Towards a solution of pure Yang-Mills theory in 3+1 dimensions

We discuss an analytic approach towards the solution of pure Yang-Mills theory in 3+1 dimensional spacetime. The approach is based on the use of local gauge invariant variables in the Schr\"odinger representation and the large $N$, planar limit. In particular, within this approach we point out unexpected parallels between pure Yang-Mills theory in 2+1 and 3+1 dimensions. The most important parallel shows up in the analysis of the ground state wave-functional especially in view of the numerical similarity of the existing large N lattice simulations of the spectra of 2+1 and 3+1 Yang Mills theories.Comment: 12 page

Exploring the Relationship between K-8 Prospective Teachers’ Algebraic Thinking Proficiency and the Questions They Pose during Diagnostic Algebraic Thinking Interviews

In this study, we explored the relationship between prospective teachers’ algebraic thinking and the questions they posed during one-on-one diagnostic interviews that focused on investigating the algebraic thinking of middle school students. To do so, we evaluated prospective teachers’ algebraic thinking proficiency across 125 algebra-based tasks and we analyzed the characteristics of questions they posed during the interviews. We found that prospective teachers with lower algebraic thinking proficiency did not ask any probing questions. Instead, they either posed questions that simply accepted and affirmed student responses or posed questions that guided the students toward an answer without probing student thinking. In contrast, prospective teachers with higher algebraic thinking proficiency were able to pose probing questions to investigate student thinking or help students clarify their thinking. However, less than half of their questions were of this probing type. These results suggest that prospective teachers’ algebraic thinking proficiency is related to the types of questions they ask to explore the algebraic thinking of students. Implications for mathematics teacher education are discussed

K-8 Pre-service Teachers’ Algebraic Thinking: Exploring the Habit of Mind Building Rules to Represent Functions

In this study, through the lens of the algebraic habit of mind Building Rules to Represent Functions, we examined 18 pre-service middle school teachers\u27 ability to use algebraic thinking to solve problems. The data revealed that pre-service teachers\u27 ability to use different features of the habit of mind Building Rules to Represent Functions varied across the features. Significant correlations existed between 8 pairs of the features. The ability to justify a rule was the weakest of the seven features and it was correlated with the ability to chunk information. Implications for mathematics teacher education are discussed

ULTRASONICS

Ultrasonics is a form of physical therapy which has been considerably developed in recent years on the Continent, and the European medical press has made great claims for this new type of treatment. This publicity, much of it grossly exaggerated in its claims, has latterly reached the lay press, and hence the patient. We are therefore likely to be asked by the intelligent and well-read patient all kinds of searching questions about this therapy, and for this reason alone, if for no other, it behoves us to have a reasonable knowledge of it and a balanced outlook on the problem. This short paper is designed to present briefly the physics and biological effects of ultrasonics and to give a fair and impartial view of the clinical use and limitations of this method of treatment

From Retribution to Restoration: An Analysis of Restorative Justice as a Policy Reform Effort to Dismantle the School-to-Prison Pipeline in New York City Public Schools

This Independent Study explores and examines restorative justice as a policy reform effort made by schools, specifically in New York City, to address a phenomenon known as the school-to-prison pipeline. While it has been found that zero tolerance policies fuel this pipeline through the criminalization of minor infractions, this study argues that using restorative justice policies to manage disciplinary matters within schools creates an avenue to dismantle this pipeline. This occurs through establishing a more inclusive school climate, thus leading to lower levels of punitive discipline and school push out, which ultimately lessens the rate at which youth come into contact with the juvenile/criminal justice system. Utilizing a case study methodology that combines a historical narrative with semi-structured interviews done with providers of restorative justice policies and practices in New York City public schools, this study seeks to understand the impacts of both zero tolerance policies and restorative justice policies on this criminalization of students. When examining the interpretive causal impacts of both sets of policies, this study found support for the theoretical argument in that in New York City, utilizing restorative justice policies and practices to manage disciplinary matters can trigger a series of events that builds a more inclusive school climate, decreases the level of punitive discipline, lessens the rate at which students experience school push out, and ultimately decreases contact with the juvenile/criminal justice system. This study also uncovers several components and impacts of restorative justice policies not found in the literature, as well as evidence of zero tolerance and restorative justice policies being used in conjunction with each other to address conflicts within schools

Another Casualty of the War . . . Vagrancy Laws Target the Fourth Amendment

This Comment will review the origins of the vagrancy law and its traditional abuses. It will then examine decisions discussing the vagrancy law\u27s constitutionality under the Due Process clause void-for-vagueness doctrine and the courts\u27 attempted remedy of explicit standards as to place, scope, or purpose. The remainder of this Comment will discuss the constitutionality of these revised vagrancy laws under the Fourth Amendment\u27s prohibition of unreasonable seizures

Absolute Immunity from Civil Liability: Lessons for Litigation Lawyers

The common law doctrine of absolute immunity provided to litigation lawyers is said to be as old as law. This centuries-old doctrine protects litigators from lawsuits instigated by the adversaries of their clients. It is typically invoked, irrespective of any nefarious or malicious motives, so long as the course of action taken bears some reasonable relation to the lawsuit. This Article examines the historical antecedents of the litigation privilege as well as the policies motivating its creation. It also provides a comprehensive description of the doctrine of absolute immunity, explores the circumstances in which it has been applied, and discusses potential legal issues that may effect its application in any given case. After considering its venerable jurisprudence, the Article derives an analytical framework for future cases of absolute immunity and details the determinants of the doctrine given prominence in the precedents. The paradigm is intended to assist in the development of the lawyer\u27s litigation privilege and support its continued existence in the twenty-first century

Heart Failure Management in a Skilled Nursing Facility

Background: Reducing heart failure hospital readmissions remains a priority for health systems and is a marker of quality for the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Heart Failure is the most common cause of U.S. hospital admissions and an effective management program in the nursing home setting is crucial for quality and outcomes. Purpose: The purpose of this project was to implement and evaluate a Nurse Practitioner/Physician supported heart failure management program in a skilled nursing facility that is able to be incorporated into facility staff workflow, enhances nursing staff knowledge of heart failure, improves identification of patients with a heart failure diagnosis, and reduces facility hospitalization rates over a three-month period of time. Methods: This was an evidence informed practice implementation and evaluation project that focused on all patients with a diagnosis of heart failure in a suburban skilled nursing facility. Quantitative data was obtained by using the Nurses Knowledge of Heart Failure survey and rehospitalization data was obtained from the practice site. Results: Eighteen patients were followed by the program. All had timely identification,16.66% experienced a change of condition that triggered medical provider follow up and none had a heart failure related hospitalization. Six nursing staff completed the pretest (mean, [SD], 78.33, [13.29]) and posttest (86.66, [10.80]) and demonstrated a positive relationship between program implementation and nurses’ knowledge. Conclusion: Implementation of a heart failure management program is associated with timely identification of patients, improved nursing knowledge, and timely intervention during changes in condition