Open Research Oklahoma (Oklahoma State Univ.)
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Examining the cultural relevance of government-issued textbooks in Belizean primary schools
No full textResearch on the use of culturally relevant texts has shown the great benefits on students who are exposed to these types of texts (Feger, 2006; Ebe, 2010; Ebe, 2012; Delgado, 2021). Focus needs to be placed on the cultural backgrounds and experiences of the students so that they can become successful, and develop cultural competence and student critical consciousness (Ladson-Billings, 1992). To respond to this critical need in education, this qualitative study examined the cultural relevance of government-issued textbooks in Belizean primary schools. Specifically, the researcher analyzed the government-issued textbooks using a modified cultural relevance rubric to determine to what extent the textbooks reflect the cultural backgrounds of young Belizean learners. Additionally, the semiotic relationships between images and texts were examined to determine their impact on the cultural relevance of the three government-issued textbooks.
This qualitative research entailed extensive content analysis of textbooks, transcription of a focus group with the Belizean learners and their cumulative academic records that were obtained from their government school in the Orange Walk District. For this study, the researcher conceptualizes the use of culturally relevant texts as an instructional practice that coincides with culturally relevant pedagogy. In this study, culturally relevant textbooks (CRT) refer to textbooks that connect to the student's life experiences (Alanis, 2007).
The findings of this research revealed various degrees of cultural relevance when the textbooks were analyzed using the different cultural elements in the modified cultural relevance rubric. The textbooks also revealed the predominant use of the target culture through the use of the English language. Finally, the Language Arts and Science textbooks had predominantly iconic/symbolic illustrations, and the Mathematics textbook had more indexical illustrations. It is critical for all stakeholders to select textbooks that cater to the source culture and to plan and organize the curriculum around the learners’ cultural world (Capper, 2022). Future research should focus on how teachers ascertain the cultures of their students and how teachers can ensure that the textbooks and materials they use are culturally relevant
Phase field modeling of anisotropic grain growth using a Spherical-Gaussian-based 5-D computational approach
No full textStudies have shown that specific grain boundaries (GBs) greatly influence the properties of materials, indicating that material performance can be enhanced through deliberate GB engineering. Twin boundaries, for instance, have been found to significantly improve properties like corrosion resistance and electrical conductivity. Given that GBs exhibit five degrees of freedom for anisotropy and that current methods to incorporate both misorientation and inclination dependencies are either insufficient or complex to implement, there is a need for further research and advanced modeling techniques. In this study, a previously developed Spherical-Gaussian method is employed to incorporate 5-D anisotropy in two phase field models, originally developed by Moelans, referred to as the epsilon and gamma models. Orientations are assigned to individual grains using quaternions, which are then used to compute quaternion misorientations at each GB, driving ongoing mesoscale changes. To account for specific low-energy boundaries, such as twin boundaries, local minima or specific grain boundaries are stored in a minima library and used in the phase field models through a developed gaussian switch. The 2-D gaussian switches compare the system’s misorientations between pairs of grains to the list of minima misorientations, inducing a spherical-Gaussian effect that adjusts the GB energy to the desired value from a pre-specified base GB energy. This method allows GB energy to change dynamically as the GB plane and grain misorientations evolve. Simulations are performed using the Multiphysics Object-Oriented Simulation Environment (MOOSE) with both models. Results from bicrystal simulations across six different cases showed that the models could accurately reproduce validated GB energy, irrespective of initial conditions, as long as a library misorientation is recognized. Complex phenomena, such as faceting due to two minima near the GB typically observed at the atomistic scale, were also observed at the mesoscale with the improved models. Additional tricrystal simulations demonstrated significant variation from the isotropic model when anisotropy was introduced through GB energy alone, with only slight deviation when adding anisotropy through GB mobility, a trend noted in prior studies. The effective application of these models presents numerous opportunities for designing superior materials for industrial use
Effect of woody plant encroachment by eastern redcedar on prevalence of tick-borne pathogens and the role of birds in carrying ticks
No full textWoody plant encroachment (encroachment), the increase in cover, abundance, and biomass of trees and shrubs, is occurring throughout the world’s grassland and savanna ecosystems. In the U.S. Great Plains region, eastern redcedar (ERC), a native tree with invasive properties, is reflective of these worldwide trends, rapidly encroaching into grasslands regionwide. The spread of ERC, which occurs mainly due to fire suppression, affects entire ecosystems, including vectors, bird communities, and the ecology of vector-borne disease. In the ERC system, there are several unknown factors regarding how vectors, pathogens and hosts come together in a suitable environment (i.e. nidus of infection). To address this knowledge gap, we collected ticks from vegetation and tested ticks for infection of pathogens, including Rickettsia, Ehrlichia, and Borrelia, at several sites representing different stages of ERC encroachment across western Oklahoma USA from spring to fall of 2022 to 2024. Additionally, from May to October of 2023, we mist-netted birds, sampled larval and nymphal ticks from them, and tested these ticks for the same three pathogen groups. Overall, we found that there was similar pathogen prevalence across all stages of ERC encroachment, including grassland sites not yet experiencing encroachment. The only exception was Ehrlichia, which appeared to have higher levels of infection in ticks when ERC first encroaches compared to older stages, indicating that wildlife hosts may interact with differing stages of ERC in ways that increase tick-borne disease risk for humans. In relation to avian hosts, we found that birds in ERC-encroached areas have a prevalence of tick infestation that is nearly five times higher than the national average. Unexpectedly, we found Ixodes scapularis larvae and nymphs on birds, an association previously unknown in the southern Great Plains region. We hypothesize that birds are likely moving ticks, which are infected with multiple microorganisms and pathogens of concern to humans, into and between areas experiencing ERC encroachment. Based on our collective results, we build on the conclusion that ERC encroachment at all stages requires immediate action to protect humans and wildlife, and intervention may be especially important at earlier encroachment stages when management is more feasible
