Digital Commons Network^™

Always New Here: Essays From New England To New Orleans, Dahlia El-Shafei

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Analysis Of Vector Sensor Data Collected In Gulf Of Mexico, Timothy S. Vann

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

In 2015, the Naval Oceanographic Office collected vector sensor data in approximately 100 meters of water southwest of Panama City, Florida in the Gulf of Mexico. The vector sensor was deployed at a center mass height of one foot above the seafloor and de-coupled from its mooring through lightweight springs to measure local acoustical pressure and particle velocity.

Accuracy of the data across frequency and source azimuth is measured by evaluating acoustical impedance as a function of frequency and source azimuthal direction. Results indicate the vector sensor has an effective band from 50 to 450 Hz with mooring reflections and …

Morphodynamics Of Transgressive Coastal Systems: Modeling Allogenic And Autogenic Response To Sea Level Rise, Storms, And Changes In Sediment Supply, Kevin C. Hanegan

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

Barrier islands are widespread and typically enclose landward basins connected to the ocean through tidal inlets. Low energy in the basin enables fine sediment accumulation and salt marsh formation. Sea Level Rise (SLR) causes loss of marshes due to their low elevations and inundation sensitivity. Both long-term trends in sediment supply due to SLR and episodic transfers of sediment due to storms are important to the sustainability of marshes and tidal basins. The trajectory of deltas, including the Mississippi River Delta (MRD), are also impacted by sediment supply. The redistribution of sediments (autogenic reorganization) within transgressive systems will determine their …

Paradox In The Bayou: Development And Displacement In America’S Wetlands, Allison Oliver Haertling

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

The bayou communities situated at the southern ends of Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana possess a rich and uniquely diverse cultural heritage. However, economic factors, combined with environmental issues such as land loss from oil and gas dredging, subsidence, and rising seas, have spurred significant migration “up the bayou” in recent decades, threatening the loss of these cultures and leaving behind a population that is growing increasingly more vulnerable. This study investigates the current and anticipated social, physical and fiscal impacts of persistent land loss and population decline on lower Terrebonne Parish, as well as planning strategies for maintaining existing infrastructure and …

Using High-Performance Computing Profilers To Understand The Performance Of Graph Algorithms, Costain Nachuma

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

An algorithm designer working with parallel computing systems should know how the characteristics of their implemented algorithm affects various performance aspects of their parallel program. It would be beneficial to these designers if each algorithm came with a specific set of standards that identified which algorithms worked better for a specified system. Therefore, the goal of this paper is to take implementations of four graphing algorithms, extract their features such as memory consumption, scalability using profilers (Vtunes /Tau) to determine which algorithms work to their fullest potential in one of the three systems: GPU, shared memory system, or distributed memory …

Documenting West And Central African Dung Beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeinae) Community Structures And Their Vulnerability To Climate Change, Christie A. Sukhdeo

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

The Guineo-Congolian (GC) region of West and Central Africa contains high levels of species richness (SR) and endemism. Within the GC region, the Cameroon Volcanic Line (CVL) is an important biodiversity hotspot in part due to montane habitats that constitute important ‘sky islands’ refugia during warm periods of the Pleistocene glacial cycles. However, little is known about the diversity of many taxa in the GC region, especially for insects. The main goals of this dissertation are to: 1) document dung beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeinae) species diversity across the GC region and assess the potential impacts of future climate change on species …

Experimental Investigation Into The Boundary Layer Of A Robotic Anguilliform Propulsor, Jonathan R. Eastridge

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

Boundary layer information local to three longitudinal positions has been characterized for a 130 cm long biomimetic self-propulsor known as NEELBOT-1.1 that swims with undulatory anguilliform-like motions, via analysis of stereo particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements for key moments in the undulation cycle and for numerous combinations of swimming conditions and motion parameters, ideal and non-ideal. No obvious turbulent flow structures or indications of boundary layer separation were observed at nonzero advance speeds, and skin friction coefficients were subsequently estimated for magnitude relative to the dynamic pressure associated with operation at the design swimming speed of U_o = 0.25 …

Families In Poverty: Additive And Qualitative Influence Of Risk On Parenting, Lauren Aaron

