Open Research Oklahoma (Oklahoma State Univ.)
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Missing but not forgotten: A retrospective demographic study of missing person cold cases 1980-1990
No full textMissing persons cases plague not only the United States, but countries all around the globe. The longer a person is missing, the less leads investigators are left to follow and the less likely they are to be found, thus deeming the case “cold”. In 1980, little research was done into the prevalence of missing persons cases and in 2025, not much has changed. Investigation resources and research are often funneled into major cases, such as homicides and mass casualty events. Such research into missing persons cases is vital because the abundance of missing persons cases has not declined in the present day. In fact, according to NamUs, at any given time, up to 100,000 persons may be reported missing in the United States with as many as 600,000 reported annually. But by studying the demographics of missing persons whose cases have long gone cold, we can better understand how to report, respond and investigate them in the future, with the goal of lessening the number of cases that go unsolved for years to come. Statistical analysis of demographic traits as well as their relationship amongst each other to include the demographic traits of race, gender, region of the United States, time of year reported missing, and age could help provide that insight that is so clearly lacking at this time. It is anticipated that men and minority race groups will have a higher prevalence of missing persons cases, due to the potential lack of timely reporting in conjunction with the historical issue of investigators believing individuals chose to walk away from their current life. Additionally, it is theorized that rural and poverty stricken regions of the united states will have a higher prevalence due to lack of resources as well as prevalence of rough/ less trafficked terrain, along with young adults (ages 18-30) due to the belief that this age group often takes more risks and a higher prevalence of missing persons cases in the summer months due to outdoor activities
My decolonial journey: Using Asia as method to de-link from coloniality/modernity
No full textMy study aims to identify and examine how the logic of coloniality/modernity under the name of globalization impacts Asian subjectivity by theorizing gendered and racialized lived experiences in the transnational context. To do this, my research approaches Asia as method as a methodological direction and autoethnography as a method in order to extend the limits of postcolonial studies. Although Asia as method, as a postcolonial and decolonial strategy, does not include race and gender perspectives, it reveals colonial symptoms in line with coloniality/modernity from broader geopolitical locations. Drawing on such methodological lens and body of transnational feminists’ literature, my study asks following research questions:
1) How can my narrative experiences as a gendered and raced Asian woman in a transnational context make visible the logic of coloniality?
2) How does the logic of coloniality in the pursuit of a PhD in America shape my decolonial epistemological journey?
The study discloses how educational migration is entangled with histories of the U.S. imperialism and militarism which shapes experiences in terms of race and gender from both an overlooked geopolitical context and the U.S. context. Also, this study can make a contribution to international/global curriculum studies usually framed as a marketized and standardized project for the service of neoliberalism. By foregrounding the lived experiences of a transnational and decolonial journey, I underscore the importance what curriculum scholar, Ted Aoki calls, “curriculum-as-lived” to advance a more justice-oriented framework for international students and scholars
Multimodal approach to enhance the implementation of integrated multi-infrastructure asset management
No full textMunicipal infrastructure systems, such as roads, water, sewer, and drainage systems, are densely co-located and are challenged by aging assets, urban growth, and climate-related risks, demanding a shift toward more integrated and strategic asset management. Existing studies have primarily focused on single-asset management, while research on multi-infrastructure asset management has been largely limited to modeling approaches. There remains a significant gap in developing a clear roadmap for the implementation of integrated multi-infrastructure asset management (IMAM). This dissertation develops a comprehensive, multimodal framework to understand and enhance the implementation of IMAM, based on data from an extensive literature review and an empirical survey of municipal infrastructure professionals. First, the cascading effects of repair and maintenance activities across road, drainage, water, and sewer networks are investigated using social network analysis (SNA) and