Open Research Oklahoma (Oklahoma State Univ.)
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Lenses for leadership: How White student leaders make meaning of the intersection of race and leadership
No full textThis dissertation explores how White undergraduate student leaders in formal, institutional leadership positions perceive the influence of race within their roles. With 18 participants and utilizing participant-generated photo-elicitation, focus groups, and participant narratives, this study revealed that White student leaders often adopted a colorblind approach, downplaying the significance of race in their identity and leadership. Despite identifying major sociopolitical events, such as the Black Lives Matter movement and George Floyd's murder, as formative moments in developing their racial understanding, these student leaders tended to minimize the influence of race in leadership and avoided discussions about race. Adding to the importance of the findings, some participants even named their leadership experiences as “segregated.” They conceptualized race as something pertinent to others but not themselves, feared talking about race due to the possibility of public scrutiny, and demonstrated a lack of systems thinking in their leadership work.This study has significant implications for leadership educators and administrators in higher education. This research reveals the gap between racial awareness and leadership practice, suggesting the need for a phased approach to antiracist education, starting with racially homogenous groups. White student leaders adopting the colorblind approach struggled to recognize racial inequalities and often dismissed race as insignificant; however, they also reported a desire for intentional dialogue about race and leadership.Finally, this study bridges the gap between two theories: critical whiteness studies (CWS) and the culturally relevant leadership learning (CRLL) model. CRLL is a theoretical tool that, this study argues, leadership educators can use to engage White student leaders. CRLL and CWS together are avenues to expand leadership education so that White student leaders can move beyond the minimization of race through the colorblind approach and learn to analyze race through a systems lens
Detection of the select agent Coniothyrium glycines, causal pathogen of red leaf blotch of soybeans using high-throughput sequencing data
No full textThe select agent Coniothyrium glycines, the causal pathogen of the disease red leaf blotch of soybeans, has not been identified in the U.S. Although C. glycines is listed as a select agent by the Federal Government, little information about its biology, evolution, and genomics is available, which poses a challenge to developing diagnostic tools. This research aimed to expand the general molecular and genomic knowledge of C. glycines and apply the generated information for detecting the pathogen using high-throughput sequencing (HTS) data. During this research, fourteen C. glycines isolates obtained from Zambia and Zimbabwe were used. A multilocus phylogenetic analysis was performed using two non-coding and two coding genes, revealing that isolates from matching locations form monophyletic clades. The results also suggested the movement of the fungus across borders since some isolates from different countries had the same common ancestor. Based on the topology of the phylogenetic tree, five representative isolates were selected, and their whole genome was assembled using Oxford Nanopore Technologies and Illumina sequencing data. Finally, the generated assemblies and the MiFi® web application were used to develop and validate three e-probe sets for the detection and differentiation of C. glycines isolates. The limit of detection (LOD), sensitivity, and specificity was estimated using in silico, in vitro, and in vivo approaches. LOD was influenced by the number of e-probes, sequencing read length, and sequencing platform. Once the LOD was exceeded, the sensitivity and specificity were 100%, allowing a reliable detection and discrimination of C. glycines isolates. The obtained results contribute to the molecular and genomic knowledge of C. glycines, facilitating future research on this organism. Additionally, these findings provide valuable guidelines for using HTS-based e-probe detection and discrimination of C. glycines to improve current biosecurity measures
Effect of dietary protein levels and growth promotants in dairy-beef cross steers on nitrogen utilization efficiency
No full textReducing nitrogen excretion of finishing beef cattle is needed to protect the environment but methods used to decrease nitrogen excretion need to have economic benefits as well. The objective of this experiment was to determine the potential of implant strategy and phase-feeding CP to reduce urinary nitrogen (UN) and fecal nitrogen excretion. Holstein × Angus steers (n = 72) were blocked by weight and treatments were randomly assigned to pens (n = 4 per treatment). This experiment was a 2 × 2 factorial design, where cattle were fed a constant CP (control) or the CP content of the diet was reduced every 49-days (phase-fed) and cattle received either an aggressive or moderate implant strategy. All cattle were implanted on d-0 and d-98. Body weight (BW) was measured, and blood, urine, and fecal samples were collected on days 0, 49, 98, 147 and at shipping. Phase-feeding CP and implant strategy had no effect (P ≥ 0.47) on dry matter intake or average daily gain. There was a tendency (P = 0.10) for a diet × implant-strategy interaction for feed efficiency, indicating that phase-fed cattle were more efficient with the moderate implant strategy than the aggressive implant strategy. UN excretions decreased (P < 0.01), on day-147 among both implant treatments, indicating that re-implanting on d-98 may have reduced nitrogen excretion. There was a sampling-day × implant interaction (P ≤ 0.03) and a sampling-day × diet interaction (P < 0.01) for blood urea nitrogen concentrations (BUN) and total UN excretion, where BUN and total UN excretion were lower among the moderate implant and the phase-fed groups on day-147 compared with the aggressive implant and control-fed groups, respectively. These results suggest that phase-feeding CP can be an effective strategy to reduce nitrogen excretion from cattle in the feedlot without negatively affecting performance
Experimental investigation into microstructures of aircraft grade balsa shear webs
No full textUnmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) typically rely on balsa wood as the primary material for their aircraft structure. While previous research at Oklahoma State University had established basic material properties of aircraft grade balsa wood, it has also yielded some counterintuitive findings. Specifically, thicker, higher density balsa wood was observed to have a lower force to failure than the thinner, less dense balsa wood. Furthermore, it was hypothesized that this was due to an increase in microstructural defects as thickness increased [1]. This prompted an extensive investigation into balsa wood failure characteristics, with a particular focus on the possible correlation between microstructural defects and the unexpected failure of thicker, more dense balsa wood. To test this hypothesis, four experiments were conducted. The first two experiments involved tensile tests with the force applied perpendicular to the grain direction. The first experiment resulted in trends like the previously mentioned research. However, the second experiments, conducted with balsa wood sourced from a distributor with more rigorous selection standards, showed that ultimate tensile strength increased proportionally to density and remains within the bounds of found uncertainty until reaching the “heavy” density classification (greater than 14 lb/ft³). The third experiment focused on tensile testing with the force applied parallel to the grain direction to obtain data for different plane directions, but this test set was inconclusive due to the load cell of the testing apparatus having a maximum loading of 1000N. Finally, visual experimentation was performed. This revealed that increasing the density of balsa wood correlates to an increase in the number and size of ray cells which contributes to the increase in the modulus of elasticity and misalignment of fibers of the cell. This was ultimately determined to be the cause of the ultimate failure at higher density for thicker balsa wood. In conclusion, heavy and extra heavy density of balsa wood were found to be unsuitable for use aircraft shear webs. Additionally, the groundwork for visual inspection of balsa wood was laid through these experiments
Nutrient requirements of beef cattle
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
Shelter design considering sustainability
No full textNatural disasters cause thousands of people around the world to lose their houses every year. Unaffordable and insecure housing situation leaves the victimized families more vulnerable to coping with those disasters. In addition, the provided shelter is temporary and made up of nylon, polyester wool, fiber-reinforced mylar, etc. which are unsustainable in terms of cost durability, and environmental concerns. Victims face many challenges like inadequate living conditions, limited space, lack of privacy, security, and accessibility in these temporary shelters.This study aims to propose a sustainable shelter design covering energy saving, less environmental impact, and rapid construction which will contribute to the resilience of the local communities and positive business continuity post-disaster to uplift the living conditions of victims. The set objectives are (1) to provide a structural design of the shelter, (2) to apply emerging technology in construction methods, and (3) to evaluate the sustainability performance of the purposed shelter design. The structural design of the shelter is based on disaster resistance construction material and shape and 3D printing technology are adopted for rapid construction. The sustainability assessment is based on Life cycle analysis (LCA), Life cycle energy assessment (LCEA), and Energy justice of the designed shelter. Different scenarios are created based on the insulation types of the designed shelter exterior wall and HVAC systems for the operation the of shelter. Based on the developed framework sustainability assessment is conducted for scenarios and the preferred sustainable scenario is selected. This study helps in providing a permanent shelter design that is sustainable along with a sustainability assessment framework