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

Co-occurrence of risk for impoverished families is common, but less is known about how compounded risk influences parenting behavior. Mothers (n = 167) and their two-year-old children were visited at home and engaged in a game aimed to elicit everyday parenting behavior. Mothers endorsed experience of sociodemographic and psychosocial risks. Two unique cumulative risk indices were created from these variables. Regression analyses assessed the relation between the risk indices and positive and negative parenting behavior. Latent class analysis examines classes of risk experience on the same indicators. Results show psychosocial risk experience is associated with both parenting factors, while …

Forecasting The Development Of A Natural Levee Breach And Subsequent Sediment Distribution At Mardi Gras Pass, Louisiana, Joshua Hansen

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

In 2012, a breach in a natural levee occurred on the Mississippi River near the Bohemian Spillway, forming a new distributary named Mardi Gras Pass. Since its genesis, scientists from local universities and NGOs have been regularly performing bathymetric and bank surveys to track the channel’s expansion, as well as discharge surveys throughout the receiving basin. This study developed and implemented a hindcast simulation based on this wealth of data utilizing the morpho- and hydrodynamic model, Delft3D. This model was then used to create a 20-year forecast and a 1-year simulation without tidal and subtidal forces. The results demonstrated that …

Empirical Asset Pricing Of Saudi Stock Market, Muath Alolayan

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

This essay tests the differences in equity returns between Islamic and conventional firms using the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM), Fama & French three factors model, and Fama & French four factors model. We us the Fama-Macbeth methodology to test the adequacy and explanatory power of the various model specifications. We find that the CAPM can better predict the factors for Islamic firms but not the conventional firms. There was a failure of Fama and French three factors and four factors model for Islamic, conventional and the total market. The estimated Beta is very close to the market for the …

Visible-Light-Active Disinfection Of Surface Water Coliform Using Silver/Titanium Dioxide/Silver Bromide(Ag/Tio2/Agbr) As Photocatalyst, Ashraya Upadhyaya

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

As human population becomes diverse, the need for sustainable, inexpensive, scalable, and decentralized water treatment technologies to supplement or replace conventional treatment methods are important, especially to satisfy the need of small, rural communities for safe drinking water. These challenges can be somewhat met with the use of semiconductor photocatalysis, especially if the process is driven by visible light energy. Visible-light-active (VLA) photocatalysis can be effectively applied in disinfection of drinking water. In comparison to traditional, energy-intensive, physical and chemical disinfection methods, VLA photocatalysis is capable of providing high disinfection efficiency with the use of cheaper energy, no harmful by-products, …

Detecting Convergence Zone Paths In Acoustic Model Outputs Using Machine Learning, Michael Sinegar

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

Sound propagated underwater can possibly travel according to several different patterns. One such pattern, convergence zone (CZ), is the main focus of this thesis. This thesis presents an ArcGIS-based tool to easily choose specific points in the Atlantic Ocean based on latitude and longitude, then gather data about the propagation of sound at that point. In addition to this, a mini-app that generates machine learning datasets was created. It easily allows for one to label thousands of images in a short amount of time. A thousand CZ and a thousand non-CZ images were used to train a machine learning algorithm …

Evolution Of The Magnolia Growth Fault: An Evaluation Of Cenozoic Activity, Plaquemines Parish, Southeastern Louisiana, Jared S. Bullock

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

A geologic investigation of the Lake Hermitage area west of the Mississippi River in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana suggests an active, regional growth fault has caused rapid local subsidence. The Magnolia growth fault is a down-to-the-south, deep-seated listric fault bounded to the west and east by two salt diapirs. Evidence from 3D seismic data, well logs, and biostratigraphy, in addition to local geomorphology, suggests the fault has been active since the Miocene and is causing submergence of wetlands on the hanging wall side. To investigate whether a correlation exists between deep-seated growth faults and subsidence at this location, near-surface data including …

Hind Wing Eyespots Of Brassolini Butterflies (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae): Evolutionary Diversification And Functions In Anti-Predator Defense And Mating Behavior, Logan Crees

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

Ventral hind wing eyespots are prominent pattern elements in Brassolini butterflies, likely functioning in predator-prey interactions and reproductive activities. Caligo and Opsiphanes differ in male mate-seeking behaviors and it has been suggested that Caligo females use the male cua1 eyespot as a mate-locating cue, but Opsiphanes females do not seem to do so. We predict Caligo males should have larger eyespots than congeneric females, but the sexes would not differ in eyespot size in Opsiphanes. Our analyses supported both these predictions. Displacing the eyespot to the center of the wing makes eyespots more conspicuous, we asked if eyespot position …

