Saint Anselm College

About: Saint Anselm College is a education organization based out in Manchester, New Hampshire, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Politics & Nurse education. The organization has 255 authors who have published 522 publications receiving 7222 citations.

God’s Dice and Einstein’s Solids

Abstract: What role does chance play in the universe? Quantum theory suggests that randomness is a fundamental part of how the universe works and yet we live mostly intentional, ordered lives. We make decisions with the expectation that our decisions matter. How is it possible for this directed and seemingly deterministic world to arise from mere randomness? In this essay I show that simple combinatorial systems behave in precisely this manner and I discuss the implications of this for theories that include notions of free will.

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.

Accessibility and occlusion of biopolymers, ray tracing of radiating tubes, and the temperature of a tangle.

Abstract: We introduce a measure of complexity, an energy, for any conformation of filaments. It is the occlusion, the portion hidden when viewed from an arbitrary exterior point. By inverting we get the exposure, a first approximation of the accessibility of the filaments. Assuming the filament is a source, we get the self-irradiation, which leads to both an interpretation as the temperature and a visualization technique: ray tracing as a virtual laboratory. There is a wide variety of applications, from enzyme action on and radiation damage of biopolymers, to the geometry of light bulb filaments. Energy minimization provides automatic detangling, resulting in symmetric and pleasing conformations.

Measuring the effect of simulation experience on perceived self-efficacy for interprofessional collaboration among undergraduate nursing and social work students.

Abstract: Barriers to effective interprofessional collaboration may include insufficient knowledge of other professional roles and inexperience using effective communication skills. Improving self-efficacy for interprofessional collaboration may enhance the ability to practice expertly within the interprofessional environment of healthcare. This article examines the results of a multiple methods pretest/posttest study that used the Self-Efficacy for Interprofessional Experiential Learning (SEIEL) scale to determine self-reported perceptions of self-efficacy development following participation in a trauma simulation. Participants included 74 undergraduate nursing students and nine undergraduate social work students. Findings included a significant increase in perceived self-efficacy from pretest to posttest for both groups. Nursing majors and participants who reported previous interaction with a member of another profession scored significantly higher on the posttest. Qualitative data were analyzed through thematic content analysis which produced three themes: an improved understanding of the importance of communication and the interconnection of interprofessional roles; a realistic simulation which challenged the students; and an increased appreciation for teamwork. These findings suggest that challenging simulations with pre-licensure students can increase undergraduate students' perceived self-efficacy for interprofessional collaboration and contribute to an improved understanding of interprofessional team roles and communication.