Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Effects Of Spinning-Wing Decoys On Flock Behavior And Hunting Vulnerability Of Local And Migrant Mallards And Other Ducks In Minnesota, Michael L. Szymanski

LSU Master's Theses

Waterfowl managers in Minnesota and other states are concerned that increased kill rates associated with the use of spinning-wing decoys (SWDs) may negatively affect local breeding populations of mallards (Anas platyrhynchos). I conducted 219 experimental hunts to evaluate hunting vulnerability of mallards to SWDs during the 2002 duck-hunting season in Minnesota. Following experimental hunts, I asked volunteer hunters to complete post-hunt questionnaires to document their hunting experience, and their use and opinions of SWDs. Finally, I used stable isotope methodology to determine natal origins of HY mallards killed during experimental hunts. I found that mallard flocks (≥1 duck) were 2.91 …

Properties Of Borate-Treated Strandboard Bonded With Pmdi Resin, Yiqiang Zhou

LSU Master's Theses

Random strandboards from mixed southern wood species were manufactured using calcium borate (CB) and zinc borate (ZB) as chemical additives and polymeric methylene diphenylmethane disocyanate (pMDI) as resin. There were four target levels of borate loading and two levels of resin content. Panel properties, including modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture (MOR), internal bond (IB) strength, linear expansion (LE), thickness swelling (TS), leachability, and swelling and strength retention properties under cyclic relative humidity, were measured. The influence of borate content, borate type, and resin content on various properties was analyzed. It was found that the addition of borate negatively …

Software Architecture: Styles And Representational Schemes, Somo Subro Banerjee

LSU Master's Theses

Software architecture is being widely used today to describe a very high-level design methodology of large software systems. Software architecture represents the overall structure of a system in an abstract, structured manner. A good architectural representation scheme holds the key to the effectiveness of a software architecture description and usage. In this work we look at architectural styles and architectural representation schemes. We propound the idea that the layered architectural model is a suitable candidate for a generalized architectural style and that it can cater to many different problem domains, other than the message-passing systems it has traditionally been used …

Lattice Boltzmann Simulation Of Flow Around Bluff-Bodies, Kevin Tubbs

LSU Master's Theses

In this work, results from a 2-D Lattice Boltzmann (LB) solver are presented simulating flow past rectangular square cylinders at low Reynolds numbers (< 250). The LBGK equation is a hyperbolic equation that approximates the Navier Stokes equations in the nearly incompressible limit. It is a system of 9 one dimensional partial differential Hamiltonian-Jacobian equations, consisting of an advection and diffusive portion. The LB method is an alternative computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method used to numerically predict incompressible viscous flow. The current LB method uses a statistical mechanics formulation to solve the Boltzmann equation. The LB model captures the nonlinear Navier Stokes advection terms using linear streaming operators. In this thesis, the LB model is classified as an explicit, Lagrangian, finite-hyperbolicity and weakly compressible approximation of the Navier Stokes equations. The momentum flux tensor is captured locally as opposed to a pressure field eliminating the need to solve the Poisson equation. This allows the fluid structure interactions (FSI) behavior to be calculated elegantly at the interface through the mesoscopic momentum transfer between the fluid and structure. At this level, the forces are simultaneously calculated. The LB equations are discretized both in time and phase space using a standard D2Q9 lattice model. Validation tests for flow around single square cylinders at different aspect ratio at low Reynolds numbers are presented. Good agreement with other investigators is achieved. Flow past multiple bluff bodies (representing building in a city) is also presented. The vortex shedding simulations presented provide preliminary indications in terms of St that the LB method can be used to simulate high Re flow.