thematic analysis. The results reveal how a single repair activity can trigger subsequent actions across interdependent infrastructure systems. The thematic analysis further identifies the root causes of these cascading effects and highlights best practices. Second, the influence of IMAM practices on infrastructure performance outcomes is examined using structural equation modeling (SEM). The findings reveal that IMAM practices grouped under inventory management, investigation, condition assessment, performance evaluation, and renewal planning significantly enhance performance outcomes categorized under cost and time savings, asset resiliency, and sustainability. Third, the barriers to implementing IMAM are categorized under policy, organizational, data, work process, and funding domains. SEM is employed to examine both direct and mediating effects of different barrier constructs. Results highlight that policy and data/information systems barriers are the most critical constraints in IMAM adoption. The study also reveals that the impact of barriers varies across municipalities. Together, these three objectives contribute to theory and practice by providing a holistic understanding of IMAM implementation and its value to municipal infrastructure systems. This research contributes to theory by advancing our understanding of interdependencies between infrastructure systems, IMAM practices, and the dynamics of barriers that hinder implementation. It also offers practical tools, such as failure propagation maps, best practices rankings, and barrier roadmaps, to guide more planned and coordinated multi-infrastructure management
Use of Internet of Things-derived data in small-scale fire scene investigations: A mixed-methods study
No full textThis dissertation focused on the utilization of Internet of Things (IoT)-derived data by fire investigators to determine the origin and cause of a fire. The field of fire investigation is a complex forensic science undertaking that requires the fire investigator to be skilled in various scientific fields. The goal of a fire investigation is to use the information gained through disparate disciplines and coalesce them into one investigatory finding to determine the origin and cause of a fire.
Fire investigators have historically learned their craft through mentorship rather than formalized scientific training. This mentorship relies on the subjective interpretation of evidence found at the fire scene, including the interpretation of burn patterns. In 2009, the National Academy of Sciences published a paper outlining ways in which the forensic sciences, including fire investigation, could increase their effectiveness. The recommendations included placing a greater emphasis on sound science and investigations being conducted with greater scientific rigor. The results of a fire investigation will become more reliable as subjective opinion is removed and replaced with objective evidence. IoT-derived data are objective evidence that the fire investigator can use to determine the origin and cause of a fire. The IoT is a network of physical objects, wearable and implanted devices, and other objects that are embedded with sensors, software, and connectivity, enabling them to exchange data and interact with each others over the internet. These sensors continually collect and transmit data from the environment, providing real-time monitoring information.
This mixed-method study consisted of an online survey to explore how fire investigators are using IoT-derived data in their fire investigations. Many of the survey participants had accessed IoT data but lacked familiarity and formal training in the area. The survey findings highlighted the increasing presence of IoT-derived data in fire investigations while acknowledging the broader challenges of expertise, training, resource access, legal considerations, and the thoroughness needed during the investigation to ensure the reliability and validity of findings
Biological control of psocids (Psocodea: Liposcelididae) using the warehouse pirate bug, Xylocoris flavipes (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae)
No full textPsocids (Psocodea: Liposcelididae) are important insect pests of stored-products worldwide and are difficult to manage using grain protectants and phosphine, hence research on non-chemical control methods. Studies were conducted to assess the potential of Xylocoris flavipes (Reuter) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) for managing psocids. The first and second objectives were to assess the predatory effectiveness of X. flavipes based on its functional and numerical responses when on a diet of Liposcelis decolor (Pearman) (Psocodea: Liposcelididae). Both adult females (adult♀) and nymphs of X. flavipes showed Holling Type II functional response when on diets of nymphs, adult males (adult♂) or adult females (adult♀) of L. decolor. The estimated functional responses variables showed that adult♀ X. flavipes performed better than the