Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Digital Commons Network™

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Theses and Dissertations

Discipline
Institution
Keyword
Publication Year
File Type

Articles 64261 - 64290 of 74096

Full-Text Articles in Entire DC Network

A Comparative Test And Evaluation Of Lead-Based-Paint Test Kits, Lynn S. Hill Sep 1993

A Comparative Test And Evaluation Of Lead-Based-Paint Test Kits, Lynn S. Hill

Theses and Dissertations

This research compares the performance of five chemical spot-test kits on lead-based paints. The kits are designed to give a qualitative assessment of lead in paint. The intent of the research effort was to develop a standard evaluation procedure for follow-on studies and assess the baseline performance of the kits. The test kits in this study use either sodium sulfide or sodium rhodizonate to react with the lead. The presence of lead is indicated by a color change. The kits were used to test prepared sample paint films at seven known lead concentrations ranging from 0.04 to 1.3% by weight. …

Go to article

Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Modelling Of Percutaneously Absorbed Dibromomethane Utilizing Multiple Dermal Sub-Compartments, Christopher R. Mcdaniel Sep 1993

Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Modelling Of Percutaneously Absorbed Dibromomethane Utilizing Multiple Dermal Sub-Compartments, Christopher R. Mcdaniel

Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this study was to develop a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model that predicts mammalian blood concentrations of dibromomethane following exposure by dermal absorption more accurately than a previously developed Homogeneous Dermal Model. The Homogeneous Dermal Model contains a dermal compartment with no dermal sub-compartments. The 1:1 Dermal Model developed in this research contains a dermal compartment with a stratum corneum and a composite dermal sub-compartment of equal volume. This model yields predictions which are 21.4 percent more accurate than the original homogeneous model. In order to represent skin anatomy more accurately, the 1:10 Dermal Model variation was …

Go to article

A Study Of Investigation-Derived Waste Management Options, Barry C. Mountain Sep 1993

A Study Of Investigation-Derived Waste Management Options, Barry C. Mountain

Theses and Dissertations

USAF is dedicated to the clean up of past releases of hazardous substances at its bases under the Installation Restoration Program (IRP) . Clean up decisions are based upon data produced from investigations. Large amounts of waste may be derived from investigations. Investigation-derived waste (IDW), especially that with a hazardous component, may pose significant health protection and regulatory compliance problems if neglected. This study identifies the status and the need for improvement of IDW management to avoid those problems. Information on the background of IDW management was collected through a review of environmental laws, waste management regulations, and existing guidance. …

Go to article

An Analysis Of Site Parameters Affecting Natural Attenuation In Saturated Soil, William H. Potts Sep 1993

An Analysis Of Site Parameters Affecting Natural Attenuation In Saturated Soil, William H. Potts

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the natural attenuation mechanisms and some of the parameters affecting those mechanisms in the saturated zone. A literature search revealed numerous studies of various attenuation and the associated parameters. Much of the literature emphasized biodegradation as the most promising attenuation mechanism. BIOPLUME II(TM), a fate and transport model, was used to simulate the fate and transport of contaminant plume. The effects of the model parameters were investigated by observing the distance a contaminant plume was expected to migrate over a fifty year period. The investigation was limited by the model which excludes chemical reactions and some physical …

Go to article

Vadose Zone Contamination Measurement And Modeling, Thomas A. Reeder Sep 1993

Vadose Zone Contamination Measurement And Modeling, Thomas A. Reeder

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigated the effects of the slow sorption mechanism on the transport of volatile organic contaminants in the vadose zone. Recent research has shown that slow sorption may have a significant impact on the transport of volatile organic compounds in the subsurface. Specifically, this document examined the effects of slow sorption on the Vapor Extraction System (VES) and the Purge and Trap Measurement System. It was found that the slow sorption of organic molecules on soil may profoundly influence the efficiency of VES and purge and trap. In addition, this thesis investigated possible alternatives to purge and trap, including …

Go to article

Application Of The Simplified Dow Chemical Company Relative Ranking Hazard Assessment Method For Air Combat Command Bases, Raymond A. Sable Sep 1993

