Digital Commons Network^™

The Gender Gap In Political Knowledge: A Comparison Of Political Knowledge Levels In The United States, Canada, And Great Britain, Emily Marie Guynan

LSU Master's Theses

Previous research indicates that there is a gender gap in political knowledge. I examine whether the gender gap exists in the United States and what the significant determining variables are aside from gender. I also examine whether the gender gap exists in other countries and whether the variables that are significant in the United States are significant in other countries. I examine political knowledge levels in the United States, Canada, and Great Britain. By utilizing crosstabulations and multiple regression models, I find that a gender gap does exist in the United States as well as in Canada and Great Britain. …

Evaluation Of Growth, Production And Cold Tolerance Of Four Varieties Of Tilapia, Patricio Enrique Paz

LSU Master's Theses

As global tilapia production grows, it is important to characterize varieties available for production and generate data on environmental tolerances. This study generated data on tolerances, adaptabilities and production characteristics of four tilapia varieties. Goals of this study were to: (1) compare growth of four tilapia varieties in two types of recirculating systems, (2) evaluate juvenile growth of seven tilapia varieties in fresh and brackishwater mesocosms, and (3) estimate cold tolerance of juveniles of four tilapia varieties in fresh and brackishwater. Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), blue tilapia (Oreochromis aureus), Mississippi commercial strain tilapia (MCS), and Florida red tilapia (FRT) were …

Comparative Analysis Between Different Flood Assessment Technologies In Hazus-Mh, Jennifer Carol Meyer

LSU Master's Theses

Natural disasters devastate the United States through both economic loss and loss of life. The world wide economic damage that results from natural disasters has more than tripled in the last thirty years. Of these natural disasters, floods are the most chronic and costly disasters, comprising an average $5 billion dollars of damage each year. FEMA has released a new software program called HAZUS-MH, which attempts to capture economic losses caused by flooding before losses occur and predict losses from real-time events. This estimate is accomplished through the coupling of flood hazard modeling with local data. FEMA’s goal is that …

Design And Fabrication Of Electromagnetic Micro-Relays Using The Uv-Liga Technique, John Dalton Williams

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

This dissertation reports a research effort to microfabricate an electromagnetic relay for power applications using a multilayer UV-LIGA process. A mechanically wrapped coil was used and very simple design for the magnetic circuit was adopted to increase the design flexibility and performances. The broad material selection and the capability of making high aspect ratio microstructures of the UV-LIGA make the technology best suited for fabricating microelectromechanical power relays. Fabrication of the device required significant advances in the optical lithography of SU-8 negative photoresist. Research proved that aspect-ratios up to 40:1 in isolated open field structures of thickness between 1 and …

Media Coverage Of The 2003 Parliamentary Election In The Republic Of Georgia, Baadur Koplatadze

LSU Master's Theses

The November 2, 2003, parliamentary election caused a significant political crisis in the Republic of Georgia. During the election campaign, the political parties questioned the desire of the government to carry out a fair election. They blamed President Edward Shevardnadze for fabricating the election. After the election, the opposition parties did not recognize the results and claimed that there were massive fabrications (the number of people who voted was much more than the number of people who were in voters’ list). The public supported this position, and several huge demonstrations demanded the resignation of President Shevardnadze. Two weeks after the …

A Novel Mechanical Seal Design With Superior Thermal Characteristics, Anoop Kumar Somanchi

LSU Master's Theses

A mechanical face seal is an important component of variety of pumps used in chemical, petrochemical and process industry. The primary function of a mechanical seal is to prevent leakage of the process fluid from the pump housing and shaft to the environment. The factors that affect the performance of a mechanical seal to leak are friction, wear and its thermal characteristics. Improving upon the thermal characteristics of a mating ring in a mechanical seal would enhance its performance. Implanting a heat exchanger in the mating ring hold great promise for improving the performance of mechanical seals from the viewpoint …

Ethics And Literature: Love And Perception In Henry James, Sarah Hamilton

LSU Master's Theses

In this paper I argue for the value of literature in ethical instruction. Following Martha Nussbaum, I argue that literature often promotes the kind of context-specific judgment, respect for the cognitive value of the emotions and empathy for others that are foundational to the kind of ethical judgment Nussbaum and I support. Like Nussbaum, I find that Henry James's novels evince these same ethical values and that his novels, especially the novels of the late phase, are therefore useful for ethical instruction. Unlike Nussbaum, however, I do not believe that James portrays erotic love as an emotion that is incompatible …

