A Multiscale Interdisciplinary Approach to Blood Clot Degradation

Blood clots are critical to prevent bleeding, but complications arise when clots are not degraded effectively. We present a stochastic model of clot degradation that includes structural and biochemical details from the single fiber to full clot scales. We show that modeling in tandem with laboratory experimentation yields physiological insights that were impossible with models or experiments alone. We also discuss the need for future models that include mechanical forces.

College: College of Math & Science

Department: Department of Mathematics & Statistics

Discipline: Mathematics – Applied Mathematics

A Quasi Experiment Of Innovative CloudBased Tutorial On Student Performance Satisfaction With Learning It Security

The purpose of this research is to analyze the effectiveness of cloud-based tutorials in relation to student performance in MIS courses. The research design is quasi-experiment. The target population includes MIS students who self-enroll in an IT security course during 2015 and 2016 fall semesters. The sample population includes students who volunteer to participate in the study. The data source sources will be secondary. The control group would be students who were enrolled in fall 2015. The treatment group would be students who will enroll in fall 2016. The treatment variable is the cloud-based tutorials. The differences in student learning outcomes of the fall 2015 and the fall 2016 semesters will be compared. Quantitative analysis will be performed to determine statistical evidence for supporting or rejecting the research hypothesis that students with access to those cloud-based tutorials outperform than those who only have access to lectures.

College: College of Business

Department: Department of Information Systems & Operations Management

Discipline: Management Information Systems

A Wish Your Heart Makes Film Impact on Partner Perceptions and Relationship Outcomes

The goal of the current project is to investigate the mediational effect of destiny beliefs on the link between media exposure and partner/sexuality/relationship outcomes. To do this, the research team must meet three objectives: 1) demonstrate a relationship between media exposure and partner/relationship outcomes, 2) demonstrate a relationship between media exposure and relationship beliefs, and 3) demonstrate a relationship between destiny beliefs and partner/relationship outcomes. Thus, over three separate studies, approximately 550 participants currently in romantic relationships recruited from UCO and Facebook will watch either a full-length film or 30-minute movie clip portraying unrealistic relationship/sexuality standards or not and then complete measures of perceptions of partners, sexuality, and relationships. Sobel tests will determine whether the indirect effect of media exposure on partner/relationship outcomes through destiny beliefs is significantly different from zero. This project addresses a current void in the literature. Specifically, Study 1 builds upon previous research (Balzarini et al., 2016) investigating the link between exposure to erotica and attraction/love for romantic partners among men that failed to replicate original research on the topic (cf. Kenrick et al., 1989). Studies 2 and 3 address whether other types of media (i.e., Disney films and romantic comedies) – which may also invoke unrealistic expectations of partners, sexuality, and/or relationships – function similarly to pornography (while investigating potential gender differences). As such, the findings of the current project advance the understanding of the processes involved in partner perception, expectations of relationships, and attitudes regarding sexuality.

College: College of Education

Department: Department of Psychology

Discipline: Psychology

An Evaluation of a SittoStand Workstation on Employee Physical Fitness and Activity Levels

Faculty and staff volunteers across campus are placed in a control or intervention group. The intervention group is given a sit-to-stand workstation desk and asked to stand for a cumulative total of 2 hours per day at their workstation. Students enrolled in an undergraduate research course, along with two research assistants and the primary and co-primary investigators collect data on all participants, at the beginning, 6 months, and 12 months after receipt of the workstations. Outcomes include objective and subjective physical activity levels, musculoskeletal discomfort, various aspects of physical fitness, work productivity, leisure function, stress, optimism, and exercise self-efficacy.

College: College of Education

Department: Department of Kinesiology & Health Studies

Discipline: Kinesiology

Keywords: Employee, Fitness, Work productivity, Workplace wellness, Workstation

An Ongoing Examination of Methamphetamine

This project builds on a multi-year, multi-method research study of methamphetamine. This project examines dimensions of the methamphetamine problem via the analysis of primary data from individuals with specialized knowledge about methamphetamine and collection of primary data to document the current state of the problem and adaptations occurring in Oklahoma. In addition, secondary data on global trends in production and trafficking are being analyzed. The overarching goal of this project is to advance scientific knowledge about methamphetamine at multiple levels. Specifically, this research seeks to document and understand the challenges of policing methamphetamine in rural communities in Oklahoma, global trends and patterns in methamphetamine production and trafficking, and role of decision-making and processes of desistance from methamphetamine among a sample of individuals formerly immersed in the methamphetamine lifestyle. This research utilizes both primary and secondary data sources. Research findings are being disseminated through presentations at local, state, and national conferences as well as through publications.

College: College of Liberal Arts

Department: School of Criminal Justice

Discipline: Criminal Justice – General