Open Research Oklahoma (Oklahoma State Univ.)
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What is identity? ELL and bilinguals' views on the role of accent
No full textMany researchers and theorists have proposed a connection between accent and identity (Celce-Murcia, Brinton, Goodwin, & Griner, 2010; Ochs, 1993; Setter and Jenkins, 2005). Some, however, have gone beyond this, indicating that students fear obtaining a native speaker accent. “To speak an L2 like a native is to take a drastic step into the unknown, accompanied by the unconscious fear of no return...” (Daniels, 1995, p. 6). Yet, this comment may strike many teachers and researchers as surprising because as Sobkowiak points out, “in my whole teaching career I have not met a [student] who would not like to sound like a native, or who would fear to step on this ‘road of no return’” (2005, p. 144). Perhaps the difference in perspective can be explained by a difference in language learning group, those that have successfully spoken English like a native and those that have not. This research study examines the perceptions of English Language Learners (ELLs) and English speaking bilinguals. Subjects participated in a semi-structured interview to discuss their experiences interacting with others and their perceptions of accent and identity. Findings from the interviews suggest that these two groups have very different ideas about accent and identity. Results from this study provide insights into the possible misconceptions and assumptions that underscore our work as educators and researchers and can hopefully be used to inform future teaching in the field of pronunciation.Englis
Domain wall dynamics in classical spin chains: free propagation, subdiffusive spreading, and topological soliton emission
No full textThe non-equilibrium dynamics of domain wall initial states in a classical anisotropic Heisenberg chain exhibits a striking coexistence of apparently linear and non-linear behaviours: the propagation and spreading of the domain wall can be captured quantitatively by linear, i.e. non-interacting, spin wave theory absent its usual justifications; while, simultaneously, for a wide range of easy-plane anisotropies, emission can take place of stable topological solitons—a process and objects intrinsically associated with interactions and non-linearities. The easy-axis domain wall only has transient dynamics, the isotropic one broadens diffusively, while the easy-plane one yields a pair of ballistically counter-propagating domain walls which, unusually, broaden subdiffusively, their width scaling as t¹/³.Physic
Murine ethanol ingestion promotes hepatic platelet accumulation mimicking acute Ccl₄ exposure
No full textBackground: Dysregulated coagulation contributes to inflammation and fibrosis from chemical injury. Platelets are key contributors to inflammation and are primary sources of TGF-b, PDGF, and EGF that promote fibrosis, and so may contribute to hepatic fibrosis. We questioned whether platelets accumulate during chronic ethanol- or chemical-induced hepatic injury, whether platelet accumulation would occur prior to induction of hepatic fibrotic responses, and whether platelet accumulation reflects deposition of intravascular microthrombi or individual platelets intercalated into liver parenchyma.Methods: We modeled acute hepatic injury with a single injection of CCl₄, a chronic model of moderate ethanol ingestion, or a combination of the two insults. C57Bl6 mice ingested a control liquid diet or provided free access to 1% ethanol (2d), then 2% ethanol (2d, 11% calories). At day 4, mice received, or not, a single i.p. injection of CCl₄ (1 μl/g, 1:3 in olive oil), with sacrifice 72h later. Formalin-fixed livers were transversely sectioned, paraffin-embedded prior to immunohistochemistry with anti platelet integrin gpIIb (CD41), endothelial CD31, or a-smooth muscle actin (aSMA) antibodies with DAPI nuclear staining. Adherent platelets spread to micron thickness, so detection was by serial tyramide amplification (Biotium). This catalyzed reporter deposition system uses a single tyramide dye activated by HRP-derived H₂O₂ to a reactive specie that multiply ligates adjacent molecules before the antibody complex is thermally stripped prior to a subsequent tyramide labeling.Results: Our preliminary data show basal parenchymal platelet deposition with inflammation 24h after CCl₄ injection massively increasing platelet accumulation, with enhanced expression of aSMA, just below the outer Glisson’s sheath encasement, correlating to the area of highest arterial flow (DOI 10.1139/y93- 018). Platelet accumulation, but not aSMA, within liver parenchyma was modestly increased at this time. 72h after CCl₄ injection, subsurface platelet accumulation in association with endothelial cell PECAM1 remained apparent, with aSMA now extended in disordered filaments surrounding portal tracts. Ethanol ingestion alone, similar to CCl₄ exposure, revealed massive platelet accumulation just below the Glisson’s sheath liver encasement in association with endothelial cell PECAM1 without aSMA deposition. The combination of ethanol and CCl₄ presented similarly.Conclusions: We conclude ethanol ingestion promotes hepatic platelet accumulation, providing a nontranscriptional source of fibrotic growth factors, that parallels hepatic injury invoked by CCl₄ exposure
Radiation testing of electronics for the CMS endcap muon system
