Open Research Oklahoma (Oklahoma State Univ.)
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Seasonal variation in herptile use of Oklahoma Ozark glades
No full textGlades are arid, rocky openings in woodlands characterized by shallow soil, little tree cover, drought-tolerant grasses, and forbs commonly found in prairies. However, recent decades of fire suppression and over-grazing has allowed Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana), a shallow soil specialist, to persist in these areas subsequently increasing the overall tree cover and degrading the habitat. Other studies found that glades allow species typically only found in more western or southern areas to persist in the Ozarks, such as the eastern collared lizard (Crotaphytus collaris collaris) and greater roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus). In other Ozark states, such as Missouri and Arkansas, an inventory of species that use glades and their importance has been well documented. While there are likely many glades within Oklahoma’s Ozarks, much less is known about them. The study's main objective is to better understand Oklahoma Ozark glades, and for this project specifically, we are focusing on the degree of reptile and amphibian use in winter. An array of herptiles are known to inhabit these systems, however little is known on a temporal scale for the state of Oklahoma. The lack of tree cover and leaf litter allow glades to produce higher daily temperatures than surrounding systems through direct penetration of solar energy into the shallow soil and bedrock year-round. This could mean glades provide more opportunities for thermoregulation in cooler months. Additionally, the abundance of natural refugia makes these systems an important resource for herptiles. We will use data collected between April 2023 – March 2024 from 11 glades at 4 sites in the Ozark Highlands ecoregion of Oklahoma to observe potential seasonal differences in herptile presence on glades. Overall, we expect to find more reptiles utilizing glades than amphibians due to the arid conditions. However, we predict the use of glade habitats to stay consistent with little seasonal variation.Research Experience for UndergraduatesNatural Resource Ecology and Managemen
Microbiome-based approaches to mitigate coccidiosis and necrotic enteritis in chickens
Get PDFCoccidiosis and necrotic enteritis (NE), caused by Eimeria and Clostridium perfringens respectively, are two most economically significant poultry diseases managed traditionally by antibiotics. However, a rise in antibiotic resistance has led to a ban of in-feed antibiotics in livestock and poultry production in a growing number of countries. Consequently, alternative strategies to mitigate coccidiosis and NE are urgently needed. Manipulating the intestinal microbiome presents a promising approach. This dissertation encompasses three studies aimed at investigating the intestinal microbiota alterations in broiler chickens in response to coccidiosis and NE and further evaluating the feasibility of microbiota transplantation for NE mitigation.
In the first study, we examined the dynamic changes in both the ileal and cecal intestinal microbiomes following Eimeria maxima infection over a 14-day period. E. maxima infection was found to trigger intestinal dysbiosis coinciding with the Eimeria life cycle. Minimal changes in the gut microbiota were observed during early infection (0-3 days post-infection, dpi), whereas significant alterations occurred during acute infection (5-7 dpi). Upon recovery (10-14 dpi), the gut microbiota tended to revert to a healthy state. Major short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria, such as Faecalibacterium, were suppressed by E. maxima in the cecum. Opportunistic pathogens, such as Escherichia, were significantly enriched in the ileum during acute infection.
The second study aimed to elucidate the individual impacts of E. maxima and C. perfringens on NE-mediated alterations in intestinal microbiota composition and function. Our findings indicate that the substantial changes in the intestinal microbiota of NE-infected chickens result from the combined effects of both E. maxima and C. perfringens, with E. maxima playing a more pronounced role. Moreover, NE infection significantly enriched bacterial genes involved in C. perfringens toxin production, biofilm formation, and lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis. Notably, evident intestinal dysbiosis was observed at 5 days post-infection (dpi) with E. maxima, while more severe dysbiosis occurred in chickens co-infected with both E. maxima and C. perfringens, with the most drastic changes observed at 3 dpi.
In the third study, we compared the intestinal microbiota of two highly inbred chicken lines, Fayoumi M5.1 (FM5.1) and Leghorn line Ghs6, as well as Cobb broiler chickens, under both healthy and NE conditions. A significant number of differentially enriched bacterial taxa were identified. We also investigated the efficacy of cecal microbiota transplantation (CMT) from FM5.1, Ghs6, and Cobb chickens in protecting newly hatched Cobb chickens from experimental NE. The results revealed that the cecal microbiota from FM5.1 chickens provided the most protection against NE.
