Atmospheric ionization and cosmic rays: studies and measurements before 1912

The discovery of cosmic rays, a milestone in science, was based on the work by scientists in Europe and the New World and took place during a period characterised by nationalism and lack of communication. Many scientists that took part in this research a century ago were intrigued by the penetrating radiation and tried to understand the origin of it. Several important contributions to the discovery of the origin of cosmic rays have been forgotten; historical, political and personal facts might have contributed to their substantial disappearance from the history of science.Comment: Presented at the conference "100 Years Cosmic Ray Physics - Anniversary of the V.F. Hess Discovery"; 6 - 8 August, Bad Saarow/Pieskow, Germany (the place where Hess landed 7th Aug 1912 after discovery

THE CURRENT STATE OF PORNOGRAPHIC DEEPFAKES : A Science and Technology Studies Perspective

This paper analyses the current state of deepfake pornography from a Science and Technology Studies (STS) viewpoint. Looking at the phenomenon from a social constructivist perspective shows that misogynistic power structures are embedded in certain deepfake technologies and that deepfake pornography reflects and reinforces such power structures. Additionally, the risk perspective points to the need for effective (federal and global) legislation and to the need for increased public awareness. Finally, the vulnerability perspective reveals how not everyone is affected equally by the potential of being featured in deepfake pornography, with celebrities having a higher risk of being featured in deepfakes and private individuals experiencing greater difficulty disproving deepfakes of themselves. Implications and questions for future research are discussed.

If It Were Only that Simple

Reading “Disaster Capitalism,” one would think that the current dire situation in Iraq and the lingering effects of Hurricane Katrina are all because of an emphasis on “small” government, privatization, and partnerships with the business sector. If only it were that simple

Will Refuge Continue to be Elusive

According to U.N. estimates, if current trends continue, the number of Iraqi asylum seekers by year-end could reach between 40,000 to 50,000. The influx of Iraqis into states such as Syria and Jordan also threatens to be a destabilizing force in those countries. Therefore, it is unreasonable to expect these states to individually cope with migration flows of this magnitude