Digital Commons Network^™

Leaf Litter Processing By Macrodetritivores In Natural And Restored Neotropical Mangrove Forests, Gary Eugene Raulerson

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Knowledge of mangrove litter dynamics is crucial to an understanding of the energetic links between mangrove ecosystems and nearby estuaries and coastal waters. Previous research into the role played by macrodetritivores in Neotropical mangrove litter processing has been contradictory. This study used leaf tethering to examine the effects of macrodetritivores on initial rates of mangrove litter degradation in South Florida, USA. Leaf litter dynamics experiments were run in both natural and restored mangrove forests to assess functionality of the restoration projects. Although less important than in some other parts of the world (e.g., the Indo-Pacific), macrodetritivores played a significant role …

Address Optimizations For Embedded Processors, Sai Pinnepalli

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Embedded processors that are common in electronic devices perform a limited set of tasks compared to general-purpose processor systems. They have limited resources which have to be efficiently used. Optimal utilization of program memory needs a reduction in code size which can be achieved by eliminating unnecessary address computations i.e., generate optimal offset assignment that utilizes built-in addressing modes. Single offset assignment (SOA) solutions, used for processors with one address register; start with the access sequence of variables to determine the optimal assignment. This research uses the basic block to commutatively transform statements to alter the access sequence. Edges in …

Watermarking Using Decimal Sequences, Navneet Kumar Mandhani

LSU Master's Theses

This thesis introduces the use of decimal sequences in watermarking to hide information for authentication. The underlying system is based on code division multiple access (CDMA), which is a form of spread spectrum communication. Different algorithms for the use of decimal sequences have been formulated for use in black and white images. The watermark is spread across the carrier image by using the d- sequences of optimal period and retrieval is made by the use of correlation. Matlab version 6.5 was used to implement the algorithms discussed in this thesis. The advantage of using d-sequences over PN sequences is that …

The Fidelity Of Red Snapper (Lutjanus Campechanus) To Petroleum Platforms And Artificial Reefs In The Northern Gulf Of Mexico, Megan Blythe Peabody

LSU Master's Theses

The habitat value of petroleum platforms for red snapper, Lutjanus campechanus, is poorly understood. However, it is widely recognized by both scientists and fishermen that the presence of platforms in the northern Gulf of Mexico (GOM) has affected the distribution of red snapper by the addition of hard substrate habitat. I evaluated the habitat value of standing and toppled platforms by monitoring the fidelity of red snapper to these structures with acoustic telemetry. In May 2003, 125 red snapper were captured with hook and line at several platforms in a 35-km2 portion of the South Timbalier oil and gas lease …

The Effects Of Nutrient Enrichment On The Decomposition Of Belowground Organic Matter In A Sagittaria Lancifolia - Dominated Oligohaline Marsh, Kristen Raye Laursen

LSU Master's Theses

Wetlands improve water quality through sedimentation and the uptake of excess nutrients. As human population increases in the coastal zone, wetlands receive greater nutrient inputs. These additional nutrients may accelerate microbial activity, leading to faster decomposition rates. This decomposition could exceed belowground organic matter production, resulting in a net reduction in soil organic matter accumulation and vertical marsh accretion. The effects of nutrient enrichment on belowground organic matter decomposition in subtropical marshes have received little attention. As such, this research examined the effects of four levels of nitrogen combined with two levels of phosphorus enrichment on belowground decomposition through the …

Accelerating The Transition To A Sustainable Society, Christopher Brian Bennett

LSU Master's Theses

As human populations increase, available land and resources decrease, and we begin to better understand the impacts of human activity on the environment, a strategy for human development that meets both the needs of society and the environment is being increasingly called upon. This movement has come to be known as sustainability. While this term is prevalent in the design and planning communities, it is important that this concept be brought to the attention of the general public, whom will ultimately decide the success or failure of this scheme. The question then is how to begin implementation of sustainable practices, …

Parallel Molecular Dynamics Simulations Of Antimicrobial Peptides, Svetlana V. Oard

