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2014

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Surface Chemistry And Growth Of Oxide Supported Metal Nanoparticles, Ziyu Zhang Jan 2014

Surface Chemistry And Growth Of Oxide Supported Metal Nanoparticles, Ziyu Zhang

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

A model heterogeneous catalyst inspired by a real catalyst is synthesized for the purpose of understanding how it works. To make such model catalysts, we choose to evaporate metal atoms on metal oxide single crystals and measure them under UHV conditions. The study of model catalysts could advance the understandings of fundamental catalytic properties of real catalysts and helps to optimize or redesign industrial catalysts. In our experiments, many ultra-high vacuum (UHV) techniques have been employed to investigate the atomic and electronic structure of the surface as well as the interface of the prepared samples. In particular, the surface-sensitive tools …


Some Numerical And Phenomenological Studies In Loop Quantum Cosmology, Brajesh Kumar Gupt Jan 2014

Some Numerical And Phenomenological Studies In Loop Quantum Cosmology, Brajesh Kumar Gupt

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

A key feature of the singularity resolution in loop quantum cosmology (LQC) is the occurrence of the quantum bounce when the spacetime curvature becomes comparable to the Planck scale. The presence of quantum bounce greatly modifies the dynamics of the early universe and can have important implications for observational signatures. Although the quantum bounce has been previously studied via numerical methods for initial conditions that correspond to large macroscopic universes at late times, a detailed study of the robustness of the quantum bounce for a generic class of initial condition has so far been missing due to severe computational challenges. …


Improved Synthesis, Separation, Transition Metal Coordination And Reaction Chemistry Of A New Binucleating Tetraphosphine Ligand, Ekaterina Kalachnikova Jan 2014

Improved Synthesis, Separation, Transition Metal Coordination And Reaction Chemistry Of A New Binucleating Tetraphosphine Ligand, Ekaterina Kalachnikova

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The first chapter of this dissertation involves discussion of alkene hydration and oxidative cleavage reactions catalyzed by late transition metal complexes. Previously reported results are summarized here. Mechanistic aspects of alkene hydration catalyzed by late transition metal complexes are also explained. The second part of Chapter 1 focuses on motivation for using bimetallic nickel phosphine complexes as possible catalytic precursors for alkene hydration. Chapter 2 describes studies into alkene hydration in the presence of catalytic amounts of dinickel phosphine complexes based on linear tetraphosphine ligand, PEt2CH2CH2(Ph)PCH2P(Ph)CH2CH2PEt2, et,ph-P4. Under conditions tested no alcohol products were detected. However we have observed formation …


Spin-Mediated Transport In Superconducting And Spin-Polarized Systems, Joseph C. Prestigiacomo Jan 2014

Spin-Mediated Transport In Superconducting And Spin-Polarized Systems, Joseph C. Prestigiacomo

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The effects of spin-imbalance on the electronic transport properties of spin-polarized and superconducting systems have been studied in detail. The transport properties of the quaternary Heusler alloys Co2MnSi1-xAlx (0≤x≤1), which have been theoretically predicted to develop a half-metallic band structure as x→0, were investigated. Resistivity versus temperature measurements as a function of Al concentration (x) revealed a systematic reduction in the residual resistivity ratio as well as a transition from weakly-localized to half-metallic conduction as x→0. From measurements of the ordinary and anomalous Hall effects, the charge carrier concentration was found to increase, while the anomalous Hall coefficient decreased by …


Modeling Of Foam Flow In Porous Media For Subsurface Environmental Remediation, Seungjun Lee Jan 2014

Modeling Of Foam Flow In Porous Media For Subsurface Environmental Remediation, Seungjun Lee

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Among numerous foam applications in a wide range of disciplines, foam flow in porous media has been spotlighted for improved/enhanced oil recovery processes in petroleum-bearing geological formations and shallow subsurface in-situ NAPL (non-aqueous phase liquid) environmental remediation in contaminated soils and aquifers. In those applications, foams are known to reduce the mobility of gas phase by increasing effective gas viscosity and improve sweep efficiency by mitigating subsurface heterogeneity. This study investigates how surfactant/foam process works fundamentally for environmental remediation purpose by using MoC (Method of Characteristics) based foam modeling and simulation techniques. It consists of two main parts: Part 1, …


