Digital Commons Network^™

Evaluating Machine Learning Classifiers For Hybrid Network Intrusion Detection Systems, Michael D. Rich

Theses and Dissertations

Existing classifier evaluation methods do not fully capture the intended use of classifiers in hybrid intrusion detection systems (IDS), systems that employ machine learning alongside a signature-based IDS. This research challenges traditional classifier evaluation methods in favor of a value-focused evaluation method that incorporates evaluator-specific weights for classifier and prediction threshold selection. By allowing the evaluator to weight known and unknown threat detection by alert classification, classifier selection is optimized to evaluator values for this application. The proposed evaluation methods are applied to a Cyber Defense Exercise (CDX) dataset. Network data is processed to produce connection-level features, then labeled using …

The Efficiency Of Methionine As A Radioprotectant Of Bacillus Anthracis For Cell Viability And Outgrowth Time After Uvc And Gamma Irradiation, Cameron N. Harris

Theses and Dissertations

Samples containing 107 spores of Bacillus anthracis (Ba) Sterne in water were irradiated with 267nm UVC using small LEDs and, for comparison, Cs-137 gammas. Before irradiation, 1mM L-Met and D-Met were added to solution and remained through germination. Following UV irradiation, minimal media was added and the spores were incubated for various times. Spore viability was quantified as lag time of the spore using SYTO 16 photoluminescence. Fluorescence was compared between irradiated and unirradiated experiments, demonstrating a delay in outgrowth for irradiated samples. D-Met samples showed increased damage repair, while L-Met spores expressed delayed outgrowth for unirradiated and irradiated spores. …

Evidence For The Inhibition Of Dengue Virus Binding In The Presence Of Silver Nanoparticles, Kelley J. Williams

Theses and Dissertations

Dengue is an emerging hemorrhagic fever virus and widely considered the most important arbovirus in the world. Dengue virus (DENV) is a positive-sense RNA virus that exists in 4, potentially 5, antigenic serotypes. Currently, no vaccines or treatments are approved for DENV infections. Unsuccessful vaccine trials open the door for non-traditional treatments such as silver nanoparticles. Silver nanoparticles (AgNP) are known to inhibit viral replication of numerous viruses but have never before been tested for inhibition of dengue virus type 2 (DENV2, ATCC® VR-1584^TM). For the first time, this research presents up to a 96% reduction in DENV2 …

A Risk Based Approach To Node Insertion Within Social Networks, Chancellor A. J. Johnstone

Theses and Dissertations

Social Network Analysis (SNA) is a primary tool for counter-terrorism operations, ranging from resiliency and influence to interdiction on threats stemming from illicit overt and clandestine network operations. In an ideal world, SNA would provide a perfect course of action to eliminate dangerous situations that terrorist organizations bring. Unfortunately, the covert nature of terrorist networks makes the effects of these techniques unknown and possibly detrimental. To avoid potentially harmful changes to enemy networks, tactical involvement must evolve, beginning with the intelligent use of network in filtration through the application of the node insertion problem. The framework for the node insertion …

A Dynamic Game On Network Topology For Counterinsurgency Applications, Jared K. Nystrom

Theses and Dissertations

Successful military operations are increasingly reliant upon an advanced understanding of relevant networks and their topologies. The methodologies of network science are uniquely suited to inform senior military commanders; however, there is a lack of research in the application of these methods in a realistic military scenario. This study creates a dynamic game on network topology to provide insight into the effectiveness of offensive targeting strategies determined by various centrality measures given limited states of information and varying network topologies. Improved modeling of complex social behaviors is accomplished through incorporation of a distance-based utility function. Moreover, insights into effective defensive …

Optimizing The Domestic Chemical, Biological, Radiological, And Nuclear Response Enterprise, Nicholas R. Paul

Theses and Dissertations

The Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear (CBRN) Response Enterprise (CRE) exists to rapidly respond to a domestic CBRN attack in order to minimize the overall impact of an incident. Over the past 16 years, the CRE has grown incrementally, and it is unclear if the current locations of units optimizes the coverage of the US population within a rapid response window. In this paper we develop a multi-objective multi-service extension of the maximal covering location problem (MCLP) to analyze the current coverage provided by the CRE and recommend efficient modifications to better protect the American population. While public sector facility location …

