Showing papers by "Wichita State University published in 1995"

Are epistemological beliefs similar across domains

Abstract: Investigators of students' beliefs about the nature of knowledge and learning, or epistemological beliefs, have generally assumed that epistemological beliefs are domain independent (i.e., they generalize across domains). The purpose of this research is to test this assumption. College students completed an epistemological questionnaire with a specific domain in mind (either social sciences or mathematics), read a passage (either social sciences or mathematics), answered a passage test, and completed another epistemological questionnaire with the alternative domain in mind. Results supported the idea that individuals' epistemological beliefs tend to be domain independent. Mathematical epistemological factors correlated with the corresponding social science epistemological factors. Epistemological beliefs in both domains predicted passage comprehension similarly, and most students showed a consistent level of epistemological sophistication across domains.

Educational Planning and Academic Achievement of Middle School Students: A Racial and Cultural Comparison

Abstract: A nationally representative sample of middle school students from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds was surveyed on educational aspirations, planning, and achievements. Results indicated significant racial and gender differences in educational and voational planning help-seeking behaviors. Results also indicated a significant race and sex interaction in students' educational aspirations as well as perception of parental expectations. Students' educational aspirations were significantly related to their current academic achievements. In many cases, students' aspirations and perceived parents' expectations did not match closely. Significant dtfferences in mathematics, science, and reading proficiency among racial and sex groups also were indicated. Implications for counseling are discussed.

Zidovudine adherence among individuals with HIV infection

Abstract: The objective was to investigate the relationships among health beliefs, attitudes, and zidovudine compliance in individuals with HIV infection. A survey was administered to 52 individuals with HIV infection. The survey items, which reflected concerns expressed about zidovudine, were generated based on barriers to and benefits of zidovudine and the perceived susceptibility to and perceived severity of HIV as described by the health belief model (HBM). These items were expressed as attitudes and beliefs. Items were subjected to factor analysis, and survey results were correlated with laboratory data to predict adherence to their prescribed medication-taking regimen. Data indicated that 42.3% of the subjects were compliant with zidovudine. Factor analysis identified four dimensions: problems taking and scepticism about zidovudine; degree of concern about HIV; perceived severity of HIV; and physical barriers to taking zidovudine. Logistic regression analysis (forward conditional entry) identified those who w...

Sexual harassment research: a methodological critique

Abstract: Despite numerous court cases and over 10 years of research attention, what we don't know about sexual harassment far exceeds what we do know. The purpose of this paper is to critically assess the research literature on sexual harassment, identify methodological problems, and propose recommendations for advancing our knowledge of this important construct. Seven major methodological problems were found to be prevalent in the research: (a) a disturbing lack of attention to construct validity issues, (b) a weak theoretical development, (c) an overuse of cross-sectional or static approaches for studying a dynamic phenomenon, (d) an almost complete reliance on convenience samples for survey research and college student samples for experimental research, (e) an almost complete reliance on “paper people” or descriptive stimuli, (f) little or no attention paid to the potential reactivity of measures and methods used, and (g) mono-method bias (using the same instruments for measuring both independent and dependent variables).

