Digital Commons Network^™

Learning Nonlinear Dynamics In Synchronization Of Knowledge-Based Leader-Following Networks, Shimin Wang, Xiangyu Meng, Hongwei Zhang, Frank L. Lewis

Faculty Publications

Knowledge-based leader-following synchronization of heterogeneous nonlinear multi-agent systems is a challenging problem since the leader's dynamic information is unknown to any follower node. This paper proposes a learning-based fully distributed observer for a class of nonlinear leader systems, which can simultaneously learn the leader's dynamics and states. This class of leader dynamics is rather general and does not require a bounded Jacobian matrix. Based on this learning-based distributed observer, we further synthesize an adaptive distributed control law for solving the leader-following synchronization problem of multiple Euler–Lagrange systems subject to an uncertain nonlinear leader system. The results are illustrated by a …

Hyperpolarized Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Metabolomics, And Artificial Intelligence To Interrogate The Metabolic Evolution Of Glioblastoma, Kang Lin Hsieh, Qing Chen, Travis C. Salzillo, Jian Zhang, Xiaoqian Jiang, Pratip K. Bhattacharya, Shyan Shams

Faculty Publications

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a malignant Grade VI cancer type with a median survival duration of only 8–16 months. Earlier detection of GBM could enable more effective treatment. Hyperpolarized magnetic resonance spectroscopy (HPMRS) could detect GBM earlier than conventional anatomical MRI in glioblastoma murine models. We further investigated whether artificial intelligence (A.I.) could detect GBM earlier than HPMRS. We developed a deep learning model that combines multiple modalities of cancer data to predict tumor progression, assess treatment effects, and to reconstruct in vivo metabolomic information from ex vivo data. Our model can detect GBM progression two weeks earlier than conventional MRIs …

The Impact Of Lutein-Loaded Poly(Lactic-Coglycolic Acid) Nanoparticles Following Topical Application: An In Vitro And In Vivo Study, Renee T. Carter, Sean Swetledge, Sara Navarro, Chin C. Liu, Nikole Ineck, Andrew C. Lewin, Fabrizio Donnarumma, Ede Bodoki, Rhett W. Stout, Carlos Astete, Jangwook P. Jung, Cristina M. Sabliov

Faculty Publications

Antioxidant therapies are of interest in the prevention and management of ocular disorders such as cataracts. Although an active area of interest, topical therapy with antioxidants for the treatment of cataracts is complicated by multiple ocular anatomical barriers, product stability, and solubility. Entrapment and delivery of antioxidants with poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles is a possible solution to these challenges, however, little is known regarding their effects in vitro or in vivo. Our first aim was to investigate the impact of blank and lutein loaded PLGA nanoparticles on viability and development of reactive oxygen species in lens epithelial cells in vitro. Photo-oxidative …

Chinese Calligraphic Dance (Ccd) And Generative Arts: Phantom Of Utopia, Ka Hei Cheng

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The intricate elements embedded in the pictorial, ideological, and semantic facets of Chinese characters find their origin in simple calligraphic gestures. This generative arts research and creative work elevates traditional two-dimensional Chinese calligraphy into a multidimensional realm in extended reality (XR) by translating it into a three-dimensional dance movement, integrating music and visual media. This transformation is achieved by decomposing the words into gestures and somaesthetic
movement/interaction, encoding the collective bodily expressions into a manifestation termed Chinese Calligraphic Dance (CCD). Within this dance form, the fusion of categorized and uncategorized gestures/movements is sonified through a motion tracking system, giving rise …

An Analysis Of The Development Of Cognitive Control In Young Children Within An Auditory And Visual Modality., Lauren A. Schiro

LSU Master's Theses

The Dual Mechanisms of Cognitive Control Framework (DMC) posits that cognitive control is directed through two different modes: proactive and reactive control. Proactive control involves the maintenance and manipulation of information in preparation of a response while reactive control would involve little to no preparation until after a response prompt. The AX-Continuous Performance Task (AX-CPT) is a cognitive control task that is often utilized in studies looking at proactive and reactive control as it measures context processing and goal maintenance. The aims of this study were to validate the auditory version of the AX-CPT and to then apply this task …

Harmony In Collaboration: Curating Sustainability In Post-Pandemic Arts, Natalie M. Stepaniak

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

In an interconnected world, collaboration in the arts is rising, challenging the traditional notion of the solitary artist. Interdisciplinary collaboration is crucial for advancing performing and visual arts, especially amidst declining audience attendance. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbating challenges for the arts sector, recent data suggests a gradual recovery, with collaborative efforts fostering resilience.