Detection And Characterization Of Malathion Adherence To Piping Materials Used In Water Distribution Systems, William D. Flemings

Theses and Dissertations

Protection of the public water supply is a national security priority, and as such, it is important to better understand the fate of a chemical weapons agent injection into a public water distribution system. This study investigated the adherence of malathion to pipe materials that are used in public water distribution systems, with malathion serving as a chemical representative of the organophosphorus nerve agent VX. Copper and iron specimen were exposed to malathion solutions for periods of 4, 8, and 24 hours and then tested for evidence of chemical adherence to the metal surfaces. Nonlinear desiccation profiles revealed total mass …

Implementing Cooperative Behavior & Control Using Open Source Technology Across Heterogeneous Vehicles, Stefan L. Hardy

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis describes the research effort into implementing cooperative behavior and control across heterogeneous vehicles using low cost off-the-shelf technologies and open source software. Current cooperative behavior and control methods are explored and improved upon to build analysis models. These analysis models characterize ideal factor settings for implementation and establish limits of performance for these low cost approaches to cooperative behavior and control. The research focused on latency and position accuracy as the two measures of performance. Three different ground control station (GCS) software applications and two types of vehicles, rover ground vehicles and aerial multi-rotors, were used in this …

The Effect Of Stages And Levels Of Automation And Reliability On Workload And Performance For Remotely Piloted Aircraft Operations, Stephen P. Katrein

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigates incorporating different stages and levels of automation with varying degrees of reliability into a remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) surveillance task in order to determine how automation implementation and reliability affect operator workload and system performance. The study uses IMPRINT discrete event simulation to evaluate three levels of reliability in twelve different baseline automation implementations within a remotely piloted vehicle task. Three stages and four levels are modeled, for a total of twelve combinations, along with a baseline task with no automation. The stages modeled are the information acquisition stage, the decision and action selection stage, and the …

The Fate Of Malathion On Copper And Iron Piping Within A Water Distribution System, Walter R. Lee

Theses and Dissertations

Thermogravimetry, the study of mass loss as a function of temperature, has been used for oxidation, decomposition, and solid-state studies. This research used a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) coupled with Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy in the study of copper and iron specimens exposed to malathion. Exposure to the malathion solution created a visible silver coating on copper and graphite-flake particles on iron specimens. Thermogravimetric mass loss curves revealed linear and nonlinear decomposition stages associated with mass loss reactions. Copper specimens exposed to malathion exhibited lower activation energy (Ea) values (2.28 to 4.40 kJ mol-1) than for copper specimens exposed to …

The Effect Of Malathion On The Activity And Performance Of Activated Sludge, Erik G. Rauglas

Theses and Dissertations

Decontamination activities following a chemical weapons incident may generate significant quantities of contaminated wash water that may enter the wastewater collection system either intentionally or accidentally. This raises concerns about the effect of chemical warfare agents (CWAs) on the operation of a biological wastewater treatment plant. The goal of the study was to evaluate the effect of malathion on the activity and performance of activated sludge. Malathion is an organophosphate (OP) and is considered an environmental surrogate for VX. This study employed respirometry, short term batch tests, and long term exposure experiments to investigate the effects of different concentrations of …

The Use Of Ultra-Violet (Uv) Light Emitting Diodes (Leds) In An Advanced Oxidation Process (Aop) With Brilliant Blue Fcf As An Indicator, Robert W. Scott Iv

Theses and Dissertations

Water contamination can result from terrorist acts, industrial accidents, or natural phenomena. Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) represent a potentially useful method for water decontamination. This research explored the application of Brilliant Blue FCF as a witness dye in an Advanced Oxidation Process (AOP) employing Ultra-Violet (UV) Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) with peroxide (H₂O₂). In addition to exploring the attributes of Brilliant Blue FCF within this application, this research employed this dye to evaluate the effect of varied UV LED duty cycles (pulsing) on the reaction rates of a UV/H₂O₂ AOP. Experiments performed using …

