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Electrospinning As A Processing Method For Electroactive Polymers And Composites, Kristin Joy Pawlowski Jan 2004

Electrospinning As A Processing Method For Electroactive Polymers And Composites, Kristin Joy Pawlowski

Theses and Dissertations

Electrospinning was examined for its potential to create functional materials. Three distinct electroactive materials were electrospun into fibers and fiber mats and then characterized with the intent of determining their utility in aerospace and biomedical applications such as micro-air vehicles and the cardiovascular system. Electrospun Graft Elastomers demonstrated potential as actuators, as electromechanical strain testing showed comparable response to the film form of this material. Further improvement of electroactive response was realized with high dielectric inclusions and fiber orientation. Electrospin processing imparted piezoelectric properties to the fibers of poly(vinylidene fluoride). Differential scanning calorimetry and infrared spectroscopy indicated a degree of …

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Ojibway Women In Transition : The Influence Of The Church On The Traditional Roles Of Objibway Women And Its Effects On Ojibway Society, Anastasia Bowe Jan 2004

Ojibway Women In Transition : The Influence Of The Church On The Traditional Roles Of Objibway Women And Its Effects On Ojibway Society, Anastasia Bowe

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

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Prince Vladimir And Russia's Conversion To Christianity : Cultural And Economic Connections Between Kiev And Constantinople, Jennie Weber Jan 2004

Prince Vladimir And Russia's Conversion To Christianity : Cultural And Economic Connections Between Kiev And Constantinople, Jennie Weber

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

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A Contemporary Geography Of Southeastern North Dakota's Manufacturing Success, James A. Rush Jan 2004

A Contemporary Geography Of Southeastern North Dakota's Manufacturing Success, James A. Rush

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

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A Structural Equation Model Examining The Effects Of Gulf War Stress Exposure On Subsequent Mental And Physical Health Problems Among Gulf War Veterans, Frank J. Kenny Jan 2004

A Structural Equation Model Examining The Effects Of Gulf War Stress Exposure On Subsequent Mental And Physical Health Problems Among Gulf War Veterans, Frank J. Kenny

Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this dissertation is to better understand the complex relationship between the stresses encountered by US. service personnel during the Gulf War and eventual physical and psychological health outcomes among its veterans. By developing and validating a stress model using structural equation modeling techniques, it is hoped that knowledge regarding wartime stress and its potential impact on the health of veterans will be gained. This knowledge can be used to guide future policy decisions on how to minimize the deleterious health consequences associated with deployment and combat, as well as furnishing a basis for future studies that examine …

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Meanings Of Security: A Constructivist Inquiry Into The Context Of Information Security Policy Development Post 9/11, Linda F. Larkin Jan 2004

Meanings Of Security: A Constructivist Inquiry Into The Context Of Information Security Policy Development Post 9/11, Linda F. Larkin

Theses and Dissertations

Security is a term that appears to be used in a variety of ways and to have a number of meanings. In policy discussions, there may be reference to information security, national security, network security, online security, and other kinds of security. In an environment where technological innovation appears to be occurring at an ever increasing rate, policy makers look to technological experts for advice, and information security policy is developed, it seems to be important to consider these variations in meaning. This constructivist inquiry explores the context in which information security policy is developed and inquires into the meanings, …

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An Analytical Method To Determine The Mechanical Properties Of Linear Viscoelastic Solids, Rani W. Sullivan Dec 2003

An Analytical Method To Determine The Mechanical Properties Of Linear Viscoelastic Solids, Rani W. Sullivan

Theses and Dissertations

A new methodology has been developed to model the viscoelastic behavior of solids using a general spectrum function. Not all materials can be modeled using simple Kelvin-Voigt (K-V) or Maxwell elements where the viscoelastic parameters are constants. There is a need for a general spectrum function that can be used to model the Lame' functions which constitute all properties of interest. Thus far, there is no method like the one presented in this study that can determine the moduli of viscoelastic materials. This study develops a methodology by which the time dependent properties of homogeneous and non-homogeneous materials may be …

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New Visualization Techniques For Multi-Dimensional Variables In Complex Physical Domains, Rhonda J. Vickery Dec 2003

New Visualization Techniques For Multi-Dimensional Variables In Complex Physical Domains, Rhonda J. Vickery

