The first essay of this dissertation analyzes the claim that a Marshallian total surplus optimum characterizes a second-best Pareto optimum in a general equilibrium model with price makers. The main result of this essay is that a Marshallian total surplus optimum corresponds to a second-best Pareto optimum when (i) the consumer's preferences are quasi-linear with respect to a numeraire, and (ii) for all other markets except the one under consideration, first-best (or Paretian) optimality conditions are satisfied. The second essay characterizes the optimal regulatory policy for point-source pollution emissions when firms are competing in Cournot fashion in the product market and have private information about their own cost. It is shown that the optimal regulatory policy benefits from the strategic interaction between the firms in the output market even though the firms' private information is uncorrelated. The firms strategic interaction in the output market acts as an information correlation externality that mitigates the wellknown "rent-extraction efficiency" trade-off. Each firms' opportunity to over-report their costs is reduced because the output market's strategic interaction reduces the profitability of infra-marginal units if they do. The main result shows that optimal environmental regulations discriminate between firms of given industry. Moreover, it is shown that if the regulator believes that firm A is always more likely to be efficient than firm B (in the sense of first-order stochastic dominance) and that both firms are equally efficient ex post, then firm A faces a higher marginal tax than its competitor. In light of this result, it is argued that the model provides theoretical foundations for grandfather clauses in environmental regulations.

Eutrophic conditions caused Severn Sound to be listed as an Area of Concern in the 1980’s, it was then delisted in 2002 after implementing a number of agricultural Best Management Practices (BMPs). The focus of this research is to evaluate BMP effectiveness on a watershed scale using both monitoring and modelling. The monitoring data clearly shows that the BMPs significantly reduced the sediment loadings. It also showed that BMPs affect only the intercept and not the slope of the sediment rating curves meaning that BMPs reduce sediment loadings in a linear fashion and at a constant percentage for all sizes of storms. The literature review and associated BMP reduction factors used to model the applied BMPs clearly show that observed and predicted reductions in sediment were experienced and that the model is validated for use on a watershed scale for BMP implementation. The results from this research will further the understanding of how sediment transport curves are affected by Best Management Practices. / Chapter 1 defines the problem and scope of the research study to be examined in this thesis. The literature review presents the current state of knowledge related to the effectiveness of BMPs, sampling techniques, and the use of sediment transport curves, and watershed modelling as a tool to evaluate the use of BMPs. Chapter 3 explains the goals and objectives as well as the study area for this research. Outlined in Chapter 4 are the standard methods used for water quality monitoring and setting-up and calibrating a watershed model. Research results are presented in Chapter 5 and include measured streamflow and water quality results for the respective rivers along with results from watershed modelling. The results section also reflects on the implications for BMP effectiveness and areas of future research. Chapter 6 concludes with a summary of the new information gained from this research and the success of Severn Sound in leading the way in improved use of BMPs for a healthier watershed. / Severn Sound Environmental Association, Greenland International Consulting Ltd., University of Guelph School of Engineering

In this thesis, I examine the factors that influence the introduction of sustainable practice into university food services. There is a growing body of evidence documenting the ecological impact of the conventional agro-food system. Therefore, understanding how institutional practice either enables or hinders sustainable or ‘alternative’ food practice is critical because institutional food services could serve as a potential site for challenging conventional food geographies. Drawing upon a case study approach, my thesis explores the food service environment at Queen’s University, Kingston, Canada. Two smaller, less detailed food service cases studies (the University of Guelph and the University of Toronto) are used to compare the factors and indicators that determine how sustainability is incorporated into food services. Given the geographical variability within University institutions, I argue that university food services are a contested political space and an important site for challenging conventional food systems. They are also places to test alternative, more sustainable models. I outline some key variables that are currently preventing Queen’s University from moving toward a more sustainable food service model. Furthermore, I discuss the implications of this research for the alternative food geography literature. / Thesis (Master, Geography) -- Queen's University, 2007-11-08 12:33:25.771

This thesis evaluates the waste management system in the province of Manitoba, Canada and other jurisdictions to identify best practices for, and barriers and opportunities to, improving its impact on the environment. Multiple methods were used. First, a survey of expert stakeholders in the waste management sector in Manitoba was conducted, which was followed by an expert stakeholder meeting that further refined the results of the survey. Second, waste management systems of Manitoba, Canada, Nova Scotia, Canada, New South Wales, Australia, and Denmark were compared to determine which of the options already in use by other jurisdictions might be useful in Manitoba. Finally, an estimation of the amount of organic waste entering landfills in Manitoba was conducted, along with an estimation of the resulting methane emissions from landfills to determine their greenhouse gas emissions.

