Holographic Technidilaton and LHC searches

We analyze in detail the phenomenology of a model of dynamical electroweak symmetry breaking inspired by walking technicolor, by using the techniques of the bottom-up approach to holography. The model admits a light composite scalar state, the dilaton, in the spectrum. We focus on regions of parameter space for which the mass of such dilaton is 125 GeV, and for which the bounds on the precision electroweak parameter S are satisfied. This requires that the next-to-lightest composite state is the techni-rho meson, with a mass larger than 2.3 TeV. We compute the couplings controlling the decay rates of the dilaton to two photons and to two (real or virtual) Z and W bosons. For generic choices of the parameters, we find a suppression of the decay into heavy gauge bosons, in respect to the analog decay of the standard-model Higgs. We find a dramatic effect on the decay into photons, which can be both strongly suppressed or strongly enhanced, the latter case corresponding to the large-N regime of the dual theory. There is a correlation between this decay rate of the dilaton into photons and the mass splitting between the techni-rho meson and its axial-vector partner: if the decay is enhanced in respect to the standard-model case, then the heavy spin-1 resonances are nearly degenerate in mass, otherwise their separation in mass is comparable to the mass scale itself.Comment: Very minor typos corrected. References adde

Calmer, Kinder, Wiser: A Novel Threefold Categorization for Mindfulness-Based Interventions

Mindfulness is said to be a connecting thread between an ancient philosophy on the one hand and a contemporary psychological practice on the other. However, some contemporary mindfulness practices have arguably become so disconnected from their roots in Buddhist ethics and wisdom principles that the fundamental essence of the practice is no longer recognisable. It appears that when mindfulness is disconnected from its Buddhist ethical and wisdom-based foundations, being applied as a purely concentrative practice, it can yield adverse effects (such as decreased prosocial behaviour, increased self-centredness, and reduced psychological well-being) for individuals with low-trait empathy or narcissistic traits. Consequently, we propose a novel threefold categorization that aims to build bridges between contemporary Western and traditional Buddhist approaches to mindfulness. This categorization, rooted in the traditional “three trainings” or “triśikṣā” Buddhist principle, distinguishes between the mindfulness practices incorporated within mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs), according to whether they primarily employ concentration-, ethics-, or wisdom-based contemplative techniques. We explicate how this more nuanced categorization provides a greater understanding of how varied mindfulness practices could influence outcomes associated with an individual’s prosocial behaviour, social and emotional well-being, and mental health. Additionally, we highlight the potential of greater research into MBIs that are structured around the Mindfulness of Breathing or the Ānāpānasati Sutta progression of concentration-based to ethics-based and finally to wisdom-based practices, particularly in terms of their utility to facilitate self-transcendent experiences

Wisdom-Based Buddhist-Derived Meditation Practices for Prosocial Behaviour: A Systematic Review

Objectives The objective of this evaluative systematic review was to analyse the impact of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) that incorporate Buddhist wisdom practices on prosocial behaviour, and provide insights into their underlying mechanism, potential benefits, and applications. Method A systematic literature search was conducted using three electronic databases up until 1 December 2023. Data on the participants in the MBIs, the structure, and how Buddhist teachings were integrated were collected. The impact on prosocial behaviour was analysed, along with evaluating overall study quality and the validity of the measures used for assessing changes in prosocial behaviour. Results Collectively, the 12 eligible studies (n = 2185) suggest that incorporating the Buddhist wisdom practices of contemplating interdependence, emptiness, and perspective-taking on self and others may enhance prosocial behaviour through various mechanisms, such as (i) developing a sense of interdependence and common humanity, (ii) fostering the altruistic desire to help others, and (iii) experiencing a state of oneness. However, concerns were raised about the overuse and reliability of self-report measures for accurately assessing prosocial behaviour, as well as in respect of discerning the effectiveness of different meditation practices that are integrated into MBIs. Conclusions Overall, the findings of this systematic literature review reinforce the perspective that wisdom-based meditation practices contribute to prosocial behaviour. However, to enhance the understanding of the underlying causes of prosocial behaviour, future studies should isolate the effects of different meditation practices incorporated within MBIs. Furthermore, it is strongly recommended that future studies assessing the impact of MBIs on prosocial behaviour employ a range of diverse measures, such as self-reported psychometric scales in combination with real-world morally relevant scenarios

Bringing the Inside Out and the Outside in: The Therapeutic Relationship in Compassion Focused Therapy Chairwork

Chairwork is a central component in Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT). Despite its importance, there has been no prior research on the relational factors underpinning the application of chairwork in CFT. There is also a general paucity of research on the role of the therapeutic relationship in chairwork across modalities. This paper analyses data from interviews with 21 clients following a CFT chairwork intervention to ascertain how relational factors influenced their experience of this method. An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) found three main themes: 1) direction and coaching during enactment; 2) externalisation: bringing the inside out and outside in; 3) regulation and trust: the relational requirements to ‘let go’. The implications of these findings, both for the delivery and training of chairwork, are then discussed in the context of CFT

