Open Research Oklahoma (Oklahoma State Univ.)
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Technology acceptance and virtual writing center environments: An explanatory mixed methods study
No full textThis study explores the adoption and acceptance of virtual learning technologies within writing centers, using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as a theoretical framework. The research investigates how writing center practitioners perceive and interact with these tools, particularly in the context of synchronous and asynchronous platforms, and how these perceptions influence their use and integration into their services. Data was collected through a mixed-methods approach, incorporating both quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews with 32 participants. The findings reveal a nuanced picture of technology acceptance, characterized by both frustrations with technical difficulties and rigid tools, as well as recognition of their usefulness and necessity. Participants generally expressed greater comfort and effectiveness with synchronous technologies, such as Zoom, due to their perceived reliability and ease of use, compared to asynchronous tools, which presented more challenges but were still deemed valuable for virtual tutoring sessions. The study also reflects the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which accelerated the adoption of virtual learning tools and forced many writing centers to adapt quickly to new technologies. Despite initial hurdles, practitioners acknowledged the importance of these tools in maintaining services and fostering engagement with students. The study’s implications suggest that writing centers should focus on providing robust technical support, fostering flexibility in technology use, and emphasizing the importance of training and ongoing professional development to support practitioners in overcoming the challenges of virtual learning technologies. Future research should explore the long-term effects of technology adoption in writing centers, particularly the role of institutional support and the evolution of technology use in writing center pedagogy
Investigation of students’ reasoning about equivalence: Substitution, descriptive equivalence, and algebraic invariance
No full textThe focus of this dissertation is on students’ reasoning about equivalence. Equivalence is recognized as an essential, foundational component of mathematics which is fundamental to problem solving, and has been identified as a thread that can tie together different areas of mathematics This dissertation follows a three-paper format, with each paper being focused on a different aspect of equivalence as it relates to students’ reasoning; in particular: substitution, descriptive equivalence, and algebraic invariance.
In my first paper, I report on task-based clinical interviews with students exploring the commonalities they identify among tasks implicitly involving equivalence relations. This paper examines how students notice and attend to equivalence and substitution when reasoning about their work across mathematical contexts. I discuss themes that students explicitly identified as relevant when answering the interview tasks, which involved a distinction between students using a known equivalence for substitution or defining their own equivalence. This resulted in a proposed refinement of the notion of substitution equivalence.
In my second paper, I report on a case study of one student as she participated in task-based clinical interviews that situated the unfamiliar-to-her mathematical context of modular arithmetic within the familiar real-world contexts of telling time on a clock and determining the day of the week. This mirrors the treatment of modular arithmetic in some abstract algebra textbooks, in which comparisons are drawn between modular arithmetic and different real-world situations. This paper examines how this student leveraged reasoning about equivalence descriptively as she demonstrated more normative ways of reasoning about equivalence.
