Small states and the promotion of their foreign policy agenda in the international scenario: Trinidad and Tobago and the Kyoto Protocol

Este estudio de caso busca identificar los elementos del portafolio de política exterior de Trinidad y Tobago que le permitieron promover exitosamente sus intereses en el Protocolo de Kioto. Al hacer esto, este texto analizará las limitaciones de Trinidad y Tobago en términos de vulnerabilidades de localización, burocracia y recursos. Posteriormente, una revisión del portafolio de política exterior de este Estado ilustrará el uso de estrategias de creación de capacidades y de organización como lo son el contacto con actores institucionales y no gubernamentales, la formación de coaliciones y estrategias argumentativas, entre otras. Finalmente, este artículo concluirá que dichas acciones permitieron la promoción de la agenda de política exterior de Trinidad y Tobago a través de la creación de hojas de ruta y la coordinación de la incertidumbre con el Protocolo de Kioto. Para hacer esto, este trabajo se concentrará en examinar conceptos como vulnerabilidad y priorización, asimismo contrastando diferentes artículos académicos en la materia junto con documentos oficiales de Trinidad y Tobago.

Eruption of Soufrière Hills (1995–2009) from an offshore perspective : insights from repeated swath bathymetry surveys

This contribution provides an analysis of the 1995–2009 eruptive period of Soufrière Hills volcano (Montserrat) from a unique offshore perspective. The methodology is based on five repeated swath bathymetric surveys. The difference between the 2009 and 1999 bathymetry suggests that at least 395 Mm3 of material has entered the sea. This proximal deposit reaches 95 m thick and extends ∼7km from shore. However, the difference map does not include either the finer distal part of the submarine deposit or the submarine part of the delta close to the shoreline. We took both contributions into account by using additional information such as that from marine sediment cores. By March 2009, at least 65% of the material erupted throughout the eruption has been deposited into the sea. This work provides an excellent basis for assessing the future activity of the Soufrière Hills volcano (including potential collapse), and other volcanoes on small islands.

Eradication of invasive species: progress and emerging issues in the 21st century

At an international conference on the eradication of invasive species, held in 2001, Simberloff (2002) noted some past successes in eradication—from the global eradication of smallpox (Fenner et al. 1988) to the many successful eradications of populations (mostly mammals) from small islands (e.g. Veitch and Bell 1990; Burbidge and Morris 2002). However, he cautioned that we needed to be more ambitious and aim higher if we are to prevent and reverse the growing threat of the homogenization of global biodiversity. In this chapter we review how the management strategy of eradication—the permanent removal of entire discrete populations—has contributed to the stretch in goals advocated by Simberloff. We also discuss impediments to eradication success, and summarize how some of the lessons learnt during this process have contributed to the other strategies (prevention and sustained control) that are required to manage the wider threat posed by invasive alien species. We concentrate on terrestrial vertebrates and weeds (our areas of expertise), but touch on terrestrial invertebrates and marine and freshwater species in the discussion on emerging issues, to illustrate some of the different constraints these taxa and habitats impose on the feasibility of eradication.

Assessment of natural resource conditions in and adjacent to Dry Tortugas National Park