Survey of the perceptions, knowledge, and utilization of core outcome sets in depression
No full textBackground: Depression significantly burdens the U.S population. Efforts to find the best treatment and intervention through the use of Core Outcome Sets (COS) among clinical trials is essential for mitigating the negative effects of depression on the U.S. population. COS in research refers to predefined, standardized sets of outcomes that should be measured and reported in all studies on a particular topic or condition. These outcomes help evaluate the effectiveness of interventions for depression. This study aims to explore the awareness of COS among clinical trialists engaged in depression research.Methods: Authors of depression trials were recruited through the ClinicalTrials.gov registry. Information, including names, emails, and affiliated articles were extracted. Surveys were administered through REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture), a secure web-based data collection tool, to collect demographics, COS familiarity, and authors’ perceptions on its usefulness. Data analysis will focus on both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Quantitative data will be measured via chi-squared tests and t-tests to identify variables between demographic groups and survey responses. Qualitative data will be measured through open-ended survey responses. Open-ended question responses will be independently reviewed by multiple coders to prevent bias. Both quantitative and qualitative data analysis is integral to provide a comprehensive understanding of the participants’ perceptions and experiences using COS for depression trials. Ethical principles were respected due to the informed consent, anonymity, and protection of human subjects. This study has received Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, and any modification to the protocol post-approval will be communicated to and approved by the IRB.Results: Data collection is ongoing, with analysis yet to commence. The anticipated analysis will include: (i) descriptive statistics to summarize patient demographics and responses to close-ended questions, (ii) inferential statistics, such as chi-square tests and t-tests, to identify relationships between variables or differences among subgroups, and (iii) qualitative data, which will undergo thematic analysis to discern recurring themes and patterns.Conclusion: The completion of our study aims to provide new insights into clinical trialists’ use and comprehension of COS in depression research. Further understanding of the COS may provide a foundation for future initiatives aimed at encouraging clinical trialists to implement COS in their research. Proper COS reporting may promote outcome standardization, potentially improving care for patients with depression
catalyst-free, visible light mediated [3+2] cycloaddition of transiently strainable benzocycloheptenes
No full textBioorthogonal chemistry allows further exploration of the intricacy of life through the development of highly selective reactions that occur reliably, even in complex biological environments. Past work in the Weaver Group produced a reaction system that utilizes an iridium-based photocatalyst, a cycloalkene, and blue light to transform light energy into molecular strain energy by distorting the cycloalkene to its trans-arrangement which then reacts in a [3+2] cycloaddition with an azide. This reaction is highly selective, fast, and only occurs in the presence of blue light, priming it for use for biological tagging and probing. However, there are limitations that largely preclude the application of this reaction to biological applications, including poor regioselectivity, poor aqueous solubility, fragility of products as non-aromatic triazolines, and the requirement of an iridium photocatalyst. In this work, we have polarized the alkene to selectively produce one product and adapted a lactam structure to increase water solubility and provide a functional handle. Employing the heavy atom effect, we accelerated inter-system crossing from the singlet (S1) to the triplet (T1) by the incorporation of a bromine atom, eliminating the need for the triplet sensitizing photocatalyst. Furthermore, strategic placement of the bromine atom directly on the alkene allows the cycloaddition product to undergo elimination of HBr to yield a the more stable aromatic product. Further studies will now be able to focus on the applications within biological systems
Know what your crop costs
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
Thermodynamic and kinetic characterization of colloidal polymers of N-isopropylacrylamide and alkyl acrylic acids for optical pH sensing
Get PDFCopolymers of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPA) and alkyl acrylic acids that swell and shrink in response to pH were prepared by dispersion polymerization at 35°C using N-isopropylacrylamide (transduction monomer), methylenebisacrylamide (crosslinker), 2-dimethoxy-2-phenyl-acetophenone (initiator), N-tert-butylacrylamide (transition temperature modifier), and acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, ethacrylic acid and propacrylic acid (as functional comonomer). The diameter of the microspheres was between 0.5 μm and 1.0 μm. These microspheres were cast into hydrogel membranes prepared by mixing the pH sensitive swellable polymer particles with aqueous polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) solutions followed by crosslinking with glutaric dialdehyde for use as pH sensors. Large changes in the turbidity of the PVA membrane were observed as the pH of the buffer solution in contact with the membrane was varied. Changes in turbidity were monitored using a Cary 6000 UV-visible absorbance spectrometer. Polymer swelling was reversible for many of these NIPA copolymers. The buffer capacity, ionic strength, pH, and temperature of the buffer solution in contact with the membrane were varied to provide an in-depth pH profile of each copolymer. A unique aspect of this study was the investigation of the response of the NIPA based polymers to changes in the pH of the solution in contact with the membrane at low buffer concentrations (0.5 mM). The response rate and the reversibility of polymer swelling even at low buffer capacity suggest that NIPA based copolymers can be coupled to an optical fiber for pH sensing in the environment. We envision using these polymers to monitor rising acidity levels in the ocean due to water that has become enriched in carbon dioxide that endangers shell building organisms by reducing the amount of carbonate available to them
