Open Research Oklahoma (Oklahoma State Univ.)
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Fire science education: Critically evaluating the need for high school fire science education pathways
No full textThe purpose of this mixed-methods study was to determine the benefits of developing a high school career and technical education (CTE) pathway in emergency and fire management, and to assess from stakeholders if there is a genuine desire from educators and emergency response agencies to develop such career paths.
Among the seven types of capital that support community resilience during and after disasters, human capital serves as the foundation for developing first responders and emergency managers. Social capital, on the other hand, reflects the collective mindset of the emergency response community, fostering the strong sense of camaraderie often referred to as “the brotherhood” or, more formally, fraternal organizations. This no longer indicates male preference, but a sense of family that first responders feel a part of. It is for this reason that it is hard to separate the human from the social capital when building an education program designed to teach future first responders.
This research study began as part of the “Rural Research Initiative” at Oklahoma State University and included a target population of four counties in southwest Oklahoma (Tillman, Jackson, Harmon, and Greer). Due to limited post-secondary organizations in the target area, the research was expanded to include Kansas and Oklahoma, where a dozen community colleges and technical schools teach Fire/EMS programs. Research demonstrates a clear benefit of high-quality career and technical education programs for rural communities. However, the study does not suggest that these benefits are confined to rural areas; rather, any community could benefit from these pathways.
Three predominant themes emerged from this research: 1) Stakeholders find value in making high quality CTE pathways available to high school students, but were less certain about the design of these programs and the age at which students should enroll. While still in the affirmative, perspectives differed more in this theme than in the others. 2) Stakeholders also desire strong partnerships between high schools, post-secondary educational institutions and the industry professionals who ultimately hire the students. Finally, 3) Stakeholders agreed that there are many benefits to making these high school programs available, and that they benefit the students and the communities alike
Evaluating the effectiveness of a universally delivered teacher training program designed to address severe behavioral challenges in Kindergarten classrooms: Teacher-child interaction training
No full textThe Teacher-Child Interaction Training (TCIT) is a training intervention for teachers designed to improve competence in dealing with social, emotional, and behavioral in children ages two to six years old. The skills acquired by the teachers are specifically designed to meet the needs of challenging behaviors that often require extensive, Tier 3 services but are delivered to all students within the classroom
Development of smart remote energy assessment toolkit via advance data collection methods and tools to meet the clean energy workforce development needs
No full textThis thesis presents the design, implementation and validation of a Smart Remote Energy Assessment Framework to transform traditional energy Assessment practices through advanced data-driven and digital technologies. As consumption of Energy rises continuously for industrial and commercial uses, traditional on-site Energy Assessments become more challenging. They are limited by auditor availability, high costs, safety risks and underutilization of past data. To address these limitations, this research develops a methodology combining Large Language Models (LLMs), 360-degree imaging, photogrammetry, and digital site representations.
The framework uses custom-trained LLMs, such as GPT 4.1 and Gemini v 2.5, to help analyze the Pre-Assessment phase, extracting key data of the site, identifying information gaps and mapping ARC codes to correct energy-saving recommendations. 360-degree imaging is employed to create detailed, revisit-able digital representations of the assessment sites, aiding remote walkthrough and advanced training opportunities. The methodology was validated using a representative sample of industrial facilities previously assessed by ITAC-OSU, comparing LLM given recommendations against on-site saving opportunities identified by the team for technical accuracy, relevancy, and cost savings.
Results achieved show that remote and hybrid energy assessments using the Smart Toolkit can reduce total Assessment time by up to 25% while an average of 15% greater energy savings compared to traditional Energy Assessments. LLMs registered 85% accuracy in generating relevant recommendations, with challenges in mapping the recommendations to the correct ARC code. The integration of 360-degree imaging made data quality, post assessment analysis and workforce training better.