What Irritates Consumers?: An Empirical Examination Of The Antecedents And Consequences Of Consumer Irritation, Sweta Chaturvedi Thota

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

This dissertation develops a model of consumer irritation in the context of consumer decision-making. Thus, the purpose is to describe and empirically test a model of the antecedents and consequences of consumer irritation. The model incorporates antecedents, moderators and consequences of irritation. It is suggested that irritation in consumers has a direct as well as an indirect influence, through retention of irritation in consumers, on the outcome variables such as attitude towards the advertised brand, and intentions to engage in negative word of mouth (NWOM) behavior. The central aim of this dissertation is to extend our understanding of the irritation …

Effects Of Dietary Protein Level And Fish Meal On Growth And Hormonal Status Of Weaned Dairy Calves, Patricia Terrell Richardel

LSU Master's Theses

Eight weaned Holstein steers approximately 4 mo of age (mean BW = 119.47 ± 2.65 kg) were used in a replicated 4 x 4 Latin square designed experiment to study the effects of protein source and level on performance and anabolic hormonal status of weaned dairy calves. Treatments consisted of two diets containing either 16 or 20 % crude protein (CP) with or without fish meal (FM). Experimental diets were corn silage based with soybean meal (SBM) as the source of ruminal degradable protein and FM as the source of ruminal undegradable protein. The animals were fed their respective diets …

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

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

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

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

Estimation Of Living Body Weight Based On Measurements Of Anterior Superior Iliac Spine Breadth And Stature, Jaime A. Suskewicz

LSU Master's Theses

Standard identification criteria for creating a decedent’s biological profile typically include ancestry, sex, age, and stature, but not body weight. Body weight information may not only assist in creating a more complete biological profile but may also provide insight into other forensic considerations, such as taphonomy and body transport and disposal. The current study seeks to establish multiple regression equations for the prediction of living body weight in skeletal remains. Specifically, the measurements of anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) breadth and stature are assessed with regard to living weight. Research was carried out on both a skeletal sample and a …

Effects Of Family Violence And Parental Psychopathology On The Psychological Outcome Of Urban Adolescents Exposed To Community Violence, Shannon Self-Brown

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Previous research has documented an association between adolescents’ exposure to community violence and a range of mental health problems. However, some violence-exposed youth maintain high levels of adaptive behavior and exhibit good psychological functioning. Thus, it appears that protective and/or risk factors are involved in the community violence-psychological outcome relation, which mitigate the conditions under which community violence exposure leads to adverse adolescent outcome. According to the ecological transactional model, protective and/or risk factors may exist within the family that influence adolescent outcome in response to community violence exposure. The purpose of this study was to delineate the relations among …

Experimental And Computational Modeling Of Granular Materials, Orlando Boscan

LSU Master's Theses

4-inch cubical sand specimens were been tested under drained conditions using a wide range of stress paths. The testing was performed by means of a true (cubical) triaxial device that has been conditioned for this study. This testing set-up consisted of a servo-controlled, single-boundary type apparatus, with six flexible membranes that create a center cavity surrounding the soil specimens. This thesis illustrates the functioning of the triaxial device, including detailed descriptions of the device components, sample preparation, and a practical application related to the mechanical characterization of granular materials using critical state soil mechanics. An experimental program, based on the …

The Myth Of Charismatic Leadership And Fantasy Rhetoric Of Crypto-Charismatic Memberships, Shaun Robert Treat

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

This study will analyze the relationship between myth and the fantasy rhetoric of charismatic leadership by employing Fantasy Theme Analysis to examine the pervasive discourses invoking this enduring folk belief. Fantasies of the Charismatic Superhero are explored within the popular leadership treatises of successful “management gurus” and in our popular culture entertainments. The rhetorical visions of Stephen Covey’s “Principle-Centered Leadership,” Jim Collins’ “Level 5 Leadership,” and Manz and Sims' “SuperLeadership” are examined for their displacement of charismatic leadership in favor of the empowered crypto-charisma of self-leading memberships. Findings suggest “empowerment” rhetorics, like the rhetorical visions championed by many populist “gurus,” …

Jesse Knight And His Humbug Mine, J. Michael Hunter

Faculty Publications

Born in Nauvoo, Illinois to faithful Mormon parents, Jesse Knight later withdrew from activity in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). In this biographical sketch, the events associated with his “religious awakening” are recounted, as are the circumstances that led to his amassing a fortune in the mining industry. Considering his wealth to be a stewardship from the Lord, he used it to create jobs for the unemployed, promote education, encourage wholesome recreation, and save the credit of the LDS Church. “Uncle Jesse” was an example of kindness and generosity to all.

