Digital Commons Network^™

Comparative Study On The Incidence Of School-Related Violent Crimes In Urban, Suburban, And Rural Locales, Trina C. Ragsdale

Theses and Dissertations

Concern about school violence, crime and victimization has been a pressing issue since the 1950's. Only recently have the many facets of the complex social issue of school violence been thoroughly investigated, particularly, the high rates of violence among middle and elementary school students, and the upsurge of violence in suburban and rural school districts. Due to the increasing rate of school related violent crimes, Congress mandated districts to track the rate at which violent crimes occur in their school and develop intervention plans aimed at ameliorating the problem. Results of the study suggest school violence is not constrained by …

Strategic Effects Of Airpower And Complex Adaptive Agents: An Initial Investigation, Thomas R. Tighe

Theses and Dissertations

US airpower theory and doctrine depend on the concept that the destruction of a few key targets or centers of gravity can unravel the enemy's physical ability to wage war or break his will to prosecute the war. This synergistic decimation of the enemy's effectiveness and resistance to our political will is known as Strategic Effects. These strategic effects are very difficult to quantify and are not directly accounted for in current DoD computer models. Since these computer models are used to aid with decisions about force structure and budget priorities, many believe that the Air Force's greatest potential contribution …

Maintenance Resources Evaluation Technique, Jorge Guarnieri

Theses and Dissertations

The Argentine Air Force (AAF) has undertaken the task of reviewing its logistics doctrine with the aim of supporting its mission on the basis of better-designed resource structures. The adequate sizing of logistics support is essential to obtain the desired military capability, while optimizing resource use. A decision support tool tailored to the AAF environment is needed to size that logistics support. This research developed a mathematical logistics model to evaluate the mean number of aircraft that can be restored in a given time interval between consecutive sorties, for a given maintenance resources mix and base physical geometry. This maintenance …

A Modeling And Simulation Approach To Analyze The Workload Associated With The Growth Of Network Router Access Control Lists, Douglas R. Lomsdalen

Theses and Dissertations

Organizations can no longer isolate their networks from the rest of the world and still remain competitive. An organization willing to compete in the world market must take the necessary precautions to protect its network, the systems located on those networks, and its mission critical data. There are performance issues associated with the use of access control lists (ACL); however, if ACLs are implemented properly and periodically reviewed, a secure network can be attained. This research attempts to determine how the growth of an ACL affects packet flow and router CPU consumption, and also identify the specific length of an …

Non Co-Operative Detection Of Lpi/Lpd Signals Via Cyclic Spectral Analysis, Andrew M. Gillman

Theses and Dissertations

This research proposes and evaluates a novel technique for detecting LPI/LPD communication signals using a digital receiver primarily designed to detect radar signals, such as a Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) or an Electronic Support Measures (ESM) receiver. The proposed Cyclic Spectrum Analysis (CSA) receiver is a robust detector that takes advantage of the spectral correlation properties of second-order cyclostationary signals. A computationally efficient algorithm is used to estimate the Spectral Correlation Function (SCF). Using state-of-the-art FFT processing, it is expected that the proposed CSA receiver architecture could estimate the entire cyclic spectrum m approximately 0.6 ms. The estimate is then …

Application Of The Finite Element Method To The Scattering Of A Two-Dimensional, Semi-Infinite Periodic Structure, Perry N. Villanueva

Theses and Dissertations

Infinite periodic structures have been studied heavily because of their efficient filtering capabilities. They generally exhibit sharp frequency roll-offs at the frequency band of interest. In the RF region of the electromagnetic spectrum, periodic structures find applications such as radomes and photonic bandgap materials. Most studies have been done with infinitely periodic arrays because it is convenient to collapse an infinite array into one representative period using Floquet Analysis. Truncating an infinite array introduces an edge and invalidates Floquet analysis over the entire array. This thesis formulates a Finite Element Method (FEM) solution of a semi-infinite periodic array consisting of …

A Validation Assessment Of Thunder 6.5'S Intelligence, Surveillance, And Reconnaissance Module, Francine N. Nelson