Regional-Scale Eutrophication Models: A Bayesian Treed Model Approach, Angelina Freeman

LSU Master's Theses

Utilizing Bayesian hierarchical techniques, regional-scale eutrophication models were developed for use in the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) process. The Bayesian tree-based (BTREED) approach allows association of multiple environmental stressors with biological responses, and quantification of uncertainty sources in the water quality model. Simple parametric models are often inadequate for describing complex datasets; the BTREED approach partitions the dataset, and describes the localized subsets of data with linear models, thereby providing a comprehensive representation of stressor and response interactions. Nutrient criteria data for lakes, ponds and reservoirs across the United States were obtained from the Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) …

The Fidelity Of Red Snapper (Lutjanus Campechanus) To Petroleum Platforms And Artificial Reefs In The Northern Gulf Of Mexico, Megan Blythe Peabody

LSU Master's Theses

The habitat value of petroleum platforms for red snapper, Lutjanus campechanus, is poorly understood. However, it is widely recognized by both scientists and fishermen that the presence of platforms in the northern Gulf of Mexico (GOM) has affected the distribution of red snapper by the addition of hard substrate habitat. I evaluated the habitat value of standing and toppled platforms by monitoring the fidelity of red snapper to these structures with acoustic telemetry. In May 2003, 125 red snapper were captured with hook and line at several platforms in a 35-km2 portion of the South Timbalier oil and gas lease …

The Effects Of Nutrient Enrichment On The Decomposition Of Belowground Organic Matter In A Sagittaria Lancifolia - Dominated Oligohaline Marsh, Kristen Raye Laursen

LSU Master's Theses

Wetlands improve water quality through sedimentation and the uptake of excess nutrients. As human population increases in the coastal zone, wetlands receive greater nutrient inputs. These additional nutrients may accelerate microbial activity, leading to faster decomposition rates. This decomposition could exceed belowground organic matter production, resulting in a net reduction in soil organic matter accumulation and vertical marsh accretion. The effects of nutrient enrichment on belowground organic matter decomposition in subtropical marshes have received little attention. As such, this research examined the effects of four levels of nitrogen combined with two levels of phosphorus enrichment on belowground decomposition through the …

Parallel Molecular Dynamics Simulations Of Antimicrobial Peptides, Svetlana V. Oard

LSU Master's Theses

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the wheat antimicrobial peptide â-purothionin were carried out in explicit water (~14,000 atoms) using an all-atom model. The structural properties of the peptide as a function of MD simulation, temperature, and presence of the mono- and divalent metal ions were investigated. The accuracy and scalability tests of the code Peach 3.8 for our system were performed on the Intel Xeon-based Linux cluster SuperHelix at Louisiana State University (LSU). The code showed the reliable accuracy and the parallel efficiency of 0.61 for ~14,000 particles on 16 processors. The microcanonical (MC) MD simulation of â-purothionin in water …

Quality Assurance Testing Of The Eclox-M In Detecting Terrorism Threats In Louisiana's Public Drinking Water Systems, Jessica Coleman

LSU Master's Theses

A quality assurance testing of the ECLOX-M™, a rapid water quality indicator used in potential terrorist attacks, was evaluated for its adequacy in nine regional Louisiana water systems. The ECLOX-M™ system uses enhanced chemiluminescence to measure toxicity in water by integration of a mixture of luminol (C₈H₇O₃N₃), and an oxidant in the presence of a catalyst enzyme - horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Water samples were tested for chemiluminescence, chlorine content, pH, and arsenic and/or nerve agent/pesticide contamination. In addition, three toxic industrial chemical standards were evaluated (mercury, a volatile liquid mixture, and a …

Determining Epigenetic Instability In Normal And Diseased Human Vulva, Kirk Hutchinson

LSU Master's Theses

Epigenetics is defined as the study of heritable changes of DNA. One such component of epigenetic regulation is DNA methylation in humans. In neoplastic cells epigenetic controls are often dysregulated, especially in the promoter region of CpG islands. Global hypomethylation along with region specific hypermethylation of CpG islands in the promoter region of tumor suppressor is often indicative of neoplastic cells. In cancer, CpG island cytosine hypermethylation has been observed in more than fifty genes, including known tumor suppressor and DNA repair genes. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), lichen sclerosis (LS), and adjacent normal tissues were obtained by radical vulvectomies of …

Transport And Deposition Of Fluid Mud Event Layers Along The Western Louisiana Inner Shelf, Kristina Anne Rotondo

LSU Master's Theses

The western Louisiana inner shelf along the Chenier Plain coast has experienced fluid mud deposition in response to increased fine sediment supplied by the Atchafalaya River since ~1950’s. The goal of this project is to assess the characteristics comprising the sedimentary strata and stratigraphic architecture that result from mud deposition on the inner shelf. Recent time-series cores collected from the inner shelf along the Chenier plain coast show the region is subject to transient fluid mud deposition, leading to high long-term accumulation rates. Sediment cores were collected in May 2001, March and May 2002 from the inner shelf landward of …

