Open Research Oklahoma (Oklahoma State Univ.)
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Using camera traps to estimate demographic parameters of unmarked wildlife populations in a forested system
No full textDemographic rates are hard to estimate, and quantifying them through physical capture can be invasive, expensive, and impractical. The use of camera traps for collecting demographic data has grown exponentially in recent years due to ease of use and benefits associated with collecting data noninvasively. Further, recent advances in unmarked abundance models and camera trap technology facilitate estimates of demographic parameters of unmarked species. Our objective was to use the space-to-event unmarked abundance model (STE) to estimate density and recruitment of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) in forests. Previous work with STE had not accounted for camera viewshed in a standardized way, potentially leading to biased estimates. Additionally, violations of the closure assumption have not been evaluated at a fine temporal scale, leading to potential biases in density estimation. We collected camera data from two wildlife management areas in southeast Oklahoma over two years. We randomly deployed 100 cameras, and at deployment, we accounted for variation in forest vegetation structure by taking multiple distance measurements across each viewshed, resulting in a unique viewshed per camera. Additionally, we extended the usefulness of STE by estimating recruitment for the first time. We successfully estimated deer and turkey abundance and deer recruitment using STE. We highlighted the importance of sampling during periods of animal availability by demonstrating that availability can have profound effects on density estimation. By measuring viewshed area and sampling during times of animal availability, we demonstrated that STE can produce defensible demographic estimates of multiple species of varying densities in dense forests
Effect of the method and rate of planter applied nitrogen on corn and grain sorghum production
No full textIn Oklahoma corn (Zea mays) and grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L) account for nearly 20% of all the total value of farmed cropland in the state. Fertilizer, specifically nitrogen (N) is one of the greatest input cost and potential environmental risk points for the central Great Plains producers. It is well documented that preplant N is inefficient and both crops benefit from in-season N management. However, it is also documented in some studies that there is a positive response to planter applied N. The placement and timing of in-season applied N is well researched but there is a lack of data on planter applied N fertilizer in the region and none that evaluates the method and rate of such an application. The objective of this study was to test the impact of the method and rate of planter applied N on plant stand and grain yield of corn and grain sorghum in central Oklahoma. The placement methods evaluated were in-furrow, surface dribble, dry surface broadcast, and “2x2” coulter injected. Nitrogen rates evaluated in this study were 9, 18, and 27 kg N ha⁻¹, as well as a non-fertilized check for a total of 13 treatments. Fertilizers utilized in the study included liquid urea-ammonium nitrate (28-0-0) and Urea (46-0-0). The study was repeated over three growing seasons: 2020, 2021, and 2022 with 2 locations per year in central Oklahoma, USA. Stand counts for the corn averaged 20.3 plants per row (each row was 6 m-1 in length for both crops) across all sites and treatments. The grain sorghum stands average 36 plants row⁻¹. Overall site years corn grain yields averaged 3.1 Mg ha⁻¹ while the grain sorghum trials averaged 1.8 Mg ha⁻¹ across the six locations. These yield values were well below expected for a managed research study as the state average for the same period was 8.6 Mg ha⁻¹ and 2.37 Mg ha⁻¹ for corn and grain sorghum respectively. The results of this study were that neither stand nor grain yield were statistically impacted by neither the N placement method nor N rate in both corn and grain sorghum. While low yields were expected due to reduced N application rates this research experienced exceptionally low yields and no response to N rate suggesting N was not the limiting factor. Across all site years and crops the environment and weather conditions impacted this study reinforcing the concept of Liebig’s Law of the Minimum. In which yield is control by the greatest limiting factor and in the case of the work, the greatest limiting factor was environment
Interdisciplinary re-examination of American flag imagery in late nineteenth cenutry Lakota beadwork
No full textThis thesis reexamines the deployment of American flag imagery in in late nineteenth century Indigenous Lakota beadwork. The profusion of flag imagery by Lakota women artists is well documented as a phenomenon, yet despite the depth of scholarly attention the previous examinations have resulted in patronizing and unsubstantiated conclusions portraying the Lakota as blindly expressing patriotism in these works. Utilizing contemporary womanist/Indigenous frameworks is a more productive exercise and re-centers these artworks as visual evidence of complex identities in settler colonial spaces, both material and intellectual. These works are a record of the creative and fraught borrowing of symbols of power, an exercise in resistance and survival, and the balanced role of women in Lakota culture prior to colonial pressures. Contemporary theories on settler colonial power dynamics can better illuminate the aims of the Lakota women artists and the very real world results this borrowing brought upon the wearers and makers of beaded flag motifs
Characterization of auditory physiology in FXS mice at critical developmental timepoints