This project characterized and assessed the condition of coastal water resources in the Dry Tortugas National Park (DRTO) located in the Florida Keys. The goal of the assessment was to: (1) identify the state of knowledge of natural resources that exist within the DRTO, (2) summarize the state of knowledge about natural and anthropogenic stressors and threats that affected these resources, and (3) describe strategies being implemented by DRTO managers to meet their resource management goals. The park, located in the Straits of Florida 113 km (70 miles) west of Key West, is relatively small (269 square kilometers) with seven small islands and extensive shallow water coral reefs. Significant natural resources within DRTO include coastal and oceanic waters, coral reefs, reef fisheries, seagrass beds, and sea turtle and bird nesting habitats. This report focuses on marine natural resources identified by DRTO resource managers and researchers as being vitally important to the Tortugas region and the wider South Florida ecosystem. Selected marine resources included physical resources (geology, oceanography, and water quality) and biological resources (coral reef and hardbottom benthic assemblages, seagrass and algal communities, reef fishes and macro invertebrates, and wildlife [sea turtles and sea-birds]). In the past few decades, some of these resources have deteriorated because of natural and anthropogenic factors that are local and global in scale. To meet mandated goals (Chapter 1), resource managers need information on: (1) the types and condition of natural and cultural resources that occur within the park and (2) the stressors and threats that can affect those resources. This report synthesizes and summarizes information on: (1) the status of marine natural resources occurring at DRTO; and (2) types of stressors and threats currently affecting those resources at the DRTO. Based on published information, the assessment suggests that marine resources at DRTO and its surrounding region are affected by several stressors, many of which act synergistically. Of the nine resource components assessed, one resource category – water quality – received an ecological condition ranking of "Good"; two components – the nonliving portion of coral reef and hardbottom and reef fishes – received a rating of "Caution"; and two components – the biotic components of coral reef and hardbottom substrates and sea turtles – received a rating of "Significant concern" (Table E-1). Seagrass and algal communities and seabirds were unrated for ecological condition because the available information was inadequate. The stressor category of tropical storms was the dominant and most prevalent stressor in the Tortugas region; it affected all of the resource components assessed in this report. Commercial and recreational fishing were also dominant stressors and affected 78% of the resource components assessed. The most stressed resource was the biotic component of coral reef and hardbottom resources, which was affected by 76% of the stressors. Water quality was the least affected; it was negatively affected by 12% of stressors. The systematic assessment of marine natural resources and stressors in the Tortugas region pointed to several gaps in the information. For example, of the nine marine resource components reviewed in this report, the living component of coral reefs and hardbottom resources had the best rated information with 25% of stressor categories rated "Good" for information richness. In contrast, the there was a paucity of information for seagrass and algal communities and sea birds resource components.

Lateral phase separation in AlGaN grown on GaN with a high-temperature AIN interlayer

The influences of a high-temperature (HT) AlN interlayer (IL) on the phase separation in crack-free AlGaN grown on GaN have been studied. The depth-dependent cathodoluminescence (CL) spectra indicate a relatively uniform Al distribution in the growth direction, but the monochromatic CL images and the CL spectra obtained by line scan measurements reveal a lateral phase separation in AlGaN grown on relatively thick HT-AlN ILs. Moreover, when increasing the thickness of HT-AlN IL, the domain-like distribution of the AlN mole fraction in AlGaN layers is significantly enhanced through a great reduction of the domain size. The morphology of mesa-like small islands separated by V trenches in the HT-AlN IL, and the grain template formed by the coalescence of these islands during the subsequent AlGaN lateral overgrowth, are attributed to be responsible for the formation of domain-like structures in the AlGaN layer. (c) 2005 American Institute of Physics.

Self-assembled monolayer growth of octanol on mica: Atomic force microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy studies

The growth kinetics of self-assembled monolayers formed by exposing freshly cleaved mica to octanol solution has been studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). AFM images of samples immersed in octanol for varying exposure times showed that before forming a complete monolayer the octanol molecules aggregated in the form of small islands on the mica surface. With the proceeding of immersion, these islands gradually grew and merged into larger patches. Finally, a close-packed film with uniform appearance and few defects was formed. The thickness of the final film showed 0.8 nm in height, which corresponded to the 40degrees tilt molecular conformation of the octanol monolayer. The growth mechanisms consisted of nucleation, growth, and coalescence of the submonolayer films. The growth process was also confirmed by FTIR. And the surface coverage of the submonolayer islands estimated from AFM images and FTIR spectra as a function of immersion time was quite consistent.

Health in the medieval world: Regionality and the bioarchaeology of Ireland and Britain

This study assesses regional health patterns in early medieval Ireland and Britain by analysing and interpreting palaeopathological indicators of stress. This was achieved by incorporating the results of demographic and palaeopathological study into the specific historical contexts. Although relatively small islands, both are home to unique and diverse cultural, physical, and political landscapes, which could potentially affect the general health of the population in different ways. To accurately answer the research question, a bioarchaeological survey of six regions within both islands was carried out, specifically analysing and comparing the demographic profile and general health trends within each region with one another. Results from the analysis have demonstrated statistically significant differences within and between the islands. Inferring that even the more subtle differences observed within the cultural, physical, and political landscapes, such as in the case of Ireland and Britain, can and do affect general health trends. The health of early medieval Ireland and Britain appears to be significantly affected by the physical landscape, specifically a north/south divide. The most northerly regions, Scotland South and Ireland North, manifested higher levels of stress indicators when compared to the more southerly positioned regions. Although it can only be hypothesised what factors within these regions are causing, enhancing or buffering stress, the study has established the potential and necessity for regional work to be continued when interpreting the historical past of these two islands.