Identifying individual Crawfish Frogs using digital photography
No full textIdentification of individual animals is important to estimate population numbers, identify environmental threats, and study behavior; however, traditional marking methods relied on marking the animal in invasive ways. The objective in this study is to use photographs to identify individual crawfish frogs (Lithobates areolatus) through dorsum and tympanum patterns. The species has experienced a decline in its populations over the years, and photograph identification as an alternative would eliminate the need for any kind of marking. We monitored a population over its entire breeding season and photographed each frog captured on each night, and marked each individual with an RFID tag to confirm the accuracy of photo identifications. We used the photo ID software, Wild-ID, to process the images and identify matches, which were confirmed manually. The software correctly identified individuals in almost all cases and the combination of software and user identification was 100% successful in correctly identifying matches for images of both dorsum and tympanum. Because photographic identification was highly accurate, this method could be used exclusively to identify individual crawfish frogs, which has important implications for monitoring populations of this species of conservation concern. Photo ID therefore has major advantages over traditional marking methods because it is less invasive and also less expensive and time consuming.Oklahoma State University. Niblack Research Scholars ProgramIntegrative Biolog
Understanding the influence and acquisition of transfer student capital in vertical transfer students
No full textTransfer student capital encompasses the knowledge, skills, and experiences that transfer students acquire before transitioning to a new institution from their previous ones, communities, and cultures. This capital plays a crucial role in shaping their academic and social transition, identity development, and overall success in the new environment. Specifically, this study focuses on vertical transfer students who transfer from a two-year community college to a four-year university. These students face unique challenges and opportunities compared to traditional four-year students and other transfer students. The purpose of this study was to gain insight into how transfer student capital is acquired and its influence on vertical transfer students. Utilizing the theory of Transfer Student Capital, this research aimed to understand how these students perceive various aspects, including socialization, cultural adjustment, and the impact of their previous community college experiences on their sense of fit and belongingness. To facilitate the successful transition and academic engagement of transfer students, various services and programs are available, such as transfer orientation, advising, tutoring, mentoring, and peer support. These resources serve to enhance transfer student capital and support their social and academic integration. During their transfer process, transfer students may undergo identity shifts or crises and experience a decline in academic performance, known as “transfer shock.” This phenomenon arises from the disparity between their prior and current identities, roles, and aspirations and can affect their academic motivation, confidence, and mental health. The study’s findings highlight the significant impact of community college experiences on the academic, social, and personal development of vertical transfer students. To promote student success, institutions and educators should acknowledge and value the prior experiences and perspectives of transfer students, provide appropriate resources and support, and work together to strengthen the vertical transfer pathway
Effects of culturally relevant design in virtual environments on Indigenous language learning
No full textThis study explores the relationship between Indigenous language acquisition and culturally relevant virtual learning environments. Utilizing a modified Stimulus-Organism-Response framework, the research compares the impact of culturally relevant and non-culturally relevant virtual environments on cognitive load, emotional responses, and language learning efficacy. Sixty participants experienced one of two virtual environments while learning vocabulary in Bodwéwadmimwen (the Potawatomi language). Data was collected through language assessments and surveys evaluating cognitive load, sense of presence, and emotional states (pleasure, arousal, and dominance).
Results indicate that CRD environments significantly enhance emotional engagement, with participants reporting higher levels of pleasure and arousal compared to those in non-CRD settings. These emotional responses are crucial in fostering participants' willingness to engage with the learning environment, thus potentially improving language acquisition outcomes. However, no significant difference in cognitive load was observed between CRD and non-CRD environments, suggesting that the design's cultural relevance does not adversely impact the mental effort required for learning. The study's findings highlight the importance of incorporating cultural relevance in virtual learning environments to support Indigenous language preservation. By enhancing emotional engagement through culturally relevant design, these environments offer a promising approach to creating more effective and engaging educational experiences. The implications extend to the design of virtual reality-based educational tools, emphasizing the need for culturally sensitive approaches in developing instructional materials for endangered languages.
This research underscores the importance of culturally relevant design in virtual learning environments and its potential to support Indigenous language preservation. By enhancing emotional engagement, these environments may offer more effective and engaging educational experiences. The study provides insights for future research and practical applications in the development of culturally sensitive educational tools and environments