Collectively, these findings will provide important leads for the development of novel microbiota-based diagnostic or therapeutic approaches for the control and prevention of coccidiosis and NE in poultry
Strategies for supporting teen pregnancy in Tulsa County
No full textThis thesis examines strategies for supporting teen pregnancy in Tulsa County, Oklahoma. The study analyzes teen birth rate trends, explores cultural and societal factors impacting adolescent pregnancy, and identifies targeted approaches to help support efforts to improve outcomes for expectant and parenting teens. The key findings of this study include the recognition of the pervasiveness of adolescent pregnancy within the State and County. It details the increased prevalence of health risk, lower educational attainments, and long-term socioeconomic challenges faced by pregnant adolescents. The research investigates the systemic inequities, cultural influences, and barriers that affect outcomes of expectant and parenting teens in Tulsa County. This study also evaluates existing programs and evidence-based interventions to better support this population. The aim of this thesis is to inform future interventions and program expansions to promote positive outcomes for parenting teens, their children, families, and communities in Tulsa County
Coming to terms
No full textThis is a creative-nonfiction essay about the relations between myself and my mentally ill mother. It is written in the braided essay format with the overarching story being from the time I was 21 and becoming newly acquainted with my mother, which alternates with memories from my youth pertaining to my mother. This narrative is meant to be an introduction to a larger work, which will tell of my time as an adult who takes care of his mother
Empowering reintegration: Evaluating correctional officer’s perspectives on utilizing STEM curriculums in environmental design for female halfway house inmates
No full textIn recent years, the United States has seen over 650,000 individuals annually released from correctional facilities, with a significant portion, approximately 430,000, finding themselves back behind bars (National Institute of Justice & Durose, 2021). Oklahoma, noted for having one of the highest rates of female incarceration nationally (George Kaiser Family Foundation, 2024), presents a backdrop for the exploration of innovative reentry support procedures. Despite the existing literature on successful reentry, limited attention has been paid to the potential of STEM and design-based interventions to bolster self-efficacy among those transitioning from halfway houses back into society. Addressing this oversight, this study develops a needs assessment survey tailored for staff within correctional facilities, aiming to explore the effectiveness of a curriculum that combines STEM education with spatial design principles. Central to this curriculum is the concept of biophilic design Which when applied to not only personal space but as well as educational contexts, fosters an atmosphere that is both more engaging and nurturing (Peters & D’Penna, 2020). A curriculum was developed comprising three innovative modules on biophilia, 3D modeling, computer technology, and STEM careers, and was distributed among 100 correctional facility personnel, followed by a post-intervention survey to assess their perceptions upon potential shifts in behavior, focus, and productivity among female halfway house residents. This investigation, grounded in social cognitive theory, employs a mixed-methods analysis combining quantitative data with qualitative analysis. Employing descriptive statistics, correlations and finding themes within open-ended survey questions, preliminary results validate two of the three hypotheses which suggest that the data provides evidence for some of the predictions but not for others. The predictions were that through STEM education, enriched with biophilic design elements, correctional facility staff would perceive the curriculum to elevate self-efficacy in individuals reentering society, thus positively influencing their behavior, productivity, and focus. This integration not only enhances the educational experience but also promotes creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, fostering an appreciation for the environment. Through this study, the aim to contribute to the enhancement of reentry strategies, can ultimately benefit both individuals and society by facilitating smoother transitions back into the community
Fitting garments [superseded]
No full textThe Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service periodically issues revisions to its publications. The most current edition is made available. For access to an earlier edition, if available for this title, please contact the Oklahoma State University Library Archives by email at [email protected] or by phone at 405-744-6311
Tasty salads for good meals
No full textThe Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service periodically issues revisions to its publications. The most current edition is made available. For access to an earlier edition, if available for this title, please contact the Oklahoma State University Library Archives by email at [email protected] or by phone at 405-744-6311
