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Discrimination, Depression, and Distress: Investigating Tribal Engagement as a Protective Factor for Native American Undergraduate Students
No full textNative American university students are empirically understudied, especially with regard to their well-being. The current study uses the transactional model of stress and coping (Lazarus & Folkman, 1984) to explore the relationship between experiences of discrimination and negative well-being outcomes among Native American undergraduates. Further, reflecting findings that social support resources contribute positively to well-being outcomes, I explore the influence of Tribal engagement on Native American student well-being. Using data across two time points, the present study investigates the moderating role of Tribal engagement on the stressor-strain relationships between subtle and explicit discrimination (i.e., the stressors) and depression, social distress, and academic distress (i.e., the strains) on Native American undergraduate students. Findings support the protective role of Tribal engagement on Native American student well- being. Findings also support previous literature that demonstrated that subtle discrimination has a larger influence on strain outcomes than explicit discrimination. Theoretical contributions and practical implications for universities are discussed
EXAMINING MATHEMATICS TEACHERS’ IDENTITY DEVELOPMENT IN AN AGGRESSIVELY PARTISAN REFORM CONTEXT
No full textThis investigation highlights the complexities Oklahoma math teachers face in balancing internal and external demands amid aggressively partisan governmental reforms. Findings indicate that teachers assume the responsibility to address all students’ needs while meeting mandated requirements. However, they perceive reforms as creating tension between the internal demand to foster inclusive learning environments and the external demand to privilege Christian and heteronormative identities.Reforms are seen as tools of political and cultural control rather than measures of educational improvement. Oklahoma mathematics teachers grapple with the integration of professional and religious identities in isolated and unsupported ways. Increased demands and reduced support lead teachers to redefine their expectations for agency and engage in defensive, oppositional actions toward the Oklahoma State Department of Education when they perceive boundaries of their role violated. To address these challenges, leaders must foster healthier partnerships and systems that support teacher identity development. Researchers should explore how Christian Nationalism and religious identity intersect with mathematics education to deepen understanding. Policymakers and professional organizations must empower teachers to engage in effective political advocacy without fear of retribution. Supporting teachers in navigating these tensions is essential to ensuring equitable and humanizing mathematics education in Oklahoma
Superhero Teachers on Instagram: A Fantasy Theme Analysis of Social Media Platforms and Group Identity
No full textThis study utilizes fantasy theme criticism to considers the impact of how an online teacher platform (Bored Teachers) uses Instagram to create a community for educators using comedic digital content. This study asks: 1. How does a teacher group’s content create a community through its posts? 2. Can a social-media-based group both profit from their content and have social impact at the same time? 3. In what ways does the utilization of hero language help create and sustain followers, therefore developing a larger group identity? 4. What are the limitations for groups using social media to reach their audience? This paper identifies two fantasies Bored Teachers have created using superhero language and explores how followers of their platform may respond to this language. The group both rejects superhero language when speaking about the teaching profession while also co-opting such language to speak positively about teachers. Such analysis finds that superhero language is, regardless of the user, inherently harmful toward the teaching profession, as it normalizes the struggles of educators which reinforces the power structures present in the profession. Similarly, this study acknowledges the Bored Teachers’ use of comedy and their efforts to use Instagram to earn money limits their effectiveness as teacher advocates. It also determines that the field of rhetoric and writing studies needs to reconceptualize fantasy theme criticism when the group is primarily using online spaces
Investigation of Acyl Homoserine Lactone Quorum Sensing in Nitrospira inopinata, a Complete Ammonia Oxidizer
