aid AF leaders in solving these problems, and protecting …

Development Of A Multicriteria Decision Model For Prioritizing Air Force Environmental Restoration Program Projects, Thomas E. Ellingson, T. G. Gallogly

Theses and Dissertations

Cleaning up hazardous and toxic wastes left from past activities has become one of the major goals of the Department of Defense. Within the Air Force, individual major commands (MAJCOMs) annually review numerous projects submitted under the Defense Environmental Restoration Program (DERP) and forward these projects to HQ USAF/CEVR for funding. Until recently, adequate resources have been available to fully fund all projects. However, within the last two years, funding shortfalls have been experienced, and projects have received only partial funding. The Air Force needs a decision support system that will assist in determining funding priorities for these projects. This …

A Strategy For Combining The Pollution Prevention Opportunity Assessment With The Environmental Compliance Assessment And Management Program, Stacy E. Gent

Theses and Dissertations

This research develops a method to allow an installation environmental function to satisfy the assessment requirements of both the Air Force Pollution Prevention and the Environmental Compliance Assessment and Management Program with the implementation of one assessment process. The model developed is designed to achieve the goals of both programs while increasing the efficiency of implementation. The resulting assessment model formulated within this research is applied on a theoretical level to yield preliminary results. These results indicate that the combination of the Pollution Prevention Opportunity Assessment and the environmental compliance assessment required by the Environmental Compliance Assessment and Management Program …

A Study Of Investigation-Derived Waste Management Options, Barry C. Mountain

Theses and Dissertations

USAF is dedicated to the clean up of past releases of hazardous substances at its bases under the Installation Restoration Program (IRP) . Clean up decisions are based upon data produced from investigations. Large amounts of waste may be derived from investigations. Investigation-derived waste (IDW), especially that with a hazardous component, may pose significant health protection and regulatory compliance problems if neglected. This study identifies the status and the need for improvement of IDW management to avoid those problems. Information on the background of IDW management was collected through a review of environmental laws, waste management regulations, and existing guidance. …

Vadose Zone Contamination Measurement And Modeling, Thomas A. Reeder

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigated the effects of the slow sorption mechanism on the transport of volatile organic contaminants in the vadose zone. Recent research has shown that slow sorption may have a significant impact on the transport of volatile organic compounds in the subsurface. Specifically, this document examined the effects of slow sorption on the Vapor Extraction System (VES) and the Purge and Trap Measurement System. It was found that the slow sorption of organic molecules on soil may profoundly influence the efficiency of VES and purge and trap. In addition, this thesis investigated possible alternatives to purge and trap, including …

Research And Development Project Selection Tools: Probing Wright Laboratory's Project Selection Methods And Decision Criteria Using The Lateral Airfoil Concept, James E. Barger

Theses and Dissertations

This research accomplished three major tasks. First it examined familiarity and usage rates for fifteen published R&D project selection methods in the context of a larger general issue, the Air Force's ability to develop and exploit technology. Wright Laboratory served as the focus for the research effort and displayed a greater tendency to use formal methods in 1993 than was shown in prior research. The laboratory's overall preference for simpler models like Checklist, Scoring, and Sorting led to a recommendation that authors familiar with the other techniques communicate them in engineering and management vernacular. Secondly, the study introduced a technological …

The Logistics Of Waging War 1982-1993, Alan J. Will, William G. Wheeler

Theses and Dissertations

This research effort provides material for use in updating the book The Logistics of Waging War. This particular book gives a logistics overview of part American Military conflicts but had not been update since 1982. Our objective was to research the logistics aspects of the major military operations since 1982. These operations included: Operation Urgent Fury in Grenada (1983), Operation Just Cause in Panama (1989), Operation Desert Shield in Saudi Arabia (1990), Operation Desert Storm in Iraq and Kuwait (1991), and Operation Desert Farewell in Saudi Arabia (1992). Also included in this study is a review of the Air Force …

Quantification Of Uncertainty In The Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Studies Process, Kurt C. Held, Perry J. Shepler

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis developed a method to bound cost estimates with a prediction interval of costs for the Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (RI/FS) phase of the Installation Remediation Program (IRP) process. The prediction interval provides a reasonableness cross check for RI/FS project cost estimates. To develop the cost bounds, three major activities occurred. First, a database was developed from RI/FS projects managed by the Army Corps of Engineers. Second, a regression cost model was developed from the observations in the database. Third, a prediction interval specified at the 70 percent confidence level was derived from the cost model. This prediction interval provides …

Development Of The Air Force Contingency Contracting Course Framework, David A. Bethany, Michael A. Miller

