Visualizing mixed variable-type multidimensional data using tree distances

This research explores the use of the tree distances of Buttrey and Whitaker to visualize multidimensional data of mixed-variable types, having both numerical and categorical data. Tree distances measure dissimilarities among observations in a data set while exploiting desirable properties of classification and regression trees: ease of handling of most variable types, indifference to variable scaling, resistance to noise and outliers, accommodations for missing values, and computational ease. In this research, we map the dissimilarities using Classical Multidimensional Scaling to a lower-dimensional Euclidean space in order to provide an analyst with a comfortable framework, which supplies visual cues in order to help find patterns and gain insights about the data. We offer in this thesis several algorithms for coloring observations in the lower-dimensional mappings in order to focus the analyst’s attention on the most important and interesting relationships in the data set. In addition, through our visualization, we gain a deeper understanding of the properties of tree distances and propose a modification. Our framework can be used on any military data set that involves mixed or non-mixed variables and is valuable for analysts who wish to shed light on data during the exploratory phase of analysis.http://archive.org/details/visualizingmixed1094547329Outstanding ThesisCaptain, Israel Defence ForcesApproved for public release; distribution is unlimited

Conducting expeditionary operations in the contested littorals

Reissued 21 Oct 2015 to revise figure cross references in body text.The United States armed services have identified capability gaps in the areas of company-sized raid and sustainment operations in contested littoral environments. Multiple joint platform packages can be employed to provide the required mission capabilities to fill the gap. This thesis identifies the operational, functional, and physical architecture and effectiveness of mission packages necessary to provide capabilities associated with littoral sustainment operations. Physical architecture configurations are evaluated using discrete event modeling. Cost and performance estimates for the mission packages are presented in order to provide the decision maker tools for identifying which alternative provides the most cost-effective solution for the needs of a scenario’s stakeholders. This thesis report concludes by identifying potential assets that would provide cost-effective support of littoral operations. Feasible alternatives provide varying levels of effectiveness in terms of average deployment time and percentage of threats successfully affected.http://archive.org/details/conductingexpedi1094546910Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited