Digital Commons Network^™

Fractal-Based Connectivity In Spherical Spiking Neural Networks (Snn), Renee Gagnon

Defensive Publications Series

This document introduces a novel fractal-based connectivity method for Spherical Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs). This approach significantly enhances the initialization and resource efficiency of the network, making it suitable for large-scale models and extending the usability of older hardware. The fractal method can potentially accelerate network setup by up to 50% and improve long-term energy efficiency based on tests on older hardware.

Effects Of Two Grazing Conditions On The Reproductive Achievement Of Male Alpaca In The Northern Peru Grasslands, C Pinares, E Malpartida, S Cortez

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Alpaca have recently been introduced to the northern Peru grasslands (Jalca). Effects of two systems of grazing management, co-grazing (with sheep) under fair grassland condition (CGFC) versus exclusive grazing under good grassland condition (EGGC), upon the reproductive achievement was examined from the 6th to the 16th month of age. Each system involved 20 Huacaya animals, managed by individual herders. Availability of herbage preferred by alpaca (HMA) and animal measurements (herbage intake, liveweight, testicle size, penis release from preputial attachments, plasma testosterone) were monitored monthly. Puberty, judged by the penis release from the preputial attachments, was achieved by 7 …

Experiences Of Eight Ohio Beef And Sheep Producers With Year Round Grazing, H M. Bartholomew, S L. Boyles, B Carter, E Vollborn, D Miller, R M. Sulc

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Livestock producers participated in a demonstration project to extend the grazing season and evaluate dormant forage quality and yield. Differences were not detected in yields among forage species but yield differences existed among sites. Yield estimates did not change over time across all forage species but some sites were only able to participate for two months. Producers utilizing fescue beyond November had reductions in herbage mass. Crude protein, available crude protein, acid detergent fiber, and neutral detergent fiber content differed among forage species and sites. Energy and lignin content were similar for all forage species and sites. Sodium and copper …

Forage Production Of Irrigated Lecerne- Grass Mixtures Grazed By Sheep, M L. Enrique, D P. Minon

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The forage production and botanical changes of lucerne cultivars in pure stands and in grass mixtures were studied in a split-plot experiment with irrigation and sheep grazing. The non dormant lucerne cultivars (Medicago sativa) CUF 101, Monarca SPINTA, P 30 and common were the main plots, and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea), canarygrass (Phalaris aquatica), cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata), tall wheatgrass (Thynopirum ponticum) and prairie grass (Bromus catharticus) were the subplots. The experiment was grazed 3, 6 and 4 times during 3 years. Total yield was similar for all lucerne …

Oat Grazing: Forage Composition And Supplementation Response, A J. Freddi, M J. Arzadun, A A. Pissani, P Sastre

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Oat forage (Avena sativa), which has low soluble carbohydrates (SC) and high soluble protein (SP) content, can reduce liveweight gain of grazing animals; supplementation with grain and low degradability protein may serve to counteract the effect. A grazing trial was carried out on two soils with different nitrogen (NO3 -) availability, from 16 April 1994 to 6 September 1994. Steers were randomly allocated to 3 treatments: low nitrogen (LN), high nitrogen (HN) and high nitrogen with supplementation (HNS). Forage of LN showed lower SP (p<0.05) during the first month of grazing, and higher SC (p<0.05), than HN during the first two months of the trial. Animal liveweight gain was: 892, 909 and 775 g/an/day for LN, HNS and HN, respectively, with animals in HN of significantly lower liveweight gain (p<0.05). Under the conditions of this trial, animals grazing on oat forage with lower SC and higher SP had lower liveweight gain and responded to supplementation.