Synthetic Routes To Therapeutic Agents Via Masked Functionalities: From Orthogonal Peptide Crosslink To Photothermal Cancer Prodrug, Chyree Shantel Batton Jan 2014

Synthetic Routes To Therapeutic Agents Via Masked Functionalities: From Orthogonal Peptide Crosslink To Photothermal Cancer Prodrug, Chyree Shantel Batton

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The theonellamides are a family of compounds distinguished by their crosslinking ô-histidinoalanine (ô-HAL) residue. Part one of this dissertation details the synthesis of an orthogonally protected ô-HAL building block that will be incorporated into a total synthesis of theonellamide C. Selective deprotection of each amine and acid of this orthogonally protected building block is also demonstrated. Various reaction partners for the assembly of ô-histidinoalanine were explored. One approach involved the coupling of N-Fmoc-â-iodoalanine benzyl ester and (Nðim)-blocked histidine nucleophiles including a fused bicyclic urea and a Boc-His(Nð-Pac)-OMe. While the imidazolium salts were identified by mass spectrometry, elimination of the iodide …


Factor Analysis And Cut-Off Scores For The Autism Spectrum Disorders-Observation For Children, Megan Alice Hattier Jan 2014

Factor Analysis And Cut-Off Scores For The Autism Spectrum Disorders-Observation For Children, Megan Alice Hattier

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Optimal prognoses for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) often rely upon early intervention; thus, there has been a call for reliable and valid assessment tools in order to ensure accurate diagnoses among youth at risk for developmental disabilities (DDs) such as autism. The target of this paper is to inspect the underlying factor structure of a recently developed observation tool for assessing autistic symptoms, the Autism Spectrum Disorders – Observation for Children (ASD-OC). More importantly, cutoff scores were also developed for clinical use in order to distinguish between those with and without an ASD. Given that marked changed were …


A Standardized Ultrasonography Classification For Channel Catfish Ovarian Development, Noel D. Novelo Jan 2014

A Standardized Ultrasonography Classification For Channel Catfish Ovarian Development, Noel D. Novelo

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The goal of this dissertation was to develop application of ultrasonography as a decision-making tool in genetic improvement programs for channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus. A literature review on the use of ultrasonography in fish reproduction generated a comprehensive reference data set intended to benefit existing and potential users. It exposed the need for reporting of instrument control settings and standardization of fish handling and imaging procedures. These issues were addressed from the onset of this work by assessing more than 6,300 channel catfish ovaries by use of initial fish handling and imaging procedures developed (2004-2005) at the Louisiana State University …


The Effect Of Modifying The Higher-Order Structure Of Plant High-Affinity Phosphate Transporters, Elena Batista Fontenot Jan 2014

The Effect Of Modifying The Higher-Order Structure Of Plant High-Affinity Phosphate Transporters, Elena Batista Fontenot

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Phosphorus is an essential nutrient taken up by plants in the form of phosphate and is a component of key molecules, such as ATP, DNA, and RNA, and is one of the most frequently limiting macronutrients for plant growth. More than 80 % of phosphorus found in soil exists as non-inorganic forms and is unavailable for plant uptake, demonstrating the importance for genes induced to cope with phosphate starvation, including high-affinity phosphate transporters (Phts). Phts are membrane-localized transporters involved in the transport of phosphate and arsenate and have a high capacity for transporting phosphate in areas where phosphate concentrations are …


Design, Synthesis, And Exploration Of A Chimeric Antioxidant And New Crosslinkers For Molecular Imprinting, Danielle Songe Meador Jan 2014

Design, Synthesis, And Exploration Of A Chimeric Antioxidant And New Crosslinkers For Molecular Imprinting, Danielle Songe Meador