Individual And Landscape-Level Effects Of Selective Herbicides, Mowing, And Prescribed Fire On Habitat Quality For Northern Bobwhite (Colinus Virginianus), Charles Lynn Kitts

LSU Master's Theses

Northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) populations have been declining throughout their range during the past 30 years primarily because of a result of loss of early successional habitat. Specifically, intensive silviculture practices and reduction in the use of prescribed fire has led to this loss. I studied effects of management practices (selective herbicides, mowing, and prescribed fire) on male and covey distribution, and brood-rearing habitats on Jackson-Bienville Wildlife Management Area (JBWMA). Specifically, I used calling surveys to assess landscape characteristics associated bobwhite distribution. I also measured vegetation and arthropod response, using imprinted bobwhite chicks, pitfalls, and sweep nets, to different habitat …

Priority Assessment Of Software Requirements From Multiple Perspectives, Xiaoqing Frank Liu, Chandra Sekhar Veera, Yan Sun, Kunio Noguchi, Yuji Kyoya

Computer Science Faculty Research & Creative Works

The development of complex software systems involves collecting software requirements from various stakeholders. Often stakeholder perceptions conflict during the requirements elicitation phase. An effective technique to resolve such a conflict is needed. We presented a framework that prioritizes software requirements gathered from multiple stakeholders by incorporating inter-perspective relationships, which is not addressed by existing priority assessment techniques. We use a relationship matrix to analyze the impact between requirements and facilitate the integration process which assesses their priorities based on their relationships from multiple perspectives. It allows the development team to resolve conflicts effectively and concentrate their valuable time and resources …

Comprehensive Evaluation Of Animated Instructional Software For Mechanics Of Materials, Timothy A. Philpot, Richard H. Hall

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

During the past three years, the Basic Engineering Department at the University of Missouri--Rolla has been developing a second-generation suite of instructional software called MecMovies for the mechanics of materials course. In the Fall 2003 semester, MecMovies was integrated into assignments throughout the entire semester for one of the six UMR mechanics of materials sections. This paper presents a comparison of student performance in the experimental section with student performance in five control sections along with discussion of student qualitative ratings and comments.

Biup3: Boundary Topological Invariant Of 3d Objects Through Front Propagation At A Constant Speed, Xiaoqing Frank Liu

Computer Science Faculty Research & Creative Works

Topological features constitute the highest abstraction in object representation. Euler characteristic is one of the most widely used topological invariants. The computation of the Euler characteristic is mainly based on three well-known mathematical formulae, which calculate either on the boundary of object or on the whole object. However, as digital objects are often non-manifolds, none of the known formulae can correctly compute the genus of digital surfaces. In this paper, we show that a new topological surface invariant of 3D digital objects, called BIUP/sup 3/, can be obtained through a special homeomorphic transform: front propagation at a constant speed. BIUP/sup …

Cs/Mth 317/517: Numerical Methods For Digital Computers - Ii, Ronald F. Taylor

Computer Science & Engineering Syllabi

Continuation of CS/MTH/316/516. Introduction to numerical methods used in the sciences. Methods for solving matrix eigenvalue problems, initial value and boundary value problem for ordinary differential equations (ODEs). Study of standard types of partial differential equations (PDEs) with applications. Solution techniques for systems of nonlinear equations. Discussion of sources of errors in numerical methods. Special topics and applications presented as schedule permits. 4 credit hours. Prerequisites: CS 316, MTH 233, 253, or 355. Programming course prerequisites: EGR 153 or CEG 220 or CS 241.

Cs 302-01: Client Server Databases, Karen Meyer

Computer Science & Engineering Syllabi

No abstract provided.