No full textThe electronics used in the data readout and triggering system for the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) experiment at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) particle accelerator at CERN are exposed to high radiation levels. This radiation can cause permanent damage to the electronic circuitry, as well as temporary effects such as data corruption induced by Single Event Upsets. Once the High Luminosity LHC (HL-LHC) accelerator upgrades are completed it will have five times higher instantaneous luminosity than LHC, allowing for detection of rare physics processes, new particles and interactions. Tests have been performed to determine the effects of radiation on the electronic components to be used for the Endcap Muon electronics project currently being designed for installation in the CMS experiment in 2013. During these tests the digital components on the test boards were operating with active data readout while being irradiated with 55 MeV protons. In reactor tests, components were exposed to 30 years equivalent levels of neutron radiation expected at the HL-LHC. The highest total ionizing dose (TID) for the muon system is expected at the innermost portion of the CMS detector, with 8900 rad over 10 years. Our results show that Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) components selected for the new electronics will operate reliably in the CMS radiation environment.Physic
Relationship between diet and sleep quality in collegiate cross-country and track and field athletes
No full textPrevious studies suggest the consumption of specific foods can influence sleep quality through the disruption of the circadian rhythm. One key demographic this relationship might impact is student-athletes, who have been shown to have poor sleep such as collegiate cross-country and track and field (XC+T&F) athletes. However, to date, no investigations have described this relationship in this cohort. PURPOSE: This study aimed to analyze the cross-sectional connection between sleep, nutrient intake, and dietary quality (DQ) in Division I XC+T&F athletes. METHODS: Twenty-five (male n=5, female n=20) XC+T&F athletes completed the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Automatic Self-Administered Dietary Assessment Tool (ASA24) for nutrient intake and the Healthy Eating Index 2015 (HEI) for DQ. All dietary measures were compared between those who had normal (<5) or poor (≥5) PSQI scores using an independent t-test framework, alpha was set at p=0.05. RESULTS: When considering total HEI scores, normal sleepers scored 68 out of 100, while poor sleepers scored 61 out of 100, which was not statistically different (p=0.263). However, when looking at specific macro- and micronutrients, normal sleepers reported a greater percentage of Dietary Reference Intakes achieved for vitamins A (p=0.041), K (p=0.036), and B1 (p=0.033) Additionally, those who reported normal sleep quality also consumed significantly more copper (p=0.032) and selenium (p=0.043). Lastly, statistical differences in folate (p=0.056), potassium (p=0.055), and total calories from protein (p=0.058) were trending toward potential statistical significance suggesting consumption of these nutrients may be greater in athletes with normal sleep scores compared to those who reported poorer sleep. CONCLUSION: This study supports previous findings in non-athlete cohorts that higher intakes of dietary vitamin A and vitamin K are associated with improved sleep quality. Athletes should be encouraged to regularly assess their diet to identify potential food groups and nutrients that may be lacking and potentially impacting their sleep quality. These data were collected in May 2022 with a relatively small sample size, but our team is currently analyzing additional data from August and November 2022 to further characterize if these conclusions are associated with sex, body mass, and event designation
Exploring the sustainability of higher education funding in the southern Africa region: A multiple-case study on Namibia and South Africa
No full textHigher education has long been seen as a vehicle for social mobility for individuals and an engine for national advancement. Yet, over the years, as governments worldwide have faced competing priorities and declining revenues due to economic challenges, funding for post-secondary institutions has been negatively impacted. For example, in the United States, governments have significantly reduced funding to the point that universities have moved away from reliance on government funding. Other countries, such as China, are committed to funding higher education for the foreseeable future. Across Africa, especially Southern Africa, different national priorities have increasingly taken away from the higher education budget. Namibian and South African universities receive over 50% of their revenue from the government; however, in recent years, institutions have seen over 15% reduction in government funding. This study investigated how universities in Namibia and South Africa, through the voices of their leaders, are preparing to deal with reduced government funding to ensure financial sustainability and continue to meet the institutions' missions. The qualitative multiple-case study spans four institutions: the University of Namibia, the Namibia University of Science and Technology, the University of Johannesburg, and the University of Pretoria. Data was collected from nine university leaders through semi-structured interviews and document analysis. Overall, the study found that leaders at all institutions already think about financial sustainability, as they have penned down strategic plans to address the revenue gap. Further findings indicate that university foundations and endowments are still in their infancy and cannot fill the funding gap left by the government. The challenges to funding higher education are multi-faceted, as it is a combination of a lack of government policy, unclear funding models, a young alum base, a lack of donation incentives, and an economic apartheid legacy. Given that governments will likely continue to reduce their allocations due to competing priorities, higher education and government leaders in the region must explore robust alternative sources, funding models, and policies to ensure education remains accessible and a skill development tool for national development
Effects of lead ammunition and sinkers on wildlife
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
How pervasive virtual reality (PVR) can augment the perception of working from home (WFH) environments