The research depicts that technology-enabled Remote Energy Assessments usually exceed the effectiveness of traditional Energy Assessments while being more scalable, cost effective, and easier to train future energy engineers. The framework sets the foundation for next-generation Assessment practices, 360-imaging and digital representation of Assessment sites. Future work will dive deeper into integration with mobile robots, AI agents, and intelligent image analytics to further enhance Remote Energy Assessment capabilities and workforce development
Sustainable management of produced water: Microbial ecology, bioremediation, and resource recovery
No full textOil and gas extraction generates more than 1 trillion gallons of produced water (PW) annually in the United States alone. PW complex composition, including high salinity, diverse organic pollutants, and elevated concentrations of heavy metals, presents significant environmental and operational challenges. Traditionally viewed as a disposal burden, PW is increasingly recognized as a potential resource, particularly with increasing freshwater scarcity and growing demand for critical minerals. This dissertation advances a circular bioeconomy framework for PW management by integrating microbial ecology and physiology, culture-based approaches, -omics techniques, and membrane processes to enable both bioremediation and recovery of valuable elements. A multi-regional microbiome survey of PW from Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Wyoming revealed that microbial community structure varies widely across reservoirs and is shaped more by geochemical parameters such as salinity, sulfate, depth, and pH than by geography. Building on this ecological insight, two halophilic bacteria were isolated and characterized, including Modicisalibacter sp. strain Wilcox, which can degrade aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, detoxify and remove heavy metals under hypersaline conditions. This strain demonstrated exceptional performance across raw PW matrices with varying geochemistry. Further, a hybrid treatment train was developed, combining microbial bioremediation with nanofiltration (NF) and reverse osmosis (RO). For non-permissible samples, low-cost conditioning strategies such as salinity adjustment, dilution and blending allowed alignment of PW chemistry with microbial physiology, enabling complete BTEX removal and desalination suitable for beneficial reuse in low-salinity samples. For hypersaline feeds, coupling NF with membrane distillation (MD) is proposed to overcome osmotic limitations of RO. Finally, the project evaluated the tolerance and potential of strain Wilcox for biorecovery of lithium (Li) and lanthanum (La) in PW. Recovery efficiencies were controlled by pH and contact time, with Li and La following distinct uptake mechanisms. These findings support a tunable strategy for optimizing microbial recovery of critical minerals. Together, this work presents a scalable, mechanistic approach to PW management. By integrating microbial bioremediation, critical mineral recovery, and membrane desalination, this work demonstrated the potential to transform PW from a waste liability into a valuable resource, advancing the transition toward a sustainable, circular economy in the energy sector
Hazards of cross-cultural communication failure in aviation
No full textThis study explores the hazard of cross-cultural communication failure on the flight deck focusing on how culturally homogeneous and heterogeneous crews operate in
different cultural environments. Although Crew Resource Management (CRM) is largely
built on Western cultural norms (North America and European), the nature of modern
aviation places pilots from multiple cultural backgrounds on the flight deck. Although
multiple studies have shown operational differences around the world, most studies focus
on culturally homogeneous crews. The focus of this study was specifically heterogeneous
crews. The research instrument was a survey distributed to 400 pilots employed by Part
121 scheduled airlines, or the international equivalent. Participants were split into a
culturally homogeneous reference group, and three comparison groups based on their
working country. Countries are grouped using a derived score based on Hofstede’s
cultural dimensions of Power Distance (PD), Uncertainty Avoidance (UA), and
Individualism (IDV). Responses were analyzed utilizing Pearson’s chi-square and
Fisher’s exact test for comparisons. Additional exploratory analysis included survey
response time. The findings indicate a statistically significant difference between
culturally homogenous crews and heterogeneous crews. Reference group participants
consistently had the highest rate of positive responses, with one exception, question 12.
Importantly, even comparison group 1, which is culturally closest to the reference group,
generally had a lower positive rate of response than the culturally homogeneous reference
group. Expat status also showed significance in multiple questions, while when factored
by native language differences appeared in the fewest questions. This suggests that
differences are cultural rather than language based. Current CRM theory assumes low PD
and high IDV and may not be optimal for all operations. While a good foundation, this
research highlights the need for an industry-wide shift from a one size fits all CRM
theory to a model that is more adaptive to operators’ specific needs, and the cultural
context in which they operate. Further research is needed to explore more specific
qualitative accounts of communication failures on the modern flight deck
Long term performance and benefits of combined balanced mix design and chemical WMA technology
No full textThis study evaluates the combined implementation of Balanced Mix Design (BMD) and chemical Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) technologies to improve long term pavement performance. Asphalt binders and mixtures commonly used in Oklahoma were selected as case study materials to quantify the benefits of reduced temperature chemical WMA production within a BMD framework. A multi-scale experimental approach was adopted, consisting of binder characterization, mixture performance testing, and mechanistic-empirical pavement analysis.
Four asphalt binders frequently used in Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) projects were conditioned at reduced Rolling Thin Film Oven (RTFO) temperatures to simulate plant-level WMA production. Rheological and chemical properties, evaluated with and without chemical WMA additives, demonstrated that reduced oxidative aging improved both load-related and non-load-related cracking resistance while preserving adequate rutting resistance. FTIR results further confirmed the benefits of reduced short-term aging. These trends were then examined at the mixture scale using two Superpave mix designs. Initial testing showed that both mixtures failed to meet the cracking thresholds, prompting redesign using the BMD approach. When the same mixtures were produced at lower mixing and compaction temperatures with chemical WMA additives, the optimum binder content decreased while still meeting performance requirements, indicating potential material and cost savings.