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The improvement and utility of crosslinkers are important topics of molecular imprinting. Crosslinker significance is evident when molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) composition related to performance as separation media is examined. Crosslinkers account for the bulk of MIP formulations made through traditional imprinting (80-90%) and is even greater when the One Monomer Molecularly Imprinted Polymer (OMNiMIP) approach is utilized (100%.) It is not surprising that alteration of the bulk component will result in different separation performances. Crosslinkers studied in this work were designed, synthesized, and evaluated toward improvement in OMNiMIP selectivity. In particular, functionality and number of polymerizable groups, addition of …


Graviora Manent: Heavier Things Remain, Andrea Laborde Barbier Jan 2014

Graviora Manent: Heavier Things Remain, Andrea Laborde Barbier

LSU Master's Theses

The photographic collection Graviora Manent addresses the complexities and deciphering of human relationships, intensified through the decisive acts of obscuring or revealing formal information. The pictures are made using an alternative French photographic method called mordançage, which physically alters the surface of the gelatin silver print using a combination of chemistry and water. The images frequently include recurring elements of my own dreams, as well as figures set in recognizably interior or exterior environments. Recurring themes in the series include what is public vs. what is private, voyeurism, familiarity, and the unknown.


Perceptions Of Collegiate And Professional Black Male Athletes Based On The Media, Dionell Mcneal Jan 2014

Perceptions Of Collegiate And Professional Black Male Athletes Based On The Media, Dionell Mcneal

LSU Master's Theses

This study focuses on how media usage can affect one’s perceptions of Black collegiate and professional male athletes. While early research focused solely on traditional media, this study focuses on social media as well. This study investigates the relationships between the amounts of time spent using traditional and social media, and the perceptions of athletes in regards to their physical capability, the likelihood of being criminals, and prevalence of committing violent crimes. To explore relationships, this study utilized a total of 145 White participants. Findings showed a positive relationship existed between social media usage and perceptions of criminal-like characteristics. It …


Fabrication And Enhancement Of Aluminum-Based Microchannel Devices, Paul Joseph Hymel Jan 2014

Fabrication And Enhancement Of Aluminum-Based Microchannel Devices, Paul Joseph Hymel

LSU Master's Theses

Microscale molding replication and transient liquid phase (TLP) bonding were used to fabricate Al-based microchannel heat exchangers (MHEs) and micro gas chromatograph (mGC) columns. Metal-based microchannel heat exchangers often experience corrosion as a result of their operating conditions. To address this problem, an internal anodization method was developed in Al microtubes by pulsing the flow of electrolyte through a microtube when the current dropped below a set value. The anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) films were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), focused ion beam (FIB) cross sections, and X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) to determine their growth rate and morphology. …


Factors Influencing Adoption Of Vsh Queens In The Honey Breeding Industry, Julie Leiby Jan 2014

Factors Influencing Adoption Of Vsh Queens In The Honey Breeding Industry, Julie Leiby

LSU Master's Theses

There are many threats that contribute to the decline in honey bee colonies around the United States; among them is the Varroa mite, Varroa destructor. The Varroa mite is a significant threat to honey bees and, by extension, beekeepers across the United States. It is suspected to be one of the main contributors to the increase in colony collapse and the decline in bee numbers and the beekeeping industry (Danka, May 2013). Fifty-five percent of beekeepers exited beekeeping between 1987 and 2002 (USDA). Although honey production continued to decrease through 2007, the number of beekeepers entering beekeeping had increased (USDA). …


Prevalence Of Blue Crab (Callinectes Sapidus) Diseases, Parasites, And Symbionts In Louisiana, Holly Rogers Jan 2014

Prevalence Of Blue Crab (Callinectes Sapidus) Diseases, Parasites, And Symbionts In Louisiana, Holly Rogers

LSU Master's Theses

Research on blue crab diseases, parasites, and symbionts has been sporadic in the Gulf of Mexico. Understanding the prevalence of diseases, parasites, and symbionts is important for managers to set informed regulations for the commercial industry and to understand the impacts of environmental disasters on aquatic animal health. The objective of this research was to determine the prevalence of Lagenophrys callinectes, Urosporidium crescens, Hematodinium perezi, Loxothylacus texanus, reo-like virus (RLV), shell rot, and Vibrio spp. in crabs collected from four coastal locations and four shedding facilities in 2013 and the beginning of 2014. Additionally, I determined the prevalence of white …