This dissertation investigates the transformative potential of interdisciplinary collaboration from the perspective of musicians and their organizations. Through three case studies—collaborations between the Rapides Symphony Orchestra and Play On Theater Company, The Next Festival for Emerging Artists, and violist-composer Leilehua Lanzilotti and her collaborative relationship with …

Unveiling Competitive Adsorption In Tio2 Photocatalysis Through Machine-Learning-Accelerated Molecular Dynamics, Dft, And Experimental Methods, Omar Allam, Mostafa Maghsoodi, Seung Soon Jang, Samuel D. Snow

Faculty Publications

The efficient harnessing of solar power for water treatment via photocatalytic processes has long been constrained by the challenge of understanding and optimizing the interactions at the photocatalyst surface, particularly in the presence of nontarget cosolutes. The adsorption of these cosolutes, such as natural organic matter, onto photocatalysts can inhibit the degradation of pollutants, drastically decreasing the photocatalytic efficiency. In the present work, computational methods are employed to predict the inhibitory action of a suite of small organic molecules during TiO2 photocatalytic degradation of para-chlorobenzoic acid (pCBA). Specifically, tryptophan, coniferyl alcohol, succinic acid, gallic acid, and trimesic acid were selected …

Effects Of Perceived Supervisor And Peer Support On Training Transfer For Frontline Registered Nurses, Carly Penn

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of perceived supervisor support as well as perceived peer support on training transfer behavior outcomes for frontline nursing staff in post-COVID 19 technology-mediated training environments.

This study was guided by the following primary research question: what effect does training delivery, perceived supervisor support, and perceived peer support have on training transfer behavior? The secondary question to further examination of these variables is: How do these factors interact to enhance or inhibit transfer in the context of nurse training?

This study sampled U.S. based registered nurses trained in COVID-19 related protocols. …

Topics In Photonic Quantum Technology: Polarization Entanglement Dynamics In Optical Fibers And Low-Light Imaging., Pratik J. Barge

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Recent advances in quantum photonics promise transformative impacts on computing, communication, sensing, and imaging. This thesis explores two areas in photonic quantum technology: polarization entanglement dynamics in optical fibers and low-light imaging. Optical fibers are the most suitable medium for photonic qubits and long-distance entanglement distribution is a critical requirement to realize quantum technologies. We study the decay of polarization-entanglement of the Bell state photons propagating through imperfect optical fibers with spatially fluctuating refractive index. Furthermore, to extend the distribution distance, we propose the use of dynamical decoupling in the optical fiber using half waveplates and show that significant improvement …

Quiet No More: An Analysis Of Women's Protest Music, Jillian Vogel

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

This dissertation explores the multifaceted role of music in women’s protests, emphasizing how it serves as a unifying and rallying tool in the fight against inequality. By delving into the interdisciplinary realms of music theory, sound studies, and women’s and gender studies, this work highlights how women’s protest composers utilize musical texts and content to turn their music into a tool to inspire change. This dissertation investigates the musical structures and harmonic innovations in suffrage movement music, examining how suffragettes with varying musical knowledge engaged with music to further their cause. The suffragette music analyses combine text analysis, harmonic analysis, …

The Impact Of Xenophobia On Agricultural Trade In South Africa, Maxwell Peprah Amponsem

LSU Master's Theses

The growing number of farm attacks and xenophobia is one of the most serious crime issues facing the South African government. This study examines the impact of xenophobia on agricultural trade, using port-level trade data and xenophobia incident records from 2010 to 2023. Utilizing fixed effects Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) specifications, I find a significant negative impact of xenophobia on agricultural exports, while non-agricultural trade remains unaffected. These findings highlight the need for targeted policy interventions to combat xenophobic violence and stabilize the agricultural sector, ensuring the continuity of South Africa's trade and economic growth.

