For any given reason, every year many countries spend a lot of money purchasing at least one weapon. Due to the secret character of the military, the decision process for specific weapon procurement is shrouded. Moreover, there are several funds loss cases due to mistakes in weapon contractions. Weapon procurement requires very large amounts of money which comes from tax payers. Therefore, an effort to reduce a possible monetary loss is needed. A decision process based on an analytic model can present a better chance to decision makers for better weapon decisions. In general, weapon procurement decision is a multi criteria environment. Decision making in such environments is defined as Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM). MCDM is broadly classified into two areas: Multi-Attribute Decision Making (MADM) and Multi-Objective Decision Making (MODM). MADM methods are used for selecting an alternative from a small explicit list of alternatives. MODM methods are used for designing problems involving an infinite number of alternatives implicitly defined by mathematical constraints. This research is intended to be used by the South Korean Navy when there is a need to select one weapon type among several candidate types. Therefore, MADM methods are used in this research.Many researches for developing an analytical model for better decision-making have been done. However, there is no research for a generalized weapon procurement decision model that is easy to implement. For this reason, whenever there is a need for weapon procurement decision, the Navy has to spend a lot of effort in determining the best weapon. These efforts can be reduced with a generalized model that is proposed in this research for naval weapon procurement. MADM methods determine alternatives ranking orders and the highest ranked alternative is the best one. Various MADM methods are used in computing the alternatives ranking scores.

Many low matrix-porosity hydrocarbon reservoirs are productive because permeability is controlled by natural fractures. The understanding of basic fracture properties is critical in reducing geological risk and therefore reducing well costs and increasing well recovery. Unfortunately, neither geophysics nor borehole methods are, so far, accurate in the acquisition of key fracture attributes, such as density, porosity, spacing and conductivity. This study proposes a new protocol to predict key fracture characteristics of subsurface carbonate rocks and describes how using a relatively low-cost but rock-based method it is possible to obtain accurate geological information from rock samples to predict fracture attributes in nearby but unsampled areas. This methodology is based on the integration of observations of diagenetic fabrics and fracture analyses of carbonate rocks, using outcrops from the Lower Cretaceous Cupido Formation in the Monterrey Salient of the Sierra Madre Oriental, northeastern Mexico. Field observations and petrographic studies of crosscutting relations and fracture-fill mineralogy and texture distinguish six principal coupled fracturing-cementation events. Two fracture events named F1 and F2 are characterized by synkinematic calcite cement that predates D2 regional dolomitization. A third fracture event (F3) is characterized by synkinematic dolomite fill, contemporaneous with D2 dolomitization of host strata. The fourth event (F4) is characterized by synkinematic D3 baroque dolomite; this event postdates D2. The fifth fracture event (F5) is characterized by C3 synkinematic calcite, and postdates D3 dolomite. Finally, flexural slip faulting (F6) is characterized by C3t calcite, and postdates D3 dolomite. Carbon and oxygen stable isotopes were used to validate the paragenetic sequences proposed for the Cupido Formation rocks. The dolomite isotopic signatures are consistent with increasing precipitation temperatures for the various fracture cements, as is expected if fractures grew during progressive burial conditions. Three main groups of calcite cement can be differentiated isotopically. Late calcite cement may have precipitated from cool waters under shallow burial conditions, possibly during exhumation of the SMO. The development of the Structural Diagenetic Petrographic Study protocol, and its integration with geological, geophysical and engineering data, can be applied to oil fields in fractured carbonates such as those located in Mexico, to validate its applicability. / text

