Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington. / eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Bibliography: l. [229]-235.

This thesis aims to determine the colonisation rates of house dust mites in different types of flooring materials and how this is influenced by vacuum cleaning, to assess the common fungal taxa present within carpets and how differing environmental determinants influence this, to develop more efficient cleaning regimes for the removal of house dust mite allergens from smooth and carpeted floors, and to assess the influence of vacuum cleaning on the airborne concentrations of Der p I and fungal spores from rooms with smooth and carpeted floors. The colonisation behaviour of two house dust mite species in three flooring types was compared and the differences noted. Significant differences were found in the colonisation of the same three flooring types by house dust mites and significant differences were found between controls and vacuum cleaned flooring. In the home environment, a number of variables were found to influence both the concentration of the house dust mite allergen Der p I and the level of fungal contamination of carpeted floors. Substantial differences in Der p I allergen concentrations were found between smooth and carpeted flooring and the process of intensive vacuum cleaning showed significant reductions in allergen concentrations for specific cleaning times. Significant differences occurred in airborne allergen concentrations and fungal spore counts both before and after vacuum cleaning, with significant differences found between rooms with carpeted and smooth floors. The general conclusion was that cleaning frequency and flooring type are two of the major variables to control in order to minimise exposure to house dust mite allergens and fungi in the home.