LSU Master's Theses

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the wheat antimicrobial peptide â-purothionin were carried out in explicit water (~14,000 atoms) using an all-atom model. The structural properties of the peptide as a function of MD simulation, temperature, and presence of the mono- and divalent metal ions were investigated. The accuracy and scalability tests of the code Peach 3.8 for our system were performed on the Intel Xeon-based Linux cluster SuperHelix at Louisiana State University (LSU). The code showed the reliable accuracy and the parallel efficiency of 0.61 for ~14,000 particles on 16 processors. The microcanonical (MC) MD simulation of â-purothionin in water …

The Fate Of Bifenthrin And Fipronil In Pine Bark Nursery Media, Russell Stanley Harris, Iii

LSU Master's Theses

Concerns over the adverse effects of pesticides on human health and the environment have led to the development of stricter pesticide regulations and the outright banning of many pesticides in the U.S. Bifenthrin and fipronil are important pesticides used in the nursery industry for the control of imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta Buren, S. richteri Forel, and their hybrids) to meet the requirements of the Imported Fire Ant Quarantine. Nurseries typically use highly-organic media ("soilless" media) and little is known about the fate of these pesticides when used with these media. Our research measured the influence of irrigation frequency and …

State-Level Environmental Risk Perception: An Analysis Of 20 Comparative Risk Reports, Mandy Green

LSU Master's Theses

Research was conducted to identify the states that compiled Comparative Risk Reports and the year in which the study was completed. The information relating to the type of committee that compiled the risk report and the final risk rankings was examined. State Comparative Risk Reports were collected for twenty states and the risk rankings that each state compiled were reviewed to determine which states ranked third generation environmental problems and the ranking that those problems were given. The risk reports compiled by each state were also used to determine which states ranked natural resource based problems and the ranking that …

Mortality Of Pen-Raised White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus Virginianus) Released On Three Areas In Louisiana, Barret Keith Fortier

LSU Master's Theses

I monitored 60 radio-collared and tagged pen-raised white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) to ascertain mortality rates on three areas in Louisiana from April 2001 - April 2002. Two of 60 were not used in the analysis because mortality occurred from complications with darting and an affixed radio-collar. Study deer were exposed to legal hunting mortality only if they emigrated from the three study areas. Twenty deer were released to the wild on the Louisiana State University Deer Study Area (LSUDSA) (4,810 ha), where 9 of 20 (45%) suffered mortality. Harvest accounted for 56%, vehicles 22%, and other 22% of the mortality …

Partitioned Pricing: Can We Always Divide And Prosper?, Bidisha Burman

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Research on partitioned pricing suggests that separating the surcharges from the base price of the advertised product may lead to a more favorable effect on consumers' evaluation of the offer compared to a combined presentation of the base price and the surcharge. In this dissertation we propose that partitioned price presentation may not always result in positive outcomes vis-à-vis combined presentation of prices. We propose that consumers' need for cognition and the perceived reasonableness of the surcharge are likely to influence their evaluation of partitioned versus combined prices. Based on cue diagnosticity, Persuasion Knowledge Model, and Characterization-Correction Model we develop …

Rates Of Molecular Evolution And Their Application To Neotropical Avian Biogeography, Christopher C. Witt

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The tempo of evolution and the causes of rate variation among lineages are central foci of evolutionary biology. I evaluated two hypothesized sources of variation in molecular evolutionary rate, and I applied a variable molecular clock to estimate the timescale of diversification in three families of Neotropical birds. First, I examined the phylogenetic evidence for molecular punctuated equilibrium, the hypothesis that speciation drives accelerated molecular evolution. Recent findings that rates of DNA evolution and speciation are linked implicate molecular punctuated equilibrium as an important cause of rate variation among lineages. I used phylogenetic simulations to test this reported link, and …

Integrating A Technology-Enriched Curriculum: Ethno-Case Study, Juliette D. Angers

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative study was to provide an examination of beliefs, context factors, and practices of exemplary teachers that lead to a technology-enriched curriculum. Three middle school teachers participated. Using both direct and participant observation the Spradley model was followed with three rounds of observations: (1) descriptive, (2) focused, and (3) selective. Interviews were conducted with open-ended questions and documents were collected from the parish website. This research provides: (1) up-to-date information on what and how educational technology is used today; and (2) information which gives other educators an understanding of what beliefs and context factors influence teachers …

