Open Research Oklahoma (Oklahoma State Univ.)
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Investigating green infrastructure to improve stormwater management on a historical site using the PCSWMM model
No full textRapid urbanization and climate change are intensifying stormwater challenges, particularly in flood-prone areas. Traditional “gray” infrastructure, though effective in conveying stormwater, often aggravates flooding and degrades water quality. In response, modern stormwater management emphasizes green infrastructure (GI) as a sustainable alternative solution that mimics natural hydrological processes, enhancing infiltration and reducing runoff. This thesis investigates the effectiveness of GI practices in managing stormwater, using Washington School in Stillwater, Oklahoma, an area prone to flooding due to its location within a floodplain, as a case study. The three objectives were to (1) develop a decision tree framework for selecting GI practices for a historical site using published literature and design guides, (2) determine the rainfall pattern by analyzing 30 years of local rainfall data, and (3) assess the impact of GI practices for stormwater resilience by applying the Personal Computer Storm Water Management Model (PCSWMM). Using a combination of literature review and data analysis, a decision tree was constructed to guide the selection of suitable GI practices, considering site-specific parameters such as drainage area, slope, and groundwater level. Subsequently, hydrological modeling with PCSWMM was conducted to evaluate various GI configurations, including bioretention cells, infiltration trench, rain gardens, and vegetative swales. The modeling results illustrate that GI practices can substantially mitigate runoffs and reduce peak flows especially for frequent, smaller storm events. The findings demonstrate the viability of GI as a flood mitigation strategy and highlight the importance of integrating GI with gray infrastructure to manage both small and large storm events. The decision tree framework and hydrological model developed in this study offer practical tools for selecting and designing GI practices tailored to specific site conditions. This research contributes to a broader understanding of sustainable stormwater management, providing a pathway for future studies
Analyses of soil nitrogen concentrations and simulation of soil nitrate and yield using decision support system for agrotechnology transfer (DSSAT) in short-term corn experiment and professional preparation and student experience in plant and soil science internships
No full textThe first chapter of this dissertation covers a general introduction presenting the importance and gaps on our current knowledge of the topics in this dissertation. While the last chapter recapitulate how it fills the knowledge gaps mentioned in the general introduction. The second chapter overviews an experiment describing the dynamics of pre-plant applied N in corn cropping system using conventional statistics. Varying rates of pre-plant N was applied in 2016 and 2017 on two experimental corn sites in north central Oklahoma (U.S.A). Samples of the upper 30cm of soil were collected at various growth stages and analyzed for soil extractable NO₃₋ and NH₄₊. Soil properties, climatic data and management practices were recorded for both sites and in both years. Results suggest that concentrations of applied pre-plant N in the upper 30cm of soil may be influenced by climatic conditions such as rainfall, evaporation and soil temperature in loamy textured soils of north central Oklahoma. It was also observed that levels of in-season soil N was significantly influenced by the rates of N applied.
Utilizing the same experimental set-up, chapter three evaluates DSSAT version 4.7 in simulating soil NO₃₋ using field versus SSURGO soil data and two soil organic models in DSSAT version 4.7 (CERES vs CENTURY) as inputs. Simulation performance of DSSAT’S CERES Maize crop model on grain yield was also assessed. Based on the test statistics it was observed that the source of soil data and the choice of soil organic matter model affect DSSAT’s ability to simulate soil NO3- with use of field soil data consistently showing better simulation result. Also, better simulation of grain yield was observed in no-till than in tilled fields in both pre-plant and side-dress N application.
