Showing papers by "Wichita State University published in 1991"

The Costs and Risks of Social Activism: A Study of Sanctuary Movement Activism

Abstract: This study challenges thefrequent characterization of social movements as homogeneous webs of activity. Such a view distorts the activist experience and blinds scholars to the daily realities of activism. We use the concepts of "cost" and "risk" to distinguish activist experiences within a single social movement. Data obtained from 141 participants in the sanctuary movement show: (1) individuals engage in a variety of movement activities; (2) cost and risk are empirically distinguishable, along with their personal correlates; and (3) of the varables drawn from two dominant explanations of movement participation, biographical availability factors best predict high-cost activism (more hours devoted to the movement), while socialization factors best differentiate highrisk (direct contact with Central American refugees) from low-risk activists (no refugee contact). Two research questions have long dominated the sociological study of social movements: the macroquestion of movement emergence: Why do movements emerge in the first place?, and the microquestion of movement recruitment: Why do some individuals, but not others, join social movements? Our research is concerned with the latter question of social movement recruitment. In some ways, our study is concerned with issues preliminary to the question of recruitment. We ask, What are individuals being recruited to do? While this question may appear to be an obvious one to ask about movement recruitment, social movement scholars have paid minimal attention to it. We approach the study of social activism in several ways. First, we depart from the usual approach of studying recruitment. Rather than searching for factors that differentiate activists from nonactivists, we investigate variation between activists in the same movement. Next, we call into question a view often implied in the sociological study of social movements, a view that distorts the activist experience by depicting social movements as homogeneous webs of

Pain, disability, and pain/disability relationships in seven rheumatic disorders: a study of 1,522 patients.

Abstract: We studied the pain, Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire functional disability, pain/disability ratio, and psychological scores in 1,522 patients with rheumatic disease with 7 distinct disorders. Individual differences between patients were more striking than differences among diagnostic groups. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) had the greatest disability, least pain, lowest pain/disability ratio, and least abnormal psychological scores. Highest pain and psychological distress was noted in low back pain, neck pain, and fibromyalgia (axial disorders). Disability in activities of daily living was as high in fibromyalgia as in RA, but low in axial skeletal disorders. There appears to be a continuum for disability that begins with axial but not articular disease (neck and back pain) and ends with multiple articular and periarticular involvement (RA and fibromyalgia).

Entrepreneurship Education in America's Major Universities:

Abstract: The field of entrepreneurship has grown at an incredible rate over the past 20 years as evidenced by the increased number of endowed positions, academic organizations, journals, and other publicati...

Orthogonal approaches to time-series analysis and system identification

Abstract: Some recent, efficient approaches to nonlinear system identification, ARMA modeling, and time-series analysis are described and illustrated. Sufficient detail and references are furnished to enable ready implementation, and examples are provided to demonstrate superiority over established classical techniques. The ARMA identification algorithm presented does not require a priori knowledge of, or assumptions about, the order of the system to be identified or signal to be modeled. A suboptimal, recursive, pairwise search of the orthogonal candidate data records is conducted, until a given least-squares criterion is satisfied. In the case of nonlinear systems modeling, discrete-time Volterra series is stressed, or rather a more efficient parallel-cascade approach. The model is constructed by adding parallel paths (each consisting of the cascade of dynamic linear and static nonlinear systems). In the case of time-series analysis, a non-Fourier sinusoidal series approach is stressed. The relevant frequencies are estimated by an orthogonal search procedure. A search of the candidate sinusoids is conducted until a given mean-square criterion is satisfied. >

Compatibility Management: Roles in Service Performers

Abstract: Describes how customer satisfaction can be influenced by direct or indirect interaction with other customers in a service facility′s physical environment. Explores how the way customers affect each other can be positively influenced. Describes exploratory research which identified ten roles a service provider can play: Environmental Engineer, Teacher, Rifleman, Cheerleader, Police Officer, Detective, Santa Claus, Matchmaker, Legislator.

Mentally retarded individuals--a population at risk?

