Digital Commons Network^™

With Every Name But Yours: A New Orchestration Of Clémence De Grandval's Stabat Mater, David Walters

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Clémence de Grandval was a late-Romantic composer whose extensive body of work, high profile performances, and numerous accolades should have garnered prominent placement among her contemporaries. Yet her vast collection of orchestral, choral, operatic, and other stage works have been all but forgotten.

Grandval’s Stabat Mater counted among her most popular works. Though the extant score for choir, harmonium (or organ), and piano explicitly references orchestral accompaniment1 , none of the parts or full score are available. Rather than providing a conductor’s guide or chord-by-chord analysis of Grandval’s work, this document breathes new life into this lost masterpiece by orchestrating …

Review Of Heaven & Earth Grocery, Michael F. Russo

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Louisiana Agriculture Magazine, Summer 2023

Louisiana Agriculture

Rice, alligators and sugarcane are quintessential Louisiana products, and LSU AgCenter researchers and extension agents devote themselves to helping the producers who grow them. Economists are finding ways to improve the market for alligators while specialists focus on innovation in the sugar industry and creating new varieties of rice.

AgCenter researchers also have an eye on the natural world. They are protecting the roseau cane that thrives on the coast and the ironwood trees of Guam. All these efforts are detailed in this issue of Louisiana Agriculture magazine.

A Cyclical Phenomenon Among Stock & Commodity Markets, Hector O. Zapata, Junior E. Betanco, Maria Bampasidou, Michael Deliberto

Faculty Publications

Considerable studies have examined the relationship between commodity markets and stock markets. This paper studies the cyclical relationship between commodity markets and stock markets with implications for investing based on index relationships. Stock markets are represented by the U.S. S&P 500 index and aggregate commodity markets by the U.S. producer price index (PPI). Tradeable market indexes readily available to investors, namely the S&P GSCI Index and the Bloomberg Commodity Index (BCOM), are also studied. An optimal bandpass filter is used to estimate the cyclical component using a pricing-performance measure of the S&P 500 relative to the PPI, based on annual …

An Artemisia Scoparia Extract Attenuates Glucocorticoid-Induced Lipolysis In Adipocytes, Innocence Harvey, Jacqueline M. Stephens

Division of Basic Science Faculty Publications

Objective: Prescription glucocorticoid (GC) use is widespread across developed countries for the treatment of several inflammatory conditions. Elevated GCs are known to promote lipolysis and metabolic disorders. An extract of Artemisia scoparia (SCO) has been shown to reduce lipolysis and promote metabolic health but has not been investigated in the context of excess GCs. Our aim was to examine the effects of SCO on GC-induced lipolysis. Methods: Mature adipocytes were pretreated with vehicle or SCO, then exposed to either the synthetic GC dexamethasone (DEX) or tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα). Medium was collected and assayed for glycerol and fatty acids …

Exploring Barriers To Sars-Cov-2 Testing Uptake In Underserved Black Communities In Louisiana, Peter T. Katzmarzyk, Candice A. Myers, Michelle R. Nelson, Kara D. Denstel, Emily F. Mire, Robert L. Newton, Stephanie T. Broyles, John P. Kirwan

Division of Basic Science Faculty Publications

Objective: To collect qualitative data on approaches that can potentially reduce barriers to, and create strategies for, increasing SARS-CoV-2 testing uptake in underserved Black communities in Louisiana. Methods: A series of eight focus groups, including 41 participants, were conducted in primarily Black communities. The Nominal Group Technique (NGT) was used to determine perceptions of COVID-19 as a disease, access to testing, and barriers limiting testing uptake. Results: Common barriers to SARS-CoV-2 testing were identified as lack of transportation, misinformation/lack of information, lack of time/long wait times, fear of the test being uncomfortable and/or testing positive, the cost of testing, and …

Association Between Maternal And Infant Screen Time With Child Growth And Development: A Longitudinal Study, Chelsea L. Kracht, Leanne M. Redman, Jayne Bellando, Rebecca A. Krukowski, Aline Andres