Application Of The Simplified Dow Chemical Company Relative Ranking Hazard Assessment Method For Air Combat Command Bases, Raymond A. Sable

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates the possibility of determining the hazard potential of chemicals on Air Force bases using a relative ranking hazard assessment method. Hazard assessment includes identification of hazards and evaluation of the hazards. Title III of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 requires hazard assessments by all facilities with extremely hazardous substances to prepare release prevention plans. The purpose of the hazard assessments is to provide information to improve the spill prevention, control and countermeasures plans and to identify the substances with the highest hazard potential. Using the results from the hazard assessments, bases cam prepare plans …

Go to article

A Feasibility Study Of Burning Waste Paper In Coal-Fired Boilers On Air Force Installations, Kenneth P. Smith Sep 1993

A Feasibility Study Of Burning Waste Paper In Coal-Fired Boilers On Air Force Installations, Kenneth P. Smith

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examined the feasibility of using waste paper derived fuel in coal-fired boilers on Air Force installations in an attempt to help solve air pollution and solid waste disposal problems. The implementation of waste paper derived fuel was examined from both a technical acceptability and an economic feasibility viewpoint. The majority of data for this study was obtained through literature reviews and personal interviews. Waste paper was found to be technically acceptable for use as fuel. However, waste paper has certain characteristics that may create problems during combustion and therefore further research is required. These problems included the possibility …

Go to article

Development Of A Cost-Effectiveness Methodology To Prioritize Environmental Mitigation Projects, Robert E. Thompson Sep 1993

Development Of A Cost-Effectiveness Methodology To Prioritize Environmental Mitigation Projects, Robert E. Thompson

Theses and Dissertations

A cost-effectiveness prioritization methodology was developed using concepts from the cost-effectiveness technique. The new methodology called the Cost-Effectiveness methodology (CEM) allows the prioritization of mitigation projects across broad categories of hazardous sites as would be ranked among the offices of the Environmental Protection Agency. Two performance criteria were incorporated into the process--rank projects that save the most lives per dollar and enhance general applicability across different categories of risk. A metric was developed that represents the ratio of lives saved per dollar spent on mitigation alternatives of contaminated environmental sites. This metric was incorporated into the CEM to distinguish mitigation …

Go to article

A Guide To Implementing Reclamation Processes At Department Of Defense Municipal Solid Waste And Construction Debris Landfills, Gregory L. Tures Sep 1993

A Guide To Implementing Reclamation Processes At Department Of Defense Municipal Solid Waste And Construction Debris Landfills, Gregory L. Tures

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis serves as a guide for implementing landfill reclamation techniques on municipal solid waste or construction debris landfills owned, operated, or used by the DoD. The research describes historical and current methods for disposing of solid waste including open dumping, sanitary landfilling, and the development of state-of-the-art sanitary landfill cell technology. The thesis also identifies the factors which have led to the need for new methods of managing municipal solid waste. The vast majority of the study is devoted to identifying actions which should be taken before, during, and after implementation of a landfill reclamation project. These actions include …

Go to article

A Plan For Coordinating Department Of Defense Emissions Trading, Charles H. Weir Sep 1993

A Plan For Coordinating Department Of Defense Emissions Trading, Charles H. Weir

Theses and Dissertations

The original purpose of this research was to develop a plan to coordinate emissions trading between DoD installations. During the course of this research, findings indicated that restrictions on emissions trading would make such a plan of limited applicability. However, findings did indicate the need for a tool to assist managers with selecting the netting, offset, and banking emissions trading alternatives. Developing this tool became the objective of this research. This objective was fulfilled by developing a management guide to assist environmental managers with selecting the emissions trading alternatives netting, banking, and offsets. Background information was collected by examining literature …

Go to article

A Parametric Regression Of The Cost Of Base Realignment Action (Cobra) Model, Douglas D. Hardman, Michael S. Nelson Sep 1993

A Parametric Regression Of The Cost Of Base Realignment Action (Cobra) Model, Douglas D. Hardman, Michael S. Nelson

