Digital Commons Network^™

Community, Conversation, And Conflict: A Study Of Deliberation And Moderation In A Collaborative Political Weblog, Samantha Isabella Soma

Dissertations and Theses

Concerns about the feasibility of the Internet as an appropriate venue for deliberation have emerged based on the adverse effects of depersonalization, anonymity, and lack of accountability on the part of online discussants. As in face-to-face communication, participants in online conversations are best situated to determine for themselves what type of communication is appropriate. Earlier research on Usenet groups was not optimistic, but community-administered moderation may provide a valuable tool for online political discussion groups who wish to support and enforce deliberative communication among a diverse or disagreeing membership.

This research examines individual comments and their rating and moderation within …

Large-Scale Study Of Calanus In The North Atlantic Ocean: Macroecological Patterns And Potential Impacts Of Climate Change, Pierre Helaouet

Other Faculty of Science and Engineering Theses

Marine ecosystems show natural fluctuation throughout a large range of spatial and temporal scales. Despite the large amount of study devoted to the North Atlantic Ocean, drivers of those fluctuations remain unclear. By changing global climate, polluting, introducing exotic species, expanding and intensifying land uses and overharvesting biological resources, human activities have degraded the global ecosystem and drastically accelerated species extinction rates. Consequences of this human forcing become apparent in the progressive degradation of ecosystem that are used by humans (Schroter et al. , 2005), climate change- induced shifts in species distributions toward the poles (Parmesan et al. , 1999) …

Impact Of Co-Contaminant Chelating Agents On The Speciation, Sorption And Migration Of Actinides, Colin Charles May

Other Faculty of Science and Engineering Theses

Actinide elements are a major long term hazard in wastes arising from nuclear industries. Anthropogenic chelating agents used in nuclear site clean-up operations {e.g. EDTA and NTA) and cellulose degradation products {e.g. ISA) are found in mixed wastes, and the impact of these ligands on actinide sorption and migration is relatively poorly understood. Knowledge of actinide speciation is fundamental for elucidating sorption processes affecting the migration of actinides in the terrestrial environment. This project has used Th(IV) and U02^* as model actinides in key oxidation states to investigate the impact of EDTA, NTA and ISA on actinide speciation, sorption and …

Distribution Of Elateridae And Tipulidae Pest Species In An Agricultural Landscape, Helen Mary Hicks

Other Faculty of Science and Engineering Theses

Wireworms and leatherjackets, the larvae of click beetles (Agriotes spp) and crane flies (Tipula spp) respectively, are subterranean pests of grass, cereals and vegetables and are present throughout the UK and Europe. Soil cores, pheromone traps and water traps were used to measure populations. The populations of larvae were compared to those of adults. Leatherjackets and crane flies were found to be correlated, as were A. obscurus click beetle and wireworm populations. Annual variation in trap catches was observed. Populations were related at a number of spatial scales to cultural, physical and chemical variables. Spatial structure of populations was identified …

Physiological And Whole-Body Correlates Of Contest Behaviour In The Hermit Crab Pagurus Bernhardus, Sophie Lilian Mowles

Other Faculty of Science and Engineering Theses

The series of experiments that comprise this thesis used shell fights in the hermit crab Pagurus bernhardus as a model system to address the proximate physiological and whole-organism correlates of contest behaviour. These correlates of fighting ability ranged from the metal ions magnesium (Mg2+) and calcium (Ca2+), through respiratory pigments and muscular proteins to whole-organism performance capacities and behavioural syndromes. This broad-spectrum approach thus allowed the study of a suite of mechanisms which may influence agonistic behaviour and fighting ability.

Characterisation And Molecular Typing Of Clinical And Environmental Isolates Of Vibrio Parahaemolyticus, Aklak Miah

Other Faculty of Science and Engineering Theses

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a natural inhabitant of coastal waters worldwide and is the leading cause of seafood-borne gastroenteritis. This study reports on the use of several molecular characterisation methods to screen clinical and environmental isolates of V parahaemolyticus to assess whether such techniques can be used to distinguish pathogenic isolates reliably. In a total of 86 isolates mainly of V parahaemolyticus but also including V cholerae, V vulnificus and several other species, serotypes of the more virulent clonal group 03:K6 were identified, but otherwise there appeared no association with serotype and phenotype. The tdh and trh genes encoding haemolysins that …

Physiological Aspects Of The Response To Elevated Co2 In Lentils (Lens Culinaris Medic), Rima Rabah Nasser

Other Faculty of Science and Engineering Theses

This study examined the effects of elevated CO2 and its interaction with drought and nitrogen fertilizer on the growth, production and nodulation of the leguminous crop lentil (Lens culinaris Medic) cultivars ILL7979 and ILL6994 (Idlib 3).

