Showing papers by "Saint Anselm College published in 2017"

A longer vernal window: the role of winter coldness and snowpack in driving spring transitions and lags

Abstract: Climate change is altering the timing and duration of the vernal window, a period that marks the end of winter and the start of the growing season when rapid transitions in ecosystem energy, water, nutrient, and carbon dynamics take place. Research on this period typically captures only a portion of the ecosystem in transition and focuses largely on the dates by which the system wakes up. Previous work has not addressed lags between transitions that represent delays in energy, water, nutrient, and carbon flows. The objectives of this study were to establish the sequence of physical and biogeochemical transitions and lags during the vernal window period and to understand how climate change may alter them. We synthesized observations from a statewide sensor network in New Hampshire, USA, that concurrently monitored climate, snow, soils, and streams over a three-year period and supplemented these observations with climate reanalysis data, snow data assimilation model output, and satellite spectral data. We found that some of the transitions that occurred within the vernal window were sequential, with air temperatures warming prior to snow melt, which preceded forest canopy closure. Other transitions were simultaneous with one another and had zero-length lags, such as snowpack disappearance, rapid soil warming, and peak stream discharge. We modeled lags as a function of both winter coldness and snow depth, both of which are expected to decline with climate change. Warmer winters with less snow resulted in longer lags and a more protracted vernal window. This lengthening of individual lags and of the entire vernal window carries important consequences for the thermodynamics and biogeochemistry of ecosystems, both during the winter-to-spring transition and throughout the rest of the year.

Interpreting Early Career Trajectories

Abstract: Career decisions of four teachers are explored through the concept of figured worlds in this qualitative, longitudinal case study. Participants were purposefully chosen for similarity at entry, with a range of career trajectories over time. Teacher career paths included remaining in one school, repeated changes in schools, attrition after relocation, and non-renewal of contract. Data included interviews, observations, participants’ assessments, and pupils’ work. Cross-case analysis suggests that no single teacher attribute or workplace condition determined teachers’ career decisions; rather, teachers’ ability to refigure their identity within the figured world of teaching shaped career trajectory. Key factors such as ability to address disequilibrium, teacher identity, agency, and collaborative capacity are examined. Implications call for pre-service preparation and professional development to navigate cultures of schools, amended administrative involvement in teacher retention, and policy reform acknowle...

Risks and Benefits of Swaddling Healthy Infants: An Integrative Review.

Abstract: Background Swaddling has been practiced since antiquity; however, there is controversy about its safety. Objectives The purpose of this review is to update and build upon previous reviews and synthesize evidence on risks and benefits of swaddling in healthy-term, near-term, or older infants. Data sources MEDLINE (1960-May 13, 2016) and CINAHL (1963-May 13, 2016) searches were conducted, relevant articles retrieved, and citation lists reviewed for other references. Synthesis methods A table summarizes study details. Selected older references and supporting literature are integrated into the synthesis to provide context. Results Swaddling calms infants and promotes sleep, but it is equally or less effective than other nonpharmacological methods in managing pain. There may be a slight risk for sudden infant death syndrome associated with supine swaddling, although the impact of confounding variables is unclear. Early skin-to-skin contact supports early breastfeeding, but swaddling does not have a negative impact on breastfeeding long term. Swaddling tightly around the hips is strongly associated with developmental dysplasia of the hip. More research is needed on the impact of swaddling on pain in term infants, infant vital signs, arousal thresholds, and a possible association between swaddling, vitamin D deficiency, and acute lower respiratory tract infection. Limitations The number of studies was small, with few randomized control trials, and researchers used different definitions of swaddling. Conclusions If a few precautions are taken, such as swaddling securely to minimize risk of unwrapping, avoiding overheating, placing infants to sleep supine, and discontinuing swaddling when infants first show signs of rolling over, swaddling presents minimal risk. Clinical implications Maternity and neonatal nurses should model swaddling practices based on the evidence and promote informed decision-making among infant caregivers.

