Digital Commons Network^™

Media Coverage Of World Hunger Issues : A Narrative Analysis Of An Information Crisis, Ana Marcela SáNchez

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Potential For The Diffusion Of An Innovative Radio Delivery System By The North Dakota State University Extension Service, Jerry Rostad

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Bolt Stress Relaxation Due To Thermal Gradient And Thermal Shock In Bolted Flanges, Satyaprasad Mulukutla

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The New Politics Of Fear: The 1977 Dade County Gay Rights Referendum And The Regeneration Of The Radical Right, 1969-1980, Micheal J. Melgaard

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Cathodoluminescence Spectroscopy Of Zinc Germanium Phosphide Zngep2, Michael R. Gregg

Theses and Dissertations

Zinc Germanium Phosphide (ZnGeP₂) is a nonlinear semiconductor suitable for use as a laser tuning element over the two to six micron wavelength range. Although this crystal has been studied in the past, its luminescent properties are not yet well understood. In this present study, ZnGeP₂ has been examined using cathodoluminescence spectroscopy (CL). Specifically, the spectral dependence of the CL was obtained as a function of electron beam energy, beam current and temperature. The resulting CL was found to be polarized with a peak structure that was dependent on the polarization. This peak structure observed by CL …

Ada Implementation Of An Object Data Repository, Stephen P. Perucca

Theses and Dissertations

The many benefits of object-oriented software development such as encapsulation and extendibility have inspired numerous models of the object- oriented paradigm. Rumbaugh's Object Modeling Technique (OMT) is an object- oriented model that uses three submodels. The object, dynamic, and functional submodels of the OMT describe the data, behavioral, and processing aspects of a system by using entity-relationship, state-transition, and data flow models. Cross-links relate how the three submodels tie together. Two metamodels (models of models) of the OMT are developed using the OMT methodology and notation. The essential data elements of the OMT are abstracted into a data metamodel, and …

Factors Influencing Recruitment Of Collegiate Basketball Players In Institutions Of Higher Education In The Upper Midwest, Lori Ulferts

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to examine the factors that influenced college basketball players to choose to attend a certain institution of higher education. The secondary purpose was to learn if the perceptions of head college basketball coaches as to reasons for student athletes to choose a college were the same as the student athletes' stated reasons. The study sought to determine what factors influence athletes' decisions and whether those factors differed for female and male athletes, female and male coaches, athletes from different divisions, and coaches from different divisions. The study was intended to contribute to knowledge in …

A Study Of Ninth Grade Students' Satisfaction With School And Self-Esteem In Two Grade Organization Patterns, Marcia Jane Brokenik Fivizzani

Theses and Dissertations

This study focused on ninth grade students attending school in two grade organization patterns, 7 through 9 and 9 through 12. Students' satisfaction levels with school as measured by the NASSP Student Satisfaction Survey and students' self-esteem measures on the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory were assessed to determine whether a relationship between grade organization, gender, satisfaction with school, and self-esteem existed. Ninth graders from one upper midwest community who attended a four-year high school (N=317) or a 7 through 9 junior high school

Findings revealed that both schools scored within the average range on all subscales of the Student Satisfaction Survey. …

Computational And Experimental Investigation Into Fracture Of Brittle Fiber - Brittle Matrix Composite Systems, James P. Solti

Theses and Dissertations

Experimental and computational analyses provided an improved understanding of quasi-static fracture in model composite systems. Constant displacement compression tests using borosilicate glass double cleavage drilled compression test templates provided qualitative assessments of localized toughening for crack growth near cylindrical inclusions. Large crack-tip stress fields induced interfacial slip and separation prior to arrival of the main crack. Debonding and the proliferation of secondary matrix cracks characterized the role of bridging fibers along weak interfaces. Strong residual normal compressive interfacial stresses diminished the influence of crack-tip stresses; however, slip was still observed. VHS tape and computer enhanced photos record a history of …

Methods For Viewing Radar Cross Section Data In Three Dimensions, David J. Tisdale

Theses and Dissertations

Radar Cross Section data is an important factor in the design of modern fighter and bomber aircraft. Minimization of the reflected radar energy is one of the key issues when choosing shapes and materials in new aircraft. Visualization of the energy scattered back to a radar is neither intuitive nor easy. The mission planner and pilot need to gain an understanding of the vulnerabilities inherent in the design of the systems they use. The advent of relatively low cost graphics workstations has made their use affordable in applications inconceivable only a few short years ago. This thesis examines three graphics …