In this study I investigated Procellariiformes (albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters) at sea in the southwestern Atlantic Ocean. Fourteen species and 301 individuals were sampled non-destructively using a cast net method described here. A method is described for ageing Atlantic Yellow-nosed (Thalassarche chlororhynchos) and Black-browed (T. melanophris) Albatrosses based on bill colour and moult. Procellariiformes appear to have two distinct moulting strategies: petrels and shearwaters have complete annual moult, start to moult during the breeding period, and replace several primaries and tail feathers at one time, whereas albatrosses undergo long moulting cycles, replace less feathers at once, and suspend the wing moult during breeding periods. Primary moult starting at P2 rather than P1 was demonstrated to be a common feature in this taxon, with important implications for studies of stable isotopes, trace elements and pollutants in feathers. Overlap between moulting and breeding is demonstrated to be common with tail and contour feathers, but limited in wing, which suggests that flight constraint in long distance foragers rather than nutritional and energetic limitations is the ultimate factor determining primary moult timing. Based on molecular sexing and linear measurements, sexual size dimorphism was shown to vary according to species, with females in general smaller than males, more pronounced in bill measurements than in other traits, and more conspicuous in Giant Petrels (Macronectes spp.) and Diomedea albatrosses. Closely related species pairs of Thallassarche albatrosses and Procellaria petrels had differing levels of sexual dimorphism. The pelagic seabird community sampled comprises birds from different ages and breeding status according to species. Skewed Adult Sex Ratio (ASR) has been proposed as a common pattern in birds, frequently biased towards males and with larger biases in globally threatened species. In albatrosses and petrels, differential mortality of one gender in fisheries is suggested to be caused by sexual size dimorphism giving males a competitive advantage, which allows more access of the larger sex to discards and baits, or to at sea segregation of sexes. These hypotheses were tested by sampling birds at sea and reviewing ASR of birds incidentally captured in fisheries. Skewed ASR is common in albatrosses and petrels from the community attending vessels, but there was no correlation between skewed ASR and conservation status, both in terms of population size or global level of threat, or between ASR and sexual size dimorphism. Thus, sexual dimorphism in size does not explain skewed ASR in the community sampled or in incidental captures in fisheries reported in the review. Differential at sea distributions of males and females appear to explain better the patterns found in the community sampled at sea, as well as skewed ASR in seabird fatalities. Kernel density analysis of satellite tracked Spectacled Petrels (Procellaria conspicillata) in 2006 and 2007 demonstrated intense use of waters in the Brazilian Exclusive Economic Zone, from 26 to 31S, mainly over the continental shelf break and offshore waters. The marine habitats used by Spectacled Petrel and described by bathymetry, SST and productivity are remarkably different from those of the sister species White-chinned Petrel (Procellaria aequinoctialis), which occurs in the area during the winter, but remains over the continental shelf, on Sub-Antarctic and oligotrophic waters. A close association between birds and pelagic longline fishery was demonstrated through comparison of the main kernel areas used by Spectacled Petrels and the pelagic longline fleet. Stable isotopes of nitrogen (δ15N) and carbon (δ13C) in blood preserved in different ways and simultaneously growing feathers were analysed in Spectacled Petrel. Mean δ13C and δ15N values in growing feathers were higher than in blood, suggesting tissue-specific fractionation. Different methods of preserving tissues such as blood may bias stable isotope values. Air drying is proposed as a practical and unbiased method for blood preservation in field situations where freezing is not a practical option, and a mathematical approach is suggested to permit comparison between studies using different preservation methods or tissues. By analysing stable isotopes in blood of all species of Procellariiformes sampled it is demonstrated that availability of discard, mainly the preferred shark liver, which is shared among species with contrasting body masses and feeding techniques, is the ultimate cause of overlapping in trophic levels. Carbon isotopic signature overlapped among the species and was typical of subtropical and offshore region. Early migrant individuals from Antarctica and sub-Antarctic (e.g. Cape Petrel Daption capense, White-chinned Petrel, Wilson’s Storm-petrel Oceanites oceanicus) and species still rearing chicks when sampled (Wandering Albatross Diomedea exulans) had clear carbon isotopic signatures from the austral region. All southern latitude species underwent a clear shift in carbon and nitrogen isotope signatures, increasing in trophic level after arriving in the SW Atlantic. Cory’s Shearwater (Calonectris diomedea), the only species not attending vessels, has low nitrogen values resulting from a diet of flyingfish and squids naturally occurring in the area. While some abundant and widespread petrels and shearwaters, particularly those small in size, benefit from discards from pelagic longline vessels, the balance between benefits and the incidental mortality in hooks is negative for albatrosses and some petrels. Information on bycatch rates of seabirds in the Brazilian domestic pelagic longline fishery from 2001 to 2007 in the Exclusive Economic Zone and adjacent international waters of the southwestern Atlantic Ocean is presented, and bycatch rates for the area are reviewed. Overall, seabird capture rate for the Brazilian pelagic longline fleet was 0.229 birds/1000 hooks, varying from zero to 0.542 birds/1000 according to season. Capture rates were higher between June and November (cold season) and affected mainly the Black-browed Albatross (55% of birds captured), the White-chinned Petrel, the Spectacled Petrel and the Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross. Capture rates previously reported in the SW Atlantic varied from 0 to 5.03 birds/1000 hooks, with those based on logbooks or fishermen interviews tending to underestimate capture rates, whereas those based on small numbers of hooks or short time periods tend to greatly overestimate rates in both pelagic and demersal longline fisheries. A range of poorly-known hook-and-line commercial fisheries carried out by the Itaipava fleet, southeastern Brazil, composed by 497 vessels, was described with seven fisheries defined. Capture rates were higher for the surface longline for Dolphinfish (0.15 birds/1000 hooks and 1.08 turtles/1000 hooks), slow trolling for Bigeye Tuna (0.41 birds/day) and handlining targeting Yellowfin Tuna (0.61 birds/day). Bycatch of 47 seabirds, mainly the endangered Spectacled Petrel, Atlantic Yellow-nosed, and Black-browed Albatrosses, and 45 turtles of four species were recorded. Longline and other hook-and-line fisheries are the major threat for albatrosses and petrels from different origins when foraging in the SW Atlantic Ocean, and require urgent conservation measures.

Nigeria has serious environmental degradation resulting from pollution related to the oil and gas industry. The Department of Petroleum Resources reports that there were over 4,200 oil spill incidences in Nigeria over the last 50 years, ranging from minor spills to over half a million barrels in one single incident; yet there are no coherent policies on the environment to deal with the on-going pollution problems. Significant improvements can be achieved by good Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and strict adherence to regulations. The history, strengths and weaknesses of EIA application and implementation in the oil industry are reviewed and assessed. The main research method was the use of a bespoke questionnaire sent to 705 recipients of whom 560 responded, and who were identified as a representative cross-section of stakeholders; including oil industry personnel, academics, government organisations personnel, representatives from local communities affected by the pollution, and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). The questionnaire survey was used to determine the views of the stakeholders on the role of EIA in Nigeria‟s oil and gas industry; it also investigated the levels of the respondents‟ involvement, experience and participation in EIA. The data from the questionnaire was analysed using statistical methods, which elucidated the nature of the perceived conflict between the oil companies and government organisations, against academics and stake-holder communities. The results clearly demonstrated the ingrained views and perceptions on each side of the dispute. In addition the results highlighted the constraints and challenges faced by various stakeholders in conducting EIA in Nigeria, and emphasized the need for changes in the way EIAs were conducted in the oil industry. The research identified components of particular concern within the Nigerian EIA structure, process and implementation; and raised questions about the adoption or external Agency or industry imposition of 1st World designed EIAs in Nigeria.