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this research was to develop a framework for a standardized Air Force Contingency Contracting course. This task was undertaken due to the occurrence of a common recommendation calling for specialized training in Contingency Contracting. The recommendation was found in several AFIT theses, as well as, various after action reports generated due to the experience gained during Operation Desert Shield/Storm and Hurricane Andrew. This thesis answered the basic questions of need, content, and structure for a future course in Contingency Contracting. Using an exploratory research design, the research team was able to conduct an extensive analysis on completed …

Pollution Prevention Incentives For Major Weapon System Programs, Donna C. Heinz, Dudley C. Wireman

Theses and Dissertations

This research was undertaken to identify positive incentives that would motivate both government personnel and contractors to incorporate pollution prevention into the early design phases of weapon system acquisitions. The adoption and implementation of such incentives would allow the Air Force to reach pollution prevention objectives more efficiently. A literature search revealed little information on the pollution prevention program in the military. In contrast much information was found concerning military cleanup activities. As a result, in-depth personal interviewing was used to measure pollution prevention awareness in Aeronautical Systems Center program offices. Interviews, analysis, and comparisons were made between three groups …

A Case Study Of Factors Affecting Continuous Improvement In Dod Activities Operating Under Total Quality Management, Mark E. Gabriel, Theodore E. Manis

Theses and Dissertations

This study looked at factors affecting the success or failure of continuous improvement initiatives in Department of Defense (DOD) activities to determine whether these activities were continuously improving and to identify factors effecting their efforts. Initially a list of relevant factors was compiled from the criteria for various quality awards and from factors cited in the literature. This list was synthesized into seven factors mentioned most often as critical to quality management and continuous improvement. Interviews were then conducted with representatives of the three commands included in the study. Each command provided information on a successful initiative and on an …

The Future Sbss: Migration Of Sbss Functions From A Mainframe Environment To A Disturbed Pc-Based Lan Environment, William D. Rath, Scott A. Vesper

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis was to determine the technical feasibility of a PC-based Standard Base Supply System (SBSS). The SBSS is currently run in a mainframe environment; however, the current hardware contract will be reviewed in 1997. At that time, a decision as to what hardware implementation best serves Base Supply needs must be made. This document evaluates various possible PC- based SBSS Local Area Network (LAN) architectures, as well as provides an initial direction for implementation. The current mainframe-based Regional SBSS implementation serves multiple bases via long haul networks and may not effectively satisfy Air Force/base level requirements. …

A Study Of The Establishment Of Cost And Schedule Variance Thresholds On Department Of Defense Major Program Contracts, Tuan A. Hoang, Steven M. Quick

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examined to what extent theoretical threshold models are used to establish cost and schedule variance thresholds on Department of Defense (DoD) major program contracts and identified how these thresholds are actually established. First, numerous theoretical methods for establishing variance threshold including the accounting approach, the statistical process control approach, and the Dyckman and Kaplan models were investigated and assessed. Interviews were then conducted with a sample of DoD and civilian defense contractor personnel who had first-hand knowledge of the establishment of cost and schedule variance thresholds. Findings indicated that none of these methods was being used. Repeatedly, interviewees …

A Risk Assessment Of The Health Liabilities From Exposure To Toxic Metals Found In The Composted Material Of Air Force Municipal Solid Waste, Timothy L. Merrymon

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis assesses the risk of the health liabilities from exposure to toxic metals found in the composted material of Air Force municipal solid waste (MSW). The goal is to determine the probability that the composted MSW could be a health hazard if it were used as a soil amendment. The research limited the assessment of the exposure risk to heavy metals found in raw MSW and its resulting compost. The thesis uses reviews of present literature to examine the food and soil ingestion exposure pathways. These pathways are assessed using the heavy metal concentrations found in MSW compost and …

An Investigation Of The Reliability And Validity Of The Enderle-Severson Transition Rating Scale, Susan J. Severson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to identify the technical characteristics of the Enderle-Severson Transition Rating Scale (ESTR; Enderle & Severson, 1991) and to add to the knowledge base about measurement in transition. Validity ;was examined by evaluating the scale's concurrent criterion-related validity, construct validity, and content validity. A measure of reliability was performed by examining the internal consistency of subscales and the entire scale.

