Journal of Student Research 2005
Contents
Nanocomposites Improve Package Properties Sherry Hildebrandt, Packaging Engineering
Nanocomposite technology has been described by some as the next great frontier of material science in packaging. This technology was developed to improve barrier performance pertaining to gases such as oxygen and carbon dioxide. It also enhances the barrier performance to ultraviolet rays, as well as adding strength, stiffness, dimensional stability, and heat resistance. New plastics created with this technology demonstrate an increased shelf life and are less likely to shatter. Once perfected, these plastics will offer these improved characteristics at competitive prices. It will also make them attractive for use in food and beverage packaging and pharmaceutical packaging applications.
Keywords:nanocomposites, nanotube, PET
Advised by Dr. Claire K. Sand
Work Team Conflict Resolution Randy Kerr, Training Systems in Business & Industry
As organizations continue to restructure to work teams, the need for training in conflict resolution will grow. Conflict arises from differences. When individuals come together in teams, their differences in terms of power, values, and attitudes contribute to the creation of conflict. To avoid the negative consequences that can result from disagreements, most methods of resolving conflict stress the importance of dealing with disputes quickly and openly. Conflict is not necessarily destructive; however, when managed properly, conflict can result in benefits for a team. This article takes a look at some established steps that will assist students to effectively deal with work teams in the class room and with group members having different view points. These simple guidelines will make the difference between failure and success.
Keywords: conflict, resolution, communication, teams, groups, disagreements, perception, negotiation, workforce
Advised by Dr. Katherine M. Lui
Packaging Redefines Fresh Breath Laura Lee Lentner, Packaging
Keywords: packaging, small-scaled, advertising
Advised by Dr. Claire K. Sand
The Effects of Simultaneous Paring Jonathon Wood, Psychology & Emmalee Eriksen, Psychology
The current study looked at the effects of the simultaneous paring of auditory and visual stimuli in short-term memory recall. The study contained three conditions; visual stimuli only, auditory stimuli only, and the two stimuli simultaneously combined. The participants were a sample of 60 undergraduate students at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, which consisted of 30 males and 30 females. A 3x2 factorial design was used divided by sex and the stimulus condition. Each participant was presented with a slide show and later asked to free recall. Results showed that simultaneous pairing significantly yielded more items recalled than both of the isolated stimuli. Therefore, it can be concluded that the combination of auditory and visual cues can lead to improved short-term memory storage and retrieval. Significance in the classroom and work training sessions are discussed.
Keywords: memory recall, audio, visual
Advised by Dr. James Byrd
Transition from Home to College Jamie Lutz, Human Development & Family Studies & Jennifer Johnson, Human Development & Family Studies
Family Systems theory encompasses the assumption that a change in one family member leads to a change in one or more other family members. This is often the phenomenon that occurs within the familial system when a child leaves home to attend college. Another assumption from this theory includes the concept that families can only be examined or analyzed within their entire context. The ways in which open, closed, and random family boundaries affect one family member’s transition into college (this being an individual child attending college as a first year freshman) and the changes that affect the family system will be examined. Identifying the existing boundaries by which the family operates, in addition to investigating how this affects the family and the individual child, is crucial. It helps to understand how a freshman student readjusts during the first year of post-secondary education.
Keywords: Family boundary style, freshman, transition, college
Advised by Robin Muza
Aluminum Bottles are Successful Nathan Goltz, Packaging
Aluminum bottles are the future for the United States beverage packaging industry. The use of these bottles has shown to increase profits for companies. Sales data has proven that customers are attracted to the new look of the aluminum bottle. Companies are continuing to test and produce the aluminum bottle worldwide while many more companies are considering the idea of using the bottle for some of their own brands. Most of the testing is being conducted overseas and showing excellent results, which could potentially interest the United States beverage packaging market. Not only is the look of the bottle important, but so is its environmental impact. Recyclability of the aluminum bottle is another key reason why companies are making the switch. With a growing environmental concern, many major beverage companies are increasing the number of products packaged in the aluminum bottle throughout the United States.