Theses and Dissertations

This work presents the new Synthesized Cell Texture (SCT) algorithm for visualizing related multiple scalar value fields within the same 3D space. The SCT method is particularly well suited to scalar quantities that could be represented in the physical domain as size fractionated particles, such as in the study of sedimentation, atmospheric aerosols, or precipitation. There are two components to this contribution. First a Scaling and Distribution (SAD) algorithm provides a means of specifying a multi-scalar field in terms of a maximum cell resolution (or density of represented values). This information is used to scale the multi-scalar field values for …

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A Communications Modeling System For Swarm-Based Sensors, Brian A. Kadrovach Sep 2003

A Communications Modeling System For Swarm-Based Sensors, Brian A. Kadrovach

Theses and Dissertations

Today's information age has exploded the amount of data available to decision makers at all levels of the control hierarchy. The miniaturization and proliferation of sensor technology has enabled extensive detection and monitoring and advances in computational capabilities have provided for embedded data analysis and the generation of information from raw data. Additionally, with the miniaturization of mechanical systems it is possible to provide platforms for sensor suites that are capable of mobility and limited autonomy. Swarming or bio-emergent behavior problems, provides a robust scalable mechanism for organizing large numbers of mobile sensor platforms. However, the mobility dynamics of swarm …

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A Study Of The Effectiveness Of Neural Networks For Elemental Concentration From Libs Spectra, Prasanthi Inakollu Aug 2003

A Study Of The Effectiveness Of Neural Networks For Elemental Concentration From Libs Spectra, Prasanthi Inakollu

Theses and Dissertations

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is an advanced data analysis technique for spectral analysis based on the direct measurement of the spectrum of optical emission from a laser-induced plasma. Assignment of different atomic and ionic lines, which are signatures of a particular element, is the basis of a qualitative identification of the species present in plasma. The relative intensities of these atomic and ionic lines can be used for the quantitative determination of the corresponding elements present in different samples. Calibration curve based on absolute intensity is the statistical method of determining concentrations of elements in different samples. Since we need …

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Discrete Representation Of Urban Areas Through Simplification Of Digital Elevation Data, Ruparani Chittineni May 2003

Discrete Representation Of Urban Areas Through Simplification Of Digital Elevation Data, Ruparani Chittineni

Theses and Dissertations

In recent years there has been large increase in the amount of digital mapping data of landscapes and urban environments available through satellite imaging. This digital information can be used to develop wind flow simulators over large cities or regions for various purposes such as pollutant transport control, weather forecasts, cartography and other topographical analysis. It can also be used by architects for city planning or by game programmers for virtual reality and similar applications. But this data is massive and contains a lot of redundant information such as trees, cars, bushes, etc. For many applications, it is beneficial to …

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Protecting Sensitive Credential Content During Trust Negotiation, Ryan D. Jarvis Apr 2003

Protecting Sensitive Credential Content During Trust Negotiation, Ryan D. Jarvis

Theses and Dissertations

Keeping sensitive information private in a public world is a common concern to users of digital credentials. A digital credential may contain sensitive attributes certifying characteristics about its owner. X.509v3, the most widely used certificate standard, includes support for certificate extensions that make it possible to bind multiple attributes to a public key contained in the certificate. This feature, although convenient, potentially exploits the certificate holder's private information contained in the certificate. There are currently no privacy considerations in place to protect the disclosure of attributes in a certificate. This thesis focuses on protecting sensitive credential content during trust negotiation …

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Single-Mode Raman Fiber Laser In A Multimode Fiber, Matthew B. Crookston Mar 2003

Single-Mode Raman Fiber Laser In A Multimode Fiber, Matthew B. Crookston

Theses and Dissertations

The feasibility of a transverse single-mode Raman fiber laser using a multimode fiber has been investigated. The Raman fiber laser operates in low-order transverse modes despite the fact the fiber supports multimode beam propagation. The performance characteristics of the Raman fiber laser are compared with those of the single-pass SRS beam.

