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Delineating Hurricane Vulnerable Populations In Orleans Parish, Louisiana, Stephanie Pedro Jan 2006

Delineating Hurricane Vulnerable Populations In Orleans Parish, Louisiana, Stephanie Pedro

LSU Master's Theses

Since settlement first began, equality issues between different social classes have been evident in the location of where residents settled in New Orleans. This research seeks to answer the question: What socioeconomic indicators are prevalent in the areas most-at-risk to flooding which could inhabit populations least able to evacuate? I will use Census 2000 block group data from the socioeconomic sample data (SF3) collected in 2000, along with other economic and GIS data from the New Orleans region to statistically represent the distribution of risk by selecting indicators predicted to be in flood zones from a classification tree analysis. Then, …


An Analysis Of The Relationship Between City Typology, Interactivity And Advertising Message Strategies Of American Municipal Web Sites, Jeremy John Starr Jan 2006

An Analysis Of The Relationship Between City Typology, Interactivity And Advertising Message Strategies Of American Municipal Web Sites, Jeremy John Starr

LSU Master's Theses

This study became to first to scientifically explore the relationship between city typology and the use of advertising message strategy and interactivity within municipal web sites. The study used Taylor’s six-segment strategy wheel to analyze message strategies and previous scales of interactivity to analyze structural interactivity. Medium-size cities and cities within the South and West geographic regions more likely used sensory strategies within their web sites. Cities with racially diverse populations more likely used sensory strategies within their web sites as well. Large cities and central cities, both with large populations, used the most interactive strategies within their sites compared …


Integration Of Conceptual Mathematical Relationships Into Constant Time Delay Instruction, Bethany Ann Porter Jan 2006

Integration Of Conceptual Mathematical Relationships Into Constant Time Delay Instruction, Bethany Ann Porter

LSU Master's Theses

There is constant debate over mathematics education in the United States. One central controversy is whether or not the current methods used to teach students mathematics are effective. Some scholars believe that students are not getting enough practice and that they are not getting a good conceptual understanding of mathematics. It has been shown that mathematics equations are rich in patterns and inter-relationships and when children understand these relationships they have higher mathematic skill levels than their peers who do not. This study examined the effectiveness of using an empirically supported, fast paced mastery oriented teaching procedure that promotes automaticity …


Comparison Of Food Security Status, Nutrient Intakes, Body Mass Index, And Multiple Diseases Among Self-Reported Depressed And Non-Depressed Female Food Stamp Recipients In Southeast Louisiana, Yifang Bai Jan 2006

Comparison Of Food Security Status, Nutrient Intakes, Body Mass Index, And Multiple Diseases Among Self-Reported Depressed And Non-Depressed Female Food Stamp Recipients In Southeast Louisiana, Yifang Bai

LSU Master's Theses

The objectives of this study were to explore the relationships among depression and food security status, dietary nutrient intakes, sociodemographic characteristics, body mass index (BMI), and the presence of chronic diseases in a female food stamp recipient population (n = 66) in Southeast Louisiana. Women were dichotomized by stated depression and descriptive statistics on socioeconomic characteristics and mean nutrient intakes were presented for each group. Logistic regression models were used to determine the relationship of stated depression with food security status, selected sociodemographic characteristics, nutrient intakes, body mass index, and the number of chronic diseases reported. The percentage of women …


The Abc's Of Hiv: When "Just Say No" Is Not Enough-Queer Critique Of Aids Policy, Lisa Laura Ladwig Jan 2006

The Abc's Of Hiv: When "Just Say No" Is Not Enough-Queer Critique Of Aids Policy, Lisa Laura Ladwig

LSU Master's Theses

This paper will critique the United States' AIDS policy, both domestic and international. I demonstrate how queer theorists have used Jacques Lacan's concepts of "jouissance" and the "unconscious desire" to suggests ways in which the current policy has dangerous implications for real people, for public health, and human rights. I reveal how the problem of rising HIV infection is not due to the lack of availability of safer-sex information, but rather it is a problem of execution: the Religious Right's ideology inscribed in our public health policy. Finally, I wish to expose how people in this country and others are …