Chinese Equity Market Pricing And Loan Sales Discount In Us Banking, Yichi Zhang

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

In the recent decades, the Fama–French three-factor (1992, 1993, 1996) and five-factor (2015) models become the most widely used asset pricing models in the world. The U.S. (i.e., developed financial market) country-specific 2 additional factors in the 5-factor model, RMW and CMA or profitability and investment premium, empirically cannot further capture the return variation of the classic three-factor/characteristic in China’s stock market (i.e., developing financial markets). In China, based on our result, therefore, the classic three-factor outperforms the five-factor model. We do not presume that firms in different countries share the same features. Following Liu, Stambaugh, and Yuan (2019), …

Serious Men, Michael Jesse Bass

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

This thesis is a Fiction story collection written in fulfillment of the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing at the University of New Orleans.

Ship Detection Feature Analysis In Optical Satellite Imagery Through Machine Learning Applications, Sylvia Charchut

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

Ship detection remains an important challenge within the government and the commercial industry. Current research has focused on deep learning and has found high success with large labeled datasets. However, deep learning becomes insufficient for limited datasets as well as when explainability is required. There exist scenarios in which explainability and human-in-the-loop processing are needed, such as in naval applications. In these scenarios, handcrafted features and traditional classification algorithms can be useful. This research aims at analyzing multiple textures and statistical features on a small optical satellite imagery dataset. The feature analysis consists of Haar-like features, Haralick features, Hu moments, …

Synthesis And Evaluation Of Novel Biologically Active Compounds, Madhurima Das

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

SCP-1, a potent derivative of acetaminophen, exhibits significantly diminished hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity relative to acetaminophen and nitrate ester derivatives of acetaminophen. It was therefore of interest to explore the development of nitric oxide donor analogs of SCP-1 to identify compounds that could have enhanced analgesic and/or antipyretic activity while taking advantage of the very low liver and kidney toxicity inherent to SCP-1. In this project, a series of nitrate ester analogues of the SCP-1 were prepared as potential nitric oxide donors. The synthesis of SCP analogs was achieved by triflic acid catalyzed O-acylation of SCP-1 with chloroalkanoyl chlorides followed by …

"The Jeep Is Here To Stay!" Projections Of America And Franco-American Relations During World War Ii, Connie L. Gentry

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

During World War II, the Office of War Information produced American and Allied propaganda that was used at home and abroad. Robert Riskin, head of the Bureau of Motion Pictures Overseas Branch, was responsible for creating Projections of America, a documentary film series made to introduce foreigners to America whilst combating negative impressions of Americans that arose in the interwar years. Films from Projections of America contained themes of American culture, ideology, industry and technology, and democracy. In France, these films were used to sway French opinion of Americans while promoting friendship and appreciation for American culture. Ultimately, the …

Individual Hosts Vs. Company Hosts On Airbnb: Role Of Authenticity And Trust On Consumers’ Behavioral Intentions, Joyce Han

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

Airbnb has become a dominant player in the sharing economy. Authenticity is one of Airbnb’s fundamental key factor, but recent hospitality studies lack addressing types of hosts and how they compare in terms of different dimensions of authenticity affecting consumers’ trust in hosts. The current study identifies two types of Airbnb hosts, individual hosts and company hosts, and aims to examine the role of authenticity and trust in hosts on consumer’s intention to revisit and recommend Airbnb. The findings suggest that there exist positive relationships between dimensions of authenticity and trust in hosts and between trust in hosts and behavioral …

The Seven Temptations Of The Sea And Eight Other Tales, Greta C. Hayer

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

This short story collection is a thesis in fiction written in fulfillment of the Master in Fine Arts in Creative Writing at the University of New Orleans.