Clinical Research Faculty Publications

Background: Sedentary screen time is an early, modifiable risk factor for obesity and poor child development. Objectives: To examine the relationship between maternal and infant screen time with child growth and development. Methods: Pregnant women were recruited for a cohort study related to maternal and infant development. Screen time was assessed in mothers during pregnancy, and subsequently in children at 3 months, 12 months, and 24 months of age. Child anthropometry was measured, and nuclear magnetic resonance quantified child fat mass. Fat mass index (FMI) was calculated. The Bayley Scales of Infant Development-III were used to assess child development. Linear …

Transcription Factor Pecs Mediates Agrobacterium Fabrum Fitness And Survival, George C. Nwokocha, Prava Adhikari, Asif Iqbal, Hannah Elkholy, William T. Doerrler, John C. Larkin, Anne Grove

Faculty Publications

The transcriptional regulator PecS is encoded by select bacterial pathogens. For instance, in the plant pathogen Dickeya dadantii, PecS controls a range of virulence genes, including pectinase genes and the divergently oriented gene pecM, which encodes an efflux pump through which the antioxidant indigoidine is exported. In the plant pathogen Agrobacterium fabrum (formerly named Agrobacterium tumefaciens), the pecS-pecM locus is conserved. Using a strain of A. fabrum in which pecS has been disrupted, we show here that PecS controls a range of phenotypes that are associated with bacterial fitness. PecS represses flagellar motility and chemotaxis, which are processes that are …

Three-Dimensional Scaffolds For Bone Tissue Engineering, Harish Chinnasami, Mohan Kumar Dey, Ram Devireddy

Faculty Publications

Immobilization using external or internal splints is a standard and effective procedure to treat minor skeletal fractures. In the case of major skeletal defects caused by extreme trauma, infectious diseases or tumors, the surgical implantation of a bone graft from external sources is required for a complete cure. Practical disadvantages, such as the risk of immune rejection and infection at the implant site, are high in xenografts and allografts. Currently, an autograft from the iliac crest of a patient is considered the “gold standard” method for treating large-scale skeletal defects. However, this method is not an ideal solution due to …

Factorizing 2fa: Forensic Analysis Of Two-Factor Authentication Applications, Jessica Berrios, Elias Mosher, Sankofa Benzo, Cinthya Grajeda, Ibrahim Baggili

Faculty Publications

Many sectors such as banking, academia, health care, and others have made Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) mandatory for all their registered users. The growth in the usage of 2FA technology demonstrates the need to understand how 2FA applications operate, the kind of information they store about their users, and the implications, if any, that may arise if malicious actors exploit them. Our work focuses on the forensic analysis of 15 2FA applications used by millions of people. Our analysis includes popular applications such as FreeOTP, Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, Twilio Authy, and more. The applications were tested on different operating systems …

Crisis Leadership In Higher Education: A Case Study Of Administrative Responses During A National Pandemic, Katelyn M. Gerlach

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore institutional crisis leadership during a global pandemic in the athletic departments of five mid-major universities located in the Midwest United States, including Blue University, Red University, Green University, Orange University, and Purple University. This study examined the leadership response and decisions surrounding the COVID 19 pandemic. Research leaders consisted of members of the university’s executive leadership team and the athletic departments senior staffs.

I have gathered data in one-on-one, in person and virtual interviews with each member of the executive teams and gained insight and understanding of their leadership …

Determining Ion Activity Coefficients In Ion-Exchange Membranes With Machine Learning And Molecular Dynamics Simulations, Hishara Keshani Gallage Dona, Teslim Olayiwola, Luis A. Briceno-Mena, Christopher G. Arges, Revati Kumar, Jose A. Romagnoli

