100039 research outputs found
Sort by
A Closer Look at Shielding Gas in Laser Powder Bed Fusion: A Review
No full textThe ongoing advancement of additive manufacturing (AM) techniques, particularly in laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), is effectively bridging the knowledge gap between AM and conventional manufacturing methods. At present, most of the research is focused on optimizing key process parameters such as laser power, laser speed, hatch spacing, layer thickness, scan pattern, powder size distribution, and so on. These studies help improve the part density and refine the microstructure of LPBF components, thereby enhancing the mechanical properties. Despite these advancements, an area in LPBF that is receiving comparatively less attention is the shielding gas: its flow during the printing process, and its relationships to the underlying structures and properties of AM materials. Shielding gas plays an important role during the printing process by creating an inert medium so the printed parts do not react with the atmosphere while also facilitating the removal of any process by-products that develop during the printing. Within the scientific community, there is an absence of review articles that summarize current research on shielding gas flow. This work addresses this gap by reviewing the current literature on different shielding gases used, how the printer gas inlet design configurations help in the uniform flow of the gas, the role of the gas in the elimination of by-products, and their influence on the melt pool, part quality, and repeatability. All aspects discussed in this review article are crucial to the advancement of metal AM processes that require the use of a shielding gas, specifically LPBF, and the qualification of materials produced for a variety of industrial applications
Adversarial Heterogeneous Agent Learning for Robotic Systems: A Framework for Coordinated Competitive Behaviors
No full textAutonomous robot teams must move reliably, explain their actions, and work together—even in changing or adversarial settings. We present a structured, three-stage pathway that builds coordinated team behavior from strong single-robot skills. First, we develop robust legged-robot locomotion and interpretability using only internal actuator signals. From these proprioceptive cues, robots learn to classify terrain and predict short-term power use, enabling energy-aware movement without external sensors. We further analyze learned behaviors with motif discovery to reveal recurring sensor–action patterns, which clarify how agility emerges and guide reward design. Second, we compose these skills into heterogeneous teamwork using centralized training with decentralized execution. Role-conditioned critics and attention mechanisms allow robots with different bodies to share workload and cooperate. We evaluate cooperative transport, mixed-morphology block pushing, precise hand-to-hand transfer, and exploration in the Unknown Building Exploration Simulator, measuring success, efficiency, and resilience to agent dropouts. Third, we introduce adversarial multi-team learning in IsaacLab with a scalable, physics-faithful stack. Self-play and population-based curricula harden policies against opponents, while team-specific critics and a zero-buffer curriculum stabilize training as tasks grow more complex. Competitive tests include Sumo, Soccer, and a 3D “Galaga” interception scenario, reported by win rate. Together, these stages connect interpretable, energy-aware single-robot skills to coordinated, resilient multi-robot behavior, yielding a GPU-accelerated, reproducible framework for heterogeneous teams in adversarial environments
Fact Sheet: Kratom
No full textThere are many common myths and misunderstandings associated with kratom. Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. In recent years, kratom use has grown in the United States. It is sold in various forms, including capsules, powders, and most commonly as liquid extracts or “shots. These kratom products are promoted as health supplements, advertised for benefits such as boosting energy, enhancing mood, or producing opioid-like effects. However, most users may not fully understand what they are consuming or the potential risks it carries. Commercial kratom products vary widely in their chemical composition. Synthetic (human-made) or highly concentrated extracts may contain unpredictable levels of alkaloids (i.e., organic plant materials that have physical or psychological impacts on people) and have undergone little or no safety testing
Clinician Tele-Mental Health Attitudes in North American Indigenous Communities
No full textThis study examined mental health clinicians (n=104) serving North American Indigenous clients and how tele-mental health (TMH) factors during and after the COVID-19 pandemic impacted future willingness to continue TMH. Results indicated predictors of future TMH usage were not statistically significant due to the high baseline of willingness to utilize TMH, regardless of factors. The goal of this study was to investigate awareness of clinician attitudes of TMH and promote continued research and training for tele-mental health care with Indigenous populations