A Qualitative Exploration Of Students' Experiences With Tutorial Learning, Angela Alexander

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to explore how students perceive their tutorial learning experiences at the collegiate level in a campus-based center and to explore the personality preferences of the students who participate in tutoring, according to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). The study is designed to address tutoring from the perspective of the tutee’s experiences and to allow them to tell their story of how tutoring impacted their academic experience. The following research questions guide this study: 1. What are students’ perceptions of their tutorial learning experiences? 2. Are students’ perceptions of their tutorial learning experiences related to …

Cost Effective And Sequential Methods For Teaching Educational Paraprofessionals To Implement Behavior Management Strategies In Preschool Classrooms, Natalie Jan Slider

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

This study examined the efficacy of cost effective and sequential training methods for teaching educational paraprofessionals to implement behavior management strategies in preschool classrooms. Investigation of the effects of increasingly complex and time consuming methods of training on both paraprofessional and student behaviors were evaluated. Training methods employed included written take-home manuals and summary cards, modeling videotapes, and performance feedback. Training materials included three behavior management strategies (e.g., instruction-giving, praise, and time out) that have shown to have extensive support in the empirical literature (Brophy, 1981; Budd, Riner, & Brockman, 1983; Flanagan, Adams, & Forehand, 1979; O’Dell, Krug, Patterson, & …

Material Length Scales In Gradient-Dependent Plasticity/Damage And Size Effects: Theory And Computation, Rashid Kamel Abu Al-Rub

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Structural materials display a strong size-dependence when deformed non-uniformly into the inelastic range: smaller is stronger. This effect has important implications for an increasing number of applications in structural failure, electronics, functional coatings, composites, micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS), nanostructured materials, micro/nanometer fabrication technologies, etc. The mechanical behavior of these applications cannot be characterized by classical (local) continuum theories because they incorporate no ‘material length scales’ and consequently predict no size effects. On the other hand, it is still not possible to perform quantum and atomistic simulations on realistic time and structures. It is therefore necessary to develop a scale-dependent continuum theory …

The Radon-Gauss Transform, Vochita Mihai

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Gaussian measure is constructed for any given hyperplane in an infinite dimensional Hilbert space, and this is used to define a generalization of the Radon transform to the infinite dimensional setting, using Gauss measure instead of Lebesgue measure. An inversion formula is obtained and a support theorem proved.

Microelectrophoresis System Utilizing Conductivity Detection Analyzing Biological Molecues, Michelle Galloway

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Microfabrication technology has proven to be a valuable tool for creating polymer-based devices utilized in chemical and biochemical assays. Although, reducing the size of the device allows for short analysis times and reduces the reagent demand to ultrasmall volumes (< 1 nanoliter), a resulting consequence is the constraint placed on the limits of detection associated with the detector hardware required for readout. To overcome such constraints, laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) is often employed as a detection method as it provides low detection limits, which approach the single molecule level. Unfortunately, most LIF systems do not offer the benefits of miniaturization, with the detector components (i.e. laser, optics, filters) often times requiring a much larger footprint compared to the device. Another readout strategy that has shown promise for these devices is conductivity detection. Detection can be accomplished using either conventional-size or microfabricated electrodes, which can be integrated on the device. Although conductivity has been commonly used to detect inorganic or small organic species, the potential for detection of biological species has received little attention. In this work, an integrated conductivity detector was developed for the analysis of amino acids, peptides, proteins, and oligonucleotides (double-stranded DNA). Using the detector, mass detection sensitivities in the range of 10^-18 - 10^-21 moles were achieved. To increase the throughput of the system a state-of-the-art, multichannel device with a conductivity array detector was devised. This device, which consists of a 16-channel fluidic network and a printed circuit board, is geared toward automating three-processing steps onto a single fluidic platform including purification, preconcentration and detection for downstream parallel processing.