Native And Introduced Forage Systems For Cow-Calf Production, S W. Coleman, W A. Phillips, J D. Volesky

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The objectives of this study was to compare a highly productive introduced warm-season perennial grass to native range for cowcalf production over two years. Three systems, 1) native range with pelleted soybean or cottonseed meal as winter protein supplement (NC); 2) native range with wheat pasture (NW); and 3) Plains Bluestem with wheat pasture (PB) were compared. Protein supplements were given twice weekly and cows grazing wheat pasture were allowed 6 hrs to graze. Cows on NW were heavier with higher condition at breeding in the spring of 1994 than those on NC and cows on PB were heavier and …

Rotational Stocking And Soil Nutrient Distribution On Hawaiian Grasslands, B W. Mathews, J P. Tritschler, L E. Sollenberger

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

A naturalized kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum Hochst. ex Chiov.) grassland was grazed by heifers (Bos taurus) for 2 years to determine the effects of two rotational stocking methods (short vs. long grazing periods) on soil N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S distribution in paddocks with natural shade. Additionally, kikuyugrass-greenleaf desmodium (Desmodium intortum Urb.) paddocks were used to evaluate soil nutrient distribution in rotationally stocked paddocks (long grazing periods) without shade. In the study with shade, soil N, P, and K distribution did not differ between stocking methods. These nutrients accumulated within 15 m of shade, but did not …

Relationship Between Height And Sward Quality In Rotational Dairy Systems, M R. Mosquera-Losada, A Gonzalez-Rodriguez

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Height is a good guide for management in dairy systems.Intake by dairy cows depends on amount offered and quality of pasture and for this reason a relationship between that offered and pasture quality with height should be studied. The experiment was conducted in NW of Spain with three different stocking rates in dairy systems. A lower quality sward was found in the taller offered pasture as indicated by its higher ADF and lower CP percentages. Total sward ADF (kg x ha-a) was higher in taller offered pasture, which indicated a lower pasture quality, however the total CP was positively related …

Non-Destructive Methods For The Estimation Of Sward Production, M R. Mosquera-Losada, A Gonzalez-Rodriguez

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Two non- destructive methods of grass production were compared: grassmeter and sward stick, in order to find an equation for transforming one into the other in dairy rotational systems. Linear, logarithmic and quadratic equations were fitted to the data. Linear equation was preferred by simplicity. General equations which included all the year periods showed no differences between sward stick and grassmeter. A detailed study of the different phenology states showed lower heights with grassmeter than with the sward stick method, which should take into account grazing management height recommendations.

Pawsitive Purpose: The Impact Of Autism Assistance Dogs On The Occupations Of Autistic Children, Morgan Starkweather, Amie E. Germain, Christine A. Kivlen

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background. The World Health Organization recognizes that participation is important to individuals’ well being; yet, autistic children participate in fewer activities compared to neurotypical children. This article aims to describe the role of autism assistance dogs (AADs) in promoting participation and engagement in occupations and activities of daily living (ADLs) for autistic children.

Method. A qualitative interpretative phenomenological design was used. Two semi-structured interviews from a narrative perspective were conducted with each participant. Four volunteer parents and primary handlers of their child’s AAD participated in the study. Inductive analysis was used to interpret open-ended questions. Following transcription, Creswell’s …

Understanding The Needs Of Gender-Diverse Youth And Young Adults And Their Staff Members In Homeless Shelters And Supported Housing, Sharon Gutman, Ashley Choi, Alexis Kearney, Margaret Swarbrick Dr

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Gender-diverse youth experience twice the risk for homelessness as their same-age cisgender peers and report experiencing discrimination in homeless shelters and supported housing.

Method: Eighteen participants (9 gender-diverse residents and 9 staff members) were interviewed individually to understand their experience of and needs in these settings.