Theses and Dissertations

This study develops a parametric model that is capable of generating accurate estimates of the costs to close Air Force installations. The new model is based upon, but much simpler to use than, the Cost of Base Realignment Action (COBRA) model. COBRA is an economic cost analysis model that requires a minimum of 250 inputs and as many as 700 inputs. The new parametric model requires just 10 input variables and was developed using least squares multiple regression. Comparison of the new parametric model to COBRA indicates that it captures 91 percent of the variance in cost estimates generated by …

Go to article

Toward Alternative Metrics For Measuring Performance Within Operational Contracting Squadrons: An Application Of Benchmarking Techniques, Mark W. Fahrenkamp, Mark P. Garst Sep 1993

Toward Alternative Metrics For Measuring Performance Within Operational Contracting Squadrons: An Application Of Benchmarking Techniques, Mark W. Fahrenkamp, Mark P. Garst

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to present a performance evaluation system based upon benchmarking techniques as an alternative method of assessing performance within operational contracting squadrons. To fulfill this purpose, the research focused upon four main objectives: (1) determine all the performance factors that currently exist within a typical contracting squadron; (2) determine which of these factors are considered significant for measuring organizational performance, (3) determine whether a benchmark can be established for each performance factor considered to be significant; and (4) determine whether a viable performance evaluation system can be developed based upon benchmarking principles and techniques. To …

Go to article

Content Of Air Force Institute Of Technology Course Con 331 As Determined By Experts In The Field: A Contracting Survey Analysis Using The Delphi Technique, Michael L. Grove, Eddie L. Upshaw Sep 1993

Content Of Air Force Institute Of Technology Course Con 331 As Determined By Experts In The Field: A Contracting Survey Analysis Using The Delphi Technique, Michael L. Grove, Eddie L. Upshaw

Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this thesis was to determine recommended topics to be taught in the Air Force Institute of Technology Professional Continuing Education course CON 331-Executive Cost and Price Analysis. This determination of course content was necessary due to the changes required by the implementation of Department of Defense Directive 5000.52-M, Career Development Program for Acquisition Personnel. The determination was accomplished by developing a list of suggested topics and surveying a panel of six Government pricing executives, managers, and experts via the Delphi method. Kendall's Coefficient of Concordance test was utilized to determine the significance of agreement between the experts. …

Go to article

Research And Development Project Selection Tools: Probing Wright Laboratory's Project Selection Methods And Decision Criteria Using The Lateral Airfoil Concept, James E. Barger Sep 1993

Research And Development Project Selection Tools: Probing Wright Laboratory's Project Selection Methods And Decision Criteria Using The Lateral Airfoil Concept, James E. Barger

Theses and Dissertations

This research accomplished three major tasks. First it examined familiarity and usage rates for fifteen published R&D project selection methods in the context of a larger general issue, the Air Force's ability to develop and exploit technology. Wright Laboratory served as the focus for the research effort and displayed a greater tendency to use formal methods in 1993 than was shown in prior research. The laboratory's overall preference for simpler models like Checklist, Scoring, and Sorting led to a recommendation that authors familiar with the other techniques communicate them in engineering and management vernacular. Secondly, the study introduced a technological …

Go to article

Analysis And Development Of An F-5 Pollution Prevention Management Program With Recommendations For Creation Of Similar Programs For Other Aircraft, Janice M. Gavern Sep 1993

Analysis And Development Of An F-5 Pollution Prevention Management Program With Recommendations For Creation Of Similar Programs For Other Aircraft, Janice M. Gavern

Theses and Dissertations

This study developed a pollution prevention program for the F-5 aircraft, and described its utility and applicability as a generic framework for similar programs. A representative set of F-5 technical orders was analyzed by hand, and the identified chemicals, materials, and processes were loaded into a spreadsheet data base for additional analysis. The Environmental Protection Agency EPA 17 chemical list, and lists of ozone depleting chemicals (ODCs) were used as criteria to identify, for minimization, reduction, or elimination from use on the F-5, a hazardous material (hazmat) subset of those chemicals and materials which had already been identified. The identified …