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A Comparative Analysis Of The Cost Estimating Error Risk Associated With Fly Away Costs Vs Individual Components Of Aircraft, Jonathan D. Ritschel Mar 2003

A Comparative Analysis Of The Cost Estimating Error Risk Associated With Fly Away Costs Vs Individual Components Of Aircraft, Jonathan D. Ritschel

Theses and Dissertations

A shrinking workforce, unstable budgets, and rapidly changing objectives under stricter time constraints characterize today's cost analysis and acquisition environment. In concert with this environment, cost analyst positions have rapidly decreased as demonstrated by Aeronautical Systems Centers 54% decline in total authorized slots from 1992 to 2001. The question is how to deal with this more with less' mentality. The purpose of this research is to investigate and measure the risks associated with taking a macro versus micro approach to aircraft cost estimation. By analyzing the fidelity of a cost estimate developed at the flyaway cost level versus a cost …

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Combat Air Forces Campaign Level Modernization Planning-A Study In Group Decision Making, Ian L. Walker Mar 2003

Combat Air Forces Campaign Level Modernization Planning-A Study In Group Decision Making, Ian L. Walker

Theses and Dissertations

Modernization is a critical component of the current transformation effort within the Department of Defense (DoD) Effective and efficient modernization planning will provide for the improved allocation of limited funding. The Air Force currently conducts capabilities based modernization planning to identify shortfalls. Air Combat Command (ACC) utilizes multi-objective decision analysis (MODA) techniques to support the modernization planning process (MPP). A MODA model has been created to identify and quantify capability shortfalls across a diverse range of mission areas. Groups of subject matter experts are utilized to provide model inputs improving the usefulness and credibility of the model. The intent of …

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Internet Protocol (Ip) Over Link-16, Clinton W. Stinson Mar 2003

Internet Protocol (Ip) Over Link-16, Clinton W. Stinson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of Link- 16 is to exchange real-time tactical data among units of the United States and allied forces. Primary Link- 16 functions include exchange of friendly unit position and status data, fl%the dissemination of tactical surveillance track data, and the control/management of air, surface, and subsurface engagements. Because Link- 16 will play an integral role in fl% network-centric Joint Battlespace Infosphere (JBI), the performance of Internet Protocol version six (IPv6) and IP Security (IPSec) over Link-16 needs to be determined. Using OPNET modeling software to simulate a Link- 16 network, the investigation of this research revealed that the …

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A Visual Language For Composable Simulation Scenarios, Carolyn R. Bartley Mar 2003

A Visual Language For Composable Simulation Scenarios, Carolyn R. Bartley

Theses and Dissertations

Modeling and Simulation plays an important role in how the Air Force trains and fights, Scenarios are used in simulation to give users the ability to specify entities and behaviors that should be simulated by a model: however, building and understanding scenarios can be a difficult and time-consuming process, furthermore, as composable simulations become more prominent, the need for a common descriptor for simulation scenarios has become evident. In order to reduce the complexity of creating and understanding simulation scenarios, a visual language was created, The research on visual languages presented in this thesis examines methods of visually specifying the …

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Performance Evaluation And Analysis Of Effective Range And Data Throughput For Unmodified Bluetooth Communication Devices, Timothy F. Kneeland Mar 2003

Performance Evaluation And Analysis Of Effective Range And Data Throughput For Unmodified Bluetooth Communication Devices, Timothy F. Kneeland

Theses and Dissertations

The DoD and the Air Force continually seek to incorporate new technology in an effort to improve communication, work effectiveness, and efficiency. Office devices utilizing Bluetooth technology simplify device configuration and communication. They provide a means to communicate wirelessly over short distances thereby eliminating the need for different vendor specific cables and interfaces. One of the key concerns involved in incorporating new communication technology is security; the fundamental security concern of wireless communication is interception. Studies focusing on IEEE 802.11b have shown vulnerability zones around many DoD installations that reflect the ranges at which wireless communications using the 802.11b standard …

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Searching System Call Information For Clues: The Effects Of Intrusions Of Processes, Mark G. Reith Mar 2003

Searching System Call Information For Clues: The Effects Of Intrusions Of Processes, Mark G. Reith

Theses and Dissertations

The United States Air Force extensively uses information systems as a tool managing and maintaining its information. The increased dependence on these systems in recent years has necessitated the need for protection front threats of information warfare and cyber terrorism. One type of protection utilizes intrusion detection systems to provide indications that intrusive behavior has occurred. Other types of protection may include packet filtering, cryptography and strong user authentication. Traditional approaches toward intrusion detection rely on features that are external to computer processes. By treating processes as black-boxes, intrusion detection systems may miss a wealth of information that could be …