Psycho-educational interventions in the treatment of arthritis

Abstract: Patient education has a long history as an integral part of clinical practice; however, controlled clinical trials of psycho-educational interventions for the rheumatic disorders emerged in significant numbers over the last 15 to 20 years. In this chapter, the efficacy of these interventions was reviewed in 34 reports (54 separate treatment arms) published in the last 10 years. Psycho-educational interventions included both traditional educational or teaching activities and psychological interventions. The most common types of intervention were self-management programmes ((21 treatment arms) and cognitive-behavioral therapy (10 treatment arms). Both approaches emphasize learning new skills helpful in managing one's disease. Self-management programmes are broadly focused on using information, problem-solving and coping skills for symptom management. Cognitive-behavioural therapy usually emphasizes control of pain by understanding the interaction of emotions and cognition with the physical and behavioral aspects of pain. Other interventions, tested either individually or as comparisons for self-management or cognitive-behavioural therapy interventions, included traditional classroom-type programmes (four treatment arms), 'materials' including pamphlets, books and computerized instruction (seven treatment arms), individualized instruction (five treatment arms), psychotherapy (one), and support groups (three treatment arms). Sixty per cent of studies used clinic samples, 52% rheumatoid arthritis and 8% with osteoarthritis. The remaining studies recruited from community samples where the exact diagnosis was not always clear, though most had either RA or OA. The majority of self-management interventions used community samples. The average effect size for treatment compared to non-intervention controls (weighted for sample size) for RA patient pain, functional ability and depression at post intervention was 0.13, -0.16 and 0.01 compared with 0.44, 0.28 and 0.56 for OA patients and 0.21, 0.08 and 0.12 for community samples. At 3 months follow-up, self-management programmes demonstrated improvement compared to controls for self-efficacy (effect sizes 0.22 to 0.29) with community patients while cognitive-behavioural therapy interventions demonstrated similar improvements in active coping skills (effect sizes 0.09 to 0.18) with RA patients. Effect sizes ranged from 0.6 to 1.1 for exercise compliance following self-management interventions. In the few studies with follow-up evaluations extending beyond 3 months post-intervention, effects generally weaken. As expected, psycho-educational interventions do not alter physical functioning with functional abilities continuing to decline over time. Lorig and colleagues have demonstrated in 4-year outcome studies important reductions in the use of health care services for participants in self-management programmes despite the progression of functional disability. Psycho-educational interventions are difficult to evaluate because of the differences in interventions, methods of assessment and varying follow-up times. Studies of these interventions differ in quality, patient population, etc., precluding a useful meta analysis. Overall, there is improvement in pain, depressive symptoms, self-efficacy, coping abilities, and self-management behaviours such as exercise compliance following psycho-educational interventions, with a trend to greater improvement for OA than RA patients. Utilization of health care services may be reduced following educational interventions. Although the overall improvement is small, it is probably of the order of that seen with therapy with NSAIDs and is independent of medical treatment. Psycho-educational interventions are a useful additional modality in the management of rheumatic diseases and may improve treatment effects and patient quality of life.

Origin of the R-ion effect on Tc in RBa2Cu3O7.

Abstract: {ital T}{sub {ital c}} and {ital dT}{sub {ital c}}/{ital dP} have been systematically measured for fully oxygenated {ital R}Ba{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7{minus}{delta}} ({ital R}-123) with {ital R}=Yb, Tm, Ho, Dy, Gd, Sm, and Nd. {ital T}{sub {ital c}} has been observed to increase from 88 to 94 K with increasing radius of the {ital R} ion ({ital r}) from 0.98 to 1.12 A. Based on the lattice strains and our {ital dT}{sub {ital c}}/{ital dP} data, we have calculated {ital T}{sub {ital c}} for the series of {ital R}-123 and compared them with the measured {ital T}{sub {ital c}}. Good agreement between the experimental and the calculated results strongly suggests that the {ital R} effect on {ital T}{sub {ital c}} in {ital R}-123 originates from the strain-induced charge redistribution between the charge reservoir and the CuO{sub 2} plane.

Cardiovascular fitness as related to leg strength in adults with mental retardation

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to compare cardiovascular fitness to leg strength of young adults (mean age = 25.2 yr) with mental retardation (MR) with and without Down syndrome (DS) and to determine whether a relationship exists. Thirteen adults (9 males, 4 females) with DS and 24 adults (16 males, 8 females) with MR but without DS participated in this study. Cardiovascular capacity (VO2peak) for each subject was determined by a treadmill test (GXT) and isokinetic knee flexion and extension strength (peak torque and average power) were determined by isokinetic dynamometry. Results generally demonstrated significant positive relationships (P < 0.05) between VO2peak and isokinetic leg strength (r = 0.61), with the relationship being substantial mainly for subjects with Down syndrome (r = 0.84). The results of this study suggest that leg strength may be an important contributor to VO2peak for persons with mental retardation.