The Integration Of Connectionism And First-Order Knowledge Representation And Reasoning As A Challenge For Artificial Intelligence, Sebastian Bader, Steffen Holldobler, Pascal Hitzler

Computer Science and Engineering Faculty Publications

Intelligent systems based on first-order logic on the one hand, and on artificial neural networks (also called connectionist systems) on the other, differ substantially. It would be very desirable to combine the robust neural networking machinery with symbolic knowledge representation and reasoning paradigms like logic programming in such a way that the strengths of either paradigm will be retained. Current state-of-the-art research, however, fails by far to achieve this ultimate goal. As one of the main obstacles to be overcome we perceive the question how symbolic knowledge can be encoded by means of connectionist systems: Satisfactory answers to this will …

Operator-Based Semantics For Logic Programs, Pascal Hitzler

Computer Science and Engineering Faculty Publications

The question how knowledge can be represented by means of logic programs with negation has been a driving force for the field of non-monotonic reasoning. Implemented systems, known as answer set programming systems, have emerged recently and are currently being used in various application domains like the semantic web.

Intuitively, logic programs are being used for encoding commonsense reasoning, in particular the phenomenon that human reasoning tends to ”jump to conclusions” under incomplete knowledge. Formally, this kind of reasoning is described by interpreting the first-order syntax of logic programs in a more sophisticated way. This, in turn, is most easily …

Semantic Visualization: Interfaces For Exploring And Exploiting Ontology, Knowledgebase, Heterogeneous Content And Complex Relationships, Amit P. Sheth, David Avant

Kno.e.sis Publications

Technology platforms and products for ontology-driven process of semantic applications that serve both Enterprise wide and pan-Web needs are both available and being deployed. Similar to the development of enterprise software applications, the creation of an ontology driven semantic application can be described as a set of distinct phases that compose a lifecycle. From conception to deployment, these phases involve human interaction with a broad variety of information, identified as heterogeneous data, metadata, knowledge and ontology. Based on experience spanning academic research at the LSDIS lab through deployed commercial semantic applications based on Semagix Freedom, this paper provides examples of …

Semantic Web Research Center Report: Lsdis Lab, Research In Semantic Bioinformatics, Semantic Analytics And Semantic Web Processes, Amit P. Sheth

Kno.e.sis Publications

The LSDIS Lab advances the field of distributed information systems by researching semantic techniques for exploiting heterogeneous multimedia information and improving processes, encompassing the central promise of the Semantic Web initiative. It is pursuing cutting edge research in ontology development for demanding scientific domains, semantic heterogeneity and integration, complex relationships discovery and semantic analytics, and Semantic Web services and processes. Past work of the LSDIS lab can be characterized by keywords: semantic interoperability, syntactic and semantic metadata for text and digital media, metadata based integration of Web content, ontology-driven information systems, multi-ontology query processing, transactional workflows and workflow management. Significant …

Periodic Table Of 3d-Metal Dimers And Their Ions, G. L. Gutsev, M. D. Mochena, P. Jena, C. W. Bauchlicher Jr., H. Partridge Iii

Physics Publications

The ground states of the mixed 3d-metal dimers TiV, TiCr, TiMn, TiFe, TiCo, TiNi, TiCu, TiZn, VCr, VMn, VFe, VCo, VNi, VCu, VZn, CrMn, CrFe, CrCo, CrNi, CrCu, CrZn, MnFe, MnCo, MnNi, MnCu, MnZn, FeCo, FeNi, FeCu, FeZn, CoNi, CoCu, CoZn, NiCu, NiZn, and CuZn along with their singly negatively and positively charged ions are assigned based on the results of computations using density functional theory with generalized gradient approximation for the exchange-correlation functional. Except for TiCo and CrMn, our assignment agrees with experiment. Computed spectroscopic constants (re,ωe,Do) are in fair agreement with experiment. The ground-state spin multiplicities of all …

Smoothing Parameter Selection In Nonparametric Functional Estimation, Mohamed Amezziane

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study intends to build up new techniques for how to obtain completely data-driven choices of the smoothing parameter in functional estimation, within the confines of minimal assumptions. The focus of the study will be within the framework of the estimation of the distribution function, the density function and their multivariable extensions along with some of their functionals such as the location and the integrated squared derivatives.

