Digital Commons Network^™

Design Of Linear Boolean Network Codes For Combination Networks, Shoupei Li

LSU Master's Theses

Network coding is a promising technique to improve the throughput of communication networks. In the thesis, we investigate linear Boolean network codes on a special class of multicast networks, called combination networks. Using companion matrices of primitive polynomials over finite fields, we design a class of symmetric linear Boolean network codes from Reed-Solomon codes for single-source combination networks. We also prove that, for some cases, the linear Boolean network codes are optimal in the sense of minimum network uses. In the thesis, we further consider two-source network coding problem for combination networks and other specific networks. We develop a method …

Health Literacy: The Knowledge And Experiences Of Senior Level Baccalaureate Nursing Students, Catherine M. Cormier

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to assess the health literacy knowledge and experiences of senior level baccalaureate nursing students enrolled at state universities in Louisiana. Three hundred and sixty-one students from eight baccalaureate nursing programs agreed to participate in the study. The Health Literacy Knowledge and Experience Survey (HL-KES) was utilized to measure the health literacy knowledge and experiences of participants. Participants were able to identify low socioeconomic groups as high risk for low health literacy skills and were strongly aware of the consequences associated with low health literacy skills. Knowledge gaps were evident in the following areas: identifying …

A Comparative Analysis Of Hurricane Evacuation Traffic Conditions Using Static And Dynamic Traffic Assignments, Santosh Kumar Andem

LSU Master's Theses

This study compares link flows of evacuation traffic using Static Traffic Assignment (STA) with those obtained from Dynamic Traffic Assignment (DTA) and observed traffic counts. The analysis is conducted on a sample of households from South Carolina who evacuated in the face of hurricane Floyd in 1999. The results indicate that traditional static models have the potential to significantly underestimate congestion levels in the network, and DTA models account for nonuniform demand and traffic dynamics in hurricane evacuation much more realistically. From observed traffic counts, traffic volumes vary considerably during an evacuation and the DTA flow estimates generally reproduced these …

Structural And Forecasting Softwood Lumber Models With A Time Series Approach, Nianfu Song

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The development of cointegration theories and the presence of nonstationarity in time series raised serious concerns about possible spurious estimations in forest products models. Based on the results of Hsiao (1997a, 1997b), all the virtues of two-stage least square (2SLS) hold if there are sufficient cointegration relations. Stationary null and nonstationary null unit root tests and monthly seasonal unit root tests were applied to the time series used in this dissertation. Cointegration tests with exogenous variables were performed to justify the 2SLS. A regional error correction model (ECM) with four regional lumber supply and demand equations and a U.S.-Canada supply …

Food Purchasing Behaviors, Dietary Energy Density, Perceived Health Status, And Perceived Nutrition Knowledge Of Female Food Stamp Recipients Living In Southeast Louisiana, Carrie Marie Elks

LSU Master's Theses

Purchase and consumption of energy-dense nutrient poor [EDNP] foods by low-income individuals contributes to the lower diet quality and increased risk of chronic disease (e.g. obesity, type 2 diabetes) in this population. Food purchasing behaviors, dietary energy density [ED], perceived health status, and perceived nutrition knowledge were assessed in 22 female food stamp recipients in Southeast Louisiana. Two 24-hour recalls (at the beginning and at the end of the month) and food expenditure receipts were collected; participants also completed several questionnaires. Fifty percent [%] (n=11) of study participants were food secure, and fifty percent (n=11) were food insecure. Sixty-four % …

Underground In The Confederate Capital: Punk Subculture In Richmond, Virginia, Christopher J. Dalbom

LSU Master's Theses

The intent of this thesis is to investigate the role of the punk subculture in Richmond, Virginia from an ethnographic perspective. Through participant observation and open-ended interviews, it seeks an understanding of the role of the subculture in the lives of those who embrace it and how it shapes their experiences in Richmond. In doing so, it hopes to fill a gap in music geography and in the study of the punk subculture. According to much of the literature, punk died decades ago, but for those who claim punk allegiance in Richmond today, it is very alive and real. This …

Freshwater Mussel Communities Of The Florida Parishes, Louisiana: The Importance Of Spatial Scale, Anne Raynie Bambarger

LSU Master's Theses

The Southeastern United States has the most diverse and imperiled freshwater mussel (Unionidae) fauna in the world. The community structure and decline of these organisms is the result of complex interactions between biotic and abiotic factors, but the limited spatial scale of most community studies has failed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms shaping community structure. Basing community assessments solely on microhabitat variables alone has lead to stark contradictions in management recommendations and opposing definitions of habitat requirements for these organisms. However, with the introduction of GIS technology into aquatic management, it is now feasible to include variables from larger spatial …

Unbalanced Media Coverage And The 2004 Presidential Election: The New York Times Vs. The Washington Times, Jimmie E. Cummings, Jr.

