SHAREOK Repository
Not a member yet
49261 research outputs found
Sort by
Evaluating the Test-Retest Reliability of Multimodal Brain Imaging
No full textTest-retest reliability is essential in research to ensure that neuroimaging devices produce reliable outcomes, especially prior to their adoption in clinical settings. Simultaneous fNIRS-EEG is a growing multimodal neuroimaging modality used to study brain function, combining fNIRS to measure the hemodynamic response with EEG to measure the electrical neuronal activity. This multimodal approach allows for the assessment of neurovascular coupling, a mechanism in the brain that connects neural activity with cerebral blood flow to maintain proper brain function. While previous studies have encountered challenges, my thesis work has demonstrated that this multimodal approach can reliably assess neurovascular coupling across multiple brain regions and cognitive task stimuli. Establishing the test-retest reliability of simultaneous fNIRS-EEG provides the opportunity to assess clinical populations. My thesis has utilized the fNIRS-EEG protocol to study patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy and evaluated their neurovascular coupling abnormalities. In line with literature, this simultaneous device identified abnormally uncoupled neurovascular responses in epileptic patients in comparison with the healthy subjects, suggesting that fNIRS-EEG may serve as a potential pre-assessment tool in the clinical workflow prior to language and memory lateralization exams and surgical resection. Building upon the previously established system, my thesis also evaluates the reliability of a state-of-the-art multimodal device, concurrent fNIRS, EEG and transcranial magnetic stimulation (fNET), which promises a new treatment for medication-resistant depression. My evaluation using a previously established standardized protocol has found that the motor responses from the newly integrated fNET system still demonstrated consistent test-retest reliability as seen before, even with whole-head coverage. However, the responses to single pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation are variable across individuals, while intra-individual-level responses are more consistent. Further research is warranted to establish group-level reliability. Overall, this thesis demonstrates the use of multimodal approaches in brain imaging to reliably assess healthy and clinical patient populations. Furthermore, the integration of fNIRS-EEG with TMS provides the opportunity to increase spatial targeting of TMS and advance treatments for depression and other neurological disorders
INSTANT REPLAY OFFICIALS’ SOCIOCULTURAL EXPERIENCES: A QUALITATIVE GROUNDED THEORY STUDY
No full textInstant replay is used to interpret specific rules infraction, a scoring play, a reversal of possession, the ejection of a player, or adjust a particular amount of clock time for an event within particular sporting events. This dissertation examines the communicative process of officials that oversee and are directly involved in making decisions within instant replay. It approaches this subject by looking at the social, communicative, and technological environments, while using the Grounded Theory Method (GTM) to assist with establishing theory for the communication and decision-making process of officials. The process can have political, cultural, social and economic connotations depending on the context in which officials utilize it, or circumstances surrounding a particular violation. This project also traces the conceptual and cultural history of instant replay as phenomena that developed in and around spectatorship of sports. The dissertation concludes by describing the specifics of Dynamic Professionalization along with the process of decision making insofar as providing clear guidelines regarding decision-making and technological integration within competitive sports
PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT (PA) PRODUCTIVE FAILURE: THE EFFECTS OF PRODUCTIVE FAILURE IN PA EDUCATION
No full textAbstractIntroduction Physician assistants (PAs) need highly developed critical thinking and problem-solving skills, along with the ability to adapt to diverse clinical situations. The current highly structured nature of curricular activities in medical and PA training often fails to effectively transfer knowledge and skills to the clinical practice environment. This study proposes the implementation of Productive Failure (PF) in PA education through simulation-based clinical patient experiences. Productive failure is an instructional approach where learners attempt to solve complex problems before receiving formal instruction. Productive Failure aims to enhance critical thinking, problem-solving skills, learner motivation, and resilience among PA students. However, there is a lack of research evaluating the impact of PF in PA education. Methodology This study uses high-fidelity simulation scenarios to create realistic and challenging clinical situations, allowing learners to engage in problem-solving and experience initial failure in a controlled setting. All clinical phase students enrolled in the Oklahoma City University Physician Assistant program were invited to participate in this study. Voluntary participants were stratified based on an emergency medicine rotation completion, then randomly assigned to either a control or intervention group in a randomized control trial (RCT). Both groups participated in an observed structured clinical experience (OSCE) simulation activity. Immediately before and after the OSCE simulation, both groups completed pre-simulation and post-simulation surveys to assess self-efficacy (confidence) and emotional stress responses. Participants' clinical competency in decision-making was also evaluated during the simulation. The intervention group experienced productive failure during their OSCE simulation as the sole intervention. This involved a progressive decline in the patient’s clinical status despite appropriate