Go to article

Defining Acquisition Related Terms, Nancy F. Stormer, Richard A. Zigman Sep 1993

Defining Acquisition Related Terms, Nancy F. Stormer, Richard A. Zigman

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis is to provide clear and cogent operational definitions of contracting terms used in today's Federal acquisition environment. This thesis is the last of the current continuing series of research efforts sponsored by the National Contract Management Association (NCMA) with the common goal of creating a dictionary of contracting and acquisition related terms, validated by synthesizing information found in current literature into proposed definitions and surveying proven acquisition authorities for their agreement or comments, thereby arriving at a consensus as to their current usage. This research effort has been conducted by military and civilian Masters candidates …

Go to article

An Enhanced Process Model Of The Intransit Segment Of The Air Force Logistics Reparable Pipeline, Raul T. Mireles, Steven D. Pearson Sep 1993

An Enhanced Process Model Of The Intransit Segment Of The Air Force Logistics Reparable Pipeline, Raul T. Mireles, Steven D. Pearson

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis is an in-depth study of the intransit segment of the United States Air Force reparable pipeline. Previous research has not adequately discussed the role of the intransit segment in the overall pipeline. As a result, this thesis identifies the characteristics of this particular segment by discussing the following topics: various intransit components, reparable asset flow times, intransit's role under two-level maintenance, intransit constraints, and data sources used to manage asset movements within the pipeline. The study uses a thorough literature review, personal interviews, and an evaluation of asset flow time data to compare current standards to what actually …

Go to article

Identification Of Problems Hindering Logistics Support Of Commercial- Off-The-Shelf Computer Equipment, Jessie J. Rowe Iii, William Z. Zeck Sep 1993

Identification Of Problems Hindering Logistics Support Of Commercial- Off-The-Shelf Computer Equipment, Jessie J. Rowe Iii, William Z. Zeck

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to identify the specific problems currently hindering Air Force logistics support of COTS computer equipment and to recommend a support concept to overcome these problems. These objectives were accomplished with a literature review and a survey of logistics support experts. The survey asked the experts to identify problems hindering logistics support of deployable COTS computer equipment and to rank associated logistics support elements in order of importance. One hundred surveys were sent out and thirty- three were returned. Data analysis indicated that the logistics support elements that are most problematic for the logistics support …

Go to article

The Effects Of Cognitive Style On The Learning Preferences Of Graduate School Students, Carey F. Tucker, John W. Underwood Sep 1993

The Effects Of Cognitive Style On The Learning Preferences Of Graduate School Students, Carey F. Tucker, John W. Underwood

Theses and Dissertations

This research establishes significant relationships between an individual's cognitive style, measured by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) , and the learning preferences of that individual, measured by the Learning Style Survey. The sample consisted of 529 Air Force Institute of Technology graduate students in the School of Systems and Logistics from 1988 to 1992, who completed four tests, pre- and post-tests of both the MBTI and the LSS. This research utilized Chi-Squared Goodness of Fit procedures, determining that some learning methods, techniques, and devices (MTDs) are most or least preferred by all four cognitive types, Sensing-Thinking, Sensing-Feeling, Intuitive-Thinking, and Intuitive-Feeling. …

Go to article

The Logistics Of Waging War 1982-1993, Alan J. Will, William G. Wheeler Sep 1993

The Logistics Of Waging War 1982-1993, Alan J. Will, William G. Wheeler

Theses and Dissertations

This research effort provides material for use in updating the book The Logistics of Waging War. This particular book gives a logistics overview of part American Military conflicts but had not been update since 1982. Our objective was to research the logistics aspects of the major military operations since 1982. These operations included: Operation Urgent Fury in Grenada (1983), Operation Just Cause in Panama (1989), Operation Desert Shield in Saudi Arabia (1990), Operation Desert Storm in Iraq and Kuwait (1991), and Operation Desert Farewell in Saudi Arabia (1992). Also included in this study is a review of the Air Force …