LSU Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to find out if either The New York Times or The Washington Times participated in unbalanced media coverage during the last two weeks of the 2004 Presidential Election. Through content analysis paragraph tone was used to evaluate news stories, columns, and editorials as positive, negative or neutral from a composite week sample. Scholars, politicians, the public as well as journalists have long argued about the existence or not of media bias and whether it is in support of liberal or conservative politics. This study was not an attempt to pick a side in that …

Reflections Of A Former Dean, Nancy B. Rapoport

Scholarly Works

law school admininstration, higher education governance, dean, deaning

Exploring Implicit Versus Explicit Methods Of Teaching Phonemic Awareness Instruction To Kindergarten Students, Sue Antoinette Abshire

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

This research explored whether there was a difference between two methods of phonemic awareness instruction. Two groups of kindergarten students were selected. One group received an implicit method of phonemic awareness instruction. A second group received an explicit model of phonemic awareness instruction. Of particular concern were these questions: What is the impact of phonemic awareness instruction on reading achievement? How does phonemic awareness instruction delivered via an implicit instructional method differ from an explicit, scripted method of instruction in their respective impact on reading achievement? Triangulation between the qualitative and quantitative data support the finding that an explicit method …

Association Genetics For Agronomic Traits In Rice And Cloning Of Als Herbicide Resistant Genes From Coreopsis Tinctoria Nutt, Nengyi Zhang

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

We have evaluated the potential of discriminant analysis (DA) to detect candidate markers associated with twelve economically important traits in a large population of unrelated U.S. and Asian inbred lines of rice. Associated marker alleles detected by DA mapped within the same genetic intervals when compared with previous traditional QTL mapping experiments that evaluated progeny derived from various controlled crosses. New markers identified by DA suggest that the procedure can also uncover relevant genetic regions not possible by standard genetic tests. With the same dataset, we also compared different modern regression approaches for selecting molecular markers associated with the twelve …

Synthesis, Crystal Growth, Magnetic And Transport Properties Of Ln-M-X (Ln=Lanthanide, M=Transition Metal, X=In, Ga) Compounds, Willa Maria Williams

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

ABSTRACT This dissertation focuses on the structural stability, magnetic and transport properties of ternary lanthanide compounds grown using indium and gallium flux. Single crystals of TbRhIn5 were synthesized using indium flux. TbRhIn5 is isostructural to the well known LnnMIn3n+2 (n = 1, 2, ∞; Ln = La, Ce; M = Rh, Ir) and adopts the HoCoGa5 structure type and crystallizes in the space group P4/mmm, Z = 1. Lattice parameters are a = 4.6000(6) Å and c = 7.4370(11) Å, V = 157.29(6) Å3. A sharp antiferromagnetic transition is observed at TN = 48 K for TbRhIn5. Single crystals of …

Development And Application Of Methods For Evaluation Of Hurricane Shelters, James P. Gregg

LSU Master's Theses

With the population of hurricane prone regions increasing, it has become more difficult to evacuate entire communities, increasing the need for hurricane shelters in coastal areas. Community officials generally use American Red Cross Standard ARC 4496 to evaluate the suitability of buildings for use as shelters.. ARC 4496 uses a least-risk process that evaluates many building and site characteristics. However, it does not address characteristics of the approaching storm and does not provide insight to the expected hazards and performance of the facility under different hurricane conditions. A new method for evaluating facilities for use as hurricane shelters is proposed. …

Repression And Reduction: The Apparatchik's Discourse In The Works Of Ammianus Marcellinus, Denis Diderot, Victor Serge And George Orwell, Jason Paul Juneau

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

In monopolizing political power, the state claims to possess the best idea towards leading a society and solving its problems. While these claims may vary according to regime, all face the eventual failure of expectation on the part of its subjects. No regime can master all the variables in running the country, and so it must convince their subjects otherwise of its legitimacy, despite the reality of their failure. The apparatchik’s discourse is the interaction of the state’s discourse and that of its institutions. This discourse is used to uphold the state’s legitimacy through the expertise of its institutions. The …

Rethinking Representations Of Slave Life A Historical Plantation Museums: Towards A Commemorative Museum Pedagogy, Julia Anne Rose

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Historical plantation museums have been criticized for biased interpretation practices that marginalize the historical presence of enslaved African Americans. This is a curriculum question that is relevant to historical museums that are wrestling with impacting social change and developing equitable practices to serve increasingly broad and diverse audiences. I conducted an action research study with five museum workers at Magnolia Mound Plantation (MMP) in south Louisiana to better understand the limits and possibilities of expanding slave life representations at this museum. I implemented the study using action research and archival research. Action research involved ethnographic methodologies including tour observations, interviews, …

Two-Phase Flow In High Aspect Ratio, Polymer Microchannels For Reagent Delivery Applications, Estelle Evans