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Using Future Value Analysis To Select An Optimal Portfolio Of Force Protection Initiatives, Robert P. Eskridge Mar 2003

Using Future Value Analysis To Select An Optimal Portfolio Of Force Protection Initiatives, Robert P. Eskridge

Theses and Dissertations

With the recent increase in terrorist activity, force protection has become a key issue for the Department of Defense, Leading the research for new ideas and concepts in force protection for the US Air Force is the Air Force Force Protection Battlelab (FPB). The FPB is charged with searching out force protection ideas and selecting those most worthy for future consideration. In 2002, a Value-Focused Thinking (VFT) hierarchy was created to help the FPB select those ideas that provided the most value to the Air Force and its force protection goals. This research effort uses the Future Value Analysis (FVA) …

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Understanding The Dynamic System Of Terrorist - Government Interaction, John A. Hanrahan Mar 2003

Understanding The Dynamic System Of Terrorist - Government Interaction, John A. Hanrahan

Theses and Dissertations

The nature of action and reaction that forms the basis for terrorist - government interactions creates a dynamic system. Understanding how this dynamic system behaves in response to key government activities can help the government better control the overall behavior of the system. The system dynamics methodology is one tool that can help the government solve specific behavioral problems within the overall system. This research shows the ability of system dynamics to help develop government policy towards terrorism that can directly affect a terrorist's behavior. It supports a government policy of offensive action instead of defensive reaction. It also identifies …

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Using The Gps To Improve Trajectory Position And Velocity Determination During Real-Time Ejection Seat Design, Test And Evaluation, Christina G. Schutte Mar 2003

Using The Gps To Improve Trajectory Position And Velocity Determination During Real-Time Ejection Seat Design, Test And Evaluation, Christina G. Schutte

Theses and Dissertations

Test and evaluation of the United States Air Force’s latest aircraft escape system technology requires accurate position and velocity profiles during each test to determine the relative positions between the aircraft, ejection seat, manikin and the ground. Current rocket sled testing relies on expensive ground based multiple camera systems to determine the position and velocity profiles. While these systems are satisfactory at determining seat and manikin trajectories for sled testing, their accuracy decreases when they are used for in-flight testing, especially at high altitudes. This research presents the design and test results from a new GPS-based system capable of monitoring …

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Outsourcing Information Technology And The Insider Threat, Valerie L. Caruso Mar 2003

Outsourcing Information Technology And The Insider Threat, Valerie L. Caruso

Theses and Dissertations

As one of our nation's top critical infrastructures, telecommunications is an essential element of many aspects of our lives upon which we, as a society, are becoming increasingly dependent. Computers, digital telephone switches, and interconnected information technology (IT) systems impact finances, travel, infrastructure management, and missions of national defense. This research examined whether the trend in increased outsourcing of information technology systems is a significant contributing factor to a reportedly increasing amount of insider attacks. In light of changing social, global economic, and technological conditions, the paradigm in which risk analysis, management practices, and operational and personnel security practices are …

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Perceptions Vs Reality: A Longitudinal Experiment In Influence Judgment Performance, Monti L. Knode Mar 2003

Perceptions Vs Reality: A Longitudinal Experiment In Influence Judgment Performance, Monti L. Knode

Theses and Dissertations

Government reliance on computer-mediated information has transformed it from "enabler" to "target" which now demands the detection of manipulated and deceptive measures a primary security objective. As people are not inherently good performers at detecting deceptive communications, this study draws on interpersonal deception theory (Burgoon, 1986) and social cognitive theory (Bandura, 1986) to measure personal perceptions that influence decisions operationalized as the successful detection of a deceptive measure. Department of Defense personnel (N--119) participated in a longitudinal experiment that measured detection performance before and after training and feedback treatments. Self-efficacy and perceived training effectiveness emerged as dominant factors in predicting …

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Training Effects On Judgment Accuracy In A Computer-Mediated Environment, Mark M. Lankowski Mar 2003