Faculty Publications

The activity coefficients of ions in polymeric ion-exchange membranes (IEMs) dictate the equilibrium partitioning coefficient of the ions between the membrane and the liquid. It also affects ion transport processes, such as conductivity, in ion-exchange membranes. Accurately predicting the ion activity coefficient without experimental data has been elusive as most models are empirical or semi-empirical. This work employs an embedding process that maps microscopic and macroscopic properties for modeling of ion activity coefficients in IEMs with molecular dynamics (MD) and machine learning (ML). This strategy is effective for accurately predicting activity coefficients in various IEM materials, including random copolymer and …

Investigation Of Iron(Iii) Tetraphenylporphyrin As A Redox Flow Battery Anolyte: Unexpected Side Reactivity With The Electrolyte, Nathan H. Mitchell, Noémie Elgrishi

Faculty Publications

Redox flow batteries (RFBs) present an opportunity to bridge the gap between the intermittent availability of green energy sources and the need for on-demand grid level energy storage. While aqueous vanadium-based redox flow batteries have been commercialized, they are limited by the constraints of using water as an electrochemical solvent. Nonaqueous redox flow battery systems can be used to produce high voltage batteries due to the larger electrochemical window in nonaqueous solvents and the ability to tune the redox properties of active materials through functionalization. Iron porphyrins, a class of organometallic macrocycles, have been the subject of many studies for …

Pathways To Blunted Facial Affect In Negative Schizotypy: Social Motivation And Online Cognitive Resources, Tovah M.D. Cowan

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Schizotypy, a range of personality traits which confer liability for schizophrenia, is associated with significantly diminished social functioning and quality of life. Social dysfunction in all forms of schizotypy, including schizophrenia, is connected to blunted affect, or diminished expressivity, particularly facial expressions which are less frequent, intense, or long than typical. However, the mechanisms and treatments for blunted affect are, as yet, poorly understood and underdeveloped. In this project, two putative mechanisms of blunted affect were explored. The first involves cognitive load capacities, which are diminished in schizotypy, causing blunted affect – individuals do not have the cognitive resources to …

Nutrition Interventions Addressing Structural Racism: A Scoping Review, Matthew Greene, Bailey Houghtaling, Claire Sadeghzadeh, Molly De Marco, De'jerra Bryant, Randa Morgan, Denise Holston

Faculty Publications

African Americans experience high rates of obesity and food insecurity in part due to structural racism, or overlapping discriminatory systems and practices in housing, education, employment, health care and other settings. Nutrition education and nutrition-focused policy, systems and environmental changes may be able to address structural racism in the food environment. This scoping review aimed to summarise the available literature regarding nutrition interventions for African Americans that address structural racism in the food environment and compare them with the 'Getting to Equity in Obesity Prevention' framework of suggested interventions. An electronic literature search was conducted with the assistance of a …

Active Colloids As Models, Materials, And Machines, Kyle J.M. Bishop, Sibani Lisa Biswal, Bhuvnesh Bharti

Faculty Publications

Active colloids use energy input at the particle level to propel persistent motion and direct dynamic assemblies. We consider three types of colloids animated by chemical reactions, time-varying magnetic fields, and electric currents. For each type, we review the basic propulsion mechanisms at the particle level and discuss their consequences for collective behaviors in particle ensembles. These microscopic systems provide useful experimental models of nonequilibrium many-body physics in which dissipative currents break time-reversal symmetry. Freed from the constraints of thermodynamic equilibrium, active colloids assemble to form materials that move, reconfigure, heal, and adapt. Colloidal machines based on engineered particles and …

Zeolite Supported Pt For Depolymerization Of Polyethylene By Induction Heating, Bernard Whajah, Joseph N. Heil, Cameron L. Roman, James A. Dorman, Kerry M. Dooley

Faculty Publications

We demonstrate that for polyethylene depolymerization with induction heating (IH), using a bifunctional (Pt- or Pt− Sn-containing zeolite) hydrocracking catalyst, we can obtain high hydrocarbon product yields (up to 95 wt % in 2 h) at a relatively low surface temperature (375 °C) and with a tunable product distribution ranging from light gas products to gasoline- to diesel-range hydrocarbons. Four zeolite types [MFI, LTL, CHA(SSZ-13), and TON] were chosen as the supports due to their varying pore sizes and structures. These depolymerization results are obtained at atmospheric pressure and without the use of H2 and result in an alkane/alkene mixture …