Results: The major findings included: (a) Gender-diverse service recipients felt unsafe and vulnerable in these facilities. Sharing space in which to carry out occupations of vulnerability often triggered anxiety and PTSD. (b) Gender-diverse service recipients felt that staff members did not understand how cumulative trauma adversely affected participation in programmatic …

Examining The Oxidation States Of Metals In Aerosols Emitted By Electronic Cigarettes, Kashala Fabrice Kapiamba, Stephen Yaw Owusu, Yangtao Wu, Yue-Wern Huang, Yi Jiang, Yang Wang

Biological Sciences Faculty Research & Creative Works

Electronic cigarettes (ECs) emit many toxic substances, including metals, that can pose a threat to users and the environment. The toxicity of the emitted metals depends on their oxidation states. Hence, this study examines the oxidation states of metals observed in EC aerosols. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis of the filters that collected EC aerosols identified the oxidation states of five primary metals (based on surface sample analysis), including chromium(III) (close to 100%) under low power setting while a noticeable amount of chromium(VI) (15%) at higher power settings of the EC, and copper(II) (100%), zinc(II) (100%), nickel(II) (100%), lead(II) (65%), and …

Dental Hygiene Program Admission Criteria Key Indicators To National Board Success, Kacy Goetz

Dental Hygiene ETDs

The study evaluates the admission criteria of entry-level dental hygiene programs in the United States and their relationship to National Dental Hygiene Board Examination (NDHBE) success rates. An online survey was distributed to 327 programs, gathering data on admission criteria and NDHBE outcomes through a 16-question Microsoft Forms survey. With a response rate of 16% (53 respondents), the survey found that GPA was the most common admission criterion used by 92% of programs. The results indicated a strong negative correlation between high school GPA and NDHBE success. The study also evaluated NDHBE pass rates with board review courses taken. The …

A Comparison Of Cognitive Impairment In Health Anxiety, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, And Posttraumatic Stress Disorder And The Moderating Role Of Social Connectedness, Kaitlyn B. Schodt

Psychology ETDs

Mood symptomatology often negatively impacts cognitive functioning; however, little is known about how some disorders, like health anxiety, might be unique contributing factors. Social connectedness has been found to protect against cognitive decline, and thus might mitigate some of the mental health-related negative effects on cognitive functioning. The current study aimed to: 1) examine the associations between PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and health anxiety symptomatology and cognitive functioning, and between 2) social connectedness and cognitive functioning, as well as the moderating roles of 3) social connectedness and 4) biological sex and race/ethnicity in the association between mental health symptomatology …

Theoretical And Spectroscopic Insights Into Molybdenum- And Tungsten-Sulfur Bonding, Jesse Lepluart

Chemistry and Chemical Biology ETDs

Molybdenum and tungsten chemistry in biology is dominated by bonding interactions with sulfur and the other chalcogens. The highly-conserved structures of these enzymes’ active sites suggest an early evolution in the history of life, with molybdenum and/or tungsten enzymes likely expressed by the last universal common ancestor. Despite their active site similarities, molybdenum and tungsten enzymes catalyze a diverse array of reactions via equally diverse mechanisms. A deep understanding of the electronic structures of these enzyme active sites and their catalytic intermediates is key to understanding this remarkable chemistry.

The work presented here aims to deepen the understanding of molybdenum …

Kinetic Characterization And Identification Of Key Active Site Residues Of The L-Aspartate N-Hydroxylase, Cree, Sydney B. Johnson, Hannah Valentino, Pablo Sobrado

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

CreE is a flavin-dependent monooxygenase (FMO) that catalyzes three sequential nitrogen oxidation reactions of L-aspartate to produce nitrosuccinate, contributing to the biosynthesis of the antimicrobial and antiproliferative nautral product, cremeomycin. This compound contains a highly reactive diazo functional group for which the reaction of CreE is essential to its formation. Nitro and diazo functional groups can serve as potent electrophiles, important in some challenging nucleophilic addition reactions. Formation of these reactive groups positions CreE as a promising candidate for biomedical and synthetic applications. Here, we present the catalytic mechanism of CreE and the identification of active site residues critical to …

Support For Climate Shaping The Mitochondrial Dna Contact Zone In The Audubon's Warbler, Kyana Nina Montoya

