Showing papers by "Saint Anselm College published in 2023"

Nonergodic Brownian oscillator: High-frequency response

Abstract: We consider a Brownian oscillator whose coupling to the environment may lead to the formation of a localized normal mode. For lower values of the oscillator's natural frequency, $\omega\le\omega_c$, the localized mode is absent and the unperturbed oscillator reaches thermal equilibrium. For higher values of $\omega>\omega_c$, when the localized mode is formed, the unperturbed oscillator does not thermalize but rather evolves into a nonequilibrium cyclostationary state. We consider the response of such an oscillator to an external periodic force. Despite the coupling to the environment, the oscillator shows the unbounded resonance (with the response linearly increasing with time) when the frequency of the external force coincides with the frequency of the localized mode. An unusual resonance (``quasi-resonance") occurs for the oscillator with the critical value of the natural frequency $\omega=\omega_c$, which separates thermalizing (ergodic) and non-thermalizing (nonergodic) configurations. In that case the resonance response increases with time sublinearly, which can be interpreted as a resonance between the external force and the incipient localized mode.

A Quasi-realist Synthesis Investigating Professional Breastfeeding Support Failure

Abstract: Background/Purpose: To conduct a synthesis based on a realist perspective, -investigating how professional breastfeeding support can sometimes be ineffective and/or unsatisfactory from the viewpoint of the mother and fail to address the needs of the breastfeeding dyad. Methods: An innovative, targeted "quasi-realist" -synthesis technique was used to explore the context of the interpersonal relationships through which professional breastfeeding intervention is delivered and identify any unintended mechanisms and/or consequences. Results: Multiple expressions of failed breastfeeding support were revealed which had a negative impact on maternal empowerment, informed decision-making, and breastfeeding self-efficacy. The overarching theme, inadequate breastfeeding information/ support, was elucidated by several subthemes: giving inconsistent/contradictory advice, use of the hands-on approach, provision of insensitive care, and making parents feel scrutinized/judged Mothers who experienced inadequate breastfeeding information/support often resorted to the mechanism of duplicity/evasion and withdrew from seeking or following further professional advice. Finally, unintended consequences of not breastfeeding as recommended included feelings of guilt and a sense of failure This was particularly true for mothers who intended to exclusively breastfeed. Implications for Practice: The findings of this unique synthesis suggest that to sustain breastfeeding support relationships and prevent unintentional consequences of inadequate support, professionals must pay more attention to the manner in which breastfeeding intervention is provided. The findings also suggest that they must strive to provide more consistent, engaging, -sensitive, and nonjudgmental care that better meets the needs of breastfeeding dyads.