Open Research Oklahoma (Oklahoma State Univ.)
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Virtual reality simulation of knot deformation
No full textWe propose a simulation of knot deformation in the 3D environment engine Unity. We simulate knots in real time with the ability to deform and interact with the knots. We represent a knot as a sequence of vectors, and update those vectors each frame using an algorithm built upon the Jakobsen Method. We allow the user to interact with the knot in virtual reality: the user can grab onto the knot with their hands and deform it naturally, but without the knot being subject to gravity. In future work, we envision adding the ability to display mathematical information about the knot. For example, we could display a tricoloring of the knot in real time as the knot is deformed
Effects of insulinogenic amino acids restriciton on the FGF21 pathway in neonatal pigs
No full textProtein content in human infant formula is largely above what naturally occurs in human breast milk. Over-consumption of insulinogenic amino acids (IAAs) in infancy and childhood is linked to increased risk of metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and obesity. Prior research has shown that there is a correlation between certain amino acid intake and obesity and insulin resistance in the body, especially pertaining to children. However, the current data focuses primarily on branched-chained amino acids (BCAAs), and not much is known about the broader spectrum of amino acids known as IAAs and how they also contribute to insulin resistance. The goal of this study was to examine the effects of restricting IAAs at 50% and 75% on the glucose metabolism in neonatal pigs. This research project utilizes an Agri-medical model of thirty-two seven-day-old male Yorkshire piglets to establish a correlation between IAAs restriction and improved insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis, as well as to test specific gene expression of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) and the relation to glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity in order to allow for new potential treatments for obesity and type 2 diabetes as well as better formula diets in humans. Here we demonstrated that IAAs restriction showed no effects on body weight, but improved glucose clearance. Additionally, FGF21, activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), and inositol-requiring endoribonuclease 1⍺ (IRE1⍺) displayed significant expression in restricted IAAs groups, which shows a correlation between FGF21 signaling pathway and improved metabolic regulation under IAAs-restricted conditions
Visionary Lab: Construction documents
No full textIn the 2023-2024 academic year at OSU, an Arts Task Force led by Dr. Rebecca Brienen was established to improve the visibility and collaboration of the arts on campus. Due to many artistic focuses being spread across four different colleges and multiple buildings, community involvement and overall collaboration has been difficult. Thus, the team was tasked with designing a facility at University and Ramsey where different art programs could share resources, create work together, and bring attention to the work done by OSU students. Asked by the faculty to develop our basis around the idea of craft, the team took inspiration from research done on the site, OSU architectural guidelines, environmental factors, structural capabilities, and good architectural practices to create the initial building design. By showing the schematic design results to a jury of staff and outside professionals, the team incorporated ideas on how to improve the design. In the design development phase, the team members cooperated less to focus on individual designs, in which this thesis focuses on the structure of the building. Hand calculations were done to determine the loads applied on the structure, and to design some of the members. Analytical models were then used to apply the loads and design most of the structural members of the building. The structural layout was then documented on drawings of framing plans and elevations. In the construction document phase, these drawings were made neater and were marked for their final calculated design shapes and sizes. The process and final results of the designed structure were then presented to a jury of professional engineers for comments
Trafficking and state-level education
No full textAwareness about the injustice of trafficking innocent children is becoming more prevalent through legislative involvement and legal action on behalf of this vulnerable population. Protective measures issued as a state-wide ordinance differentiate between state policy makers and prevalence rates. This paper is meant to present an inductive case study focused on the choice to mandate anti-trafficking education for U.S. school districts and the reasoning behind said decision. Data presented throughout this body of research originates from legislative documentation, federal, state, and local news reports and censuses, and trafficking hotline statistics. Findings assist in theory-building through discussion about the problem in these states, ideological differences between states, policy diffusion theories, and high population rates in urban areas. It is recommended that further research be undertaken as more states can be identified as having implemented this mandate. Children are the future, and their well-being is one of the most worthwhile investments
Understanding access and barriers to childcare in Oklahoma. A report on barriers to childcare licensure in Oklahoma
No full textUnited WE commissioned researchers from the College of Education and Human Sciences and the Spears School of Business at Oklahoma State University to explore barriers to childcare access in Oklahoma. This report summarizes the resulting methodological approach and key findings generated from work during the Fall of 2023 and Spring of 2024.Academic ServicesManagement Science and Information SystemsPsychologyEducational Foundations, Leadership and Aviatio
Exploring teachers’ cognition and practices of pronunciation instruction: The impact of an online professional development program