Women Candidates And Councillors In English Local Government, Mary Bernadette Shears

Other Faculty of Science and Engineering Theses

Research interest in gender and politics has been increasing in the UK and intemationally. Much of this research has focussed on the issues surrounding women's underrepresentation to national elected office. However, a vital part of the picture has been largely ignored - women's under-representation in local govemment. This is surprising given that so many MPs still cite experience of serving on local councils before embarking on a career in national politics. This thesis aims to fill some important gaps In our knowledge of the situation affecting the under-representation of women in local govemment In England. It is known that women …

The Effectiveness Of Privately Managed Marine Reserves In Sustaining Nearshore Fisheries In The Tropical Coastal Zone, Bjorn Patrik Mikael Svensson

Other Faculty of Science and Engineering Theses

There is an emergent need to increase protection of nearshore resources from a growing human population, which is deteriorating coral reef ecosystems through coastal development, overfishing and destructive fishing practices. A possible solution involves increasing the number of smaller Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), creating a network of reserves with greater fisheries potential, while locally remaining small enough not to overly impinge on fishers available fishing grounds. Coral reefs are often found in developing countries, where governments financially struggle to establish successfully managed MPAs. A growing number of Hotel Managed Marine Reserves (HMMRs) have partly therefore, recently been established. Hotels arguably …

Community Structure And Dynamics Of The Azorean Rocky Intertidal: Exploitation Of Keystone Species, Gustavo M. Martins

Other Faculty of Science and Engineering Theses

Experimental work has shown the importance of grazing by patellid limpets in structuring intertidal assemblages. Little is known, however, about the effects of a largescale and chronic removal of limpets. Here I investigate the ecology of Patella candei, a seldom-studied limpet endemic to Macaronesia, and how its long-term fishery impacts the Azorean rocky intertidal. The specific aims of this thesis are to: examine the processes that affect the distribution of limpets in the Azores at a range of spatial scales; investigate the role of grazing by P. candei in structuring the Azorean rocky intertidal and if its harvesting has impacted …

Assessing The Impact Of Increasing Seawater Temperature And Acidity On Marine Organisms Using Ophiuroid Brittlestars As An Experimental Model, Hannah L. Wood

Other Faculty of Science and Engineering Theses

Ocean acidification is a consequence of rapidly increasing atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide and, in tandem with increasing sea temperature, poses a significant threat to marine life. A series of mesocosm experiments have been conducted at the Plymouth Marine Laboratory (Plymouth, UK) and the Kings Bay Marine Laboratory (Ny-Alesund, Svalbard) where ophiuroid brittlestars were used as a model to investigate the physiological response of marine organisms to ocean acidification and ocean warming. A 'whole organism' approach was adopted to elucidate the primary physiological responses, trade offs and conflicts that occurred. Three ophiuroid species of differing lifestyle and habitats were chosen …

Morphodynamics Of Ebb Tidal Delta Sandbanks In A Meso To Macro Tidal Environment; Teignmouth, Uk., Nigel P. Aird

Other Faculty of Science and Engineering Theses

This contribution utilises a multifaceted approach to investigate the physical processes responsible for the onshore migration of ebb tidal sandbanks at an estuarine inlet dominated by low energy waves. A coastal video system was used to obtain two-weekly quantitative measurements of the position, plan form and crest depth of the landward migrating sandbanks over a five year period which encompassed four consecutive events. These data were supplemented with a 35 year photographic record of the inlet's development. Onshore sandbank migration was characterised by mean and maximum rates of I to 2 m. day"1 and 5 m. day" 1 respectively. The …

The Sustainability Of Surfing Tourism At Remote Destinations, Emily Kate Hugues Dit Ciles

Other Faculty of Science and Engineering Theses

Surfing is an increasing component of the adventure tourism sector. Growth in surfing as a lifestyle, sporting activity and industry has generated a surge of exploration and intrusion by surfing tourism into remote and vulnerable destinations worldwide in the "search" for uncrowded waves at uncharted locations. Consequendy, there have been concerns at the impacts of surfing tourism on coastal, island and marine areas, often characterised by fragile environments and host communities, compounded the lack of management in isolated regions, and of the surfing tourism industry. The aim of this study was to examine surfing tourism in remote and sensitive destinations …

