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229E- and NL63-like coronaviruses in phyllostomid bats, Belize
Get PDFFinancial support was provided by the University of Oklahoma Libraries' Open Access Fund.Coronaviruses (CoVs) are a diverse group of RNA viruses that infect a broad range of hosts, including many bat species. The emergence of several CoVs, specifically α-CoVs and β-coVs causing significant human and domestic animal diseases, has been linked to bats. Characterizing the evolutionary relationships and host associations of bat-borne CoVs is crucial for understanding and mitigating zoonotic risks. While most bat CoV research has focused on the Eastern Hemisphere, the diversity of CoVs in Neotropical bats remains relatively understudied. Here, we report novel and previously identified α-CoV diversity in three phyllostomid bats (Desmodus rotundus, Carollia sowelli, and Sturnira parvidens) in Belize. Our analysis targeting the partial RNA-dependent RNA polymerase gene revealed varying prevalence (22.22 - 36.36 %) across these species. Our phylogenetic analysis suggests strong similarity between two Neotropical bat α-CoV lineages and human CoVs (229E and NL63), illustrating new evolutionary relationships compared to prior bat α-CoVs.Ye
MOVING BEYOND US VS. THEM: A CASE STUDY ON USING MULTICULTURAL PICTURE BOOKS IN UNIVERSITY CHINESE COURSE
Get PDFThis study explores the perceptions of Chinese as a Foreign Language (CFL) learners using multicultural picture books as Comprehensible Input (CI) for language acquisition and their influence on learners’ multicultural awareness. Drawing on Krashen’s Input Hypothesis and Optimal Input Hypothesis, as well as Nieto’s framework for multicultural education, this study fills a gap by integrating multicultural picture books into a university-level beginning CFL course to examine their instructional potential.A qualitative case study approach was employed, involving 12 CFL learners at a Southwestern university in the United States. Two research questions guided the study: “In what ways do CFL learners perceive the use of multicultural picture books as Comprehensible Input for their language acquisition?” and “In what ways do multicultural picture books influence CFL learners’ multicultural awareness?”. Data were collected through surveys, exit tickets, and journal reflections to explore learners’ perceptions of how multicultural picture books support language learning and their impact on multicultural awareness. Findings revealed that CFL learners perceived multicultural picture books as valuable instructional tools that provided contextualized, engaging, and visually supported input for language acquisition. Beyond language learning, multicultural picture books significantly influenced learners’ multicultural awareness, fostered a deeper understanding of cultural complexity, and broadened their perspectives in a multicultural world. These findings highlight the potential of multicultural picture books as instructional resources for both language and cultural education
Confucian Moral Impression Management: A Framework for Navigating Polarization and Incivility in Contemporary Society
No full textThis dissertation introduces and explores the concept of Confucian Moral Impression Management (CMIM) as a normative framework to address the challenges of social polarization and incivility in contemporary U.S. culture. It examines the detrimental effects of over-valuing and over-prioritizing “authenticity” in social interactions, which often leads to rigidity, rudeness, and hostility in discourse. Drawing from the philosophical insights of early Confucian philosophers, primarily Kongzi (Confucius) and Xunzi, and the sociological theories of Erving Goffman, this work argues for the development and cultivation of a “mindful” disposition that prioritizes pro-social behavior such as respect for social etiquette and trying to be empathetic and civil. A “mindful” individual is attentive to the moral implications of their self-presentations and strives to impress on others in a manner that is conducive to positive and harmonious social discourse. The first chapter introduces the concept of impression management and establishes its moral dimensions by integrating Confucian notions of li 禮 (social ritual and etiquette), shu 恕 (the “silver-rule” and empathy), and de 德 (a kind of influential moral “power”). The second chapter critiques the cultural emphasis on “authenticity” and its contribution to incivility, particularly in online interactions, advocating instead for the flexibility and adaptability central to CMIM. The final chapter presents a detailed guide to cultivating a mindful disposition and practicing CMIM through the Confucian virtues of zhong 忠 (loyalty to li and honest self-reflection) and shu, emphasizing the role of li in achieving harmonious interactions. By bridging classical Confucian philosophy with modern social challenges, this dissertation demonstrates how CMIM can help individuals navigate polarized environments, reduce hostility, and foster constructive, respectful discourse. It argues that self-cultivation and the intentional practice of moral impression management are essential for achieving social harmony and positive relationships in an increasingly divided world
WHAT GENE(S) SPECIFY EGG SIZE VARIATION AMONG DROSOPHILA SPECIES?