Combining Learning Approaches For Incremental On-Line Parsing, Deryle W. Lonsdale, Michael B. Manookin

Faculty Publications

This paper discusses the integration of two different machine learning approaches to modeling language, NL-Soar and analogical modeling (AM). The resulting hybrid system is capable of functionality that is not possible when using only one of the systems in isolation. After a brief introduction of each system, an explanation is given of how AM is used to provide information useful to NL-Soar for two tasks. Examples are given, and related issues are outlined.

Human Capital And Learning As A Source Of Sustainable Competitive Advantage, Nile W. Hatch, Jeffrey H. Dyer

Faculty Publications

This paper seeks to identify the sources of wide and persistent variations in learning performance in the semiconductor manufacturing industry. In the resource-based view of the firm, human capital is frequently assumed to contribute to competitive advantage due to its inimitability based on its intangible, firm-specific, and socially complex nature. Consistent with this view, we find that investments in firm-specific human capital have a significant impact on learning and firm performance. More specifically, human capital selection (education requirements and screening), development through training, and deployment significantly improve learning by doing, which in turn improves performance. However, we find that acquiring …

Employee Stock Purchase Plans, Gary V. Engelhardt, Brigitte C. Madrian

Faculty Publications

Employee stock purchase plans (ESPPs) are designed to promote employee stock ownership broadly within the firm and provide another tax-deferred vehicle for individual capital accumulation in addition to traditional pensions, 401(k)s, and stock options. We outline the individual and corporate tax treatment of ESPPs and the circumstances under which ESPPs will be preferred to cash compensation from a purely tax perspective. We then examine empirically ESPP participation using administrative data from 1997-2001 for a large health services company that employs approximately 30,000 people. The picture that emerges from the analysis of these data suggests that there is substantial non-participation in …

The Effect Of Transaction Size On Off-The-Run Treasury Prices, David F. Babbel, Craig B. Merrill, Mark F. Meyer, Meiring De Villiers

Faculty Publications

A price pressure effect is implied by segmentation in the market for a security. An empirical property of a segmented market is that the price of the security is sensitive to supply and demand conditions for that specific security, absent changes in risk and absent any new information. This paper examines intra-day trading data from the inter-dealer broker market for U.S. Treasury securities and finds that there is a price pressure effect in the off-the-run Treasury market. Thus, securities that would appear to be very close substitutes, i.e., on-the-run and off-the-run Treasury bonds, behave as if there is some degree …

A New Look At The Multiclass Network Equilibrium Problem, Patrice Marcotte, Laura Wynter

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

The multiclass network equilibrium problem is expressed in general as a nonmonotone, asymmetric, variational inequality problem. We show that in spite of the nonmonotonicity of the cost operator, the problem may actually satisfy a weaker property, induced by the hierarchical nature of the travel cost interactions. This property allows a natural decomposition approach, not otherwise available, that admits provably convergent algorithms. We present one such algorithm, easily implementable using a solver for the single-class network equilibrium problem, together with a convergence proof.

On The Cranial Anatomy Of The Polycotylid Plesiosaurs, Including New Material Of Polycotylus Latipinnis, Cope, From Alabama, F. Robin O’Keefe

Biological Sciences Faculty Research

The cranial anatomy of plesiosaurs in the family Polycotylidae (Reptilia: Sauropterygia) has received renewed attention recently because various skull characters are thought to indicate plesiosauroid, rather than pliosauroid, affinities for this family. New data on the cranial anatomy of polycotylid plesiosaurs is presented, and is shown to compare closely to the structure of cryptocleidoid plesiosaurs. The morphology of known polycotylid taxa is reported and discussed, and a preliminary phylogenetic analysis is used to establish ingroup relationships of the Cryptocleidoidea. This study also presents new material referable to Polycotylus latipinnis from the Mooreville Chalk Formation of Alabama. This skeleton is largely …

Connections Between Teacher And Student Attitudes Regarding Script Choice In First-Year Japanese Language Classrooms, Dan Dewey

Faculty Publications

This study investigates connections between teacher and student attitudes related to the delayed (or immediate) introduction of Japanese script in the Japanese language classroom. Two groups of students completed questionnaires concerning their attitudes toward the immediate or delayed introduction of Japanese script and the use of romaji (romanized Japanese) in the Japanese as a second language classroom. The first group was introduced to Japanese script immediately, and romaji was not used in their textbook. The second group used a romaji textbook and was introduced toJapanese script at a later time and a slower rate. Teacher attitudes were also assessed using …

Teaching Elementary Students With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder To Recruit Teacher Attention: Effects On Teacher Praise, On-Task Behavior, And Academic Work, Angie Lynn Pellegrin

LSU Master's Theses

Recruitment training and self-monitoring skills have proven to be effective methods of decreasing off-task behavior and increasing work productivity and positive teacher-student interactions. Teaching students to recruit teacher attention provides an opportunity for the teacher to praise the child or to offer instructional feedback. However, research on this topic has not examined its utilization and effectiveness in children diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Using a multiple baseline across subjects design, the present study will examine the effectiveness of training students with ADHD to monitor task progress and recruit teacher attention.