In my final paper, I propose a refinement to Harel’s (2008) notion of algebraic invariance, which involves recognizing that manipulations of algebraic expressions are done in a way that maintains some property of interest invariant under the manipulation. My refinement proposes an explicit attention to the fact that this property induces an equivalence relation, and that the manipulations are, in fact, equivalence transformations. I then use this as a lens to examine student work and classify their identification of algebraic invariance based on their ways of reasoning about equivalence
Evaluating the use of quarry by-products as a soil amendment in lab-scale experiments
No full textEnhanced rock weathering (ERW) is a promising carbon dioxide (CO₂) removal strategy that accelerates natural mineral weathering reactions to capture and store atmospheric CO₂. Previous studies have examined ERW across a range of laboratory and field settings. This work examined application methods and irrigation regimens using column experiments to assess the impact of ERW in agricultural settings. Quarry by-products (QBPs), which are widely available and potentially more sustainable, were used as the ERW amendment. This study compares measured CO₂ emissions and leachate water quality between soil columns treated with different QBP rock types, application methods, and watering regimens. A two-phase soil column experiment was conducted using agricultural soil packed into PVC cylinders and amended with QBPs. In Scenario A, basaltic andesite was applied either by surface placement or tilling into the topsoil. Columns were irrigated once or twice weekly, with total water volume held constant across treatments. This design enabled controlled evaluation of how application method and irrigation frequency influenced system responses. Results from Scenario A showed that tilling generally lowered CO₂ flux compared to surface application, while irrigation frequency significantly influenced emissions, with once-weekly watering producing lower fluxes than twice-weekly watering. Leachate chemistry also differed across treatments, with variation in pH, electrical conductivity, and alkalinity. These findings demonstrate that even with a consistent amendment type, changes in application method can shift both carbon dynamics and aqueous chemistry. Scenario B built on these results by evaluating the role of material composition. Columns were amended with basaltic andesite or limestone, and all treatments were tilled into the soil under a standardized irrigation regimen, with leachate responses evaluated based on watering day status. Both rock types reduced CO₂ emissions relative to the control, with limestone exhibiting more consistent suppression over time. Leachate characteristics again diverged by treatment, reinforcing the influence of amendment chemistry on near-surface reactions. While the experiments were conducted under controlled conditions, they demonstrated that QBPs can reduce soil CO₂ flux with minimal alteration to leachate properties. These outcomes underscore the value of QBPs as viable ERW materials and offer practical insight for optimizing amendment strategies in future field applications
Parables of a confused Choctaw
No full textA collection of personal, creative nonfiction essays chronicling the process of my reconnection with the Choctaw Tribe of Oklahoma. These essays are a contribution to our "Tribalography" a term coined by Choctaw author Leanne Howe to refer to any creative work, whether it be plays, novels, music, storytelling, and so forth, that renders the Indigenous experience down to a meaningful form. The main focus of this collection of essays is to explore the personal and collective grief of losing a tribal member, in this case my father
Chronically ill autistic adults: A qualitative study of lived experiences
No full textAutism spectrum disorder is a disability that has includes differences in thinking, movement, sensory processing, communication, and socializing (“Who We Are”, n.d.). While research indicates autistic people have high rates of chronic illnesses (Sharpe at al., 2019), the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon have not yet been explored. The intersection of autism and chronic illness could present significant challenges in academic, school, occupational, and social functioning. Therefore, the present study focused on people that are both autistic and chronically ill from a qualitative perspective, using in-depth interviews. Community-based research methods were utilized through the involvement of a chronically ill and autistic community consultant. Interviews with chronically ill autistic adults were analyzed using grounded theory methodology (Glaser & Strauss, 1967). Five main themes are discussed: Getting Through Life, Interpersonal Difficulties, Structural Problems, Nuanced Experiences, Paths Forward. The findings from this study have profound implications for healthcare providers as well as future research, clinical, and advocacy work
Role of anionic medium composition on manganese cytotoxicity and bioavailability in rainbow trout gill cells
No full textResearch has shown that the bioaccumulation of manganese (Mn) in animals can lead to neurodegenerative disorders such as Manganism. Despite its potential dangers, limited data exist about this essential metal's uptake mechanism and how the medium composition can affect Mn toxicity and bioavailability. We used a model of the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) gill cells, RTgill-W1 cell line, as an in vitro approach. This is a cell line of vertebrate epithelial cells with conserved metal transporters across vertebrate species, including humans. The role of exposure medium composition was evaluated by manipulating anionic composition to produce these media: (1) L-15/ex, a phosphate-buffered medium; and (2) L-15/HCO₃₋, a bicarbonate-buffered medium. A chemical equilibrium model determined the speciation of Mn in the different media. Cell viability and bioaccumulation assays were performed to determine the cytotoxicity and uptake of manganese at different concentrations in the two media. This approach allowed for the linkage between the role of extracellular metal speciation and intracellular toxicity. The cell viability assay results show that the membrane integrity effective concentration 50% (EC50) value in L-15/ HCO₃₋ is 122.4 µM compared to 70.26 µM in L-15/ex. The results of the bioavailability assay showed that more manganese entered the cells when exposed in L-15/ HCO3- compared to L-15/ex. This finding is interesting considering that L-15/ex produced higher Mn toxicity, according to the cell viability assay. This finding possibly points to an interaction between Mn and anions in the different media, which induces or reduces toxicity. In future research, membrane Mn transporter activity could be quantified to help determine the mechanism of Mn cytotoxicity
Lone parenting children with chronic illness: A grounded theory exploration of lived experiences, risk and resiliency factors, and social support
No full textRaising a child with a chronic illness presents a host of emotional, logistical, and financial challenges for parents. For those parenting alone, the experience is often intensified by the absence of a co-caregiver and reduced access to support. Lone parenting and chronic illness are two significant factors that can independently influence the well-being of both parents and children, but limited research has focused on the intersection of these two factors and their combined effect on parent and child psychosocial functioning. Thus, this qualitative study employed a constructivist grounded theory approach to explore the psychosocial impact of lone parenting on the parents of children with chronic illness, particularly their unique lived experiences, the risk and resiliency factors at play, and the support systems available.