Theses and Dissertations

A validation assessment of THUNDER 6.5's Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) module is accomplished using formulational and experimental validation techniques. A comparison of ISR purposes and processes according to military doctrine is made with the purposes and processes of ISR implemented within THUNDER 6.5. This comparison provides an overview of the process, an understanding of the level of aggregation within THUNDER, insight into possible problem areas in THUNDER, and a basis for improving THUNDER ISR processes. Sensitivity analysis of the ISR parameters as they relate to the Quality, Quantity, and Timeliness of ISR is also presented to provide insight into …

Technology Selection For The Air Force Research Laboratory Air Vehicles Directorate: An Analysis Using Value Focused Thinking, Michael F. Winthrop

Theses and Dissertations

A technology selection model was developed for the Air Vehicles Directorate of Air Force Research Laboratory. The model was developed and demonstrated to aid in addressing the question of what technologies Air Vehicles' should invest in to remain consistent with Air Force values. Both Value-Focused Thinking and optimization approaches were used to identify the value of Air Vehicles technology, to provide insights to Air Vehicles' decision-makers, to determine where value gaps might exist with the scored alternatives, and to determine how sensitive the model was to changes. As a demonstration of the approach, seven technologies were scored, representing all three …

A Constructive Induction Approach To Computer Immunology, Kelley J. Cardinale, Hugh M. O'Donnell

Theses and Dissertations

With the increasing birth rate of new viruses and the rise in interconnectivity and interoperability among computers, the burden of detecting and destroying computer viruses is severe. This research integrated four domains: computer virus detection, human immunology, computer immunology and an automated form of machine learning called constructive induction. First, a Computer Health System, based on the public health system, was defined to improve the 'global' approach to computer virus protection. Second, a computer immune model, based on the human immune system, was defined to improve the 'local' approach to virus detection. Third, the detection component of this computer immune …

Analysis Of Usaf Battlelabs' Communication Infrastructure Over Various Protocols, Rocky A. Favorito, David M. Mcillece

Theses and Dissertations

As a result of the doctrines exposed in the Air Force's "Global Engagement: A Vision for the 21st Century Air Force," the concept of a "Battlelab" was devised to support and develop the key warfighting capabilities needed in the next century. Although geographically separated, these labs must have the capability to exchange information with each other in a "Virtual Battlelab Environment" (VBE). Although many types of data will be exchanged, only variable-bit-rate (VBR) video and distributed interactive simulation (DIS) traffic are modeled in the VBE. The research described in this thesis utilizes a systems engineering approach to investigate the performance …

A Climatology-Based Model For Long-Term Prediction Of Radar Beam Refraction, Todd S. Pittman

Theses and Dissertations

The National Air Intelligence Center, WPAFB, OH, needs more accurate predictions of radar beam refraction. A new mode was developed for this thesis replacing the standard atmosphere approach with raytracing and climatology. Usually a microwave radio beam bends towards the earth with a radius of curvature greater than the earth's surface. However, seasonal and climatic variations influence the bending, and at times create temperature or moisture inversions that redirect the energy along the earth's surface leaving radio holes where there is no coverage. This model uses iterative raytracing to determine the most direct path from radar to target through the …

1996 Presidential Campaign Re-Election Of President Clinton By Dick Morris As Compared To Time And Newsweek, Constance L. Osowski

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Whitebark Pine (Pinus Albicaulus) Decline And Restoration In Glacier National Park, Kristopher T. Peterson

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Gulf War Syndrome And The Self, Eric J. Burton

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Efficient Logging For Defensive Information Warfare, Satyadeep Patnaik

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Evolution Of The English Militia During The Tudor Dynasty, Joel D. Hembree

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Epic Gilgamesh: A Pedagogical Study., Della Vanhuss

Theses and Dissertations

Legends began to surface about Gilgamesh some two hundred years after he reigned as King of Uruk. Of Gilgamesh little is known except what was found in the Sumerian King's List, five or six poems, and in the Gilgamesh Epic itself. The epic has raised scholarly interest among those who would know more about this ancient and enigmatic character. The study developed out of a desire to explore the story in greater detail, and out of a curiosity as to how one would teach a class on the subject.I divided the study into three parts. Part one describes the background …