Researching Covid To Enhance Recovery (Recover) Adult Study Protocol: Rationale, Objectives, And Design, Leora I. Horwitz, Tanayott Thaweethai, Shari B. Brosnahan, Mine S. Cicek, Megan L. Fitzgerald, Jason D. Goldman, Rachel Hess, S. L. Hodder, Vanessa L. Jacoby, Michael R. Jordan, Jerry A. Krishnan, Adeyinka O. Laiyemo, Torri D. Metz, Lauren Nichols, Rachel E. Patzer, Anisha Sekar, Nora G. Singer, Lauren E. Stiles, Barbara S. Taylor, Shifa Ahmed, Heather A. Algren, Khamal Anglin, Lisa Aponte-Soto, Hassan Ashktorab, Ingrid V. Bassett, Brahmchetna Bedi, Nahid Bhadelia, Christian Bime, Marie Abele C. Bind, Lora J. Black, Andra L. Blomkalns, Hassan Brim, Mario Castro, James Chan

Division of Basic Science Faculty Publications

Importance SARS-CoV-2 infection can result in ongoing, relapsing, or new symptoms or other health effects after the acute phase of infection; termed post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), or long COVID. The characteristics, prevalence, trajectory and mechanisms of PASC are ill-defined. The objectives of the Researching COVID to Enhance Recovery (RECOVER) Multi-site Observational Study of PASC in Adults (RECOVER-Adult) are to: (1) characterize PASC prevalence; (2) characterize the symptoms, organ dysfunction, natural history, and distinct phenotypes of PASC; (3) identify demographic, social and clinical risk factors for PASC onset and recovery; and (4) define the biological mechanisms underlying PASC pathogenesis. …

Black Soldier Fly Frass Supports Plant Growth And Reduces Nitrogen Leaching During Coleus Production, Jeffrey Beasley, Jeff Kuehny, Thanos Gentimis, Jeb Fields

Faculty Publications

Industrial insect rearing is expected to increase as a feedstock to meet growing global food demand. This will lead to greater production of insect excreta known as frass, a nutrient-dense organic material that has shown promise as a natural fertilizer source with potential environmental benefits. In this study, black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) frass (BSFF) was compared with a synthetic fertilizer (SF) during production of containerized ornamentals grown under greenhouse conditions. Fertilizers were incorporated into a bark-based substrate at 0, 0.1, 0.2, or 0.3 kg.m–3 nitrogen (N) planted with coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides) plugs. Growth index, shoot dry weight, and leaf …

Influence Of Harvest Aid On Soybean Seed Quality Affected By Delayed Harvest And Environment In Louisiana, Priscila Campos, Donnie Miller, Josh Copes, Melanie Netterville, Sebe Brown, Trey Price, David Moseley, Thanos Gentimis, Peters Egbedi, Rasel Parvej

Faculty Publications

Harvest aid application can expedite soybean (Glycine max) harvest and increase efficiency through both weed and crop desiccation and has become a common practice in Louisiana soybean production systems. Field studies in 2019–2020 evaluated the influence of harvest aid application (none, paraquat at 0.28 kg/ha, sodium chlorate at 6.72 kg/ha, or saflufenacil at 0.0498 kg/ha) on seed quality affected by delayed harvest (∼20, 30, or 44 days after optimum harvest timing, i.e., 13% seed moisture). Environment was investigated in both field (natural rainfall events) and environmentally controlled growth chambers (79 or 90°F with 30% or 100% relative humidity and exposed …

Battling Bots: Experiences And Strategies To Mitigate Fraudulent Responses In Online Surveys, Brittney Goodrich, Marieke Fenton, Jerrod Penn, John Bovay, Travis Mountain

Faculty Publications

Declining survey response rates have driven many researchers to seek out cost-effective methods of increasing participation, such as conducting surveys online, paying incentives, and using social media to engage hard-to-reach populations. Malicious actors can exploit the monetary incentives and anonymity of online surveys, threatening the integrity of survey data. We share two recent experiences conducting online surveys that were inundated with fraudulent responses. Our objective is to increase awareness of this emerging issue and offer guidance for others to mitigate the effects of fraudulent responders in their own research.

