Single-color two-photon spectroscopy of Rydberg states in electric fields

Rydberg states of atomic helium with principal quantum numbers ranging from n=20 to n=100 have been prepared by non-resonance-enhanced single-color two-photon excitation from the metastable 2 {^3}S{_1} state. Photoexcitation was carried out using linearly and circularly polarized pulsed laser radiation. In the case of excitation with circularly polarized radiation, Rydberg states with azimuthal quantum number |m_{\ell}|=2 were prepared in zero electric field, and in homogeneous electric fields oriented parallel to the propagation axis of the laser radiation. In sufficiently strong electric fields, individual Rydberg-Stark states were resolved spectroscopically, highlighting the suitability of non-resonance-enhanced multiphoton excitation schemes for the preparation of long-lived high-|m_{\ell}| hydrogenic Rydberg states for deceleration and trapping experiments. Applications of similar schemes for Doppler-free excitation of positronium atoms to Rydberg states are also discussed

Home Appreciation Participation Notes: A Solution to Housing Affordability and the Current Mortgage Crisis

This paper introduces Home Appreciation Participation Notes (HAPNs), an innovative new housing finance tool. Housing is a commodity providing two distinct utilities: shelter and investment. Traditionally, buyers have had to purchase both elements in tandom. HAPNs allow buyers to purchase these elements individually. Thus, buyers can focus on purchasing housing units that best fit their shelter needs, investing in housing appreciation to whatever extent is appropriate for the needs of their investment portfolio. HAPNs are different from previous financing tools in three key ways: there is no payment burden until ownership of the home is transferred, the risk of housing price declines is shifted to investors, and the final payoff is indexed to the appreciation rates of local housing prices. With these three features, HAPNs considerably improve the affordability of homeownership while reducing the risk of default and avoiding the moral hazard associated with shared appreciation instruments.

Investigating garment drape behaviour

Drapeability is one of the most important visual properties affecting garment appearance. Even though there are many studies concerned with fabric drape, understanding about the drape behaviour of garments is very limited. This study analyzes the key properties affecting the drape behaviour of garments to provide prediction equations. Results are statistically analyzed. From multiple regression analysis, drape rank scores obtained from subjective analyses are predicted using weight, bending modulus and extensibility measured at 100 gf/cm with a correlation coefficient of 0.94. Ranking values obtained from subjective analyses can be more easily predicted using both circularity and wave length minimum. A new equation was derived to predict drape rank score values of garments (correlation coefficient r = 0.97) depending on circularity and wavelength minimum

Materialistic values, health and wellbeing: The role of self-compassion

The relationship between consumerism and wellbeing suggests that it all depend on our needs and motivation. A potential mediating factor is how compassionate we are towards ourselves. The main aims of the study were to investigate: 1) to investigate the relationship between materialism, experiential avoidance and experiential buying and health behaviour and wellbeing, and 2) to test if self-compassion mediates that relationship.A quantitative survey using questionnaire data collection assessed 702 participants, 34.3% males (n=241) and 65.7% females (n=461) on measures of materialism, experiential avoidance, experiential buying, self-compassion, health behaviour, and wellbeing.Findings show that materialism and experiential avoidance and buying are directly related to health behaviour and wellbeing and their effect is mediated by self-compassion. The findings suggest that attitudes and values towards materialism and consumerism should be considered as public health issues and provide a mechanism for intervening in the development of health behaviour and mental wellbeing

Quark-Novae Ia in the Hubble diagram: Implications For Dark Energy

The accelerated expansion of the Universe was proposed through the use of Type-Ia SNe as standard candles. The standardization depends on an empirical correlation between the stretch/color and peak luminosity of the light curves. The use of Type Ia SN as standard candles rests on the assumption that their properties (and this correlation) do not vary with red-shift. We consider the possibility that the majority of Type-Ia SNe are in fact caused by a Quark-Nova detonation in a tight neutron-star-CO-white-dwarf binary system; a Quark-Nova Ia. The spin-down energy injected by the Quark Nova remnant (the quark star) contributes to the post-peak light curve and neatly explains the observed correlation between peak luminosity and light curve shape. We demonstrate that the parameters describing Quark-Novae Ia are NOT constant in red-shift. Simulated Quark-Nova Ia light curves provide a test of the stretch/color correlation by comparing the true distance modulus with that determined using SN light curve fitters. We determine a correction between the true and fitted distance moduli which when applied to Type-Ia SNe in the Hubble diagram recovers the Omega_M = 1 cosmology. We conclude that Type-Ia SNe observations do not necessitate the need for an accelerating expansion of the Universe (if the observed SNe-Ia are dominated by QNe-Ia) and by association the need for Dark Energy.Comment: 22 pages, 6 figures. Accepted for publication in Research in Astronomy and Astrophysic

Stress and wellbeing in farmers: The role of social and psychological capital

Despite erroneous perceptions, farming as an occupation is one of high demands and stress, and is associated with a high prevalence of suicide. It is also associated with low levels of help-seeking. The current study aimed to explore stress and wellbeing in farmers with a focus on possible mediators and outcomes. Members of the farming community (n=274 -199 males and 75females) completed questionnaire measures of stress, loneliness, mental health and wellbeing, help seeking, coping and support. Participants scored significantly higher on measures of loneliness, depressed and anxious affect, and lower on wellbeing, and sense of community. Loneliness correlated inversely with sense of community and wellbeing. Males exhibited higher levels of stress. Over all 73% of males and 27% of females said they would not seek help. Of significant practical concern is the high level who would not seek help, particularly among males. In addition, the findings on psychological capital and self-compassion point to potential preventative strategies

Attachment, Emotional Intelligence and Career Aspirations in Emerging Adulthood

Women are underrepresented in senior management and leadership positions in OECD countries. The aim of this study was to explore therelationship between attachment styles, emotional intelligence, and career aspirations of emerging adults with a focus on potential sex differences.An online survey assessed 508 emerging adults (male= 207) and female= 301), aged between 20 and 25 (M= 22.6, Sd= 1.6), on home backgrounddemographics, adult attachment, emotional intelligence, and career aspirations. Findings show that SES, parental education, positive attachment, andemotional intelligence are associated with stronger career aspirations. Of note was the finding that while females score higher on educational andachievement aspirations, males scored higher on leadership aspiration. While further exploration is required this difference in emerging adulthoodmay reflect the impact of occupational stereotypes on female expectations and can inform career advice and guidance