title: A projection-based solution to the SP(2N) state labeling problem

authors: Gould, M.D.

subjects: Mathematics

abstract: A projection-based solution to the symplectic group state labeling problem is presented. The approach yields a nonorthogonal Gel'fand–Tsetlin basis for the irreducible representations of Sp(2n). A method for evaluating the corresponding overlap coefficients is discussed. The action of the Sp(2n) generators, in the basis obtained, is determined and some matrix element formulas are derived. The results obtained are comparable to the matrix element formulas for O(n) and U(n).

text: A projection-based solution to the SP(2N) state labeling problem A projection-based solution to the symplectic group state labeling problem is presented. The approach yields a nonorthogonal Gel'fand–Tsetlin basis for the irreducible representations of Sp(2n). A method for evaluating the corresponding overlap coefficients is discussed. The action of the Sp(2n) generators, in the basis obtained, is determined and some matrix element formulas are derived. The results obtained are comparable to the matrix element formulas for O(n) and U(n).

year: 1985-07

title: Examining Cigarette and Craving Rates Using ACT-Based (2Morrow Quit™) and Mindfulness-Based (Craving to Quit®) Mobile Health Applications

authors: Tan, Rachel

abstract: There has been a growing number of mobile health (mHealth) smartphone applications (apps) that target smoking cessation. There is concern that many smartphone apps for smoking cessation lack evidence-based practices, which harms the apps’ efficacy and effectiveness. Two evidence-based mHealth apps that target smoking cessation are Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)-based 2Morrow Quit™ (2Q) and mindfulness-based Craving to Quit® (CTQ). 2Q is based on the ACT framework that teaches strategies to increase acceptance and reduce experiential avoidance, while making values-guided committed behaviour changes. CTQ is based on mindfulness training (MT) that teaches techniques to decouple the link between craving and smoking, established by associative and reinforcing processes. This study’s purpose was to examine the effectiveness of 2Q and CTQ using a single-subject A1-B-A2-A3 design with a broad recruitment strategy that included anyone worldwide. There were two main areas explored: (1) to examine if ACT-based 2Q would reduce cigarette intake and cravings to smoke when compared to CTQ; and (2) to examine if having greater acceptance and commitment during post-intervention would predict better smoking outcomes (i.e., reduced cigarette consumption, reduced cravings, or quit smoking) when compared to CTQ. There was evidence of a small reduction in cigarette consumption for both intervention groups but was not statistically significant. There was limited evidence that both interventions were effective in reducing cravings to smoke because of observed differences, and no statistical significance found. There was limited evidence that higher acceptance and commitment levels predicted better smoking outcomes. It is speculated that 2Q is more engaging than CTQ; however, in terms of effectiveness, it is necessary to replicate this study with a larger sample size to produce adequate statistical power.

text: Examining Cigarette and Craving Rates Using ACT-Based (2Morrow Quit™) and Mindfulness-Based (Craving to Quit®) Mobile Health Applications There has been a growing number of mobile health (mHealth) smartphone applications (apps) that target smoking cessation. There is concern that many smartphone apps for smoking cessation lack evidence-based practices, which harms the apps’ efficacy and effectiveness. Two evidence-based mHealth apps that target smoking cessation are Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)-based 2Morrow Quit™ (2Q) and mindfulness-based Craving to Quit® (CTQ). 2Q is based on the ACT framework that teaches strategies to increase acceptance and reduce experiential avoidance, while making values-guided committed behaviour changes. CTQ is based on mindfulness training (MT) that teaches techniques to decouple the link between craving and smoking, established by associative and reinforcing processes. This study’s purpose was to examine the effectiveness of 2Q and CTQ using a single-subject A1-B-A2-A3 design with a broad recruitment strategy that included anyone worldwide. There were two main areas explored: (1) to examine if ACT-based 2Q would reduce cigarette intake and cravings to smoke when compared to CTQ; and (2) to examine if having greater acceptance and commitment during post-intervention would predict better smoking outcomes (i.e., reduced cigarette consumption, reduced cravings, or quit smoking) when compared to CTQ. There was evidence of a small reduction in cigarette consumption for both intervention groups but was not statistically significant. There was limited evidence that both interventions were effective in reducing cravings to smoke because of observed differences, and no statistical significance found. There was limited evidence that higher acceptance and commitment levels predicted better smoking outcomes. It is speculated that 2Q is more engaging than CTQ; however, in terms of effectiveness, it is necessary to replicate this study with a larger sample size to produce adequate statistical power.

year: 2019

title: Environmentalism for the environment's sake: Towards an understanding of the influence of the Māori worldview on Western environmental management perspectives in Aotearoa New Zealand through a lens of nature connectivity

authors: Jones, Haley

subjects: Nature connectedness

abstract: Individual perceptions of the natural world may be influenced by place, culture, and value systems. In exploring these perceptions through measures of environmental connectedness, this study considers the uniqueness of the socio-cultural systems of Aotearoa New Zealand in shaping individual environmental engagement. This research examines the implications of the inclusion of Māori values in environmental management policies dominated by Western environmental conceptualisations. Through semi-structured interviews of five participants who work in environmental fields in the Hamilton, Waikato Region of Aotearoa New Zealand, this research explores conceptualisations of identity and environmental discourses, interpretations of the Māori concept of kaitiakitanga and the Western concept of stewardship, career connectedness, and place attachment to Aotearoa New Zealand. Additionally, results from an online survey questionnaire of twelve respondents compare measures of connectedness to nature of respondents from California, United States of America, with those from the Waikato Region, Aotearoa New Zealand. Key findings highlight how anthropogenic worldviews can be unconscious, how understandings of cultural values may be a key factor of a strengthened environmental commitment, how expressions of Indigeneity are of value in the sciences, and how there is importance in the link between conservation values and the Māori worldview. This study exposes the importance of the implementation of improved training about, and inclusion of, Indigenous knowledge within environmental organisations in order to develop conscious awareness of how Indigenous information is being translated, applied, and respected.

text: Environmentalism for the environment's sake: Towards an understanding of the influence of the Māori worldview on Western environmental management perspectives in Aotearoa New Zealand through a lens of nature connectivity Individual perceptions of the natural world may be influenced by place, culture, and value systems. In exploring these perceptions through measures of environmental connectedness, this study considers the uniqueness of the socio-cultural systems of Aotearoa New Zealand in shaping individual environmental engagement. This research examines the implications of the inclusion of Māori values in environmental management policies dominated by Western environmental conceptualisations. Through semi-structured interviews of five participants who work in environmental fields in the Hamilton, Waikato Region of Aotearoa New Zealand, this research explores conceptualisations of identity and environmental discourses, interpretations of the Māori concept of kaitiakitanga and the Western concept of stewardship, career connectedness, and place attachment to Aotearoa New Zealand. Additionally, results from an online survey questionnaire of twelve respondents compare measures of connectedness to nature of respondents from California, United States of America, with those from the Waikato Region, Aotearoa New Zealand. Key findings highlight how anthropogenic worldviews can be unconscious, how understandings of cultural values may be a key factor of a strengthened environmental commitment, how expressions of Indigeneity are of value in the sciences, and how there is importance in the link between conservation values and the Māori worldview. This study exposes the importance of the implementation of improved training about, and inclusion of, Indigenous knowledge within environmental organisations in order to develop conscious awareness of how Indigenous information is being translated, applied, and respected.

year: 2022