Quantification Of Marine Sediment Properties From Planar And Volumetric Pore Geometries, Allen Hagerman Reed

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Pore geometry and topology are important determinants of sediment physical properties, such as porosity and permeability. They also influence processes that occur in the sediment, such as acoustic propagation, attenuation, and dispersion, single- and multi-phase fluid flow, and hydrodynamic dispersion. This study uses images to evaluate pore geometry and topology of ooid (subspherical particles) and siliclastic (angular quartz) sand that was collected from the marine environment south of Bimni Bahamas and Ft. Walton Beach, FL, respectively. Image analysis techniques and predictive tools enable insight into the relationships among sediment pore geometry, topology, and physical properties for these differently shaped sands. …

Electronic Structural Investigations Of Bi- And Polymetallic Complexes Using Quantum Mechanical Methods, Zakiya Sheni Wilson

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Understanding the dynamics influencing chemical reactivity is essential for properly exploiting matter into more useful purposes. In that manner, computational chemistry is a tool frequently used to study chemical properties at the most intimate level, i.e. the single molecule.

With this work, we probe the chemistry governing a variety of multi-faceted bi- and polymetallic compounds. To date our research consists of four major projects: bimetallic rhodium-catalyzed hydroformylation and aldehyde-water shift hydrocarboxylation catalysis; a novel linear M-H-M interaction in a bridged bis(dialkylphosphino)methane complex of nickel; and CeBe₁₃, a heavy fermion conductor. Computational investigations on these systems allow us to …

Design And Performance Of Electric Shock Absorber, Oly D. Paz

LSU Master's Theses

The electric shock absorber is a device that converts the kinetic energy of an oscillating object into electric energy. This kinetic energy is normally dumped in a form of thermal energy in a conventional, mechanical shock absorber. The electric shock absorber consists of a permanent magnet linear synchronous generator (PMLSG), a spring, and an electric energy accumulator. The major goal of the project is to design and analyze the operation of an electric shock absorber. In order to define the initial requirements that the electric shock absorber has to satisfy, the construction and performance of currently used shock absorbers were …

Comparison Of The Efficiency Of Utilization Of Amino Acids From Intact Protein And Amino Acids In Crystalline Form By Channel Catfish, (Ictaluras Punctatus), Amogh Arun Ambardekar

LSU Master's Theses

Two laboratory feeding trials were conducted to quantify differences in the digestibility and absorption of dietary amino acids provided in intact protein or in purified amino acid mixtures. In the first experiment, 36 channel catfish (346 ± 47 g) were force-fed one of six practical feed ingredients (blood meal, corn meal, fish meal, meat and bone meal, soybean meal or wheat middlings), or a mixture of crystalline amino acids designed to duplicate the amino acid composition of each of the practical ingredients. Apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC) were calculated for 15 amino acids in each practical ingredient and in each amino …

Bezier Curves For Metamodeling Of Simulation Output, Harish J. Kingre

LSU Master's Theses

Many design optimization problems rely on simulation models to obtain feasible solutions. Even with substantial improvement in the computational capability of computers, the enormous cost of computation needed for simulation makes it impractical to rely on simulation models. The use of metamodels or surrogate approximations in place of actual simulation models makes analysis realistic by reducing computational burden. There are many popular metamodeling techniques such as Polynomial Regression, Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines, Radial Basis Functions, Kriging and Artificial Neural Networks. This research proposes a new metamodeling technique that uses Bezier curves and patches. The Bezier curve method is based on …

Stabilization Of Flue Gas Desulfurization Sludge For Application In Marine Environments, Tej Kour

LSU Master's Theses

Flue Gas Desulfurization sludge (FGD, CaSO4·2H2O, CaSO3·1/2H2O) is a waste by-product produced when sorbent slurry is passed through wet scrubbers. FGD contains higher concentrations of Ca, S, Si, Fe, Al and Br making it of great environmental concern. Presently only 16% of 24 million metric tons (MT) of FGD sludge produced is being recycled; the rest is disposed in landfills. This research was focused towards stabilizing FGD sludge with Portland Type II cement and Class C fly ash to produce lightweight fill material to be used in the construction of coastal devices. The specific objectives included the development of a …

Temperature Effects On Spawning And Fingerling Production Of Channel Catfish Ictalurus Punctatus, Patrice Arnold Pawiroredjo