Do all bunions need surgery? An investigation of Google searches for Hallux Valgus
No full textIntroduction: Hallux valgus (HV) or a bunion is one of the most common forefoot deformities. Approximately one in four adults will develop HV with a higher prevalence in adult females. Given the high prevalence of HV along with the wide variety of non-surgical and surgical treatment options for it, we believe patients are likely turning to internet search engines for questions germane to HV. Previous orthopaedic investigations have used Google’s “People Also Ask” box to characterize frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding total knee and hip arthroplasty. Yet, no such investigation has been conducted for HV. Using Google’s Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), we sought to classify these questions as well as assess their levels quality and transparency.Methods: On October 9, 2022, we searched Google using these four phrases: “Hallux Valgus Treatment,” “Hallux Valgus Treatment Surgery,” “Bunion Treatment,” and “Bunion Surgery.” We refreshed search results until a minimum of 100 FAQs were produced; we extracted the sources of these 100 questions for content analysis. Information transparency was assessed using the Journal of the American Medical Association’s (JAMA) Benchmark tool, question classification was defined using the Rothwell Classification of Questions, and information quality was assessed using Brief DISCERN. This study was approved by an IRB.Results section: Our Google search returned 299 unique FAQs after removing duplicates and unrelated FAQs. The majority were classified as fact based questions (149/299, 49.8%), followed by value (92/299, 30.8%) and policy questions (58/299, 19.4%). Overall the most common topic searched was related to the evaluation of treatment or surgery (79/299, 26.4%). The frequent answer sources were medical practices (158/299, 52.8%), followed by commercial (69/299, 23.1%) and academic (38/299, 12.7%). The one-way analysis of variance revealed a significant difference in mean quality scores among the 5 source types (F= 54.49, P<.001) with medical practices averaging the worst score (12.1/30) compared to academic sources which were found to have the highest score (21.8/30).Discussion: Patients seeking online information concerning treatment options for HV appear to search Google for questions related to treatment efficacy and restrictions. The most common source type encountered by patients are small medical practices; these were found to have both poor transparency and poor quality. Our study has several limitations, JAMA benchmark and Brief DISCERN do not assess the accuracy of the information. Secondly, our study is cross-sectional in design limiting the generalizability of our findings to the time when the search was performed.Significance/Clinical Relevance: In order to increase the transparency and quality of online information regarding HV treatment, online sources should refer to established rubrics such as JAMA benchmark and Brief DISCERN when publishing online information. Physicians should be aware that patients are commonly searching for information related to the evaluation of treatments or surgeries for HV
Understanding United States collegiate flight students’ perceptions and realities of anxiety and depression
No full textThe Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires that all pilots hold a medical certificate granted by an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME), or an equivalent exemption standard. Over the years, these aeromedical examinations have grown to include aspects related to mental health, as well as a number of other factors. There are several mental health related conditions which are of concern to the FAA, including symptoms of anxiety and depression. These and other conditions can be grounds for medical disqualification, or additional testing or requirements. As a result, pilots are often wary of reporting their mental health issues. In recent years, aspects related to mental health and flying have become a topic of conversation at collegiate aviation programs across the country. This study highlights collegiate flight students’ perceptions and realities associated with anxiety and depression. Results of the survey are examined in the context of four research questions, which guided the researcher’s conclusions surrounding mental health within collegiate flight programs. These conclusions centered around the perceived benefit of not disclosing or ignoring mental health related conditions, whether admitting mental health related struggles has a negative impact upon flying careers, what strategies are effective to manage one’s mental health, and whether flight students feel the current aeromedical process should be reviewed for possible revision