Prior to 2008, reference to green infrastructure (GI) in Irish planning, advocacy and guidance documentation had been limited. However, by November 2011, GI was referenced in statutory guidance at national, regional and local levels, while also enjoying reference in many non-statutory planning policy and advocacy documents. This thesis seeks to examine and explain the processes which facilitated the rapid emergence, evolutionary trajectory and institutionalisation of GI planning policy in Ireland. Specifically, the investigation seeks to critically examine why and how GI was introduced, interpreted and advanced in planning policy formulation in Ireland between November 2008 and November 2011. Situated within the field of interpretive policy analysis, the thesis adopts a discourse centred approach focused on the context sensitive constitution of the ‘meaning(s)’ of GI. The potential implications of such meaning(s) are also examined. The research involves extensive documentary analysis of both Irish and international planning policy related material. The investigation also involves the analysis of semi-structured interviews with 52 interviewees from the public, private and voluntary sectors. Information obtained from participant observation at 2 planning workshops is scrutinised. The thesis provides a number of original empirical and theoretical contributions to knowledge. This is achieved by presenting a critical interpretive analysis of policy dynamics in a context where attention to ‘meaning-making’ is largely absent in academic literature regarding landuse planning. The research identifies, examines and discusses the influential roles played by planning rationalities, motivated agents, professional networks and timing in the dissemination and institutionalisation of a new policy initiative within Irish landuse governance. The thesis also provides a broader contribution to understandings of the policy process by presenting an innovative theoretical explanation of how representation and interpretation may shape the content, currency and consequences of policy.

This work was undertaken in order to study the colonisation of paint films by microorganisms. Quantitative data derived from a range of analytical techniques has provided information on surface changes occurring in the paint films during colonisation in the field and during laboratory exposure experiments. Exposure trials, took place at four different sites, two in Norway and two in the UK. The sites were situated in Sandeflord and Bergen and in Preston and Blackley near Manchester, with the panels facing North at an angle of forty-five degrees. The results obtained from these studies indicate that the range of microorganisms found on the panels exposed at the locations were very similar, suggesting that there was no great difference encountered in the airborne flora as indicated by settle plates at the sites investigated. Painted panels made from Spruce were found to be more heavily colonised than those made from calcium silicate or aluminium. The formulation biocide was seen to be effective in the vermiculite bed system against Aureobasidium pullulans. The Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope (ESEM) provided visual evidence that in the case of Aureobasidium pullulans, fungal hyphae penetrated the paint film by the dissolution of the paint binder rather than disruption of the paint films by the growth of microorganisms through the paint film from below. Spruce panels that had been gamma irradiated showed a similar surface colonisation pattern to those untreated. Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionisation Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry(MALDI TOF MS) showed that the technique was able to distinguish between spectra generated by different genera of fungi and between spectra generated by different species of the same genus. It is considered that the technique may provide evidence to confirm or refute the nominally common taxonomic status of fungal isolates from different sites. The work undertaken using the Talysurf"Im, shows that the technique is suitable for detecting changes in the surface topography of unprotected paint films. The results from work undertaken with films that had been subject to prolonged exposure at the Preston site and within a vermiculite bed system confirm this. Comparisons of the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra obtained for exposed and non-exposed paint films suggested that the exposure had no effect on the overall composition of the paint film.