No full textAutism spectrum disorders are strongly associated with auditory hypersensitivity. Fragile X syndrome (FXS), a common monogenic cause of ASD, results from transcriptional silencing of the Fmr1 gene and reduced expression of fragile X messenger ribonucleo-protein (FMRP). FMRP directly impacts myelin proteins and various brain regions show reduced/delayed myelination in FXS, suggesting deficits seen in FXS may be caused by alterations to myelination. FXS is a neurodevelopmental disorder, therefore characterizing when during development auditory dysfunction arises in addition to understanding if these changes are myelin dependent is critical to elucidating the full etiology of FXS. Auditory brainstem response (ABR) measurements record 1-4 waves, each corresponding to part of the ascending auditory pathway; the latency of which could be directly related to myelination of auditory areas. To characterize the physiology of myelination deficits in FXS at developmental time points, ABR measurements were taken for transgenic Fmr1 mice and controls before (P8-10), during (P12-14) or after (P21-23 and adult) hearing onset in mice. This allowed us to study the developmental emergence of auditory disruptions in Fmr1 transgenic mice and identify critical windows where underlying auditory pathways are established. We hypothesize that transgenic Fmr1 mice will have increased latencies and decreased amplitudes in their ABR waves compared to the wildtype at different developmental time points. These data will aid in identifying the critical developmental windows of neural circuitry establishment in auditory sensory systems and potential myelination impairments that underly auditory dysfunction observed in patients and mice with FXS.Purdie Research Scholars ProgramIntegrative Biolog
Effect of hip range of motion on upper extremity pitching kinematics
No full textClinical Scenario: Baseball pitchers suffer from a variety of upper extremity injuries. It is hypothesized that deficits in hip range of motion can lead to compensations in the upper extremity, increasing injury risk.Focused Clinical Question: Do deficits in hip range of motion lead to increased injury risk in the upper extremity in baseball pitchers due to changes in pitching kinematics?Key Findings: A search was conducted of the literature that studied the relationship between hip range of motion and upper extremity pitching kinematics. A total of 6 studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, however only 3 were included in the final analysis due to limitations of the other studies. All studies found a significant relationship between hip range of motion and upper extremity pitching kinematics.Clinical Bottom Line: While all studies found a significant relationship, two of the three studies supported the clinical question. Based on this evidence, hip range of motion has a significant effect on upper extremity kinematics during the pitching motion.Future Research: Future research needs to be conducted to determine if there is a true relationship between hip range of motion and upper extremity pathology in baseball pitchers.Strength of Recommendation: Based on the Center of Evidence-Based Medicine, evidence from three level III cross-sectional studies indicates a Grade B level evidence that supports hip range of motion influences upper extremity kinematics
Social determinants of health and family planning: Impact of food and financial insecurity on contraception use and pregnancy intention
No full textPurpose: Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) play a crucial role in determining an individual's access to reproductive healthcare. Given that nearly 1 million unplanned pregnancies in the U.S. result from oral contraception misuse or discontinuation annually, those experiencing negative impacts from SDOH may experience greater barriers to family planning (FP). Our primary objective is to assess the relationships between SDOH, contraceptive utilization and pregnancy intention among individuals using the Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 2017 BRFSS, our main focus was to use the SDOH module to assess differences in the utilization of FP. While sociodemographic variables related to SDOH were extracted to use as controls. We then constructed bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models to determine the associations, via odds ratios, between SDOHs, contraceptive use and FP.Results: Compared to women not experiencing SDOH, we found that individuals were less likely to have used contraceptive methods who reported running out of food (AOR: 0.65; CI:0.50-0.86), not being able to afford balanced meals (AOR: 0.64; CI:0.49-0.84) or ran out of money by the end of the month (AOR: 0.45; CI:0.32-0.64). Among women not using contraceptive methods, women who were not intending to become pregnant were more likely to report suffering from financial instability including having difficulty affording balanced meals as opposed to those women who intended on becoming pregnant.Conclusions: Our study found that the food insecurity and monthly financial instability domains of SDOH were significantly associated with women who did not use any contraceptive measures but had no intention of pregnancy. With changing policies around women's reproductive healthcare, addressing barriers to FP and contraceptive access is increasingly critical. Expanded funding for public health programs may provide a solution for women seeking contraceptive and FP counseling
Factors affecting crop insurance use among underserved producers
No full textHistorically, minority producers have been plagued by racial disparities resulting in them settling in areas less suitable for farming and being discriminated against in federal farm programs. In the two most recent Farm Bills, 2014 and 2018, there has been an increase in policies supporting underserved producers. Policies include the addition of veterans in the definition of historically underserved producers as well as reducing experience requirements for veterans to qualify for loans, amending the definition of beginning farmers from someone with five years or less experience to 10 years or less, and offering veteran and beginning producers an additional 10% subsidy rate above normal. The objective of this study is to analyze how spatial, demographic and risk (drought) effect the crop insurance purchases of underserved and veteran producers given the changes made in the 2018 Farm Bill. A cross-sectional analysis is used to determine if veterans and minorities faced greater agricultural risk and if they have equal access to crop insurance to help mitigate that risk prior to the implementation of the 2018 Farm Bill. A difference-in-difference technique is then used to determine the effect the implementation of the 2018 Farm Bill and drought levels had on crop insurance adoption. The cross-sectional analysis indicated a negative correlation between shares of veterans and minorities in a county and access to crop insurance, and a positive correlation between the shares in a county and agricultural risk of drought. The difference-in-difference showed that both veterans and minorities had increased access to crop insurance after the implementation of the 2018 Farm Bill. This is important as crop insurance is the primary way producers can mitigate risk