In-depth interviews were conducted with nine self-identified lone parents of children treated at specialty clinics at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital. Interview transcripts were analyzed using initial coding, focused coding, theoretical coding, and constant comparative analysis, yielding four interrelated themes: (1) Unrelenting Disruption of Everyday Life, describing the pervasive interruption of routines, employment, and personal well-being; (2) The Double-Edged Nature of Social Support, capturing the fluctuating and sometimes burdensome impact of inconsistent or conditional support; (3) Amplified Financial and Mental-Health Strain, reflecting the compounding stress of economic insecurity and emotional burden; and (4) Evolving Identity, Advocacy, and Meaning-Making, illustrating how parents redefined their roles and derived purpose through caregiving.
Findings extend existing resilience theory by highlighting the centrality of structural barriers, particularly economic and systemic, in shaping caregiver experience. Practical implications include the need for proactive, accessible mental health services, sustained support systems, and financial navigation tailored to the realities of lone parents. The study contributes a nuanced, theory-driven understanding of how lone parents navigate the complex and often isolating experience of raising a child with chronic illness and calls for multi-level interventions to reduce caregiver burden and promote sustainable family well-being
Effect of nitrogen source, rate, and timing on forage yield and quality in bermudagrass pasture systems
No full textThe Oklahoma beef industry faces a significant decline in cattle population due to drought-driven forage shortages and increasing winter-feeding costs which account for over 50% of total costs in cow calf operations. While dormant bermudagrass provides limited winter forage, stockpiling and sod-seeding present potential strategies to extend the grazing season. However, the effectiveness of these approaches depends on effective nitrogen fertilization. This study evaluated the impact of nitrogen (N) source, rate, and application timing on forage yield and nutritional quality focusing on stockpiling and sod-seeded bermudagrass pasture systems. The research utilized three N sources (ammonium nitrate, urea, and urea + NBPT), four N rates (0, 44, 89, and 134 kg N ha⁻¹), and two application timings (single and split). Sixteen treatments in a split block design with three replications was established on existing bermudagrass pasture at three locations: Lindley Research and Demonstration Farm in Valliant, Cimarron Valley Research Station in Perkins, and the South-Central Research Station in Chickasha, Oklahoma from August 2024 to December 2024. Split-block and randomized complete block models were applied to evaluate the impact of the N treatments on the response variables using R software. At Valliant, N rate significantly affected forage yield, with 80 kg N ha⁻¹ producing the optimal yield (3124 kg DM ha⁻¹), while more N beyond the optimal rate decreased yield by 24.4%. At Perkins, N source and timing interaction was the main driver of yield than rate, with urea + NBPT significantly outperforming untreated urea by 49% when applied as a single application while split application improved urea performance at higher rates. Sod-seeding produced forage with significantly higher crude protein (9.1% vs. 7.2%) and TDN (57.92% vs. 53.98%) compared to stockpiling. Nitrogen use efficiency decreased significantly with increasing N rates, with the highest efficiency (82.91% at Valliant and 63.73% at Perkins) observed at 44 kg N ha⁻¹. These results highlight the importance of site-specific N management and demonstrate that sod-seeding cool-season annuals into bermudagrass can significantly improve forage nutritive quality for winter grazing while meeting nutritional requirements for dry cows and approaching adequacy for replacement heifers
Critically evaluating the need for specialty teams for high-rise firefighting