Abstract: When comparing the aging process of mentally retarded (MR) persons with the nondisabled population, researchers have established an earlier lower limit for the onset of old age for MR persons and a higher mortality rate. The reason for early senescence has not been successfully resolved, but the finding that cardiovascular disorders are the most prevalent form of disease among elderly MR persons suggests a relationship between lifestyles and higher mortality rate. Indeed, studies that evaluated the cardiovascular fitness (CVF) of MR individuals demonstrated substandard levels of fitness. The results of these studies, however, are not conclusive due to variation in test methodologies, motivational factors, and issues of test validity and reliability. Training studies which have purported to determine trainability of this population have also shown confusing results, perhaps attributed to the same protocol inconsistencies. Therefore, the purposes of this article are 1) to review previous methods of evaluating CVF of MR adults and determine whether testing methodologies invalidate the results of these studies, 2) to review training studies involving adult MR individuals and determine whether this population is capable of improving their CVF, and 3) to identify areas where further research is needed to fully describe the functional cardiovascular characteristics of MR adults.

A maintenance policy for repairable systems based on opportunistic failure-rate tolerance

Abstract: An opportunistic hazard rate replacement policy for a repairable system with several types of units is presented. A unit is repaired at failure when the hazard rate falls in (0, L-u). A unit is replaced at failure when the hazard rate falls in (L-u, L). An operating unit is replaced when its hazard rate reaches L. When a unit is replaced because its hazard rate reaches L, all operating units with their hazard rates falling in (L-u, L) are replaced. The long-run mean cost rate as a function of L and u is derived. Optimal L and u are obtained to minimize the total maintenance cost rate. Application and analysis of results are demonstrated through a numerical example. The maintenance model is designed for a system with multitype units. Each type has its own increasing hazard rate. Units are repaired or replaced depending on their hazard rate at a failure or active replacement of another unit. The repair interval, replacement limit, and replacement tolerance are determined to yield the optimal total maintenance cost rate. >

Discipline as a mediator of the impact of maternal stress and mood on child conduct problems.

Abstract: Using a within-subject, time series approach, two competing models concerning the temporal relations between maternal distress (mood and stress), maternal discipline, and child conduct problems were assessed. Two measures of each of these constructs were collected at 10 assessment points, each separated by 3 to 4 days, in each of 10 single-parent families with a 4- to 5-year-old conduct problem child. After standardizing each of the measures over repeated assessment points in each family and aggregating the data across families, the models were tested using correlational and structural equation analyses. The fit of the data to the models supported the hypothesis that the association of maternal distress with child conduct problems is mediated by her disciplinary practices. On days when mothers reported more negative mood and stress, they were more likely to demonstrate poor disciplinary tactics. Temporal variation in discipline was, in turn, related to same-day variation in the frequency of child conduct problems. However, the model hypothesizing a direct relationship from maternal distress to child problems in addition to the indirect path through discipline was also supported, suggesting that maternal discipline is not the sole mediating variable.

Understanding the decision to take the predictive test for Huntington disease

Abstract: The predictive test for Huntington disease (HD) has allowed those at risk to determine gene status prior to symptoms. The purpose of this research was to understand the motivation and the anticipated reactions of those requesting the test. Forty persons at 50% risk for HD and 31 companions participated in a structured personal interview as part of the predictive test protocol. Reasons for taking the test centered on the reduction of anxiety and uncertainty associated with being at risk and enhanced planning and decision making. Participants also believed that taking the test would produce more positive than negative outcomes. With a favorable result, most anticipated a reduction of anxiety, a more normal future, and relief knowing their children would be at a very low risk. Most also cited benefits as more likely than consequences with an unfavorable result. Making the most of life, easier planning, and reduced uncertainty were rated as more likely than any of the adverse impacts, including short-term depression and becoming frightened. Almost all participants (95%) said they would rather learn that they have the HD gene than remain at 50% risk. The uncertainty, anxiety, and chronic stress associated with being at risk appears to underlie the motivation of many seeking the predictive test for HD.

Women's reasons for leaving abusive spouses.

Abstract: Research has focused on factors associated with leaving physically abusive relationships, yet little is known about what the woman thinks when she leaves. Fifty‐one formerly battered women from rural and metropolitan areas in two midwestern states described 86 reasons for leaving a physically abusive relationship. During open‐ended interviews, women who rated themselves as severely abused spontaneously emphasized leaving as a process. Content analysis resulted in reasons categorized as safety, dependency, and personal growth. Self‐report retrospective data from a nonrandom sample limit generalizability of results; however, the awareness and reasoning of the women, coupled with their emphasis on leaving as process and personal growth, suggest the importance of education and support programs for abused women and women at risk for abuse.

