No description available.

Thesis (M.S. in electrical engineering)--Washington State University, December 2008. / Title from PDF title page (viewed on Jan. 21, 2009). "School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science." Includes bibliographical references (p. 51-53)

Thesis (MScIng)--University of Stellenbosch, 2006. / Bibliography. Also available via the Internet.

Master of Science / Department of Biology / Martha E. Mather / Determining patterns and drivers of organismal distribution and abundance are fundamental and enduring challenges in ecology, especially for mobile organisms at a ‘scape scale. To address the problem presented by individuals whose distributions are dynamic across large geographic areas, here I tracked 59 acoustically-tagged migratory striped bass (Morone saxatilis) with an array of 26 stationary receivers in Plum Island Estuary (PIE), MA. Specifically, I asked (1) how these predators were distributed across the estuarine seascape, (2) if these fish used three types of geomorphic sites (exits, confluences, and non-confluences) differently, (3) if distinct types of individual distributional “types” existed, and (4) if fish within distinct distributional groups used geomorphic site types and regions differently. Based on three components of predator trajectories (site specific numbers of individuals, residence time, and number of movements), striped bass were not distributed evenly throughout PIE. Confluences attracted tagged striped bass although not all confluences or all parts of confluences were used equally. Use of non-confluences sites was more variable than exits or confluences. Thus, geomorphic drivers and regions link mobile organisms to physical conditions across the seascape. Based on spatial and spatial-temporal cluster analyses, these striped bass predators clustered into four seasonally-resident distributional types. These included the (1) Rowley River group (fish that primarily resided in the Rowley River), (2) Plum Island Sound group (fish that primarily resided in the Middle Sound region), (3) Extreme Fidelity group (fish that spent most of their time in PIE at a single receiver location), and (4) the Exploratory group (fish that showed no affiliation with any particular location). These distributional groups used geomorphic site types and regions differently. Thus, my data show a rare link between behavioral (i.e., individual animal personalities) and field ecology (seascape geomorphology) that can advance the understanding of field-based patterns and drivers of organismal distribution.

A research project investigating microwave radio frequency propagation in a 500 mile link across the Gulf of Mexico requires a remote-control process to command microcontroller-based devices including power control modules and antenna feedhorn positioners, and to telemeter system parameters back to the operators. The solution that was developed is a simple, webserver-based user-interface that can be accessed both locally and remotely via the internet. To interface the webservers with the microcontroller-based devices, a polling protocol, based on MODBUS, was developed that provides an efficient command and telemetry link over a serial RS-485 interface.

Many well-studied elasmobranch populations have recently exhibited significant decline. The limited data related to fisheries and sightings for many unstudied or poorly understood populations indicate that these are also suffering. Directed fisheries and more cryptic threats such as entanglement and vessel strike represent significant risk to mobulid rays, arguably one of the most vulnerable elasmobranch groups. Very little information currently exists describing the basic ecology of manta rays or quantifying anthropogenic threats and impacts; however, recent efforts have drastically improved the body of knowledge available for these species, including oceanographic influences on movement, seasonal migration, and mating behaviors. Nevertheless, Red Sea mantas remain completely enigmatic. In this thesis, Chapter 1 details results from tagging 18 reef manta rays Manta alfredi in the eastern Red Sea using satellite and acoustic tag technology and demonstrates that mantas occupy areas with high human traffic. The combined satellite and acoustic techniques define both regional movements and ‘hotspots’ of habitat use where there is significant potential for manta-human interaction. I also present opportunistic sighting data that corroborate anthropogenic impacts on this population. Chapter 2 explores the vertical component of the nine satellite tags that were deployed on Manta alfredi as described in the previous chapter. Seven tags returned adequate data for analysis. Three of the seven were physically recovered yielding full archival datasets of depth, temperature, and light levels every 10-15 seconds for over 2.6 5 million cumulative data points. Mantas frequented the upper 10 m during the day and occupied deeper water through nocturnal periods. Individuals also exhibited deep diving behavior as deep as 432 m, extending the known depth range of the species. An investigation of 76 high-resolution deep dives suggests gliding is a significant behavioral component of these dives and may provide an efficient mechanism for travel compared to continuous horizontal swimming. This study is the first to employ satellite telemetry techniques on Manta alfredi and is the only study directed at mobulids in the Red Sea. A holistic understanding of these behaviors is essential for developing and implementing appropriate management techniques, and this work is particularly timely in light of recent international trade regulation as mantas were listed on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.

Invasive Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) have spread throughout the Mississippi River basin and threaten native species. The Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley has numerous water-control structures. These structures could potentially be operated to limit expansions of invasive fishes. My goal was to examine the effects of two water-control structures on movements of Silver Carp within a floodplain network of waterbodies, including an oxbow lake (Eagle Lake; LA, MS). I monitored Silver Carp movements with an acoustic array and bi-monthly active tracking. No movements occurred through the structure managed to deter carp while nine carp passed through the structure that is not managed to limit carp movements. The passages happened when i) the structure was opened, ii) hydraulic head was near zero, and iii) when Silver Carp are reportedly staging and spawning. Ultimately, my findings could help managers tailor operations of similar water infrastructure to slow the spread of invasive species.

ITC/USA 2008 Conference Proceedings / The Forty-Fourth Annual International Telemetering Conference and Technical Exhibition / October 27-30, 2008 / Town and Country Resort & Convention Center, San Diego, California / A previous paper was presented detailing the design and testing of the first networked demonstration system (ITC 2006) for iNET. This paper extends that work by testing a commercial off the shelf (COTS) solution for the wireless network connection of the Telemetry Network System (TmNS). This paper will briefly discuss specific pieces of the airborne and ground station system but will concentrate on the new wireless network link, how it was tested, and how well it performed. Flight testing results will be presented accessing the performance of the wireless network link.

International Telemetering Conference Proceedings / October 26-29, 1998 / Town & Country Resort Hotel and Convention Center, San Diego, California / This paper discusses the evolution of the ground satellite communication systems and the efforts made by the Goddard Space Flight Center's (GSFC) Advanced Architectures and Automation (AAA) branch, Code 588 to bring satellite scientific data to the user’s desktop. Primarily, it describes the next generation desktop system, its architecture and processing capabilities, which provide autonomous high-performance telemetry acquisition at the lowest possible cost. It also discusses the planning processes and the applicability of new technologies for communication needs in the next century. The paper is presented in terms simple for those not very familiar with current space programs to understand.

International Telemetering Conference Proceedings / October 26-29, 1998 / Town & Country Resort Hotel and Convention Center, San Diego, California / In this paper, it is introduced that a C-Band mobile telemetry system designed for the satellite telemetry task. It can provide a wide range of bit rate and different code type and frame format which is completely set up by user in advance, to meet the requirements needs in different satellites. The PCM-PSK-PM signal and the PPM-MFSK-PM signal can be received and demodulated at the same time. Single channel monopulse technique is employed for automatic tracking. Angle calibration and angle tracking are performed in this system. Real-time data processing, displaying, testing of bit error rate and post-flight analyses is performed by PC type computer. All key components of the system may be programmed.