Biology ETDs

Mitochondrial introgression has potential consequences for physiology and adaptation, but its causes are poorly understood. The Audubon’s Warbler (AUWA; Setophaga coronata auduboni) provides a case study to examine those causes as mitochondrial introgression has swept through part of the range. The northern mitochondrial genome (mtDNA) introgressed from the Myrtle Warbler (MYWA; S. c. coronata) and is 4% divergent from the southern mtDNA. Incomplete introgression suggests discordant AUWAs conferred a selective advantage in the north; it was hypothesized that energetic demands associated with migration formed this advantage. We tested two hypotheses to explain partial introgression and the mtDNA distribution …

Patterns Of Stand Structure And Species Composition Through Time And Space In A Piñon- Juniper Woodland In The Southwestern Us, Kyle H. Gonterman

Biology ETDs

Piñon- juniper (PJ) woodlands in the Southwest United States are expected to see mortality and structural change in response to climate change. The extent to which this habitat structures itself as well as its response to these changes over time are not well known yet and have not been examined to this extent for the location of this study within the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge. Within a small range, we discovered these woodlands consist of persistent woodland, shrubby woodland, and juniper savanna in which structural, spatial, and regeneration patterns differ. In this study, we discovered the specific differences between these …

Ponderosa Pine Plant Community Response To High-Severity Wildfire In The Jemez Mountains, Samantha Brodley

Biology ETDs

Climate change related temperature increases, and precipitation shifts, along with an increase in fuel loads have rendered large areas of the Southwest more prone to high-severity fire for longer periods of time throughout each year. Fire adapted forests that experience high-severity, stand replacing fires are not consistently experiencing dominant tree species regeneration, and appear, in some cases, to be shifting into novel systems. We collected and analyzed up to 11 years of understory plant community data in ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) forests in the Jemez Mountains, New Mexico, to address early forest regeneration after high and low severity …

Conservation Genomic Investigation Of A Threatened Trout Species Endemic To The Gila River, David Thomas Camak

Biology ETDs

Climate change is a looming threat to the persistence of species, especially aquatic, imperiled species. Species native to desert streams are at a particular disadvantage, as many species already face drought, floods, wildfires, and threats from nonnative species, all of which are thought to be exacerbated by climate change. Species such as the threatened Gila Trout (Oncorhynchus gilae) already have small ranges and persist in fragmented and isolated habitats that limits gene flow between populations. Therefore, it is important to understand the current genomic status of such populations to be able to predict the future effects of climate …

Systemic Interindividual Dna Methylation Variants In Cattle Share Major Hallmarks With Those In Humans, Wen-Jou Chang, Maria S Baker, Eleonora Laritsky, Chathura J Gunasekara, Uditha Maduranga, Justine C Galliou, Joseph W Mcfadden, Jessica R Waltemyer, Bruce Berggren-Thomas, Brianna N Tate, Hanxue Zhang, Benjamin D Rosen, Curtis P Van Tassell, George E Liu, Cristian Coarfa, Yi Athena Ren, Robert A Waterland

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

BACKGROUND: We recently identified ~ 10,000 correlated regions of systemic interindividual epigenetic variation (CoRSIVs) in the human genome. These methylation variants are amenable to population studies, as DNA methylation measurements in blood provide information on epigenetic regulation throughout the body. Moreover, establishment of DNA methylation at human CoRSIVs is labile to periconceptional influences such as nutrition. Here, we analyze publicly available whole-genome bisulfite sequencing data on multiple tissues of each of two Holstein cows to determine whether CoRSIVs exist in cattle.