This thesis examines the politics of international regime formation, with particular reference to the global atmospheric problems of ozone layer depletion and global warming. A review of the international relations literature reveals that there are three approaches to the study of international regime formation: global, state-centred and individualistic. Building upon these, three preconditions and four catalysts for international regime formation are proposed. Each of the hypothesised preconditions -- scientific consensus, tolerable domestic economics costs and global equity -- is necessary, though not by itself sufficient, for international regime formation. Meanwhile, although no one of the hypothesised catalysts -- political entrepreneurs, the solidity of the broader international political system, environmental pressure groups and the mobilisation of public opinion -- is a necessary element for the formation of an international regime, the presence of any one can nevertheless accelerate the rate at which regimes are formed. The theoretical framework that is proposed is applied to the histories of the ozone layer depletion and global warming issues. In this investigation, data up to the end of 1991 were considered. The thesis also considers some issues that extend beyond the end of 1991, for the nature of parts of the analysis precludes an unwavering commitment to this cut-off date. The findings of this investigation have both theoretical and empirical dimensions. First, because the application of the theoretical framework does not invalidate it, thinking about the formation of regimes in international society in general is advanced. And second, by applying the framework to these two particular issues, explanations are offered as to why an international regime had been formed by the end of 1991 to preserve the earth's ozone layer, while one to deal with global warming had not.

In this study, all Scottish post 1980 Najas flexilis sites were surveyed for the presence or absence of Najas flexilis. In addition, all pre 1980 mainland sites were visited and 10 Irish sites across the Irish geographic range and presence or absence of Najas flexilis recorded. The environmental conditions required for Najas flexilis growth, including water and sediment chemistry, light and exposure were evaluated. These environmental conditions are compared between present and extinct sites. Measurement of specific plant traits, leaf area and reproductive number, from a representative sample of the population is used as a method for assessing the condition of the population in response to the environment. Models show that the concentration of phosphate in the sediment and water and magnesium in the water, along with the alkalinity and either light or calcium in the sediment can predict 67 - 88% of the variation in the plant traits of Najas flexilis. The community in which Najas flexilis grows was recorded from all sites visited. Two approaches were used a quantitative micro-habitat approach which is concerned only with the plants growing in the immediate vicinity of Najas flexilis and a qualitative whole lake approach. The suitability of these two approaches as a site condition monitoring tool for Najas flexilis is considered. The applicability of the Standing Water Type (SWT) classification to the community groups attained from whole lake approach and the applicability of National Vegetation Classification (NVC) scheme to the community groups attained from micro-habitat approach is considered. The lake scale qualitative approach elucidated significant differences in lake water pH, alkalinity and the concentration of total oxidised nitrogen and dissolved reactive phosphate in the water as well as differences in phosphate, calcium and iron in the sediment.

Morphological analysis and mapping of Loch Lomond Stadial moraines at five key sites, Torridon, Rannoch Moor, Tyndrum and Strath Fillan, the upper Forth Valley and the east Loch Lomond basin has allowed the genetic interpretation and inferences of climatic significance to made. Hummocky moraine is found at three of these sties, Torridon, Rannoch Moor and Tyndrum, where they are interpreted as polygenetic in origin. The spatial organisation and morphology of hummocky features investigated in Torridon allows the differentiation of cross-valley orientated marginal moraines and the more numerous streamlined features with a down-valley orientation interpreted as flutings. As the flutings are superimposed on the cross-valley moraines they are thought to post-date moraine formation. The spatial organisation of glacial landforms in Torridon therefore represents a palimpsest landscape. Mapping of moraines in the Rannoch Moor basin suggests that this was a major centre of ice convergence rather than accumulation during the Loch Lomond Stadial. Ice mainly accumulated in the corries in the mountains to the west of moor from where it flowed to coalesce as an upland icefield. Ice is thought to have reached a sufficient volume in the Rannoch Moor basin to flow down valleys as outlet glaciers. Hummocky features found at Tyndrum and Strath Fillan have a polygenetic origin and include the remnants of eskers, hummocks produced by local ice stagnation, marginal moraines, and lateral moraines which have been modified by paraglacial debris flow. Large terraces at this sites are interpreted as kame terraces with pitted and channelled surfaces. Local ice stagnation is thought to have occurred during a regional pattern of active deglaciation.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington. / Bibliography: l. [229]-235.