Limits on Polarized Leakage for the PAPER Epoch of Reionization Measurements at 126 and 164 MHz

Abstract: Polarized foreground emission is a potential contaminant of attempts to measure the fluctuation power spectrum of highly redshifted 21 cm Hi emission from the epoch of reionization, yet observational constraints on the level of polarized emission are poor. Using the Donald C. Backer Precision Array for Probing the Epoch of Reionization (PAPER), we present the first limits on the power spectra of all four Stokes parameters in two frequency bands, centered at 126 MHz (z = 10.3) and 164 MHz (z = 7.66). This data comes from from a three-month observing campaign of a 32-antenna deployment, for which unpolarized power spectrum results have been reported at z = 7.7 (Parsons et al. 2014) and 7.5 < z < 10.5 (Jacobs et al. 2014). The power spectra in this paper are processed in the same way, and show no definitive detection of polarized power. The limits are sufficiently low that we are able to show that the excess unpolarized power reported in those works is not due to leakage of Faraday-rotated polarized emission. Building upon the Moore et al. (2013) simulations of polarized point sources, we further argue that our upper limits and previous observations imply that the mean polarization fraction of point sources at these frequencies is ∼ 2×10 −3 , roughly an order of magnitude lower than that observed for point sources at 1.4 GHz.

Standard bearers: Qualitative sociologists' experiences with IRB regulation

Abstract: In response to the system for regulating research with human subjects, researchers have raised two apparently contradictory concerns: that IRBs are excessively inconsistent (often raised by biomedical researchers), and that they are excessively standardizing (often raised by qualitative interview researchers). Why does standardization appear as the dominant theme in qualitative researchers’ experiences with their IRBs? And how do qualitative researchers experience standardization in their IRB encounters? We focus on IRBs role as regulatory bureaucracies, which typically rely heavily on standardized communication and decisions to process information and make large numbers of decisions in a timely manner. We explore the role of standardization in IRB regulation of qualitative research in an analysis of semi-structured interviews with 26 qualitative sociologists from six research universities and three liberal arts colleges in the Northeastern United States. In a regulatory regime oriented toward the norms of experimental research, these frictions resulted partly from a lack of appropriate standardized language and decision-templates, but also from the inherent difficulties of applying standardized decisions to work that is unpredictable, unique, and difficult to routinize.

Impact of FDI and trade on environmental quality in the CAFTA-DR region

Abstract: This study investigates the relationship between foreign direct investment (FDI), trade and industrial emissions in member countries of the Central American Free Trade Agreement–Dominican Republic (CAFTA-DR) between 1979 and 2010. Our model is based on extant literature about the Environmental Kuznets’ Curve framework. In this study, we consider sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and carbon dioxide (CO2) as our dependent variables. Our key independent variables are FDI and trade. Our study finds evidence that foreign investment and trade have had a negative impact on our selected emissions. However, our models also estimate turning points which are below the current GDP per capita values for all CAFTA-DR member countries. This is an encouraging trend in terms of the potential reduction in emissions in the region.

Gender and Race in Congressional National News Media Appearances in 2008

Abstract: Media coverage of women and black members of Congress and presidential candidates often relies on gender and racial stereotypes, providing distorted coverage of these members and their agendas. This study analyzes national news media appearances of House members discussing the 2008 presidential election to examine whether the increased salience of race and gender due to the presence of nonwhite male presidential and vice presidential candidates resulted in greater media visibility for female and black representatives. Female and black House members, particularly those Democrats who endorsed a candidate, appeared in the media more often in 2008, driven by the media's interest in connecting their gender and racial identities to evaluations of Clinton, Palin, and Obama. With the national media's attention drawn to conflict, members with perceived conflicts among their intersectional identities drew greater media attention, especially Republican and black women. Overall, the media rendered black and female members as mainly surrogate representatives for black and women voters. The results suggest that black and female sources may secure national media exposure through the strategic use of their perceived raced-gendered expertise but at the risk of reinforcing stereotypes, and female or minority presidential candidates may influence the visibility of these members to voters.

Strike kinematics and performance in juvenile ball pythons (Python regius).