Expected travel time and optimal boundary formulas for a two-class-based automated storage/retrieval system

Abstract: Our paper studies a two-class-based rectangular-in-time automated storage/ retrieval system (AS/RS). We present explicit formulas for the optima! boundary of the two storage areas as well as for the expected single command cycle time for an optimally designed rack. In the basic model each crane handles a single aisle. These formulas provide the designer with a full picture of the quantitative effects of the various factors (i.e., access frequencies of the two storage areas, and dimensions of the rack) on the optimal boundary of the two storage areas and the achievable cycle lime in the warehouse. We also develop expected travel time formulas for the dual command AS/RS with two-class-based storage policies and obtain the optimal boundary with a one-dimensional search procedure. Similar developments (i.e., expected travel time formulas and optimal boundary search procedures) are discussed for AS/RS with a single command policy but with each crane handling multiple aisles.

Cardiovascular fitness as related to leg strength in adults with mental retardation.

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to compare cardiovascular fitness to leg strength of young adults (mean age = 25.2 yr) with mental retardation (MR) with and without Down syndrome (DS) and to determine whether a relationship exists. Thirteen adults (9 males, 4 females) with DS and 24 adults (16 males, 8 females) with MR but without DS participated in this study. Cardiovascular capacity (VO2peak) for each subject was determined by a treadmill test (GXT) and isokinetic knee flexion and extension strength (peak torque and average power) were determined by isokinetic dynamometry. Results generally demonstrated significant positive relationships (P < 0.05) between VO2peak and isokinetic leg strength (r = 0.61), with the relationship being substantial mainly for subjects with Down syndrome (r = 0.84). The results of this study suggest that leg strength may be an important contributor to VO2peak for persons with mental retardation.

Gender, Psychological Type and Conflict Style Preference.

Abstract: Research on the effect of gender on interpersonal conflict in organizational settings has revealed contradictory findings. This research attempts to clarify the issue. One hundred and thirty-five experienced first- and mid-level managers responded to questionnaires regarding gender, psychological type, and conflict style preference. Consistent with previous research, results indicated that gender was related to psychological type: male respondents were predominantly “thinkers” and female respondents were predominantly “feelers.” Psychological type influenced conflict management for only one of five conflict style preferences. “Feelers” were more likely to choose an obliging style than were “thinkers.” Similarly, gender influenced conflict style preference for only one of five conflict management choices. Male respondents had a higher obliging score than did female respondents. Overall, however, results indicated that while psychological type may be a more powerful indicator of conflict style preference th...

Light Curve Studies of SN 1993J and SN 1994I

Abstract: Numerical light curve calculations have been carried out to constrain the light-curve parameters of the recent SNs 1993J and 1994I. For SN 1993J the radius of the progenitor star is constrained to be in the range 2-4 × 1013 cm which is consistent with the candidate progenitor star. The ejected mass is constrained to be in the range 1.9-3.5 M☉; equating the ejected mass to the helium core mass of the progenitor implies a main-sequence mass in the range 12-17 M☉. Using the new Cepheid distance to M81, the ejected 56Ni mass is found to be in the range 0.10-0.14 M☉. For SN 1994I the ejected mass is in the range 0.9-1.3 M☉; equating the ejected mass to the carbon-oxygen core mass of the progenitor implies a main-sequence mass in the range 13-20 M☉. For a distance of 7 Mpc and an extinction AV = 1.4 mag, the ejected 56Ni mass is found to be 0.07 M☉. Recent studies of galactic chemical evolution have suggested that the main-sequence masses and ejected 56Ni masses of core collapse SNs may be inversely correlated. We examine this effect for 1993J, 1994I, and 1987A, but the small number of known nickel mass-main-sequence mass systems makes it too early to draw definitive conclusions.

Holocene shallow-subtidal dolomitization by near-normal seawater, northern Belize

Abstract: Calcic dolomite cements compose an average of 5% of the upper 4.3 m of subtidal deposits 18 O (+2‰) compositions of the high-Sr dolomites (mean October 1900 ppm), together with near-normal salinity and inherently normal Mg/Ca ratio of pore fluids, suggest precipitation from near-normal seawater. Tidal and wind-driven circulation of seawater through the sediments supplies most of the Mg for dolomitization, which appears to be promoted by elevated pore-water alkalinity resulting from bacterially mediated oxidation of organic matter and, locally, early stages of methanogenesis. Rapid dolomitization here supports the idea that significant quantities of dolomite can form syndepositionally, from normal seawater, in shallow subtidal deposits.