Keywords: Aluminum, beverage industry, brand identity, environmentally safe, landfills, packaging, profits, recyclable, technology.
Advised by Dr. Claire K. Sand
Male Odalisque Roland Krager, Artist Statement
Advised by Charles Lume
Ominous, Atmosphere, and Wheaton, MN Ben Bauer, Art and Design
Advised by Charles Lume
Packaging Defines the OTC Market Luke Greene, Packaging
Creating or enforcing a product's brand image with the proper use of unique packaging can positively affect sales and establish long-term customer loyalty. This paper discusses the idea of using packaging as a vital tool to create a memorable product brand. Topics discussed include the importance of package branding, “trade dress” patents, package redesign, cost considerations, and benchmarking.
Keywords: OTC, over-the-counter, packaging, marketing, branding, drugs
Advised by Dr. Claire K. Sand
Schools Linked to Obesity: Issues, Concerns and Reforms Andrea Kolbeck, Food and Technology
Obesity is a growing epidemic concerning children in the United States, which affects children's self esteem and school performance. Many concerns have been raised in relation to the federal government's school hot lunch programs and the steady increase in childhood obesity. Foods served in the school lunch programs are high in fat, sugar and calories. The goal is to offer foods that are high in nutritional value and also taste good. Schools are instrumental in shaping a child's diet and eating habits for the future. Using food contingencies also lead to negative and positive associations with vegetables and candy. The USDA is in the process of creating a small farmers initiative with schools to increase fresh fruit and vegetable consumption to help lower fats in the school lunch programs. School administrators also need to re-evaluate sugar consumption in correlation to vending machine sales in the schools. There is a significant need for change in the school lunch programs, administrative attitudes, and teacher responses.
Keywords: obesity, schools, reforms
Advised by Dr. Carol Seaborn
Adapt to China's Shipping Environment Justin Nunez, Packaging
Many United States companies have recently been moving their manufacturing over to China for reduced labor costs. However, many did not take into consideration the unique shipping and handling environment within China. These companies ended up experiencing high damage levels. This paper will discuss the differences in China when it comes to shipping and handling, and how to design and test packages to protect the products that will be shipped.
Keywords: China, packaging, distribution, shipping, logistics
Advised by Dr. Claire K. Sand
Taking the Load off a Learner's Mind Timothy Barker, Training and Development Program
The design model, described by Merrienboer, Kirschner, and Kester (2003), relies upon four components: learning tasks, supportive information, procedural information, and part task practice. The complex, interdependent, and analytical nature of this model makes it very useful for designing instruction that can be configured into the steps they describe in the model. I believe this model has limited application to mechanistic processes that do not require even a moderate degree of abstract thinking. Because of the complex design of this model, designers and instructors are required to interpret the course information to a great degree so that it may fit within this interdependent design strategy. If trainees do not perceive the same connections between course components as the designers then cognitive overload may increase instead of decrease. The deficiencies of this model are caused by potential differences in individual perceptions. These differences may be reduced or eliminated through the addition of learning teams into this training design strategy.
Keywords: Cognitive overload, instructional design, manage overload, team learning, instruction, team based, cognitive, and development
Advised by Dr. Katherine M. Lui
Recycling Improves USA Luke Monroe, Packaging
Changes are occurring in recycling that will improve the United States. There are significant improvements in the economy, environment and the health of Americans due to recycling efforts. Recycling will be shown as a superior option compared to landfill, incineration and virgin material processing. Many Case studies will be discussed that show how communities are making long-term decisions for recycling. The purpose of this study was to show the most important ways in which Americans currently benefit from recycling and how it will lead to further improvements in the future.
Keywords: Recycling, landfill, greenhouse emissions
Advised by Dr. Claire K. Sand