medical interventions initiated by participants. Immediately following the OSCE simulation, each group participated in a debriefing session. Following this, only the intervention group took part in focus group discussions to reflect on learning from OSCE activities that incorporated PF in the patient scenario. Pre-simulation and post-simulation self-efficacy, pre-simulation and post-simulation emotional stress responses, and competency scores were analyzed to assess the effects on participants and the effectiveness of PF in PA education. Conclusion This study highlights the impacts and potential benefits of integrating productive failure into PA education through OSCE simulation, suggesting that this approach can better prepare students for the complexities of clinical practice. Future research is needed to explore the long-term effects and benefits of PF and its applicability across different PA education contexts
ANISOTROPY OF MAGNETIC SUSCEPTIBILITY ANALYSIS OF COLORADO FRONT RANGE CLASTIC DIKES
No full textClastic dikes within the Pikes Peak Granite on the eastern flank of the Colorado Front Range have been a point of interest since their first written observation in 1893. They are massive, quartzarenites ranging from centimeters in width to tens of meters and have no internal depositional stratigraphy. They trend N-S along the Ute Pass Fault Zone and other Front Range faults and lack a nearby source rock – although the local Cambrian Sawatch Sandstone has been suggested as being lithologically comparable. Geochronological dating has constrained timing of dike emplacement to the Proterozoic although studies have not agreed on an emplacement mechanism for the dikes. There are two primary hypotheses for method of emplacement: (1) glacially mediated deposition and (2) liquefaction and remobilization of sandstone. This study focuses on characterizing magnetic minerals through rock magnetic analysis, paleomagnetic analysis, and microscopy to understand possible emplacement mechanisms of the dikes and uses paleomagnetic dating to confirm age constraints of the dikes. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and transmitted light microscopy were conducted to confirm presence of iron oxides, hysteresis and Curie Temperature analysis were used to confirm the presence of hematite as the primary magnetic carrier, and Anisotropy of Magnetic Susceptibility (AMS) analysis to discern the presence of magnetic fabric alignment. AMS analysis was run on 176 core specimens from eight sites with results indicating primarily oblate magnetic susceptibility ellipsoid shapes, a northwesterly-oriented foliation trend, and magnetic fabrics interpreted to represent sedimentary and intermediate fabrics with minor deformation signals – contrary to expectation that significant tectonic overprinting would be observed due to multiple orogenic episodes. Although a good portion of the samples display AMS, there is another portion which preserve remanent magnetizations. Previous study has shown three characteristic remanent magnetizations observed in the clastic dikes with a characteristic remanent magnetization overlapping other Precambrian pole positions, (virtual geomagnetic pole = -13.9°N, 153.5°E°, dp=18.9, dm=33.5), and two additional component remanent magnetizations interpreted as chemical remanent magnetizations (CRMs) acquired during the late Paleozoic and end Mesozoic. All CRMs were interpreted to reside in hematite based on unblocking temperatures above 580 °C after stepwise thermal and AF demagnetization. The age of the clastic dikes along with the oblate, primary sedimentary AMS magnetic fabric suggesting an emplacement mechanism in an over-pressurized, fluid-rich system, where deposition is neither catastrophic nor passive
Unequally yoked : how patriarchy uses fear to restrict sexual communication and connection
No full textThis study explores how societal and cultural norms shape communication about sex and intimacy, focusing on the role of fear, particularly fear of negative evaluation, as a central barrier to open dialogue. Using a mixed-methods approach that combines quantitative survey data with qualitative open-ended responses, this study investigates how internalized shame and rigid gender expectations perpetuate silence and limit authentic self-expression in intimate contexts. The findings confirm the initial thesis that patriarchal systems strategically use fear to control sexual communication, reinforcing power dynamics and maintaining heteronormative ideals. Participants described fears of social rejection, moral condemnation, personal failure, and loss of identity as key reasons they avoid discussing sexual needs and desires openly. These fears not only discourage vulnerability but also constrain opportunities for growth and deeper connection. The study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by highlighting how fear functions as a social mechanism of control rather than just a personal psychological obstacle. The narratives highlight the need for safe, judgment-free spaces in which people can explore and express their intimate experiences. Future research should further examine intersectional factors, including race, sexuality, and religion, that converge with fear to shape sexual communication. Additionally, interventions aimed at dismantling shame-based frameworks and promoting emotional literacy could create pathways toward healthier, equitable intimate relationships. The significance of these findings is in the potential to inform educational, therapeutic, and public health initiatives designed to promote open, affirming conversations about sex and intimacy. By challenging embedded social norms, this work (supports) a cultural shift toward greater honesty, empathy, and connection
Intermediate Portuguese, Continued (PORT 2113)
No full textA collection of original material ranging from cartoons to poetry with exercises and activities covering the intermediate level needs in vocabulary, reading comprehension, writing, speaking, and listening.
