A Phenological Study of Bat Communities in Southern Mississippi Caves

Mississippi is generally not known for its caves, and consequently its cave flora and fauna remain largely unstudied. From fall 2010 to winter 2013, we studied the bat populations in the three largest caves in Mississippi. The most common (and only) species found in these caves were Myotis austroriparius and Perimyotis subflavus. I collected monthly data on the number of bats per species, behaviors and locations of the bats within the caves, as well as atmospheric data at selected positions within each cave. All three caves were found to have significant temperature differences between seasons (winterPerimyotis subflavus was found in significantly higher numbers during winter, and individuals were usually in torpor. However, an experiment in winter with “marked” (by nearby strings) P. subflavus revealed that the majority of these bats did not remain in their original positions for more than two days. In contrast, M. austroriparius was found in significantly higher numbers in the summer than winters. Two of the caves were used as maternity roosts by M. austroriparius. The largest cave in Mississippi, which unfortunately was highly vandalized, usually contained ~8,000 Myotis austroriparius during the summer months

Tactical Satellite (TacSat) feasibility study a scenario driven approach

The objective of this project was to examine the feasibility of developing a tactically controlled, operationally responsive satellite system. A specific mission scenario, the Philippine Sea Scenario, was chosen to guide and bound the analysis. Within the bounds of this scenario, this high level space systems engineering exercise provided insights into operations and military utility as well as enough granularity to estimate costs for such a system. The operational approach and high level design concept is based on the Space Mission Analysis and Design (SMAD) process authored by Wiley J. Larson and Kames R. Wertz. The study shows that there are tactical scenarios in which space capabilities provide military utility and cost effectiveness above what is provided by traditional tactical assets such as UAVs. This is particularly true when large operational areas are involved and long periods of service are required.http://archive.org/details/tacticalsatellit109456927N

Multiple robot command and control architecture development

The military use of autonomous vehicles or robots will increase as national security planners seek to maintain strategic deterrence and preserve U.S. interest in spite of reduced resources. Cooperative group behavior among large numbers of robots will be required to complete various missions. Communication schemes for command, control, and coordination of multiple robots is one of the required capabilities. This thesis evaluates the Simplified Lisp- like Expression Evaluation Paradigm (SLEEP) for implementation as a development tool and a communications scheme: SLEEP enables the dynamic group formation of robots that are best qualified for a task. The SLEEP concept is tested and evaluated using a testbed built from Nomadic SCOUT mobile robots and a socket interface. Results from simulation and physical experiments validate the effectiveness of SLEEP for multiple robot coordination.http://www.archive.org/details/multiplerobotcom00zachLieutenant, United States Navy.Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited