Digital Commons Network^™

Feasibility Study Of Variance Reduction In The Thunder Campaign-Level Model, Earl M. Bednar

Theses and Dissertations

As an Air Force Chief of Staff endorsed topic, Air Force Studies and Analyses Agency (AFSAA) requested an effective and efficient way to reduce the variance in analysis results from THUNDER. THUNDER is a large-scale discrete event simulation of campaign-level military operations and is used to examine issues involving the utility and effectiveness of air and space power in a theater-level, joint warfare context. Given the large number of stochastic components within THUNDER, results are produced with highly variable measures of effectiveness (MOEs), causing difficulties in evaluating alternative force structures, weapon systems, etc. This work responds to AFSAA's request by …

Modeling Transnational Terrorists' Center Of Gravity: An Elements Of Influence Approach, Cheryl L. Hetherington

Theses and Dissertations

Since the September 11th terrorist attack, there has been an increased emphasis on understanding and modeling terrorists groups. While several efforts have focused on identifying transnational terrorists' centers of gravity (COGs), most of these efforts have proposed COGs using a traditional nation-state paradigm. In today's "global village", terrorist groups are no longer limited by locality and national boundaries. With the increasing threats from transnational terrorist groups, new paradigms and models are necessary to properly analyze today's, and tomorrow's, conflict. Analysis should be based on the identified and quantified transnational terrorists' COGs and their associated interactions. Unfortunately, not all of the …

Usable Design Of Civil Engineer Information Systems, Gunther Kastenholz

Theses and Dissertations

This research used a case study methodology where one instrument used to collect data was a heuristic usability inspection method. Data was collected from a literature review of pertinent Civil Engineer information system design documents, and conclusions drawn about the existing level of specification of usability engineering principles. The heuristic usability inspection method was used to validate the conclusions drawn through inspection of an information system representative of other Civil Engineer information systems, the Automated Civil Engineer System Personnel Readiness module.

An Analysis Of Biometric Technology As An Enabler To Information Assurance, Darren A. Deschaine

Theses and Dissertations

The use of and dependence on, Information technology (IT) has grown tremendously in the last two decades. Still, some believe the United States is only in the infancy of this growth. This explosive growth has opened the door to capabilities that were only dreamed of in the past. As easy as it is to see how advantageous this technology is, it also is clear that with its advantages come distinct responsibilities and new problems that must be addressed. For instance, the minute one begins using information processing systems, the world of information assurance (IA) becomes far more complex. As a …

An Historical Analysis Of Factors Contributing To The Emergence Of The Intrusion Detection Discipline And Its Role In Information Assurance, James L.M. Hart

Theses and Dissertations

In 2003, Gartner, Inc., predicted the inevitable demise of the intrusion detection (ID) market, a major player in the computer security technology industry. In light of this prediction, IT executives need to know if intrusion detection technologies serve a strategic purpose within the framework of information assurance (IA). This research investigated the historical background and circumstances that led to the birth of the intrusion detection field and explored the evolution of the discipline through current research in order to identify appropriate roles for IDS technology within an information assurance framework. The research identified factors contributing to the birth of ID …

Real-Time Mapping Using Stereoscopic Vision Optimization, Kevin M. Biggs

Theses and Dissertations

This research focuses on efficient methods of generating 2D maps from stereo vision in real-time. Instead of attempting to locate edges between objects, we make the assumption that the representative surfaces of objects in a view provide enough information to generate a map while taking less time to locate during processing. Since all real-time vision processing endeavors are extremely computationally intensive, numerous optimization techniques are applied to allow for a real-time application: horizontal spike smoothing for post-disparity noise, masks to focus on close-proximity objects, melding for object synthesis, and rectangular fitting for object extraction under a planar assumption. Additionally, traditional …

Performance Of A Spectrally Encoded Multi-Carrier Phase Shift Keying Communications System In A Frequency-Selective, Slowly-Fading Multipath Channel, Charles M. Gaona

Theses and Dissertations

This research examines the performance of a spectrally encoded, multi-carrier, phase shift keying communications system in a frequency-selective, slowly-fading multipath channel. The specific communications system modeled is the transform domain communication system (TDCS) originally researched as an interference avoidance technique. Previous TDCS research assumed an additive white Gaussian noise channel, which is not representative of a realistic environment. This thesis presents overviews of previous TDCS research, the multipath fading channel, and the RAKE receiver. Analysis and Matlab simulations compare the performance of spectrally encoded and un-encoded signals through a multipath fading channel using an L-diversity TDCS RAKE receiver. Encoded signals …