Abstract: The rapid strike of snakes has interested researchers for decades. Although most work has focused on the strike performance of vipers, recent work has shown that other snakes outside of the Viperidae can strike with the same velocities and accelerations. However, to date all of these examples focus on performance in adult snakes. Here, we use high-speed video to measure the strike kinematics and performance of 10 juvenile (<6 months of age) ball pythons, Python regius. We find that juvenile P. regius strike at levels comparable to larger snakes, but with shorter durations and over shorter distances. We conclude that the juvenile P. regius maintain performance likely through manipulation of the axial musculature and accompanying elastic tissues, and that this is a first step to understanding ontogenetic changes in behavior and a potential avenue for understanding how captivity may also impact behavior.

Socializing Distrust of the Justice System through the Family in Juvenile Delinquency Court

Abstract: Juvenile delinquency courts in the United States generally require parents to attend all court hearings, but little is known about how parents' experiences in the court process affect their discussions of the justice system with their court-involved children. Using multiperspectival and longitudinal data combining observations with interviews of parents and youth in two courts, this research finds that many parents discuss the legal process in negative terms with their children when parents are outside the presence of legal authorities. This research adds to the literature on legal socialization by examining how parents' perceptions of law and their experiences with the court become part of the socializing content provided by parents to their court-involved children. Creating a more meaningful role for parents in the juvenile justice process may potentially lead to more positive discussions of the court process between parents and juvenile defendants.

Life stages, demographic rates, and leaf damage for the round-leaved orchids, Platanthera orbiculata (Pursh.) Lindley and P. macrophylla (Goldie) P.M. Brown in a northern hardwood forest in New Hampshire, USA

Abstract: Terrestrial orchids are especially susceptible to population declines, and hence are the focus of plant conservation efforts worldwide, but the life history and demography of heterotrophic orchids is not well understood. Our objective was to quantify life stage transition rates for a species pair of rare round-leaved orchids (Platanthera spp.) in a northern hardwood forest. Marked individuals were measured over 5 years, and metrics included: leaf area, damage by herbivores and pathogens, flowering, and seed production. Germination trials were also conducted. Vital rates were very similar for the two species, which were about equally abundant despite large differences in seed production. Mortality was twice as high for juvenile as for adult stages, and juvenile abundance was markedly lower than for adults. Both species are vulnerable to leaf damage by invertebrates and fungi and exhibit clear leaf area thresholds for progression across life stages, both suggesting a delicate carbon balance for these mixotr...

Geographic variation in host fish use and larval metamorphosis for the endangered dwarf wedgemussel

Abstract: Host fishes play a crucial role in survival and dispersal of freshwater mussels (Unionoida), particularly rare unionids at conservation risk. Intraspecific variation in host use is not well understood for many mussels, including the endangered dwarf wedgemussel (Alasmidonta heterodon) in the USA. Host suitability of 33 fish species for dwarf wedgemussel glochidia (larvae) from the Delaware and Connecticut river basins was tested in laboratory experiments over 9 years. Relative suitability of three different populations of a single host fish, the tessellated darter (Etheostoma olmstedi), from locations in the Connecticut, Delaware, and Susquehanna river basins, was also tested. Connecticut River basin A. heterodon metamorphosed into juvenile mussels on tessellated darter, slimy sculpin (Cottus cognatus), and Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) parr. Delaware River basin mussels metamorphosed using these three species, as well as brown trout (Salmo trutta), banded killifish (Fundulus diaphanus), mottled sculpin (Cottus bairdii), striped bass (Morone saxatilis), and shield darter (Percina peltata). Atlantic salmon, striped bass, and sculpins were highly effective hosts, frequently generating 5+ juveniles per fish (JPF) and metamorphosis success (MS; proportion of attaching larvae that successfully metamorphose) ≥ 0.4, and producing juveniles in repeated trials. In experiments on tessellated darters, mean JPF and MS values decreased as isolation between the mussel source (Connecticut River) and each fish source increased; mean JPF = 10.45, 6.85, 4.14, and mean MS = 0.50, 0.41, and 0.34 in Connecticut, Delaware, and Susquehanna river darters, respectively. Host suitability of individual darters was highly variable (JPF = 2–11; MS = 0.20–1.0). The results show that mussel–host fish compatibility in A. heterodon differs among Atlantic coastal rivers, and suggest that hosts including anadromous Atlantic salmon and striped bass may help sustain A. heterodon in parts of its range. Continued examination of host use variation, migratory host roles, and mussel–fish interactions in the wild is critical in conservation of A. heterodon and other vulnerable mussel species.