Go to article

Schedule Estimating Relationships For The Engineering And Manufacturing Development Of Bomber, Transport, Tanker And Surveillance Aircraft Systems, D. Scott Boyd, Brian D. Mundt Sep 1993

Schedule Estimating Relationships For The Engineering And Manufacturing Development Of Bomber, Transport, Tanker And Surveillance Aircraft Systems, D. Scott Boyd, Brian D. Mundt

Theses and Dissertations

This study developed parametric schedule estimating relationships (SERs) for the engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) phase for nontactical aircraft systems. The potential value of this nontraditional approach to estimating schedule duration has been established by previous applications to tactical aircraft, air-launched munitions, and office buildings. Prior research suggested acquisition strategy parameters to be significant schedule drivers. For this study, data on EMD milestone dates and potential schedule drivers were collected on 56 bomber, transport, tanker, and surveillance aircraft systems. Several SERs were developed for these systems using linear regression analysis. The EMD phase was divided into subphases based on significant …

Go to article

A Study Of University Efforts To Provide Students With The Ability To Comprehend And Apply Total Quality Principles In Their Fields Of Study, Eugene L. Bond, Brian D. Shimel Sep 1993

A Study Of University Efforts To Provide Students With The Ability To Comprehend And Apply Total Quality Principles In Their Fields Of Study, Eugene L. Bond, Brian D. Shimel

Theses and Dissertations

This research investigated some of the educational processes which are being used by several universities to enable their students to comprehend and apply Total Quality principles. The results of this research are intended to be used by Department of Defense institutions of higher education as a guide to help them adopt practices which will enable their students to comprehend and apply Total Quality in their future assignments. Using a source list of schools from Quality Progress, points of contact were interviewed at several civilian and military universities across the United States. Investigative questions were developed and asked concerning the specific …

Go to article

Software Cost Estimating Models: A Comparative Study Of What The Models Estimate, George A. Coggins, Roy C. Russell Sep 1993

Software Cost Estimating Models: A Comparative Study Of What The Models Estimate, George A. Coggins, Roy C. Russell

Theses and Dissertations

This effort developed a consolidated document which highlights and examines differences in definitions, assumptions, and methodologies used by the REVIC, SASET, PRICES, and SEER-SEM cost models. The following research questions were investigated: (1) What differences exist between the cost models? (2) How do these differences impact the resulting estimates? (3) To what degree can we explain and adjust for known differences between the cost models? Seven specific areas were addressed: (1) software development phases, (2) development activities and cost elements, (3) source lines of code and language differences, (4) key model attributes and key cost drivers, (5) implications of Project …

Go to article

Empowerment: Dimensions And Strategies In The U.S Air Force, Karen M. Corrente, Adelaida Lopez Sep 1993

Empowerment: Dimensions And Strategies In The U.S Air Force, Karen M. Corrente, Adelaida Lopez

Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this research was to develop an instrument capable of measuring empowerment, and provide recommended general strategies on how to create an empowered organization. This goal was accomplished by developing a pilot questionnaire based on seven dimensions of empowerment discussed in Major Wayne G. Stone's unpublished article Empowerment: Keeping the Promise of the Total Quality Revolution. Each dimension of empowerment was subdivided into measurement parameters, with behavioral statements developed to describe these parameters. The pilot questionnaire was completed by 278 Air Force-related personnel with mainly acquisition-oriented backgrounds. Results indicated six factors of empowerment exist which were translated into …

Go to article

Quantification Of Uncertainty In The Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Studies Process, Kurt C. Held, Perry J. Shepler Sep 1993

Quantification Of Uncertainty In The Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Studies Process, Kurt C. Held, Perry J. Shepler

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis developed a method to bound cost estimates with a prediction interval of costs for the Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (RI/FS) phase of the Installation Remediation Program (IRP) process. The prediction interval provides a reasonableness cross check for RI/FS project cost estimates. To develop the cost bounds, three major activities occurred. First, a database was developed from RI/FS projects managed by the Army Corps of Engineers. Second, a regression cost model was developed from the observations in the database. Third, a prediction interval specified at the 70 percent confidence level was derived from the cost model. This prediction interval provides …