A Genetic Algorithm For Uav Routing Integrated With A Parallel Swarm Simulation, Matthew A. Russell

Theses and Dissertations

This research investigation addresses the problem of routing and simulating swarms of UAVs. Sorties are modeled as instantiations of the NP-Complete Vehicle Routing Problem, and this work uses genetic algorithms (GAs) to provide a fast and robust algorithm for a priori and dynamic routing applications. Swarms of UAVs are modeled based on extensions of Reynolds' swarm research and are simulated on a Beowulf cluster as a parallel computing application using the Synchronous Environment for Emulation and Discrete Event Simulation (SPEEDES). In a test suite, standard measures such as benchmark problems, best published results, and parallel metrics are used as performance …

Analysis Of Perturbation-Based Testing Methodology As Applied To A Real-Time Control System Problem, Richard A. Stutler

Theses and Dissertations

Perturbation analysis is a software analysis technique used to study the tail function of a program by inserting an error into an executing program using data state mutation. The impact of this induced error on the output is then measured. This methodology can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of a given test set and in fact can be used as a means to derive a test set which provides coverage for a given program. Previous research has shown that there is a "coupling effect" such that test sets that identify simple errors will also identify more complex errors. Thus …

The Role Of The Media In Conflict : A Case Study Of News Framing During The Maoist Insurgency In Nepal From 2001 To 2004, Jeffrey David Achen

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Weapons Of Mass Seduction : How News Narratives Became Lethal Weapons During The Onset Of Gulf War Ii, Alyssa R. Martin

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

A Diabolical Disneyland In Zion: The Mormons And The Mx, Jacob W. Olmstead

Theses and Dissertations

In September 1979 President Jimmy Carter publicly announced his decision to support the deployment of the MX missile and mobile basing scheme in Utah and Nevada. Despite local opposition and the close proximity of the proposed base to its headquarters, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) remained silent until 5 May 1981, when the First Presidency issued a statement opposing the MX plans. The purpose of this work is to narrate the history of the development of the Mormon position regarding the deployment of MX missile in the Great Basin and evaluate the response to the statement …

One Is Concerned Because One Is A Human Being, Sayaka Suzuki

Theses and Dissertations

I am a nomad. I have not had a place to call home in almost two decades. I wander around the world searching for a place to belong, only to discover the forgotten lives and silenced voices. I have come to realize that to find a "home," I need to first create a world in which to belong to. My recent works are investigations of possibilities for another world, a world of compassion, through a critique of our current society. I create as I rediscover the forgotten histories and lives. My work captures my process of remembering and celebrating while …

Cytokine And Chemokine Profiles In A Rat Model Of Hemorrhagic Shock After Immuno-Modulation By Androstenetriol, Kristin E. Paccione

Theses and Dissertations

Further understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in traumatic injury, and how they are modulated during drug interaction, can facilitate novel treatment strategies for future trauma patients. We hypothesize that the pharmacological agent, Androstenetriol (AET), up regulates host immune response by modulating the continued expression of mediators, including cytokines. In a double-blinded experiment, rats were hemorrhaged, driven by volume or pressure conditions, then resuscitated with fluids and packed red blood cells following a subcutaneous injection of either vehicle or drug. Blood was collected at various time points and cytokine levels were determined by analyses with both multiplex and …

The Etoile Du Deseret: Portrait Of The French Mission, 1851-1852, Douglas James Geilman

Theses and Dissertations

One of John Taylor's most significant achievements during his mission to France, 1849-1851, was the publication of a French-language Latter-day Saint periodical, the Etoile du Déséret. Appearing in twelve issues from May 1851 to December 1852, the Etoile served a variety of functions for the earliest missionaries and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in France. A study of its historical context and of its contents allows readers a glimpse into the circumstances under which the missionaries labored and into the needs of the growing Church. Furthermore, the Etoile provides a vivid example of John …

Investigation Of Inductively Coupled Plasma As An Atomization Source For Analytical And Fundamental Measurements Using Cavity Ringdown Spectroscopy, Fabio Jerome Mazzotti