nymphs. The numerical response parameters indicated that adult♀ X. flavipes can increase their progeny production when prey densities are high and can establish at low prey densities. The third objective was to provide quantitative data based on the ecological interactions of X. flavipes and L. decolor under different predator-prey ratios (P-P ratios), temperatures (ºC) and relative humidities (RH %) over 40 days. The results showed that X. flavipes can suppress L. decolor population by >97% across all the P-P ratios and environmental conditions tested. Temperature influenced X. flavipes progeny production, was greatest at 28 ºC and a P-P ratio of 1:240. Relative humidity had no detrimental effect on X. flavipes. The fourth objective was to conduct a comparative assessment of the potential of three predators, X. flavipes, Cheyletus eruditus (Schrank) (Trombidiformes: Cheyletidae) and Cheyletus malaccensis Oudemans, to manage L. decolor populations using data from objective three and data from a separate previous study. The comparative evaluation showed that all three predators have the potential to manage psocids. However, X. flavipes can cause greater suppression levels than C. eruditus and C. malaccensis. Relative humidity of 63% was detrimental to both C. eruditus and C. malaccensis. Further evaluation of compatibility of X. flavipes with C. eruditus and C. malaccensis is required. Also, impact of pesticides on these predators should be investigated to facilitate their integration into IPM systems for management of psocids
Cross-sectional analysis of data sharing practices in high-impact rehabilitation journals
No full textBackground: Demand for rehabilitation services is rising. High-quality research is essential to address these challenges, with recent mandates emphasizing the importance of data sharing for transparency and reproducibility. Despite these mandates, significant gaps in data sharing persist, even with the increasing importance of data sharing statements (DSS).Methods: A search was conducted on June 6th, 2024 using PubMed/MEDLINE to identify clinical studies from five of the top rehabilitation journals based on impact factor. We extracted DSS and general characteristics in a duplicated and masked fashion to identify influential factors on DSS inclusion using hierarchical logistic regression. Further we qualified these statements through thematic analysis. Lastly, email requests were sent to verify willingness to share data.Results: Of 1,278 studies that underwent data extraction, 25.5% of studies in our sample featured a DSS; however, this figure was significantly influenced by one journal with a 99% inclusion rate, while the other four journals collectively had only a 5% rate. Further analysis of 314 DSS revealed the majority designated a gatekeeper role for handling data requests. After emailing authors to verify their commitment to the reported DSS, only 22.7% were willing to adhere to them.Conclusions: Our study revealed notable discrepancies between journal policies and their impact on DSS. We recommend adopting the Transparency and Openness Promotion (TOP) to provide a framework for data sharing in the field of rehabilitation. Further standardization of DSS is needed, as alternative methods like data repositories have been shown to improve transparency and reproducibility
Effectiveness of intravenous iron supplementation on fatigue in non-anemic patients: A critically appraised topic
No full textClinical Scenario: Iron deficiency without anemia is a common disorder found in many individuals. Patient may experience fatigue, lack of energy, and mood changes. One treatment option for this condition is supplementation, which can be done via diet, intravenously (IV), or orally. IV supplementation may be beneficial to treat fatigue in individuals with iron deficiency without anemia.Clinical Question: What is the effect of intravenous iron supplementation on fatigue in non-anemic patients?Summary of Key Findings: A search was conducted to determine the effect of IV iron supplementation on fatigue symptoms. Four studies discussing the use of IV iron supplementation and the effect on fatigue were included. Three studies demonstrated that IV iron supplementation decreased fatigue in irondeficient individuals without anemia. One study demonstrated that there was no effect on fatigue utilizing IV methods of supplementation.Clinical Bottom Line: The evidence suggests that there is moderate support for the use of IV iron supplementation to treat symptoms of fatigue in individuals with iron deficiency without anemia.Strength of Recommendation: Based on the PEDro scale and JBI checklist, all of the articles should be included in this critically appraised topic
Effect of aging on antibody production against the receptor binding domain of Clostridioides difficile toxin B in a murine model