Storytelling From The Margins: The Healing Narratives Of J. California Cooper, Cynthia Downing Bryant

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

This study examines the therapeutic qualities of selected short stories and novels by contemporary African American woman writer, J. California Cooper. Specifically, I examine the manner in which Cooper's texts can be appreciated as "healing narratives." Healing narratives, as defined in this study, are those texts in which the author consciously creates fictitious representations of reality, while employing the concept of hope as a central and guiding factor. Those aspects of the narrative that have the ability to heal or "lay hands on" a reader vary because the effectiveness of the story depends upon how well the reader can identify …

Short-Term Evolution Of A Marsh Island System And The Importance Of Cold Front Forcing, Terrebonne Bay, Louisiana, Dana Ann Watzke

LSU Master's Theses

Short-term, wave induced erosion along bay beaches in the northern Gulf of Mexico has been linked to the postfrontal phase of cold front passages. Not until recently has consideration been given to the importance of wave erosion on marshes fringing large bays during the entire cold front event. Two WAVCIS (Wave-Current-Surge-Information System) stations were established on the north and south flank of a small marsh island in Terrebonne Bay, Louisiana, to measure and elucidate the hydrodynamic response to these events. Data from WAVCIS stations, which includes wind speed and direction, air temperature, significant wave height and water level, were collected …

Effective Developmental Leadership: A Study Of The Traits And Behaviors Of A Leader Who Develops Both People And The Organization, Michael Stanley Wilson

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

This study identified the traits and behaviors of an effective developmental leader”-one whose primary focus is the development of the people and the organization he or she lead. The study determined the traits and behaviors of a leader who posses an effective developmental orientation towards people. The research incorporated both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. Data was collected using both open ended questions and Likert-type scaled instruments. This data was analyzed using both statistical techniques and expert panels. The results of this study yielded six identified traits and seven identified behaviors of a developmental leader. A developmental leader was found …

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

LSU Master's Theses

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

Applying The Transtheoretical Model To Promote Greater Fruit And Vegetable Consumption: A Successful Approach To Maintaining Behavioral Change, Hiba Ahmad Bawadi

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the response of participants in the first three Stages of Change (SOC) to a preparation stage-tailored intervention to increase fruit and vegetable (F&V) consumption. An on-line survey was delivered to 400 university employees, and included questionnaires about their demographic information, SOC, self efficacy (SE), and decisional balance (DB). One hundred fifty six (39%) responded to the survey. A total of 40 were selected from the first three stages, precontemplation (PC), contemplation (C), and preparation (P), and were assigned into two groups (PC/C and P) with consideration to the best possible matching in …

Bees Associated With Louisiana Longleaf Pine Savannas, Chanda Sara Bartholomew

LSU Master's Theses

Longleaf pine savannas are perhaps the most threatened ecosystems in North America. Despite a well documented and highly diverse flora, little has been published on insects in general and, in particular, on bees that provide the valuable service of plant pollination. Thus, the aims of this study were to: 1) survey bees found in two savanna types in southeastern Louisiana; and 2) contrast the diversity and species composition of these two savanna types. An ancillary goal was to contrast two collecting protocols for bees in the savanna habitat. Overall, a total of 3,407 bees were collected representing 125 species. Of …

The Relationship Between Social Behavior And Mealtime Behavior Problems In Individuals With Severe And Profound Mental Retardation, David E. Kuhn

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

One of the defining features of mental retardation is a problem in adaptive functioning. An area of adaptive skills commonly deficient in this population is social functioning, often characterized as behaviors that provide individuals with the means to interact effectively and appropriately with others. Researchers in this area have generally focused on improving appropriate social behavior and/or decreasing behavioral excesses that interfere with social interactions. Few studies have examined the effects of improving social behavior on collateral behaviors. The current study examined the relationship between social behavior and feeding and mealtime problem behavior in individuals with mental retardation. Individuals across …