Infrared polarimetry and the magnetic field in external galaxies

Here researchers report for the first time infrared polarimetry of the normal edge on spiral NGC 4565 and the interacting pair NGC 3690/IC 694 (Arp 299). These observations, as well as previous observations, were made with the Minnesota Infrared Polarimeter on the Space Infrared Telescope Facility during the past year. The goal is to explore the magnetic field geometry in these galaxies and to determine the extent to which the field is ordered and uniform

Undocumented: The Stress of Status

From 2010 to 2012 researchers from Fairfield University, Loyola University Chicago, and Santa Clara University talked to students who were undocumented and attending Jesuit colleges. The project culminated in a book, Undocumented and in College: Students and Institutions in a Climate of National Hostility (Fordham University Press, 2017)

Polarimetry in the Visible and Infrared: Application to CMB Polarimetry

Interstellar polarization from aligned dust grains can be measured both in transmission at visible and near-infrared wavelengths and in emission at far-infrared and sub-mm wavelengths. These observations can help predict the behavior of foreground contamination of CMB polarimetry by dust in the Milky Way. Fractional polarization in emission from aligned dust grains will be at the higher range of currently observed values of 4-10%. Away from the galactic plane, fluctuations in Q and U will be dominated by fluctuations in intensity, and less influenced by fluctuations in fractional polarization and position angle.Comment: To be published in the proceedings of "The Cosmic Microwave Background and its Polarization", New Astronomy Reviews, (eds. S. Hanany and K.A. Olive

The Magnetic Field Geometry in DR21

We present broadband imaging polarimetry of DR21 at 2.2$\mu$m. Background stars shining through the lobes of the bipolar outflow show polarization aligned with the long axis of the outflow, indicating a magnetic field geometry oriented along the flow axis. There is no indication of a spiral or turbulent magnetic field geometry in the lobes. The polarization of stars in the central cluster has a different position angle than the lobes and is in good agreement with millimeter polarimetry. The nebulosity in the Eastern lobe has moderate to high polarization consistent with scattering of continuum light from the central cluster. We were unable to detect polarization of the nebulosity in the Western lobe at the 4.2% (3sigma) level

Luminous and Variable Stars in M31 and M33. III. The Yellow and Red Supergiants and Post-Red Supergiant Evolution

Recent supernova and transient surveys have revealed an increasing number of non-terminal stellar eruptions. Though the progenitor class of these eruptions includes the most luminous stars, little is known of the pre-supernova mechanics of massive stars in their most evolved state, thus motivating a census of possible progenitors. From surveys of evolved and unstable luminous star populations in nearby galaxies, we select a sample of yellow and red supergiant candidates in M31 and M33 for review of their spectral characteristics and spectral energy distributions. Since the position of intermediate and late-type supergiants on the color-magnitude diagram can be heavily contaminated by foreground dwarfs, we employ spectral classification and multi-band photometry from optical and near-infrared surveys to confirm membership. Based on spectroscopic evidence for mass loss and the presence of circumstellar dust in their SEDs, we find that $30-40\%$ of the yellow supergiants are likely in a post-red supergiant state. Comparison with evolutionary tracks shows that these mass-losing, post-RSGs have initial masses between $20-40\,M_{\odot}$. More than half of the observed red supergiants in M31 and M33 are producing dusty circumstellar ejecta. We also identify two new warm hypergiants in M31, J004621.05+421308.06 and J004051.59+403303.00, both of which are likely in a post-RSG state.Comment: Accepted for publication in ApJ. 34 pages, 11 figure

Star formation in the large Magellanic cloud

What role the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), a dwarf irregular galaxy, plays in understanding infrared luminous galaxies is discussed. There are two main reasons the LMC may prove helpful. One, the LMC is only 55 kpc away, very nearby compared to much rarer high luminosity systems. Second, the environment in the LMC is distinctly different than in the Milky Way, at least those parts of the Milky Way interior to the sun, where most of the studies of massive star formation were concentrated. The LMC is an interacting system with a large amount of neutral hydrogen that is pushed around by the galaxy's encounter with the Milky Way. Perhaps a good understanding of star formation process in the LMC will provide guidance in the study of the infrared luminous galaxies. Two questions which will be addressed are: how is star formation in the LMC similar to the Milky Way Galaxy, and how is it different

Determining What's Really Important to Lenders: Factors Affecting the Agricultural Loan Decision-Making Process

Agricultural lenders in today’s environment face many challenges when evaluating the creditworthiness of farm borrowers. To address these challenges, a survey was conducted with financial institutions in Kansas and Indiana where agricultural lenders were asked for their response to hypothetical agricultural loan requests. Each loan request differed by the borrower’s character, financial record keeping, productive standing, Fair Isaac credit bureau score, and credit risk. Lenders provided information about themselves and their financial institutions. The survey data obtained determine the relative importance of financial and non-financial information when analyzing agricultural loan applications. Tobit models are estimated to identify the borrower and lender characteristics that are important in determining loan approval while OLS models are used to investigate the factors that affect interest rates offered to farm borrowers. The results provide a comparison of agricultural lending between two important agricultural states. The results from this analysis also provide lenders with insight on the factors that influence the decision making process of other agricultural lenders.Agricultural loans, Credit bureau score, Credit evaluation, Interest rates

PREDICTING FEEDING COST OF GAIN WITH MORE PRECISION

Costs during the feeding period, commonly summarized as "feeding cost of gain", are primary determinants of cattle feeding profits. This study provides a method of generalizing information available at placement time into a suitable feeding cost of gain prediction, so that feeders and ranchers can make more informed placement decisions.Cattle-Feeding, Feeding-Cost-Of-Gain, Industrial Organization, Livestock Production/Industries,