URCAF Abstracts 2009
Permanent URI for this collection
2009 URCA FORUM Organizing Committee
Chair:D. Paul Rillema, Professor, Chemistry, LAS
Members:Robert Bubp, Assistant Professor, Art and Design, Fine Arts
Kyoung Lee, Assistant Professor, School of Social Work LAS
Jeremy Patterson, Assistant Professor, Education
Maria Torres Pillot, Associate Professor, Health Professions
Atul Rai, Assistant Professor, School of Accountancy, Business
Larry Whitman, Professor, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
Ginger Williams, Assistant Professor, University Libraries
Sponsors:
Office of Research Administration, University Libraries, Fairmount College Liberal Arts and Sciences, College of Education
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Recent Submissions
Item 5th Annual Symposium on Graduate Research and Scholarly Projects and 9th Annual Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Forum(Wichita State University, 2009-05-01) Wichita State UniversityItem Impact of domestic violence on the length of homelessness(Wichita State University, 2009-05-01) Capps, Jaclyn; Crusinbery, StephanieThere are many factors that contribute to one's homelessness. Studies have been completed examining many of these aspects; however, this study will specifically examine the relationship between domestic violence and the length of homelessness. Given the negative repercussions homelessness has on the greater society, it is crucial to examine the factors that contribute to one's homelessness, more specifically domestic violence. This research shows the relationship between the domestic violence one experiences and subsequent homelessness. Methods: This study will utilize a cross-sectional survey design. The participants will be selected in a purposive sampling method. The study will be comprised of around 100 participants who will be surveyed from the middle of March to the middle of April. The study will include eight agencies in Kansas. The survey will measure the dependent variable by asking a survey question about the length of homelessness one has experienced, followed by questions regarding the independent variables. The independent variable questions will inquire about the severity of domestic violence one has experienced using the Domestic Violence Scale by the Survey Research Center of The University of Michigan. Results: This research will be utilizing regression analysis. These researchers expect to find a positive correlation between domestic violence and the length of homelessness. Implications: This research hopes to provide information for the prevention and education of domestic violence issues. The results of this research would be advantageous for the social workers, shelters, and agencies who work with the homeless and victims of domestic violence by educating them on the impacts domestic violence has on its victims.Item Proposal to include infertility information in the state of Kansas' human health and sexuality curricula(Wichita State University, 2009-05-01) Fowler, AmyAlthough education on human health and sexuality is a compulsory part of Kansas public high school curricula, at least one component is missing: instruction on abnormal reproductive system processes. Some of the more common abnormalities of reproductive processes begin during the teenage years, or, in some cases, are present even earlier. Proper education in the major types and causes of infertility could allow students to seek treatment or resolution for such. When diagnosed early, some of the contributors to, and causes of, infertility can be mitigated or cured. Through a review of the existing relevant literature, the author's own data (generated from surveys), and interviews with those in the field, the author will defend her position that the Kansas public high school curricula for human health and sexuality should be expanded to include information about abnormal reproductive system processes. The specific information would include the three major types of dysfunction for males and females (each), and the symptoms, causes, treatments and/or cures for such. The finished product of this project will include a policy persuasive paper addressing the topic, a list of suggested curricular additions, and supplemental instructional media. It is the author's view that this type of information is important for the publicly-educated population, because, when left undiagnosed and untreated, reproductive system dysfunction negatively impacts an individual's ability to make appropriate family-planning decisions. Wider awareness of reproductive system dysfunctions could lead to an increased rate of diagnosis and appropriate treatment for such.Item Spirituality/Religiousness and the general well-being of older adults(Wichita State University, 2009-05-01) McCoy, Susan P.Spirituality is an important resource for older adults in terms of an intra-psychic means of coping and adaptation with issues of daily life, loss, and death. However, little is known about impact of spirituality/religiousness on the general well-being of older adults. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of spirituality/religiousness on the general well-being of older adults in seven central states. This study is important for social workers to increase their assessment and intervention skills utilizing religiousness/spirituality to minimize the health problems of older adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted through a convenience sampling method for 143 older adults 65 year-old or over from 15 counties in seven central states. To measure various domains of health status), the General Well-Being Schedule (GWBS) was used. To measure spirituality/religiousness, the Brief Multidimensional Measures of Religiousness/Spirituality (BMMRS) was used. Results: The respondents ranged in age from 65 to 97. The other characteristics showed female (55.2%); Caucasian (63.4%); married (47.9%). Regression results showed that higher spiritual experience is significantly associated with lower anxiety (B=-.37, ≤ .01), greater positive well-being (B=.46, ≤; .01), and greater vitality (B=.36, p ≤ .05). Religious support is a negative factor in the positive well-being of older adults (B=-.24, p ≤ .05). Implications: Social work practitioners should assess the religious background of clients, family, community, and nation and level of concerns in use of spiritual resourses. However, the religious/spiritual intervention of social work practitioners should be offered as a type of therapeutic options because some clients do not like religious/spiritual activities and some religious/spiritual intervention can cause negative results to clients.Item NORDAM: part tracking and data collectors(Wichita State University, 2009-05-01) Oney, BrianThe NORDAM Group Inc.'s Wichita facility produces business jet interiors and they expect eighty percent growth in demand over the next two years. NORDAM uses tracking cards to track individual parts and collect data throughout their finishing process. However, currently this data is underutilized and inaccurate, thus NORDAM is not sure they can accommodate their expected growth. The objective of this project was to evaluate alternatives for data collection and at the part level in NORDAM's finishing process. A few methods were used to achieve these objectives including modeling and cost analysis. By using these methods we created a process map for the current state, identified important system design criteria with a capabilities matrix, and performed a cost analysis including a sensitivity analysis. We assessed four alternatives: Do Nothing, Hire One Indirect Head, Bar Code with Database, and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) with Database. The cost analysis showed that the Bar Code with Database alternative provided the highest uniform equivalent annual value (UEAV) of $583,196. The sensitivity analysis showed that this alternative remained the superior choice, six percent better than Do Nothing and three percent better than RFID, with no regard for changes in number of units or build hours per units. Based on the capabilities matrix and the minimal difference between the Do Nothing, Bar Code with Database, and RFID with Database alternatives, we recommend that NORDAM implement the RFID with Database alternative. RFID with Database is the only alternative that provides every capability that NORDAM had indicated they need and it provides enough tangible benefits to help offset its higher initial cost.