Magnetic shielding and exotic spin-dependent interactions

Experiments searching for exotic spin-dependent interactions typically employ magnetic shielding between the source of the exotic field and the interrogated spins. We explore the question of what effect magnetic shielding has on detectable signals induced by exotic fields. Our general conclusion is that for common experimental geometries and conditions, magnetic shields should not significantly reduce sensitivity to exotic spin-dependent interactions, especially when the technique of comagnetometry is used. However, exotic fields that couple to electron spin can induce magnetic fields in the interior of shields made of a soft ferro- or ferrimagnetic material. This induced magnetic field must be taken into account in the interpretation of experiments searching for new spin-dependent interactions and raises the possibility of using a flux concentrator inside magnetic shields to amplify exotic spin-dependent signals.Comment: 8 pages, 5 figure

Negative Acculturation Conditions, Wellbeing, and the Mediating Role of Separation in the Workplace

This article reports on the results of research which assessed adverse acculturation conditions in the workplace. Acculturation conditions such as racism, discrimination, segregation and separation were evaluated as predictors to ascertain how they affect acculturation outcomes such as intentions to quit and ill-health, both physical and psychological, of workers in the workplace. A convenience sample (N = 327) was taken from various sectors, for example retail, banking, mining, police service, and the municipality. The study aimed to test the mediating role of separation in the relation between adverse acculturation conditions and wellbeing as measured by ill-health and intentions to quit. The results indicated that racism, discrimination, segregation and separation, ill-health and intentions to quit were positively related. The hypothesized model was confirmed in a structural equation modelling analysis. This meant that more mainstream segregation demands, discrimination, and subtle racism, coupled with a dominant ethnic separation acculturation strategy and co-ethnics demanding that their members keep to themselves at work (with limited or no intercultural contact), were associated with the experiences of higher physical and psychological ill-health, and frequent thoughts of intentions to quit. In addition, mainstream segregation demands, compared to subtle racism and discrimination, were much more strongly associated with ethnic preference to separate. Blacks reported higher segregation demands and discrimination experiences at work (conditions), an individual separation acculturation strategy and physical ill-health at work (outcomes) compared to Whites, although the effects were relatively small. Recommendations for future research are provided

A green strategy for shark attack mitigation off Recife, Brazil

Shark attacks on humans have prompted the implementation of shark control programs aiming at reducing local populations of potentially aggressive species using mostly gillnets. However, shark meshing produces ecological disturbances by inflicting severe mortality not only to sharks but also to several harmless, frequently endangered taxa, including cetaceans, sirenians and chelonids. A different methodological approach to mitigate shark peril off Recife combines bottom longlining and drumlines with comparably better results. This region has been experiencing an abnormally high shark attack rate since 1992, but the protective fishing strategy was developed in 2004 only. Unlike traditional shark control programs, the Shark Monitoring Program of Recife (SMPR) aims at removing dangerous sharks not from their populations but from the hazardous area instead, which is achieved by capturing, transporting and releasing sharks offshore. During 8 years, the SMPR caught fish and turtles only and showed high selectivity for sharks compared with shark meshing. Target species comprised carcharhinids and sphyrnids and accounted for 7% of total catch. The fishing mortality of abundant taxa was generally low except for Carcharhinus acronotus and Gymnothorax spp., and protected species had similar to 100% survival. The shark attack rate diminished about 97% while fishing operations were being conducted (W = 1108.5, P < 0.001), whereas no-fishing periods and the period prior to the implementation of the SMPR had similar shark attack rates. Overall, the SMPR seems to be less detrimental than shark meshing strategies while clearly contributing for enhancing bather safety; thus, it may provide an effective, ecologically balanced tool for assisting in shark attack mitigation.State Government of Pernambuco; Fundacao para a Ciencia e Tecnologia, Portugal [SFRH/BD/37065/2007]info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

The Economic Impact of Golf In South Carolina

In 1786, America’s first golf course was built in Charleston, South Carolina. Today, there are over 350 golf courses around the state in settings that vary from ocean views and marshes on the coast to mountain vistas in the upstate. Golf Digest ranks South Carolina among the nation’s top golf destinations. Golf generates more income than any other single entertainment or recreation activity in South Carolina. In 2015, golf courses and the off-course expenditures of visiting golfers had a total economic impact (direct, indirect and induced) in South Carolina of: $2.705 billion in output or sales, 33,188 jobs,$881 million in personal income, and $270 million in federal, state and local taxes

Plant responses to photoperiod

Photoperiod controls many developmental responses in animals, plants and even fungi. The response to photoperiod has evolved because daylength is a reliable indicator of the time of year, enabling developmental events to be scheduled to coincide with particular environmental conditions. Much progress has been made towards understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in the response to photoperiod in plants. These mechanisms include the detection of the light signal in the leaves, the entrainment of circadian rhythms, and the production of a mobile signal which is transmitted throughout the plant. Flowering, tuberization and bud set are just a few of the many different responses in plants that are under photoperiodic control. Comparison of what is known of the molecular mechanisms controlling these responses shows that, whilst common components exist, significant differences in the regulatory mechanisms have evolved between these responses