Divergent findings in bone mineral density and stress fracture incidence in Division I runners
No full textIntroduction: Regular engagement in bone-loading physical activity is associated with increased bone mineral density (BMD) and reduced fracture risk. However, previous research suggests that cross country and track and field (XC+T&F) athletes demonstrate reduced BMD and report higher stress fracture (SFx) incidence compared to athletes competing in other weight-bearing sports. Purpose: First is to compare Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) derived bone measures and key factors that influence bone remodeling between XC+T&F athletes and physically active, nonathlete Controls and within XC+T&F athletes based on SFx history. Secondly is to quantify the degree to which BMD or other factors are associated with SFx risk within XC+T&F athletes using predictive regression modeling. Methods: Forty-seven Division I XC+T&F and thirty Controls completed DXA scans, and training, injury, menstrual, sleep, and dietary questionnaires. Independent t-tests and chi-square tests were performed between XC+T&F and Controls and within XC+T&F based on SFx history (Yes SFx n=18; No SFx n=29). Cohen’s effect sizes (d) were calculated and α<0.05. Pearson’s and Spearman’s correlation coefficients were used to inform independent variable suitability for logistic regression modeling to predict athletes’ SFx history. Results: XC+T&F and Controls were equivalent for age, height, body mass, body mass index, and sleep and dietary quality (all p≥0.089), but XC+T&F reported significantly greater SFx incidence, BMD Z-Scores, and percent lean body mass (LM%) (all p≤0.023). Within XC+T&F, SFx groups were equivalent for all anthropometrics, total body BMD Z-Score, LM%, training metrics, and sleep quality (all p≥0.286). However, XC+T&F athletes with history of SFx had better Healthy Eating Index (HEI) scores (p=0.007) and consumed significantly fewer calories per day (p=0.04). Logistic regression modeling revealed that HEI Score and daily caloric intake were the best predictors of athletes that sustained SFx, correctly predicting SFx athletes 64% of the time. Conclusion: Dietary restriction was associated with SFx incidence, independent of body composition or bone health metrics. These data suggest that many standard tools used to identify SFx risk in this cohort may lack sensitivity and more comprehensive screening tools are needed. This further supports the recent expansion of the relative energy deficiency in sport initiative
Experimental evaluation of fluid flow and heat transfer in dual fracture enhanced geothermal system
No full textThe solidified and crystallized magma in the earth’s crust forms igneous rocks such as gabbro, diorite, and granite. Depending on the depth and geological age, the temperature of these formations is relatively high, and thus, they contain a considerable amount of thermal energy. These formations are often nearly impermeable and contain little to no pore fluid. However, they are brittle and can be stimulated by hydraulic fracturing to gain permeability. The stimulated igneous formations that contain a large amount of thermal energy are considered enhanced geothermal reservoirs. Extracting thermal energy from enhanced geothermal reservoirs requires the presence of a geothermal working fluid. Water is the most common geothermal fluid with excellent specific heat capacity; however, the hydraulic properties of water can create undesirable fast paths through large fractures from an injection well to a production well. This phenomenon will reduce the enhanced geothermal reservoir's heat extraction efficiency and sustainability over time. This research aims to experimentally investigate the coupled thermo-hydro mechanical fluid flow in an enhanced geothermal system (EGS). Specifically, flow distribution in a simplified dual fracture system is investigated for different fluids. A new geothermal working fluid is produced to enhance thermal energy extraction using an ionic liquid, deep eutectic solvent (DES). A novel experimental design is constructed to address the research objectives consisting of two different-sized fractures. Granite rock samples simulate fluid flow in EGS systems, where the experimental design can independently vary each fracture temperature to investigate geothermal short-circuiting. The research results show that the 66% DES concentration has a significantly higher pressure drop than water for all temperature and flow rates. In dual fracture configuration, the fluid maintains its maximum temperature for a longer duration with DES with 66% concentration. Water showed the highest fluid temperature extraction compared to DES concentrations
Failed cotton herbicide rotation restrictions to sorghum in Oklahoma
No full textThe Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service periodically issues revisions to its publications. The most current edition is made available. For access to an earlier edition, if available for this title, please contact the Oklahoma State University Library Archives by email at [email protected] or by phone at 405-744-6311