Navigation Constellation Design Using A Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm, Heather C. Diniz

Theses and Dissertations

In satellite constellation design, performance and cost of the system drive the design process. The Global Positioning System (GPS) constellation is currently used to provide positioning and timing worldwide. As satellite technology has improved over the years, the cost to develop and maintain the satellites has increased. Using a constellation design tool, it is possible to analyze the tradeoffs of new navigation constellation designs (Pareto fronts) that illustrate the tradeoffs between position dilution of precision (PDOP) and system cost. This thesis utilized Satellite Tool Kit (STK) to calculate PDOP values of navigation constellations, and the Unmanned Spacecraft Cost Model (USCM) …

Characterization Of A Robotic Manipulator For Dynamic Wind Tunnel Applications, James C. Lancaster

Theses and Dissertations

The newly acquired 6-DOF Motion Test Apparatus (MTA) was installed to perform dynamic wind tunnel testing in the AFIT Low Speed Wind Tunnel. Several complex motions revealed that the overall performance of the test rig needed improvement especially during small motions. The motions exposed that further enhancements would need to be performed individually for each joint. This research effort focused on the improvement of the MTA wrist roll motor and controller using a pitch oscillation. The controller software was improved using position feedback because the MTA wrist roll motor and controller exhibited reduced signal bias and amplitude attenuation. The enhanced …

Waking Dormant Researchers: Student Co-Research As Writing Research Methodology And Pedagogy, Angela Renee Sheets

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores the ways that students took up writing researcher skills, knowledges, and identities through a teacher-student co-research investigation of writing in an online writing research course. The following questions guided this study:

* How did literate activity occur in an online Composition as Critical Inquiry Course?

* What writing research skills, knowledges, and identities did the students take up and demonstrate as they participated in a co-research project?

The study also examined the efficacy of co-research as a methodology and pedagogy.

Chapter 1 reviews literature from the relevant English studies fields. Central topics include the rationale for writing …

Seta Structure In Members Of The Coleochaetales ( Streptophyta ), Timothy Richard Rockwell

Theses and Dissertations

The charophycean green algae, which include the Coleochaetales, together with land plants form a monophyletic group, the streptophytes. The order Coleochaetales, a possible sister taxon to land plants, is defined by its distinguishing setae (hairs), which are encompassed by a collar. Previous studies of these setae yielded conflicting results and were confined to one species, Coleochaet. scutata. In order to interpret these results and learn about the evolution of this character, setae of four species of Coleochaete and the genus Chaetosphaeridium within the Coleochaetales were studied to determine whether cellulose, callose, and phenolic compounds contribute to the chemical composition of …

Watch And Learn: A Documentary Exploring The Effects Of Video-Based Pedagogy, Chris Matthew Noel

Theses and Dissertations

This 20 minute film explores the use of hybrid lesson plans, those consisting of traditional in-class teaching and interactive video outside of the classroom. Using six voluntary Graduate Teaching Assistants as participants, the documentary follows the participants as they give their ideologies on teaching, perform either a traditional lesson plan or the hybrid lesson plan, and participate in a focus group to give their opinion on the perceived benefits or drawbacks of having hybrid lesson plans in the classroom.

Identification Of The Practices, Preferences, Knowledge, Attitudes And Barriers To Strength Training Participation Of Young College Aged Women, Brianna Ackerman

Theses and Dissertations

INTRODUCTION: The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and United States Department of Health and Human Services classify muscular fitness as a key component of health (13,20). While important for both men and women, women can benefit from resistance training, specifically strength training, in many ways. Muscular strength gains, increases and maintenance of lean body mass such as muscle and bone and possible fat loss are some benefits that women who regularly participate in resistance training can achieve (4,5,6,9,18).