Observation of C60 film formation on a highly oriented pyrolitic graphite substrate via scanning tunnelling microscopy

We have investigated the early stages in the adsorption process of C60 molecules on a highly oriented pyrolitic graphite (HOPG) substrate. C60 powder was thermally evaporated in UHV of 10−8 Pa conditions onto a freshly cleaved HOPG surface. We did not observe individual fullerenes on the substrate for the case of short deposition times and low evaporation rates. However, small islands of C60 molecules with an fcc structure could be observed when the deposition rate was about 0.2 nm/min and the total thickness was above 1 nm. The islands did not grow in the vicinity of the HOPG steps. The typical lateral dimensions of these islands were of the order of a few hundred square nanometers, having thickness of up to five monolayers. We modified the shapes and positions of these islands by the STM tip, using a small (less than 1 V) bias voltage.

Electrocatalytic activity of Ru-modified Pt(111) electrodes toward CO oxidation

The electrochemical deposition of Ru on Pt(111) electrodes has been investigated by electron diffraction, Auger spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry in a closed UHV transfer system. At small coverages Ru formed a monatomic commensurate layer, at higher coverage mostly small islands with a bilayer height were detected. When the Pt was almost completely covered by Ru, three-dimensional clusters developed. The island structure of Ru changed upon electrooxidation of CO, reflecting an enhanced mobility of Ru. Adsorption and electrooxidation of CO have been studied on such Ru-modified Pt(111) electrodes using cyclic voltammetry and in situ FTIR spectroscopy. Compared to the pure metals, the Ru-CO bond is weakened, the Pt-CO bond strengthened on the modified electrodes. The catalytic activity of the Ru/Pt(111) electrode toward CO adlayer oxidation is higher than that of pure Ru and a PtRu alloy (50:50). It is concluded that the electrooxidation of CO takes place preferentially at the Ru islands, while CO adsorbed on Pt migrates to them. © 1999 American Chemical Society.

Contrasting damage characteristics in direct incidence and surface plasmon mediated single-shot laser ablation of aluminium films

Thin, oxidised Al films grown an one face of fused silica prisms are exposed. tinder ambient conditions, to single shots from an excimer laser operating at wavelength 248 nm. Preliminary characterisation of the films using attenuated total reflection yields optical and thickness data for the Al and Al oxide layers; this step facilitates the subsequent, accurate tuning of the excimer laser pulse to the: surface plasmon resonance at the Al/(oxide)/air interface and the calculation of the fluence actually absorbed by the thin film system. Ablation damage is characterised using scanning electron, and atomic force microscopy. When the laser pulse is incident, through the prism on the sample at less than critical angle, the damage features are molten in nature with small islands of sub-micrometer dimension much in evidence, a mechanism of film melt-through and subsegment blow-off due to the build up of vapour pressure at the substrate/film interface is appropriate. By contrast, when the optical input is surface plasmon mediated, predominately mechanical damage results with the film fragmenting into large flakes of dimensions on the order of 10 mu m. It is suggested that the ability of surface plasmons to transport energy leads to enhanced, preferential absorption of energy at defect sites causing stress throughout the film which exceeds the ultimate tensile stress for the film: this in turn leads to film break-up before melting can onset. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.