The full textbook is available as a single file, and each module is available as a separate file adoption flexibility.University of Oklahoma Libraries' Alternative Textbook Gran
Bond Performance of Advanced Environmentally Friendly Concrete Materials for Rapid Infrastructure Repair and Rehabilitation
No full textPortland cement production results in approximately 2.5 gigatons of direct CO2 emissions per year, or between 5% and 10% of human produced CO2 emissions. Calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) cements are promising alternative hydraulic cements with nearly half the CO2 emissions during production and with high early strength (rapid setting) or controlled expansion (shrinkage compensating). These properties make CSA cement attractive and effective for transportation structure and pavement repair applications by increasing the speed of the repair and/or mitigating shrinkage cracking. Half of the bridges in the United States already have or will reach their anticipated design life in the next 10 years. Many can have their service life safely extended – with reduced environmental impact – by targeted repair and rehabilitation using CSA cements. Using concrete mix designs developed at the University of Oklahoma (OU) and the University of Arkansas (UARK), the ability of CSA cement to bond to traditional concrete substrates and the durability of those bonds over time were studied. The objectives of this study were to evaluate CSA cement concrete bond performance for varying substrate conditions, evaluate freeze-thaw durability of CSA cement concrete repairs, and to develop and communicate recommendations for CSA cement concrete repairs. The results of the study suggest that the tensile bond strength between CSA cement concrete and ordinary portland cement (OPC) concrete is generally sufficient and, in some cases, may surpass the tensile strength of the OPC concrete. The freeze-thaw durability of these repairs is generally sufficient as well. Therefore, relative to tensile bond strength and resistance to freeze-thaw deterioration, CSA cement concretes have proven to be a feasible option for rapid infrastructure repair
Ensemble Kalman Filter Data Assimilation of VORTEX-SE P3 Tail Doppler Radar and Compact Raman Lidar Data for a 13 April 2018 Tornadic Supercell
No full textAn integral part of any numerical weather prediction (NWP) system is data assimilation (DA): the process of optimally combining observations and model state backgrounds to minimize the overall error in the resulting analysis. Over the past two decades, data from several different observing systems have been assimilated for real convective scale cases. The assimilation of reflectivity (Z) and radial velocity (Vr) data collected by Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) radars has been well studied and their positive impact in NWP is well known. Unfortunately, due to their stationary nature, the distance between WSR-88D radars and storms of interest can result in low-resolution data or incomplete data coverage. Consequently, DA of specialized weather radar observations has also been studied, including observations collected by truck-based mobile radars. Results in these studies have shown that analyses produced using both WSR-88D DA and specialized radar DA are improved versus analyses generated from WSR-88D DA alone. The assimilation of thermodynamic profiles, retrieved from thermodynamic remote sensors, has also been conducted with the goal of improving analyzed storm environmental conditions, particularly in the boundary layer. Building upon experiments conducted in existing literature, this study performs ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) DA of observations obtained during the 2018 Verification of the Origins of Rotation in Tornadoes Experiment Southeast (VSE18) field campaign for a cyclic, multi-tornado producing supercell that occurred during the late evening of 13 April 2018 near Monroe, Louisiana. In addition to surface observations and WSR-88D Z and Vr data, other unique specialized VSE18 data are also assimilated. These data include dual tail Doppler radar (TDR) Vr data, downward facing compact Raman lidar (CRL) retrieved water vapor mixing ratio (qv) profiles, Vr data collected by an S-band WSR-88D equivalent radar operated by University of Louisiana Monroe (KULM), and special radiosondes launched from Minden and Monroe Lousiana. The DA was performed in a series of experiments on nested 2500 m and 500 m grids using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model and the Advanced Regional Prediction System (ARPS) EnKF DA system. Deterministic forecasts were then