RESULTS: Focusing on genomic blocks with ≥ 5 CpGs and a systemic interindividual variation index of at least 20, …

Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis: Nacho Update On Progress, Chaos, And Opportunity On The Path To Rational Cures, Kevin Bielamowicz, Peter Dimitrion, Oussama Abla, Simon Bomken, Patrick Campbell, Matthew Collin, Barbara Degar, Eli L Diamond, Olive S Eckstein, Nader El-Mallawany, Mark Fluchel, Gaurav Goyal, Michael M Henry, Michelle Hermiston, Michael Hogarty, Michael Jeng, Rima Jubran, Joseph Lubega, Ashish Kumar, Stephan Ladisch, Kenneth L Mcclain, Miriam Merad, Qing-Sheng Mi, D Williams Parsons, Erin Peckham-Gregory, Jennifer Picarsic, Zachary D Prudowsky, Barrett J Rollins, Peter H Shaw, Birte Wistinghausen, Carlos Rodriguez-Galindo, Carl E Allen, North American Consortium For Histiocytosis

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a myeloid neoplastic disorder characterized by lesions with CD1a-positive/Langerin (CD207)-positive histiocytes and inflammatory infiltrate that can cause local tissue damage and systemic inflammation. Clinical presentations range from single lesions with minimal impact to life-threatening disseminated disease. Therapy for systemic LCH has been established through serial trials empirically testing different chemotherapy agents and durations of therapy. However, fewer than 50% of patients who have disseminated disease are cured with the current standard-of-care vinblastine/prednisone/(mercaptopurine), and treatment failure is associated with long-term morbidity, including the risk of LCH-associated neurodegeneration. Historically, the nature of LCH-whether a reactive condition versus …

Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals The Anti-Cancer Effect Of Gestational Mesenchymal Stem Cell Secretome, Salvatore Vaiasicca, Gianmarco Melone, David W James, Marcos Quintela, Jing Xiao, Seydou Yao, Richard H Finnell, Robert S Conlan, Lewis W Francis, Bruna Corradetti

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

The environment created during embryogenesis contributes to reducing aberrations that drive structural malformations and tumorigenesis. In this study, we investigate the anti-cancer effect of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from 2 different gestational tissues, the amniotic fluid (AF) and the chorionic villi (CV), with emphasis on their secretome. Transcriptomic analysis was performed on patient-derived AF- and CV-MSCs collected during prenatal diagnosis and identified both mRNAs and lncRNAs, involved in tissue homeostasis and inhibiting biological processes associated with the etiology of aggressive cancers while regulating immune pathways shown to be important in chronic disorders. Secretome enrichment analysis also identified soluble moieties …

Associations Of Ambulatory Blood Pressure Measurements With High-Sensitivity Troponin And Natriuretic Peptide Levels In Sprint, Nikit Venishetty, Jarett D Berry, James A De Lemos, Elaine Wu, Minjae Lee, Paul E Drawz, Vijay Nambi, Christie M Ballantyne, Anthony A Killeen, Joachim H Ix, Michael G Shlipak, Simon B Ascher

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Nighttime blood pressure (BP) has greater prognostic importance for cardiovascular disease (CVD) than daytime BP, but less is known about nighttime and daytime BP associations with measures of subclinical CVD.

Methods: Among 897 Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial Study (SPRINT) participants with 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring obtained near the 27-month study visit, 849 (95%) had N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) measured at the 24-month study visit. Multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to evaluate the associations of nighttime and daytime BP with cardiac biomarker levels.

Results: The mean age was 69 ± 12 …

Ready, Set, Grow: From Micelles To Giant Vesicles Via Biocatalytic Activation, Nicholas P. Bair, Qinyu Zhu, Bryon A. Staynings, Douglas R. Tree, Walter F. Paxton

Faculty Publications

Controlling physicochemical processes that drive changes in supramolecular aggregates is an important objective toward creating artificial soft micro- and nanomachines. Previous research explored the morphology control of membrane-based materials subjected to externally imposed chemical stimuli. Here, we modulate the microscale morphology of pH-responsive assemblies by using biocatalysis to internally generate changes in global pH. Catalytic reactions offer flexibility in the mechanism and rate at which stimuli are introduced to responsive assemblies, ultimately enabling precision and control over size and morphology. We observed, by dynamic light scattering and fluorescence microscopy, substantial microscale differences between assemblies subjected to manually titrated pH changes …

