On a_2^(1) Reflection Matrices and Affine Toda Theories

We construct new non-diagonal solutions to the boundary Yang-Baxter-Equation corresponding to a two-dimensional field theory with U_q(a_2^(1)) quantum affine symmetry on a half-line. The requirements of boundary unitarity and boundary crossing symmetry are then used to find overall scalar factors which lead to consistent reflection matrices. Using the boundary bootstrap equations we also compute the reflection factors for scalar bound states (breathers). These breathers are expected to be identified with the fundamental quantum particles in a_2^(1) affine Toda field theory and we therefore obtain a conjecture for the affine Toda reflection factors. We compare these factors with known classical results and discuss their duality properties and their connections with particular boundary conditions.Comment: 34 pages, 4 figures, Latex2e, mistake in App. A corrected, some references adde

Quantum affine Toda solitons

We review some of the progress in affine Toda field theories in recent years, explain why known dualities cannot easily be extended, and make some suggestions for what should be sought instead.Comment: 16pp, LaTeX. Minor revision

Sometimes needs change minds: Interests and values as determinants of attitudes towards state support for the self-employed during the COVID-19 crisis.

This contribution investigates public attitudes toward providing financial help to the self-employed, a less well-researched area in the otherwise vibrant literature on welfare state attitudes. We analyse to what extent the self-employed themselves soften their general anti-statist stance in times of need, and how the public thinks about supporting those who usually tend to oppose government interventions. To answer these questions, we study public attitudes towards providing financial aid to the self-employed during the lockdowns adopted in response to the COVID pandemic in Switzerland, using survey data collected in the spring and in the autumn of 2020. The results show that most respondents favour the provision of financial support. In addition, the self-employed are the staunchest supporters of the more generous forms of help, like non-refundable payments. We conclude that, when exposed to significant economic risk, need and interests override ideological preferences for less state intervention

The impacts of a nature-based mentorship program on students’ self-regulation: Harnessing the anticipation effect

Self-regulation is essential to youths’ long-term mental well-being and healthy functioning and positive anticipation of future events may support healthy emotional regulation. Green Chimneys, a school in New York that serves students with special education needs and psychosocial challenges, offers its students weekly one-on-one nature-based mentoring sessions with school staff. We used a modified version of the State Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (S-DERS) to explore how these sessions impacted students’ emotional regulation both before and after their sessions. Results indicated that students’ behavior may improve in the 1-4 hours prior to participation. Further research is needed to test these findings

The Elliptic Algebra U_{q,p}(sl_N^) and the Deformation of W_N Algebra

After reviewing the recent results on the Drinfeld realization of the face type elliptic quantum group B_{q,lambda}(sl_N^) by the elliptic algebra U_{q,p}(sl_N^), we investigate a fusion of the vertex operators of U_{q,p}(sl_N^). The basic generating functions \Lambda_j(z) (j=1,2,.. N-1) of the deformed W_N algebra are derived explicitly.Comment: 15 pages, to appear in Journal of physics A special issue - RAQIS0

Non-diagonal solutions of the reflection equation for the trigonometric An−1(1)A^{(1)}_{n-1} vertex model

We obtain a class of non-diagonal solutions of the reflection equation for the trigonometric $A^{(1)}_{n-1}$ vertex model. The solutions can be expressed in terms of intertwinner matrix and its inverse, which intertwine two trigonometric R-matrices. In addition to a {\it discrete} (positive integer) parameter $l$, $1\leq l\leq n$, the solution contains $n+2$ {\it continuous} boundary parameters.Comment: Latex file, 14 pages; V2, minor typos corrected and a reference adde

Exact S-Matrices for Bound States of a2(1)a_2^{(1)} Affine Toda Solitons

Using Hollowood's conjecture for the S-matrix for elementary solitons in complex $a_n^{(1)}$ affine Toda field theories we examine the interactions of bound states of solitons in $a_2^{(1)}$ theory. The elementary solitons can form two different kinds of bound states: scalar bound states (the so-called breathers), and excited solitons, which are bound states with non-zero topological charge. We give explicit expressions of all S-matrix elements involving the scattering of breathers and excited solitons and examine their pole structure in detail. It is shown how the poles can be explained in terms of on-shell diagrams, several of which involve a generalized Coleman-Thun mechanism.Comment: Comments to figure 1 changed, some misprints corrected, 31 pages, LATEX. (Version accepted for publication in NUCLEAR PHYSICS B

Prison-Based Dog Training Programs: Standard Protocol

Across the United States, the number of prison-based dog training programs (PDPs) has increased substantially over the past several years. Currently, there are approximately 255 PDPs across 47 states that operate in a variety of correctional settings; however, there is little information available on how to successfully develop and implement a PDP. As a result, the research team from the Institute for Human-Animal Connection (IHAC) has developed a standard protocol to help guide PDP development and implementation. This report identifies common practices of PDPs and incorporates both general and context-specific recommendations that were gathered from interviews with PDP staff, relevant literature, and content experts. In total, 21 interviews with 20 programs were conducted. PDPs were asked about several program features, including policies and procedures, key personnel, funding, materials, physical spaces, supervision and monitoring, safety considerations, animal welfare, handler selection and training, and program benefits. This report highlights the benefits of PDPs to dogs, humans, prisons, local communities, and society as a whole and identifies challenges related to funding, staffing, and operating in a correctional setting. Findings from the protocol point to the importance of planning, staffing, communication, internal support, and training curriculum in successful program implementation