Wichita State University

About: Wichita State University is a education organization based out in Wichita, Kansas, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Poison control. The organization has 4988 authors who have published 9563 publications receiving 253824 citations. The organization is also known as: WSU & Fairmount College.

Efficient algorithms for minimizing tree pattern queries

Abstract: We consider the problem of minimizing tree pattern queries (TPQ) that arise in XML and in LDAP-style network directories. In [Minimization of Tree Pattern Queries, Proc. ACM SIGMOD Intl. Conf. Management of Data, 2001, pp. 497-508], Amer-Yahia, Cho, Lakshmanan and Srivastava presented an O(n4) algorithm for minimizing TPQs in the absence of integrity constraints (Case 1); n is the number of nodes in the query. Then they considered the problem of minimizing TPQs in the presence of three kinds of integrity constraints: required-child, required-descendant and subtype (Case 2). They presented an O(n6) algorithm for minimizing TPQs in the presence of only required-child and required-descendant constraints (i.e., no subtypes allowed; Case 3). We present O(n2), O(n4) and O(n2) algorithms for minimizing TPQs in these three cases, respectively, based on the concept of graph simulation. We believe that our O(n2) algorithms for Cases 1 and 3 are runtime optimal.

The effect of progressive resistance training on leg strength, aerobic capacity and functional tasks of daily living in persons with Down syndrome.

Abstract: Purpose. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of progressive resistance training on leg strength, aerobic capacity and physical function in persons with Down syndrome (DS). Method. Thirty persons with DS (age 28 SD 8 years) were assigned to an intervention or control group. The intervention group performed resistance training 2 days per week for 10 weeks. Participants performed tests to measure isometric and isokinetic knee extensor and flexor peak torque, peak aerobic capacity and timed performance on chair rise, walking and stair ascent and descent. Result. Persons with DS receiving the intervention significantly increased their isokinetic knee extensor and flexor peak torque [Absolute change (post minus pre-value) was 17.0 SD 29.6 and 12.6 SD 18.9 N m, respectively] and isometric knee extensor peak torque at angles of 458 (2.9 SD 23.2 N m), 608 (3.0 SD 22.9 N m) and 758 (14.2 SD 30.0 N m). These changes were significantly greater than in the control group. In addition, the time to ascend (70.3 SD 0.8 s) and descend (70.6 SD 0.9 s) stairs significantly decreased in the intervention group compared to the control group. Conclusion. These findings show that progressive resistance training is an effective intervention for persons with DS to improve leg strength and stair-climbing ability.

The NDNQI-Adapted Index of work satisfaction.

Abstract: The valid measurement of nurses' job satisfaction is critical because job satisfaction is important for the retention of qualified nurses to provide patient care in hospitals. Two studies were conducted to adapt the Stamps Index of Work Satisfaction (1997b) to measure work satisfaction at the patient care unit level for use by the National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators (NDNQI). In Study 1 (n = 918 RNs) exploratory factor analysis of data obtained using the NDNQI-Adapted Index replicated the conceptual dimensions of the Stamps measure. Associations with scores on Job Enjoyment were evidence that the Index measured the intended construct. Using theta, the reliability of the composite subscales was .91. The adapted Work Satisfaction subscale scores explained 46% of the variance in Job Enjoyment, with each subscale contributing uniquely (p < .001). In Study 2 (n = 2277 RNs) confirmatory factor analysis using structural equation modeling supported the 7-subscale structure for the Adapted Index (CFI [719] = .88; RMR = .05). Replication of associations between scores on the Index subscales and Job Enjoyment provided further evidence regarding validity of the data, since the Work Satisfaction subscales explained 56% of the variance in Job Enjoyment. The feasibility of using an on-line version of the Adapted-Index for data collection was demonstrated. The findings from the two studies indicate that the adapted Index of Work Satisfaction has a structure similar to the original instrument and is a reliable and valid measure of work satisfaction at the patient care unit level.

Epistemological Beliefs and Valuing School: Considerations for College Admissions and Retention

Abstract: We examine the relationship between high school students' beliefs about the nature of knowledge, or epistemological beliefs, and their attitudes toward education. High school students completed an epistemological questionnaire assessing their beliefs in fixed ability to learn, simple knowledge, quick learning, and certain knowledge. Then they answered open-ended questions on a hypothetical character named Billy. They were to advise Billy if he should go on to college even though his grades were poor and his parents had no money. Finally, they completed questions about their own feelings toward high school and their expectations of the demands of college. Attitudes toward school were then regressed on epistemological belief factor scores. The less students believed in fixed ability to learn and quick learning, the more likely they were to encourage Billy to go to college and to appreciate the role of school in furthering their education, gaining employment, and living everyday life.