Theses and Dissertations

Analytical as well as fundamental measurements were performed with an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) using the novel technique of cavity ringdown spectroscopy. A newly designed ICP torch was presented. Limits of detection were measured for elemental mercury, both in an ICP as well as in a cold mercury chemical generator. The efficiency of the technique was compared with laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) in the ICP. Isotopically resolved spectra of uranium were collected with this technique and results were compared to previous studies using LIF. Gas temperature and electron density estimations were done by lineshape measurements on lead atoms in the ICP. …

Analysis Of Hostile Network Reconnaissance To Anticipate And Mitigate Network Attacks, Luis Angel Rivera

Theses and Dissertations

Network security systems today such as current intrusion detection systems, intrusion prevention systems and firewalls are good at reacting to attacks as they occur or shortly after they occur. Current security systems lack the ability to identify and detect the activity that usually precedes an attack. This activity is known as network reconnaissance. In this thesis we have developed a technique that can assist current security systems to detect hostile network reconnaissance to anticipate and mitigate network attacks.

Decision Factors For Cooperative Multiple Warhead Uav Target Classification And Attack With Control Applications, Douglas D. Decker

Theses and Dissertations

Autonomous wide area search, classification and attack using Unmanned Combat Air Vehicles (UCAVs) is considered. The wide area search and attack scenario is modeled, capturing important problem parameters related to environment, seeker, and munitions. Probabilistic analysis is used to formulate and analytically solve for various probabilities, including the probability of mission success. Two methods are utilized. The first examines the sub-events required for various events to occur. The second utilizes a Markov chain approach. General expressions are first obtained that are applicable to any assumed a priori distributions of targets and false targets. These expressions are subsequently applied to a …

Establishing A Cyber Warrior Force, Scott D. Tobin

Theses and Dissertations

Cyber Warfare is widely touted to be the next generation of warfare. As America's reliance on automated systems and information technology increases, so too does the potential vulnerability to cyber attack. Nation and non-nation states are developing the capability to wage cyber warfare. Historically, the Air Force and DoD have concentrated their efforts toward defensive network operations. However, a shift in doctrine has shown both the Air Force and DoD acknowledging the potential for Information Warfare. What appears to be lacking is the trained and educated cyber warrior force that will carry out the information operations if needed. This research …

Visual Unified Modeling Language For The Composition Of Scenarios In Modeling And Simulation Systems, Daniel E. Swayne

Theses and Dissertations

The Department of Defense uses modeling and simulation systems in many various roles, from research and training to modeling likely outcomes of command decisions. Simulation systems have been increasing in complexity with the increased capability of low-cost computer systems to support these DOD requirements. The demand for scenarios is also increasing, but the complexity of the simulation systems has caused a bottleneck in scenario development due to the limited number of individuals with knowledge of the arcane simulator languages in which these scenarios are written. This research combines the results of previous AFIT efforts in visual modeling languages to create …

The Use Of Air Traffic Control Simulation By Students Majoring In Air Traffic Control At The University Of North Dakota, Paul Vernon J. Drechsel

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Constructions Of Female Identities In Mary Gordon's The Other Side And Maureen Howard's Before My Time, Neli Gogovska

Theses and Dissertations

In Women's Time Kristeva designates three broad currents of feminist struggle: first, the suffragist movement declaring a universalist view of women's experience regardless of class, age, and cultures; second, the phase of difference, that she regards as "returning to an archaic (mythic) memory as well as cyclical or monumental temporality of marginal movements" (355); and third, a trend that she wholeheartedly supports for their concept that "the dichotomy of man and woman as an opposition of two rival entities is a problem of metaphysics" (366).

This thesis discusses Howard and Gordon as proponents of the second phase because they write …

Cons, Ex-Cons And Odinism Across Cultural And National Borders: Why Attempt To Procure Knowledge And Dare We Not?, Lene T. Vallestad

Theses and Dissertations

The occurrence of right-wing extremism is becoming more prominent in the social landscape of Western European countries, including Norway, and in the United States. Amongst these movements one will find groups that base and justify their racist behavior in religious beliefs. Odinism, a pre-Christian, Norse neopagan faith, has merged racist beliefs and violent behavior with religious creed and ideology, and is a prime example of these right-wing religions.