Equity And Behavioral Digital Health Interventions: Strategies To Improve Benefit And Reach, Sarah J. Miller, Jamilia R. Sly, Kassandra I. Alcaraz, Kimlin Ashing, Shannon M. Christy, Brian Gonzalez, Qian Lu, Robert L. Newton, Michelle Redmond, Megan Shen, Kamilah Thomas-Purcell, Jean Yi, Tiffany Veinot, Cathy D. Meade

Population and Public Health Science Faculty Publications

Background: Behavioral digital health interventions (e.g., mobile apps, websites, wearables) have been applied widely to improve health outcomes. However, many groups (e.g., people with low income levels, people who are geographically isolated, older adults) may face obstacles to technology access and use. In addition, research has found that biases and stereotypes can be embedded within digital health interventions. As such, behavioral digital health interventions that intend to improve overall population health may unintentionally widen health-related inequities. Purpose: This commentary offers guidance and strategies to mitigate these risks when using technology as a means for delivering a behavioral health intervention. Methods: …

Exploring The Experiences Of Pregnant Women In The U.S. During The First Year Of The Covid-19 Pandemic, Courtney E. Williams, Dana Berkowitz, Heather M. Rackin

Faculty Publications

In this paper, we integrate the stress process model with symbolic interactionism to frame our analysis of interviews with 35 women who were pregnant and/or gave birth during the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic. We detail three stressors, highlight their variation, and discuss how they coped with these stressors. Women reported having to navigate contradictory information about the public health crisis, but Black participants simultaneously endured added strain from a heightened awareness of racialized violence. To cope with an overabundance of precarious and contradictory messages, some women sought out information (i.e., information gatherers), others eschewed information (i.e., information avoiders), …

Effects Of Yogurt With Carao (Cassia Grandis) On Intestinal Barrier Dysfunction, Α-Glycosidase Activity, Lipase Activity, Hypoglycemic Effect, And Antioxidant Activity, Ricardo S. Aleman, Jhunior Marcia, Ryan Page, Shirin Kazemzadeh Pournaki, Daniel Martín-Vertedor, Víctor Manrique-Fernández, Ismael Montero-Fernández, Kayanush Aryana

Faculty Publications

Cell inflammation disrupts intestinal barrier functions and may cause disorders related to a leaky gut, possibly leading to diabetes. The objective of this study was to determine if carao (Cassia grandis) incorporated into yogurt enhances in vitro intestinal barrier function. To achieve this goal, Caco-2 cells were used as a model of intestinal barrier permeability. Caco-2 cells were treated with cytokines (interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, interferon-γ, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)) and yogurt with carao yogurt (CY) at different doses (1.3 g/L, 2.65 g/L, and 5.3 g/L). Real-time quantitative polymerase chain and immunofluorescence microscopy were applied to evaluate the expression and localization …

8(Meso)-Pyridyl-Bodipys: Effects Of 2,6-Substitution With Electron-Withdrawing Nitro, Chloro, And Methoxycarbonyl Groups, Caroline Ndung’U, Petia Bobadova-Parvanova, Daniel J. Lamaster, Dylan Goliber, Frank R. Fronczek, Maria Da Graça H. Vicente

