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Galaxy close pairs are studied to investigate the effects of gravitational interactions on star formation and black hole accretion processes in merger progenitors. We derive star formation rates from near-ultraviolet luminosities; this is a new method for studying mergers and provides unique insight into recent star formation rates. A range of progenitor masses are considered, as well as the separation between merging galaxies and the environment they inhabit. Star formation enhancements in major versus minor close pairs are also considered. Pairs are extracted from the SDSS by identifying galaxies with small angular separation and small recessional velocity difference. Optical photometry in five filters is available for these galaxies. The pairs sample is cross-matched with near-ultraviolet flux measurements from GALEX and specific star formation rates are derived. We study the fraction of active galaxies as a function of separation in close pairs and seek observational evidence for merger activity triggering black hole accretion. Optical emission lines are used to identify progenitors harbouring active galactic nuclei, and the ratio of active galaxies in close pairs is compared to that of non-mergers. The variable properties of a sample of quasi-stellar objects (QSOs) are analysed. We present optimal QSO classification algorithms that exploit time series variability features calculated from Pan-STARRS light curves. This groundbreaking work crosses boundaries between astrophysics, statistics and machine learning. Spectroscopically confirmed QSOs and stars are used to train Support Vector Machine and Random Forest algorithms. We compare and evaluate the outcome of these models then apply them to Pan-STARRS light curves over nine medium deep fields, each covering 7 degrees-squared and located uniformly across the sky, to predict likely QSO candidates. We present a host of new variability features to characterise and provide measures of QSO variability.

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) has been associated with 'good governance' by bodies at national and international levels including the World Bank, OECD and UK and Scottish Government. Invoking concepts including transparency, accountability, public participation and partnership working, this SEA/good governace nexus has been promoted in Scotland where the government sees SEA as central to its sustainable development aspirations. The research examines the operation of the SEA/good governance nexus in the SEA processes of two Scottish cases: the A96 corridor Masterplan and the Clackmannanshire Alliance Community Planning environment framework, Greening Clackmannanshire. Data-gathering took place between 2007 and 2010 using a mix of qualitative methods. The data were then analysed using a realist governmentality lens to view SEA as a technique of government ostensibly seeking to instil environmentally-focused governance. Employing a framework drawn from Foucault and summ arised by Darier (1996), the analysis is focused around three axes. The first axis, which considers centralisation tendencies in government, is crucial in considering whether SEA can be a useful meeting point between top-down and bottom-up approaches to sustainable development. The second, 'intensification of the effects of power', requires clear conduits for the flow of an environmentally-focused governmentality if Thérivel's (2004) aspiration of having decision makers 'thinking SEA' is to be realised. Finally, the power-knowledge axis opens up for discussion the role of expertise vis-à-vis the admittance to SEA of 'early and effective' public participation and an increasing emphasis on social learning in assessment. Crucially, a governmentality approach also admits a central theme in Foucault's conception of power: resistance. In contrast to providing opportunity to futher the legitimising aims of the SEA/good governance nexus in Scot exposes instances of resistance to both thedemocratising elements of good governance and to SEA itself, as the public and statutory consultation authorites find their efforts to constructively engage with the SEA process thwarted.

Rifted continental margins and extensional basins, provide lasting records of the processes that occur during continental break-up and initial spreading. The eastern Black Sea (EBS) basin provides a good setting to study the development of continental margins, because of ongoing sedimentation during its development and the close proximity of its conjugate margins. Here, I present an analysis of a new wide-angle seismic dataset that reveals the structure of the deep sediments, crust and upper mantle within the EBS basin. These data provide a unique look at the formation of extensional basins, as the dataset includes a prole that is orientated parallel to the rift axis. This prole places new constraints on the variation in magmatism that accompanied continental rifting and the lateral extent over which these variations occur. The wide-angle data show 8-9km of sediment in the centre of the basin, and reveal a wide-spread low-velocity zone (LVZ) within the deep sediments. The depth of this LVZ coincides with the organic-rich mud layer identied as the Maikop, and indicates overpressure within this formation. From the seismic velocity model, excess pore pressures of 60 - 70 MPa above hydrostatic were estimated within the Maikop. The wide-angle data also reveal highly thinned continental crust (7km thick) in the western EBS, and crust interpreted as thick oceanic crust (13km thick) in the eastern EBS, implying a transition from magma-starved to magmatically robust rifting. Lateral variations in mantle temperature and composition can account for a gradual increase in magmatism, but the wide-angle data reveal that this transition is abrupt (30km) and coincides with one of a series of basement scarps. These results impact the interpretations of other rift zones, where a variation in the syn-rift magmatism is observed, but the nature of the transition is not known.

Literature Review: This section offers a review of the literature concerning psychodermatological assessment, that is, the assessment of the interface between the skin and its psychological correlates, and evaluates selected psychodermatological scales. Using defined criteria, fifty articles were identified, including twenty-three scales, which are reviewed in detail. Findings demonstrated that quantitative self-report scales dominated assessment. When evaluated against psychometric and theoretical criteria, the scales were found to have limited robustness and validity. These findings are discussed in relation to the relationship between disease severity and skin-related distress and subsequent theoretical and clinical implications explored. Research Report: Living with a skin condition can lead to considerable psychological distress. Understanding the mechanisms of skin-related distress is crucial in developing a psychodermatological theory and devising meaningful psychological interventions. The III present study employed Kellett's (2002) theory of "dermatological shame" to construct a psychodermatological assessment scale for use in dermatological outpatient populations, in this case, at Barnsley District General Hospital dermatology department. The scale was subjected to exploratory factor analysis and reduced from thirty to twenty-four items. Reliability and validity analyses were then carried out and the results discussed in relation to dermatological shame and cognitive models of disfigurement (Kent & Thompson, 2002; Thompson & Kent, 2001). Critical Appraisal A reflexive account is offered of the research process, through four sections: project conception, study implementation, learning and development, including methodological limitations, and process issues. This section concludes with recommendations for further research.