The Role Of Sexual Network Core Groups In Disease Epidemics, Jason Janeaux

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain an economic and social burden, non-discriminately affecting sexually active individuals worldwide. The unique transmission of STIs is dependent upon host and pathogen life histories, as well as the underlying network structure of the host population. Within a population there is a group of individuals, the core group, that maintains STI presence and helps sustain ongoing transmission both within the core group and in the surrounding population. While the presence of these core groups is well documented, the criteria for inclusion into a sexual core group is not. In this dissertation, I explore common factors that …

Unpacking Influence: Dissecting Engagement Drivers And Dynamics For Effective Influencer Marketing Strategies, Nichole W. Santee

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Despite influencer marketing's growing significance, brands face challenges in identifying the most effective influencers for their campaigns. This dissertation addresses a gap in influencer marketing engagement literature, focusing on the determinants of consumer engagement in social media interactions.

The impact of specific characteristics found within the proposed influencer marketing sender-receiver communication model on eight behavioral social media engagement metrics is analyzed through a non-traditional content analysis of 218 Instagram influencers utilizing AI analytics platforms. Results reveal several characteristics that significantly affect behavioral engagement, while others have conflicting effects, highlighting the complex nature of the IM industry. Eight hierarchical regressions showed …

Asmrtistry In Immersive Sound: Investigating The Effectiveness Of Immersive Sound Technologies In Eliciting Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, Scott D. Nelson

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Despite a wide array of immersive sound technologies available to digital media creators who specialize in making audio-visual content that aims to elicit Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR), only a few sound reproduction modalities are widely used: mono/stereo and binaural recording. To date, nearly all research studying ASMR, a bio-sensory phenomenon wherein people feel brain tingles triggered by calming audio-visual cues, has been content to carry out ASMR studies entirely with stereo and binaural sound reproduction methods. Therefore, it stands to reason that more understanding about how diverse immersive sound modalities like wave field synthesis, or three-dimensional spatial audio for …

The Design, Construction, And Testing Of Nucleic Acid Vaccines Against Salmonella Enterica Subspecies Enterica Serovar Javiana, Alexis A. Nguyen

LSU Master's Theses

Salmonella spp. is a Gram-negative bacterium that has the ability to replicate within a variety of hosts, or within the environment, including water, soil, and vegetation. These characteristics, coupled with the zoonotic nature of non-typhoidal Salmonella, pose a significant public health concern. Salmonella is the leading cause of foodborne illnesses worldwide, and in the United States alone, the economic impact due to non-typhoidal Salmonella illnesses in 2013 was estimated to be $3.7 billion, the majority of which were due to mortalities. In a time of rising antibiotic resistance, antibiotics are no longer considered the most effective treatment for …

Holomorphic Functional Calculus Approach To The Characteristic Function Of Quantum Observables, Andreas Boukas

Journal of Stochastic Analysis

No abstract provided.

Louisiana Agriculture Magazine, Summer 2024, Lsu Agcenter

Louisiana Agriculture

When the first agricultural experiment stations were founded in Louisiana more than 130 years ago, researchers focused on ways to improve the lives of farmers across the state. They found the best methods for raising cash crops and livestock along with the fruits and vegetables grown to feed the average rural family. Today the LSU AgCenter maintains that long legacy of research and expands its scope.

