Statistical Mechanics of 2+1 Gravity From Riemann Zeta Function and Alexander Polynomial:Exact Results

In the recent publication (Journal of Geometry and Physics,33(2000)23-102) we demonstrated that dynamics of 2+1 gravity can be described in terms of train tracks. Train tracks were introduced by Thurston in connection with description of dynamics of surface automorphisms. In this work we provide an example of utilization of general formalism developed earlier. The complete exact solution of the model problem describing equilibrium dynamics of train tracks on the punctured torus is obtained. Being guided by similarities between the dynamics of 2d liquid crystals and 2+1 gravity the partition function for gravity is mapped into that for the Farey spin chain. The Farey spin chain partition function, fortunately, is known exactly and has been thoroughly investigated recently. Accordingly, the transition between the pseudo-Anosov and the periodic dynamic regime (in Thurston's terminology) in the case of gravity is being reinterpreted in terms of phase transitions in the Farey spin chain whose partition function is just a ratio of two Riemann zeta functions. The mapping into the spin chain is facilitated by recognition of a special role of the Alexander polynomial for knots/links in study of dynamics of self homeomorphisms of surfaces. At the end of paper, using some facts from the theory of arithmetic hyperbolic 3-manifolds (initiated by Bianchi in 1892), we develop systematic extension of the obtained results to noncompact Riemannian surfaces of higher genus. Some of the obtained results are also useful for 3+1 gravity. In particular, using the theorem of Margulis, we provide new reasons for the black hole existence in the Universe: black holes make our Universe arithmetic. That is the discrete Lie groups of motion are arithmetic.Comment: 69 pages,11 figures. Journal of Geometry and Physics (in press

Issues in Evaluating Special Education Teachers: Challenges and Current Perspectives

Educatio

Your Teaching Strategy Matters: How Engagement Impacts Application in Health Information Literacy Instruction

The purpose of this study was to compare two pedagogical methods, active learning and passive instruction, to determine which is more useful in helping students to achieve the learning outcomes in a one-hour research skills instructional session

Mobile Device Use Among Rural, Low-Income Families and the Feasibility of an App to Encourage Preschoolers' Physical Activity: Qualitative Study.

BackgroundAs mobile devices are becoming ubiquitous, technology-based interventions provide a promising strategy to positively influence health behaviors of families with young children. However, questions remain about the feasibility and acceptability of intervention delivery via mobile apps in low-income, rural settings and among families with preschoolers.ObjectiveThe aims of this study were to understand the content and context of mobile device use for preschoolers; explore parent beliefs on this topic, including the acceptability of intervention delivery via mobile devices; and test a prototype of an app to encourage preschoolers' physical activity with both parents and children.MethodsParents (n=29) were recruited from 5 preschool centers in eastern, rural Colorado to complete a semistructured telephone interview regarding preschoolers' mobile device use. A second sample of parents (n=31) was recruited from the same preschool centers to view the app prototype independently and provide feedback. A third sample of preschool children (n=24) was videotaped using the app in small groups to measure engagement and record their responses to the app.ResultsFive key content areas emerged from the telephone interviews: (1) mobile devices are an important part of families' everyday routines, and parents have parameters governing their use; (2) parents often use mobile devices as a tool for behavior management; (3) parents clearly distinguish between mobile device use for learning versus entertainment; (4) parents have an overarching desire for balance in regard to their child's mobile device use; and (5) parents were generally supportive of the idea of using mobile apps for intervention delivery. From the app prototype testing with parents, participants reacted positively to the app and felt that it would be useful in a variety of situations. Testing with preschoolers showed the children were highly engaged with the app and a majority remained standing and/or actively moving through the entire length of the app.ConclusionsMobile devices are already integrated into most families' daily routines and appear to be an acceptable method of intervention delivery in low-income families in rural Colorado. The physical activity app represents an innovative way to reach these families and, with further improvements based on participant feedback, will provide children with a unique opportunity to practice key movement skills

Stress and Burnout in Nurse Leaders

Problem: Nurse leaders commonly experience stress and self-reported burnout. The associated negative consequences are compelling, yet few studies to date consider the nurse leader population. Stress is “a multidimensional phenomenon determined by a person’s perceptions and may be assessed as harm, loss, threat, or challenge” (Udod, Cummings, Care, & Jenkins, 2017a, p. 160). Burnout is a lack of professional fulfillment caused by emotional, physical, and psychological stress (Nurse Burnout, 2019). Drivers are associated and contributing factors which lead to stress and self-reported burnout. Purpose: The purposes of this correlational study are to (a) identify drivers from the literature and adapt an existing model to nurse leader populations, (b) investigate associations between drivers of stress among two nurse leader groups: Nurse Mangers/Nurse Supervisors and Chief Nursing Officers/Nurse Directors, (c) investigate association between drivers and self-reported burnout among all nurse leaders, and (d) compare drivers identified in the literature to drivers from the Minnesota Organization of Leaders in Nursing (MOLN) study. Conceptual Framework: The Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) Model of Burnout guided the literature review. We adapted our own model on stress leading to burnout in nurse leaders entitled Johnson, Nichols, and Sakhitab (JNS) Model of Stress Leading to Burnout in Nurse Leaders. The focus of the JNS model was to identify the drivers of stress leading to burnout in nurse leaders. Literature Search: Eight drivers of stress leading to burnout from the literature were: administrative duties, organizational constraints, role overload, lack of control, preparation, personal characteristics, quality patient care, and social support. Methods Data Analysis: The research method used for this thesis was a secondary analysis of the 2018 MOLN and the Minnesota Hospital Association Nurse Leader Burnout Survey. The Pearson product-moment correlation was used to assess relationships between drivers, stress, and burnout. The total sample included 210 nurse leaders. Results Data Analysis: Results from this secondary analysis found statistically significant drivers of stress in Nurse Managers and Nurse Supervisors (n = 90) were time (r = -.500, p = .000), control (r = -.321, p = .002), and resources (r = -.254, p = .016). The statistically significant drivers of stress in Chief Nursing Officers and Nurse Directors (n = 74) were time (r = -.492, p \u3c .000), resources (r = -.441, p = .000) control (r = -.387, p = .001), team efficiency (r = -.338, p = .003), and autonomy (r = -.250, p =.031). Drivers of self-reported burnout in nurse leaders (n = 210) in order of correlational strength were control, time, autonomy, resources, appreciation, team efficiency, value and quality (-.419 \u3c r \u3c -.181, p ≤ .009). Implications for Practice: Nurse leaders carry a high degree of responsibility and are unable to achieve optimal work/life balance. One solution is to restructure leadership hierarchy to include a co-manager role. A second implication for practice relates to the lack of control driver of stress; nurse leaders desire the freedom, empowerment, and autonomy to make decisions without fear for retribution. Lastly, an implication for practice relates to the drivers of social support and appreciation. It will be prudent for health care administrators to re-focus energies on provision of appreciation and recognition to nurse leaders. Implications for Research: The gap in longitudinal designed studies creates an opportunity for future research. We recommend replicating the MOLN study longitudinally and nationally to support findings from this secondary analysis. Future studies focusing on self-reported burnout need a standardized measurement tool. This will allow for direct comparison of data and stronger analysis of findings. Lastly, drivers of stress leading to burnout in nurse leaders must be universally defined