The Impact Of Student Centered Learning Strategies In Middle School Earth Science, Zane Jay Whittington Jan 2014

The Impact Of Student Centered Learning Strategies In Middle School Earth Science, Zane Jay Whittington

LSU Master's Theses

Research continues to reinforce that student centered classrooms and interactive engagement (IE) strategies, when used effectively, can produce considerable gains compared to traditional instruction methods. In this study, IE strategies, primarily modeling instruction, were compared to traditional instruction in a middle school classroom to determine if IE strategies would have an impact in two specific areas: graphing ability and science reasoning skills. Class mean scores on tests were compared over time to show that IE strategies produced greater gains in graphing and science reasoning than traditional instruction for one group. The other group did not see significant differences in graphing …


Evolution Of Supply Chain Collaboration: Implications For The Role Of Knowledge, Michael Gravier, M. Theodore Farris Jan 2014

Evolution Of Supply Chain Collaboration: Implications For The Role Of Knowledge, Michael Gravier, M. Theodore Farris

Marketing Department Faculty Journal Articles

Increasingly, research across many disciplines has recognized the shortcomings of the traditional “integration prescription” for inter-organizational knowledge management. This research conducts several simulation experiments to study the effects of different rates of product change, different demand environments, and different economies of scale on the level of integration between firms at different levels in the supply chain. The underlying paradigm shifts from a static, steady state view to a dynamic, complex adaptive systems and knowledge-based view of supply chain networks. Several research propositions are presented that use the role of knowledge in the supply chain to provide predictive power for how …


An Analysis Of "Printemps D'Amour" (Op.40) And "L'Union" (Op,48): Two Programmatic Piano Solos By Louis Moreau Gottschalk, Sam Vaden Jan 2014

An Analysis Of "Printemps D'Amour" (Op.40) And "L'Union" (Op,48): Two Programmatic Piano Solos By Louis Moreau Gottschalk, Sam Vaden

LSU Master's Theses

Close analyses of two works by Gottschalk demonstrate, not just his consummate skill in evoking and sustaining extra-musical imagery, but also his firm control of harmony, motivic development, and form. In Printemps d'amour (1855), a mazurka inspired by Gottschalk's love for Ada McElhenney, a romance develops between two distinct theme-actors, both of whom grow ever more entwined. Comparison with Chopin's mazurka op. 50, no. 2, points out general similarities and profound differences. Analysis of L'Union (1862) follows, presenting a pasticcio rife with narrative and irony. The former manifests as a battaglia; the latter, as denial of listeners' expectations. Comparison with …


Cdom Optical Properties Near Dwh Site, Gulf Of Mexico: Pot Oil Spill, Zhi Li Jan 2014

Cdom Optical Properties Near Dwh Site, Gulf Of Mexico: Pot Oil Spill, Zhi Li

LSU Master's Theses

The Deep Water Horizon (DWH) oil spill resulted in the largest accidental release of crude oil in U.S. waters with both short- and long-term effects on the marine environment. Extensive studies conducted immediately following the oil spill in the northern Gulf of Mexico provided greater understanding of the physical processes influencing the distribution of the released oil, including the use of optical detection of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), a toxic crude oil fraction in the northern Gulf of Mexico. In this study, the optical properties of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) and the concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) were …


Tonal And Topical Coherence In Brahms's Op.10 Ballades, Jacob Joel Gran Jan 2014

Tonal And Topical Coherence In Brahms's Op.10 Ballades, Jacob Joel Gran

LSU Master's Theses

Johannes Brahms composed the op. 10 ballades in the summer of 1854 while living at the Schumann household in Düsseldorf. These pieces are unique within the instrumental ballade repertoire in that they form a collection of ballades published as a single opus. How did Brahms intend the four ballades to cohere as a group, as opposed to a collection of independent pieces? The problem in identifying coherence lies as much within the genre of the instrumental ballade as it does within the musical features of op. 10. These pieces demonstrate a wide range of musical topics, some of which appear …


