title: The Role of Differential outcomes on Gambling Behaviour

authors: Staples, Krystal Nell

subjects: Gambling

abstract: This research is based on the conduction of a series of experiments that systematically occurred based on participants performance on a gambling simulation. In Experiment 1, a Roulette simulation allowed the manipulation of the probability that a win would occur after a bet on red or black. First year psychology students (N=18) participated for extra course credit and were randomly assigned to one of three experimental conditions (Group 1a started with $100 credit, experienced 70% probability of a win on red and 10% probability of a win on black with red and black results being drawn evenly; Group 2a experienced the same conditions as Group 1a except for a higher starting credit of $500; Group 1c started with $500 credit, experienced 100% probability of a win on red and a 0% probability of a win on black with red and black numbers being drawn equally). Results showed that the majority of participants did not match betting behaviour to reinforcement outcomes. In Experiment 2 the simulation was simplified. Group 2a experienced 70% probability of a win on red and 10% probability of a win on black with both red and black numbers being drawn equally; Group 2b experienced 100% probability of a win on red and 0% probability on black with 90% of numbers drawn by the computer being red and 10% black; Group 2c had 75% probability of winning on red and 25% probability of a win on black with 75% of results drawn being red and 25% being black. Results show that participants gambling behaviour was roughly proportional to the amount of reinforcement received on each colour, demonstrating reinforcer control over participant‟s behaviour, so called matching. These differing results are then discussed in relation to the possible implications for future research.

text: The Role of Differential outcomes on Gambling Behaviour This research is based on the conduction of a series of experiments that systematically occurred based on participants performance on a gambling simulation. In Experiment 1, a Roulette simulation allowed the manipulation of the probability that a win would occur after a bet on red or black. First year psychology students (N=18) participated for extra course credit and were randomly assigned to one of three experimental conditions (Group 1a started with $100 credit, experienced 70% probability of a win on red and 10% probability of a win on black with red and black results being drawn evenly; Group 2a experienced the same conditions as Group 1a except for a higher starting credit of $500; Group 1c started with $500 credit, experienced 100% probability of a win on red and a 0% probability of a win on black with red and black numbers being drawn equally). Results showed that the majority of participants did not match betting behaviour to reinforcement outcomes. In Experiment 2 the simulation was simplified. Group 2a experienced 70% probability of a win on red and 10% probability of a win on black with both red and black numbers being drawn equally; Group 2b experienced 100% probability of a win on red and 0% probability on black with 90% of numbers drawn by the computer being red and 10% black; Group 2c had 75% probability of winning on red and 25% probability of a win on black with 75% of results drawn being red and 25% being black. Results show that participants gambling behaviour was roughly proportional to the amount of reinforcement received on each colour, demonstrating reinforcer control over participant‟s behaviour, so called matching. These differing results are then discussed in relation to the possible implications for future research.

year: 2012

title: Electrospray-friendly ligands for the mass spectral analysis of transition-metal complexes

authors: Decker, Corry

abstract: The key aim of this project was to develop the concept of electrospray-friendly ligands as a new ionisation method for the analysis of neutral metal complexes by electrospray mass spectrometry (ESMS). This involved introducing active functional groups into traditional ligands which do not otherwise undergo chemical ionisation under ESMS conditions.

Electrospray-friendly ligands (as illustrated above for PPh₃ derivatives) were incorporated into a series of metal carbonyl complexes of Mo, Fe and Ru, metal halide complexes of Pd, Pt and Au, and a number of zero-valent complexes of Pt and Pd. All carbonyl complexes with ES-friendly phosphine, arsine and stibine ligands ionised by protonation, yielding strong [M + H]⁺ ions as the only signals in the spectrum. The metal halide complexes followed the known halide-loss mechanism. Pt(0) and Pd(0) complexes did not require functionalised ligands, as their PPh₃ derivatives already gave [M +H]⁺ ions. Mo and W carbonyl complexes of the two ‘naturally’ electrospray friendly ligands tpa (tpa = 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane) and tcep [tcep = tris(2-cyanoethyl)phosphine] could also be studied readily by ESMS. While all tpa complexes gave [M + H]⁺ ions, complexes of tcep preferred ionisation by NH₄⁺. The ionisation efficiencies of selected ligands and complexes are discussed.

Thiolate complexes of Ni, Pd, Pt, Au and Hg were prepared using the ligands SC₆H₄OMe-p (S*) and p-SC₅H₄N (S•), but only the S•-complexes reliably underwent the protonation-type mechanism. The Cd-thiolate complexes [Cd₄(SPh)₁₀]²⁻, [S₄Cd₁₀(SPh)₁₆]⁴⁻ and [S₄Cd₁₀(SPh)₂₈]²⁻ underwent rapid ligand exchange with S*, but yielded insoluble products with S•. The complexes [Pt₂(μ-S)₂(L)₂] (L = PPh₃, P*, P**, P***. P•. As***¹) were prepared, and by means of ESMS, aspects of ligand exchange as well as reactivity towards other metal centres were investigated.

Isonitrile derivatives of [Fe₃(CO)₁₂] and [Ru₃CO)₁₂] were prepared by ligand exchange with CNPh, CNC₆H₄OMe-p (CNPh*) and tosylmethylisocyanide. Substitution was observed for up to six CO ligands. Pyrolysis of [Fe₃(CO)₁₁(L)] and [Fe₃(CO)₁₀(L)₂] (L =CNPh, CNPh*) led to the products [Fe₃(CO)₉(μ₃ - η²-L)] and [Fe₃(CO)₈(μ₃-η²-L) (L)], respectively. All complexes could be studied by ESMS as their [M + H]⁺, [M + MeO]⁻ or  [M – H]⁻ ions, depending on the exact nature of the analyte. [Fe₃(CO)₁₀(CNPh)₂] was characterised structurally (below) and revealed an unprecedented substitution pattern, together with unexpected partial disorder in the metal framework.

Detection by ESMS of products of the type [Ru₄(CO) ₁₄₋ₙ(L)ₙ] (L = CNPh, CNPh*; n =2-4) in the reactions with ruthenium carbonyl led to the isolation and structural characterisation of [Ru₄(CO)₁₂(CNPh)₄], which is the only fully characterised isonitrile derivative of [Ru₃(CO)₁₂] with four metal atoms and exhibits an unusual imine-type bonding mode for the bridging isonitrile ligands.
________________________
¹As*** = As(C₆H₄OMe-p)₃

text: Electrospray-friendly ligands for the mass spectral analysis of transition-metal complexes The key aim of this project was to develop the concept of electrospray-friendly ligands as a new ionisation method for the analysis of neutral metal complexes by electrospray mass spectrometry (ESMS). This involved introducing active functional groups into traditional ligands which do not otherwise undergo chemical ionisation under ESMS conditions.

Electrospray-friendly ligands (as illustrated above for PPh₃ derivatives) were incorporated into a series of metal carbonyl complexes of Mo, Fe and Ru, metal halide complexes of Pd, Pt and Au, and a number of zero-valent complexes of Pt and Pd. All carbonyl complexes with ES-friendly phosphine, arsine and stibine ligands ionised by protonation, yielding strong [M + H]⁺ ions as the only signals in the spectrum. The metal halide complexes followed the known halide-loss mechanism. Pt(0) and Pd(0) complexes did not require functionalised ligands, as their PPh₃ derivatives already gave [M +H]⁺ ions. Mo and W carbonyl complexes of the two ‘naturally’ electrospray friendly ligands tpa (tpa = 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane) and tcep [tcep = tris(2-cyanoethyl)phosphine] could also be studied readily by ESMS. While all tpa complexes gave [M + H]⁺ ions, complexes of tcep preferred ionisation by NH₄⁺. The ionisation efficiencies of selected ligands and complexes are discussed.

Thiolate complexes of Ni, Pd, Pt, Au and Hg were prepared using the ligands SC₆H₄OMe-p (S*) and p-SC₅H₄N (S•), but only the S•-complexes reliably underwent the protonation-type mechanism. The Cd-thiolate complexes [Cd₄(SPh)₁₀]²⁻, [S₄Cd₁₀(SPh)₁₆]⁴⁻ and [S₄Cd₁₀(SPh)₂₈]²⁻ underwent rapid ligand exchange with S*, but yielded insoluble products with S•. The complexes [Pt₂(μ-S)₂(L)₂] (L = PPh₃, P*, P**, P***. P•. As***¹) were prepared, and by means of ESMS, aspects of ligand exchange as well as reactivity towards other metal centres were investigated.