Ict Access And Use In The Remote Rural Town Of Hatherleigh (Devon, Uk): Towards Citizen Engagement?, Afraa Jalal Sallowm

Other Faculty of Science and Engineering Theses

Information communication technologies (ICTs) have reached into everyday life. This emphasises the increasing importance of understanding the relationship between ICTs and society (Giddens 1994; Castells 1996; Walsham 2001). Over the last few decades, ICTs have shaped many aspects of society, and the specific role that ICTs have played in influencing government and governance structures has received particular attention. Today, the term 'governance' is widely used and accepted amongst a variety of academics and practitioners. However, in recent years the processes by which rural areas are governed have changed remarkably. Many scholars accept the conceptual and theoretical debate concerning the actual …

Genetic Biodiversity Of The European Barnacle Chthamalus Montagui, Sonia Fontani

Other Faculty of Science and Engineering Theses

Biodiversity ultimately is genetic diversity. Genetic diversity within species is eroded before negative trends in biodiversity become evident as loss of species or habitats. Hence, monitoring biodiversity at the genetic level may indicate what will happen at higher levels of organisation if the trend is allowed to continue. There is a pervasive belief that marine ecosystems are less vulnerable to biodiversity loss than terrestrial ones, due to marine species' high dispersal ability and connectivity, large geographic ranges, low genetic differentiation among populations and high genetic variation within populations. Many studies offer compelling evidence that it is not so: loss of …

A Dramaturgy Of Intermediality: Composing With Integrative Design, Kjell Yngve Petersen

Other Faculty of Science and Engineering Theses

The thesis investigates and develops a compositional system on intermediality in theatre and performance as a dramaturgical practice through integrative design. The position of the visual/sonic media in theatre and performance has been altered by the digitalisation and networking of media technologies, which enables enhanced dynamic variables in the intermedial processes. The emergent intermediality sites are made accessible by developments in media technologies and form part of broader changes towards a mediatised society: a simultaneous shift in cultural contexts, theatre practice and audience perception. The practice-led research is situated within a postdramatic context and develops a system of compositional perspectives …

Development Of Fermented Fish Silage Derived From Pelagic Sardine And Apple Pomace By-Product For Inclusion In Diets For The European Seabass (Dicentrarchus Labrax), Siddiq Milad El-Ajnaf

Other Faculty of Science and Engineering Theses

The ensilage of fish and fisheries derived by-products as alternative ingredients to fish meal in diets for aquaculture may be an effective strategy to reduce feed and production costs of farmed marine fish. In this context, the production of fish silage by means of the fermentation of whole sardine (Sardina pilchardus) using Lactobacillus plantarum starter culture together with apple pomace co-product as the principle carbohydrate source was developed. Apple pomace is an important co-product from the cider industry in the UK and was ideally suited for this purpose. The minimum of total sugars necessary for a successful fermentation was found …

Statistical Techniques For Extreme Wave Condition Analysis In Coastal Design, Paul Thompson

Other Faculty of Science and Engineering Theses

The study of the behaviour of the extreme values of a variable such as wave height is very important in engineering applications such as flood risk assessment and coastal design. Storm wave modelling usually adopts a univariate extreme value theory approach, essentially identifying the extreme observations of one variable and fitting a standard extreme value distribution to these values. Often it is of interest to understand how extremes of a variable such as wave height depend on a covariate such as wave direction. An important associated concept is that of return level, a value that is expected to be exceeded …

Construction Manager's Influence On Project Success, V. Latorre

Other Faculty of Science and Engineering Theses

Construction managers aim to deliver successful construction projects; however it is unclear how they perceive construction project success and how they influence that success. Focusing on the construction phase of the project, a Systems Conceptual Framework is induced from the literature review. In-depth interviews undertaken by 10 construction managers, whose experience accounts for over 130 construction projects, provide data to derive categories which populate the Systems Conceptual Framework initially developed. By adopting an unstructured approach to the data collection, a holistic view of how construction managers impact the success of construction projects is acquired. The construction managers' influence on success …

Nitrogen Dynamics In Integrated Agricultural Systems In Central Mexico, Joel Velasco Velasco