The effects of stress, vulnerability, and appraisals on the psychological well-being of the elderly

Abstract: A conceptual model was developed and tested that examined the relationships between respondent characteristics, stressors, psychological well-being measures, and intervening life domain appraisals. The model was tested using data from elderly members of a Detroit area HMO. An innovative focus of the study was comprehensive consideration of the array of stressors impinging on the elderly. Stressors examined included recent negative life events, cumulative life crises, living with an ill family member, and social isolation. Domain appraisals in the model concerned satisfaction with activities, relationships, health, and income. Support was found for the hypothesis that stressors affect well-being indirectly through domain satisfactions.

Structure and magnetic properties of magnesium ferrite fine powders

Abstract: Fine powders of magnesium ferrite, MgFe2O4, were produced through the sol-gel supercritical drying method, with two portions then being calcined at 773 K and 1073 K. The powder structural and magnetic properties were determined from transmission electron microscope micrographs, x-ray diffraction, Mossbauer effect spectroscopy and magnetometry measurements. The powder structure matched the MgFe2O4 spinel phase, with small amounts of α-Fe2O3 being observed in heated samples. As-produced powders were superparamagnetic at room temperature, with single magnetic domain particle behavior being observed at low temperatures, and for the 1073 K heated sample. The particle size distribution for the as-produced powder was evaluated separately from the micrographs, by fitting the magnetization data to a weighted Langevin function, and by fitting Mossbauer spectra taken at temperatures from 25 K to 298 K. Very similar particle size distributions were found from all three methods. The average particle diameter was 11 nm for the as-produced powder, and increased for heated samples. The saturation magnetization and magnetocrystalline anisotropy energy density values were both consistent with bulk values, in contrast to the large differences between particle and bulk values described for other fine particle systems.

Caregiving in the close relationships of cardiac patients: Exchange, power, and attributional perspectives on caregiver resentment

Abstract: Individuals with a cardiac condition and their spousal caregivers were recruited from cardiac rehabilitation centers and interviewed separately. Based on exchange theory, it was expected that greater caregiver resentment would be associated with feeling underbenefited in the relationship and with an orientation to relationships that did not focus on the needs of the partner (communal), but did focus on “tit-for-tat” reciprocity (exchange). It was also expected that those caregivers who were more likely to get their needs satisfied in the relationship before the cardiac incident would be more resentful at giving care. Finally, based on attributional theory, it was predicted that caregivers who thought that their spouses were not taking responsibility for improving their health would be more resentful. As predicted, more resentful caregivers were those who felt underbenefited, were more exchange oriented, and judged that their partners were not working toward improving their health. In addition, only those with a low communal orientation toward their spouse showed a relationship between feeling underbenefited and resentment. The needs centrality prediction was not supported. The findings illustrate the utility of applying theories developed in the close relationship area to the understanding of caregiving with chronically ill populations.

Ergonomics in the workplace

Abstract: Defines ergonomics and discusses various issues such as anthropometry, seat design, workplace principles, manual materials handling, and cumulative trauma disorders. These important issues need to be appreciated if the objective of the facilities manager is to reduce work‐related injuries, improve productivity, and improve the quality of life of the workers.

A paraconsistent relational data model

Abstract: We present a generalisation of the relational data model based on a 4-valued paraconsistent logic. Our data model is capable of manipulating incomplete as well as inconsistent information. For this model, we define algebraic operators that are generalisations of the usual operators, such as union, selection, join, on ordinary relations. Our data model can underlie any database management system that deals with incomplete or inconsistent information. As another application of our model and its algebra, we present a bottom-up method for constructing the weak well-founded model of general deductive databases. This method can be very simply extended to construct the well-founded model.

The patient as the pivot point for quality in health care delivery.