This research examines post-adoption behavior (discontinuance versus continuance) with the context of Intranet use. Multiple theories are used as theoretical frameworks to extend information communication technology research to the case of post-adoption behavior. Three research questions and six sets of hypotheses are formulated to distinguish discontinuers from continuers, to identify factors related to discontinuance in comparison to continuance, and to explore reasons behind their discontinuance. Results indicate that discontinuers can be discriminated from continuers based on technological attributes (compatibility and usefulness), use-related outcomes (satisfaction, behavioral control, and enjoyment), social influences (work group membership, subjective norms, image, and critical communication partners' perception), and organizational mediations (perceived voluntariness, organizational support, top management support, and organization's innovation climate). This research also found that there are different types of discontinuers (replacement, disenchantment, partial, reserved, indifferent, and political discontinuers) and that replacement and partial discontinuers can be discriminated from reserved and indifferent discontinuers with respect to individual characteristics (risk-taking personality, independent judgment capacity, personal innovativeness, and self-efficacy) as well as factors associated with post-adoption system use. Additionally, this research found that discontinuers are more like to be dissatisfied with organizational communication than are continuers. Among discontinuer categories, reserved discontinuers are the most likely to be satisfied, while political discontinuers are the least likely to be satisfied with organizational communication. Overall, these findings help us better understand the complex nature of post-adoption behavior in organizational context. In fact, the findings suggest that people are not passive recipients of an innovation even where the innovation implementation decision is made by an organization. Rather than accepting organizational decision, they experiment with it, evaluate it, develop positive or negative feelings about it, and work around it. Particularly, the diverse list of actions (e.g., replacement, reservation, indifference, partial use, etc.) highlights the complex nature of post-adoption behavior and contrasts with the widely cited adopter categories, where discontinuers are treated as identical with later adopters. This gives much needed attention to post-adoption behavior, which complements the diffusion literature's predominant focus on initial adoption. Theoretical and practical implications as well as future directions are also discussed. / text

The primary goal of this research is to provide quantitative information used for the implementation of project management attributes. Nineteen project management attributes and five project performance outcomes were investigated to examine their relationships. A series of statistical analyses were conducted to quantify the relationships between the implementation levels of the attributes and the probabilities for better project performance. The analyses utilized data from 212 projects collected by the Construction Industry Institute (CII) Benchmarking and Metric database from 2007 through 2010. The results showed that the beneficial effects of project management attributes varied depending on the implementation levels of project management attributes, the performance outcome type, and whether the project was conducted by the owner or contractor organization. Quantified analysis results were provided by this research. Project management attributes were identified as critical if they were found to be significantly related to a particular performance outcome. Minimum implementation levels were provided for these critical attributes, as were results covering the combined effects of the critical attributes on performance outcomes. Based on the analysis results, the research generated specific and quantitative information used in implementing project management attributes for better performance. This information will help practitioners achieve improved project performance in the most effective and efficient way, and thus it is the practical contribution of this research. From an academic point of view, this study designed a data analysis process by a series of statistical analysis methods which makes it possible to examine the relationships between project management attributes and various project performance outcomes in a quantitative manner. / text

This dissertation presents an analysis of Preclassic period (1000 B.C. – A.D. 250) funerary attributes of three Maya sites in northern Belize, Central America: Colha, Cuello, and K’axob. The dataset is comprised of 133 interments from Colha, 131 interments from Cuello, and 98 interments from K’axob for a total of 362 Preclassic interments. Analysis has been conducted on a suite of 12 variables representative of this dataset and their interrelatedness: age, sex, artifact material type, artifact material form, cranial orientation, burial position or posture, functional designation of architecture in which an interment is placed, presence or absence of indications of burning, presence or absence of red mineral pigmentation, functional designation of artifacts, presence or absence of a cross motif, and presence or absence of a head cover (vessel covering the cranium). This research project has four main objectives: 1) provide a structured presentation of Preclassic interment data for Colha, Cuello, and K’axob, 2) present a thorough and cogent analysis of the interrelatedness of the suite of variables abovementioned, 3) document any significant trends and anomalies that are evidenced within the funerary attributes of these sites, and finally 4) to offer an interpretation of those patterns and deviations seen within the analysis as they relate to intrasite and intersite social differentiation and dynamics through the Preclassic. The analysis within this volume demonstrates that the elaboration and variation of interment attributes increase over time in Preclassic at the three sites of study. This is paralleled by a development of ritual and ceremonial architecture for public activities. Differential access to materials and forms is indicated throughout the Middle, Late and Terminal Preclassic, with the level of disparity between the apparent elite and non-elite increasing over time. Adult males are generally accompanied by higher numbers and a greater variety of goods than are females and subadults. This indicates a power and/or status differential between the two sexes and age groups, with male adults being the most highly esteemed individuals within the social stratification system. This study demonstrates the dynamic and multifaceted material representations with which Preclassic Maya of Northern Belize expressed their identity in death. / text

