‘Where chaos was, there shall be a matrix’ (de Maré). The large analytic group between chaos and creativity—reflections on the concept, its history and further evolution

The author presents a survey of the development of large group theory. Older publications (e.g. Kreeger, Turqet, also drawing on Freud, M. Klein, Bion) describe the chaotic-aggressive, near-psychosis character of the large group, a certain contrast between the seemingly ‘benign’ small group and the ‘destructive’ large group and a predominantly dyadic relationship between the conductor and the large group. More recent publications (Wilke, Island, formerly also de Maré) underline the creative-constructive potential of the large group and the intersubjective interweaving of the conductor and the large group. Experiences with a conductor-pair in the daily large group of the Altaussee workshop instead of one conductor are discussed. The author pleads for the application of modern intersubjective theorizing to the large group. The analytic attitude and intervention technique would be changed: the traditional position of strict neutrality, anonymity and abstinence as well as the emphasis on whole-group interpretations would be substituted by a more open stance that does not hide the subjectivity of the conductor(s) but rather reveals and uses the conductor’s subjectivity to promote the analytic process.

Simplified Attitude Determination Algorithm Using Accelerometer and Magnetometer with Extremely Low Execution Time

Accelerometer-magnetometer attitude determination is a common and vital medium processing technique in industrial robotics and consumer electronics. In this paper, we report a novel analytic attitude solution to the accelerometer-magnetometer combination in the sense of Wahba’s problem. The Davenport matrix is analytically given and its eigenvalues are computed. Through derivations, the eigenvalues are simplified to very short expressions. Then, the corresponding eigenvectors are given accordingly via matrix row operations. The system is highly optimized based on the factorization and simplification of the obtained row-echelon form, which makes it computationally fast in practice. In this way, it is named as the fast accelerometer-magnetometer combination (FAMC). Experiments on the correctness and advantages of the proposed solution are conducted. The results show that compared with conventional solutions, the proposed analytic solution is not only correct and accurate, but to our knowledge, the most time efficient as well.

How to be a ‘good enough’ group analyst

A group analyst has an enormous influence over the group dynamics (the ‘matrix’) and this derives from his or her ‘identity or group analytic attitude’ which has been developed through training, practice and group analytic supervision. Each group analyst must develop personal attributes and also affective/cognitive capabilities required to become a ‘good enough group analyst’. Throughout group therapy sessions, specific dimensions appear related to each group analyst. These are of particular importance for a good evolution of group processes, pertaining to his ‘presence’ face-to-face with the group and to his personal ‘style’.