Tourism in Timor Leste: contributions to a sustainable development

The main goal of this thesis is to analyse tourism as a contributor to sustainable development, from a supply and demand perspective, in Timor-Leste, a destination not only “young” but also framed in an early stage of touristic development. From the supply side, studies 1 and 2 present a literature review on the concept of sustainable development, in small islands destinations, its weaknesses and vulnerabilities, and whose attractiveness lies in an integrated set of natural resources (attractive beaches, biodiversity, the coral triangle, a rich fauna and flora), its geographic location, tropical climate, socio cultural tradition and a Luso-Timorense cultural mix, that can meet the needs of important segments of the tourist demand. In these studies, the focus is on the residents’ attitudes in relation to sustainable development and, in particular, on the perceptions of local leaders about the importance of the operationalization of the concept. As Timor-Leste is a “young” destination, it is travel industry is still faced with several problems in order to be able to satisfy the demand and to meet the tourists’ motivations, preferences and requirements. In this perspective, the study 3 examines diaspora tourism, while a niche market, allowing for not only the entry of Timor-Leste in the international tourism market, but also an articulation between the people of Timor-Leste in the diasporas and the development of sustainable tourism . In general, the results show that the development of sustainable tourism cannot be successfully implemented without the involvement of all stakeholders such as residents, public sector (local government, policy makers, planners), private sector (tourism operators), and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that include civil society, religious institutions, the academic community (the supply side), and Timorese diasporas tourists as consumers (the demand side).

The high-water mark. The siting of megalithic tombs on the Swedish island of Tjorn

In 1977 Grahame Clark suggested that the siting of megalithic tombs along the west coast of Scandinavia reflected the distribution of productive fishing grounds. Unlike the situation in other parts of Europe, these monuments were not associated with agriculture. Opinions have varied over the last quarter century, but enough is now known about changes of sea-level for his interpretation to be investigated on the ground. There seems to have been considerable diversity. On the large island of Örust some of the tombs located near to the sea appear to be associated with small natural enclosures defined by rock outcrops and may have been associated with grazing land. On the neighbouring island of Tjörn, however, the tombs were associated with small islands and important sea channels. During the Bronze Age the same areas included carvings of ships. Recent fieldwork in western Norway suggests that such locations were especially important in a maritime economy.

Global and local expression of chirality in serine on the Cu{110} surface

Establishing a molecular-level understanding of enantioselectivity and chiral resolution at the organic−inorganic interfaces is a key challenge in the field of heterogeneous catalysis. As a model system, we investigate the adsorption geometry of serine on Cu{110} using a combination of low-energy electron diffraction (LEED), scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy. The chirality of enantiopure chemisorbed layers, where serine is in its deprotonated (anionic) state, is expressed at three levels: (i) the molecules form dimers whose orientation with respect to the substrate depends on the molecular chirality, (ii) dimers of l- and d-enantiomers aggregate into superstructures with chiral (−1 2; 4 0) lattices, respectively, which are mirror images of each other, and (iii) small islands have elongated shapes with the dominant direction depending on the chirality of the molecules. Dimer and superlattice formation can be explained in terms of intra- and interdimer bonds involving carboxylate, amino, and β−OH groups. The stability of the layers increases with the size of ordered islands. In racemic mixtures, we observe chiral resolution into small ordered enantiopure islands, which appears to be driven by the formation of homochiral dimer subunits and the directionality of interdimer hydrogen bonds. These islands show the same enantiospecific elongated shapes those as in low-coverage enantiopure layers.

Seeding of single crystal superalloys--Role of seed melt-back on casting defects

Single crystal seeds of the nickel-base superalloy CMSX-4 have been partially melted in a temperature gradient and then quenched. Small islands of random orientation are observed throughout the melted-back semi-solid. These random orientations appear to be pinched-off secondary dendrite arms, but there is no evidence that they are transported ahead of the dendrite tips to nucleate stray grains during directional solidification.

Tourism, congestion, taxation, and strategic interaction

This paper examines the strategic interaction between firms and governments in two Small Island Tourism Economies (SITEs). In a situation where congestion can threaten the viability of tourism industries in SITEs, we highlight the role of two factors that determine the distribution of tourists across SITEs: whether the tourism market is vertically or horizontally differentiated, and the extent to which tourists care about congestion. Under these circumstances, counterintuitive results are possible: congestion in a SITE may rise in response to tourists caring more about congestion in the SITE. Moreover, maximising tourism tax revenue emerges as a dominant strategy for governments.