Gender and Policy Implementation: Analyzing and Predicting the Progress of Congressional Bills Targeting Homeless Women, 1977–1987

Abstract: This study examines congressional policymaking and funding support for homeless women during the 1980s. Contemporary research shows that this time period marked an important demographic shift in the composition of homeless individuals in the United States, as women, children, and families comprised a larger portion of homeless populations. Using Schneider and Ingram’s (1993; 1997) Degenerative Policy Design, I used logistic regression and predicted probabilities to analyze federal congressional bills on homelessness during a 10-year period from 1977 to 1988. Results indicate that bills targeting homeless women, children, and families increased over time, but there was substantive policy action for these groups. This aligns with Schneider and Ingram’s theory that groups like homeless women, who are constructed as dependent and needy but politically powerless, garner congressional elite sympathy but no monetary resources at the national level.

A Novel Form of Behavioral Camouflage in Colubrid Snakes

Abstract: Different types of animal camouflage ultimately have one function: avoiding detection. The most common form of camouflage, background matching, involves color patterns that match the surrounding environment while the individual remains motionless. However, in a dynamic environment, movement could also contribute to camouflage. For example, reverse crypsis or motion dazzle employs color patterns that can disrupt the pattern of motion to aid in concealing an individual, or by making it more difficult to track the individual's movements. Here I describe a new form of behavioral camouflage in colubrid snakes. The behavior consists of a series of small, laterally oscillating movements. Observed in three colubrids (Thamnophis sirtalis, Thamnophis sauritus, Opheodrys vernalis), I hypothesize that this behavior serves to blend the dorsal patterning of a snake with moving vegetation. Through 73 observations in T. sirtalis, the head-wobble was only observed being performed by small snakes in grassy/reedy areas whil...

Female nuptial signal advertises spawning readiness in a population of Halichoeres margaritaceus on the Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Abstract: Females of some polygynous fish species display female nuptial signals (FNSs), advertising spawning readiness to potential mates. Halichoeres margaritaceus, a polygynous coral reef fish, reportedly display red belly color and a unique bobbing behavior as FNSs advertising spawning readiness. In this study, I examined whether FNSs were observed in an H. margaritaceus population in Australia. Females in this study displayed red belly color as an FNS, although at a lower intensity than that reported in a Japanese population. Contrary to observations made in the Japanese population, bobbing behavior performed by females in this study showed no temporal trend as spawning approached, indicating bobbing behavior did not function as an FNS in the Australian population. The role of local selective pressures on FNS intensity and lifetime reproductive benefits H. margaritaceus may potentially gain in utilizing FNSs are briefly discussed.

MapReduce : From Elementary Circuits to Cloud

Abstract: We regard the MapReduce mechanism as a unifying principle in the domain of computer science. Going back to the roots of AI and circuits, we show that the MapReduce mechanism is consistent with the basic mechanisms acting at all the levels, from circuits to Hadoop. At the circuit level, the elementary circuit is the smallest and simplest MapReduce circuit—the elementary multiplexer. On the structural and informational chain, starting from circuits and up to Big Data processing, we have the same behavioral pattern: the MapReduce basic rule. For a unified parallel computing perspective, we propose a novel starting point: Kleene’s partial recursive functions model. In this model, the composition rule is a true MapReduce mechanism. The functional forms, in the functional programming paradigm defined by Backus, are also MapReduce type actions. We propose an abstract model for parallel engines which embodies various forms of MapReduce. These engines are represented as a hierarchy of recursive MapReduce modules. Finally, we claim that the MapReduce paradigm is ubiquitous, at all computational levels.