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the practices, preferences, knowledge, attitudes and barriers to strength training participation in …

Utilizing Illinois State University's Environmental Legacy And Historical Collections To Sustain A Global Future, Melissa Nergard

Theses and Dissertations

The scholarly capital of materials at Illinois State University includes numerous natural history collections from the mid-nineteenth century that hold significant research and historical value. Changes in pedagogical methods and academic leadership, however, created confusion and territorial competition in who would preserve and manage the collections. Consequently some specimens from those early collections have been both lost and forgotten. This thesis used a systems approach to track the material losses incurred when institutional support shifted in the 1870s, and the original collectors and curators left Central Illinois for national interests in Washington, D.C. Yet, historical environmental collections have become increasingly …

Event-Based Hydrologic Model Calibration Using Nexrad In A Data-Poor Region Of Southern New Jersey, Christopher Siegel

Theses and Dissertations

Proper calibration of hydrologic models requires both reliable observed stream flow and precipitation data. Southern New Jersey has a notable lack of observed precipitation data, in particular, at the event scale; therefore model calibration represents a significant challenge. From a design standpoint this has not been a major concern as hydrologic models have been driven using design storms and are not calibrated. However, the need for research and impact analyses in the face of climate change (changes in extreme precipitation and sea-level rise in particular) and expected population growth in the region requires calibrated models, and reliable observed precipitation data …

Investigating Seed Dispersal Distances And Long Distance Dispersal Mechanisms Of The Invasive Plant, Alliaria Petiolata, Christopher Loebach

Theses and Dissertations

Alliaria petiolata, an herbaceous plant, has aggressively invaded North American woodlands. It has been extensively studied to understand why it is a successful invader, but certain aspects of its biology have been understudied such as seed dispersal distances and long distance dispersal mechanisms (LDDM). My thesis experimentally measured A. petiolata seed dispersal distances and determined if epizoochory (external animal transport) is a LDDM. To measure dispersal distances, seed traps were placed around three A. petiolata seed point sources to capture dispersed seeds at increasing distances away from the point sources. Eight mathematical functions that describe dispersal distances were fitted to …

An Emotional Spark: Exploring The Role Of Emotions In Organizational Training Programs And Beyond, Olivia Loren Hook

Theses and Dissertations

This study sought to identify which emotions are experienced during initial training periods in organizations, and how these emotions affect job satisfaction and employee intent to leave in the long-term in these organizations. Scales were developed to measure 20 positive and negative emotions experienced during initial training programs, how likeable and clear their trainer was perceived to be, and perceptions of job satisfaction and employee intent to leave.

Dietary Supplement Use, Perceptions, And Associated Lifestyle Behaviors In Undergraduate College Students, Student-Athletes, And Rotc Cadets, Arthur A. Valentine

Theses and Dissertations

The use of dietary supplements has steadily increased among the American population in recent years; however, little is known about current trends in dietary supplement use in the collegiate population. The purpose of this study was to investigate dietary supplement use, perceptions of knowledge and efficacy of dietary supplements, and lifestyle behaviors of supplement users and non-users in a university population. Undergraduate students, NCAA division I student-athletes, and Army ROTC cadets at a midsized Midwestern University were recruited for a single-stage cross-sectional online survey via email and also through the use of fliers. Participants included 381 undergraduate students, 56 student-athletes, …

In Vivo Modulation Of Rhythmically Active Neural Networks In The Crustacean Stomatogastric Ganglion, Alexandra Mead Yarger

Theses and Dissertations

Rhythmic motor patterns are found throughout all living organisms and are responsible for maintaining some of our most fundamental behaviors. The motor circuits producing these behaviors are flexible and able to adapt to changing internal and environmental conditions, yet stable enough to maintain function within certain boundaries. Central pattern generators (CPGs), which are the primary source of this stability, reliably maintain activity patterns and thus the behaviors they drive. The crab stomatogastric nervous system contains the well-characterized gastric mill (chewing) and pyloric (filtering of food) CPGs. In vitro, the pyloric rhythm is stereotyped with little variation over time. Temperature, inter-circuit …

Environmental Impacts On Life History In Container Breeding Mosquitoes, Kathleen May Westby

