http://hdl.handle.net/1893/2670 This community contains the ePrints and eTheses produced by the Faculty's staff and students. Fri, 06 Nov 2026 20:33:31 GMT 2026-11-06T20:33:31Z http://hdl.handle.net/1893/38434 Title: Advancing earth observation and its integration with hydrodynamic modelling to understanding transitional waters Author(s): Sankara Narayanan, Nagendra Jaiganesh Abstract: Transitional water systems are dynamic land–sea environments where river inflow, tidal exchange, atmospheric forcing and shallow bathymetry interact across multiple scales. Earth Observation (EO) and hydrodynamic modelling can improve understanding of these systems, but the performance of these approaches remains uncertain in shallow, optically complex and morphologically heterogeneous environments. Well-monitored transitional systems such as the Venice Lagoon provide an opportunity to evaluate, further develop and integrate these approaches, and to assess their transferability to less-monitored, data-scarce transitional waters. This PhD thesis follows this framework to investigate surface water temperature (SWT) and surface water salinity (SWS) variability across contrasting transitional environments. Three studies address this aim. Chapter 2 evaluates and integrates satellite- and model-derived SWT products in the Venice Lagoon. Chapter 3 develops the first satellite-based framework for retrieving coloured dissolved organic matter (CDOM) and SWS in the Venice Lagoon, using the former as an optical proxy for freshwater–marine mixing. In parallel, hydrodynamic modelling represents broader spatiotemporal SWS patterns. Chapter 4 assesses the transferability of these approaches to the less-monitored Danube Delta-Razelm-Sinoie-western Black Sea continuum. In Venice Lagoon, the System of Hydrodynamic Finite Element Modules (SHYFEM), driven by real-time meteorological and hydrological observations, reproduced seasonal SWT variability with continuous coverage. Landsat Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS) observations processed with the Thermal Atmospheric Correction Tool (TACT) resolved fine-scale variability and industrial-discharge anomalies. Their integration improved spatiotemporal SWT representation. Multi-year in situ observations confirmed an inverse CDOM–SWS relationship, enabling Sentinel-3 Ocean and Land Colour Instrument (OLCI) to map freshwater influence, tidal redistribution and lagoon-wide gradients. In the Danube region, where local meteorological observations were unavailable, SHYFEM driven by globally available atmospheric reanalysis data, together with Landsat SWT and Sentinel-3-derived SWS, captured seasonal contrasts, river–lagoon–sea gradients and freshwater-plume pathways. The observed discrepancies between satellite-derived and modelled SWT and SWS estimates were linked to water-constituent variability, atmospheric-correction performance, shallow-water structure and environmental forcing. Collectively, this thesis advances Earth Observation and hydrodynamic modelling to improve understanding of SWT and SWS dynamics across the study sites. The developed framework is transferable to comparable environments and strengthens monitoring capacity, supports ecosystem assessment and improves the scientific basis for coastal and lagoon management. Mon, 17 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/1893/38434 2026-08-17T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/1893/38430 Title: Research Priorities for Preconception Health in Scotland: A Multidisciplinary Call to Action Author(s): Currie, Sinead; Brough, Emma J; Ryan, Laura; Renwick, Kathleen; Rose, Beth; Ganguly, Annie Abstract: Introduction: Health and behaviours prior to conception influence reproductive outcomes, lifelong health, and health inequalities across generations. While international attention to preconception health has increased, context-specific evidence to inform effective practice and policy in Scotland remains limited. This gap is concerning given declining birth rates, widening inequalities, and increasing prevalence of adverse maternal and infant outcomes. Methods: A research prioritisation project was undertaken to identify key areas for preconception health research in Scotland. A narrative review of published literature reviews and relevant Scottish policy and public health guidance was conducted to identify evidence gaps and preliminary research themes. These informed a national online survey that captured views from members of the public and stakeholders with an interest in preconception health. Survey findings were subsequently refined through an in-person, multi-stakeholder workshop involving members of the public, researchers, healthcare professionals, third sector representatives, and policy stakeholders. Results: Four overarching research priority themes were identified: (1) adopting a life-course approach to preconception health; (2) reducing neurodevelopmental risks and improving awareness of preconception behaviours; (3) addressing health inequalities and ensuring equitable access to care; and (4) enhancing the involvement of men, partners, and shared responsibility for preconception health. Cross-cutting principles emphasised the need for inclusive and consistent messaging, improved healthcare professional training, integration of preconception care within existing services, stakeholder involvement, and robust data collection. Conclusion: This co-designed research