The Wave Structure Function And Temporal Frequency Spread In Weak To Strong Optical Turbulence, Aaron J. Masino

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This paper presents analytic expressions for the wave structure function, frequency spread of the temporal frequency spectrum, and the temporal frequency spectrum of optical signals propagating through a random medium, specifically the Earth’s atmosphere. The results are believed to be valid for all optical turbulence conditions. These expressions are developed using the Rytov approximation method. Generally, the validity of statistical quantities obtained via this method is restricted to conditions of weak optical turbulence. However, in this work, by using a modification of the effective atmospheric spectral model presented by Andrews et al. for scintillation index, wave structure function expressions have …

Electron Injection-Induced Effects In Iii-Nitrides: Physics And Applications, William Charles Burdett

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This research investigated the effect of electron injection in III-Nitrides. The combination of electron beam induced current and cathodoluminescence measurements was used to understand the impact of electron injection on the minority carrier transport and optical properties. In addition, the application of the electron injection effect in optoelectronic devices was investigated. The impact of electron injection on the minority carrier diffusion length was studied at various temperatures in Mg-doped p-GaN, p-Al[subscript x]Ga[subscript 1-x]N, and p-Al[subscript x]Ga[subscript 1-x] N/GaN superlattices. It was found that Lsubscript n] experienced a multi-fold linear increase and that the rate of change of L[subscript n] decreased …

Individual Carbon Nanotube Probes And Field Emitters Fabrication And T, Guangyu Chai

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Since the discovery of carbon nanotubes (CNT) in 1999, they have attracted much attention due to their unique mechanical and electrical properties and potential applications. Yet their nanosize makes the study of individual CNTs easier said than done. In our laboratory, carbon fibers with nanotube cores have been synthesized with conventional chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. The single multiwall carbon nanotube (MWNT) sticks out as a tip of the carbon fiber. In order to pick up the individual CNT tips, focused ion beam (FIB) technique is applied to cut and adhere the samples. The carbon fiber with nanotube tip was …

The Use Of Pyrosequencing For The Analysis Of Y Chromosome Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms, Jeremy Charles Fletcher

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The potential value of the Y chromosome for forensic applications has been recognized for some time with the current work dedicated to Short Tandem Repeat analysis and Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) discovery. This study examined the ability of two different SNP analysis methods to determine if they could be utilized in forensic applications and ultimately be developed into an established system for Y chromosome SNP analysis. This study examined two principle SNP analysis systems: single base extension and Pyrosequencing. Pyrosequencing was determined to be superior to single base extension, due to the wealth of information provided with sequencing and the …

The Design And Development Of A Comprehensive 49 Locus Y-Str Database For Major U.S. Populations, Paulina Niki Berdos

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The establishment of a U.S. National Y-STR reference database from a variety of geographically and ethically diverse populations is essential to facilitate the generation of reliable estimates of Y-STR haplotype frequencies. Such multi-locus haplotype frequencies are required to provide a statistical estimate of the significance of a match. Y-STR loci, unlike traditional STR markers, are not independent of one another and are co-inherited as extended haplotypes of linked markers. The estimation of the frequency of occurrence of a particular haplotype therefore necessitates the use of a counting method, which means that the significance of many matches is dependent upon the …

Stability And Recovery Of Rna In Biological Stains, Mindy Eileen Setzer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In theory, RNA expression patterns, including the presence and relative abundance of particular RNA species, provide cell and tissue specific information that could be of use to forensic scientists. An mRNA based approach could allow the facile identification of the tissue components present in a body fluid stain and conceivably could supplant the battery of serological and biochemical tests currently employed in the forensic serology laboratory. Some of the potential advantages include greater test specificity, and the ability to perform simultaneous analysis using a common assay format for the presence of all body fluids of forensic interest. In this report, …

New Organic/Inorganic Hybrid Sol-Gel Nanocomposite Materials For Raman Gain In Fiber Optics, Stephen James Andrasik

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The recent increased availability of additional wavelengths in the telecommunications window of about 1300-1600 nm has generated an interest in new optical materials and devices that can operate outside the normally used regions of 840 nm, 1310 nm, and 1550 nm. Specifically, methods to amplify fiber optical data transmission in the regions where there is limited or no existing methods to achieve amplification is of interest in the chemistry and photonic communities. Raman gain is one method that has been proposed to passively amplify optical data transmission through a distributed process. Amplification is obtained through a nonlinear light scattering process …