No full textQuorum sensing is an important system of regulation in microorganisms. However, quorum sensing has been better studied in heterotroph model organisms compared to chemolithoautotrophs, such as nitrifying microorganisms (nitrifiers). In Nitrospira inopinata ENR4, a complete ammonia oxidizer (comammox), only the presence of putative quorum sensing gene homologs to lasI and lasR which encode for acyl-homoserine lactone synthase and transcriptional regulator LasR , respectively, have been discovered. We sought to confirm the function of the lasI and lasR homologs in N. inopinata through heterogeneous expression of these genes in Pseudomonas putida F1. Three acyl homoserine lactones (3-OH-C10-HSL, 3-OH-C12-HSL, and 3-OH-C14-HSL) were found to be produced by the putative AHL synthase in P. putida F1. Only two of the AHLs (3-OH-C10-HSL and 3-OH-C14-HSL) were detected in N. inopinata cultures. The addition of these three acyl homoserine lactones into N. inopinata cultures resulted in slower growth and utilization of ammonia and nitrite. Whole-cell transcriptomics analysis of 3-OH-C12-HSL addition cultures revealed downregulation of energy production pathways and the fatty acid biosynthesis pathway compared to no-AHL addition controls. Our study confirms a functional quorum sensing system in N. inopinata that is mediated via three acyl homoserine lactones and opens future research pathways into the quorum sensing regulation of comammox Nitrospira and other nitrifiers
Integrating Uncertain Movements into Climate-Induced Refugee Resettlement Planning: A Scenario-Based Two-Stage Stochastic Approach
No full textTo effectively plan for the large number of refugees that will require resettlement as climate conditions become increasingly critical around the world, decision-makers must be mindful of the current state of resettlement outcomes. We present a mathematical optimization model that can aid in understanding the effects of uncertain unplanned movements on resettlement planning decisions. Such decisions are optimized across two overall scenarios: (i) normal planning conditions and (ii) extreme events occurring as direct or indirect byproducts of climate change (e.g., civil unrest, violent conflict, natural disasters). Within those two scenarios, six nested scenarios represent the best-case, average, and worst-case resettlement success likelihoods. The results of this model indicate the number of resettlement failures a decision-maker should plan to realize, the extra capacity required at each host to accommodate the increased supply at each origin from failed resettlement, and insights into adjustments needing to be made to the planned parameters to recover from continuously low resettlement rates in each of the given planning conditions
ENHANCING SOLAR STEAM GENERATION USING OXIDATION OF CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS: EXPANDED GRAPHITE AND AEROGELS
No full textThe growing global demand for sustainable clean water solutions has intensified research into solar-driven interfacial evaporation (SDIE) systems. This work investigates the photothermal performance of expanded graphite (EG)-based materials modified via hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) oxidation and noncovalent functionalization with 1-pyrenebutyric acid (PBA) for enhanced solar steam generation. A double-layer architecture, comprising a photothermal top layer (expanded graphite or aerogel based) and a thermally insulating carbon foam substrate, was employed to promote heat localization and efficient water delivery.Surface treatments were designed to improve water affinity while preserving the structural integrity of the graphitic framework. H₂O₂ treatment introduced oxygen-containing groups, while PBA functionalization leveraged π–π stacking to achieve surface carboxylation. Material characterization using SEM, XPS, and XRD confirmed successful surface modification without disrupting the lattice structure. Photothermal testing under 1 sun illumination revealed that untreated EG achieved an evaporation rate of 0.97 kg/m²·h. In comparison, H₂O₂-treated EG reached 1.26 kg/m²·h (78.72% efficiency), while PBA-EG achieved 1.3 kg/m²·h (81.61% efficiency), demonstrating the role of tailored surface chemistry in enhancing water uptake and thermal confinement. Additionally, GO-aerogel and GnP/GO aerogel-based configuration were explored for their lightweight and porous structure, though performance was moderate which was limited by their structural stability and interfacial coupling. The GO-aerogel showed an evaporation rate of 1.12 kg/m²·h, while the GO-GnP aerogel showed an evaporation rate of 1.22 kg/m².h, respectively. Furthermore, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Raman analyses showed that the PBA treated EG has a high C/O ratio of 9.48 and low Raman ID/IG ratio of 0.037 so it has very low structural defects. The study also explored the thickness effect on the evaporation rate and the overall efficiency, and we found that certain optimum thickness of solar absorber is necessary to have a better performance. These findings highlight the potential of low-cost, surface engineered EG as a scalable photothermal material, and provide insight into design strategies for solar driven interfacial systems
Exploring the Antecedents and Outcomes of the Perceived Ethicality of Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace
No full textAs the implementation of AI within organizations increases, concerns have emergedabout the ethicality of AI-driven systems and tools and the ways people use them. Although previous literature has proposed numerous theories regarding how to develop and use AI ethically, the question remains of how individuals perceive the ethicality of AI and the effects this has on their engagement with AI tools. The study aims to explore whether and how certain perceptions of AI tool attributes, including explainability of AI (xAI) and moral intensity dimensions (i.e., magnitude of consequences and proximity), influence perceptions of AI ethicality. Additionally, the present study investigates the outcomes of perceptions of the ethicality of AI on the likelihood to recommend AI tools and functionality trust in AI. Analyses of covariance and mediation analysis evaluated the proposed model alongside qualitative supplemental analyses. Perceived ethicality of the AI tool significantly mediated the relationship between xAI and likelihood to recommend the AI tool, whereas functionality trust in the AI tool significantly mediated the relationship between proximity and the likelihood to recommend the AI tool. The results produce implications relevant to how individuals perceive AI within organizations and behavioral intentions for using AI tools
SHEAR STRESS-INDUCED ALTERATIONS IN RED BLOOD CELL CALCIUM ACCUMULATION, MICROVESICLE FORMATION, AND DEFORMABILITY UNDER MECHANICAL CIRCULATORY SUPPORT CONDITIONS
No full textRed blood cells (RBCs) are susceptible to damage from mechanical forces, particularly shear stress, which can impair their function and lead to complications in patients supported by mechanical circulatory devices like heart pumps (LVADs & RVADs) and veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO). Calcium is a central focus of this work because increases in calcium within RBCs have been observed following both physiological and supraphysiological shear exposures and have been associated with decreased RBC deformability and microvesicle (MV) formation. When an RBC has impaired deformability, anemia may occur due to the inability of RBCs to traverse the slits in the spleen. Erythrocyte-derived microvesicles are known to be increased in MCS patients and have been linked to thrombosis and inflammation. This work investigates the effects of shear stress on RBC intracellular calcium accumulation, MV formation, and deformability under conditions relevant to mechanical circulatory support. In the first study, RBCs were exposed to varying shear durations (0 ms, 5 ms, and 10 ms) in microfluidic channels at a shear rate of 100,000 s-1. The microfluidic devices mimic medical devices in their high-shear stresses with short exposure times. Intracellular calcium levels, measured by flow cytometry using the calcium indicator Fluo-4, AM, showed a transient increase (160%) shortly after shear exposure that normalized within hours, suggesting an attempt to return to calcium homeostasis. Microvesicle formation did not change with exposure time in the microchannel, but decreased over time post-shear, potentially due to vesicle adhesion to cells or collection tubes, warranting further investigation. To further investigate the role of calcium in MV formation in conditions of shear stress, MV concentration was assessed in a CentriMag mock loop system, circulating bovine RBCs for 6 hours in media with and without calcium. This set-up allowed the cells to repeatedly experience the high shear areas of the CentriMag centrifugal pump at short, singular exposure times. Results demonstrated that CFSE-positive microvesicle production increased over six hours (214% in calcium media, 172% in no-calcium media) due to shear stress, independent of extracellular calcium presence. Plasma free hemoglobin (PFH) levels also rose steadily, indicating hemolysis driven primarily by mechanical stress rather than calcium-mediated processes. The third study evaluated deformability, PFH, and mean cell volume (MCV) in both bovine and human RBCs during prolonged circulation through the CentriMag pump. Deformability was relatively stable over time, but there was a detectable, significant impairment at 4.5 hours for bovine (10%) and 6 hours for human (9%). PFH levels increased consistently. Collectively, these findings emphasize how shear stress affects red blood cell integrity. Monitoring intracellular calcium, microvesicle formation, and deformability may help assess red blood cell damage in artificial organs, and this knowledge can guide the development of strategies to mitigate related complications
The influence of peak force, rate of force development, and countermovement jump metrics in Division II collegiate football players