Go to article

Development Of Standardized S Curves For The Evaluation Of Major Department Of Defense Purchases, Richard E. Knepp, Michael E. Stroble Sep 1993

Development Of Standardized S Curves For The Evaluation Of Major Department Of Defense Purchases, Richard E. Knepp, Michael E. Stroble

Theses and Dissertations

The increasing cost of Department of Defense acquisitions combined with the shrinking Defense budget puts a premium on continuing the funding of only those programs that are practical and affordable. This emphasizes a need for good methods of monitoring the progress of programs. Current methods of controlling and evaluating cost performance are limited. It is our belief that the generation of S-curves using current Cost and Schedule Control Systems Criteria (C/SCSC) data will provide a mathematical and/or graphical approach to assist in the control of program costs. This thesis attempted to plot the percentage of time for a contract's completion …

Go to article

Cost Estimating Cases: Educational Tools For Cost Analysts, Kerrie G. Schieman, James R. Passaro Sep 1993

Cost Estimating Cases: Educational Tools For Cost Analysts, Kerrie G. Schieman, James R. Passaro

Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this research effort was to develop educational cases that would bridge the gap between the theory and principles of cost estimating currently taught in the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) Graduate Cost Analysis (GCA) curriculum and the real world of cost estimating in the acquisition arena. To achieve these goals, the following research objectives were investigated (1) Identify cost estimating skills that graduates of the AFIT GCA curriculum are expected to possess. (2) Assess the relative importance of the identified cost estimating skills. (3) Select weapon system scenarios that are relevant, interesting, and facilitate student performance …

Go to article

An Analysis Of Estimate At Completion Models Utilizing The Defense Acquisition Executive Summary Database, Mark F. Terry, Mary M. Vanderburgh Sep 1993

An Analysis Of Estimate At Completion Models Utilizing The Defense Acquisition Executive Summary Database, Mark F. Terry, Mary M. Vanderburgh

Theses and Dissertations

This study explores the widely held assertion that DOD contract Cost at Completion is bounded below by the Cost Performance Index-based Estimate at Completion (EAC) and above by the Schedule Cost Index-based EAC. Descriptive statistics determined the floor and ceiling for 321 DOD contracts. The results confirmed that the Cost Performance Index-based EAC is a reasonable floor and the Schedule Cost Index-based EAC is a reasonable ceiling for EAC formulas. For the contracts considered overall, on average, the Cost at Completion was not bounded by the floor and ceiling. The range of EAC formulas evaluated tended to slightly underestimate, the …

Go to article

Development Of The Air Force Contingency Contracting Course Framework, David A. Bethany, Michael A. Miller Sep 1993

Development Of The Air Force Contingency Contracting Course Framework, David A. Bethany, Michael A. Miller

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this research was to develop a framework for a standardized Air Force Contingency Contracting course. This task was undertaken due to the occurrence of a common recommendation calling for specialized training in Contingency Contracting. The recommendation was found in several AFIT theses, as well as, various after action reports generated due to the experience gained during Operation Desert Shield/Storm and Hurricane Andrew. This thesis answered the basic questions of need, content, and structure for a future course in Contingency Contracting. Using an exploratory research design, the research team was able to conduct an extensive analysis on completed …

Go to article

The Development And Demonstration Of The Metric Assessment Tool, Cynthia A. Campbell, Gregory M. Gutterman Sep 1993

The Development And Demonstration Of The Metric Assessment Tool, Cynthia A. Campbell, Gregory M. Gutterman

Theses and Dissertations

This study reflects the development and demonstration of the Metric Assessment Tool. The purpose of the tool was to provide individuals the means to assess metrics and make improvements to the process measurement. The tool was developed using two critical attributes. customer satisfaction and process improvement. Once the tool was developed, a metric assessment process was designed to demonstrate the tool. Two metrics were selected from the Aeronautical Systems Center (ASC) and individuals with a working knowledge of the metric and process were selected for the demonstrations. Using a Group Support System at Armstrong Laboratory, Wright Patterson AFB, the group …

Go to article

First Prev Next Last