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.

Achieving Service Quality Through Gap Analysis and a Basic Statistical Approach

Abstract: Postulates that the use of some key ideas from statistical control thinking can improve service quality. Explores the identification and analysis of gaps in perceptual differences between service customers and service providers as a way of adopting a statistical control philosophy in a service environment. Argues that such a method provides excellent information for creating a true customer‐centred approach to service delivery, being practical, simple in operation and useful for both immediate and long‐term strategic impact.

Straightness and flatness tolerance evaluation: an optimization approach

Abstract: This paper presents an optimization approach that could be used to calculate exact values of straightness and flatness errors as defined by the ANSI Y14.5M standards on geometric dimensioning and tolerancing. The straightness and flatness error evaluation problems are formulated as nonlinear optimization problems with linear objective function and nonlinear constraints. Because of the special structure of the problem, a linear search method is developed that reduces the nonlinear problem to a linear programming problem with only two constraints. Examples are presented to compare the optimization approach with the least-squares method and some exact methods. The results show that the optimization procedures presented in this paper provide exact values of straightness and flatness errors and are superior to the existing methods in terms of computation time.

The assessment of function: How is it measured? A clinical perspective

Abstract: Testing for outcome or performance can take many forms; including multiple iterations of self-reported measures of function (an assessment of the individual’s perceived dysfunction) and/or clinical special tests (which are primarily assessments of impairments). Typically absent within these testing mechanisms is whether or not one can perform a specific task associated with function. The paper will operationally define function, discuss the construct of function within the disablement model, will overview the multi-dimensional nature of ‘function’ as a concept, will examine the current evidence for functional testing methods, and will propose a functional testing continuum. Limitations of functional performance testing will be discussed including recommendations for future research.

Cascading Failure Attacks in the Power System: A Stochastic Game Perspective

Abstract: Electric power systems are critical infrastructure and are vulnerable to contingencies including natural disasters, system errors, malicious attacks, etc. These contingencies can affect the world’s economy and cause great inconvenience to our daily lives. Therefore, security of power systems has received enormous attention for decades. Recently, the development of the Internet of Things (IoT) enables power systems to support various network functions throughout the generation, transmission, distribution, and consumption of energy with IoT devices (such as sensors, smart meters, etc.). On the other hand, it also incurs many more security threats. Cascading failures, one of the most serious problems in power systems, can result in catastrophic impacts such as massive blackouts. More importantly, it can be taken advantage by malicious attackers to launch physical or cyber attacks on the power system. In this paper, we propose and investigate cascading failure attacks (CFAs) from a stochastic game perspective. In particular, we formulate a zero-sum stochastic attack/defense game for CFAs while considering the attack/defense costs, budget constraints, diverse load shedding costs, and dynamic states in the system. Then, we develop a Q-CFA learning algorithm that works efficiently in power systems without any a priori information. We also formally prove that the convergence of the proposed algorithm achieves a Nash equilibrium. Simulation results validate the efficacy and efficiency of the proposed scheme by comparisons with other state-of-the-art approaches.

Considering Creative Self-Efficacy: Its Current State and Ideas for Future Inquiry

Abstract: The self-concept of creative self-efficacy (CSE), “the belief one has the ability to produce creative outcomes,” has drawn considerable research attention across different fields and operational domains, and among a variety of sample types. The intent of the current chapter is multifold. First, we provide an overview of the research to date that has addressed CSE in some manner, with insight into the types of roles CSE has played—as a correlate or outcome of individual and contextual factors, as a predictor of creativity-related outcomes, as well as a moderator and mediator in the presence of other factors. In addition to suggesting the nomological network in which CSE is embedded, the overview also suggests the utility of CSE in understanding the complex dynamics around creativity. We also address measurement aspects of CSE. Our final intent with the chapter is to illuminate some emergent research questions and potentially fruitful lines of future research inquiry that relate to CSE.