Development and Validation of Feedback Routines for Instructing Students with Learning Disabilities

Abstract: This investigation focused on validating two feedback routines for use by special education teachers to enhance the performance of students with learn- ing disabilities. One routine (the Feedback Routine) involved teacher-delivered elaborated feedback, the other (the Feedback-Plus-Assistance Routine) consisted of elaborated feedback plus a student-acceptance routine, which included setting goals for the next practice trial. Two experimental designs were employed: one to determine whether teachers could learn the routines, the other to determine the ef- fects on student learning. Dependent measures were (a) teacher and student per- formance of the routines, (b) student trials to mastery, and (c) student errors across trials. Measures of teacher and student satisfaction and teacher mainte- nance were also gathered. Results indicated that the special education teachers ef- fectively integrated the routines into their teaching repertoires. Further, the rou- tines significantly reduced the number of student trials to mastery and the number of student errors in practice attempts following feedback sessions. The two rou- tines appeared equally powerful in terms of teacher and student learning; however, the teachers continued to maintain the routine requiring student involvement in goal setting for a longer period.

Understanding the attitudes and intentions of future professionals toward self-help

Abstract: Examined the attitudes, beliefs, and intentions toward self-help groups of 168 graduate students in clinical psychology and social work from five universities using the theory of reasoned action as a model (Fishbein, 1979). Participants held positive attitudes and beliefs regarding self-help and intended to collaborate. Participants who were members of self-help groups had significantly greater intentions to collaborate and had more positive beliefs vs. nonmembers. There were no differences between social work and psychology students. Path analysis showed that students who held positive attitudes and beliefs and perceived that their faculty were positive regarding self-help had intentions to collaborate with self-help groups. Involving self-help groups as partners in professional training was considered empowering and a wise use of the expert resources that groups can provide.

Psychophysical lifting capacity over extended periods

Abstract: The effect of time on an individual's lifting capacity over extended periods using a psychophysical approach was studied. Twelve male subjects estimated their lifting capacity in a 25 min period, and then attempted to lift this weight for an 8 h period under varying conditions. For one experimental condition the subjects were allowed to adjust the weight, the final adjusted maximum acceptable weight of lift (MAWOL) averaged 85·4% of the original MAWOL determined in the 25 min session. The subjects also attempted to lift for an 8 h period, without any weight adjustments. All 12 subjects lasted the 8 h at 2 lifts per min, but at a frequency of 8 lifts per min only three subjects completed the eight hour lifting task. This indicates that the psychophysical approach is a valid method to measure lifting capacity across the lower Hfting frequency range but overestimates the lifting capacity at the higher frequency range. Slight fluctuations were noted in heart rate and oxygen consumption which were recorded eve...

An assessment of the needs of mutual-help groups.

Abstract: Assessed the needs of mutual-help groups in relation to how self-help clearinghouses can best assist. Most important problems centered on member involvement, attendance and recruitment, lack of public awareness, and finances. Most important needs were for greater public education and more referrals to groups. Significant differences were found across different types of organizational affiliation for the problems of recruitment of members, lack of public awareness, and problem members. The dynamic nature of mutual-help groups may naturally produce many of the turnover, attendance, and involvement problems which in turn generates the ongoing need to recruit new members in part through greater public awareness. Many of the goals and needs of mutual-help groups, coupled with the large number of group members, may lead to significant social and policy change in health and mental health services.

The Use of Metaphor to Overcome Inmate Resistance to Mental Health Counseling

Abstract: Mental health professionals who work with inmates typically encounter resistance to their services. Understanding the processes and purposes of inmate resistance is essential to establishing the rapport needed for counseling to take place. Metaphors, anecdotes, and stories can be used effectively in responding to inmate resistance. Two case examples are included to illustrate these techniques.