A Sustainable Remediation Approach For Complete Destruction Of Chloroethanes In Groundwater, Michael Joseph Cheatham Jan 2014

A Sustainable Remediation Approach For Complete Destruction Of Chloroethanes In Groundwater, Michael Joseph Cheatham

LSU Master's Theses

An up-flow column study was operated in a greenhouse composed of a sand/peat mixed media to investigate the effectiveness of an aerobic zone on the disappearances of chloroethane. The oxygen was supplied by mean of porous Silastic tubing under pressure with a breathing air gas cylinder. Chloroethane was generated via reductive dechlorination of 1,1,1-trichloroethane (TCA) and 1,1-dichloroethane (DCA) in anaerobic bioreactors (ABRs). The columns study was conducted with two duplicate reactors (operated in parallel) that underwent separate perturbations of breathing air introduction. Aqueous samples were collected in 160 mL microcosm bottles and analyzed on a GC equipped with a Flame …


"Les Miserables: The Twitter Revolution" : A Study Of Fan Activity, Parasocial Relationships, And Audience-Persona Interactions, Lance Stephen Bordelon Jan 2014

"Les Miserables: The Twitter Revolution" : A Study Of Fan Activity, Parasocial Relationships, And Audience-Persona Interactions, Lance Stephen Bordelon

LSU Master's Theses

This study simulated a fan extension of the Broadway-renowned musical Les Miserables on a community level and measured the effects of fan interactions—both online and with the characters’ narratives as performed at Theatre Baton Rouge during summer 2013. The stimulus materials in this study were Tweets distributed via Twitter identities for each of the lead characters whereby their thoughts and narratives were communicated with audiences and Twitter followers—coinciding with the opening of the live theatrical production. Patrons of Theatre Baton Rouge were surveyed online after the closing of the production. This study served as a practical use of Twitter for …


Quantifying Phase Configuration Inside An Intact Core Based On Wettability Using X-Ray Computed Tomography, Dinara Dussenova Jan 2014

Quantifying Phase Configuration Inside An Intact Core Based On Wettability Using X-Ray Computed Tomography, Dinara Dussenova

LSU Master's Theses

The ability to evaluate rock and fluid properties on the order of a few microns opens new areas in reservoir engineering and reservoir simulation. Multiple studies have been done on the application of x-ray computed tomography (microCT) for the pore-scale evaluation of fluid interfaces and rock-fluid interaction. A majority of the fluid flow governing interactions occur at the pore scale level and is usually overseen on large reservoir scales. Hence, it is important to carefully investigate such interactions. Multi-fluid-phase distribution and interaction of two immiscible fluids such as oil and water is one of the most important and constantly investigated …


Examination Of The Differential Effectiveness Of Interdependent And Dependent Group Contingencies In Reducing Disruptive Behavior In The Classroom, Kelsey Lynn Hartman Jan 2014

Examination Of The Differential Effectiveness Of Interdependent And Dependent Group Contingencies In Reducing Disruptive Behavior In The Classroom, Kelsey Lynn Hartman

LSU Master's Theses

Disruptive behavior in the classroom negatively affects all students’ academic engagement, achievement, and behavior. Group contingencies have been proven effective in reducing disruptive behavior as part of behavior interventions in the classroom. The Good Behavior Game is a classwide intervention that employs an interdependent group contingency to diminish disruptive behavior. Previous research comparing the effects of the different group contingencies has been inconclusive, inconsistent or unable to rule out sequence effects. This study employed an alternating treatments design across 3 elementary classrooms to compare the effectiveness of interdependent and dependent group contingencies in decreasing disruptive behavior. Results showed that the …


Evaluation Of Stromatolites From The 3.4 Ga Kromberg Formation, Barberton Greenstone Belt, South Africa, Corey E. Shircliff Jan 2014

Evaluation Of Stromatolites From The 3.4 Ga Kromberg Formation, Barberton Greenstone Belt, South Africa, Corey E. Shircliff

