Open Research Oklahoma (Oklahoma State Univ.)
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Adoption of virtual fencing technology in natural resource management: Opportunities for wildlife habitat and rangeland health
No full textThe use of virtual fences (VF) as a method for managing livestock has been gaining interest in various management applications as well as improving practicality and effectiveness. VFs allow livestock managers to plan virtual boundaries through GPS functions on devices that give auditory and electrical cues to keep livestock from crossing into unwanted areas. There are many potential applications of this technology, which have been the focus of many studies, most of which discuss VF effectiveness for livestock retention for those practices. Despite this available knowledge, there is still much to learn about the specific effects of implementing VFs on livestock behavior as well as ecological processes and systems. The projects in this thesis aim to evaluate and quantify cattle and vegetation responses using collar GPS data to monitor distribution and multispectral imagery collected via unoccupied aerial systems (UAS) to assess changes in grazing vegetation. Analysis of cattle GPS points found that cattle distributed less within a VF enclosure than within a physical enclosure. Analysis of structure-from-motion and vegetation index models created from the UAS imagery reveals increased heterogeneity and vegetation biomass in sites implementing the use of VF technology. These results can be used to inform researchers, managers, and landowners of improved methods for the implementation of VF technology and how it may be used for habitat management and conservation
Social acceptance of carbon-based forest management on marginal land by non-industrial private landowners in Oklahoma
No full textCarbon-based forest management on marginal land is a promising strategy for sequestering substantial amounts of atmospheric carbon. In the United States, a significant portion of marginal land is owned by Non-Industrial Private (NIP) landowners, making their participation critical to the success of carbon sequestration initiatives. This study aimed to provide empirical evidence on both the economic and behavioral dimensions that influenced NIP landowners’ willingness to adopt carbon-based forest management practices. To achieve these objectives, a survey targeting NIP landowners in Oklahoma was conducted. A multinomial logit model was employed to identify factors influencing the mean willingness to accept (MWTA) compensation for enrolling marginal land in carbon-based forest management. The results indicated that a one dollar increase in payment was associated with a 0.28% increase in the probability of enrollment, and the MWTA was estimated at $63.31 per acre per year. Key determinants that positively influenced enrollment included the areas of forestland acres owned, monetary amount, and employment status, while age had a significantly negative association with MWTA. To further examine the psychological and motivational components of behavioral intention, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was applied based on the extended Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). The analysis showed that subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and extrinsic factors, particularly information seeking related to financial benefits, had significant positive effects on behavioral intention. However, attitude did not have a direct significant effect. These findings underscored the importance of aligning carbon policy initiatives with landowners’ values and informational needs. Providing targeted training and workshops on the financial and environmental benefits of carbon-based forest management could have strengthened behavioral intention and increased participation. Effective communication and outreach are essential for enhancing enrollment and fostering long-term engagement in carbon sequestration efforts on private marginal lands
“My body wasn’t mine”: The impact of purity culture ideals on body image
No full textRecent research seeks to understand how purity culture impacts mental health; however, this research is currently limited, and to the researcher’s knowledge, no studies have examined how purity culture impacts body image. The current study seeks to address this gap in the literature. The researcher examined individual interview data from 12 adults (20-48 years, M = 29.75 years, SD = 9.59) from across the United States of America who self-identify as having left a Christian church. Using critical constructivist grounded theory, the researcher emphasizes the experiences of the participants both within the church and outside of it. The participants described diverse experiences of purity culture and how it impacts their experiences of their bodies, and these experiences can be understood through the following themes: (a) physical bodies, (b) sexuality, (c) LGBTQ+ identities, and (d) social spaces. These findings reveal the unique adverse influences of purity culture and the benefits that can be experiences outside of Christian spaces. The researcher discusses implications for practice and training