During the 1990s Odinism emerged as one of the most dynamic trends within the extreme right-wing milieu in the U.S. and Western Europe. The popularity of Odinism today is connected to the …

Preserving Trust Across Multiple Sessions In Open Systems, Fuk-Wing Thomas Chan

Theses and Dissertations

Trust negotiation, a new authentication paradigm, enables strangers on the Internet to establish trust through the gradual disclosure of digital credentials and access control policies. Previous research in trust negotiation does not address issues in preserving trust across multiple sessions. This thesis discusses issues in preserving trust between parties who were previously considered strangers. It also describes the design and implementation of trust preservation in TrustBuilder, a prototype trust negotiation system. Preserving trust information can reduce the frequency and cost of renegotiation. A scenario is presented that demonstrates that a server supporting trust preservation can recoup the cost of the …

The Application Of Pedology, Stable Carbon Isotope Analyses And Geographic Information Systems To Ancient Soil Resource Investigations At Piedras Negras, Guatemala, Kristofer Dee Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

The ancient inhabitants of the Maya Lowlands enjoyed a long and fruitful period of growth which climaxed at around AD 800. At that time, millions of people successfully subsisted in a challenging environment that today only supports a population a fraction of that size. These facts, and the subsequent "Maya Collapse", are the impetus of many recent studies that utilize environmental data, in addition to conventional archaeology, to investigate this Maya mystery. Pedological studies and stable carbon isotope analysis of soil organic matter, combined with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are three tools that can be used to answer crucial questions …

Improving Tcp Performance By Estimating Errors In A Long Delay, High Error Rate Environment, Stephanie E. Carroll

Theses and Dissertations

Interest in finding methods of improving TCP performance over satellite and wireless networks is high. This has been an active area of research within the networking community. This research develops an algorithm, CETEN-R for TCP to determine if a particular packet is lost due to congestion or corruption and react accordingly. An analysis of the performance of CETEN-R under a variety of conditions is studied and then compared to TCP Reno and TCP New Reno. When delay is high and the error rate is high CETEN-R showed a 77.5% increase in goodput over TCP New Reno and a 33.8% increase …

Overcoming Resistance To Change: An Analysis To The Department Of Defense's Anthrax Vaccine Immunization Program, Irene C. Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this research was to investigate the impact of change on organizations, in the absence of a preparedness program and to develop strategies for overcoming resistance to change, in the midst of a proposed initiative that has become stalled as a result of mistrust and cynicism. The results of this research suggests a framework of management techniques that will offer leadership approaches to resurrecting a stalled change initiative and overcoming personnel's resistance to a proposed change project, in order for the project to be more widely accepted. A series of personal interviews and focus groups, a qualitative method …

An Assessment Of Modern Methods For Rotor Track And Balance, Michael J. Renzi

Theses and Dissertations

One routine maintenance item facing the helicopter industry today is the issue of rotor track and balance (RT&B). While the task of reducing vibrations is often overlooked as simply an unimportant maintenance concern, what should not be overlooked is the extensive amount of time and money committed by maintenance to smoothing an aircraft. If there were a way to make the process of rotor track and balance more efficient it would be a huge boost to the helicopter industry in both time and money. The first steps towards research into new and improved methods is to evaluate what is currently …

Responding To Policies At Runtime In Trustbuilder, Bryan J. Smith

Theses and Dissertations

Automated trust negotiation is the process of establishing trust between entities with no prior relationship through the iterative disclosure of digital credentials. One approach to negotiating trust is for the participants to exchange access control policies to inform each other of the requirements for establishing trust. When a policy is received at runtime, a compliance checker determines which credentials satisfy the policy so they can be disclosed. In situations where several sets of credentials satisfy a policy and some of the credentials are sensitive, a compliance checker that generates all the sets is necessary to insure that the negotiation succeeds …

Empowering Marine Corps System Administrators: Taxonomy Of Training, Brian K. Hamilton

Theses and Dissertations

Organizations cannot protect the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of information in today's highly networked systems environment without ensuring that System Administrators are properly trained and meet a minimum standard that is enforced enterprise-wide. Only with this ubiquitous benchmark training, will the System Administrators roles and responsibilities become synchronous to achieving Defense in Depth in the IT realm. The goal of this research is to analyze Marine Corps training methods to identify viable solutions that will produce consistent skill sets and meet requirements set forth in mandates from DoD.