How African-American And Hispanics Perceive Their Racial Equality In American Advertising, Denise Michele Pallais Jan 2006

How African-American And Hispanics Perceive Their Racial Equality In American Advertising, Denise Michele Pallais

LSU Master's Theses

This study focuses on how African-Americans and Hispanics perceive their racial equality in American advertising. A survey was conducted to find out the African-American and the Hispanic perceptions about how these ethnic groups saw themselves depicted, and the way they are stereotyped by the U.S. media. Overall, the study found that there was no difference between race and the level of perception between these two ethnic groups. However, age appears to be the only demographic variable that affects the African-American and Hispanic perception of discrimination. In addition, the study also exposed that African-Americans are mostly portrayed in the athletic advertising …


The Discursive Practices Of Chemical Discipline, Roger L. Pippin Jan 2006

The Discursive Practices Of Chemical Discipline, Roger L. Pippin

LSU Master's Theses

This project examines the history of science and its relationship to the popular, or lay, audience, a problem of rhetorical inquiry since Aristotle. This project also explores the implications of the emerging trend in lay literature on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) to transform the causal mechanism underlying ADHD so that it is isomorphic in structure and parallel in content to the most contemporary and fetishized sciences of the human body. In other words, how ADHD was once a problem of brain chemistry, and is now a problem of genetics is not simply a matter of scientific practice on the …


Efficacy Of Nutrition Education Lessons Targeting A Group Of Low-Income Elderly, Gabriela M. Viteri Jan 2006

Efficacy Of Nutrition Education Lessons Targeting A Group Of Low-Income Elderly, Gabriela M. Viteri

LSU Master's Theses

Nutrition education has the potential not only to increase nutrition knowledge and, potentially, healthy behaviors, among the elderly, but also to reduce the need for health and social services. The nutrition component described herein is part of an overall wellness program that focuses on increasing physical activity and healthy dietary behaviors among participants. We completed a four month nutrition intervention in a group of 33 low income elderly at the Leo Butler Center (LBC) (n=20) and Catholic Presbyterian Apartments (CPA) (n=13) in the fall of 2005 in Baton Rouge, LA. The Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) was used as the theoretical …


Terrorism In The Age Of Just War Thinking, Angela Thurmond Jan 2006

Terrorism In The Age Of Just War Thinking, Angela Thurmond

LSU Master's Theses

A disagreement over two questions contributes to further disagreement about the war on terrorism. First, what is terrorism? If terrorism is a term to intensify negative connotations of any activity, then all unjust acts are terrorism potentially. I argue that terrorism is a specific act; it is the use, or threat of use, of premeditated violence against noncombatants, intended to coerce a group into some course of action. Second, is the war on terrorism just? Because terrorism is not a pejorative, we must evaluate terrorism to determine if response to terrorism is response to an unjust aggressor. Using Michael Walzer’s …


Evaluation Of The Effectiveness Of A Body Mass Index-For-Age Percentile Health Report In Raising Parent Awareness Of Their Child's Weight Status, Anantha Padmaja Lakkakula Jan 2006

Evaluation Of The Effectiveness Of A Body Mass Index-For-Age Percentile Health Report In Raising Parent Awareness Of Their Child's Weight Status, Anantha Padmaja Lakkakula