Get PDFIntroduction: Sports performance has been a widely discussed subject as the need for athletes to be not only more efficient but safer in their training and testing. While alternative methods for determining athletic performance have been used, the ability to appropriately test the athlete’s peak force (PF) and rate of force development (RFD) can aid with the athlete’s development. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine the influence of PF and RFD (early and late) within collegiate level football athletes, and to see if these performance measurements relate to playing time and/or offensive and defensive roles. Additionally, the present study examined the potential relationships between isometric force, RFD, countermovement jump metrics, and strength (bench, squat, power clean) in collegiate football players. Methods: Thirty-eight male collegiate football athletes (mean ± SD: 20.37 ± 1.62 years, height 185.37 ± 5.04 cm, and weight 101.89 ± 20.13 kg) participated in the study. All testing procedures were completed on wireless dual force plates. The first test consisted of three countermovement jumps (CMJ) with hands on hips, fifteen to thirty seconds of rest between attempts. The second part of the testing procedure was the isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP). Participants were instructed to pull for three seconds, with three minutes of rest provided between the three attempts. Results: The present study observed significant differences with peak force, and peak force at certain time points of the force time curve, additionally there were differences seen for early RFD when comparing positions (line, big skill, skill). Specifically, line and big skill had greater PF and force at all time points compared to skill players (p = <0.001 – 0.028). Lineman had greater PF compared to big skill (p = 0.020). For rate of force development, differences were only seen for early RFD (RFD 0-50 ms), where big skill had greater RFD50 compared to line and skill (p = 0.006 - 0.029). For the countermovement jump, jump height, average and peak velocity were greater for skill compared to line (p = 0.017 – 0.018), average power was greater for line vs. skill (p = 0.006) and peak power were greater for line and big skill compared to skill (p = <0.001 – 0.025). No differences were seen for any variables when comparing the offense vs. defense (p = 0.244 - 0.954). No differences were observed for any variable when comparing starters vs. non-starters (p = 0.167 – 0.757). No differences were seen for lower vs. upperclassmen (p = 0.490 – 0.995). Significant correlations were seen for strength and all force values (PF – PF250) (r = 0.490 – 0.947). For strength and RFD, RFD200 saw a significant correlation for the power clean (r = 0.348), RFD 250 had a significant correlation for bench press and power clean (r = 0.364 - 0.592). For maximum strength and countermovement jump metrics, significant correlations were observed for the strength with AP and PP (r = 0.695 – 0.769, p = <0.001). There were significant positive correlations for CMJH and the velocity variables (r = 0.877 – 0.998, p = <0.001). No differences were observed for power and CMJH (r = 0.257 – 0.258, p = 0.129 – 0.131). Discussion: The aim of the present study was to examine the relationships between field tests and one repetition maximum strength for squat, bench press, and power clean. Additionally, another aim of the study was to determine the influence of PF and RFD on performance measurements between starters and non-starters, and offense vs. defense and lower vs. upperclassmen. Determining these aspects can help to further evaluate the athlete and make progressions accordingly. The main findings saw positive correlations with maximal strength values and force development (PF – PF250), correlations of bench press and power clean with RFD200, and RFD250, and positive correlations with strength values and average and peak power from the CMJH. Furthermore, for the IMTP, no differences were observed between playing status (starter vs. non-starter) or position (offense vs. defense), or class (under vs. upper). However, when breaking the groups down into position (line, big skill, skill) lineman and big skill players showed to have higher values of force production compared to skill players. Additionally, big skill players had better early RFD compared to other positions, and skill players possessing greater jump height and velocity compared to lineman
Voluntary sex work and stigma in the United States
Get PDFThis study explores voluntary sex work in the United States with three chapters exploring sex work in Oklahoma in the early 20th century in Hell’s Half Acre, midcentury in Tulsa, and the current sex work hotspots in metropolitan Oklahoma City. This study emphasizes voluntary sex work in which a human being chooses sex work to differentiate it from forced sex work, such as a husband forcing his wife into sex work, or forced human trafficking, such as being kidnapped, drugged, and forced into this industry. The stigma surrounding sex work has not diminished over time. However, it now constitutes a type of civil death for the sex worker, yet the stigma for the sex client has decreased over time. This study also examines how societal stigma has impacted sex workers in Oklahoma by exploring the trends in the early 20th century and modern sex practices in Oklahoma. I argue that sex work and stigma have deep roots in Oklahoma that have contributed to the country’s stigma due to the Moral Purity Movement that originated in the southern United States. Oklahoma’s statehood condition of prohibiting alcohol, and by extension, sex work, also influenced the rest of the United States that these prohibitions were necessary to preserve moral values and to drive away these vices and disregard sex workers as human beings