Pride Of Missouri: The Adventures Of Missouri Farm Boys In 1940s World Conflict, Haley K. Heil

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

In collaboration with the Museum of Missouri Military History, an exhibition for the 203^rd Coast Artillery Battalion (Anti-Aircraft) housed in the National Guard Headquarters exhibit case will be on display March 2020 through April 2020 in Jefferson City, Missouri. The exhibit will show the Missouri men deployed for military service, newspaper articles the men wrote, and objects the men brought back from the time of service. The paper is a historical narrative essay about the mobilization of the 203^rd Coast Artillery Battalion (Anti-Aircraft) during World War II, and from the research, a physical exhibit and an online exhibit …

Classification Of Prostate Cancer Patients Into Indolent And Aggressive Using Machine Learning, Yashwanth Karthik Kumar Mamidi

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most common cancer in men in the US. Many Prostate cancers are Indolent and don’t result in cancer mortality, even without treatment. However, a significant proportion of patients with Prostate cancer have aggressive tumors that progress rapidly to metastatic disease and are often dangerous. Currently, treatment decisions for PCa patients are guided by various stratification algorithms. Among these parameters, the most important predictor of PCa mortality is the Gleason Grade (ranges from 6 to 10). Although current risk stratification tools are moderately effective, limitation remains in their ability to distinguish truly Indolent from aggressive …

Characterization Of Genes Involved In Type Iv Chromatic Acclimation In Synechococcus Rs9916, John M. Hunter Iii

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

Marine cyanobacteria of the genus Synechococcushave light harvesting complexes composed of the phycobiliproteins phycoerythrin I and phycoerythrin II. Synechyococcussp RS9916 is capable of altering the ratio of blue-light absorbing phycourobilin to green-light absorbing phycoerythrobilin ligated to these phycoerythrin proteins through a process known as Type IV Chromatic Acclimation (CA4). During CA4, the mpeZ, unk10and fciCgenes are upregulated under blue light, and these three genes are responsible for increasing the phycourobilin content ligated to phycoerythrin I and II. The role of fciCas a transcription activator of mpeZ, andunk10 genes is explored using knockout …

Recognition And Acceptance: An Examination Of The Louisiana Volunteer Battalions On Line Jackson, Donald K. Midkiff

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

This paper examines the motivators and legacy of the Louisiana volunteer units on Line Jackson during the winter of 1814-1815. Orleans Parish fielded three volunteer battalions to the final engagements: the Orleans Volunteers, and the First and Second Battalions of Free Men of Color. Two companies, Beale’s Rifles and a Baratarian artillery unit, were attached to the Orleans Volunteers under the command of Major Plauché. Each volunteer, both as an individual and as a unit, hoped to gain some benefit from military service beyond defense of their homes. This paper argues that each one sought recognition and acceptance from their …

Son Of Song, David Randall

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

When a cynical music biographer pins her career on telling the life story of a compulsive liar composer, she must decide if achieving her dream is worth destroying his.

“New Orleans Never Was Tighter”: Jim Garrison’S Gendered Vice Campaign In New Orleans, 1962-1966, Rebecca L. Poole

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

Most historical writing and research on Jim Garrison’s political career focus on his investigation of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination and Garrison’s prosecution of Clay Shaw. Few scholars examine the years prior to the investigation when Garrison served as District Attorney of New Orleans. In 1962, Garrison won the election for District Attorney in part for his pledge to clean up the French Quarter of its lurid reputation. Garrison’s vice crusade targeted mostly women who symbolized the city's colorful reputation. Aided by his office and the vice squad, he raided the French Quarter to arrest prostitutes, strippers, and anyone associated …

Suitability Of Fusing Vehicle Probe Data And Vessel Data To Contextualize The Multimodal Interaction Impacts On Corridor Mobility – A New Orleans Case Study, Kirk Zeringue

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

Using New Orleans as a case study, this thesis explores the conflation of vehicle probe data with various vessel datasets to characterize the interactions between container vessels and motor vehicles as it relates to interstate congestion in a port city. The case study investigates the impact of container vessel presence/size, fluctuations in container volumes, and container on barge services on roadway congestion. The exploration relies on comparing different conditions using cumulative distribution functions and the Innovative Trend Analysis. The results showed that fusing vehicle and vessel data is achievable and appropriate, but temporal and data completeness issues can effect results. …

An Analysis Of The Impact Of A Social Emotional Learning Program On Transient Students’ Competencies And Perceptions Of School Climate, Kevin W. Nanney

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

With the passing of the Every Student Succeeds Act (2016), schools are now expected to assess more than just the academic achievement of their student body. While states can choose how they meet this expectation, many choose to focus on school climate. This change is important because, while crime in schools has gone down, feelings of being unsafe or bullied have gone up. To support schools in both assessing and improving their student’s perception of safety, schools have the opportunity to use social and emotional learning to improve measures of school climate, which provides indicators of student perceptions of the …

The Shriek, Michael Ciolino

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.