Training Effects On Judgment Accuracy In A Computer-Mediated Environment, Mark M. Lankowski

Theses and Dissertations

The United States Air Force (AF) has named Information Superiority the core competency "upon which all the other core competencies rely". In order to achieve Information Superiority, deceptive communication must be minimized. According to researchers, deception occurs when communicators control the information contained in their messages to convey a meaning that departs from the truth. This research draws on Biros, George, and Zmuds' (2002) deception research model to determine if training to detect deception will improve a person's deception detection performance in a computer-mediated environment. A longitudinal experiment was conducted with AF participants (N=119) where three separate training plans were …

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Text Manipulation Judgment Accuracy: An Exploratory Study, Randy S. Wardak Mar 2003

Text Manipulation Judgment Accuracy: An Exploratory Study, Randy S. Wardak

Theses and Dissertations

Deception aims to affect a decision-making process in a way that somehow benefits the deceiver. More knowledge is desired in the area of purely text-based scenarios. Thirty-seven graduate students at the Air Force Institute of Technology participated in an experiment in order to gain an initial understanding of how people determine whether text has been manipulated, and to identify specific areas that may be more closely investigated in future research. Excerpts were drawn from editions of a current-events newsletter that the participants receive on a weekly basis as part of their enrollment in the graduate program. Some of the excerpts …

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Aerospace Ground Equipment Management's Impact On Home-Station Sortie Production, Michael A. Bayer Mar 2003

Aerospace Ground Equipment Management's Impact On Home-Station Sortie Production, Michael A. Bayer

Theses and Dissertations

Since the Air Force began its evolution into an Expeditionary Air Force, much effort has been expended in attempt to optimize the compositions of each Air Expeditionary Force (AEF) and the manner in which an AEF deploys. Air Force plans were previously based upon deploying 24-ship Unit Type Codes (UTC), although a 12-ship deployment is more prevalent in today's environment. In an effort to eliminate the anomalies between planned and actual deployment composition, the Air Staff directed in 2002 that all fighter UTCs be right-sized to reflect current, planned requirements (Headquarters United States Air Force, 2002), The directive stipulated the …

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Assessing The Treatment Of Airborne Tactical High Energy Lasers In Combat Simulations, Maurice C. Azar Mar 2003

Assessing The Treatment Of Airborne Tactical High Energy Lasers In Combat Simulations, Maurice C. Azar

Theses and Dissertations

In March 2000, the High Energy Laser Executive Review Panel presented the Department of Defense Laser Master Plan, which reported that HEL weapons are ready for offensive and defensive applications. One candidate platform capable of performing some of the reported applications is the Advanced Tactical Laser (ATL), an Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration program which places a high energy laser weapon on a tactical aircraft, such as the V-22, C-130, or H-47. A way of assessing the utility of a new weapon system and the benefits of its inclusion in the force structure is the use of combat models. This research …

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Using Neural Networks For Estimating Cruise Missile Reliability, Donald L. Hoffman Mar 2003

Using Neural Networks For Estimating Cruise Missile Reliability, Donald L. Hoffman

Theses and Dissertations

ACC believes its current methodology for predicting the reliability of its Air Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM) and Advanced Cruise Missile (ACM) stockpiles could be improved. They require a predictive model that delivers the best possible 24-month projection of cruise missile reliability using existing data sources, collection methods and software. It should be easily maintainable and developed to allow a layperson to enter updated data and receive an accurate reliability prediction. The focus of this thesis is to improve upon free flight reliability, although the techniques could also be applied to the captive carry portion of the missile reliability equation. The …

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Analysis Of Organizational Architectures For The Air Force Tuition Assistance Program, Krista Z. Lapietra Mar 2003

Analysis Of Organizational Architectures For The Air Force Tuition Assistance Program, Krista Z. Lapietra

Theses and Dissertations

The consideration of restructuring through a change in organizational architecture is often a fiercely debated issue within an organization. The argument for restructuring to improve quality, customer service, and financial management is pitted against perceived lack of job security and historically poor results from previous restructuring initiatives. To balance all sides when considering a change in organizational architecture, the organization should use a method of evaluating potential architectures that assists in determining the best new architecture and generates support from those involved. The objective of this research is to provide the Air Force Education Division with a defendable methodology for …

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