A Descriptive Study Of Information Operations And Information Warfare Awareness In The United States Air Force, Ryan D. Hollman

Theses and Dissertations

Information has always been important in military affairs, conflicts, and wars. Information warfare is an important new concept that is emphasized by the significance of computer and information technology. The United States Air Force has educated and trained individuals in information warfare since recognizing the importance of information warfare in 1995. The Air Force Information Warfare Center and the information warfare squadron were also created to address information warfare concerns. Information warfare is important to the entire Air Force. How familiar are Air Force people generally in information warfare? This thesis addresses awareness of information warfare and information operations concepts. …

An Examination Of The United States Air Service's Logistics Operations, Andrew W. Hunt

Theses and Dissertations

This historical study details the U.S. Air Service's logistics operations at home and abroad in an attempt to determine the relationship between the process and more recently established logistic principles. The information in the study was collected through an extensive review of both first hand accounts and historical compilations of the nature of World War I aviation logistics. Information regarding the production of the De Haviland DH-4 and Liberty Engine serve as the primary case examples of the operation of the logistics system. The established principles required for comparison were extracted from the writings of a number of expert military …

The Factors That Motivated American Ground Forces To Fight During Combat In Vietnam, William A. Schum

Theses and Dissertations

Many people debate the policies of the United States government with respect to the conduct of the Vietnam War. The war was unpopular, at best, and many argued that our military should not have fought for South Vietnam. So, what compelled American ground forces to fight an atypical enemy? This thesis explores the motivational factors that influenced the military ground forces on a daily basis. Past research conducted on previous wars serves as the guideline for the methodology used. Combat narratives are the data sources and references to motivational factors by the authors are the data. As a whole, the …

An Assessment Of Factors That Affect The Performance Of Air Force O-3 (Captain) Logisticians Working In A Joint Operations Environment, Jeffrey C. Bergdolt, Ty K. Sills

Theses and Dissertations

Joint operations will likely continue to become more prevalent in the future due to defense spending cuts and the nature of modem warfare. Currently, Air Force O-3 (Captain) logisticians, working in the joint operations environment, receive little if any initial training. Exploratory research, by the authors, indicated that these members felt uncertain about their jobs and how they related to the organization, which has been described in the literature as role ambiguity. Consequently, this research project was designed to determine if AF O-3 logisticians serving in the joint operations environment experience more role ambiguity than their counterparts serving in the …

Feasibility Study On The Use Of The Internet For Traffic Of Unclassified Data, Alexandre L. Guerra, Luiz Gustavo F. P. Silva

Theses and Dissertations

This research compares two possible networking methods for connecting all Brazilian Air Force Materiel Command units responsible for support and operation of Brazilian Air Force's weapons systems. The network includes the use of dedicated X.25 links, and the use of a virtual Private Network using the Internet (TCP/IP) as the medium of transmission. The Brazilian Air Force Materiel Command, responsible to support operating units over a very large sparse territory, lacks an efficient media of computer communications, which makes it difficult to control the supply chain channels of materiel present in each unit, depots, and warehouses. We studied the network …

Church And State Relations In Seventh Century England: The Making Of A Christian State., Steven William King

Theses and Dissertations

When Pope Gregory the Great sent St. Augustine to England in 596, Christianity was formally reintroduced into England after nearly two hundred years of isolation due to the Anglo-Saxon invasions. The success or failure of the mission hinged on the ability of those sent to establish a relationship with the provincial rulers. As Christianity took hold throughout the seventh century, the inchoate relationship between the rulers and Church matured within the nucleus of two different world views. The relatively rapid and peaceful success of the Church in England raises several questions: why was AEthelberht, bretwalda of Kent, so willing to …

Keep The Flyin' Eight Balls Rollin': Military Leadership In The 3360th Quartermaster Truck Company, Grant T. Weller

