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.

On-task distractors associated with totball baseball games: a preliminary study.

Abstract: Two totball baseball leagues in southern Louisiana were monitored to judge what type of parental involvement yielded the highest on-task behaviors among participants. 39 children ages 3 to 5 years participated in 3- or 4-inning baseball games with parents on the field. In the Parent on Bases League, a parent stood on first, second, and third base only. In the Parent with Every Child League, a parent stood next to every child on the field. Children were observed on the field at three different dates at 1-min. intervals during the first two innings of one game in both leagues. On-task behaviors were defined as standing in the correct field position and watching the ball. Off-task behaviors consisted of sitting, rolling on the field, talking to a coach or parent, and not watching the ball. A statistically significant difference in the percent of time children spent on-task favored the Parents on Bases League (75.7) versus the other league (50.3). Having fewer parents on the field in these baseball games kept players on-task more effectively than having a parent with each child.

Sediment transport and erosion in the Fourchon area of Lafourche parish

Abstract: NASA aerial photography in the form of color infrared and color positive transparencies is used as an aid in evaluating the rate and effect of erosion and sediment transport in Bay Champagne Louisiana.

Why Some Workers Should Be Allowed a 'Buy-In' for Social Security: A Policy Suggestion to Reduce the Regressive Adjustments of the Windfall Elimination Provision

Abstract: The Windfall Elimination Provision adjusts, through a reduction, the retirement income for workers who qualify for Social Security retirement benefits and have retirement benefits from employment outside of that system. While the WEP adjustment for workers with pensions from non-covered employment (which is common from employment by state and local governments that do not participate in the Social Security) has received some attention, there is little information for workers who have the same mix of earnings but who do not and will not receive a pension. This situation arises when workers receive their non-covered retirement benefits in a lump sum or in an Optional Retirement Plan. This paper details the WEP adjustment for these workers and suggests a policy that reduces the probability that total retirement income from the combined earnings will be less than Social Security retirement benefits as if all earnings were covered by Social Security.

A load balancing method based on dynamic time step feedback

Abstract: In dynamic environments, dynamic load balancing plays an important role in improving the performance of large-scale parallel computer systems. It can reduce the response time of the calculations and maximize the resources utilization of system. To improve the parallel efficiency in dynamic systems, a dynamic load balancing method with a prediction and dynamic time step feedback was developed. The feedback is varied dynamically by using a time step and processing capability prediction algorithm combined with a dynamic programming algorithm for task redistribution. Apply this method in ab initio molecular dynamics simulation, this algorithm showed significantly better adaptability and scalability compared to one that employs a static time step feedback.

Methodological Proposal for an Interventional Study to Assess Value in Academic Libraries among Collegiate Freshmen

Abstract: Universities, and especially their libraries, have faced severe budget cuts in recent years, forcing academic libraries to demonstrate value to their institutions. Numerous observational studies have established a correlation between library utilization and value metrics. The next step is an interventional study, which attempts to control extraneous factors. This type of research can be difficult to design. This article proposes one method. Through an interventional study among undergraduate freshman, libraries can provide supplemental library instruction in order to determine if student exposure to available resources increases student GPA and retention. These outcomes are used as measures of user and financial value based on current research trends. The methodology involves dividing university seminar course sections into two groups: one which receives additional library instruction and one which does not. The course sections will be evenly divided along major and college. After instruction is administered, students’ academic records will be collected to assess GPA and collegiate retention. Statistics will only be processed as aggregates in order to protect individuals. The planned parsimony of this model allows researchers to draw the clearest linkage between exposure to library resources and academic outcomes.