LSU Master's Theses

The goal of this study was to develop several techniques that utilize the use of geothermal water that can contribute to increased profitability for commercial catfish producers. The primary objectives of this study were to: 1) determine the heating requirement using degree-days of channel catfish spawning 2) improve the efficiency of artificial spawning and, 3) evaluate the effectiveness of stocking outdoor ponds and pools with channel catfish fry. The heating requirement for channel catfish spawning was determined to be between 99 and 129 degree days at the peak of spawning. There was no difference in degree-day values between spawns collected …

Investigation Of Accuracy In Quantitation Of 18f-Fdg Concentration Of Pet/Ct, Yuri Ishihara

LSU Master's Theses

The PET/CT scanner has been recognized as a powerful diagnostic imaging modality in oncology and radiation treatment planning. Traditionally, PET has been used for quantitative analysis, and diagnostic interpretations of PET images greatly relied on a nuclear medicine physician’s experience and knowledge. The PET data set represents a positron emitter’s activity concentration as a gray scale in each pixel. The assurance of the quantitative accuracy of the PET data is critical for diagnosis and staging of disease and evaluation of treatment. The standard uptake value (SUV) is a widely employed parameter in clinical settings to distinguish malignant lesions from others. …

Nature And Dynamics Of Late Miocene/Early Pliocene Ice-Sheet Grounding Events On The Pacific Margin Of The Antarctic Pennisula Outer Continental Shelf, David C. Egan

LSU Master's Theses

Package-3 unconformities identified by Bart and Anderson (1995) were mapped to evaluate their glacial unconformity interpretation using a regional grid of single channel seismic data from the Antarctic Peninsula outer continental shelf. Detailed correlations show many crosscutting relationships within Package 3 such that the unconformities and units they bound are not regionally continuous across the margin. Comparison of Package-3 unconformities with the modern bathymetry reveals that cross-shelf trough and bank morphology is absent, which indicates that ice streams probably did not exist on the shelf during Package-3 time. On the continental shelf, only the middle part of Package 3 is …

Estimating The Population Of Greater And Lesser Scaup During Winter In Off-Shore Louisiana, Sean David Kinney

LSU Master's Theses

I analyzed data from an experimental aerial transect survey, using stratified random sampling, to estimate wintering populations of greater scaup (Aythya marila) and lesser scaup (Aythya affinis) (hereafter scaup) in off-shore waters along the coast of Louisiana during winters 2000-2002. My objectives were to evaluate anecdotal reports of large numbers of scaup in off-shore waters of Louisiana during winter, and to develop estimates and confidence intervals for numbers of scaup in this area. My analysis yielded estimates of 815,700, 420,600, and 791,000 scaup in off-shore Louisiana for years 2000-2002, respectively. Confidence intervals were 1,087,000 to 545,000, 594,300 to 247,000, and …

Physical, Chemical, And Mechanical Properties Of Bamboo And Its Utilization Potential For Fiberboard Manufacturing, Xiaobo Li

LSU Master's Theses

This study investigated the chemical, physical, and mechanical properties of the bamboo species Phyllostachys pubescens and its utilization potential to manufacture medium density fiberboard (MDF). The result showed holocellulose and alpha-cellulose content increased from the base to the top portion. There was no significant variation in Klason lignin content or ash content from the base to the top portion of the bamboo. The outer layer had the highest holocellulose, alpha cellulose, and Klason lignin contents and the lowest extractive and ash contents. The epidermis had the highest extractive and ash contents and the lowest holocellulose and alpha-cellulose content. Specific gravity …

Determining Epigenetic Instability In Normal And Diseased Human Vulva, Kirk Hutchinson

LSU Master's Theses

Epigenetics is defined as the study of heritable changes of DNA. One such component of epigenetic regulation is DNA methylation in humans. In neoplastic cells epigenetic controls are often dysregulated, especially in the promoter region of CpG islands. Global hypomethylation along with region specific hypermethylation of CpG islands in the promoter region of tumor suppressor is often indicative of neoplastic cells. In cancer, CpG island cytosine hypermethylation has been observed in more than fifty genes, including known tumor suppressor and DNA repair genes. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), lichen sclerosis (LS), and adjacent normal tissues were obtained by radical vulvectomies of …