Design And Characterization Of Optically Pumped Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers, Richard J. Bagnell

Theses and Dissertations

Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers (VCSELs) are a form of semiconductor laser which have their cavity oriented orthogonally to the plane of the wafer. The orientation necessitates short cavities, highly reflective mirrors and a relatively high gain/loss ratio. Even so, the resultant superior exit beam characteristics and the tight packing density of the finished lasers provide strong motivation for pursuing the growth of these structures. This thesis details the design of an optically pumped InGaAs multiple quantum well periodic gain structure VCSEL with a 950 nm lasing wavelength. These growths were to be a first attempt at VCSEL construction, so …

Cepstral And Auditory Model Features For Speaker Recognition, John M. Colombi

Theses and Dissertations

The TIMIT and KING databases, as well as a ten day AFIT speaker corpus, are used to compare proven spectral processing techniques to an auditory neural representation for speaker identification. The feature sets compared were Linear Predictive Coding (LPC) cepstral coefficients and auditory nerve firing rates using the Payton model. This auditory model provides for the mechanisms found in the human middle and inner auditory periphery as well as neural transduction. Clustering algorithms were used to generate speaker specific codebooks - one statistically based and the other a neural approach. These algorithms are the Linde-Buzo-Gray (LBG) algorithm and a Kohonen …

Satcom General Purpose Modem Dscs Iii Sct Beacon Telemetry Display, James D. Coppola

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis documents the design and implementation of a DSCS III single Channel Transponder (SCT) beacon telemetry display. The system is a personal computer based design which interfaces to three SCT beacon receiver/demodulators. The software was designed to decode and display both the DSCS III A and DSCS HI B satellite beacons. Recordings of the SCT beacon display can be made on paper and/or magnetic media when triggered by the user, a watchdog timer, or the SCT command accept telemetry bit. In addition, the system can be configured with an IRIG B Universal Time Coordinates (UTC) card which enables the …

Face Recognition With Neural Networks, Dennis L. Krepp

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated neural networks for face verification and classification. The research concentrated on developing a neural network based feature extractor and/or classifier to perform authorized user verification in a realistic work environment. Recognition accuracy, system assumptions, training time, and execution time were analyzed to determine the feasibility of a neural network approach. Data was collected using a camcorder and two segmentation schemes: manual segmentation and motion-based, automatic segmentation. Data consisted of over 2000. 32x32 pixel, 8 bit gray scale images of 52 subjects; each subject had two to ten days worth of images collected. Several training and test sets …

Automated Logistics Information Systems: A Case Study, James E. Hogue

Theses and Dissertations

A change within the Air Force has shifted management responsibilities within the logistics community. Formerly diverse functions have come under the purview of a single manager-the Logistics Group Commander-who has inherited information systems that may riot be able to provide consolidated information for informed and accurate decision making. The purpose of this thesis was to describe the current and potential ability for three logistics information management systems to share data: Standard Base Supply System, Consolidated Aircraft Management System, and On-Line Vehicle Information Management System. A systems model was synthesized from the literature review to determine what components of a system …

Integrated Diagnostic Expert System Model (Idesm): A Model For The Conversion Of Fault Isolation Procedures Into An Integrated Diagnostic Expert System, Robert J. Lacey, Glen D. Steemson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to develop a model to convert existing hardcopy maintenance manual fault isolation procedures into electronic format and to partially automate the fault isolation process. A comprehensive model was developed which comprised four major components: user interface, expert system submodel, hypermedia submodel, and a submodel integration shell. Using this model, the F 15E nose landing gear fault isolation procedures were transformed into a rule based expert system. An existing hypermedia information base was expanded and subsequently integrated with the expert system to form the prototype application. The prototype was evaluated by engineering and maintenance personnel …

Improving The Quality Of Machine Translations By Providing Stylistic Guidelines To Authors And Editors, Edward J. Walsh

Theses and Dissertations

This research sought to identify stylistic guidelines which could be used by the authors and editors of English language texts in order to improve the quality of subsequent machine translations to other languages. A literature review was conducted to provide background information and to determine what guidelines would be appropriate. Nine guidelines were developed on the basis of the review. The guidelines were then tested. They were applied to five paragraphs from a Royal Australian Air Force technical publication by the researcher and an independent volunteer. Both the resulting texts and the original paragraphs were translated into French using the …

