title: The subset sum problem and arithmetic coding

authors: Irvine, Sean A.

subjects: computer science

abstract: The security offered by symmetric cryptosystems based on the arithmetic coding algorithm is examined. It is shown that this can be reduced naturally to the subset sum problem. The subset sum problem is NP-complete, however, the cases which arise in practical cryptosystems based on this problem tend to be solvable in polynomial time because the sums formed are either superincreasing or of low density. Our attack is therefore similar to attacks on public-key cryptosystems based on the subset sum problem (knapsack systems).

text: The subset sum problem and arithmetic coding The security offered by symmetric cryptosystems based on the arithmetic coding algorithm is examined. It is shown that this can be reduced naturally to the subset sum problem. The subset sum problem is NP-complete, however, the cases which arise in practical cryptosystems based on this problem tend to be solvable in polynomial time because the sums formed are either superincreasing or of low density. Our attack is therefore similar to attacks on public-key cryptosystems based on the subset sum problem (knapsack systems).

year: 1995-03

title: Sources of stress and students' perceptions of their wellbeing during work placement

authors: Zegwaard, Karsten E.

subjects: Finances

abstract: Wellbeing in society has been subject to increasing discussion, with particular attention to students engaged in higher education. Students in higher education experience stress related to studies and finances in addition to experiencing two major life changes – shifting from school learning to more self-directed learning and becoming more independent and self-reliant. Work placements add further challenges for students, therefore, there is a need to gain new knowledge on the relationship between placements, wellbeing stressors, and support mechanisms to better understand placement challenges and mitigate impacts on students. A total of 146 students who recently completed work placements participated in an anonymous survey and results indicated that students almost unanimously encountered financial stress even if in paid work placements and made lifestyle choices in response to stress that may harm their wellbeing. Students also reported having to actively manage stress but held positive views about life comparable to the general population.

text: Sources of stress and students' perceptions of their wellbeing during work placement Wellbeing in society has been subject to increasing discussion, with particular attention to students engaged in higher education. Students in higher education experience stress related to studies and finances in addition to experiencing two major life changes – shifting from school learning to more self-directed learning and becoming more independent and self-reliant. Work placements add further challenges for students, therefore, there is a need to gain new knowledge on the relationship between placements, wellbeing stressors, and support mechanisms to better understand placement challenges and mitigate impacts on students. A total of 146 students who recently completed work placements participated in an anonymous survey and results indicated that students almost unanimously encountered financial stress even if in paid work placements and made lifestyle choices in response to stress that may harm their wellbeing. Students also reported having to actively manage stress but held positive views about life comparable to the general population.

year: 2025

title: Te mana o ngā toa: Māori experiences of Ngāti Tūmatauenga, the New Zealand Army

authors: Kohere, Cheyenne Atairehia Mere

subjects: Kaupapa Māori

abstract: Diverse realities impact Māori people and their capacity to flourish. It is well- established that Māori are significant contributors to the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), and especially the New Zealand Army. Noteworthy participation in major conflicts, especially WWI and WWII create a whakapapa of military tradition which contributed to institutional change within the Army in the 1990s. The inclusion of Māori cultural training in the New Zealand Army can contribute to morale and the effectiveness of the organisation (Hohaia, 2016). This master’s thesis aims to deepen understandings of the experiences of Māori personnel in the Army by exploring the role of the New Zealand Army in the health and wellbeing of Māori soldiers, as well as how the Army can be a career pathway for Māori and their whānau to flourish.
This research employs the use qualitative methods such as Kaupapa Māori theory, phenomenology, and pūrākau as a form of narrative analysis. Semi-structured interviews with five participants (three retired personnel and two currently serving) explores these factors that contribute to the flourishing of Māori soldiers in the New Zealand Army. Each pūrākau developed from interview data is an acknowledgment of the personal journeys of the five participants and contains philosophical thought, epistemological constructs, cultural codes, and worldviews (Lee, 2009).
The findings of the research highlight the complexities that arise when considering the health and wellbeing of Māori soldiers. A range of interconnected factors conceptualised within five themes contributes to participants’ ability to flourish. These five themes include hauora (health), whanaungatanga (relationships), manaakitanga (support), whanonga pono (values) and whakapāwera (hardships). These results suggest that flourishing for Māori personnel is complex, and there is not a simple route to enable Māori to flourish. There are many ‘trade-offs’ for Māori and their experiences. However, Māori service provides opportunities and obstacles for an individual, as well as their whānau, hapū and iwi.

text: Te mana o ngā toa: Māori experiences of Ngāti Tūmatauenga, the New Zealand Army Diverse realities impact Māori people and their capacity to flourish. It is well- established that Māori are significant contributors to the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), and especially the New Zealand Army. Noteworthy participation in major conflicts, especially WWI and WWII create a whakapapa of military tradition which contributed to institutional change within the Army in the 1990s. The inclusion of Māori cultural training in the New Zealand Army can contribute to morale and the effectiveness of the organisation (Hohaia, 2016). This master’s thesis aims to deepen understandings of the experiences of Māori personnel in the Army by exploring the role of the New Zealand Army in the health and wellbeing of Māori soldiers, as well as how the Army can be a career pathway for Māori and their whānau to flourish.
This research employs the use qualitative methods such as Kaupapa Māori theory, phenomenology, and pūrākau as a form of narrative analysis. Semi-structured interviews with five participants (three retired personnel and two currently serving) explores these factors that contribute to the flourishing of Māori soldiers in the New Zealand Army. Each pūrākau developed from interview data is an acknowledgment of the personal journeys of the five participants and contains philosophical thought, epistemological constructs, cultural codes, and worldviews (Lee, 2009).
The findings of the research highlight the complexities that arise when considering the health and wellbeing of Māori soldiers. A range of interconnected factors conceptualised within five themes contributes to participants’ ability to flourish. These five themes include hauora (health), whanaungatanga (relationships), manaakitanga (support), whanonga pono (values) and whakapāwera (hardships). These results suggest that flourishing for Māori personnel is complex, and there is not a simple route to enable Māori to flourish. There are many ‘trade-offs’ for Māori and their experiences. However, Māori service provides opportunities and obstacles for an individual, as well as their whānau, hapū and iwi.

year: 2022