Optimizing Tensegrity Gaits Using Bayesian Optimization

We design and implement a new, modular, more complex tensegrity robot featuring data collection and wireless communication and operation as well as necessary accompanying research infrastructure. We then utilize this new tensegrity to assess previous research on using Bayesian optimization to generate effective forward gaits for tensegrity robots. Ultimately, we affirm the conclusions of previous researchers, demonstrating that Bayesian optimization is statistically significantly (p \u3c 0:05) more effective at discovering useful gaits than random search. We also identify several flaws in our new system and identify means of addressing them, paving the way for more effective future research

Relativistic Ab initio Study On PtF and HePtF

The electronic structures and spectroscopic constants of the first three low-lying electronic states (Omega = 1/2, 3/2, and 5/2) of the linear HePtF complex were investigated by highly accurate relativistic ab initio methods, in which the spin-orbit coupling was taken into account, and compared with the results of PtF. It shows that the complex is significantly different from the typical van der Waals systems because of short He-Pt bond distances (1.80 similar to 1.87 angstrom), large He-Pt stretching frequencies (500 similar to 600 cm(-1)), considerable binding energies (1400 similar to 2500 cm(-1) with corrections), and a small electron transfer from helium (about 0.06). However, the topological analysis of the electron density distribution indicates that there is strong van der Waals interaction in the He-Pt bond instead of weak covalent one.Welch Foundation F-100Chemistr

Evaluation of Shortleaf Pine Germination and Early Survival under Various Seedbed Conditions�

Germination and early survival of shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata Mill.) seed can be enhanced with proper seedbed preparation. Seedbeds, resulting from various burning intensities following fell-burn site preparation on a Ouachita Mountain site in southeastern Oklahoma, were evaluated following a winter sowing of non-stratified seed, and spring sowing of stratified. seed. The winter sowing resulted in higher fie~d germi:rl:ation (3.3 vs. 2.0%) than the spring sowing. Seeds sowed on areas receiving a more intensive burn germinated approximately four times betterthan those on low or no burn areas. Stocking ranged from 60% on winter sown, hot burned plots to 3% on spring sown, no burn plots. Because the areas where pine slash was concentrated seemed to burn with the greatest intensities, a system which requires slash�to be evenly scattered over the site instead of stacking or windrowing would be beneficial.Forest Resource

Effects of Habitat Modification on the Parasite Community Ecology of Small Mammals and Cottontail Rabbits of Oklahoma

The cross timbers region of Oklahoma covers an expansive area of central and eastern Oklahoma and supports a large part of the state's livestock production. Rugged topography and thick, woody brush hinder optimum forage quality and necessitate brush control withn which to maximize economic potential. Much research has been done to improve the effectiveness, effeciency and economic feasibilty of brush control practices such as prescribed burning and herbicide application. The feasibility of using combined applications of herbicide and prescribed burning to control brush and improve livestock grazing potential on cross timbers rangeland in Oklahoma is currently being explored at the Cross Timbers Experimantal Range in Payne County, Oklahoma. This 648 ha area of north-central Oklahoma is a mosaic of oak (Quercus sp.) woodlands; mixed grass prairies dominated by big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), little bluestem (Schizachrium scoparium), and indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans); and shallow, sandy savannas invaded by eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginianus). These woodlands, prairies and savannas provide suitable habitat for a community of small mammals (8 species) and cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus floridanus) which coexist in this area with cattle. This community of vertebrates, as with any wildlife community, interacts with its parasitic component. This symbiotic interaction or relationship is termed host-parasite community ecology and is a poorly understood subject. This is especially true for those communities inhabiting the cross timbers region of Oklahoma. Vegetative density, composition, height, canopy cover, and availability of forage to wildlife can be affected by burning and herbicide application, therefore influencing host-parasite relationships. The purpose of this study was to determine how applications of the herbicides triclopyr (3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinyloxyacetic acid) butoxyethyl ester and tebuthiuron {N-[5-(1,1 dimethyl ethyl)-1,3,4 thiadiazol-2-yl]-N,N' dimethylurea) with prescribed burning can influence host-parasite community ecology of small mammals and cottontail rabbits inhabiting the Cross Timbers Experimental Range. This thesis is comprised of five manuscripts formatted for submission to the Journal of Wildlife Diseases. The manuscripts (chapters I, II, III, IV, and V) are complete as written and do not need supporting material.Mass Communication

The spatial dynamics of invasive para grass on a monsoonal floodplain, Kakadu National Park, northern Australia

Abstract: African para grass (Urochloa mutica) is an invasive weed that has become prevalent across many important freshwater wetlands of the world. In northern Australia, including the World Heritage landscape of Kakadu National Park (KNP), its dense cover can displace ecologically, genetically and culturally significant species, such as the Australian native rice (Oryza spp.). In regions under management for biodiversity conservation para grass is often beyond eradication. However, its targeted control is also necessary to manage and preserve site-specific wetland values. This requires an understanding of para grass spread-patterns and its potential impacts on valuable native vegetation. We apply a multi-scale approach to examine the spatial dynamics and impact of para grass cover across a 181 km2 floodplain of KNP. First, we measure the overall displacement of different native vegetation communities across the floodplain from 1986 to 2006. Using high spatial resolution satellite imagery in conjunction with historical aerial-photo mapping, we then measure finer-scale, inter-annual, changes between successive dry seasons from 1990 to 2010 (for a 48 km2 focus area); Para grass presence-absence maps from satellite imagery (2002 to 2010) were produced with an object-based machine-learning approach (stochastic gradient boosting). Changes, over time, in mapped para grass areas were then related to maps of depth-habitat and inter-annual fire histories. Para grass invasion and establishment patterns varied greatly in time and space. Wild rice communities were the most frequently invaded, but the establishment and persistence of para grass fluctuated greatly between years, even within previously invaded communities. However, these different patterns were also shown to vary with different depth-habitat and recent fire history. These dynamics have not been previously documented and this understanding presents opportunities for intensive para grass management in areas of high conservation value, such as those occupied by wild rice