Theses and Dissertations

In this dissertation I explore different ways that the environment impacts life history in mosquitoes in ways that may alter vectorial capacity. In chapter I, I tested if short-term sugar deprivation experienced after exposure to La Crosse virus altered infection rates in Aedes albopictus and if sugar treatment and virus infection status altered blood feeding behavior and fecundity. I found no evidence that sugar deprivation impacted infection rates or fecundity. Sugar deprivation did increase blood feeding. There was no effect of infection status on blood feeding or fecundity. In chapter II, I tested for effects of seasonal cues (temperature and …

Advancing Biomechanical Research Through A Camelid Model Of The Human Lumbar Spine, Dean K. Stolworthy

Theses and Dissertations

The increasing incidence of disc degeneration and its correlation with lower back pain is an alarming trend in modern society. The research of intervertebral disc degeneration and low back pain would greatly benefit from additional methods to study its etiology and possible treatment methods. A large animal model that maintains the biological and mechanical environment that is most similar to the human lumbar spine could provide substantial improvements in understanding and resolving the problem of intervertebral disc related low back pain.This dissertation presents my doctoral work of investigating the potential for the camelid cervical spine to serve as a suitable …

Exploring The Antibacterial, Antioxidant, And Anticancerproperties Of Lichen Metabolites, Gajendra Shrestha

Theses and Dissertations

Natural products have been a significant source of new drugs, especially in treating cancer, infectious diseases, hypertension, and neurological disorders. Although many natural metabolites have been screened and yielded pharmaceutically important drugs, many potential sources of natural product drug therapies still need to be investigated, including lichens. Lichens are symbiotic systems consisting of a filamentous fungus and a photosynthetic partner (an eukaryotic alga and/or cyanobacterium). Lichens produce an impressive variety of unique secondary compounds and have been used as ingredients in folk medicines for centuries. Demonstrated biological roles based on lichen chemistry include: antibiotics, anti-proliferative, antioxidants, anti-HIV, anti-cancer, immunomodulation, and …

Facilitative Implicit Rules And Adolescent Emotional Regulation, Lexie Y. Pfeifer

Theses and Dissertations

Research has linked emotional regulation to the adaptive functioning of adolescents. Further research suggests that family processes, which include implicit rules, impact children's emotional regulation. The current study examined the impact of implicit rules that are facilitative of family connectedness on development of adolescents' emotional regulation. Data came from the Flourishing Families Project (FFP), a seven-year longitudinal study measuring family processes that impact adolescent development. The sample was collected in the northwestern United States and consisted of 500 families with a target child between the ages of 10 and 14 years. Participants filled out self-report measures on implicit family rules …

Hydrologic Data Sharing Using Open Source Software And Low-Cost Electronics, Jeffrey Michael Sadler

Theses and Dissertations

While it is generally accepted that environmental data are critical to understanding environmental phenomena, there are yet improvements to be made in their consistent collection, curation, and sharing. This thesis describes two research efforts to improve two different aspects of hydrologic data collection and management. First described is a recipe for the design, development, and deployment of a low-cost environmental data logging and transmission system for environmental sensors and its connection to an open source data-sharing network. The hardware is built using several low-cost, open-source, mass-produced components. The system automatically ingests data into HydroServer, a standards-based server in the open …

Brain Mapping Of The Latency Epochs In A Mcgurk Effect Paradigm In Music Performance And Visual Arts Majors, Lauren Donelle Nordstrom

Theses and Dissertations

The McGurk effect is an illusion that occurs when an auditory /ba/ is combined with a visual /ga/. The two stimuli fuse together which leads to the perception of /da/, a sound in between /ba/ and /ga/. The purpose of this study was to determine whether music performance and visual arts majors process mismatched auditory and visual stimuli, like the McGurk effect, differently. Nine syllable pairs were presented to 10 native English speakers (5 music performance majors and 5 visual arts majors between the ages of 18 and 28 years) in a four-forced-choice response paradigm. Data from event-related potentials were …