Radio-Optical Galaxy Shape Correlations in the COSMOS Field

We investigate the correlations in galaxy shapes between optical and radio wavelengths using archival observations of the COSMOS field. Cross-correlation studies between different wavebands will become increasingly important for precision cosmology as future large surveys may be dominated by systematic rather than statistical errors. In the case of weak lensing, galaxy shapes must be measured to extraordinary accuracy (shear systematics of $< 0.01\%$) in order to achieve good constraints on dark energy parameters. By using shape information from overlapping surveys in optical and radio bands, robustness to systematics may be significantly improved without loss of constraining power. Here we use HST-ACS optical data, VLA radio data, and extensive simulations to investigate both our ability to make precision measurements of source shapes from realistic radio data, and to constrain the intrinsic astrophysical scatter between the shapes of galaxies as measured in the optical and radio wavebands. By producing a new image from the VLA-COSMOS L-band radio visibility data that is well suited to galaxy shape measurements, we are able to extract precise measurements of galaxy position angles. Comparing to corresponding measurements from the HST optical image, we set a lower limit on the intrinsic astrophysical scatter in position angles, between the optical and radio bands, of $\sigma_\alpha > 0.212\pi$ radians (or $38.2^{\circ}$) at a $95\%$ confidence level.Comment: 17 pages, 13 figure, 5 tables. Updated to match published version with a number of typographical correction

Characterization of 304L stainless steel by means of minimum input energy on the selective laser melting platform

Developing parameter sets for new materials on the Selective Laser Melting (SLM) platform has traditionally been done through the use of single line processing windows and a basic design of experiments (DOE) which would include varying machine parameters to maximize density. This study expands the traditional method by determining the main effects statistically for density, allowing for a more in depth analysis wherein the experimental results are statistically correlated to the variable machine parameters used. With this analysis, parameter optimization with respect to achieving near full density, while also considering build rates, can be performed. New parameters for 304L stainless steel were developed using this method on a Renishaw AM250. Single line processing windows were used to determine bounds on machine parameters. Utilizing this information, a DOE was implemented in which density samples were fabricated and the statistical main effects on density were derived. Several methods for density determination were also investigated as part of this study. In order to quantify machine parameters, a novel energy density term was formulated. Optimal parameter sets were found and energy density was reduced to increase build rate. Sensitivity of mechanical properties to the reduction was shown to be minimal over the range tested. Finally, the effect of decreased energy density on microstructure, part density, mechanical properties, and orientation sensitivity were then measured --Abstract, page iii

Lenders' sentiments on Missouri agricultural land values

"In Missouri, land sales prices do not need to be reported to a governmental or public agency. This means that farmers, bankers, and appraisers are unable to see a history of sales transactions to see how land values are changing. The University of Missouri has worked to address this knowledge gap with the annual Missouri Farm Land Values Opinion Survey since 2000. In addition, MU Extension’s annual Agricultural Lenders Seminar collects expectations on how land values will change in the next year from attending lenders while offering education on market outlook and farm budgets. The 2022 Agricultural Lenders Seminars were held between November and December through a partnership with Missouri Department of Agriculture’s Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority (MASBDA) and the Farm Service Agency (FSA). The data below summarizes 274 attending agricultural lenders’ expectations for 2023."--First page.Written by Ben Brown, Senior Research Associate, Agricultural Business and Policy Extensio

Men Must Eat

Ben Brown, Ag. Jl., Jr., describes the specialties of Iowa State men who prepare their own meal