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.

Teaching Sensitivity to Cultural Difference in the First-Year Foreign Language Classroom

Abstract: This article summarizes teacher action research for the teaching of subjective culture in the foreign language classroom. It begins with a literature review, followed by a description of Milton J. Bennett's Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity (Bennett, 1993), the theoretical paradigm upon which classroom activities and experiments were based. Bennett's model is compared and contrasted with other approaches to teaching culture, its strengths and weaknesses are discussed, and suggestions for implementing the model are presented. The article then summarizes efforts to mobilize the theory at the elementary French level, describes various culture-teaching strategies, and presents the results of evaluations of the effectiveness of the strategies using the Intercultural Development Inventory. Final remarks concern the goals of the culture component in the foreign language curriculum and suggestions for next steps in research.

Gar biology and culture: status and prospects.

Abstract: Many lepisosteid populations in North America have declined and many are now threatened as a consequence of habitat loss and alteration and commercial and sport overfishing. Over the last two decades, morphological, histological and molecular studies allowed distinguishing between different phases of development and the nutritional condition of larvae. Ontogeny of the digestive enzymes of gar larvae indicated the possibility to feed them artificial feeds since early developmental stages. An in vitro digestibility system to test different feed ingredients has been used. Important characteristics of artificial diets were identified through different feeding experiments. Endocrinological studies showed the feasibility of altering larval development and the digestive capacity of larvae. Cloning of gar growth hormone opened new avenues to enhance growth in the gars. Plasmatic vitellogenin was isolated and purified, to develop a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, which allowed the straightforward separation of males from females to establish appropriate proportions for reproduction and also was used to evaluate hormonal protocols to induce gonad recrudescence and spawning. This review analyzes the biology, ecology and physiology of different gar species as a basis for their domestication, mass production of larvae for repopulation experiments and for the culture of commercial-size gar.

Another generalisation of smith's determinant

Abstract: Let S = {x1, x2, …, xn} be a set of distinct positive integers. The n × n matrix [S] = (Sij), where Sij, = (xi, xj), the greatest common divisor of xi, and xj, is called the greatest common divisor (GCD) matrix on S. H.J.S. Smith showed that the determinant of the matrix [E(n)], E(n) = { 1,2, …, n}, is o(1)o(2) … o(n), where o(x) is Euler's totient function. We extend Smith's result by considering sets S = {x1, x2, … xn} with the property that for all i and j, (xi, xj) is in S.

Development and Validation of Curriculum-Based Measures of Math Performance for Preschool Children

Abstract: Six curriculum-based measures of math performance were developed for use with 4-year-old preschool children. Measures included counting objects, selecting numbers, naming numbers, selecting shapes, counting, and visual discrimination. Technical properties of probe scores were assessed in two rural public preschool programs. Alternate forms, source, and item reliability of probe scores were assessed with approximately 50 children per probe. A randomly selected sample of 53 children participated in the validation phase of the study. Concurrent validity of probe scores was assessed with the Brigance Screens and the Test of Early Mathematics Ability. Four of the probes yielded reliable and meaningful estimates of early math skills. Additional research is needed to evaluate the degree to which the probes are sensitive to growth and useful within comprehensive curriculum-based assessment models.

SCM practices and the health of the SMEs in Pakistan

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this research is to provide a window into the supply chain practices of the small and medium enterprise sector in Pakistan.Design/methodology/approach – The Small and Medium Enterprise Center (SMEC) at the Lahore University of Management Sciences undertook a survey in 2003 to gauge the health of this sector. A survey of 650 firms in ten districts in the country was conducted. This paper presents the results and analyses of the supply chain practices of these SMEs.Research limitations/implications – There is dearth of independent data and research in the field of SME's in Pakistan. This paper provides a window to the supply chain practices of SME's in Pakistan and will enable future researchers to use this research as a building block in understanding these practices and the factors that pertain to successful firms.Practical implications – The implications of this study are far reaching enabling trainers, consultants, donor agencies, and entrepreneurs in the SME sector to learn the...