LSU Master's Theses

Overweight in children has become a major health concern. Research suggests that many parents may not be aware of their child’s actual weight status. The objectives of this study were to test the effectiveness of a body mass index (BMI)-for–age percentile report in raising parent awareness of their child’s weight status. Eighteen public elementary schools in southeast Louisiana were pair matched and divided into nine intervention and nine control schools. Children in the intervention and the control schools were divided into two groups 1) healthy weight (BMI ≥ 5th to <85th percentile) and 2) at risk and overweight (BMI ≥ 85th percentile). Forty children were randomly selected from each of the two weight groups from the intervention and the control schools. Parents of children in the intervention group received a BMI-for-age percentile health report along with a short questionnaire. Parents of children in control schools received the questionnaire only. Parents in the intervention group have 4.7 times more accurate perception about their child’s weight compared to the control group (OR: 4.7, 95% of CI: 0.89-24.86, p=0.00 ). After receiving the report, more parents of at risk or overweight children were concerned and only fewer parents of healthy weight children were anxious about their child’ weight. When parents were compared based on their child’s weight regardless whether they got the report, parents of at risk or overweight children were more than five times less likely to perceive the correct weight classification of their child (OR: 1.8, 95% of CI: 0.05-0.62, p=0.00) and less concerned about their child’s weight (OR: 0.98, 95% of CI: 0.32-2.93, p=0.00) when compared to parents of healthy weight children. All parents were willing to help their child follow healthy behaviors regard less of the report and their child’s weight status. A BMI-for-age percentile report appears to be an effective way to increase parent awareness and concern regarding their child’s weight status. With increased awareness, parents may be more likely to encourage their children to achieve a healthy weight.


The Relationship Between Mania And Feeding/Mealtime Behavior Problems Among Persons With Intellectual Disability, Rinita Laud Jan 2006

The Relationship Between Mania And Feeding/Mealtime Behavior Problems Among Persons With Intellectual Disability, Rinita Laud

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

This study represents the first to assess whether a relationship between mania and feeding/mealtime behavior problems exists in individuals with ID. Participants were compared across three groups (manic, non-manic psychiatrically impaired, and controls) on subscales and items of the Screening Tool for fEeding Problems (STEP). An attempt was made to assess for differences in problematic feeding behavior. Individuals in the manic group exhibited clinically significant symptoms of mania (n = 18), those in the non-manic psychiatrically impaired group exhibited symptoms of psychopathology other than mania (n = 18), and those in the control group did not exhibit symptoms of mania …


Mindfulness Meditation: Creative Musical Performance Through Awareness, Sheri Oyan Jan 2006

Mindfulness Meditation: Creative Musical Performance Through Awareness, Sheri Oyan

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Musicians spend countless hours practicing their instruments over the course of a lifetime. These hours are primarily spent learning how to manipulate the instrument through scale studies, etudes, and repertoire. However, despite intense and diligent effort, many musicians find themselves unable to perform for an audience without some kind of interruption in creativity in the form of mental and/or physical distractions. The symptoms of such distractions can include heart palpitations, muscle tension, shaking, feelings of fear and panic, and an inability to focus on the task at hand. The presence of these symptoms, typically referred to as “performance anxiety,” is, …


The Development Of Global Awareness In Elementary Students Through Participation In An Online Cross-Cultural Project, Allen C. Grant Jan 2006

The Development Of Global Awareness In Elementary Students Through Participation In An Online Cross-Cultural Project, Allen C. Grant

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

This study provided insights about how to develop online cross-cultural projects designed to foster global awareness in upper elementary-age students. Three schools, located in the southern United States, Mexico and Turkey, implemented a cross-cultural model as part of a comparative case study. The primary goal of this research was to gain an understanding of how these populations develop global awareness in an online environment. A second goal was to determine the necessary implications for practice when conducting online, cross-cultural projects in upper elementary classrooms. During eight weeks of implementation, students participated in cross-cultural groups as members of an online community. …


Factors Influencing The Importance Of Incorporating Competencies Regarding Mass Casualty Incidents Into Baccalaureate-Degree Nursing Programs As Perceived By Currently Employed Faculty, Kristin Whitty Jan 2006

Factors Influencing The Importance Of Incorporating Competencies Regarding Mass Casualty Incidents Into Baccalaureate-Degree Nursing Programs As Perceived By Currently Employed Faculty, Kristin Whitty

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Whether they are naturally occurring, caused by environmental forces, or generated by humans, disasters have placed extraordinary stresses on society. Following September 11, 2001, the Department of Homeland Security was created to protect the nation and coordinate responses to future emergencies at the federal, state, and local levels. However, Governmental agencies can’t handle all aspects of mass casualty events. Healthcare professionals, such as nurses, who are knowledgeable and trained in mass casualty incidents (MCIs) are needed to provide competent care to the victims. Although others expect a knowledgeable nursing response, the majority of nurse educators have not received mass casualty …