Evaluation Of Protocols Used For Rna Isolation And Detection,Cdna Probe Labeling, And Rna Quantification Following Hormonal Stimulation Of The Chick Oviduct., Margaret Nordlie

Theses and Dissertations

This paper summarizes studies that were performed to evaluate the effectiveness and utility of protocols used for RNA isolation and detection. In addition, DNA probes were prepared and evaluated. Methodologies that were evaluated include the maxi-prep and mini-prep plasmid preparation techniques; isolation of RNA by extraction with organic solvents and by centrifugation through a cesium chloride gradient; and comparison of the detection of RNA-DNA hybrids using radioactively-labeled probes and digoxigenin-labeled probes. The maxi-prep and mini-prep plasmid preparation protocols both produced good quality DNA. The maxi-prep method was superior to the mini-prep method in terms of total quantity of DNA produced, …

Alteration Of Dna Synthesis In The Adult Newt Ventricular Myocyte., Mark Henning Soonpaa

Theses and Dissertations

To better understand the mechanisms governing the proliferation of cardiac myocytes it is important to identify the factors controlling this phenomenon, and to characterize their actions. The ventricular myocyte from the adult newt, Notophthalmus viridescens, is well suited to this type of study, due to its large chromosomes, ease of culture maintenance, and ability to undergo mitosis with cytokinesis. DNA synthesis was quantified in vitro in myocytes treated with platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-$\beta$), fibroblast growth factors (FGFs), 12-0-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), heparin, or conditioned medium from ventricular myocytes or nonmyocytes (primarily endothelial cells). Ultrastructure of TPA-treated myocytes was …

A Comparison Of Computer And Paper Media In Psychological Testing, Anthony C. Hensley, Timothy R. Morris

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined differences based on computer and paper modes of administration in psychological testing. The hypotheses tested were the expectations that scores on the computer Wonderlic Personnel Test (WPT) would be higher than the paper version and subjects would report higher levels on the computer Vocational Preference Inventory (VPI) scales. A counterbalance experimental design with two experimental groups was used. The subjects were volunteers from the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) and Wright State University (WSU); 90 subjects completed the study. This included 75 students from AFIT and 15 from WSU; 69 subjects were male and 21 were …

An Analysis Of Contracting Terms: Expanding The Body Of Knowledge Within The Contract Management Profession, Marilyn J. Bayless, John H. Padgett

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis establishes definitions for 50 contracting terms through the use of a detailed methodology comparable to that utilized on past theses of similar intent. Through a thorough review of current literature, existing definitions were examined. Based upon the results of this analysis, proposed definitions were assimilated. Through the use of a mailed questionnaire/survey, the proposed definitions were presented to randomly selected Certified Professional Contract Managers (CPCMs) for feedback. Based upon this feedback, the proposed definitions were then revised to reflect actual current usage of the terminology as indicated by the survey results. These revised definitions are the 'final' definitions …

An Analysis Of Strategic Planning To Support The United States Special Operations Forces' C3 Interoperability, George M. Pierce Ii

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to analyze the strategic plans of USSOCOM to determine its role in resolving the C3 interoperability issues. A model using strategic controls and Theory of Constraints was used as a standard to evaluate USSOCOM's management plans. A literature search revealed that hardware and new technology were the primary concerns of previous studies. However, the literature did not address whether the lack of a formal strategy contributed to the C3 interoperability problems. Therefore, the determination was to adopt a fresh approach to the C3 interoperability issues and analyze the strategic process. The data analysis of …

An Analysis Of The Potential Use Of Red Horse Capabilities And Training Activities To Perform Or Accelerate Air Force Environmental Cleanups, E. Alexander Stokes Iii, Randy A. Carpenter

Theses and Dissertations

There are more than 4,000 Air Force (AF) sites requiring restoration due to hazardous waste contamination. The AF goal is to completely restore all sites by 2000. One method of achieving this ambitious goal is to use in-house capabilities. This study examined the potential use of RED HORSE capabilities and training activities to assist with cleanup of contaminated sites. RED HORSE capabilities and training requirements were compared to the primary cleanup needs of the AF. One finding of this study suggests cleanup of sites contaminated by volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) is the primary need of the AF. The findings also …

Development Of A Heuristic Knowledge Base For The Selection Of Applicable Or Relevant And Appropriate Environmental Requirements, Scott J. Borg, Gerald B. Puetz