No full textHigh-rise fires are high-risk, low-frequency events that pose significant challenges for fire department personnel. When confronted with a high-rise fire incident commanders often have to make critical decisions with limited information due to their inability to properly size-up/assess the building due to its size. As the incident progresses building construction features along with items such as the fire alarm control panel, fire pumps, standpipes, stairwells, elevators, and smoke removal systems become key elements used to access and suppress the fire. However, it is not uncommon for these items to malfunction or fail as the operation is taking place thus requiring specialists to intervene. Therefore, this study aims to critically evaluate the need for specialty teams for high-rise firefighting. The aim is supported by three objectives: 1) evaluation of the need for utilizing specialty teams in ambiguous situations that can arise during high-rise firefighting that go beyond the scope of basic training; 2) identify how a specialty team for high-rise firefighting can be utilized and structured by conducting semi-structured interviews with subject matter experts; 3) determine if pros and cons of establishing a team that specializes in high-rise firefighting can exist and how either would impact the effectiveness of the overall operation.
This study employed a pragmatic approach using inductive reasoning to answer three research questions: 1) could the use of a specialty team for high-rise firefighting provide a significant impact that will affect the outcomes of a high-rise fire; 2) what is the best approach for fighting a high-rise fire; 3) is there a need for specialty teams for high-rise firefighting. In order to answer these questions semi-structured interviews were conducted with 28 retired and current incident commanders within the US and Canada. As a result five themes, 12 categories, and 62 codes emerged. The five themes of Training, Incident Commander Considerations, Size-up, Deployment and Use of a Specialty Team, and Considerations for a Specialty Team supported the need for a specialty team for high-rise firefighting
American burying beetle genome and the response of burying beetles to pesticides
No full textThe American burying beetle (Nicrophorus americanus), a federally threatened species, has experienced significant population declines due to habitat loss, environmental changes, and potentially from pesticide exposure. Burying beetles exhibit unique behaviors including carcass burial, preservation, and biparental care. We sequenced the first whole genome assembly for a laboratory reared N. americanus from Oklahoma using PacBio HiFi technology and Hi-C sequencing. We had a total assembly length of 317Mpb and a BUSCO score of 99.7% of universal single-copy insect orthologs. We determined chromosome number and identified mitochondrial genes. This high-quality genomic resource enables a deeper understanding of the beetle’s population structure, demographic history, and genetic diversity. These genomic insights provide a foundation for conservation strategies, including population reintroduction and genetic rescue efforts. We also evaluated the effects of two widely used insecticides—imidacloprid (a neonicotinoid) and bifenthrin (a pyrethroid)—on burying beetles through direct exposure, soil-based bioassays, and reproductive tests. We found an LD₅₀ of 445.1 ng/beetle for imidacloprid and an LD₅₀ of 610.14 ng/beetle for bifenthrin from direct exposure. Although most tested Nicrophorus survived environmentally relevant exposure while in soils, behaviors were affected, and reproduction was reduced at 9 μg/kg soil treatment of imidacloprid. At high levels of bifenthrin no reproduction occurred. Although the number of larvae were reduced in other treatments, the size of larvae increased for 3 μg/kg imidacloprid treatments. Given the extensive agricultural use of these insecticides within the beetle’s remaining habitat, the findings underscore the need for pesticide management considerations in conservation planning. These studies provide essential genomic and ecological data to improve conservation for the American burying beetle