Deciphering paleoceanographic signals: Mg/Ca variability, calcite preservation, and morphometric trends in benthic foraminifera
No full textThe use of foraminiferal proxies in paleoceanographic research is critical for reconstructing past ocean conditions and understanding Earth's climate history. However, the reliability of these proxies is influenced by several factors, including complexities in geochemical signals, diagenetic alteration, and environmental conditions. This study addresses these complexities through the investigation of Mg/Ca ratios in benthic foraminifera, the development of a novel method for assessing calcite preservation, and the examination of morphological responses in benthic foraminifera to the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM). Laser Ablation Mass-Spectroscopy (LA-ICP-MS) based Mg/Ca measurements in Cibicidoides wuellerstorfi and Uvigerina peregrina reveal significant intra- and inter-test variability, challenging the assumption of proxy consistency across spatial and temporal scales. This variability underscores the difficulty in disentangling the influence of complex environmental factors on Mg/Ca ratios, indicating that temperature is not the sole determinant of Mg/Ca variability. To address the potential effects of diagenetic alteration on foraminiferal based geochemical proxies, a novel method using micro-CT is introduced to assess calcite preservation in foraminiferal tests. By quantifying diagenetic alteration and sediment infill at the individual test level, this technique enhances the reliability of geochemical datasets. The study further utilizes micro-CT to examine benthic foraminiferal responses to the PETM, analyzing changes in reproductive strategies and test morphology. Results indicate that shifts in reproductive modes and proloculus size correlate with environmental stressors such as oxygen depletion and reduced food availability. Unexpected increases in test volumes in some of the studied genera points to the complex interplay of conditions and stressors during the sudden changes of the PETM. Internal dissolution patterns observed in the Micro-CT scans also reflect the dynamics of the carbonate compensation depth (CCD) during the period. This work highlights the importance of accounting for heterogeneity, diagenetic alteration, and environmental influences in paleoceanographic reconstructions
Computational studies of biomolecules to explore potential therapeutics for COVID-19 and SAMD9- associated diseases
No full textThe COVID-19 pandemic phase caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus is over. However, emergence of new variants continues to threaten public health. Various therapeutics that target proteins of the virus have been studied, which have shown some degree of success. Advancements in computational methods have offered an excellent opportunity to explore biological macromolecule conformations, functions, and pathogenesis. Therefore, an in silico molecular docking and dynamics approach were used to search for interactions of 26 flexible heteroarotinoids, which are a class of anti-cancer compounds, as potential inhibitors against all 24 SARS-CoV-2 proteins. Of the 624 docked complexes, 69 displayed binding energies between –9.0 to –11.6 kcal/mol, indicating good to strong binding affinities with a binding constant Kᴰ of 100 to 1 nmol. Based on the docking results, at least 5 of these compounds displayed excellent binding affinities against non-structural protein 2, papain-like protease, non-structural protein 4, proof-reading exoribonuclease, membrane protein, and nucleocapsid protein. These proteins are functionally significant in the virus life cycle, making them prospective molecular targets for therapeutics. Structure–activity relationships (SARs) analysis of these results revealed that a urea linker in place of a thiourea linker, enhanced hydrophobic side chains attached to the chromane unit, and a CF₃ or OCF₃ functional group attached to the benzene ring contribute to increased binding affinities. Further, molecular dynamics simulation showed that complexes of compound FHT18-6c with non-structural protein 4 and nucleocapsid protein remained stable for at least 200 ns, leading to decreased structural fluctuations and increased compactness of the binding site. Additionally, computational docking analysis was carried out for the C-terminal dimerization domain of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein and SHetA2, the parent compound of flexible heteroarotinoids. The functionally important residues involved in the docking interactions aligned with the results obtained using ¹⁵N-HSQC NMR titration experiment, which supports the computational results. Therefore, these top hits deserve further studies to explore the potential of repurposing and developing a potent multi-target drug candidate to combat COVID-19.