Other Faculty of Science and Engineering Theses

Smallholdings (<5 ha) represent 73% of the total agricultural production systems in Mexico. Many are of low productivity, and little quantitative data has been published on the impact of traditional nitrogen (N) management practices on environmental performance at farm scale. Nitrogen is the most important nutrient for increasing crop yields. While the benefits from the use of N fertilizer are self evident, it has resulted in low efficiency of N utilization and environmental problems. This project aimed to assess N dynamics in Integrated Agricultural Systems (lASs) in central Mexico. Nitrogen inputs, outputs and internal transfers were assessed and the impact of selected management practices on nitrogen flow, productivity and environmental performance were analyzed using nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) indices. A predictive framework tool was developed following whole farm methodologies to quantify N flow, and to assess selected (NUE) indices such as 0/1 ratio, N loss, accumulated N, and the change of N in the soil pool at farm scale. Data used for the development of the predictive framework was derived from experimental evaluations of ammonia emissions during vermicomposting, and integrated with data from the literature, together with data from an integrated agricultural systems prototype in Montecillo Mexico. The main N inputs into integrated agricultural systems in the Texcoco region were estimated to be in the following order of significance: biological N fixation (11 - 532), manure (15 - 225), fertilizer (0 - 140) and rainfall water (30 - 35 kg haˉ¹ aˉ¹). The main N outputs were: N losses (70 - 528 kg haˉ¹ aˉ¹) and exported N in marketable products (72 - 338 kg haˉ¹ aˉ¹). Experimentally derived estimates of ammonia emissions during vermicomposting of sheep manure ranged from 10 - 15 kg Mgˉ¹ DM which corresponded to 42 - 47% of the initial N content in the manure substrate. The impact of current management practices showed 0/1 ratios ranging from 0.30 - 0. 76, N losses ranged from 76 to 210 kg haˉ¹ aˉ¹ and N depletion/ accumulation ranged from -25 - 143 kg haˉ¹ aˉ¹. The effect of selected management practices on 0/1 ratio was as follows: crop sequence > stocking density > livestock type > manure management. Whereas for N loss it was stocking density > livestock type > manure management > crop sequence. Higher productivity together with a more benign environmental impact could be attained in smallholder by implementing simple recommended manure management practices at farm scale.

Selection Of A Chicken Lactobacillus Strain With Probiotic Properties And Its Application In Poultry Production, Soumela Sawidou

Other Faculty of Science and Engineering Theses

One hundred and eleven lactic acid bacteria, of chicken origin, were tested for possible probiotic properties. One organism, Lactobacillus salivarius Salivarius NCIMB 41606 {Lact. "Salivarius) showed rapid autoaggregation ability, maximum co-aggregation ability with enteropathogens, tolerance to acidic pH and bile salts of the chicken Gl-tract, very good antagonistic activity against several enteropathogens and good adhesive capacity to chicken epithelial cells. It was also found to survive in water for 24h and produce fermented feed, of low pH (150 mmol L-1 lactic acid after 24h fermentation at 30°C. This organism was selected as a candidate that could be used in vivo …

Beach Morphodynamics Behind A Series Of Detached Breakwaters In A Mesotidal Environment, Iain Alastair Fairley

Other Faculty of Science and Engineering Theses

Morphodynamics of beaches protected by detached breakwaters have been investigated in this thesis at timescales ranging from days to years. A site consisting of nine breakwaters on a coast open to energetic wave conditions in a meso-tidal environment is studied. Two phases of breakwaters were built at the site: phase one comprising of four fully emergent, 200m long structures, which have caused the formation of tidal tombolos; and phase two, five 160m long breakwaters, submerged at high tide, behind which salients have formed. The site allows for comparison of response at beaches protected by different breakwater designs under similar wave …

Marine Pollution And Echinoderms: A Biomarker Study Integrating Different Levels Of Biological Organisation, Martin Neil Canty

Other Faculty of Science and Engineering Theses

There is growing concern that the invertebrate lest organisms commonly employed in the field of aquatic ecotoxicology may not be sufficient to accurately screen for the possible deleterious effects of contaminants discharged into the marine environment. The use of echinoderms has been proposed to redress this problem, due to their ecological importance and their evolutionary closeness to the chordates. But to date, there is a paucity of data in the published literature which has utilised the adult stages of echinoderms in laboratory based toxicology studies. The present studies aimed to fill this lack of information. A suite of biomarkers which …