While chapter assessed Plant and Soil Science undergraduate internship program using gathered information about student experience across various types of internships from 2014 to 2018. Results showed that majority of the respondents considered themselves prepared or very prepared for the internship even though over half were first time interns. Interns were also well mentored and compensated. Students also claimed that their internship have met most and even exceeded their general and learning expectations. The study highlighted the importance of fundamental courses in soil and crop science as well as the applied courses
Investigating avenues to improve nitrogen use efficiency in cotton
No full textThe majority of cotton production is concentrated in the southwestern portion of Oklahoma; however there has been a rise in production hectares in the central and northwestern regions of the state. Environmental conditions vary considerably across each production area, with precipitation levels ranging from approximately 180 to 244 mm and maximum temperatures reaching between 33 and 38 ℃ during growing seasons. This variability presents complex challenges in N management strategies, often resulting in low NUE. Traditional N management practices mainly employ pre-plant and split application methods, alongside the utilization of the current sensor-based N rate calculator (SBNRC) to determine in-season N rates. Through the utilization of five N rates (0, 45, 90, 135, and 180 kg N ha⁻¹) and three application timings (pre-plant, pinhead square, and split), this study revealed varying responses among locations. In Altus, sole reliance on pinhead square (PHS) applications proved ineffective, whereas Fort Cobb and OPREC exhibited no discernible differences in timings. Optimal yields were achieved with N rates ranging from 45 to 135 kg N ha⁻¹. This study also observed an increase in yield potentials, likely attributable to improvement in genetics, thus underscoring the importance of revising the current SBNRC. Additionally, genetic evaluations regarding N concentrations affect root and shoot morphology, denoting significant alterations in biomass and root length measurements. Although further field research is warranted, this method served as a valuable preliminary screening tool for identifying cultivars to include in future studies
Childhood obesity: Parental stigmatization or medical neglect
No full textQualitative evidence, judicial decisions, and media reports suggest that parents of children with obesity experience stigma on account of their children’s weights. In my previous empirical work, I found that parents of children with obesity are stigmatized as worse parents, and the relationship between child weight and parental stigma is mediated by attributions of blame toward parents for children’s weights. Here, I extend that work to better understand the level of stigma directed toward these parents. Further, as child obesity has escalated as a worldwide issue, some have suggested that preventing child obesity should be a major goal for parents and public health officials. This debate has led to questioning whether childhood obesity constitutes child medical neglect. Narratives around child obesity have ranged from “parents are child abusers” to “parents are dealing with a difficult situation akin to a child disability”. I tested the level of parental blame, stigma, and endorsement for family separation when children have obesity, compared to other child conditions (e.g., physical abuse, congenital deafness). To test the level of blame and stigma, I conducted a highly-powered, pre-registered experiment using US participants (N = 443). I found people stigmatized parents of children with obesity more than children with deafness, but less than parents of children with abuse. A similar pattern appeared for parental responsibility: people attributed more responsibility for child condition to parents of children with obesity than deafness, but less responsibility than abuse. I also explored whether the attributed blame to the parent predicted endorsement of family separation and found attribution of parental responsibility mediated the relationship between child condition and endorsement. The more people attributed responsibility for child condition to the parents, the more they endorsed family separation. In all, findings provide additional understanding of where childhood obesity falls on a continuum of parental stigma and further suggests, more specifically, that social perceivers do not view childhood obesity as isomorphic with childhood physical abuse, despite some rhetoric surrounding this topic. Attribution of responsibility should be further explored as utilization of the attribution model may uncover more about factors potentially impacting the parent-child relationship
NASA’s FLDAs soil moisture data as an index for forage crop insurance and disaster protection programs
No full textDue to the difficulty of measuring forage yields, U.S. crop insurance and disaster programs targeted toward forage producers’ base payments on an index hoped to correlate with forage yields. This study explores using NASA’s soil moisture data, Famine Early Warning Systems Network Land Data Assimilation System (FLDAS), as a more accurate index for drought insurance and disaster programs compared to traditional indices like the United States Drought Monitor (USDM) and rainfall data as well as in-situ soil moisture data from the Oklahoma Mesonet.
Correlation analysis revealed varying degrees of correlation between NASA’s volumetric water content (VWC) and Mesonet’s VWC and rainfall anomalies across different depths and regions. High correlations at 5 cm and 25cm depth were scattered around Oklahoma's central and western parts. Lower correlations were scattered in the eastern part of the state, urban areas, and vast irrigated regions. NASA’s VWC at 25 cm consistently showed the highest correlation with hay yield anomalies, particularly in June and July. Similarly, all variables showed their highest correlations during these critical months.
Linear regression models reveal that NASA Fractional Available Water (FAW) (R² = 0.42), Mesonet FAW (R² = 0.41), NASA VWC at 5cm (R² = 0.44), NASA VWC at 25cm (R² = 0.45), USDM (R² = 0.29), and rainfall (R² = 0.31) soil moisture data are significant predictors of hay yield anomalies. Quadratic models explained up to 49% of the variance in yield anomalies. Mixed-effect models underscored the significance of NASA and Mesonet anomalies on hay yield, revealing strong relationships even when controlling for local environmental characteristics and annual weather patterns. Segmented regression models identified breakpoints in the soil moisture-yield relationship, highlighting the importance of non-linear effects in agricultural data analysis. Among all models, NASA FLDAS VWC at 25cm was consistently the best predictor.