SAMD9 acts as an antiviral and antiproliferative factor. However, mutations in SAMD9 are responsible for several diseases like MIRAGE syndrome, bone marrow failure, and immunodeficiency. Molecular modeling, docking, and dynamics simulation studies were carried out for the SAMD9 effector domain to study its interaction with double-stranded nucleic acid and salvianolic acid B for possible therapeutic strategies
Adverse childhood experiences, body-oriented dissatisfaction, and exercise study (ACE-bodies)
No full textBody dissatisfaction is a pervasive construct that impacts individuals of all ages and genders and is accompanied by a myriad of maladaptive eating and exercise behaviors. The thin-ideal has remained the prominent focus of the current literature, neglecting other forms of body dissatisfaction, such as a dissatisfaction with muscularity and leanness. Childhood adversity has emerged as a significant predictor of body dissatisfaction, generally. The goal of this dissertation is to investigate the relationship between ACEs, different forms, of body dissatisfaction, and associated outcomes. Participants included 709 undergraduate students from a southern university who completed an online self-report survey. Covariates for all study analyses included: age, gender, race/ethnicity, education, self-reported BMI, and experiences of discrimination. Results of multiple hierarchical linear regressions revealed that higher ACE scores were associated with a higher drive for thinness (DFT; β = .091, p = .018). Higher abuse-type ACE scores were positively associated with higher DFT scores (β = .079, p = .031), while higher neglect-type ACE scores were negatively associated with the drive for muscularity (DFM; β = -.091, p = .025). Hierarchical linear regressions were conducted to assess the association between different forms of body dissatisfaction and exercise motives. The DFT and drive for leanness (DFL) were positively associated with appearance (DFT: β = .675, p < .001; DFL: β = .471, p < .001) and functional motives for exercise (DFT: β = .155, p < .001; DFL: β = .412, p < .001). The DFM was negatively associated with appearance (β = -.178, p < .001) and functional motives (β = -.349, p < .001). All key study variables were examined as potential predictors of compulsive exercise behaviors. The DFT (β = .600, p < .001) and DFL (β = .490, p < .001) were positively associated with compulsive exercise scores. Conversely, there was a negative association between the DFM and compulsive exercise (β = -.311, p < .001). Additionally, both appearance- (β = .754, p < .001), and function-based motives for exercise (β = .497, p < .001) were positively associated with compulsive exercise. Future research should be conducted to examine potential mechanisms that may explain the relationships between ACEs, body dissatisfaction, and related consequences
Residual herbicide performance in dicamba-tolerant soybean
No full textThis thesis is composed of two research studies: the first investigates the performance of residual herbicides in dicamba-tolerant soybean, and the second explores how simulated rainfall at different intervals influences herbicide activation. These findings contribute to a better understanding of residual herbicide performance under different environmental conditions
Effect of supplemental protein degradability on nitrogen metabolism and performance of beef steers grazing dormant tallgrass prairie
No full textProtein is often the first nutrient that is limited in diets of growing calves on low quality forage diets. Therefore, nitrogen utilization is vital to optimize nutrition of beef calves grazing dormant native range. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of supplements containing low or high proportions of rumen degradable protein (RDP) on nitrogen utilization while cattle were grazing dormant tallgrass prairie. Twenty-three Angus steers (328 ± 27.8 kg) were allowed unlimited access to a prairie grass pasture (7.7 ha)for 85 days. Steers were randomly assigned to either a high RDP (71.5 % RDP), or low RDP (41.1% RDP) supplement at 6.36 kg/week prorated for feeding three times weekly. Supplements consisted of mainly soybean meal for the high RDP supplement and wheat middlings, and corn gluten meal for the low RDP supplements. Steers were gathered at 0800 each Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, placed into individual feeding stations and provided their respective supplement before returning to pasture. Blood and fecal samples were collected on days 0, 42, 63, and 84. Fecal samples were serially collected on day 46 to 50 and day 67 to 71 in 4-hour increments to measure passage rate and fecal output using titanium dioxide as a pulse dosed external marker. Forage masticate samples were collected on d 50 and day 71 following rumen evacuation of a ruminally cannulated steer grazing with steers on trial. Body weights (BW) were collected full with no previous shrink on days 0, 1, 29, 42, 63, 84, and 85 for performance measurements. Data were analyzed as a completely random design experiment using the mixed models procedure of SAS (SAS Inst. Inc., Cary NC) with treatment as the fixed effect and steer the experimental unit. The low RDP treatment group was 27 kg heavier (P = 0.03) than the high RDP treatment group steers at the conclusion of the study. Steers fed a low RDP supplement while grazing dormant range recycled adequate protein to meet supplementation requirements and improve performance compared with the high RDP supplement. While showing no differences in nitrogen excretion between the two treatment group