No full textCommunication technologies have revolutionized the nature of work. Working from home (WFH) has allowed companies to be more agile and prepare for crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. WFH is expected to become more popular as traditional workways evolve. Furthermore, the recent launch of affordable virtual reality (VR) head-mounted devices (HMD) in the consumer market has drawn attention to this technology, because when combined with advancements in wireless communication technology, mobile technology, and context-aware devices, HMDs facilitate use of mixed-reality environments at home. Of the many studies on traditional WFH issues, some have highlighted concerns such as equipment deficiencies, social isolation, and insufficient spatial dimensions. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate how pervasive VR (PVR), which constructs mixed-reality environments using real-world environmental information, can augment the perception of WFH environments in comparison with the traditional WFH environment to mitigate these issues. In Phase 1 of the research, an anonymous survey link was sent to design professionals working remotely, to collect primary data and determine what type of equipment, furniture, and settings were in their home offices. Participants were asked about their challenges and psychological states while working remotely. Phase 2 consisted of creating a home workspace, based on data gathered in Phase 1, then re-creating this room in PVR with the same characteristics. Sixty participants were assigned randomly to three groups: the actual WFH environment and two PVR environments with varying levels of immersiveness (i.e., “Passthrough” and “Fully Immersive”). The participants’ overall impressions of these three conditions were evaluated based on their responses to six variables: pleasure, arousal, dominance, satisfaction, sense of presence, and cognitive load. To complement the subjective survey data, psychophysiological data were collected using electrocardiogram sensors. These measures were obtained during a design task assigned to participants. Last, participants’ design outcomes were evaluated by three design professional according to the Creative Solutions Diagnosis Scale. The study found greater design creativity and higher satisfaction with existing elements in the Passthrough environment. Additionally, overall satisfaction correlated positively with pleasure in the Passthrough and Actual conditions. Moreover, physical keyboards retained a higher level of effectiveness than virtual keyboards
Physicians' experiences with patients involved in foster care system
No full textGoing to the doctor at least once a year is a recommendation for every individual to ensure they are healthy. Most individuals follow through with this, but some may not be able to take advantage of this. Furthermore, nontraditional families such as foster care have been identified as being at risk for poor health outcomes in adulthood and developing chronic health problems (Rebbe et al., 2018). Several research studies have examined foster care and the adult outcomes; however, there are not many that cover the topic of healthcare and its relation to the foster care system. The current study aims to investigate the relationship between caring for patients with involvement in the foster care system, how physicians are trained, and influences that may affect the type of care given to these patients. We hypothesize that these individuals are treated differently than other patients and are often a group that goes overlooked. Furthermore, we hypothesize that there is little training offered to physicians to learn more about this group of individuals or how to provide better care for them. This study proposes that the link between involvement in the foster care system and the healthcare system is weak, and that there are several ways it could be strengthened in the future
Determination of Moho depth beneath the Okavango and Kafue rift using Spectral Analysis with Piecewise Regression (SAPR) of satellite gravity data
No full textThe research investigated the use of satellite gravity data to map the lithospheric structure under the Okavango Rift Zone (ORZ) in northwest Botswana and the Kafue Rift Zone (KRZ) in Zambia. The tectonic extent and subsurface lithospheric structures are well understood for the ORZ in Botswana; however, very limited study has been found on the KRZ in Zambia, and lithospheric control is not well determined. This study primarily focused on the relationship between these rift systems to image the details of the Moho topography and the Precambrian crystalline basement. Spectral Analysis with Piecewise Regression (SAPR) of the World Gravity Model 2012 (WGM 2012) were used to determine the Moho depth and the Precambrian crystalline basement underneath the Okavango and Kafue rift. According to the Moho depth projections of the SAPR analysis, the thickness of the crust in the Kafue rift zone fluctuates between 26 km to 36 km, while the depth of the crust in the Okavango rift zone fluctuates between 20 km to 32 km. The depth of the mid-crustal discontinuity was determined between 10 km to 14 km for the Okavango and Kafue rift zone, which could be the depiction of Conrad discontinuity. Three 2D forward gravity models were created to contrast them with the outcomes of the spectral analysis of 2D gravity data. The 2D forward gravity model results suggest crustal thinning and a shallower Moho layer beneath the Okavango and Kafue rift zone. Determining the depth of Moho within this region will connect the gap in scientific knowledge of subsurface lithospheric control between the Okavango and Kafue rift zone. The objective of this investigation is to extend the knowledge of the Kafue rift system, which has been recently studied, by integrating it with the more established branches of the East African Rift System. This will aid in the creation of a comprehensive framework for the entire system