Open Research Oklahoma (Oklahoma State Univ.)
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Assessing the soil health and nutrient runoff at a former swine lagoon
Soil health is crucial for maintaining environmental balance, particularly in agricultural systems that depend on soil for production. One pressing concern is nutrient runoff from landfills, lagoons, and agricultural areas into nearby water systems, contributing to water pollution and eutrophication. Swine lagoons, which manage animal waste, are a potential environmental risk. This study evaluates the soil health of a former swine lagoon at Oklahoma State University’s Student Farm, capped with 10–30 cm of soil and planted with sycamore and cottonwood trees for nutrient absorption. Despite remediation, concerns persist, as flagged by the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ). The lagoon measures 140 yards by 76 yards, covering 2.5 acres with two soil types: Teller loam and Easpur loam.
In 2023, nutrient levels were recorded in pounds per acre: sycamore tree plots had 5 pounds of nitrogen, 500 pounds of phosphorus, and 800 pounds of potassium, while cottonwood plots had 5 pounds of nitrogen, 300 pounds of phosphorus, and 600 pounds of potassium. Heavy metals were analyzed in parts per million, with results of 45 ppm for iron, 10 ppm for zinc, 1 ppm for boron, and 2 ppm for copper. This data will serve as a baseline for ongoing testing to assess the effectiveness of capping and tree planting in preventing nutrient runoff.
This study employs grid-based sampling, taking 20 samples from an 8-square grid, ensuring a 6-inch depth of soil. These samples will be analyzed for mineral levels and other indicators of soil health. Findings will guide best practices for maintaining soil health in former waste treatment areas and assess the lagoon’s environmental impact.
The purpose of this study is to contribute to the broader conversation on soil conservation in areas with a history of agricultural waste management. As soil is a finite resource, it is crucial to preserve land for sustainable production. Future goals include continuous monitoring of the lagoon site and implementing corrective measures if needed.Horticulture and Landscape Architectur
Wellness is not a perk: Reimagining work life balance for library workers
We spend a significant portion of our lives at work. Imagine if that time contributed to our overall well-being, rather than detracting from it. This session invites you to explore the idea that wellness isn’t a perk or a productivity booster, but an intrinsic part of a fulfilling work experience. Let’s redefine what it means to thrive in the workplace.
We’ll delve into strategies for fostering a work culture (whether remote, hybrid, or in person) where caring for ourselves, and for one another, is a valued project. Members of Oklahoma State (OSU) Library’s Digital Resources and Discovery Services (DRDS) will share their own experiences of planning, implementing, and benefitting from employee-led wellness activities, as well as benefiting from the well-fostered culture of care at OSU Library. From shared moments of movement and mindfulness to opportunities for creative expression, we'll explore inclusive ways to nourish our bodies, minds, and communities, with the added perk of greater work satisfaction. We’ll also actively practice some of those activities together, starting the session with a short guided meditation, and wrapping things up with an extended group drawing activity for all skill levels. Join us as we actively reimagine the workplace as a space for practicing community care and individual rejuvenation.Librar
Bridging the gap: Improving data sharing practices in surgical research: A cross-sectional analysis
Background: Data sharing is critical for advancing medical knowledge, improving patient outcomes, and ensuring research transparency and reproducibility. Despite the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) guidelines mandating data-sharing statements (DSS) in clinical trials, compliance in surgical research remains inconsistent.Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review, and cross-sectional analysis were conducted on 1,094 articles from the top five h-5 indexed surgery journals published between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2023. Factors influencing DSS inclusion were assessed using hierarchical logistic regression, and thematic analysis was performed on DSS content. A comprehensive search was conducted in MEDLINE (PubMed) using ISSNs of the selected journals, and articles were screened for eligibility based on predefined criteria.Results: Out of 1,094 articles, only 141 (12.89%) included DSS, with higher rates in clinical trials (18.05%) compared to cohort studies (5.20%). Government and industry-funded studies were more likely to include DSS. Open-access articles had higher DSS rates (18.95%) than non-open-access articles (4.72%). Hierarchical logistic regression indicated significant variability among journals, with higher impact factor journals more likely to include DSS. Thematic analysis revealed prevalent themes of gatekeeper roles, conditional data availability, and privacy concerns. Of the 96 corresponding authors contacted, 18 were willing to share data.Conclusion: Despite slight improvements, data sharing in top surgery journals remains low, particularly in journals with higher impact factors and funded studies. Implementing robust policies and promoting transparency in surgical research is essential for advancing medical knowledge and improving patient outcomes. Further efforts are required to enhance data-sharing practices within the surgical community
AI extension in OpenRefine
This presentation highlights the AI Extension for OpenRefine, which integrates large language model features like translation, sentiment analysis, and summarization directly into data workflows. It covers installation, provider setup, and practical use cases to help attendees enhance their data refinement projects with AI-powered tools.falseLibrar
Does experience in multiple contests affect cricket exploration behavior?