LSU Master's Theses

Multiphase flow in microfluidics is an increasingly growing field, especially in biotechnology. For instance, a steady-state slug flow would benefit lab-on-a-chip drug delivery methods. This flow would not only use minute amounts of reagents, but it would also decrease the sample processing time. Thus, researching a steady-state plug flow in a microchannel is beneficial to the drug delivery field. Five PMMA, directly-milled microchannels [2: Aspect Ratio 1 (with and without pressure ports, 2): Aspect ratio 2 (with and without pressure ports), and 1: Aspect Ratio 3 (without pressure ports)] were manufactured. These channels were then cleaned, and a PMMA cover …

The Impact Of The Louisiana Master Gardener Program On The Perceived And Actual Horticultural Knowlede Levels Of Program Participants, Bobby Hugh Fletcher

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The primary purpose of this study was to determine the impact of participation in the master gardener program on: a. Self-perceived knowledge in selected horticultural areas; b. Knowledge in selected areas of horticulture as measured by a researcher designed test; and c. Use of best management practices (BMPs) in horticultural practice. Gardening is a favorite pastime in the United States that has therapeutic and rewarding benefits. Currently, there is a great demand for accurate gardening (horticultural) information from green industry users such as gardeners from all backgrounds and areas. There is a need for research-based horticultural information to be provided …

Evaluating The Spatial Ecology Of Anthrax In North America: Examining Epidemiological Components Across Multiple Geographic Scales Using A Gis-Based Approach, Jason Kenna Blackburn

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

This dissertation explores the spatial ecology and potential pathways of infection of anthrax, Bacillus anthracis, in North America. A multi-scale approach was used to evaluate the components required for disease agent survival in the environment, interactions with wildlife, and the potential role that vectors play in anthrax transmission. First, ecological niche modeling with the Genetic Algorithm for Rule-set Production (GARP) was used to predict the geographic distribution of anthrax in the continental U.S. using case data from outbreaks between 1957 and 2005. These results were then used to produce the first quantitative, continental scale predictions of anthrax in Mexico. At …

Integrated Circuit Metrology By Multilevel Patterning Technology, Li Jiang

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

A low cost, high accuracy method is described in detail for measuring image placement in integrated circuit manufacture. The method measures both the overlay between levels and the absolute placement of features in a single level. The overlay is measured by a technique which views multiple levels separately. The absolute distances between features on a test wafer are measured by comparing the features to precision gratings. Optical imaging techniques are described for viewing and analyzing the grating images, as well as for measuring distortions in the observing microscope and a video camera. These techniques permit image placement measurements to be …

Do Attorneys Do Their Clients Justice? An Empirical Study Of Lawyers' Effects On Tax Court Litigation Outcomes, Leandra Lederman, Warren B. Hrung

Articles by Maurer Faculty

Do attorneys really add value or can unrepresented parties achieve equivalent results? This fundamental question ordinarily is difficult to answer empirically. An equally important question both for attorneys and the justice system is whether attorneys prolong disputes or instead facilitate expeditious resolution of cases.

Fortunately, there is a federal court that provides an excellent laboratory in which to test and answer these questions. In the United States Tax Court (Tax Court), where most federal tax cases are litigated, the government always is represented by Internal Revenue Service attorneys but a large portion of the taxpayer litigants proceed pro se. In …

Applications Of Titanium-Mediated Reductive Coupling And Cyclocarbonylation Reactions Toward Natural Product Synthesis, Maria A. Appeaning

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Previous work in our laboratory has demonstrated not only a synthetic value of tandem reductive cyclization - carbonylation reactions in the preparation of complex molecules but also the interesting stereoselectivity observed therein. The first part of this work employs the titanium-mediated cyclocarbonylation of tethered dienals for the synthesis of prostaglandin analogues, in particular PGF_2α and methyl jasmonate. Based on this hetero Pauson-Khand strategy, we have established an efficient racemic route to both the prostaglandin and the methyl jasmonate core skeletons. Moderate to excellent selectivities with regard to the hetero Pauson-Khand reaction were observed in both cases. The second part …

How Cue-Dependent Is Memory?: Internal Reinstatement And Cueing Effects In Recognition And Source Memory, Jeffrey Joseph Starns

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

This study explored the role of internal context reinstatement in masking the effects of external context cues on recognition and source memory. Participants studied words paired with pictures of male and female faces. Following the study phase, participants completed either a source test in which they decided whether each test word was studied with a male or female face (Experiments 1, 3, and 4) or a recognition test in which they decided whether each test word appeared in the study phase (Experiment 2). On selected trials, a studied face was reinstated at test to serve as a cue for the …