Preparation and characterization of polyelectrolyte copolymers containing methyl methacrylate, and 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate. II. Polymers based on dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate

Abstract: Co- and terpolymers containing dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA), methyl methacrylate (MMA), and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) were prepared by solution polymerization, and characterized by dilute solution viscometry and proton and carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Polymers were prepared containing 75, 60, 40, 25, and 10 mol % DMAEMA but with differing levels of MMA and HEMA. Polymer solutions were titrated under nitrogen to obtain variations of pKb with alpha (the extent of protonation of the DMAEMA residue). From these experiments, we were able to show that, as expected, the cooperative nature of the ionization process decreased as the level of DMAEMA in the polymer was reduced from 75 mol % to 10 mol %. By comparing polymers containing similar amounts of DMAEMA monomer, we were also able to show that base strength increased with the polarity of the uncharged portion of the polymer, in other words, that polymers containing higher levels of HEMA were stronger bases than polymers containing higher levels of MMA. This effect was rationalized by assuming that higher contents of the more polar HEMA monomer facilitated the coil expansion that accompanied the process of ionization, thus increasing charge separations at corresponding values of alpha and increasing base strength.

Mass deaths by gas or chemical poisoning. A historical perspective.

Abstract: This review chronicles the characteristics of deliberate and accidental mass poisonings that occurred in World Wars I and II, in Bhopal, and in other historical cases up to and including modern wars. It also considers approaches to the investigation of such cases from the medicolegal as well as general standpoints.

Computations with parametric equations

Abstract: We present a complete method of implicitization for general rational parametric equations. We also present a method to decide whether the parameters of a set of parametric equations are independent, and if not, reparameterize the parametric equations so that the new parametric equations have independent parameters. We give a method to compute the inversion maps of parametric equations with independent parameters, and as a consequence, we can decide whether the parametric equations are proper. A new method to find a proper reparameterization for a set of improper parametric equations of algebraic curves is presented.

Age-related changes in binaural processing: I. Evoked potential findings.

Abstract: Possible age-related effects of speech competition in one ear on the late auditory (LAEP) and P300 event-related potentials recorded at the other ear were investigated with female volunteers. In each of the age categories of 20 to 34, 35 to 49, 50 to 64, and 65 to 80 years, 10 subjects were tested. While contralateral speech competition produced no significant amplitude or latency changes in the earlier auditory brainstem or middle latency responses, several age- and competition-related effects were observed with the later-occurring LAEP and P300 responses. With contralateral competition, the two oldest groups exhibited significantly larger reductions in the N1-P2 peak-to-peak amplitude of the LAEP than did the two youngest groups. While significant decreases in P300 amplitude also occurred with the competition, the magnitude of this effect was not age-related. In addition, small but statistically significant increases in the latency of all three major components, N1 and P2 of the LAEP, and P300, occurred in the presence of contralateral competition. These effects also did not differ among the four age groups. Thus, the LAEP appears to be sensitive to some form of age-related change in binaural processing or attention, although the P300, while sensitive to contralateral competition, did not reflect an age-related component in this effect.

Preparation and characterization of polyelectrolyte copolymers containing methyl methacrylate and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate. I. Polymers based on methacrylic acid

Abstract: Acidic polyelectrolyte copolymers containing 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), methyl methacrylate (MMA), and methacrylic acid (MAA) were prepared by free radical polymerization to high conversion in solution. Copolymer yields were obtained by gravimetry (all in the 30–50% range), relative molecular weights estimated by intrinsic viscosity measurements (all in the 50–70 cc/g range), tacticity by 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy (all polymers predominantly syndiotactic with some atactic content), and composition by acid/base titrations in conjunction with 1H-NMR spectroscopy (all close to the monomer charge ratios). Acid strengths or apparent pKa's were examined as a function of extent of ionization. Measurements performed in water indicated that the compact/extended coil transformation in predominantly syndiotactic polymethacrylic acid occurs also in copolymers of similar tacticity containing moderate to high concentrations of MAA. The apparent pKa of such polymers containing only small amounts of MAA did not vary with extent of ionization, indicating a low degree of interaction between the acid groups. In copolymer pairs containing similar amounts of MAA but differing HEMA and MMA contents, the polymer containing more HEMA appeared the stronger acid, presumably due to a better solvation of that polymer which would increase the net spatial charge–charge separation and decrease cooperative effects that lead to suppressed ionization.