This issue of Louisiana Agriculture acknowledges those who helped establish the system of research and extension that would grow into the AgCenter. In addition to these articles, the scientists and staff at the AgCenter …

Review Of How To Leave The House, Michael F. Russo

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

A Systematic Review On The Path To Inclusive And Sustainable Energy Transitions, Oluwafemi Awolesi, Corinne A. Salter, Margaret Reams

Faculty Publications

This paper surveys the energy literature and systematically reviews the path to an inclusive and sustainable energy transition by exploring factors that drive the current energy transitions, countries with advanced energy transition programs, and the roles of energy literacy and justice in energy transition. Utilizing an exhaustive literature search from 2001 to 2023 via the Scopus database, the study identifies strong policy frameworks, technological advancements, economic incentives, and international collaborations as pivotal factors in successful energy transitions. Case studies from the Nordic countries, Germany, and Poland highlight diverse approaches and significant progress, revealing valuable lessons for global application. Although energy …

Selective Antineoplastic Potential Of Fractionated Caribbean Native Ganoderma Species Extracts On Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells, Luz V. Arroyo-Cruz, Sebastián Sagardía-González, Kurt Miller, Taotao Ling, Fatima Rivas, Michelle M. Martínez-Montemayor

Faculty Publications

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype characterized by the absence of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 expression. It is known for its high malignancy, invasiveness, and propensity for metastasis, resulting in a poor prognosis due to the absence of beneficial therapeutic targets. Natural products derived from mushrooms have gained significant attention in neoplastic therapy due to their potential medicinal properties. The therapeutic potential of Ganoderma lucidum in breast cancer has been highlighted by our group, suggesting its use as an adjuvant treatment. The present study aims to assess the potential antineoplastic …

In Vitro Culture Alters Cell Lineage Composition And Cellular Metabolism Of Bovine Blastocyst, Hao Ming, Mingxiang Zhang, Sandeep Rajput, Deirdre Logsdon, Linkai Zhu, William B. Schoolcraft, Rebecca L. Krisher, Zongliang Jiang, Ye Yuan

Faculty Publications

Profiling bovine blastocyst transcriptome at the single-cell level has enabled us to reveal the first cell lineage segregation, during which the inner cell mass (ICM), trophectoderm (TE), and an undefined population of transitional cells were identified. By comparing the transcriptome of blastocysts derived in vivo (IVV), in vitro from a conventional culture medium (IVC), and in vitro from an optimized reduced nutrient culture medium (IVR), we found a delay of the cell fate commitment to ICM in the IVC and IVR embryos. Developmental potential differences between IVV, IVC, and IVR embryos were mainly contributed by ICM and transitional cells. Pathway …

Secondary School State Athletic Association Health And Safety Policy Development Processes, Susan Yeargin, Rebecca M. Hirschhorn, William M. Adams, Samantha E. Scarneo-Miller

Faculty Publications

Background: The National Federation of State High School Associations provides recommendations regarding health and safety policies; however, policy development is governed at the state level. Given interstate differences in governance, the primary purpose was to describe processes that State High School Athletic Associations (SHSAAs) utilize to develop a new policy. The secondary objective was to determine what methods associations use to implement new policies. Methods: A cross-sectional survey requested SHSAA (n = 51) representatives to report how athlete health and safety policies are introduced, revised, approved, and implemented within their state. The 22-question survey was developed to gather variables for …

Presidential Stories Of Fear: Focusing Congressional Climate Change Mitigation Attention In The United States, Holly L. Peterson, Chad Zanocco

Faculty Publications

Do presidential climate change narratives increase related congressional attention in the United States? Narrative theory says since narratives leverage cognitive heuristics, they should focus policy-making attention in institutions more efficiently than non-narrative statements. This study identifies and tests climate change statements and narratives, including those focused on solutions, or “stories of hope,” and those focused on problems and victims, “stories of fear,” for relationships with congressional attention using time series analysis. Findings suggest a relationship between narrative and hearings, but not for non-narrative statements and hearings. Furthermore, while narratives are related to hearings generally, stories of fear have larger effects, …

Skilled Labor Shortage In Construction: Deep Dive Of Impactful Factors And Influential People Of The Decision-Making Process, Nicholas B. Hardy

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The skilled labor shortage is well documented from a historical perspective via studies focusing on various construction trades such as carpentry, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and tile setters. Causes of such shortages such as industry image, college as a preferred choice after high school, and construction being a last resort have been investigated extensively. Consequently, possible solutions ranging from amplifying shop classes in high school to intensifying recruiting efforts for union training programs have all been addressed throughout the last 40 years. However, recent studies have focused on identifying the magnitude and reach of the skilled labor gap while limited attention …