Who Said "Words Can Never Hurt?": An Investigation Of Child Weight Status, Childhood Psycosocial Variables, And Later Adult Quality Of Life, Holly Spencer Kihm Jan 2006

Who Said "Words Can Never Hurt?": An Investigation Of Child Weight Status, Childhood Psycosocial Variables, And Later Adult Quality Of Life, Holly Spencer Kihm

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The first purpose of the research project was to examine the relationship between child weight status and adult quality of life. The second purpose of the research project was to test psychosocial variables as mediators of the relationship between child weight status and adult quality of life. A total of 164 undergraduate and graduate students from Louisiana State University participated in the study. The students completed five online questionnaires that were used to assess variables such as child weight status, adult weight status, history of childhood teasing experiences, child self-concept, and adult quality of life. Several statistical analyses were employed …


Biomechanical Characteristics Of Low Back Tissues During Trunk Flexion-Extension, Michael William Olson Jan 2006

Biomechanical Characteristics Of Low Back Tissues During Trunk Flexion-Extension, Michael William Olson

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Analysis of the mechanical and neural regulatory mechanisms of the flexion-relaxation phenomenon (FRP), observed in deep trunk flexion, was performed since it is believed these mechanisms provide insight into the causes of low back injury and pain. Three methods were used to analyze the behavior of the lumbar tissues during trunk flexion-extension exercises: 1) active continuous cyclic movement, 2) acute cyclic movement at different orientations, and 3) passive continuous cyclic movement. All activities were performed at a rate of 0.1 Hz (6 cycles•min-1) while monitoring the surface electromyography (EMG) of the lumbar paraspinal muscles. Abdominal, hamstring, and quadriceps muscle activities …


The Rate Of Decline Of Social Skills Across Dementing And Non-Dementing Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities: A Longitudinal Study, Julia D. Lott Jan 2006

The Rate Of Decline Of Social Skills Across Dementing And Non-Dementing Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities: A Longitudinal Study, Julia D. Lott

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

This study sought to establish rate of decline of adaptive skills in a population of individuals with intellectual disability (ID) and dementia compared to similar persons without dementia, as well as examining the variability of positive and negative social behaviors across diagnostic classes. Among the general population, differential rates of functional decline have been established for normal aging and dementia. This knowledge assists in making differential diagnoses of dementia, establishing prognosis, and long-term planning. For this study, participants in each group were individually matched for age, gender, Down’s syndrome status, and level of ID. Participants in the matched control group …


Physical Activity Behavior Of University Students: An Ecological Approach, Lisa Gaye Johnson Jan 2006

Physical Activity Behavior Of University Students: An Ecological Approach, Lisa Gaye Johnson

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Despite the health benefits associated with active lifestyles, a majority of adults do not engage in sufficient levels of physical activity (PA). Few individual-focused interventions have produced sustained changes in PA behavior. Therefore, public health officials are promoting the use of ecological approaches to examine the multidimensional factors that influence choices about PA and other health behaviors. National statistics are mirrored in college populations, with one-half of students in the US failing to meet current PA recommendations and one-third classified as either overweight or obese. In light of this, increasing PA and obesity prevention have been identified as the top …


The Effects Of Contextual Interference On The Acquisition, Retention, And Transfer Of A Music Motor Skill Among University Musicians, Leslie Paige Rose Jan 2006

The Effects Of Contextual Interference On The Acquisition, Retention, And Transfer Of A Music Motor Skill Among University Musicians, Leslie Paige Rose

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The contextual interference hypothesis holds that simple motor skill tasks are best learned when practiced under blocked, or repetitive conditions, but that retention and transfer are best accomplished when the skill has been practiced in varied conditions. The purpose of this study was to measure the effects of contextual interference practice conditions on the acquisition, retention, and transfer of a complex task—right hand lead percussion sticking technique among university musicians. All participants (N = 120) demonstrated rhythmic competency for the task, and were necessarily unable to perform the sticking technique with accuracy at the start of treatment. Three treatment groups …


The Relationship Of Crime And Oil Development In The Coastal Regions Of Louisiana, Asha D. Luthra Jan 2006