Isonitrile derivatives of [Fe₃(CO)₁₂] and [Ru₃CO)₁₂] were prepared by ligand exchange with CNPh, CNC₆H₄OMe-p (CNPh*) and tosylmethylisocyanide. Substitution was observed for up to six CO ligands. Pyrolysis of [Fe₃(CO)₁₁(L)] and [Fe₃(CO)₁₀(L)₂] (L =CNPh, CNPh*) led to the products [Fe₃(CO)₉(μ₃ - η²-L)] and [Fe₃(CO)₈(μ₃-η²-L) (L)], respectively. All complexes could be studied by ESMS as their [M + H]⁺, [M + MeO]⁻ or  [M – H]⁻ ions, depending on the exact nature of the analyte. [Fe₃(CO)₁₀(CNPh)₂] was characterised structurally (below) and revealed an unprecedented substitution pattern, together with unexpected partial disorder in the metal framework.

Detection by ESMS of products of the type [Ru₄(CO) ₁₄₋ₙ(L)ₙ] (L = CNPh, CNPh*; n =2-4) in the reactions with ruthenium carbonyl led to the isolation and structural characterisation of [Ru₄(CO)₁₂(CNPh)₄], which is the only fully characterised isonitrile derivative of [Ru₃(CO)₁₂] with four metal atoms and exhibits an unusual imine-type bonding mode for the bridging isonitrile ligands.
________________________
¹As*** = As(C₆H₄OMe-p)₃

year: 2002

title: Exploring the experiences of young Māori mothers

authors: Shepherd, Cindy-Joe Theresa Aroha

subjects: Young Māori mothers

abstract: This thesis explores the lived experiences of three young Māori mothers (aged 16 
years old) in Aotearoa, New Zealand, focusing on their strengths, challenges, and resilience. 
By employing a Kaupapa Māori methodological framework, the research aims to reframe 
narratives about young Māori mothers towards a strengths-based perspective, advocating for 
protection and nurturing Māori whakapapa. Using qualitative methods, the study explores the 
pūrākau (stories) of three young Māori mothers attending a teen parent unit in Waikato. 
The study highlights how, by living within both individualistic and collective realms, 
these young mothers actively challenge stigma, assert their worth, and develop unique 
underlying strengths. The findings, structured around emergent themes from their collective 
experiences, reveal a dichotomy: these young mothers must navigate the individualistic 
pressures and high expectations of motherhood while also drawing strength from collective 
responsibilities upheld within their whānau and supportive community services. Despite 
facing significant societal stigma and systemic barriers, the mothers demonstrate immense 
strength. Their resilience is grounded in whānau connections, proactive self-care, and 
engagement with taiao, wairua, and tino rangatiratanga—processes that also support 
intergenerational healing. 
This research underscores the importance of culturally responsive support systems 
that honour Indigenous knowledge and collective well-being. It offers insights for reorienting 
policy and practice to empower young Māori mothers, recognising their tino rangatiratanga 
and transformative agency by embracing their multifaceted realities.

text: Exploring the experiences of young Māori mothers This thesis explores the lived experiences of three young Māori mothers (aged 16 
years old) in Aotearoa, New Zealand, focusing on their strengths, challenges, and resilience. 
By employing a Kaupapa Māori methodological framework, the research aims to reframe 
narratives about young Māori mothers towards a strengths-based perspective, advocating for 
protection and nurturing Māori whakapapa. Using qualitative methods, the study explores the 
pūrākau (stories) of three young Māori mothers attending a teen parent unit in Waikato. 
The study highlights how, by living within both individualistic and collective realms, 
these young mothers actively challenge stigma, assert their worth, and develop unique 
underlying strengths. The findings, structured around emergent themes from their collective 
experiences, reveal a dichotomy: these young mothers must navigate the individualistic 
pressures and high expectations of motherhood while also drawing strength from collective 
responsibilities upheld within their whānau and supportive community services. Despite 
facing significant societal stigma and systemic barriers, the mothers demonstrate immense 
strength. Their resilience is grounded in whānau connections, proactive self-care, and 
engagement with taiao, wairua, and tino rangatiratanga—processes that also support 
intergenerational healing. 
This research underscores the importance of culturally responsive support systems 
that honour Indigenous knowledge and collective well-being. It offers insights for reorienting 
policy and practice to empower young Māori mothers, recognising their tino rangatiratanga 
and transformative agency by embracing their multifaceted realities.

year: 2024-06-23