Storying History: A Narrative Study On The Use Of Podcasts And Podcasting In Secondary Social Studies Classrooms, Elizabeth A. Shoenberger

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

This dissertation explores the use of Podcasts and Podcasting in secondary social studies classrooms through via narrative inquiry. This study aims to understand how educators use these technologies in their classrooms to facilitate student learning by focusing two specific domains of the TPACK model by Kohler and Mishra (2009): Technological Pedagogical Knowledge (TPK) and Technological Content Knowledge (TCK). This research was motivated by my personal need to engage my own students who, as 21^st-century learners, are deeply involved in technology and a desire for a new method for teaching historical content.

The research questions address how teachers describe …

Emotional Diplomacy From Tel Aviv To Baghdad: Analyzing The Impact Of Emotional Appeals On Social Media Engagement, Soheil Kafiliveyjuyeh

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

This study investigates the use of emotional appeals in the diplomatic communication of U.S. ambassadors in the Middle East. In the realm of diplomacy, actors might strategically and deliberately exhibit emotions to shape and control how their nation is perceived internationally. The project's primary objective is to explore the effectiveness of emotional appeals in generating social media interactions with politicians’ and ambassadors’ messages, and in building relationships with their target audience through these engagements. Using three studies, I examine the diplomatic communications of U.S. ambassadors in the Middle East by focusing on their utilization of Twitter/X and emotional diplomacy strategies. …

Understanding Social Impacts Of Major Disruptions From The Perspective Of Destination Access, Manika Rana Bhat

LSU Master's Theses

Major disruptions (like public health crises and extreme weather events) significantly impact human mobility and travel patterns. This study investigates the social impacts of major disruptions on human mobility from the perspective of accessing destinations. This study used a large-scale dataset from SafeGraph and focused on analyzing the impacts of COVID-19 and Hurricane Ida on destination access in Louisiana. The findings of the temporal plots indicated that the impact magnitude of Hurricane Ida was much smaller than that of the COVID-19 pandemic but still resulted in hardship on destination access. During COVID-19, it was found that parishes with limited active …

Analogues Of Jacobi And Weyl Theorems For Infinite-Dimensional Tori, Vsevolod Sakbaev, Igor Volovich

Journal of Stochastic Analysis

No abstract provided.

Speculative Telephone: Oral Historians And Digital Librarians On How Libraries Could Be, Kae Kratcha

Journal of Critical Digital Librarianship

In the summer of 2023, librarian and oral historian Kae Bara Kratcha interviewed three oral historians about their relationships to libraries and their dreams for what digital libraries could be. Then they played portions of each oral historian interview for a digital librarian and asked the librarian to speculate about what their jobs and lives would be like if they implemented the oral historians' ideas about digital libraries. “Speculative Telephone: Oral Historians and Digital Librarians on How Libraries Could Be” is eleven edited audio tracks of wide-ranging conversation on topics like public space, online communities, library anxiety, relationships with library …

Multifunctional Nanoparticles Of Porphyrins And Phthalocyanines: Review Of Synthetic Strategies And Emerging Applications, Olajumoke Helen Olubowale, Quynh Do, Neepa Kuruppu Arachchige, Deja Gabrielle Hebert, Jayne C. Garno

Faculty Publications

There is considerable research interest in the synthesis and characterization of organic-based nanoparticles because of the wide range of nanomaterials that can be designed with useful functional properties. With emerging research in the synthesis of organic nanoparticles comprised of porphyrins and phthalocyanines, there is a challenge to prepare multifunctional nanoparticles with the desired properties, size, and composition that are stable in environments that are exposed to stresses of pH, oxidation, or heat. This review describes innovative strategies that have been reported for synthesizing nanoparticles of porphyrins and phthalocyanines for applications. The tunability of the structure of porphyrinoid molecules through synthetic …