Map-scan node accelerator for big-data

Abstract: The current hybrid architectures, used to accelerate the nodes of the various distributed computing systems running Big Data applications, are mainly based on Nvidia's GPU or Intel's MIC accelerators. These accelerators are marked by limitations due to their too general and ad hoc structural and architectural features. In this paper, we propose a Map-Scan architecture, as a generalization of a Map-Reduce architecture, more appropriate for the parallel approach in defining the accelerator part of a hybrid system. The paper describes the organization and the architecture of a hybrid system based on our Map-Scan Accelerator (MSA). The degree of parallelism achieved by our proposal is compared with the current implementations. The energy consumption is estimated, by simulation, for the ASIC versions of MSA. We conclude that the Map-Scan approach in defining the accelerator of a hybrid system provides the appropriate solution for accelerating various Big Data applications and linear algebra based applications.

Do Pavlovian Processes Really Mediate Behavioral Momentum? Some Conflicting Issues

Abstract: According to the behavioral momentum theory of response strength (Nevin et al., Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 53, 359–379, 1990), steady-state responding reflects the contingency between a response and a reinforcer (response–reinforcer relationship), whereas behavior’s resistance to change is mediated by a contingency between a stimulus and the reinforcer (stimulus–reinforcer relationship). It is further presumed in this theory that a Pavlovian conditioned stimulus (CS)–unconditioned stimulus (US) contingency overlaps with the discriminative stimulus (SD), signaling a primary reinforcer (SR+) within the 3-term contingency (SD: response [R]–SR+). The mere arranging of a stimulus–reinforcer relation in an operant preparation, however, does not necessarily imply that the resulting behavioral process is Pavlovian. This article questions how important such Pavlovian CS–SR+ relations really are in governing operant behavior and its resistance to change in view of evidence from the operant and Pavlovian literatures showing dissociation between Pavlovian and operant stimulus control. To this end, we highlight studies published in the Pavlovian associative literature (Holman and Mackintosh, The Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology Section B: Comparative and Physiological Psychology, 33, 21–31, 1981; Rescorla, Current Directions in Psychological Science, 1, 66–70, 1992b) as well as at least 1 seldom-cited study published in the Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior (Marcucella, Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 36, 51–60, 1981) supporting the view that CS relations embedded in the 3-term operant contingency can act independently of the discriminative stimulus functions of the SD. These CS relations appear to be neither necessary nor sufficient for sustaining operant discriminative control. Pavlovian relations are likely to be artifacts of operant conditioning—not causal mediators. It is suggested that continued and excessive focus on Pavlovian processes that only have meager influence on operant behavior in general, and behavioral momentum more specifically, will likely be an empirical cul-de-sac for improvement of behavioral management for addiction relapse and other behavioral disorders.

Free in-network pricing as an entry-deterrence strategy

Abstract: This paper analyzes the entry-deterring power of free in-network pricing with multiple incumbents. Free in-network pricing may deter entry since it creates network externality that intensifies competition. One may expect that a particular entry-deterrent strategy adopted by all incumbents would have more entry-deterring power than when it is adopted by some incumbents only. However, we show that when free-in network plan has entry-deterrence power with two incumbent firms, sometimes one incumbent offering free in-network plan may have more entry deterrence power than both firms offering free in-network plans. In other words, we find that an asymmetric adoption of entry-deterrence strategies by the incumbent firms may be the best for entry deterrence. This result highlights the importance of the strategic choice of the pricing plan as a function of not only the likelihood/cost of entry but also of the plan choices of other firms, and may partially explain the asymmetric strategies used by competing firms.

Boundaries of Scientific Thought

Abstract: The scientific revolution, as understood to be the rise of modern science, began in the late Renaissance and took firm hold during the Enlightenment.

Molecular Dynamics on FPGA Based Accelerated Processing Units

Abstract: One of the main problems in providing the amount of computation requested by the Molecular Dynamic domain is to offer an appropriate architectural environment for solving all the aspects of the intense parts of the involved computation. Current solutions accelerate only partially the intense computation – forces com putation & position and speed updates, which represents around 75% from the total computational effort – thus limiting the help provided by the parallel computing resources involved. The aim of this paper is to introduce a parallel accelerator featured with functions able to add to the accelerated functions the neighbourhood list building, which represent around 25% from the total computation. Thus, accelerations higher than the current ~ 4× are expected. Our proposal, the MapReduce Accelerator , is evaluated using the Gromacs system. The Martini water example, running on a cycle accurate simulator, is used to evaluate the speed-up and the energy.