Theses and Dissertations

Applicable or Relevant and Appropriate Requirements (ARARs) are the basis used in establishing threshold limits for hazardous waste cleanups performed under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCIA). ARARs selections must be applied consistently at numerous cleanup locations concurrently. The purpose of this research was to analyze activities required for the development of a heuristic knowledge base used for selection of The problem domain for the research was limited CERCLA cleanups of contaminated groundwater, through the use of a pump and treat strategy, using air stripping as the as the cleanup technology. The research examined literature concerning the …

An Assessment Of The Options Available To Air Forces' Commanders To Suppress Smoke From Oil Well Fires, William B. Owens, Richard D. Taylor

Theses and Dissertations

The particulates in smoke from oil well fires can obscure targets and inhibit the use of precision-guided munitions. The purpose of this research was to develop a decision support matrix to aid commanders of air forces select methodologies for controlling oil well fire smoke through fire suppression. Through interviews with military experts and fire-fighters, a set of situational factors affecting the employment of these technologies was developed. Technologies for extinguishing oil well fires were investigated by conducting expert interviews and studying research data, periodical literature, and proposals suggesting means to control the Kuwaiti oil well fires. Over 200 proposals from …

A Study Of The Relationship Between Personality Characteristics And Ethical Sensitivity In Business, Ronald A. Ortiz, David Petrillo

Theses and Dissertations

This research establishes a significant relationship between ethical sensitivity (the perception that a situation requires ethical consideration), and personality type, as characterized by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). A simple random sampling from the membership of the National Contract Management Association yielded 466 responses. The sample was analyzed by segmentation into government (181) and industry (285) respondents. The average ethical sensitivity response of 5.28 out of seven is considered high. Differences in perceptions of ethical sensitivity were significant among government and industry, and among ten scenarios often faced by contracting professionals. In the majority of scenarios, the government segment reported …

Review Of Factors Impacting Warranty Cost-Benefit Analysis For The Sensor Fuzed Weapon System, Donna E. Kehrt

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research effort was to identify factor that affect the warranty cost-benefit analysis for the Sensor Fuzed Weapon (SFW) system since an essential performance requirement (EPR) warranty waiver was under consideration. Defense funding has become scarce, and the limited dollars must be spent wisely. A cost-benefit analysis should provide a relevant projection of cost-effectiveness based on the best available data. The SFW and other dormant weapon systems present difficulties in determining cost- effectiveness because the systems most probably will be non-operating, non- reusable, and non-restorable. Three recommendations were made, relevant to dormant weapon systems, that pertained to …

Risk Reduction As A Criterion For Measuring Progress Of The Installation Restoration Program, Scott Edwards Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

To properly manage the Installation Restoration Program (IRP) in the future, the Air Force (AF) needs a method to assess progress based on improvements in environmental conditions. An integral part of evaluating progress toward protecting human health and the environment is the assessment of risk reduction as a result of cleanup actions. The AF currently uses the Defense Priority Model (DPM) to assist in setting priorities for funding remedial actions at IRP sites. The DPM provides a numerical score for IRP sites representing the relative potential risk based on the environmental conditions at a site before remedial actions are taken. …

A Technical And Practical Study Of Composting As A Solid Waste Management Alternative For The Air Force, Donald R. Abrams, Timothy D. Brecheen

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis reviews composting as a solid waste management option for the Air Force. The Air Force's Pollution Prevention Program Mandates composting as an opportunity to reduce landfill disposal and save future environmental costs. This research considers composting technologies used in mixed municipal solid waste and yard waste applications. The thesis presents technical aspects of composting and also summarizes operational techniques of successful composting sites across the United States. Composting is a biological process for converting organic waste into a stable product for use as a soil amendment or mulch. The Air Force should immediately begin yard waste composting programs …

Comparative Evaluation Of A Monocular Head Mounted Display Device Versus A Flat Screen Display Device In Presenting Aircraft Maintenance Technical Data, Jeffrey A. Friend, Randy S. Grinstead

Theses and Dissertations

As military developers provide increasingly complex weapon system, it becomes more difficult for maintenance technicians to perform their jobs. One aspect of the technicians' world is the need to access technical information in the performance of their duties. This study investigated two electronic display systems to evaluate which enhanced technician performance more. A Head Mounted Display (HMD) device and a portable hand-held flat-screen computer were evaluated in the performance of two flightline maintenance activities. Although both display systems were fully portable and self contained, only the HMD system allowed continuous access to technical information during task performance. In most cases, …