Pavement performance prediction using TxME showed 30-50% increase in fatigue service life for WMA+BMD mixtures under both medium and high traffic. Finally, Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) using RealCost demonstrated that pavement sections constructed with WMA+BMD mixtures lead to more cost savings over pavement sections constructed with HMA+BMD mixture. Overall, this research establishes that integrating BMD with reduced-temperature chemical WMA technology provides benefits at binder, mixture, and pavement levels. This Ph.D. research lays the necessary foundation for state and local highway agencies to develop specifications supporting and governing the combined implementation of BMD and reduced temperature chemical WMA technologies
Modified Krzywicki’s equations to quantify myoglobin forms on meat surfaces
No full textKrzywicki’s equations to determine myoglobin forms on meat surfaces allow quantification without creating myoglobin form standards. However, Krzywicki’s equations can result in unrealistic estimations of the percentage numbers of the myoglobin forms. In this study, we revisited Krzywicki’s individual equations of [Oxy]%, [Deoxy]%, and [Met]% based on tissue optics and reexamined the practice of deriving [Oxy]% indirectly using [Deoxy]%, and [Met]%. In addition, the use of baseline correction at 730 nm in myoglobin quantification equations was also evaluated. The modified Krzywicki’s equations were tested on 44 loins (longissimus lumborum, n = 22; psoas major, n = 14; semitendinosus muscles, n=8). Testing on colorimeter measurements indicated that Krzywicki’s equation for directly estimating [Oxy]% could be sensitive to the baseline reference projected for 730 nm. A new algorithm converting the spectral reflec- tance to spectral absorption outperformed that which converts the spectral reflectance to reflex attenuance, in implementing Krzywicki’s equations. The modified Krzywicki’s equations performed better, with or without including 730 nm, in spe- cifically resolving a more realistic increase of the [Met]% during the retail display. For example, the new algorithm applied to psoas major muscles revealed a pronounced rapid increase of the [Met]% as the chroma reduced to ∼30, compared to a steady increase of the [Met]% in longissimus lumborum muscles at similar numbers of chroma. The results suggest that modified Krzywicki’s equations provide a more realistic estimation of the percentage numbers of myoglobin forms on steak surfaces than the original equations.Electrical and Computer Engineerin
Choosing ASL versus hearing devices through social, psychological, and developmental perspectives
No full textIn the Deaf Experience Deaf Expression project, we collect interviews about the experiences of d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing people of all ages, their families and other professionals. When people learn they have hearing loss, they often make a choice between learning American Sign Language (ASL) or using hearing assistive devices. The benefits and reasons for each choice differ for deaf children versus older adults with hearing loss. These reasons can be categorized into societal factors, developmental progress, and psychological impacts. This research highlights these differences in order to help people better understand and navigate this decision. From a social perspective, deaf children who learn ASL gain access to Deaf culture and community. This helps provide the child with identity, communication, and sense of belonging. In contrast, older adults experiencing hearing loss already have an identity and communication with the hearing community. In their experience, they choose hearing devices to remain connected with already existing social circles. These differences can also be seen in a developmental perspective when looking at language acquisition. Language exposure, whether it’s signed for a Deaf child or spoken for a hearing child, is critical in early development as it builds foundations in communication. Unlike children, older adults have already exited their “critical period” of language acquisition which make learning a new language more challenging. Lived experience and age also impacts psychological well-being. ASL can greatly benefit Deaf children: as mentioned before, it gives culture, community, and identity. However, when denied ASL, Deaf children who cannot hear the speech around them experience language deprivation, which causes long-term learning and socio-emotional challenges. Sense of belonging is a massive factor for psychological success, and access to a community through ASL greatly increases support. Older adults may feel isolated due to hearing loss, but hearing devices help overcome that barrier. Overall, this research emphasizes that ASL and hearing devices are both important communication tools. Both options are influenced by social integration, language development, and psychological well-being. Understanding these differences can help inform recommendations for both populations.Communication Sciences and Disorder
Status and distribution of diseases caused by phytoplasmas in Africa
No full textPhytoplasma (“Candidatus Phytoplasma” species) diseases have been reported globally to severely limit the productivity of a wide range of economically important crops and wild plants causing different yellows-type diseases. With new molecular detection techniques, several unknown and known diseases with uncertain etiologies or attributed to other pathogens have been identified as being caused by Phytoplasmas. In Africa, Phytoplasmas have been reported in association with diseases in a broad range of host plant species. However, the few reports of Phytoplasma occurrence in Africa have not been collated together to determine the status in different countries of the continent. Thus, this paper discusses the geographical distribution, detection techniques, insect vectors, alternative hosts and socio-economic impacts of Phytoplasma diseases in Africa. This is to create research perspectives on the disease’s etiology in Africa for further studies towards identifying and limiting their negative effects on the continent’s agricultural economy. In Africa, Phytoplasmas recorded in different countries affecting different crops belong to eight groups (16SrI, 16SrII, 16SrIII, 16SrIV, 16SrVI, 16SrXI, 16SrXIV and 16SrXXII) out of the 37 groups and over 150 subgroups reported worldwide on the basis of their 16S rRNA RFLP profile. Lethal yellow disease was the most destructive Phytoplasma reported in Africa and has a high socio-economic impact.Entomology and Plant Patholog
Homemade Food Freedom Act: House Bill No. 1032 - Replaces the Home Bakery Act of 2013 and 2017
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