Abstract: Health care enterprises make comprehensive and durable changes in people. This human-centered purpose defines the fundamental nature of quality in health care settings. Traditional perspectives of quality and familiar views of customer satisfaction are inadequate to manage the complex relationships between the health care delivery firm and its patients. Patients play four roles in health care systems that must be reflected when defining and measuring quality in these settings: patient as supplier, patient as product, patient as participant, and patient as recipient. This article presents a conceptual model of quality that incorporates these diverse patient roles. The strategic and managerial implications of the model are also discussed.

Global uniqueness for inverse parabolic problems with final observation

Abstract: It is shown that the unknown time-dependent right-hand side with explicitly bounded growth rate in a general parabolic equation is uniquely determined by one additional final measurement. As an important application we derive the corresponding uniqueness results for different coefficient identification problems with no smallness assumptions imposed.

Low-temperature calorimetric properties of zinc ferrite nanoparticles.

Abstract: Calorimetric measurements between 1 and 40 K by a thermal relaxation technique have been made on zinc ferrite nanoparticles prepared from an aerogel process. The expected \ensuremath{\lambda}-type heat-capacity peak near 10 K, which corresponds to a long-range antiferromagnetic transition in the bulk form of this material, is greatly suppressed. Broad peaks begin to prevail after the sample is annealed at 500 or 800 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C, but ball milling of the nanoparticles leads to almost complete disappearance of the low-temperature ordering. In all cases, calorimetrically based magnetic entropy at 40 K accounts for only a fraction of 2R ln(2S+1) with S=5/2 for ${\mathrm{Fe}}^{3+}$. These results are corroborated by magnetic data, which also indicate magnetic ordering at high temperatures. Such observations can be understood by considering the relative distribution of ${\mathrm{Fe}}^{3+}$ between two nonequivalent (A and B) sites in the spinel-type lattice. In particular, the as-prepared fine particles show large ${\mathrm{Fe}}^{3+}$ occupancy of the A sites, whereas these ions prefer the B sites in bulk zinc ferrite. Meanwhile, the lattice heat capacity is enhanced, yielding effective Debye temperatures of 225, 285, 345, and 360 K for the as-prepared, 500 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C-annealed, 800 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C-annealed, and ball milled sample, respectively, in contrast to 425 K for the bulk material.

A phonologically based analysis of misspellings by third graders with disordered-phonology histories

Abstract: Misspellings evidenced in written responses of third graders during administration of a battery containing 25 true words and 20 nonsense syllable items were analyzed phonologically. Children with histories of disordered phonologies evidenced more phonologically based deviations in their written misspellings than did their peers who had experienced normal phonological development. In addition, the children with disordered-phonology histories relied more on less productive spelling strategies and evidenced poorer phonological awareness skills than their peers with normal-phonology histories.

Rearrangements in steady multiple vortex flows

Abstract: We are concerned here with steady, inviscid flows in two dimensions which have concentrated regions of vorticity. In particular, we study such flows which {open_quotes}desingularize{close_quotes} a configuration of point vortices in stable equilibrium with an irrotational flow. The vorticity functions in these flows are obtained as solutions of a variational problem for energy set in classes of rearrangements of fixed functions. It is inherent in the formulation of this problem that constraining sets which isolate different t regions of vorticity must be introduced. The existence of solutions of the variational problem follows from results of Burton, but in order for this to provide a flow with a continuous pressure, additional properties must be established. The simplest way to accomplish this is to show that the support of the vorticity is bounded away from the boundary of the constraining set. The major step in our analysis is a {open_quotes}local support lemma{close_quotes} which shows that this is possible under certain circumstances. This generalizes our earlier work for one vortex which in turn builds on results of Turkington. As we show below, it follows from the theory of Burton that for each vortex region {Omega}{sub i} there is a profile function {phi}{sub i}more » such that the vorticity {omega}{sub i} on that region satisfies {omega}{sub i} = {phi}, {omicron} {psi}, where {psi} is the stream function for the flow. Turkington and Eydeland have given an iterative method for computing vortex flows with multiple vortex regions when the profile functions, rather than rearrangement classes, are prescribed in advance. 14 refs, 4 figs.« less