Engaged IT Experience Course to Enable the Future Workforce

Abstract: Computer Science (CS) and Information Technology (IT) education needs to find new ways to boost students' interest in selecting and completing undergraduate degrees in these disciplines. In addition to retaining them in the major, we need to equip them with the right skills and knowledge so they are workforce ready when they graduate. In this paper, the authors present a novel learning model in IT, The IT Experience Course. Through a unique partnership with the IT department, the course leverages both traditional classroom teaching methodology and internships to form a new style of engaged learning. Engaged learning allows students to participate in real-life activities through collaboration, exploration, and discovery with peers. The course has three components, learning, shadowing/training, and a real world IT experiential project. The three components give the students a better understanding of the diversity of the field of IT, an insight into different career paths, and the confidence to see themselves working in the field through mentorship. The IT Experience Course, can be replicated at institutions across the country since most institutes of higher learning have an IT department, potentially increasing the future IT-capable workforce.

Moral Methodology in Maternal-Fetal Conflicts

Abstract: This essay will examine the position of those ethicists who interpret the moral act using an intentionalist approach. This approach focusses on the “intention,” which the intentionalist understands as “what one means by what one is doing,” as the criterion for determining the morality of a human act. This approach is at odds with traditional ways of viewing the role of intention, viz., what one chooses to do, when one acts. These two ways of looking at the moral act have recently been deployed in the case of maternal-fetal conflict, which occurs when the continued presence of the unborn child immediately poses a threat to the mother’s life, and one cannot save both the mother and the unborn. Intentionalists argue that a doctor may directly kill the unborn child, if that is the only way to save the mother’s life, because the doctor’s “intention” is to save the mother’s life and not to kill the unborn child. I challenge this claim, contending that the traditional approach offers a more realistic assessment of actors and activities in vital conflict situations. The intentionalist methodologies I examine are, in my view, deficient in their attempts to justify a termination of pregnancy in vital conflict situations. There is too little congruence between what is done and what they claim they are doing. I fear that accepting these other methodologies will blur the lines between indirect abortions and therapeutic abortions.

Daoism and the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and Bioethics

Abstract: Daoism does not find anything objectionable in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Bioethics, but the rationale for the rights are quite different with the result that some of the articles will need elaboration. This argument attempts to demonstrate two conclusions: (1) All people are manifestations of the Dao and therefore have rights. Ziran, a person’s inviolable place in the Dao, is the basis for a Daoist discussion of human rights. (2) The Daoist body, as a cosmic body, brings together the rights of the individual with the well-being of the community and cosmos. For this reason, individual rights must be understood as being conjoined with individual duties, especially in the realm of health and medicine.

Central American family business groups: internationalisation and diversification strategies

Abstract: Central America has been characterised by the large presence of family business groups (FBGs). The objective of this study is to gain insights about the internationalisation and diversification strategies of selected FBGs. In addition, the study examines how networking influences these strategies. Internationalisation and agency theories provide the theoretical framework for the study. The findings reveal three insights: first Central American FBGs have taken a long time to internationalise reflecting the challenges related to the economical and historical development of the region. Second, the diversification of the FBGs into various sectors of the domestic economies is a key determinant of the internationalisation strategy. Third, the ownership structure and family networking linkages also determine internationalisation strategies.

Measuring acceleration using the Purcell effect.

Abstract: We show that a two-level atom resonantly coupled to one of the modes of a cavity field can be used as a sensitive tool to measure the proper acceleration of a combined atom-cavity system. To achieve it we investigate the relation between the transition probability of a two-level atom placed within an ideal cavity and study how it is affected by the acceleration of the whole. We indicate how to choose the position of the atom as well as its characteristic frequency in order to maximize the sensitivity to acceleration.