The Core-Collapse Supernovae Particle Physics Interactions

This study investigates the role of specific particle physics interactions in simulations of core collapse supernovae, with a focus on understanding how varying levels of inclusion impact the accuracy of gravitational wave predictions and results of simulations. Different research groups often approach these simulations with varying degrees of complexity, cutting corners by omitting certain reactions or simplifying others. This project systematically evaluates the implications of these choices, comparing the particle physics interactions included, the dimensionality of the simulations, and the governing equations used. Our goal is to identify how these factors influence the precision of numerical simulations. By providing a comprehensive analysis of the advantages and drawbacks of including different particle interactions, we aim to improve the development of simulations used by instruments like LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory)

Reflections in Moonlight Poetry Collection

Reflections in Moonlight is a poetic journey through motherhood, memory, grief, and personal rebirth told in phases, like the moon itself. Each poem reflects a stage of transformation, from the quiet invisibility of the new moon to the peaceful release of the waning crescent. With honesty and reverence, I explore how the moon’s steady rhythm mirrors the emotional tides of a woman growing, healing, and learning to rest in her own light

Wing Structure Design for YF-27 Shrike Homeland Defense Interceptor

This project focuses on designing the wing structure of an interceptor aircraft to withstand sustained supersonic flight and provide sufficient fuel storage for extended operations. The aircraft and structure were designed according to the AIAA Homeland Defense Interceptor request for proposal (RFP). Sizing of structural components was performed utilizing hand calculations and an idealized shear box approach focused on maximum aircraft limit loads. Based on these preliminary calculations, different wing structural components such as spars, ribs, stringers, and attachment points were designed using computer aided design (CAD) software. Finite element analysis was used to verify results and structural integrity of these components. Additionally, critical failure points were further analyzed using crack propagation theory to prevent structural failure concerns. The wing structure withstands limit loads of +7/-3 g while remaining lightweight. Components can operate without failure for 2,000 hours between inspections. This project demonstrates that structural design of high-speed interceptor is feasible while minimizing material and manufacturing cost and weight

Acoustic Drone Detection Sensor Network

The proliferation of drones has created a challenge for places like borders, where drones are being used for smuggling, and airports, where drones infringe on controlled airspace . Finding as many ways to detect drones as possible is important for border and airport security. Typical ways to detect drones are to listen for the RF signature of a control signal or to use optical means of recognizing drones in images. However, for situations like smuggling, a drone can be run completely autonomously, leaving no RF control signal to listen for, and at night without lights or in fog the optical methods also fail. Therefore, a different modality for detecting the drones is needed. We propose to use sound (acoustics) to detect drones traveling nearby. Acoustic detection is not meant to replace RF and optical methods, but instead to add to the suite of drone detection capabilities. We expect to be able to detect drones out to at least fifty feet even with background aircraft noise using small, low-cost microcontrollers and microphones. Our sensors will be both recording their data locally and reporting it live to Amazon Web Services Internet of Things (AWS loT) where it can be monitored in real time. This project entails not only acoustic detection, but the creation of a reporting infrastructure using long distance LoRa radios bridged to Wi Fi and sent to AWS loT with end-to-end encryption. We will also develop weather resistant, solar powered nodes

CANVAS - Basics, Quizzes, Assignments and Gradebook

The Canvas Learning Management System is a powerful platform for communicating with your students, delivering course materials and activities. Upon completion of this workshop, you should be able to comfortably navigate around the Canvas platform. Session repeated on Thursday at 4:00

Meet Your FL RM Big Bend

Meet your Florida Big Bend Regional Manager, Buck Burney. Counties - Clay, Flagler, Hernando, Marion, Putnam, St. John