This study addressed the use of benefit levers to develop a guide for an operational plan for spread of best practices in the health system of South Africa. Using the best evidence to inform practice is the cornerstone of quality patient care. Besides uptake and implementation, spreading best practices is crucial as this provides more patients with evidence-informed care and to improve practice and health (care) outcomes. However, spread of best practices is not always effectively done. An example includes Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) as this best practice is translated for practice and implemented on a limited scale; spread to the whole system seems to be problematic. Various factors can be used to facilitate the spread of best practices. Edwards and Grinspun identified four benefit levers which create the tipping point towards successful adoption, implementation and spread of evidence: alignment, permeation plans, leadership for change, and supporting and reinforcing structures. However, little is known about these benefit levers and it remains unclear what the use of benefit levers for system-wide spread would entail, specifically for other contexts as the model (including the benefit levers) has never been operationalised (Edwards & Grinspun, 2011:19). The overall aim of this study entails therefore the development of a guide for an operational plan, formulating the use of benefit levers in the spread of best practices. To achieve this aim the following objectives for this study were set: 1. To explore and describe characteristics of benefit levers to facilitate spread of best practices. 2. To develop a guide for an operational plan to use benefit levers for the spread of best practices. This study was embedded in the postmodern paradigm, whereby the systems theory was used as a theoretical framework. The first objective was achieved by two steps. Firstly, an integrative literature review of concept clarification of the four benefit levers was done. Secondly, semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with key informants from a variety of levels of the health system involved in the spread of KMC in South Africa. Findings were used to achieve objective two. A draft guide for an operational plan was developed, based on the findings of the individual interviews. A logic model was used as format. This guide was refined by experts using the Delphi technique. The Delphi involved two rounds. From the feedback of the first round of the Delphi, a logic model which provides a graphic outlook of the guide, was suggested and refined in the second round, together with the guide. Further, after the Delphi, a template useable for practice was derived from the guide. The guide, logic model and template could help organisations or departments planning to spread best practices in a certain context (e.g. South Africa), to develop an operational plan, where these benefit levers are considered. This is crucial as currently best practices (such as Kangaroo Mother Care) are often not spread on a system-wide basis to improve practice. The guide will therefore be made accessible to health care workers and researchers in South Africa Finally, conclusions were drawn, the research was evaluated, limitations were identified and recommendations were formulated for nursing practice, education and research. Overall, it can be concluded that for effective spread of best practices the benefit levers alignment, permeation plans, leadership for change and supporting and reinforcing structures are required. Further, specifically regarding the objectives and steps of this study the following conclusions can be made: • Literature/studies about leadership for change and supporting and reinforcing structures was found, but regarding alignment and permeation plans, limited rigorous literature was found (Objective 1 – Step 1). • Key informants involved in the spread of a specific best practice (Kangaroo Mother Care) could see the value of benefit levers used for the spread of best practices in the South African health system (Objective 1 – Step 2). • Benefit levers were found useful for development of a guide for an operational plan to spread best practices. This guide will be made accessible to be used by healthcare organisations and departments in South Africa (Objective 2 – Steps 1 and 2). / Thesis (PhD (Nursing))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

This study addressed the use of benefit levers to develop a guide for an operational plan for spread of best practices in the health system of South Africa. Using the best evidence to inform practice is the cornerstone of quality patient care. Besides uptake and implementation, spreading best practices is crucial as this provides more patients with evidence-informed care and to improve practice and health (care) outcomes. However, spread of best practices is not always effectively done. An example includes Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) as this best practice is translated for practice and implemented on a limited scale; spread to the whole system seems to be problematic. Various factors can be used to facilitate the spread of best practices. Edwards and Grinspun identified four benefit levers which create the tipping point towards successful adoption, implementation and spread of evidence: alignment, permeation plans, leadership for change, and supporting and reinforcing structures. However, little is known about these benefit levers and it remains unclear what the use of benefit levers for system-wide spread would entail, specifically for other contexts as the model (including the benefit levers) has never been operationalised (Edwards & Grinspun, 2011:19). The overall aim of this study entails therefore the development of a guide for an operational plan, formulating the use of benefit levers in the spread of best practices. To achieve this aim the following objectives for this study were set: 1. To explore and describe characteristics of benefit levers to facilitate spread of best practices. 2. To develop a guide for an operational plan to use benefit levers for the spread of best practices. This study was embedded in the postmodern paradigm, whereby the systems theory was used as a theoretical framework. The first objective was achieved by two steps. Firstly, an integrative literature review of concept clarification of the four benefit levers was done. Secondly, semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with key informants from a variety of levels of the health system involved in the spread of KMC in South Africa. Findings were used to achieve objective two. A draft guide for an operational plan was developed, based on the findings of the individual interviews. A logic model was used as format. This guide was refined by experts using the Delphi technique. The Delphi involved two rounds. From the feedback of the first round of the Delphi, a logic model which provides a graphic outlook of the guide, was suggested and refined in the second round, together with the guide. Further, after the Delphi, a template useable for practice was derived from the guide. The guide, logic model and template could help organisations or departments planning to spread best practices in a certain context (e.g. South Africa), to develop an operational plan, where these benefit levers are considered. This is crucial as currently best practices (such as Kangaroo Mother Care) are often not spread on a system-wide basis to improve practice. The guide will therefore be made accessible to health care workers and researchers in South Africa Finally, conclusions were drawn, the research was evaluated, limitations were identified and recommendations were formulated for nursing practice, education and research. Overall, it can be concluded that for effective spread of best practices the benefit levers alignment, permeation plans, leadership for change and supporting and reinforcing structures are required. Further, specifically regarding the objectives and steps of this study the following conclusions can be made: • Literature/studies about leadership for change and supporting and reinforcing structures was found, but regarding alignment and permeation plans, limited rigorous literature was found (Objective 1 – Step 1). • Key informants involved in the spread of a specific best practice (Kangaroo Mother Care) could see the value of benefit levers used for the spread of best practices in the South African health system (Objective 1 – Step 2). • Benefit levers were found useful for development of a guide for an operational plan to spread best practices. This guide will be made accessible to be used by healthcare organisations and departments in South Africa (Objective 2 – Steps 1 and 2). / Thesis (PhD (Nursing))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

