Nicholls State University

About: Nicholls State University is a education organization based out in Thibodaux, Louisiana, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & The Internet. The organization has 456 authors who have published 795 publications receiving 20031 citations.

Consequences of the vaping epidemic on adolescents.

Abstract: The prevalence of vaping has seen a dramatic increase in the last decade, especially among adolescent populations This article discusses the background, prevalence, and associated risk factors of e-cigarettes

Quality control for software warranties: a conceptual and economic perspective

Abstract: Looks at ways software quality can be monitored and improved. Emphasizes the ability to deliver a software warranty by implementing the methodologies of statistical quality control in the software development process. Defines the quality of software, lists quality control activities and outlines the incomplete software life cycle. Provides a case study and looks at the economic value of warranty provision. Concludes that to work it must have good management but it could provide real changes in quality.

Lead Inhibits Postecdysial Exoskeletal Calcification in the Blue Crab ( <i>Callinectes sapidus</i> )

Abstract: Postecdysial mineralization in crustaceans involves the deposition of carbonate salts, such as calcium carbonate, to the organic matrix. Because of the resemblance between Pb2+ and Ca2+ , the present study was carried out to investigate whether Pb is incorporated into the new shell during postecdysial mineralization using the blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) as the model crustacean. It was hypothesized that injected Pb would be deposited in the shell via calcium transporters in the epidermis during the mineralization process. Postecdysial blue crabs were injected with two doses of 5 µg Pb/g wet weight each in lead acetate, and then Pb, Ca, and Mg contents were analyzed in the exoskeleton, while only Pb bioaccumulation was quantified for the hepatopancreas, gills, muscles, and hemolymph. The results showed a statistically nonsignificant increase in exoskeletal Pb content in Pb-treated crabs compared to control, suggesting that exoskeletal Pb may not be a sensitive proxy for aquatic Pb pollution. There was a significant decrease in Ca content in Pb-treated crabs, suggesting that Pb hindered the deposition of Ca to crab exoskeleton, thereby obstructing calcification. A trend of a decrease in exoskeletal Mg was also observed in Pb-treated crabs. There was a significant increase in Pb content found in the gills, hepatopancreas, muscle, and hemolymph in Pb-treated crabs. The rank of the Pb level among three soft tissues in a decreasing order is hepatopancreas > gill > muscle. This is the first study to present evidence that Pb disrupts postecdysial exoskeletal calcification in a crustacean. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:474-482. © 2021 SETAC.

Internet-Based Mapping Prototype for Integration with an Electronic Freight Theft Management System

Abstract: The annual cost of freight theft in the United States is estimated to range between $15 billion and $30 billion. This statistic supports the importance of working toward increased prevention of freight theft and recovery. Current programs and technologies to help reduce freight theft include asset tracking using the Global Positioning System and radio frequency identification, as well as electronic manifests, which have been used to combat freight theft. Despite this progress, theft continues to be a significant cost to the freight industry. Important advancements have been made in technologies that could provide more support for law enforcement to assist in apprehending criminals. A new Internet-based mapping prototype that adds spatial analytical capabilities to the Electronic Freight Theft Management System, freight theft software developed by researchers at the Center for Advanced Transportation Systems Simulation at the University of Central Florida. This prototype integrates several technologies including the geographic information system (GIS), Map Server, and the Internet. It is capable of providing location information on individual thefts, a clustered view of related thefts, and an aggregated view of thefts at the county level. The web interface provides a mechanism for end users to perform spatial and aspatial queries on the database. The theft location and other relevant GIS data sets such as demographics, crime data, and street networks help in deciphering spatial patterns and trends of freight thefts. The mapping prototype is an effective spatial tool that can provide timely, reliable, and critical information to law enforcement officers for controlling and ultimately reducing freight theft.