Cultural capital facilitators are an unexplored phenomenon in the higher education literature despite their crucial presence on community college campuses. Through the use of social capital theory, social networks, and cultural capital theory, this study explores the role that cultural capital facilitators play in first-generation, community college student information acquisition and ultimate success. Multiple qualitative methods are utilized to discover the cultural capital facilitator characteristics and attributes, social networks and types of cultural capital information shared between first-generation students and cultural capital facilitators. Implications for community college practitioners are also presented in terms of the role that classroom instructors play as cultural capital facilitators as well as the characteristics and attributes that these individuals can acquire through professional development opportunities. Finally, the interconnectedness of cultural capital facilitators' social networks and the domination of academic, cultural capital information are elaborated on for community college personnel in their examination of structural and functional barriers to first-generation student success.

The purpose of this paper covered execution of one stage of semantic analysis compiuterization by development of a software able to improve the guality of automated translation. Such software "Lexes", the browser and editor routine of Lithuanian words and related to such words semantic attributes.

Typefaces contain explicit and implicit character in their appearance. They are valuable to the designer to convey an appropriate rhetorical voice. Typefaces can be powerful expressions for the persona of user groups and their specialized information. This interpretive exploratory study looked at design as research. Textual data was collected from several sources that revealed typeface trends. As a precedent, Helvetica and Times used on National Park plans forecasted Parks Canada’s preference for Helvetica Neue as the current display font family. The second case study revealed several recurrent typefaces used for titles and headings on Canadian Society of Landscape Architects’ professional journals. Lastly, survey data about landscape architects’ current typeface preferences showed a trend for certain styles and persistent connotations. The personality and physical characteristics of these preferences were synthesized into design guidelines and a typeface concept. This representative landscape architecture typeface is intended to promote professional salience and unity. / The continuity of this thesis will generate a digital design resulting in the release of a typeface taking approximately two years. The author will engage with professionals within landscape architecture and typography to ensure that the typeface development and assessment is holistic and fulfills the recommendations outlined by the key informant and popular literature. / Landscape Architecture Alumni Award

The objective of the thesis is to explore ways to assess safety in an urban context and intransport nodes. The thesis is composed of articles which aim at assessing whether safety levels vary within a city, at a public transportation network, particularly at stations, and finally making suggestions to increase safety in these environments. The analysis makes use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS), statistical techniques and combines several different data sources. Fieldwork supports the data sources by presenting an investigation of the current environment at and around the underground stations in Stockholm. Regression models were used to assess the (strength) relationships between levels of crime and the socialand physical environment at underground stations. Findings show that urban crime in Stockholm municipality concentrates in stable hotspots, however, varying by type of crime, in different places at different times. A majority of the hotspots were located close to underground stations. The environment at underground stations has a significant impact on the crime levels at these transport nodes. For instance, low guardianship opportunities were related with higher crime rates, while well-illuminated and open stations showed lower crime rates. An open lay-out would provide better opportunities for guardianship, which in turn may decrease crime levels. The surrounding socio-economic composition of neighborhoods and the physical and social environment surrounding the stations affected crime levels similarly. For instance, mixed land-uses surrounding the station could be linked to increased crime rates. However, crime levels showed a varying distribution over time and space. Different stations showed different levels of crime at different times of the day, moreover, this also showed to be depended on crime type. For instance, theft wouldconcentrate at central stations at peak hours, when it is most crowded. The results include suggestions for policymakers and organizations dealing with urban safety, planning and public transportation, such as police, transportation companies and municipal planners. The results suggest that crime interventions should take into account the dynamic patterns of crime and adopt a more holistic approach taking into account the station and its surroundings. / <p>QC 20140211</p> / Safety in Transport Nodes: The Influence of Environmental Attrivutes on Crime and Perceived Safety

Many smooth, highly specular coatings such as automotive paints are subjected to considerable performance demands as the customer expectations for appearance of coatings are continually increasing. Therefore it is vital to develop robust methods to monitor surface quality online. An automated visual assessment of specular coated surface that would not only provide a cost effective and reliable solution to the industries but also facilitate the implementation of a real-time feedback loop. The scope of this thesis is a subset of the inspection technology that facilitates real-time close loop control of the surface quality and concentrates on one common surface defect the seed defect. This machine vision system design utilizes surface reflectance models as a rational basis. Using a single high-contrast image the height of the seed defect is computed; the result is obtained rapidly and is reasonably accurate approximation of the actual height.