Solving the Coulomb scattering problem using the complex scaling method

Based on the work of Nuttall and Cohen [Phys. Rev. {\bf 188} (1969) 1542] and Resigno et al{} [Phys. Rev. A {\bf 55} (1997) 4253] we present a rigorous formalism for solving the scattering problem for long-range interactions without using exact asymptotic boundary conditions. The long-range interaction may contain both Coulomb and short-range potentials. The exterior complex scaling method, applied to a specially constructed inhomogeneous Schr\"odinger equation, transforms the scattering problem into a boundary problem with zero boundary conditions. The local and integral representations for the scattering amplitudes have been derived. The formalism is illustrated with numerical examples.Comment: 3 pages, 3 figure

Effects of area and family deprivation on risk factors for teenage pregnancy among 13 – 15-year-old girls

Information is needed about how the effects of socio-economic deprivation on teenage pregnancy are mediated by proximal risk factors, in order to target area-wide and family interventions more effectively. Using a 262 factorial design, we tested the separate and interacting effects of area deprivation and family deprivation on six specific proximal risk factors for teenage pregnancy: early sexual activity, life expectations, knowledge and beliefs about contraceptives, attitude to abortion, beliefs about love, and use of local sexual health services. Data were collected from 201 13 – 15- year-old girls in deprived and non-deprived families living in deprived and more affluent areas of the United Kingdom. Area deprivation significantly increased early sexual activity, and both area and family deprivation significantly reduced life expectations. Significant interactions between area and family deprivation showed that the impact of living in a deprived area depends to some extent on family circumstances, with implications for targeting different types of intervention. Living in a deprived area increased early sexual activity much more markedly among girls in deprived families, so interventions to reduce early sexual activity could target individually deprived girls living in deprived areas. Living in a more affluent area increased life expectations, but only among girls in non-deprived families, so both area-wide and individually targeted interventions would be needed to raise life expectations among girls most at risk of teenage pregnancy

Phase Structure of Beta-deformed N=4 SYM on S^3 with Chemical Potentials

We study the beta-deformation of N=4 SYM on S^3 with chemical potentials for the U(1)_R as well as the two global U(1) symmetries. The one-loop effective potential at weak coupling is computed for both the Coulomb and Higgs branches. At near critical chemical potential and small finite temperature, we find a metastable state at the origin of moduli space. On the Higgs branch, this has the interpretation in terms of deconstruction as an extra-dimensional torus which becomes metastable for infinite size and decays to zero size through quantum tunnelling and thermal activation. At strong coupling, the theory is described by its gravitational dual. The relevant background is found by performing a TsT-transformation on the solution describing an AdS_5 black hole spinning in S^5. A probe-brane calculation, using giant gravitons as probes, reveals qualitative agreement with the weak coupling results.Comment: 42 pages, 1 figur

Development and validation of the student attitudes and beliefs about authorship scale: a psychometrically robust measure of authorial identity

One approach to plagiarism prevention focuses on improving students’ authorial identity, but work in this area depends on robust measures. This paper presents the development of a psychometrically robust measure of authorial identity - the Student Attitudes and Beliefs about Authorship Scale. In the item generation phase, a pool of items was developed and assessed for content validity by subject matter experts. In the exploratory phase, data from 439 higher education students were used to identify a latent variable model with three factors: ‘authorial confidence’, ‘valuing writing’ and ‘identification with author’. In the confirmatory phase, data from 306 higher education students were used to test the three-factor model's reliability and validity. The three-factor structure was confirmed, and the results showed the SABAS has a stronger psychometric basis than previously available measures. This measure of authorial identity can be used with confidence in research and pedagogy to help students improve their authorial identity

Living Well on Haemodialysis: feasibility and acceptability trial of an online Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) programme for people receiving kidney haemodialysis

Background People receiving kidney haemodialysis need psychological support. Objectives To assess feasibility and acceptability of a 4-week online video-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) programme for people receiving kidney haemodialysis. Design Single group before-and-after study. Participants People with end-stage kidney disease currently receiving dialysis, who had received in-centre haemodialysis at least 90 days in the last two years. Measures Recruitment, retention and engagement (feasibility); weekly and post-programme feedback (acceptability); pre-intervention and 4-week follow-up (potential outcome measures): kidney disease quality of life (KDQOL-SF), psychological flexibility (Acceptance and Action Scale) and acceptance of illness (Acceptance of Illness Scale). Results The study recruited 13 participants of whom 85% completed at least half the programme and 69% completed the whole programme. Health and medical treatment issues were the main known reasons for non-participation and drop-out. Of the 16 separate elements of the programme (four ‘story’ videos and 12 videos explaining ACT techniques), 13 were positively evaluated by at least 75% of participants. Of 11 aspects of the programme, 8 were positively evaluated by at least 75% of participants, and 89% found the programme easy to use, understood how it worked, found it easy to access, trusted the information, had no technical difficulties, and understood the activities. However, only 66.7% agreed the programme was interesting and only 62.5% agreed they enjoyed the programme. All responding participants indicated they would recommend the programme to people starting dialysis. The direction of change was positive for 17/21 potential outcome measures, with significant (p < 0.05) improvements in psychological flexibility and energy/fatigue. Conclusions An online video-based ACT intervention was feasible and acceptable for people receiving kidney haemodialysis and the results provide pilot data for a planned larger trial