Association between maternal depression and child nutritional status: A cross-sectional study of adolescent mothers and their children in Ghana
No full textBackground: Childhood malnutrition is a major global public health issue, contributing to half of all deaths in children under five years of age. Adolescent mothers face social, biological, and economic challenges that increase their risk for depression. While maternal depression may impact child growth, limited studies have examined this association among adolescent mothers and their children. This study examined the association between maternal depression and child growth status indicators among adolescent mothers and their children in Ghana.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from June to November 2022 among 203 adolescent mother-child pairs (mothers aged 12-19, children aged <5) in Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana. We collected socio-demographic information and assessed maternal depressive symptoms, using validated tools. Child weight and height were measured and converted to z-scores using the WHO Anthro software and classified as stunted, underweight or wasted if height-for-age (HAZ), weight-for-age (WAZ) or weight-for-height (WHZ) z-scores were < -2SD, respectively. Multiple linear and logistic regression were used to test the association between depressive symptom scores and child growth indicators, adjusting for covariates.
Results: The mean (±SD) age of mothers and their children was 17.8 ±1.1 years and 11.1 ±9.6 months, respectively. Nearly half (47.8%) of mothers reported depressive symptoms. Nearly one in four (24.1%) children were stunted, 17.7% were underweight and 8.9% were wasted. There were no significant associations between maternal depressive symptom scores and continuous (HAZ, WAZ, WHZ) and binary (stunting, underweight, and wasting) child growth indicators.
Conclusion: Although no significant associations were observed between maternal depressive symptoms and child growth indicators, future research should investigate the determinants of depressive symptoms among adolescent mothers given the high prevalence observed. Studies should investigate other factors influencing child growth in this population, considering the lack of direct association with maternal depressive symptoms
Impact of FRP rebar and fiber on concrete cracking
No full textThis research explores two key strategies to reduce durability issues. The first part of the study investigates the impact of the shape and texture of Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) rebars to resist cracking in concrete. FRP rebars were tested using the split beam test and crack widths at different loads were compared for seven different types of FRP rebars and one steel rebar with a diameter of 10 mm and 13 mm. The performance of the FRP bars varied based on the shape and texture of the rebar. FRP rebars with deformations that are wider, with a greater height, and more surface roughness performed the best. One FRP rebar reduced crack widths at service loads by 30% compared to a steel rebar because of improvements in the shape of the FRP bar despite the FRP bar having an elastic modulus three times lower than the steel rebar. Other FRP with less desirable shape exhibited crack widths that are 70% larger than a steel rebar. This shows that the bonding created by rebar with improved shape and texture is more important than the rebar stiffness to reduce cracking in concrete. Next, the second part of the study quantifies the cracking and finishability of fiber reinforced concrete with the split beam test and the float test. Nine different macro synthetic fibers were tested at dosages of 0.25%, 0.5% and 0.75% by volume and three different steel fibers were tested at dosages of 0.25%, 0.33% and 0.5% by volume. The investigation shows that the fibers can reduce the crack width by up to 80% compared to the control sample that only has rebar. The findings also indicate that the crack reduction depends on the fiber dosage, material type, fiber length and surface texture. Polypropylene fibers and steel fibers with a smooth surface and sufficient fiber length showed superior performance. The study also highlights that high fiber dosage may reduce cracking but can compromise the finishability of the concrete. This suggests that a lower fiber dosage of 0.25% and 0.5% provides improved cracking and satisfactory finishability. Together, these studies provide valuable insights to optimize the fiber and FRP selection for concrete and help engineers to improve the durability and constructability of concrete structures