LSU Master's Theses

Silicified sedimentary rocks from the 3.4 Ga Kromberg Formation of the Barberton Greenstone Belt in South Africa contain laminated structures that have been identified as possible stromatolites in the field. Morphological evaluation and a variety of chemical analyses are presented here, in an effort to describe the samples in a sedimentary context and consider biogenicity of these laminated forms. Two major types of laminated structures were identified in the field – domical laminates and flat-laminated samples with little to no synoptic relief. The domical sample presents the best morphological evidence for biogenicity. There are several characteristics that suggest the deposition …


Built To Play, Forrest Sincoff Gard Jan 2014

Built To Play, Forrest Sincoff Gard

LSU Master's Theses

Built to Play is an interactive art exhibition featuring four participatory installations. Each installation transforms non-playful objects and activities into handmade porcelain replicas used for exciting gallery made games. Focusing on the carry over from child’s play to adult play the exhibition emphasizes the importance of play in our adult lives. As gallery visitors risk breaking handmade ceramic objects for a moment of fun and a chance to win art as a prize, their interaction completes the exhibition.


Peer Bullying Of Academically Oriented Students: Gender, Race, Ethnicity, And School Context, Brett Lehman Jan 2014

Peer Bullying Of Academically Oriented Students: Gender, Race, Ethnicity, And School Context, Brett Lehman

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

This dissertation reports on several quantitative analyses of bullying victimization among U.S. high school students. The methods employed are secondary analysis of survey data originally collected by the National Center of Education Statistics through the Educational Longitudinal Study. The data analyzed are a nationally representative sample of U.S. high school sophomores from the year 2002. This report contains six chapters. Chapter 1 introduces public and scholarly interests on bullying victimization with a specific focus on approaching bullying from a sociological viewpoint. Chapter 2 reviews scholarly research that motivates each analysis in the report. Chapter 3 presents an analysis which is …


Performance Of Active Vibration Isolation In The Advanced Ligo Detectors, Ryan Thomas Derosa Jan 2014

Performance Of Active Vibration Isolation In The Advanced Ligo Detectors, Ryan Thomas Derosa

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The second generation of LIGO detectors has finished construction and the commissioning effort is pushing the instruments towards their designed sensitivity. Around the world similar undertakings are underway, and soon a global network capable of astrophysical observation will be operational. The first sentences are being written in an important chapter of terrestrial gravitational wave detection, an entire century after the theoretical foundations of general relativity were laid, and after decades of calculation, design, proposals, plans, and laboratory work. In order to make sensitive measurements, the detector must be well isolated from the vibrations of the ground, and much of this …


Giftedness And Overexcitability : Investigating The Evidence, Daniel Lawrence Winkler Jan 2014

Giftedness And Overexcitability : Investigating The Evidence, Daniel Lawrence Winkler

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Many scholars of gifted education have often argued and believed that gifted individuals are neurologically overexcitable while non-gifted persons are not (Chang & Kuo, 2013; Harrison & Haneghan, 2011; Piechowski, 1979, 2006; Silverman, 2000a; Siu, 2010; Tieso, 2007a). This means that gifted persons are more sensitive, intuitive, empathic, and physically and emotionally aware. Some scholars have suggested that this significant degree of overexcitability may even mean that gifted persons are morally superior to non-gifted persons (Silverman, 1994). Over the past thirty years, this relationship between overexcitability (OE) and giftedness has become increasingly popular, as many websites, textbooks, and researchers have …


Spatial And Temporal Analysis Of Selected Birth Defects And Risk Factors In The Baton Rouge, Louisiana Metropolitan Statistical Area, Aimee H. Moles Jan 2014

Spatial And Temporal Analysis Of Selected Birth Defects And Risk Factors In The Baton Rouge, Louisiana Metropolitan Statistical Area, Aimee H. Moles

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

About three percent of all infants are born with a congenital defect each year ranging from minor variants to life threatening abnormalities. The investigation and treatment of these problems is both costly and emotionally trying for all involved. Finding their origins is a complex process. Birth defects create the ultimate mystery in terms of trying to tease out the various influences created by the environment of both the infant and the mother. Two genetically different individuals are simultaneously affected both by their individual makeup and by the outside world impacting the air they breathe, the food they eat, and the …