Methods For The Estimation Of Missing Values In Time Series, David S. Fung

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Time Series is a sequential set of data measured over time. Examples of time series arise in a variety of areas, ranging from engineering to economics. The analysis of time series data constitutes an important area of statistics. Since, the data are records taken through time, missing observations in time series data are very common. This occurs because an observation may not be made at a particular time owing to faulty equipment, lost records, or a mistake, which cannot be rectified until later. When one or more observations are missing it may be necessary to estimate the model and also …

Process Evaluation Of A School- And Home-Based Sun Safety Education Intervention, Robyn S. Johnston

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Effective interventions that reduce children's sun exposure are likely to reduce melanoma incidence in the longer term. However, for such interventions to have an impact they must be adequately implemented. School-based sun protection programs have been evaluated to determine their effectiveness in changing behaviours, however, few studies have assessed the implementation of such programs, or the effect of their implementation on outcomes. Kidskin was a five-year intervention trial designed to assess the effectiveness of a multicomponent intervention in reducing sun exposure in children in Perth, Western Australia. This thesis describes the process evaluation of the school- and home-based educational components …

Teachers' Implicit Theories Of Expression In Visual Arts Education: A Study Of Western Australian Teachers, Diana J. Brown

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

This study examines the differences in the beliefs of primary (elementary) class teachers about the role of expression in visual arts education. The focus is on the relationship between primary teachers implicit theories, and expression in their visual arts lessons. Expression here, refers to the manifestation of an individual students interests or views through visual images. Students' expression of their personal responses through visual images, is a central intended outcome of the visual arts curriculum in Western Australia (Curriculum Council, 1998).

The Acquisition Of Japanese As A Second Language And Processability Theory: A Longitudinal Study Of A Naturalistic Child Learner, Junko Iwasaki

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The aim of this study was to investigate longitudinally how a child learner acquired verbal morpho-syntax in Japanese in a naturalistic second language (L2) context. Specifically the points of emergence for three verbal morpho-syntactic structures, namely verbal inflection, the V-te V structure and the passive/causative structure, were investigated within a framework of Processability Theory (PT) (Pienemann, 1998b). The subsequent development of these structures was also examined. Unlike earlier research about morpheme orders and developmental sequences in language acquisition which was criticised because of its apparent lack of theoretical underpinnings, Pienemann’s Processability Theory (PT)(1998b) connects the processability of morpho-syntactic structure to …

Why Undergraduate Nurses Choose Not To Pursue Mental Health Nursing As A Career In Western Australia : A Descriptive Study, Therese Howell

Theses : Honours

Not only are fewer undergraduate nursing students opting to pursue a career in mental health nursing (Arnswald, 1987; Clinton & Hazelton, 2000; Happell, 1998; Lam, McMaster & Troup, 1993), but nursing students continue to rank mental health nursing as their lowest preference of career choice. Instead, nursing undergraduates appear to be opting for positions within the surgical or critical care specialties (Durkin, 2002; Happell, 1999; Happell1999; Happell, 2001). The aim of this descriptive study was to investigate and identify the potential reasons why undergraduate nursing students do not take up mental health nursing as a career. This descriptive study implemented …

Radio Frequency Enabled Soil Redox Potential Sensor Networks, Chris Holme

Theses : Honours

There is a need for' cost effective tools and data collection methods for field measurements; to increase both productivity and volumes of collected data in the quest for enhanced understanding and management of environmental systems. To such end, various technologies that may be combined into a cost effective soil redox sensor network were explored. Suitability of each technology, as a component of said network was evaluated. A prototype soil redox sensor network was constructed and basic laboratory and field testing was completed. Results indicate that the prototype sensor network functions correctly within bounds. Both laboratory and field testing show that …

Determining Carbon And Nitrogen Stable Isotope Discrimination For Marine Consumers, Emily N. Gates

Theses : Honours

The application of stable isotope ratios to food web studies is increasing, and the use of generalised discrimination values (0.4±1.4%₀ for δ¹³C and 3.4±1.1%₀ for δ¹⁵N), which are being widely applied to many studies, may not be valid. The broad objective of this study was to evaluate the assumption that these discrimination values are applicable to a range of benthic marine consumers, and therefore appropriate to be used in trophic analyses using carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) stable isotopes in marine food webs. The first aim was to determine if there were differences in …

The Role Of Implicit Memory In Visual Word Recognition: Principles And Processes Of Long- And Short-Term Repetition Priming, Matthew Robert Merema

Theses : Honours

This review examines the role of long- and short-term repetition priming research in the theoretical debate between episodic and abstractionist accounts of implicit memory. The empirical research and theoretical accounts of priming reviewed indicate that neither episodic or abstractionist theories alone can successfully account for the processes of long- and short-term repetition priming. The major variations between studies in experimental methods used to measure repetition priming are also examined, providing a possible explanation for contrasting results obtained within repetition priming research and a reason for why the episodic versus abstractionist debate persists. Finally, research examining the underlying mechanisms responsible for …