No full textThere exists great variation in egg morphology among Drosophila species. However, little is known about the mechanism(s) that specify egg shape and size of Drosophila. Some studies suggest that pre-embryonic gene expression might influence egg size variability. Drosophila sechellia is known to produce much larger eggs, and Drosophila sechellia is also known to produce fewer eggs compared to its sister species D. mauritiana, D. melanogaster, and D. simulans. This egg size difference presents an opportunity to leverage the arsenal of genetic tools available among these species to understand the molecular bases of egg size variation. Here, we study a collection of interspecific genetic introgression that have a mostly D. sechellia genomic background with a small segment of D. mauritiana genomic material. We collected, measured, and analyzed egg length data and discovered that 3Q1(A) was one of the three introgression lines had an effect on egg length size. 3Q1(A), produces much smaller eggs compared to D. sechellia pure species. To identify the gene(s) that causes these differences in egg length, we sequenced the genome of 3Q1(A) and compared it to the genomes of the parental D. sechellia and D. mauritiana lines used to create the introgression. We have identified the limits of the D. mauritiana genetic material within the 3Q1(A) introgression region and we have performed functional genetic tests of these candidates using resources available in D. melanogaster and identified genes that have an effect on egg length. We anticipate that our results will provide direction for future developmental studies of oogenesis among these species
Examining the Sensitivity of Tornadic Supercell Behavior on 27 April 2011 to the Background Environment Using Observation-Driven Simulations and MYRORSS Azimuthal Shear Analyses
No full textThe prolific 27–28 April 2011 tornado outbreak produced multiple rounds of tornadic supercells in four spatiotemporal regions. All of these regions exhibited extremely favorable environments, with small differences in thermodynamic and kinematic profiles and varying proximities to boundaries. This study uses multiple radar-based and environmental observations to inform high-resolution, 25-member numerical ensembles of five select supercells that formed in these regions. Storm Prediction Center surface objective analysis (SFCOA) profiles, RUC profiles blended with surface observations, are used in a base-state substitution technique to continuously nudge the simulated environments towards observations. A more gradual tendency nudging convection initiation technique is used to attempt to capture the mesocyclone development noted in MRMS-based azimuthal shear (AzShear) analyses. Individual ensemble members vary in the magnitude and duration of tendency nudging. This study provides insight into the effects of small changes in tendency nudging on simulated storms across different, albeit all extreme, environments. The resulting simulations are compared to AzShear analyses from the MYRORSS dataset and observed reflectivity fields to judge the performance of our combined tendency nudging and base-state substitution approach, evaluate how much of the observed storm evolutions may have been dependent on the background mesoscale environment, and assess the resulting predictability of the observed storm evolutions. The ensemble suites exhibit a diversity in storm outcomes. The successful simulations mature comparatively quickly, and represent observed storms that initiated at higher latitudes where low-level and deep-layer shear were maximized. The degree to which they emulate their observed counterparts varies, with the most realistic simulated supercells corresponding to the northernmost-initiating storms in the highest-shear environments. The unsuccessful suites, in which ensembles could not sustain organized convection after the cessation of the heating tendencies, have less humid mid- and upper-tropospheres. Several external, mesoscale features absent from the simulations are identified as playing a critical role in maintaining observed storms in environments that failed to sustain organized, simulated convection. These findings highlight a reliance of tornadic supercells on inhomogeneous influences (terrain, cell interactions, etc) during the 27 April 2011 super outbreak, and the limited predictability of similar high-impact events in the future
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF COMPETITIVE BALANCE INTERVENTIONS IN US BIG 4 SPORTS LEAGUES
No full textThis study examines the effectiveness of competitive balance interventions in the four major North American professional sports leagues (MLB, NFL, NBA, and NHL) from 1967 to 2023. Using multiple measures of competitive balance, including the Competitive Balance Ratio (CBR), Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI), Gini coefficient, and a Playoff Repeatability Index, the research employs two-way fixed effects panel regression models to analyze how revenue sharing, salary caps, salary floors, and luxury taxes affect league parity across different market contexts. Competitive balance has generally improved over the study period, coinciding with increased intervention implementation across leagues. However, intervention effectiveness is significantly moderated by market size variation, underscoring the importance of tailored approaches to competitive balance that consider each league's unique structural characteristics. These results provide valuable empirical evidence for leagues considering policy adjustments to promote parity while maintaining economic viability
Predicting Kidney Post-Transplantation Function from Optical Coherence Tomography Images Using Machine Learning Approaches
