Open Research Oklahoma

ORO serves as the home for Oklahoma State University's open-access intellectual output. It includes digital dissertations, faculty publications, OSU Extension publications, undergraduate research, open educational resources, and more. Email openresearch@okstate.edu to see how your Oklahoma-based institution can join.

Recent Submissions

Investigating the impact of cover crops on greenhouse gas emissions in the Southern Great Plains region
(2025-05) Williams, Tristian L.
The agriculture sector has been estimated to be responsible for a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. Cover crops have been found to improve soil health by increasing soil organic matter, recycling nutrients, and reducing erosion. The objective of this project was to understand the effects of cover crops on greenhouse gas emissions, specifically in the Southern Great Plains. Nitrous oxide (N₂O) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) gas emissions were measured using steady-state gas flux chambers in a winter wheat-cotton cropping system rotation at Caddo Research Station in Ft. Cobb, Oklahoma. Winter wheat was planted as the cover crop with early termination, late termination, and no cover as main treatments. The gas samples were collected weekly in glass vials and were analyzed using a Varian-450 gas chromatograph (GC). The average gas emissions are estimated during the cover crop phase and cotton production phase. The flux of both gases was calculated using linear regression analysis and the ideal gas law, and the means of each treatment were compared for significance. Primary results of this study found no significant difference in N₂O and CO₂ emissions across the cover crop treatments during the cover crop phase and cotton production phase. However, there was a significant difference between average N₂O and CO₂ emissions in 2023 and 2024, likely attributed to temperature and moisture variability. Additionally, N₂O emissions were significantly higher in the cotton production phase than the cover crop phase in both years, indicating that nitrogen fertilizer may also play a role in N₂O emissions. In contrast, CO₂ emissions varied widely between crop phases and may depend on differences in weather, microbial activity, and decomposition rates. The results of this study highlight the variability of the efficiency of cover crops to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, specifically in regions where weather conditions can be unpredictable, and drought is prevalent.
Generating dyslexia-friendly text using neural language models: Development and evaluation of an automated simplification system
(2024-12) Madjidi, Elham
Dyslexia, a neurodevelopment disorder affecting reading and language processing, presents significant challenges in academic and professional settings. This dissertation introduces an innovative approach to generating dyslexia-friendly text using advanced natural language processing techniques. The research develops and evaluates an automated system that transforms standard text into more accessible formats for individuals with dyslexia, aiming to improve reading comprehension, speed, and overall accessibility of written materials.The methodology combines state-of-the-art language models (GPT and T5) with specialized techniques addressing dyslexia-specific challenges. A novel dataset of dyslexia-friendly text modifications was created through crowdsourcing and validated by dyslexic college students. The language models were fine-tuned on this dataset and enhanced with syllable and morphological analysis to simplify complex word structures. Two specialized dictionaries were developed: one for complex word substitution and another addressing visual confusion and phonological complexity issues common in dyslexia.A two-phase experiment with 14 dyslexic undergraduate students evaluated the system's effectiveness. Participants read original and modified versions of passages from GRE exam materials and a psychology textbook. Reading time, comprehension, and perceived difficulty were assessed using quantitative measures and qualitative feedback. The study also examined the impact of visual presentation factors such as background color, text alignment, and line spacing.Results showed improvements in reading time for modified texts, particularly after refinements based on initial findings. Readability ratings and comprehension scores yielded mixed results, while participants generally preferred the visual modifications in dyslexia-friendly versions. The study revealed individual variations in preferences and effectiveness of modifications, underscoring the need for personalized approaches. This research contributes to accessible communication by demonstrating the potential of automated systems in generating dyslexia-friendly text. The findings have implications for educational practices, digital content creation, and assistive technology development, paving the way for more inclusive written communication.
Role of friendship networks (social connectedness) in the municipal bond market
(2024-12) Madhu Snehalatha, Midhun
Using a novel dataset from Facebook, I examine how the social connectedness and word-of-mouth communications affect municipal bond market outcomes. I conjecture that higher social connectedness between counties within a state and higher social connectedness within a county lead to lower municipal bond yields. Specifically, I hypothesize that the risk of municipal bonds is expected to be moderated by the social connectedness because of two plausible reasons. Firstly, social connectedness may function as a mechanism that eliminates information asymmetry between investors and issuers by providing information of municipal bond issuers. Secondly, social connectedness may function as a mechanism that imposes a greater cost and harsher punishment for opportunistic and unethical behavior. I empirically assess the validity of these arguments in this study. My findings confirm that bond yields are lower for municipalities and local governments when social connectedness between counties within a state and higher social connectedness within a county are higher. I also show that the effect of social connectedness on municipal bond yields is driven by within-state social connectedness. This paper provides empirical evidence in support of the argument that the risk associated with municipal bonds is lower when local governments and other municipal bond issuers are located in counties or regions with high social connectedness.
Active learning and the mathematics success initiative: A case study
(2024-12) Lester, Heather Camp
This study examines the role of productive struggle within the Mathematics Success Initiative framework, focusing on selected higher education mathematics courses. Using a qualitative case study design, the research explores how specific instructors implement the tenet of productive struggle in their active learning strategies and its perceived effects on student learning outcomes. Grounded in a constructivist epistemological perspective, the study involved structured, open-ended interviews with instructors and students, alongside classroom observations, to gather detailed insights into their experiences and perceptions. The findings from these cases suggest that in the observed educational settings, some students felt more empowered to engage with challenging mathematical problems, which may have contributed to the development of critical thinking skills and enhanced academic potential. These observations indicate that productive struggle, as implemented in these classrooms, could foster greater student engagement and resilience in tackling complex concepts. The study also identifies specific ways in which productive struggle might facilitate deeper understanding and retention of mathematical concepts, though these outcomes are context-specific and should not be broadly generalized. The research underscores the potential benefits of integrating productive struggle into active learning practices within the observed settings, emphasizing the importance of creating a supportive classroom environment that encourages perseverance.
Development of the Atmospheric Ionizing Radiation Tissue Equivalent Dosimeter
(2024-12) Lee, Tristen Earl
This dissertation documents the development, calibration, and field testing of the Atmospheric Ionizing Radiation Tissue Equivalent Dosimeter (AirTED), an instrument designed to measure cosmic radiation exposure at aviation altitudes. AirTED measures energy deposition spectra from both high and low linear energy transfer (LET) ionizing radiation using a tissue equivalent proportional counter (TEPC) and a silicon PIN diode, respectively. A novel TEPC detector head was developed to minimize microphonic noise, alongside custom analog signal processing circuits and PCBs. A Red Pitaya single-board computer was fully implemented as a spectrometer. AirTED was characterized at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) using a neutron beam with an energy spectrum similar to that at aviation altitudes. AirTED was deployed on a NASA WB-57 high-altitude research aircraft during two flight campaigns. Measurements of absorbed dose showed an average disagreement of 17% (TEPC) and 5% (silicon diode) when compared to estimates from the CARI-7 computer model. SpaceTED, a modified version of AirTED, was launched to the International Space Station in November 2023 and made continuous measurements for over 10 months. Preliminary results indicate measurements from the TEPC and silicon diode can be combined to produce a single comprehensive LET spectrum. Field testing has demonstrated that AirTED meets its design objectives and operates as intended on aircraft and spacecraft.

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