Between the waves: currents in contemporary feminist thought

With a continuing focus on liberal feminism, Marxist feminism and essentialism, one would be forgiven for thinking that feminist theory is unable to break free from the ‘second wave’. This is not the case. This article reviews three books which take on these feminist issues and offer new readings on the questions at the heart of feminism. Each provides clear links to feminism of the past but also connects to present debate and makes suggestions for future directions for feminism. There is plenty of literature which bemoans the end of feminism and some which triumphantly hails our era as post-feminist: no longer in need of feminist theory. Contrary to such claims, each book tackles the problem of women’s oppression from a different perspective, each presents different solutions and in so doing they demonstrate that feminism is alive and well

Dark Matter In Disk Galaxies II: Density Profiles as Constraints on Feedback Scenarios

The disparity between the density profiles of galactic dark matter haloes predicted by dark matter only cosmological simulations and those inferred from rotation curve decomposition, the so-called cusp-core problem, suggests that baryonic physics has an impact on dark matter density in the central regions of galaxies. Feedback from black holes, supernovae and massive stars may each play a role by removing matter from the centre of the galaxy on shorter timescales than the dynamical time of the dark matter halo. Our goal in this paper is to determine constraints on such feedback scenarios based on the observed properties of a set of nearby galaxies. Using a Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) analysis of galactic rotation curves, via a method developed in a previous paper, we constrain density profiles and an estimated minimum radius for baryon influence, $r_1$, which we couple with a feedback model to give an estimate of the fraction of matter within that radius that must be expelled to produce the presently observed halo profile. We show that in the case of the gas rich dwarf irregular galaxy DDO 154, an outflow from a central source (e.g. a black hole or star forming region) could produce sufficient feedback on the halo without removing the disk gas. We examine the rotation curves of 8 galaxies taken from the THINGS data set and determine constraints on the radial density profiles of their dark matter haloes. For some of the galaxies, both cored haloes and cosmological $\rho \propto r^{-1}$ cusps are excluded. These intermediate central slopes require baryonic feedback to be finely tuned. We also find for galaxies which exhibit extended cores in their haloes (e.g. NGC 925), the use of a split power-law halo profile yields models without the unphysical, sharp features seen in models based on the Einasto profile.Comment: 17 pages, 19 figures Submitted to MNRA

Computer program for parameter optimization

Flexible, large scale digital computer program was designed for the solution of a wide range of multivariable parameter optimization problems. The program has the ability to solve constrained optimization problems involving up to one hundred parameters

Exploiting the Design Freedom of RM

This paper details how Rapid Manufacturing (RM) can overcome the restrictions imposed by the inherent process limitations of conventional manufacturing techniques and become the enabling technology in fabricating optimal products. A new design methodology capable of exploiting RM’s increased design freedom is therefore needed. Inspired by natural world structures of trees and bones, a multi-objective, genetic algorithm based topology optimisation approach is presented. This combines multiple unit cell structures and varying volume fractions to create a heterogeneous part structure which exhibits a uniform stress distribution.Mechanical Engineerin

ODIN: Optimal design integration system

The report provides a summary of the Optimal Design Integration (ODIN) System as it exists at Langley Research Center. A discussion of the ODIN System, the executive program and the data base concepts are presented. Two examples illustrate the capabilities of the system which have been exploited. Appended to the report are a summary of abstracts for the ODIN library programs and a description of the use of the executive program in linking the library programs

Executive computer program for linking independent computer programs: ODINEX

Program controls sequence of execution of network of program elements and maintains data base of common information which forms communication link among them. Approach is applicable to any multiple-program task

Situating Subjectivity between Humanism and Anti-Humanism: An Allegory of Existential Faith in Caifás

Caifás, a work by Panamanian José de Jesús "Chuchú" Martínez, focuses upon universal metaphysical questions. Those questions are principally existential. In particular, Caifás expresses support for situated subjectivity, an essentially existentialist subjectivity that occupies a middle ground between humanist and anti-humanist accounts of subjectivity. Caifás supports this subjectivity through an arresting allegory of faith. That allegory of faith grounds the human agency required for situated subjectivity, suggesting that people can exercise agency and establish a meaningful relationship with the real conditions of their existence. (DRH

Loopholes for the Affluent Bankrupt

(Excerpt) Recent bankruptcy cases are exposing a problem. Affluent individuals filing for bankruptcy are treated more favorably under the Bankruptcy Code than those debtors with little to no means of financial sustenance or income. Did Congress intend this result? The legislative history is unclear. But one thing seems certain: The United States Bankruptcy Code contains a set of loopholes that appear to be designed for the well-to-do segment of society. Courts throughout the United States are either overlooking these provisions or simply condoning their utilization under the defensible conviction that the Bankruptcy Code permits it. In this Article, I argue that the Bankruptcy Code unfairly discriminates against individuals of lower-class economic status. Specifically, I identify two loopholes—one found in Chapter 7 and one located in Chapter 11—that are arguably intended to benefit those with high incomes and significant assets. Courts need to consider whether the use of these loopholes is permitted under the Code, and if so, how they should be addressed in individual bankruptcy cases. The Bankruptcy Code should create a level playing field for debtors—not an oasis for the affluent

SARE Manipulation: The Hurdles in Single-Asset Real Estate Cases

Under § 1129(a)(10) of the Bankruptcy Code, a debtor\u27s plan of reorganization cannot be confirmed unless at least one impaired class accepts the plan, excluding acceptance of any insider of the debtor. A class of claims accepts the plan if more than one-half in number and at least two-thirds in amount of claims voting in a class favor the plan. Thus, a debtor\u27s composition of its classes clearly has a substantial impact upon its chances of successfully confirming its plan of reorganization over dissenting creditors. Obviously, the debtor would like to have unfettered power and full discretion to group creditors in a way that increases the likelihood that the majority in each class will vote on the plan it proposes. This means that the debtor will do whatever is possible to isolate unfriendly and dissenting creditors. In some cases, this classification treatment is criticized as impermissible gerrymandering in contravention of § 1122 of the Bankruptcy Code