No full textDelayed graft function (DGF) is a major post-transplant complication in kidneyrecipients, particularly from deceased donors. This study investigates the effectiveness of machine learning approaches in predicting DGF using texture features extracted from optical coherence tomography (OCT) images, supplemented with Kidney Donor Profile Index (KDPI) scores. To address significant class imbalance between immediate graft function (IGF) and DGF, three strategies were evaluated: threshold optimization using the GHOST algorithm, data balancing via SMOTE-Tomek, and cost-sensitive learning (CSL). We demonstrate that classifiers trained on KDPI scores alone under- performed compared to those trained OCT images derived texture features. Classifiers trained on KDPI alone showed moderate improvements with GHOST, but incorporat- ing OCT-derived texture features significantly enhanced model performance across all classifiers. These findings underscore the utility of OCT imaging in assessing kidney allograft quality and predicting post-transplant outcomes, highlighting the potential of machine learning classifiers to estimate the risk of delayed graft function (DGF) in deceased donor kidneys prior to transplantation
Minutes of a Regular Meeting, The University of Oklahoma Board of Regents, Thursday and Friday, June 12-13, 2025
No full textEvaluating Supports for Autistic Populations in Postsecondary Education: A Synthesis of Extant Literature and a Single-Case Experimental Design
No full textAutistic individuals are enrolling in postsecondary education at increasing rates but continue to experience lower completion rates than their peers, often experiencing challenges including but not limited to social engagement, mental well-being, and sense of belonging. This dissertation includes three manuscripts. The first manuscript was a PRISMA-aligned, systematic review of 15 single-case experimental design (SCED) studies implementing interventions that targeted social, academic, and adaptive behaviors for autistic students enrolled in postsecondary education. Generally, positive outcomes were observed; however, the review revealed significant methodological variability and limitations across the literature, including inconsistent reporting and limited generalizability. Informed by the review, the second manuscript was a meta-analysis of 14 SCED studies to analyze the average effect and explore the heterogeneity. Results indicated a moderate-to-large average effect, albeit with significant heterogeneity. Moderator analyses revealed that intervention effects were stronger under certain, with evidence of potential publication bias identified in the analysis. Results of the meta-analysis guided the development of the third manuscript. A multiple baseline across participants design was implemented to evaluate the Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills for Young Adults (PEERS®-YA) intervention, using experience sampling methodology (ESM) to collect highly ecological daily data to assess the intervention’s effect on participants’ sense of belonging and overall positivity. Findings were inconclusive, with visual and statistical analyses not demonstrating a functional relation. However, both participants showed gains on pre-post measures of campus connectedness and reported high social validity for the program. Collectively, these studies indicate that while interventions for autistic undergraduates show promise, their effectiveness is variable. The dissertation underscores the importance of methodological rigor, the need for individualized supports, and the critical value of reporting null or inconclusive findings to build a more balanced and authentic evidence base
Developing a Framework for Evaluating Sources of Predictability for Extreme Events on Subseasonal Timescales in Southeast Asia & South America
No full textRising temperatures due to climate change are leading to an increase in extreme weather events, posing significant risks to vulnerable regions worldwide. These areas are already experiencing extreme precipitation, droughts, and floods, which threaten climate security and endanger lives and property. Subseasonal prediction can provide more timely information for effective climate adaptation strategies than short-term forecast with lead times of 1 - 2 weeks. This study aims to develop a framework, or generalizable methodology, for analyzing past extreme weather events and their predictability to improve subseasonal forecasts and make them more useful for organizations involved in disaster preparedness and climate security. These include international and national agencies such as the Global Water Security Center (GWSC), emergency management authorities, and local governments, organizations, and individuals in climate-sensitive regions. In this work, recent extreme weather events are analyzed, including extreme precipitation events that caused extensive flooding in Pakistan during 2022 and Peru in 2017 and 2023. Using ECMWF Reanalysis v5 (ERA5) and observational datasets, such as Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation with Station (CHIRPS) data, potential drivers and mechanisms behind these events are examined. NCAR Community Earth System Model Version 2 (CESM2) skill is used to understand how far in advance potentially useful information could have been provided to organizations like the GWSC to be translated to impacted countries. Further, a unique set of initialized prediction experiments from NCAR CESM2 with climatological initial conditions for different combinations of earth system components (e.g., land, ocean, and atmosphere) are used to identify which components contribute most to the occurrence and prediction of these events. These experiments are used as a springboard to analyze the drivers and mechanisms of these events. For the 2022 precipitation in Pakistan, atmospheric initial conditions contributed more to forecast skill in early July and August, while oceanic initial conditions had a greater influence in late July. These results provided a launching point for assessing potential drivers. Our findings indicate that anomalous easterly wind south of the Tibetan Plateau and an enhanced Somali Jet, both influenced by sea surface temperatures, were primary contributors to the 2022 Pakistan floods. Moisture flux analysis indicated that northward propagating monsoon surges were not primary drivers. In Peru, oceanic initial condition contribution to skill dominated supporting the role of Coastal El Niño as a potential driver of the precipitation for both 2017 and 2023. Predictive skill was limited for the 2017 Peru and 2022 Pakistan events, but skill improved significantly for the 2023 Peru event, with forecasts providing useful precipitation information up to 3 - 4 weeks in advance. These findings demonstrate the potential of targeted subseasonal forecasts to inform risk reduction efforts across diverse geographic regions