Theses and Dissertations

The 3360th Quartermaster Truck Company, originally Company D of the 2639th Quartermaster Truck Battalion, was created in 1942 by drawing troops and officers from anti-aircraft units stationed in North Africa, to meet an emergency need for highway transportation to support the Allied advance East across North Africa. The reassigned troops and officers received no training in their new duties, but were instead immediately dispatched to the front with vital supplies. The company continued operations through North Africa, and on into Sicily and Italy. While in Italy, Elmer H. Puchta, previously assigned to the company as a platoon commander, took command. …

Impact Of The 1997 Red River Valley Flood On Marital Relationships, Karen M. Davis

Theses and Dissertations

Despite the gains in disaster research on families, there is little research on the impact of disasters on marital relationships. This study addresses this under- researched area through the examination of the effects of the 1997 Red River Valley Flood on marital relationships.

Data was collected through in-depth interviews with ten heterosexual married couples. The results indicate that the 1997 Red River Valley Flood did have an impact on marital relationships. However, the impact of the flood appeared to be mediated by the state of the couples' relationships prior to the flood. Couples who reported strong relationships prior to the …

Calculating A Value For Dominant Battlespace Awareness, Eric A. Beene

Theses and Dissertations

In times of ever-tightening military budgets, methodologies are required that can compare the contributions of various systems involved in the warfighting process. While many tools are in use that directly measure the effects of greater numbers of enhanced hardware, and even improved processes, no validated methodology exists to measure elements that contribute to Command, Control, Communications, and Computers (C4); Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR); or to analytically compare these elements with more traditional hardware. This thesis develops a methodology for mathematically quantifying awareness in a military command and control (C2) environment. This methodology begins with the Observe-Orient-Decide-Act Loop to show …

Sensitivity Analysis Of Brawler Pilot Skill Levels, Daniel C. Buschor

Theses and Dissertations

BRAWLER is a high resolution air to air combat simulation model used for engagement level analyses of few on few air combat. It uses a value driven decision logic to help simulate pilot behavior. In order to account for varied pilot skill levels, BRAWLER has defined three skill levels; Rookie, Pilot, and Ace. A Rookie can track up to three aircraft in its mental model, the Pilot, up to five aircraft, while an Ace has no limit. Further, each skill level varies the amount of time before a known aircraft, which has not been recently observed, is purged from the …

Sensitivity Analysis Of The Thunder Combat Simulation Model To Command And Control Inputs Accomplished In A Parallel Environment, David A. Davies

Theses and Dissertations

This research had two objectives. The first was to develop a methodology to demonstrate the parallel processing capability provided by Air Force's Aeronautical System's Command (ASC) Major Shared Resource Center (MSRC) and apply that methodology to the SIMAF Proof of Concept project. Secondly, AFSAA/SAAB requested a sensitivity analysis of THUNDER to the modeled command and control (C2) inputs. The power of parallelization can not be overemphasized. The data collection phase of this thesis was accomplished at the MSRC using a script developed to automate the processing of an experimental design, providing the analyst with a launch and leave capability. On …

An Operational Review Of Air Campaign Planning Automation, William R. Haas

Theses and Dissertations

The air campaign planning process is a complex and dynamic process. Operations research has been applied to this problem to shorten the planning cycle with mixed results. The Joint Force Air Component Commander Planning Tool was developed as an air campaign planning aid. It uses the Conventional Targeting and Effectiveness Model (CTEM) as the force analysis model for master air attack plan (MAAP) planning. This thesis reviews the limitations and assumptions of CTEM and CTEM in JPT from and operational perspective. A new approach to using models in air campaign planning, collaborative planning, is being developed for use with JPT. …

Preliminary Design Of A Joint Simulation, Analysis, And Wargaming Center For The Turkish General Staff, Oguz Okuyucu

Theses and Dissertations

This study develops a framework for the design of a Joint Simulation, Analysis, and Wargaming Center (JSAWC). JSAWC is proposed as the primary decision support center for the Turkish General Staff. The complexity of warfare systems and the fog of future wars make military planning, problem solving, and decision making processes difficult to accomplish without using computerized analysis support tools. The proposed JSAWC will use modeling and simulation technology to provide analytical support for Turkish military decision-makers and planners in operations planning, force structuring, and training. An iterative systems engineering process is defined and applied to the primary design of …