Previous experiences strongly influence animal behavior, particularly in response to social interactions. In this study, I investigated how sequences of positive and negative outcomes in aggressive contests influenced exploration and latency behaviors in male house crickets (Acheta domesticus). Crickets were divided into five experimental groups: two wins (WW), two losses (LL), win-loss (WL), loss-win (LW), and a control group (CG) without contests. Behavioral responses were recorded both before and after the contests. I documented observations on subsequent days to evaluate lasting impacts. I assessed exploration by recording movements between defined areas in a test arena, and I measured latency by timing how long crickets took to exit a shelter. Aggression contests were staged by pairing crickets with either larger or smaller opponents to produce specific outcomes. The staged contest design allowed me to examine how winning or losing, as well as the sequence of these outcomes, influenced key behavioral metrics. I hypothesized that the most recent contest experience strongly influenced exploration, latency, and time spent in the thigmotaxis area. I expected patterns to vary based on the sequence and proportion of wins and losses. Crickets experiencing predominantly negative outcomes likely displayed more pronounced and prolonged behavioral changes than those with positive experiences. This research highlighted the ecological importance of behavioral plasticity and demonstrated how social experiences dynamically shaped behaviors critical for survival, including dispersal, mating, and predator avoidance.Lew Wentz FoundationIntegrative Biolog
AI enhancement of accessible learning tools and course design assistant
By leveraging AI tools, faculty can create open educational resources (OER) easily. Sydney Syllabus is a course assistant AI bot developed to assist faculty in a new course preparation and in the creation of OER for a new course
Evaluating artificial intelligence guidelines for authorship in leading hematology journals: A cross-sectional study
Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming hematology research by improving data analysis, enhancing systematic reviews, and optimizing clinical decision-making. Despite its growing potential, AI raises concerns regarding transparency, reproducibility, and ethical standards. This study evaluates how leading hematologic medical journals address the AI integration in research through their author guidelines and policies.Methods: A cross-sectional review was performed on 100 peer-reviewed hematology journals, ranked by the 2023 SCImago SJR indicator. Data was extracted from each journal’s “Instructions for Authors” section to assess AI-related policies, including authorship rules, requirements for disclosing AI involvement, and guidance on using AI for manuscript preparation, data analysis, or image generation. Associations between AI-related policies and journal impact factors were also analyzed.Results: Among the 100 journals, 56% referenced AI in their author instructions. 29% explicitly prohibited AI authorship, while 52% mandated disclosure of AI use in research or manuscript preparation. Only 6% allowed AI-generated text content, and 10% permitted AI-generated images. Journals with higher impact factors were significantly more likely to include comprehensive AI-related policies. However, nearly 44 % of journals lacked any mention of AI, leaving significant gaps in guidance for authors.Conclusion: Although many hematology journals acknowledge the role of AI in research, a lack of standardized policies hinders transparency and ethical implementation. Establishing clear, uniform guidelines on AI use is crucial to ensure ethical, reproducible, and high-quality research practices in hematology
Chlorine concentrations at Oklahoma State University
Safe levels of disinfectants, such as chlorine, are maintained in drinking water by water treatment plants, ensuring the water meets quality standards when it leaves the facility. However, there is no monitoring or regulation of disinfectant levels at the point of use, such as taps or water fountains. Oklahoma State University (OSU) operates its own water treatment plant, but given the campus's historic nature, with buildings spanning various ages, there may be factors that influence chlorine concentrations after the water leaves the treatment plant. Our research investigates how building age, seasonal usage, and distance from the treatment plant impact chlorine levels in drinking water across campus.
For this study, we have selected 35 campus buildings, including residential halls, academic facilities, and recreational centers. These buildings range in age from the historic Old Central, built in 1894, to the newly constructed Ag Hall, completed in 2024. The buildings are located across a wide geographic area, from Bennett Hall in the north to Kamm Hall in the west, the McKnight Center in the south, and the Seretean Center in the east. Chlorine concentrations will be measured using a Hach Total Chlorine Colorimeter, with testing performed consistently on the first floor of each building at the same location each time.
After data collection, we will generate a Geographic Information System (GIS) model to identify areas with the highest chlorine concentrations. This model will help assess whether building age, distance from the treatment plant, or seasonal water use patterns affect chlorine levels on campus.
The results will provide valuable insights for treatment plants and help identify areas where infrastructure improvements may be needed. By using this model, we can ensure that drinking water meets safety standards at all points on campus, even during periods of varying seasonal demand.Lew Wentz FoundationBiosystems and Agricultural Engineerin
Safety and utility of magnetic resonance imaging of patients with external fixators: A systematic review
Background: External fixation devices are essential in orthopedic trauma care for stabilizing fractures and facilitating recovery. However, their presence creates unique challenges for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) due to potential image artifacts and heating effects, which may compromise diagnostic efficacy and patient safety. This study aims to evaluate the impact of external fixators on MRI image quality and to provide evidence-based recommendations for their safe and effective use.Methods: We conducted a systematic analysis of the effects of external fixation systems during MRI. Both clinical and experimental data were reviewed, focusing on artifact size, image distortion, and potential heating of fixator components. Variables such as fixator material, orientation within the scanner, and imaging parameters were assessed to determine their influence on imaging outcomes.Results: External fixators generated varying degrees of image artifacts, predominantly influenced by the type of material (stainless steel vs. titanium) and their position relative to the imaging plane. Titanium fixators exhibited smaller artifact profiles compared to stainless steel. Optimization of imaging parameters, including sequence selection and artifact reduction techniques, significantly mitigated distortion. No clinically significant heating was observed under standard MRI conditions.Conclusions: External fixation devices impact MRI image quality, but their effects can be minimized with careful selection of materials and imaging protocols. Titanium fixators are preferable for reducing artifacts, and optimized imaging techniques can enhance diagnostic accuracy. These findings support the safe integration of MRI in patients with external fixation systems, advancing evidence-based orthopedic care
Reframing misinformation as informational-systemic risk in the age of societal volatility
When a bank run, a pandemic, or an election spirals out of control, the spark is often informational. In 2023, rumors online helped accelerate the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank. During COVID-19, false claims about vaccines fueled preventable harms by undermining public trust in health guidance, and election lies in the United States fed into the broader dynamics that culminated in the January 6 Capitol attack. These events reveal that misinformation is not just about false or misleading content, but about how degraded information can destabilize entire social systems. To confront this, we must reframe misinformation as an informational-systemic risk that amplifies volatility across politics, health, and security.Media and Strategic Communication