A Large-Scale Model Of Spatio-Temporal Patterns Of Excitation And Inhibition Evoked By The Horizontal Network In Layer 2/3 Of The Visual Cortex, Andrew John Symes

Other Faculty of Science and Engineering Theses

Cortical processing of even the most elementary visual stimuli can result in the propagation of information over significant spatiotemporal scales. To fully understand the impact of such phenomena it is essential to consider the influence of both the neural circuitry beyond the immediate retinotopic location of the stimulus, including pre-cortical areas, and the temporal components of stimulus driven activity that may persist over significant periods. Two computational modelling studies have been performed to explore these phenomena and are reported in this thesis. I) The plexus of long and short range lateral connections is a prominent feature of the layer 2/3 …

'Making Whoopee'? : An Exploration Of Understandings And Responses Around Women's Alcohol Use, Patricia Staddon

Other Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business Theses

In this thesis, I explore the different meanings women's drinking may have for them, and the ways in which these may differ from those of the public, the medical profession, and alcohol treatment providers. I consider the sociological factors involved, such as marginalisation by medical diagnosis as a method of social control, involving particularly the disempowerment of women (Ettorre 1997). I challenge conventional views of 'alcoholism' as a 'relapsing condition' .(Szumlinski et al. 2008 p.24) and present an alternative, competing discourse. This recognises how women's social dissonance may be both response and resistance to gendered constraints, drawing upon understandings of …

Time Well Spent: Modelling Education And Service Activities Of Junior Doctors Under The European Working Time Directive, Sonja Anna Derrick

Other Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business Theses

A number of professional groups face the conflict of providing a service to their organisation as a whole, and wider to its clients, while continuing to develop their skills and knowledge professionally, in order to be able to perform effectively in their current role as well as future ones, within a certain amount of time available to them. The introduction of reduced-hours legislation under the European Working Time Directive for junior doctors has posed an organisational problem for NHS Trusts in the UK, who need to reconcile the training and service needs of the profession and the service within the …

Brynmawr Experiment 1928-1940 : Quaker Values And Arts And Crafts Principles, Pamela Manasseh

Other Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business Theses

This is a study of the social work of Quakers in the town of Brynmawr in South Wales during the depressions of the 1920s and 1930s. The work, which took place during the years 1928 to 1940, has become known as the Brynmawr Experiment. The initial provision of practical and financial relief for a town suffering severely from the effects of unemployment, was developed with the establishment of craft workshops to provide employment. Special reference is made to the furniture making workshop and the personnel involved with it. The thesis attempts to trace links between the moral and aesthetic values …

Involvement Of Looked After Children In Making Decisions About Their Present And Future Care Needs, Caroline Leeson

Other Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business Theses

The provision of services for looked after children is an arena, like no other, where agents of the state, rather than parents or the children themselves are making decisions about children's lives. Such decisions include where and with whom looked after children live, what school they attend and the regularity and quality of their contact with their families and friends. The extent to which looked after children are involved in these decision-making processes appears to depend on the assumptions and perceptions of social work practitioners about the ability of children to participate. These assumptions are usually based on age-related concepts …

The Role Of 56th (Independent) Infantry Brigade During The Normandy Campaign June-September 1944, Andrew Holborn

Other Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business Theses

Comprised of three regular battalions of infantry, 2nd Battalion The South Wales Borderers, 2nd Battalion The Essex Regiment, 2nd Battalion The Gloucester Regiment and Brigade HQ, 56th (Independent) Infantry Brigade was only formed in early March 1944. Its specific task was to land 'under command' of 50th (Northumbrian) Infantry Division on D-Day. This Division itself was made up of three brigades of very experienced infantry. What is remarkable is that 56th Infantry Brigade's infantry battalions had all been on Home Service since June 1940 and were not experienced in battle. Despite this, within only thirteen weeks of formation, 56th Infantry …

Homing Place: Towards A Participatory, Ambulant And Conversive Methodology, Misha Myers

Other Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business Theses

The practice-as-research project Homing Place proposes a transferable percipient-led methodology of performance and research activated by ambulant and conversive mechanisms as the culmination of this research. The thesis is comprised of a range of activity that represents a moment and way of writing practice. Three artworks that comprise part of the practical component of this thesis--- way from home, Take me to a place and Yodel Rodeo-- each involved participation and contribution from particular audiences and social groups in spatial and conversational modes of performance executed through processes of wayfinding, mapping and walking. One of the primary contributions of knowledge …