The samples studied were special education teachers in North Dakota and Minnesota as well as the students they served. The student subjects had identified disabilities of learning disability, emotional disturbance, or mental retardation. All students …

The Development Of An Interpersonal-Developmental-Existential Assessment Inventory For Determining Therapeutic Focus, Charles A. Pap

Theses and Dissertations

Increasingly, insurance companies, legislators, and funding agencies have examined the efficacy of psychotherapy and counseling, and have moved towards the briefer forms of therapy. Though some clinicians resist a move to greater accountability, the majority are concerned with providing an effective service to individuals, couples, and families experiencing biopsychosocial difficulties. This study involved the development of an instrument that will assist therapists in determining a therapeutic focus, which is seen as an important component in brief psychotherapy.

There were two distinct phases to this study. In Phase One, intake interviews at a large Midwestern university counseling center were audiotaped. Using …

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 …

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 …

Experimental Investigation Of The Effects Of Blowing Ratio Parameter On Heat Transfer To A Film-Cooled Flat Plate, Marco R. Valencia

Theses and Dissertations

The effects of blowing ratio on film cooling effectiveness were investigated. Two round-nosed test plates were used. One made of aluminum and the second of corian (low thermal conductivity). Injection at 35 degrees in the downstream direction was studied. Helium was mixed with air to produce a density ratio (coolant to mainstream) of 1.6 and 2.0, while the blowing ratio varied from 0.3 to 2.2. Surface temperature was measured by thin film gages located up to a nondimensional downstream distance X/D of 30. Two injection regimes, weak and strong, were found. In the weak regime, film cooling reduced gage heat …

Radome Depolarization Effects On Monopulse Receiver Tracking Performance, Michael A. Temple

Theses and Dissertations

Boresight Error (BSE), defined as the angular deviation between the true position and the apparent position of a target as indicated by a radar, is an important figure of merit for a tracking radar. A significant contributor to system BSE is the protective radome. This research effort employed a GO technique to investigate the effects of a radome on BSE, expanding previous ray- trace receive techniques to include: (1) a uniquely defined/developed mathematical description for each surface within arbitrary multi-layer tapered radomes, (2) an 'ideal' taper function concept for obtaining optimum BSE prediction performance, (3) a generalized technique for calculating …

Use Of Ozone To Remove Pathogens From Garrison Diversion Water, Tia Cruise

Theses and Dissertations

This report summarizes the design of an ozone disinfection system to remove fish pathogens from Lake Sakakawea for the Garrison Diversion Project. Three different flow rates, 50 MGD, 100 MGD, and 500 MGD were considered for the design. To design the system, laboratory tests were performed on filtered and unfiltered (raw) water obtained from Lake Sakakawea at the Snake Creek pumping station in Garrison North Dakota. Laboratory tests indicated a 99. 99 percent bacteria removal occurred with an ozone residual of 0.2 mg/Land a 5 minute contact time. It was also found that the water had an approximate ozone demand …

African Americans In North Dakota 1800-1940, Stephanie Abbot Roper

Theses and Dissertations

African Americans were present throughout the duration of white settlement and have been involved in every stage of North Dakota's history from 1800 to 1940. However, historians generally have neglected the existence of black people in North Dakota's past. This study examined the participation by African Americans in North Dakota's social and economic history from 1800 to 1940. Further, the author explored the motivations for African Americans entering and settling in the state and the reasons why only slightly over two hundred black residents remained in 1940.

Chapter II centered on the movement of former slaves out of the "Black …

Application Of Small-Angle X-Ray Scattering To Aggregation In Alumina Solutions., Semih S. Kumru

Theses and Dissertations

The aggregation of alumina particles, created by hydrolysis of aluminum nitrate solutions with sodium carbonate, was studied by small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) techniques. The OH/Al ion ratios for the solutions ranged from 1.5 to 2.15. The hydrolysis process leads to formation of primary alumina subunits which rapidly aggregate to form mass fractal structures. The SAXS measurements, made at various stages of the aging process, showed that in addition to fractal aggregation, there was also a second process active in the solutions, which led to a break-up of the fractal structure. The scattering results were analyzed in terms of a modified …

Catholic High School Students: Better Prepared For The Future?, Michael Patrick Depuglio

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Transmission Of 17 Ghz Microwaves Through Metglas* 2605sc At 296 K, Carlo Waldfried

Theses and Dissertations

A new apparatus was built to study the transmission properties of microwaves through ferromagnetic metals. Experiments were done at room temperature with samples of Metglas* 2605SC 22 μm thick and the results were compared with the theoretical model. The microwaves were generated by a dielectric resonant oscillator and coupled into an (input) cavity which was tuned to resonate at 16.95 GHz. The specimen was part of the common wall between two identical resonant cavities, the second cavity being the receiver. The sample-field configuration was chosen in such a way that the static and the microwave magnetic field were perpendicular to …