Faculty Publications

The introduction of electron-withdrawing groups on 8(meso)-pyridyl-BODIPYs tends to increase the fluorescence quantum yields of this type of compound due to the decrease in electronic charge density on the BODIPY core. A new series of 8(meso)-pyridyl-BODIPYs bearing a 2-, 3-, or 4-pyridyl group was synthesized and functionalized with nitro and chlorine groups at the 2,6-positions. The 2,6-methoxycarbonyl-8-pyridyl-BODIPYs analogs were also synthesized by condensation of 2,4-dimethyl-3-methoxycarbonyl-pyrrole with 2-, 3-, or 4-formylpyridine followed by oxidation and boron complexation. The structures and spectroscopic properties of the new series of 8(meso)-pyridyl-BODIPYs were investigated both experimentally and computationally. The BODIPYs bearing 2,6-methoxycarbonyl groups showed enhanced …

Profiling Consumers: Examination Of Chinese Gen Z Consumers’ Sustainable Fashion Consumption, Yanbo Zhang, Chuanlan Liu, Yanru Lyu

Faculty Publications

The textile and apparel industry is widely recognized for its negative impact on the environment and society, and China is one of the largest fashion-consumption markets worldwide. There has been a growing awareness and effort to address these concerns in China, and Chinese Gen-Z consumers are playing a crucial role in shaping sustainable practices. This study aimed to identify and profile Gen-Z consumers with substantial engagement in sustainable fashion consumption in China. Data were collected from 292 Chinese Gen-Z adults from three major cities, Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, using a convenience sampling strategy and the snowball approach. Cluster analysis was …

Social Media And Volunteer Rescue Requests Prediction With Random Forest And Algorithm Bias Detection: A Case Of Hurricane Harvey, Volodymyr V. Mihunov, Kejin Wang, Zheye Wang, Nina S.N. Lam, Mingxuan Sun

Faculty Publications

AI fairness is tasked with evaluating and mitigating bias in algorithms that may discriminate towards protected groups. This paper examines if bias exists in AI algorithms used in disaster management and in what manner. We consider the 2017 Hurricane Harvey when flood victims in Houston resorted to social media to request for rescue. We evaluate a Random Forest regression model trained to predict Twitter rescue request rates from social-environmental data using three fairness criteria (independence, separation, and sufficiency). The Social Vulnerability Index (SVI), its four sub-indices, and four variables representing digital divide were considered sensitive attributes. The Random Forest regression …

Voting In The Mall - Understanding Political Consumerism In The United States And Europe, Kwadwo Poku-Agyemang

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

This dissertation explores the various traits that predispose individuals or groups to participate in political boycotts by refraining from purchasing goods and services from companies with the goal of promoting their political beliefs and goals. Specifically, this research considers the effects of political ideology, attitudes toward historically-marginalized groups, and identification with grievance groups shape self-reported participation in political consumerism in the United States and Europe. Using data from the 2016 and 2020 American National Election Survey and the eighth, nineth and tenth rounds of the European Social Survey, I find that although political consumerism has been seen as a liberal …

Synthesis Of An Acinetobacter Baumannii Lipooligosaccharide Subunit, James M. Armstrong Ii

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Acinetobacter baumannii is a Gram-negative, multi drug-resistant bacterium that was placed on the World Health Organization’s watchlist of drug-resistant bacteria. A. baumannii is an ESKAPE pathogen, one of six increasingly antimicrobial-resistant bacteria that are responsible for nosocomial infections. Alternative therapies, such as vaccines, are required to decrease the world’s reliance on antimicrobial agents. Specifically, glycoconjugate vaccines such as those used against Haemophilus influenzae B, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Neisseria meningitidis are used globally and are highly effective. These vaccines consist of an antigenic bacterial glycan bound to a carrier protein. The glycan is usually a capsular polysaccharide (CPS), however, the notion …

Roleplaying Games And Performance, Benjamin Joseph Munise

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Roleplaying Games and Performance calls to mind popular appearances of roleplaying games on stage and screen, like Stranger Things or Qui Nguyen’s popular play, She Kills Monsters. However, inquiry into the way roleplaying games appear in these titles reveals the way they have been instrumentalized to serve the ends of their respective mediums. Scholars writing about roleplaying games also tend to leap straight to analyses of video games, with many words spilled over World of Warcraft while a live site of analog performance sits before them. In this work, I address the tabletop roleplaying game as a medium with …