CO+ in M 82: A Consequence of Irradiation by X-rays

Based on its strong CO+ emission it is argued that the M 82 star-burst galaxy is exposed to a combination of FUV and X-ray radiation. The latter is likely to be the result of the star-burst superwind, which leads to diffuse thermal emission at ~0.7 keV, and a compact hard, 2-10 keV, source (but not an AGN). Although a photon-dominated region (FUV) component is clearly present in the nucleus of M 82, and capable of forming CO+, only X-ray irradiated gas of density 10^3-10^5 cm^-3 can reproduce the large, ~(1-4)x10^13 cm^-2, columns of CO+ that are observed toward the proto-typical star-burst M 82. The total X-ray luminosity produced by M 82 is weak, ~10^41 erg s^-1, but this is sufficient to drive the formation of CO+.Comment: added discussion on more recent X-ray observation

Queering Utopia: ACT UP and the Disruption of Heteronormativity

The existing literature on queer utopianism tends to analyze static aesthetic artifacts as opposed to diachronic social movements designed to create material policy changes. This opens room for various criticisms of queer utopianism regarding it being too wishful and devolving into political and social forms of queer dystopia. In order to remedy this concern, this thesis seeks to investigate how queer utopic thought can be used to create long-lasting change. To answer this question, this thesis is broadly divided into two sections—one theoretical and one practical. My theoretical section delves into an analysis of the after-effects of queer utopic cuts and seeks to explain how they can create long-lasting change. My practical section uses ACT UP as a case study in queer utopianism and analyzes six demonstrations by AIDS activists as queer utopic moments. From both of these sections, I draw conclusions about how these cuts in heteronormativity can be used to create long-lasting change

The first year of the Academia Gustaviana print shop as seen through the history of paper

Watermarks and paper evidence are useful tools for researching manuscripts as well as printed books on paper, and not only for dating and identifying authenticity, but for studying the history of documents and printed books as material objects themselves. The present paper is based on the publications printed in Tartu in 1632, the first year of operation of the Swedish-era University of Tartu print shop, and the paper used in them. The purpose is to study the watermarks gathered from all survived copies of publications deposited in Estonia, to discuss the possible origins of the paper and the principles for its acquisition and use, and to draw some conclusions concerning general conditions of printing and the printer’ personal contacts and preferences during the early days of the print shop. Keywords: 17th century, Livonia, University of Tartu, printing history, handmade rag paper, watermark

Empowering Children Living in Poverty in the Huruma Slum

Many children living in poverty around the world are unable to attend school and complete an education. When I Grow Up and the Furaha Community Centre have partnered together to provide children of the Huruma slum with an opportunity to attend school and hopefully escape the life of poverty. The purpose of this study was to determine what factors contribute to student success on the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education Examination, and if the program funded by When I Grow Up is addressing factors that will empower students to succeed in their education. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire and interviews with students and staff from the Furaha School. The findings indicated that a student’s health, weight, BMI, age, and number of years they had attended school significantly correlated with higher KCPE scores. Recommendations include children entering school at a younger age, having them complete as many years of primary schooling as possible, and continuing to collect data at Furaha and from other schools in Kenya to increase the sample size