Exploring The Role Of Disciplinary Knowledge In Students' Covariational Reasoning During Graphical Interpretation, Nigar Altindis, Kathleen A. Bowe, Brock Couch, Christopher F. Bauer, Melissa L. Aikens

Faculty Publications

Background: This study investigates undergraduate STEM students’ interpretation of quantities and quantitative relationships on graphical representations in biology (population growth) and chemistry (titration) contexts. Interviews (n = 15) were conducted to explore the interplay between students’ covariational reasoning skills and their use of disciplinary knowledge to form mental images during graphical interpretation.

Results: Our findings suggest that disciplinary knowledge plays an important role in students’ ability to interpret scientific graphs. Interviews revealed that using disciplinary knowledge to form mental images of represented quantities may enhance students’ covariational reasoning abilities, while lacking it may hinder more sophisticated covariational reasoning. Detailed descriptions …

The Impact Of Xenophobia On Agricultural Trade In South Africa, Maxwell Peprah Amponsem

LSU Master's Theses

The growing number of farm attacks and xenophobia is one of the most serious crime issues facing the South African government. This study examines the impact of xenophobia on agricultural trade, using port-level trade data and xenophobia incident records from 2010 to 2023. Utilizing fixed effects Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) specifications, I find a significant negative impact of xenophobia on agricultural exports, while non-agricultural trade remains unaffected. These findings highlight the need for targeted policy interventions to combat xenophobic violence and stabilize the agricultural sector, ensuring the continuity of South Africa's trade and economic growth.

Digital Agriculture Applications In Maize Nutrient Management And Soybean Crop Stands Assessment, Bhawana Acharya

LSU Master's Theses

High soil moisture from frequent excessive precipitation can reduce maize (Zea mays L.) yield and increase nitrogen (N) loss. Early-stage soybeans (Glycine max) are also susceptible to damage under these conditions. Traditional methods for assessing N status in maize and plant stands in soybean are labor-intensive and time-consuming. In this study, UAV remote sensing was used to assess maize N status under different N rates and excessive soil moisture. For soybeans, we compared a blob detection method with the YOLOv8 model to estimate plant density using ground images from a handheld camera. Additionally, YOLOv8 performance was evaluated …

Application Of Automated Radio Telemetry To Explore Space Use Of Golden-Cheeked Warblers (Setophaga Chrysoparia), Michael Gamble

LSU Master's Theses

Understanding the spatiotemporal ecology of birds is essential to inform conservation and management decisions that could help maintain bird populations and reverse current population trends. Advancements in automated radio telemetry systems (ARTS) may improve our ability to monitor animal movements continuously and simultaneously but require further testing and development to maximize their benefits for wildlife research. My goals were (1) to investigate the use of automated telemetry to track fine-scale songbird movements in a forested environment, and (2) to use automated telemetry to quantify home range size, spatial overlap between home ranges, and extraterritorial forays for male and female golden-cheeked …

Leveraging The Genomic Tools To Explore The Molecular Basis Of Salinity Tolerance In Rice And Soybean, Rajat Pruthi

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Salinity stress significantly challenges agricultural productivity, particularly affecting major crops like rice and soybean. This research investigates the genetic basis of salt tolerance in both crops through high-resolution genetic mapping, genome-wide association studies (GWAS), and RNA-Seq analysis. In rice, we examined quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with salt tolerance at the seedling and flowering stages using a population of advanced backcrossed introgression lines (ILs). A genetic map, constructed with 14,230 polymorphic SNP markers, identified distinct QTLs and candidate genes for salt tolerance at both stages, suggesting differential genetic controls. Notable genes such as OsHAK13 and OsCYP21-4 were upregulated under salt …