Design and evaluation of a small-scale portable hybrid rocket engine test stand
No full textThis paper presents the design and evaluation of a small, portable hybrid rockettest stand that can accommodate up to a 3-in diameter engine casing. The primary goal
of this study is to determine the most effective way to build a hybrid rocket test stand for
fundamental research purposes. Various design ideas were considered, including the use of
roller bearings and a vertically oriented test stand. The final design of the stand is oriented
horizontally with the use of 3 flat aluminum plates mounted to linear bearings on T-slot
structural framing. The linear bearings allow the most forward aluminum plate to contact
and press against the load cell while maintaining minimal friction with the T-slot structural
framing. The oxidizer delivery system begins at a 10-lb NOS bottle at 775-psi, going through
an adjustable pressure regulator, through an on/off solenoid valve, and finally through an
orifice plate before being injected into the combustion chamber. The test stand uses a Futek
LLB400 button load cell with a 500-lb capacity, to measure the thrust produced by the
engine. A LabVIEW Virtual Instrument controls the solenoid valve, the ignition process,
and thrust measurement. Thrust and impulse evaluations of the hybrid rocket engine were
conducted on a 1.5-in diameter solid fuel grain over various mass flow rates controlled by the
pressure regulator at 200, 300, and 400-psi, the open area of the orifice plate at 0.24-in, and
nozzle throat diameters at 13/64-in, 16/64-in, 19/64-in and 25/64-in. All solid fuel grains
were composed of 3D printed Polylactic Acid and had a typical Bates grain geometry with
a core size of 0.65-in, length of 3.5-in, and 50% infill. The constructed test stand showed an
optimal range of nozzle sizes between the #16 and #19 nozzles. The stand also demonstrated
the ability to resolve differences in thrust and impulse at a 90% confidence level; showing the
design of the test stand is viable for future research purposes. Future studies should focus
on various fuel grain diameters, NOS injector designs, pre- and post-combustion chambers,
and different fuel grain geometries and compositions
Development and characterization of a novel three-dimensional human tissue-engineered lung model to study immune response to respiratory syncytial virus in vulnerable populations
Get PDFLower respiratory illnesses are one of the leading causes of mortality in the United States. Viral lung infections, such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), often lead to chronic complications in immunocompromised populations. One of the first steps in reducing or eliminating complications caused by lower respiratory infections is accurately modeling the response of human tissue and cells. This work focused on developing and characterizing a three-dimensional human tissue-engineered lung model (3D-HTLM) using primary human cells to examine the immune response of vulnerable populations to RSV. To achieve this, a collagen hydrogel scaffold was constructed on a PET membrane in a hanging cell culture insert. Human small airway epithelial cells (SAECs), human pulmonary endothelial cells (HPMECs), human pulmonary fibroblasts (HPFs) and myeloid cells were then seeded on the scaffold to create a complete model. Each cell type was characterized within the model using flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stain, and trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER). Myeloid cells successfully migrated into the collagen hydrogel matrix, mimicking in vivo conditions. Models were digested to harvest and characterize cells. Myeloid cells recovered from the models upregulated tissue resident markers, CD169, CD206, and CD163, indicating differentiation into lung macrophages. Models were then challenged with TLR-4 agonist lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to validate the immunocompetency of the 3D-HTLM. Cells within the model demonstrated a response to LPS challenge by upregulating ICAM and interleukin (IL)-10, as well as donor-dependent tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. The 3D-HTLM was infected with varying multiplicities of infection (MOI) of RSV to determine an appropriate concentration to illicit an immune response. Models with adult myeloid cells demonstrated an immune response to RSV with MOI 10 by significantly upregulating IL-10 and CCL2. Myeloid cells from elderly (65+) and neonatal donor samples were utilized in the 3D-HTLM to determine expression levels of costimulatory markers in response to RSV infection. There was no significant change in costimulatory marker levels between populations upon RSV infection. Future studies can focus on other aspects of immune response to RSV in vulnerable populations within the established 3D-HTLM, such as cytokine expression