performed using ensemble mean analyses for each DA experiment, on two-way nested 2500 m, 500 m, and 100 m WRF model grids. The impact of the data on the analyses was evaluated through a series of data denial experiments. CRL DA results in much larger values of qv in the inflow region of the Monroe supercell than the other analyses. TDR and KULM DA results in higher values of low-level vertical vorticity, and thereby a stronger tornadic like vortex (TLV), in the analysis. The TLV is absent in other analyses. TDR and KULM DA also increases the strength of low-level and mid-level updrafts in the analysis. The impact of assimilating special soundings in earlier DA cycles on the analyses of later DA cycles is relatively small, and the sign of the impact on analyzed updraft intensity and low-level rotation is not always consistent. This limited impact is likely attributable to the advection of the sounding-modified environment away from the supercell. Ultimately, experiments assimilating both CRL, TDR, and KULM data produced superior analyses, since they feature strong TLVs, deep intense updrafts, and improved boundary layer conditions in the inflow region of the supercell. The impact of the DA on storm forecasts was also examined. In CRL DA experiments, the forecasted Monroe supercell retains supercellular characteristics, including strong mid-level updrafts and associated mesocyclone, longer than the forecasts from other experiments. Generally, CRL DA experiments better forecast reflectivity than other experiments. CRL DA experiments have longer, more intense UH tracks than most other experiments. TDR and KULM Vr DA experiments better predict the intensity, track, and overall structure of the TLV. In TDR and KULM Vr DA experiments, the predicted TLV intensifies significantly within the first 5 to 10 minutes of the forecast. Unfortunately, the TDR and KULM Vr DA seems to degrade reflectivity forecasts, as indicated by poor statistical skill scores, and the qualitatively observed disorganization of the forecasted supercell 15 to 20 minutes after forecast initialization. Special sounding DA does not consistently improve forecasts. Additional work is required to determine why TDR and KULM DA degraded predicted reflectivity forecasts. If possible, CRL, TDR, and KULM DA should be conducted for additional VSE18 cases. Ensemble forecasts should also be conducted using ensemble analyses, as better predictions of the TLV may be obtained in the forecasts for individual ensemble members
COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF TEXAS HORNED LIZARD GUT MICROBIOME DIVERSITY AND COMPOSITION THROUGHOUT TRANSITION FROM CAPTIVITY TO WILD
No full textMicrobiomes play a key role in the health of animal hosts. To improve conservation translocation programs like headstarting, it is necessary to consider how the structure of these programs impact the host-associated microbiome. Bringing animals into captivity introduces novel diets and environments; however, the extent to which these factors contribute to the structure of the host’s gut microbiome remains poorly understood. Additionally, it is unclear if periods of captivity leave a lasting signature on the host-associated gut microbiome, which could impact individual health and fitness in the long-term. In this study, we repeatedly sampled the gut microbiome of a cohort of headstart Texas horned lizards (Phrynosoma cornutum) throughout their transition from captivity to the wild. We also collected samples of extrinsic microbial communities present in their captive and wild diet and environment. Finally, we sampled the gut microbiome of wild resident lizards to serve as a baseline comparison. Using 16S rRNA microbial inventories, we examined differences in microbial community composition and diversity between pre-release headstart, post-release headstart, and resident lizards of the wild population. Additionally, we assessed the contribution of environmental and dietary microbial communities to the assembly of Texas horned lizard gut microbiomes in captivity and the wild. Our results suggest captive Texas horned lizards harbor gut microbiomes that are distinct from their wild counterparts. However, within two-months post-release, the headstart gut microbiome restructures to be indistinguishable from the wild resident microbiome. Microbiomes associated with the captive diet and environment are distinct in beta diversity, but not alpha diversity, from those in the wild. Our results provide important insights into host-associated microbiome dynamics associated with transition from captivity to the wild and can be used to inform conservation translocation practices