If altruistic surrogacy should be legal in Sweden, laws concerning screening of the parents should be mandatory and adoption should be promoted as an alternative to surrogacy to a larger extent. Both in surrogacy and adoption the best interest of the child should be a priority, but parents regardless of sexuality, income and to some extent age, should qualify as long as they can prove their ability as parents.

This thesis evaluates the waste management system in the province of Manitoba, Canada and other jurisdictions to identify best practices for, and barriers and opportunities to, improving its impact on the environment. Multiple methods were used. First, a survey of expert stakeholders in the waste management sector in Manitoba was conducted, which was followed by an expert stakeholder meeting that further refined the results of the survey. Second, waste management systems of Manitoba, Canada, Nova Scotia, Canada, New South Wales, Australia, and Denmark were compared to determine which of the options already in use by other jurisdictions might be useful in Manitoba. Finally, an estimation of the amount of organic waste entering landfills in Manitoba was conducted, along with an estimation of the resulting methane emissions from landfills to determine their greenhouse gas emissions.

Loss of Control (LOC) accidents are a major threat for aviation, and contribute the highest risk for fatalities in all aviation accidents. The major contributor to LOC accidents is pilot spatial disorientation (SD), which accounts for roughly 32% of all LOC accidents. A pilot experiences SD during flight when the pilot's expectation of the aircraft's state deviates from reality. This deviation results from a number of underlying mechanisms, such as distraction, failure to monitor flight instruments, and vestibular illusions. Previous researchers have developed computational models to understand those mechanisms. However, these models are limited in scope as they do not model the pilot's knowledge of the aircraft dynamics. This research proposes a novel model to predict the best-possible-pilot-expectation of the aircraft state given vestibular and visual cues. The proposed model uses a Model-Based Observer (MBO) as the infrastructure needed to establish an “expert pilot”. Expert pilots are known to form an internal model of the operated system through training and experience, which allows the expert to generate better internal expectations of the system states. Pilots' internal expectations are enhanced by the presence of information fed through the pilots̕ sensory systems. Thus, the proposed model integrates pilot's knowledge of the system dynamics (i.e. an aircraft model) with a continuous vestibular sensory model and a discrete visual-sampling sensory model. The computational model serves to investigate the underlying mechanisms of SD during flight and provide a quantitative analysis tool to support flight deck and countermeasure designs.

Despite September 11th 2001, many international airports are operating close to capacity, a problem that is likely to become more acute given the projected long-term growth in air traffic. This growth is likely to have major implications on runway, terminal and surface access capacity, infrastructure which is already experiencing constraints. The area of surface access is as much, if not more an issue in terms of employees accessing the airport as it is for passengers. Typically, one third of access traffic can be attributed to employees. Employees represent a particular problem for airports in terms of surface access due to the frequent, peak hour nature of trips made and their higher usage rates of the car compared to passengers. A range of initiatives exist to encourage the use of modes other than the private car by employees but overall these measures tend to be ‘soft' in nature and one generally has to look to the non-airport sector to see examples of more innovative ‘harder' initiatives such as financial incentive and disincentive car parking measures direct to employees. This thesis utilises a series of carefully selected interviews and focus groups at Heathrow Airport and three best practice non-airport organisations, underpinned by a process grounded in the concept and methodology of best practice benchmarking, to suggest areas where BAA, and potentially airport authorities around the world, could learn from other organisations in the area of employee surface access and specifically car parking . It is concluded that there are four key areas airports should focus on to explore the issues surrounding the implementation of a car parking charge or car parking cash out direct to employees, namely: the use of a package approach; a requirement for top management support; gaining acceptance from employees, and; the issues surrounding the process of implementation. The thesis contributes to knowledge in a number of areas, predominantly the use of benchmarking in the area of car parking and the airport sector, an industry which has thus far not adopted the technique to any great extent.