Incorporating NASA’s soil moisture data into crop insurance and disaster protection programs could improve financial support accuracy for farmers. Future research should validate these findings across diverse regions and assess the economic impacts of implementing this approach in insurance programs
Intersectional identity: Exploring the experiences of successful African American/Black and Hispanic/Latino professionals in Learning, Design, and Technology
No full textThis case study explored the experiences of Black and Hispanic/Latino professionals in the field of Learning, Design, and Technology (LDT) through the lens of intersectionality. Intersectionality is a framework that considers how various aspects of a person’s social identities (like race, ethnicity, gender, class, etc.) combine to create different modes of discrimination and privilege (Crenshaw, 1989). The study sought to gain knowledge from the experiences of Black and Hispanic LDT doctorate recipients as it relates to the success of minorities in STEM. The focus was on understanding these experiences in a nuanced way that acknowledges the complex interplay of multiple identity factors. The case study included five successful professionals in LDT who self-identified as members of the study population. The findings revealed that their experiences are shaped by the intersecting forces of race, ethnicity, gender, and identity. These professionals have faced significant challenges in navigating their identity in the pursuit of their doctorate and in their profession, but they also demonstrated remarkable resilience and commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion within the field
Curcumin mitigates the high-fat high-sugar diet-induced impairment of spatial memory, hepatic metabolism, and the alteration of the gut microbiome in alzheimer’s disease-induced (3xtg-ad) mice
No full textThe escalating prevalence of metabolic diseases and an aging demographic has been correlated with a concerning rise in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) incidence. This study aimed to access the protective effects of curcumin, a bioactive flavonoid from turmeric, on spatial memory, metabolic functions, and the regulation of the gut microbiome in AD-induced (3xTg-AD) mice fed with either a normal chow diet (NCD) or a high-fat high-sugar diet (HFHSD). Our findings revealed an augmented susceptibility of the HFHSD-fed 3xTg-AD mice for weight gain and memory impairment, while curcumin supplementation demonstrated a protective effect against these changes. This was evidenced by significantly reduced body weight gain and improved behavioral and cognitive function in the curcumin-treated group. These improvements were substantiated by diminished fatty acid synthesis, altered cholesterol metabolism, and suppressed adipogenesis-related pathways in the liver, along with modified synaptic plasticity-related pathways in the brain. Moreover, curcumin enriched beneficial gut microbiota, including Oscillospiraceae and Rikenellaceae at the family level, and Oscillibacter, Alistipes, Pseudoflavonifractor, Duncaniella, and Flintibacter at the genus level. The observed alteration in these gut microbiota profiles suggests a potential crosswalk in the liver and brain for regulating metabolic and cognitive functions, particularly in the context of obesity-associated cognitive disfunction, notably AD.Dept of Animal and Food SciencesNutritional Science
Re-adjusting finances after divorce
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
Combined thermal response test and coupon test to anticipate clogging issues in standing column wells
No full textStanding column wells use groundwater as the heat carrier fluid and are therefore susceptible to different clogging processes that can vary depending on the hydrogeological and geochemical conditions of the subsurface. In order to anticipate the nature and potential risk of clogging within the operational framework of a ground heat exchanger, this work proposes a new approach including a deposition cell containing coupons made of materials commonly used in HVAC applications in a thermal response test unit. A demonstration was performed in a standing column well to assess the efficiency of the proposed method. The coupon test unveiled a tendency towards iron precipitation and the development of iron-oxidizing bacteria, which was in accordance with the results of a more conventional groundwater analysis. Nonetheless, an advanced analysis of the coupons conducted with scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy also highlighted the higher vulnerability of 304 stainless steel to iron-related bacterial growth, compared with HDPE or copper. Moreover, it also allowed the identification of the interaction between bacteria and sediment deposition on the stainless steel coupon
Case study in adaptive reuse for integrated arts
No full textIn architecture, adaptive reuse is repurposing an existing structure or materials for new use, where buildings are designed to adapt to new uses and conditions. Adaptive reuse embraces the existing structure and imagines how it can be a resource for new spaces and program, with a potential to reduce financial cost, carbon footprint, and increase environmental sustainability, resulting in a faster potential completion time. Integrated Arts resources and facilities represents an effort to connect students and academic units involved in the arts with each other in a way that transcends traditional disciplinary lines. At Oklahoma State University, there are many arts majors and academic units across campus, many of which would benefit from greater collaboration, community, and shared resources. The OSU Task Force for Enriching and Integrating the Arts is looking at such opportunities. One opportunity explored by the task force is repurposing the Fire Station on campus to anchor an arts corridor that already exists on the eastern edge of campus.Through adaptive thinking, the Fire Station slated for decommissioning, can become a distinct and important anchor for campus that enriches the arts by providing spaces, experiences, and practices that facilitate the creation and appreciation of a wide range of arts. By understanding precedents of integrative art facilities and adaptive reuse, this case study aims to understand the key elements that could shape the creation of such an integrated arts facility on the OSU campus.Architectur