prioritisation project identifies clear and actionable priorities for advancing pre-conception health research in Scotland. Addressing these priorities will support evidence-based policy and practice, improve reproductive and long-term health outcomes, and contribute to reducing health inequalities for current and future generations. Public Contribution: Members of the public and individuals with lived experience of preconception health were actively involved throughout this research prioritisation project. Public contributors participated in a national survey to identify and rank priorities for preconception health research in Scotland and attended a multi-stakeholder workshop to refine and finalise research themes and questions. The workshop included members of the public alongside researchers, healthcare professionals, third sector representatives, and policy stakeholders, ensuring that priorities reflected lived experience as well as professional perspectives. Public input directly informed the identification of research priorities, the interpretation of findings, and the development of future research directions (See the GRIPP2 short form checklist in the supplementary files). Thu, 29 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/1893/38430 2026-10-29T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/1893/38428 Title: Unprecedented but understudied: A brief review of climate-induced forest decline in Central Chile Author(s): Paredes-Berríos, Pablo T; Jump, Alistair S; Greenwood, Sarah; Donoghue, Daniel; Venegas-González, Alejandro D Abstract: Mediterranean-type ecosystems (MTEs) are among the most biodiverse and climate-vulnerable ecosystems globally. Rising temperatures, combined with more frequent and intense droughts, have driven widespread forest decline across all five MTE regions, accounting for 48% of globally documented forest mortality events. Among these, Central Chile has experienced the most severe climatic anomalies, including a persistent megadrought since 2010, two hyperdroughts in 2019 and 2021 with precipitation deficits exceeding 75%, and recurrent spring and summer heatwaves. These unprecedented conditions position Central Chile as a potential worst-case scenario for the future of MTEs worldwide. This review synthesises current knowledge on climate-induced forest decline in Central Chile, summarising recent research conducted across multiple spatial and ecological scales. Emerging evidence reveals a regional forest decline characterised by reduced productivity, radial growth declines, impaired seedling establishment, and widespread canopy browning. While these responses are comparable to those observed in other MTEs, the ecological implications of hyperdroughts and regional warming for forest resilience remain poorly understood. Despite growing research efforts, critical knowledge gaps persist regarding forest mortality rates, regeneration dynamics, and the physiological mechanisms underlying tree survival and mortality. We identify key research priorities, including the need for quantified mortality data, mechanistic understanding of decline processes, assessment of post-disturbance ecological dynamics, and integrative approaches that link plot-based observations with remote sensing and modelling. Addressing these gaps is essential to evaluate changes in productivity, species composition, and the long-term trajectory of Chilean MTEs, while contributing to a broader predictive understanding of forest resilience in Mediterranean-type ecosystems globally. Tue, 01 Dec 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/1893/38428 2026-12-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/1893/38427 Title: Odour preferences of children and adults across four culturally diverse cultures in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Oceania Author(s): Kowal, Marta; Sorokowski, Piotr; Roberts, S Craig; Butovskaya, Marina; Imran Ali Shah, Syed; Jędryczka, Wiktoria; Roberts, Kateřina; David O, Oana; Pieniak, Michal; Hummel, Thomas; Sorokowska, Agnieszka Abstract: Odour perception plays a crucial role in various processes, yet the extent to which odour preferences are universal or shaped by cultural and ecological contexts remains debated. While some studies report substantial cross-cultural agreement in odour pleasantness, others highlight considerable variability. To address this question from a novel perspective, we collected data from 394 children and adults (68% children) across four distinct cultures (Hadza, Pakistani, Papuan, and Scottish). Participants rated the pleasantness and familiarity of 11 odours (Fish, Garlic, Butter, Ginger, Thyme, Cinnamon, Banana, Peach, Strawberry, Jasmine, Butanol). We observed both variability and agreement in odour pleasantness ratings across cultures, but overall, there was a similar level of agreement between adults and children within each culture. Furthermore, the most pleasant odours (Jasmine, Strawberry, Peach) were rated more consistently across cultures than the most unpleasant ones (Fish, Garlic, Butter). Finally, familiarity was strongly and positively associated with pleasantness. These findings suggest that while some universal consensus in odour evaluation exists, ecological and cultural influences, as well as individual differences, may all play a more substantial role in shaping olfactory perception. Mon, 26 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/1893/38427 2026-10-26T00:00:00Z