How do grazers achieve their distribution? A continuum of models from random diffusion to the ideal free distribution using biased random walks

A conceptual model is described for generating distributions of grazing animals, according to their searching behavior, to investigate the mechanisms animals may use to achieve their distributions. The model simulates behaviors ranging from random diffusion, through taxis and cognitively aided navigation (i.e., using memory), to the optimization extreme of the Ideal Free Distribution. These behaviors are generated from simulation of biased diffusion that operates at multiple scales simultaneously, formalizing ideas of multiple-scale foraging behavior. It uses probabilistic bias to represent decisions, allowing multiple search goals to be combined (e.g., foraging and social goals) and the representation of suboptimal behavior. By allowing bias to arise at multiple scales within the environment, each weighted relative to the others, the model can represent different scales of simultaneous decision-making and scale-dependent behavior. The model also allows different constraints to be applied to the animal's ability (e.g., applying food-patch accessibility and information limits). Simulations show that foraging-decision randomness and spatial scale of decision bias have potentially profound effects on both animal intake rate and the distribution of resources in the environment. Spatial variograms show that foraging strategies can differentially change the spatial pattern of resource abundance in the environment to one characteristic of the foraging strategy.</

Free Improvisation in Europe:Lecture and Hands-on Workshop, given at 5 different universities in Brazil during February - June 2014

The lecture traces the beginnings of the free improvisation scene in Europe, commencing in the 1960. I present a multitude of video and audio examples of some of the most prominent improvisers of the time.
I focus specifically on the scene that developed around John Stevens and his SME (Spontaneous Music Ensemble). The work of Derek Bailey, specifically his writings in “Improvisation: its nature and practice in music” (1980), will feature.

The practical workshop invites improvisers (beginners to advanced with any instruments) to work with me on several listening and improvisation exercises.
Many of the exercises will be based on the innovative methods as developed by John Stevens in his work “Search and Reflect”. Participants will be able to experiment with a few essential ‘sound/listening’ exercises, guided by myself.
It is envisaged that a small ensemble is formed which will explore several improvisatory strategies. This part is open to all skill levels, all ages and any instrumental groupings.