The Relationship Of Crime And Oil Development In The Coastal Regions Of Louisiana, Asha D. Luthra

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

This project examines the relationship between patterns of crime and the development of the oil and gas extraction industry in the coastal regions of Louisiana. The suggestion of a link between these phenomena has often been made, but little systematic research has been conducted to determine if there is indeed a crime-oil development nexus. Limited previous research has focused primarily on the issue of “boom and bust” cycles on some forms of deviant behavior, but the data and the methods used were inadequate, and thus, the resulting conclusions were often misleading or possibly erroneous. During the course of this project, …


The Impact Of Masking Of Persuasive Intent On Persuasive Message Effectiveness, Christina Simmers Rodrigue Jan 2006

The Impact Of Masking Of Persuasive Intent On Persuasive Message Effectiveness, Christina Simmers Rodrigue

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The decreased dependency of marketing managers on traditional message forms (i.e., commercials) has increased the use of nontraditional message forms (i.e., product placement) in marketing communication. These newer message forms are unique because their persuasive intent is concealed by the presentation method and, therefore, may be processed differently than the traditional message forms. Consequently, this paper examines three major issues that arise out of the integration of nontraditional message forms into marketing communication, including (1) incorporating nontraditional message forms into the traditional persuasion literature, (2) introducing a new persuasion element (termed masking of persuasive intent) and its role in the …


Self-Determination In Injury Rehabilitation: Designing A Climate For Promoting Adherence, Ryan Mark Green Jan 2006

Self-Determination In Injury Rehabilitation: Designing A Climate For Promoting Adherence, Ryan Mark Green

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of this dissertation was to use self-determination as a theoretical framework to investigate factors that influence college athletes’ adherence to injury rehabilitation programs. A two-part study, quantitative and qualitative approaches were used to gain insight into athletes’ motivation and decisions that they make regarding their engagement in injury rehabilitation. The focus of the quantitative study was to investigate the relationships between personal autonomy, levels of self-determination, perceived autonomy support, and perceived competence in injury rehabilitation. Participants (N=193 college athletes) completed surveys in a retrospective design. Autonomy orientations were positively related to higher levels of self-determination and the perception …


The Violin Concerto And Its Development In Bulgaria, Mario Dimitrov Jan 2006

The Violin Concerto And Its Development In Bulgaria, Mario Dimitrov

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

My interest in the history and problems of the Bulgarian composers' school and specifically in the establishment and development of the Bulgarian violin concerto goes far back in my musical career. The Bulgarian composers and their concertos had essential contribution to my development as a violin player and greatly influenced me over the period of my formal education. It is important to notice the very specific and original nature of the Bulgarian music culture. Bulgaria did not exist on the political map of Eastern Europe because of the fact that it had suffered the turmoil of the Ottoman Empire for …


How Voice Affects Perceptions Of Relationship Wih Adults, Ownership, And Engagement In Youth, Melissa D. Wade Cater Jan 2006

How Voice Affects Perceptions Of Relationship Wih Adults, Ownership, And Engagement In Youth, Melissa D. Wade Cater

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if youth voice affects the ownership and engagement experienced by youth in a county 4-H program. For the treatment group, a youth-led approach was used where "having a voice" included youth sharing decision-making power with the adults in the program. The comparison group consisted of 4-H members in three other clubs in the county. These youth experienced an adult-led approach where the decisions about the club programming were made strictly by the adults. The Youth Voice Survey instrument was developed to assess youths' perceptions of ownership, engagement, and relationship with adults at …


Viewing Novels, Reading Films: Stanley Kubrick And The Art Of Adaptation As Interpretation, Charles Bane Jan 2006

Viewing Novels, Reading Films: Stanley Kubrick And The Art Of Adaptation As Interpretation, Charles Bane

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Greg Jenkins has observed that adaptation "is a presence that is woven into the very fabric of film culture." Although this statement is true, no definitive theory of adaptation exists. Critics and scholars ponder adaptation, yet cannot seem to agree on what makes an adaptation a success or a failure. The problem of adaptation stems from many sources. What, if anything, does a film owe the novel on which it is based? How, if possible, does a film remain faithful to its source? Is a film a version of a story or its own autonomous work of art? Who is …


Impact Of A Stage-Matched Weight Loss Intervention On Stage Of Change Progression In Predominantly African-American Female Primary Care Patients, Jamie Sue Bodenlos Jan 2006

Impact Of A Stage-Matched Weight Loss Intervention On Stage Of Change Progression In Predominantly African-American Female Primary Care Patients, Jamie Sue Bodenlos

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Obesity is associated with several chronic medical conditions. Certain individuals are at higher risk for obesity including low-income African American females. Despite the many benefits to weight loss, many individuals do not seek treatment. Individuals are likely to attend primary care appointments where obesity can be targeted. Although stage matched interventions based on the Transtheoretical Model (TM) have been used successfully to aid in health behavior change, few studies have examined the use of stage matched weight loss interventions in African American females. There is also a paucity of research examining the effects of stage matched weight loss interventions on …


Instantaneously Trained Neural Networks With Complex And Quaternion Inputs, Adityan V. Rishiyur Jan 2006

Instantaneously Trained Neural Networks With Complex And Quaternion Inputs, Adityan V. Rishiyur

LSU Master's Theses

Neural network architectures such as backpropagation networks, perceptrons or generalized Hopfield networks can handle complex inputs but they require a large amount of time and resources for the training process. This thesis investigates instantaneously trained feedforward neural networks that can handle complex and quaternion inputs. The performance of the basic algorithm has been analyzed and shown how it provides a plausible model of human perception and understanding of images. The motivation for studying quaternion inputs is their use in representing spatial rotations that find applications in computer graphics, robotics, global navigation, computer vision and the spatial orientation of instruments. The …


Knowledge Representation Acquired In A Dynamic Process Control Task, Robert Prattini Jan 2006

Knowledge Representation Acquired In A Dynamic Process Control Task, Robert Prattini

LSU Master's Theses

The dissociation between explicit and implicit knowledge has been shown in a number of previous studies utilizing the process control task, where participants would learn to control the system well, but not be able to verbally articulate their knowledge (Berry & Broadbent, 1984; Berry & Broadbent, 1988; Mathews, Buss, Stanley, Blanchard-Fields, Cho, & Druhan, 1989; Roussel, 1999; Sun & Mathews, 2005). This study attempts to advance this basic research in the area of implicit learning by examining the type of mental knowledge representation acquired in implicitly learned tasks, and also assess the transfer of that knowledge to conceptually similar tasks. …


Say It Loud! I'M Black And I'M Proud!: A Study Of Successful Black Female Students Educated In An Urban Middle School, Menthia P. Clark Jan 2006

Say It Loud! I'M Black And I'M Proud!: A Study Of Successful Black Female Students Educated In An Urban Middle School, Menthia P. Clark

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

"Acting White" (Fordham & Ogbu, 1986) is a common term among researchers who study academic achievement and racial identity among minority students which signifies the tension some academically successful minority students experience as they excel in school. Black students who contend with such tension may be teased, alienated, or rejected by their peers who view academic achievement as characteristic of White people. In order to avoid the accusation of "acting White," many Black students underachieve, conceal their academic talents, or make no efforts to pursue academic goals. For Black female high-achieving students, "acting White" is laden with gender-specific strategies of …


Psychometric Validity For The Matson Evaluation Of Drug Side Effects And The Akathisia Rating Of Movement Scale, Mark Joseph Garcia Jan 2006

Psychometric Validity For The Matson Evaluation Of Drug Side Effects And The Akathisia Rating Of Movement Scale, Mark Joseph Garcia

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Akathisia is a movement disorder characterized by a sense of restlessness and increased motor activity. Movement disorders are primarily an iatrogenic result of mediation use. In the case of akathisia, this syndrome is easily misdiagnosed as a psychiatric disorder. As a result, there is a need to development greater awareness and encourage research on akathisia and the movement disorder field at large. Accordingly, the APA has included research criteria for the movement disorder syndromes in the Criteria Sets and Axes Provided for Further Study of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual since the fourth revision. The purpose of this project was to …