Get PDFAlthough pronunciation instruction (PI) has started to gain prominence in second language teacher professional development (PD) research (e.g. Nguyen & Newton, 2021), relatively less attention has been given to PD programs in an online format. Adopting a Sociocultural Theoretical (SCT) perspective, this dissertation explored the role of an online pronunciation-specific PD program in mediating and facilitating the cognitive development and teaching practices of a cohort of in-service EFL teachers. Based on the communicative framework (Celce-Murcia et al., 2010), a 2-week online PD program was designed and implemented. Data were collected using varied sources: classroom observations, a background questionnaire, semi-structured interviews, narrative frames, stimulated recalls, and teacher-created e-portfolios. Classroom observations were transcribed and coded for pronunciation-related episodes. These episodes were quantitatively analyzed for duration, target of instruction, and instruction techniques utilized. Data collected through interviews, reflection journals, stimulated recalls, and e-portfolios were qualitatively coded and analyzed to explore how the teachers progressed through the PD program. Quantitative and qualitative data were triangulated using a microgenetic analysis to trace the development of teachers’ cognitions and practices before, during, and after the PD program. Findings revealed that teachers’ cognitions seemed to have developed and qualitatively shifted as a result of participating in the PD program. One notable development was the shift in their ideal goal of PI from focusing on native likeness to prioritizing intelligibility. In addition, the PD program enhanced teachers’ content knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge and improved their confidence in teaching pronunciation. These developments, however, were not reflected in the classroom practices of half the teachers. Several institutional and sociocultural factors were identified that may have both influenced and limited the changes in teachers’ practices, including the school’s book-driven approach, students’ expectations, and time constraints. The findings provide insight into the complex nature of teacher cognition development and its reflection in classroom practices. The study has several implications for teacher educators and materials developers. Since many in-service teachers lack adequate PI training, teacher educators should offer a pronunciation-specific module in their regular PD programs placing PI at equal value to other language skills. Additionally, given the teachers’ reliance on textbooks, it is crucial that materials developers incorporate appropriate pronunciation lessons in textbooks
Home freezing of fruits and vegetables
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
Framing rural realities: Exploring youth perspectives of rural communities through photovoice
No full textAround 60 million people, or one in five Americans call rural America home (Ratcliffe et al., 2016). Youth should be perceived as “the main pillar of any society” (Kushawa et al., 2022, p. 978). Therefore, investing in them, their leadership, and perspectives might improve vitality for rural communities’ long term. To better understand youth’s perceptions of their rural community, 15 secondary agricultural education students living in a rural, farm-dependent community were recruited to participate in a photovoice study. This study assessed the strengths, weaknesses, challenges, opportunities, and uniqueness of their communities. Data was collected through photographs, captions, a focus group with youth participants, and a one-on-one interview with the agricultural educator who helped facilitate the study. Transcripts were analyzed using Glaser’s constant comparative method (1965). The focus group data were analyzed using a combination of the Critical Consciousness Theory and the Community Capitals Framework (Emery & Flora, 2020). Findings revealed students were largely positive regarding their perceptions of their hometown. They described their hometown as a farming, agriculturally based community and appreciated the availability of educational opportunities. Weaknesses included issues with infrastructure like poor road conditions, dilapidated downtown builds, and abandoned homes. Although weaknesses were identified by students, they often saw opportunities in those weaknesses for improving their community. Students felt empowered to make changes in their community after participating in the photovoice study
Power of father engagement with kids
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
Examining student motivation: A case study in an authentic learning environment
Get PDFThe predominant and yet unfulfilled question among researchers is how to motivate students to persist in the STEM pipeline, complete STEM degrees, and contribute to the U.S. STEM workforce. Those students who fail to find personal relevance in STEM are not motivated to persist in STEM education beyond the basic requirements. This single, embedded case study of an authentic learning environment (Rule, 2006) -- the NASA SUITS software design challenge -- for evidence of student motivation to pursue STEM degrees and careers was analyzed using the ARCS-V model of motivation (Keller, 2010). Analysis of an embedded design case (Boling, 2010) and a case study of seven participants who completed the NASA SUITS Design Challenge from 2018-2022 provided evidence of motivation in the design and the participants’ experience of the challenge. The participants, all who have persisted in a STEM degree or career, were positively motivated through attention (interactions with NASA scientists, engineers, other specialists, and NASA facilities); relevance (connecting their prior experiences and interests); confidence (ownership of their project); satisfaction (the reward of completing authentic, industry-driven work); and volition (making decisions to persist in STEM). The success of using ALE and ARCS-V theories to embed a design case and a participant experience case in a study resulted in a replicable logic model