Characterization and evolution of nuclear ribosomal and mitochondrial DNA in Asclepias
No full textBy nature of being found in multiple copies within a cell, nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) and mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) offer a readily available source of genetic information. However, low levels of variation between nrDNA genes and the high variability of plant mitogenomes have hampered our understanding of their evolution. Next-generation sequencing technology provides a cost-effective way to repeatedly sample high-copy regions, making further study of these two regions more feasible. The objective of this study was to characterize fine-scale patterns in the evolution of nrDNA and mitogenomes sequences using the genus Asclepias as a model genus. I found that nrDNA copy number and polymorphism are negatively related and that both traits are constrained around a global optimum within the genus. To my knowledge, my study is the first that directly associates change in copy number to change in polymorphism and puts this association in a phylogenetic context. When analyzing mitochondrial gene content, I identified multiple tRNA genes that have been repeatedly lost or gained by members of Asclepias. In addition to these findings, I assembled near complete, draft mitochondrial genomes for 51 species for the first time. From these assemblies, I identified multiple syntenic gene clusters shared between all analyzed Asclepias species and found that while variable, Asclepias mitogenome lengths are not explained by species relatedness. By characterizing the molecular processes behind these two high-copy regions, my results allow us to better understand the evolutionary forces shaping nrDNA and mitochondrial genomes
Consumer responses to food conservation and consumption: A psychological conflict approach
No full textThis dissertation takes a holistic approach and examines consumer responses to food conservation at both micro- and macro-levels. At the micro-level (Study 1), the causes that contribute to food waste in restaurants are distinctively different from those in household and grocery context. Drawing on the impression management theory and cognitive-experiential self-theory, this study examines the effects of restaurant type (external), commensality (interpersonal), and psychological conflict (intrapersonal) on consumer pro-conservative behaviors. The findings showed that consumers’ intentions to box the food were significantly lower when they ate with their business clients (vs. friends). Moreover, affective ambivalence bears higher predictive power for consumers’ intention to box the unfinished food than that of cognitive ambivalence. This study contributes to the food waste literature by highlighting the role of self-conscious emotions in motivating and regulating pro-conservative behaviors while providing important theoretical and practical implications for the conservative engagement of food consumption.
At the macro-level, taking a qualitative research method, Study 2 explores the COVID-19 pandemic’s effect on people’s emerging and evolving eating behavioral patterns as well as the potential subsequent pro-conservative behaviors. Drawing on perceived risk theory and emotion regulation theory, the findings of 30 interviews suggest four evolving eating patterns, namely, 1) escapism versus safety seeking, 2) indulgent eating versus health consciousness, 3) impulsive buying versus restrained meal planning, and 4) cooking with both hedonic value and utilitarian value of food. This study provides meaningful extension to the post-pandemic food consumption literature by revealing how pandemic influence people’s eating behaviors. This research also sheds light on how changes in eating habits responded to societal challenges in the pandemic, especially when it comes to respondents’ efforts to understand their eating habits in the context of the pandemic and their attempts to make sense of life by adjusting their food intake
Voluntary pro-environmental behavior in foodservice operations: A motivational approach
No full textEmployee-centered initiatives toward environmental sustainability in organizations have received increasing attention in recent years. Given the foodservice industry’s sizable workforce, employee pro-environmental behavior (PEB) is fundamental to achieving organization’s environmental goals. Research has heavily focused on prescribed PEB. However, in today’s organization, most PEB remains voluntary. Furthermore, previous research in non-organizational contexts has shown that environmental motivation is strong and highly sensitive to the context predictor of PEB. While research on organizations has previously linked environmental motivation to employee PEB, it remains unclear how the work environment facilitates or hinders employees’ voluntary PEB, and thus fails to establish the underlying mechanism linking features of the work context to voluntary PEB. Drawing on Self-Determination Theory and the JD-R model, the purpose of this study is to identify whether environmental motivation (i.e., autonomous and controlled) acts as a mechanism linking relationships between two types of job demands (i.e., challenge and hindrance demands; Crawford et al., 2010) and supervisor autonomous support to the voluntary PEB of employees in foodservice operations. The model is tested on a sample of 247 foodservice industry back-of-the-house employees across the U.S. who provided self-reported data daily over seven workdays. Multilevel structural equation modeling is used to analyze the daily data and account for the within- and between-level variability. Results demonstrate that foodservice employees engage in voluntary PEB via environmental motivation. Particularly, challenge demands are only linked to voluntary PEB through environmental autonomous motivation, but not through controlled motivation, whereas hindrance demands are only linked to voluntary PEB through environmental controlled motivation, but not through environmental autonomous motivation. Supervisor autonomous support is linked to voluntary PEB through both environmental autonomous and controlled motivation. The understanding of the motivational process leading to voluntary PEB can be useful in identifying avenues to develop environmental behavior change in organizations. Implications for theory and practice are discussed