5 BFTS Association Newsletter No 31 - Spring 2025

2025 marks 80 years since WW2 ended and 80 years since the four BFTS, that were still operating on VJ Day, stopped training pilots. Although Lend-Lease which funded the training, stopped the day WW2 came to an end, these four fields, #1 in Texas, #3 in Oklahoma, #4 in Arizona and #5 in Florida were given a few more days to train cadets. But cadets on the last two courses were sent home before graduation and without their Wings and although some did continue training in the UK and eventually gained their Wings, many did not. RAF Flying Training in the USA came to an end on August 27, 1945, and by September 1945, activity on BFTS fields had ceased. #5BFTS Instructors were redeployed by the Embry-Riddle Organisation if they wished although many went home to their pre-WW2 lives. I have recently returned from sailing across the Pacific from San Francisco to Sydney. We stopped in Honolulu where I visited Pearl Harbor and USS Missouri. My father was at 5BFTS when the Battle of Pearl Harbor took place in 1941. He left camp as a civilian in a neutral country on Saturday, December 6 and returned on Sunday, December 7, once again a serviceman in a country at war. USS Missouri was anchored near Japan when the Japanese surrender was signed on August 15, 1945, but is now at Pearl Harbor. It was a very strange feeling to stand on the deck where the surrender was signed. It might have ended RAF pilot training in America but not the wonderful relationships between RAF cadets and their American hosts, many of which continue to this day. Next Thursday, May 8, sees the 80th anniversary of VE Day with ceremonies taking place across the country and activities planned for the weekend. Activities are also taking place at the #1BFTS Museum in Terrell, Texas. On May 26 (Memorial Day) I have been invited to be the guest speaker at the British Service at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Arcadia. The 80-year anniversary will surely be mentioned! #4BFTS are holding a reunion at RAF Cosford in October and another in Mesa, Arizona to coincide with Veterans’ Day and Remembrance Sunday to mark 80 years since #4BFTS closed. And Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) and #5BFTS is starting a digital podcast project to coincide with the 80-year anniversary. More about this later in the newsletter. Plenty then to allow both Remembrance and Celebration.‘Their efforts to preserve the freedom of the world were not in vain and will never be forgotten.

How Air Travel Became Safer Through Cashless Service

In an age where convenience, efficiency, and security reign supreme, air travel has adapted accordingly. One notable change: the elimination of cash payments on board for food, drinks, and other purchases. This shift away from bills and coins did not happen by accident, it reflected a deliberate focus on safety, security, and smoother operations

Teamwork and Artificial Intelligence (AI) : Examining the Effects of Teammate Identity, Deception, and AI Literacy on Team Dynamics and Performance in Human-Human vs. Human-AI Teams

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to be integrated into collaborative work environments, understanding how humans interact with AI teammates is increasingly important. This study examined how people’s beliefs about who they are working with (whether a teammate is human or AI) can influence teamwork outcomes. Specifically, we explored how perceived teammate identity affects task performance and team experience, with a focus on trust and communication as potential mediators, and AI literacy (familiarity and comfort with AI) as a moderator. Participants completed a series of timed, collaborative problem-solving tasks using a bomb defusal simulation. Each participant worked with both a human and an AI teammate, and some were misled about the identity of their teammate to assess the effects of expectation versus reality. This design allowed us to compare the performance of human-human teams to human-AI teams, while also testing how perceptions may have shaped teamwork dynamics and task performance. Findings revealed that working with a human teammate led to higher task performance outcomes, including less mistakes made and more successful puzzle completion in a shorter amount of time. Additionally, regardless of one’s perceptions of the teammate\u27s identity, participants rated significantly higher team performance scores actually working with a human teammate. Importantly, AI literacy also moderated some of these relationships, meaning participants with high AI literacy reported lower levels of trust in AI teammates and higher levels of trust in human teammates, while participants with low AI literacy exhibited the opposite relationship. Together, these findings highlight that effective human-AI collaboration is influenced not only by the actual performance of AI systems but also by how those systems are perceived. The results offer practical insights for designing AI systems for specific task attributes and contexts, as well as informing training programs and other integration strategies necessary to support the successful collaboration between humans and AI in real-world settings