No full textClostridioides difficile is a spore producing, gram positive, anaerobic bacillus which produces toxins and causes antibiotic associated diarrhea. The main risk factor for infection is disruption of the normal gut flora from antibiotic use, allowing overgrowth of C. difficile in the colon. Toxins can cause severe diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis. Current therapies for acute infection are Fidaxomicin, Vancomycin, or Metronidazole. C. difficile infections (CDI) are an urgent problem, and developing effective vaccines should be a priority. The current aim of vaccine development has surrounded the receptor binding domain of the toxin B protein (rTcdB) because of its increased immunogenicity and non-toxicity. CDI are frequently acquired in hospitals and nursing homes, leaving the elderly population at a higher risk of developing CDI. Additionally, immunosenescence, decreased immune functioning in older individuals, only furthers their risk. Given that most murine vaccine studies use younger mice, and the increased risk of severe infection in the elderly, it is important that the efficacy of any vaccine be tested in this population. Our lab has studied the effect of aging on IgG production against rTcdB protein in a murine model. In our pilot study, we vaccinated young (6 weeks old) and elderly (72 weeks old) C57BL/6 mice with purified recombinant protein corresponding to the receptor binding domain of C. difficile toxin B (rTcdB). Each mouse received by intraperitoneal injection of 3 doses of 20µg rTcdB mixed with Alum or saline only. Our study showed that in both young and elderly mice, rTcdB vaccination induced antigen specific IgGs in serum collected 2 weeks post vaccination. Interestingly, our novel study showed a decreased IgG response in older mice when compared to the younger group, which could indicate a decreased defense against C. difficile infection in older mice. Our study suggests that the immune system of elderly individuals may not respond as robustly against rTcdB, which could reduce the efficacy of a vaccine based on this protein. More work can be done to investigate how to support gut microbiota and reduce severity of acute CDI in at risk populations. We are currently working on exploring the role of micronutrient supplementation to improve vaccine efficiency
Functional responses of the warehouse pirate bug Xylocoris vipes (Reuter) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) on a diet of Liposcelis decolor (Pearman) (Psocodea: Liposcelididae)
No full textPsocids are difficult to manage using grain protectants and phosphine hence research on non-chemical control methods. This study evaluated the effectiveness of Xylocoris flavipes (Reuter) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) at managing Liposcelis decolor (Pearman) (Psocodea: Liposcelididae). The functional responses of adult♀ and nymphs of X. flavipes on a diet of nymphs, adult♂, and adult♀ of L. decolor were determined under laboratory conditions at 28 ± 1 °C, 63 ± 5% RH, and a 0:24 (L:D) photoperiod. Maximum likelihood estimates (MLEs) of a logistic regression analysis showed that the functional responses of the life stages of X. flavipes on diets of three stages of L. decolor were Holling Type II. Estimates of the attack rate (a), handling time (Th), maximum predation (K) per day, and predation efficiency (η) per day for the two predator life stages against each prey life stage showed that the adult♀ X. flavipes predation rate was better compared with the nymphs. The adult♀ X. flavipes per capita consumption rate and searching efficiency were also higher than those of the nymphs. The data showed adults of L. decolor are more favorable for adult♀ X. flavipes whereas their nymphs prefer nymphs of L. decolor. Field evaluation of X. flavipes is required for their incorporation into psocid pest management.Entomology and Plant Pathology|Statistic
Effect of oral contraceptive pills on performance capacity: A critically appraised topic
No full textClinical Scenario: Oral contraceptive pills are widely used among women to prevent pregnancies and help control symptoms associated with the menstrual cycle. Female athletes using these contraceptives may be susceptible to lower athletic performance because of the effects of the added hormones.Clinician Question: In elite female athletes, how do oral hormonal contraceptives affect performance capacity?Findings: A search was conducted on research regarding the relationship between oral contraceptives and female athletic performance, specifically affecting strength, power, endurance, and fatigue. Cabre et al.²⁷ studied fatigability, Dragutinovic et al.²⁸ looked at strength performance, neuromuscular fatigue, and perceived exertion, while Mathy et al.²⁹ looked at maximal and submaximal endurance parameters.Bottom Line: Evidence shows that oral contraceptive pills do not affect female performance in any of the strength, power, endurance, and fatigue testing conducted. Future research should include range of motion and flexibility within the muscles during different hormonal phase cycles and studying performance during on/off seasons for sports