Parents’ Lived Experiences with Competitive Integrated Employment for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disability
No full textThis phenomenological qualitative study explores the lived experiences of Kentucky parents seeking Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) for their children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Guided by the research questions—How do parents experience this process, and what barriers or supports do they encounter?—the study highlights systemic challenges despite legislative efforts such as the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. In-depth interviews with five parents revealed three themes: (a) parental transformation and the pursuit of meaningful work, (b) systemic challenges in accessing CIE, and (c) overcoming protective instincts: navigating fear, independence, and self-advocacy. Findings suggest a shift from passive support to active advocacy, underscoring the need for improved vocational support services and targeted policy interventions
Beyond Morphology: Testing Molecular Assessment of Macroinvertebrate Communities in Alpine Streams of the Teton Range, USA
No full textAlpine streams and the macroinvertebrate communities that reside within them are threatened by the rapidly changing climate. Long-term monitoring of these communities is required to understand how they are changing and to predict their future trajectories. Historically, stream monitoring and assessment has been performed by collecting and identifying individuals using their morphological traits. However, in alpine aquatic ecosystems, distinct macroinvertebrate species often lack the morphological differences that allow them to be distinguished. DNA metabarcoding, an alternative method for identification which uses genetics instead of morphological differences, is not impacted by this issue, and therefore, may be better suited for alpine stream monitoring. Here, we compare morphology- and DNA metabarcoding-based assessments of streams in the Teton Range, Wyoming. We found that DNA metabarcoding allowed us to identify a greater number of taxa, but sometimes, a taxon was found using morphology-based assessment only. In these cases, we determined that the incompleteness of reference databases used for DNA metabarcoding was the primary source of error. We then compared our DNA metabarcoding data to a similar study from Colorado, where more database building effort has occurred. We found that by increasing the regional coverage of reference databases, the performance of DNA metabarcoding is improved
Queer, Hybrid Participatory Design: Relational Practices and Norms for Coalition Building With Rural, LGBTQ+ Communities
No full textThis paper examines the first year of collaboration between the Bear River Region LGBTQ+ Community Coalition and queer residents in rural northern Utah, United States, using a hybrid participatory design (PD) approach. Using Yep’s queer relationality theory, we examine how hybrid spaces were designed and iteratively adapted to support inclusion, care, and collective agency among LGBTQ+ community members. Drawing on Community Coalition Action Theory and queer PD, we analyze four cases from May 2024 to June 2025 including workshops and regular meetings to explore how relational practices evolved across different formats and phases of coalition development. In this paper, we articulate how norms, facilitation, and planning were co-created by coalition members, shifting away from productivity-centered hybrid models toward participatory practices. We contribute to PD by advancing queer relationality as both a theoretical and practical framework for designing hybrid interactions that resist normative constraints and center the lived experiences of rural LGBTQ+ communities
Academic Standards Subcommittee Agenda January 15, 2026
No full textWelcome and approval of December 18, 2025 minutes Discussion Topics: Continued discussion on the proposal to add Bachelor of Applied Sciences (BAS) academic degree requirements Preliminary discussion of potential policy adjustments Incomplete grade policy Pass (P), D+, D, F Option policy Next Meeting: Thursday, February 19, 202
Curriculum Subcommittee Agenda March 5, 2026
No full textApproval of Minutes - February 5, 2026 R401 - Program Proposals Semester Course Approval Review Other Business Draft Graduate Certificates Policy Adjourn: 3:00 p
Electric Pressure Cookers: What You Need to Know
No full textElectric pressure cookers (EPCs) offer convenience, versatility, and efficiency in everyday cooking. EPCs offer multiple cooking functions beyond pressure cooking, including sautéing, slow cooking, steaming, cooking rice, and preparing yogurt. They are not suitable for pressure canning, as confirmed by multiple Extension research studies and national guidelines. When used properly, EPCs provide a safe and effective way to prepare meals quickly while saving counter and storage space