identifier: Doyle, Michael J. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Doyle=3AMichael_J=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2004) An evaluation of the development, implementation and outcome of a pilot prescription monitoring program in Newfoundland and Labrador.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Since the late 1980s, local medical professional associations, drug dependency groups, and the police had noted an apparent increase in the inappropriate clinical and illicit use of prescription medications in Newfoundland and Labrador. -- The Newfoundland Medical Board implemented a provincial government funded, province-wide, pilot Prescription Monitoring Program ("PMP") for narcotics and benzodiazepines in June 2000. Pharmacists electronically submitted batch prescription information to the Program. -- The purpose of this research was to analyze the policy process used to develop and implement the pilot PMP in comparison to a published guideline and to undertake a thorough clinical evaluation of this Program using a before/after study design. -- The Program did not impact the prescribing of program monitored drugs, identified substitutes, and the incidence of multiple doctoring as expected. However, increased break and enters at retail pharmacies after the Program was implemented suggested that these medications had become more difficult to access. Surveys of prescribing appropriateness indicated that the PMP might have positively impacted the prescribing of these drugs. However, various biases and a small sample size limited the ability to accurately determine the magnitude of the impact. Assessments of long-standing prescriptions that were abruptly discontinued suggested that the PMP did not adversely impact legitimate patient access to these medications. Most suspected drug-seeking patients reduced the number of physicians they visited. A small number increased their visits. A small number of physicians had prescribing volumes that exceeded ten times the mean. -- Numerous legal, budgetary, confidentiality and stakeholder participation problems hindered the Program's orderly implementation and its impact. Contrary to legislation, at least eleven pharmacies failed to report data. Some high prescribing physicians identified by the Province's drug subsidy program were located near these pharmacies. Professional regulatory groups appeared unable to accommodate the financial and legal risks necessary to address suspected inappropriate behavior among physicians, pharmacists and patients. -- Specifically targeted peer prescribing reports, academic detailing and regulatory sanctions were recommended to replace the PMP. A recommendation was made to forward the names of patients suspected of double doctoring to the police. The Province's drug subsidy and physician payment programs may suffice as a necessary future data source for specifically targeted interventions. Researchers concluded that the Program had a marginal positive impact.


identifier: Driscoll, Joni <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Driscoll=3AJoni=3A=3A.html>   (2006) Ex situ conservation protocols for the rare plants Braya longii (endangered), Braya fernaldii (threatened) (Brassicaceae) and Salix jejuna (endangered) (Salicaceae) endemic to the limestone barrens of Newfoundland.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

type: Thesis NonPeerReviewed

abstract: The Limestone Barrens of the Great Northern Peninsula of Newfoundland, Canada contains many rare plant species. The Great Northern Peninsula (GNP) contains 114 rare plant species; in fact this is the only place in Newfoundland and Labrador where 29 of these 114 rare plant species can be found (Bouchard et al., 1991). Part of this area is considered critical habitat (meaning it is necessary for the survival or recovery of a listed species) for three world endemics: Braya longii (endangered), Braya fernaldii (threatened) (Brassicaceae), and Salix jejuna (endangered) (Salicaceae) (COSEWIC, 2005). These species are listed by The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (1997 and confirmed in 2000 for both Braya species; 2001 for Salix jejuna) as well as the Provincial Endangered Species Act (2002) and federal Species at Risk Act 2003. The goal of this study was to develop reliable ex situ protocols for the growth and maintenance of these three listed species. Both Braya species did not grow sustainably in captivity; therefore, through analysis of natural soil nutrient content and particle size, a reliable soil mix (1:1 mix of braya mix to crushed limestone) was produced that mimicked natural growth. Based on studies of other willow species Salix jejuna seed was assumed to have low longevity and viability which is why a main focus of developing an ex situ population of S. jejuna was on establishing a protocol for the survival of cuttings (Arya et al., 1988; Maroder et al., 2000). Not only was a successful protocol established for survival of S. jejuna cuttings, but the germination study provided evidence that the seed is viable for up to 9 months if stored in a freezer at -20°C. In light of this a seed gene bank may be possible with S. jejuna seed.


identifier: Drover, Danika <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Drover=3ADanika=3A=3A.html>   (2006) Ergonomic considerations in marine evacuation system design and employment.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This thesis reports on three studies completed in the area of marine safety. The first study focused on the compatibility between the anthropometric characteristics of persons employed in the offshore oil industry in Newfoundland and liferaft and lifeboat evacuations systems employed in the offshore. Findings from this study suggest that manufacturers should consider shoulder breadth, rather than hip breadth measurements as a better criterion for determining seat design and lifesaving appliance occupancy capacities. Furthermore, the typical morphological features of a typical person employed in the Newfoundland offshore are considerably larger than the standards used in the type approval process. This study concludes that testing standards should be reconsidered. The second study assessed the requirements for measuring forces and accelerations acting on humans engaged in marine evacuation systems such as chutes and slides. While no subjects reported pain or injury due to these tasks, the upper limits of loading recorded might have the potential to injure a younger, older or less-fit person. The study concludes that manufacturers should be aware of human tolerance limits when developing evacuations systems. The third study consisted of the measurement of egress times for injured or physically challenged users of marine evacuation systems. Data from the study reported it takes on average 89.3s and a maximum of 129.8s for a mannequin loaded stretcher to descend through a slide and be placed into its final position in the raft. Throughout the trials, mannequins experienced head accelerations of approximately 2 Gs. There was a general trend that heavier stretchers seemed to better secure/restrain the mannequin and resulted in smaller accelerations during the descent. This thesis provides considerable guidance to regulatory bodies and manufacturers in the development, testing and deployment of marine evacuation systems.


identifier: Drover, James R. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Drover=3AJames_R=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2006) A new screening program for the detection of amblyopia and other early visual disorders in toddlers and preschool children.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Several studies indicate that permanent visual dysfunction can be easily prevented if amblyopia or amblyogenic factors are detected sufficiently early in life. Although this highlights the importance of mass vision screening of young children, the implementation of preschool vision screening programs is lacking in most industrialized countries for at least three reasons. First, the detection of subtle amblyogenic factors is often quite difficult using current techniques of assessment. Second, the screening of young children is often challenging due to the attentional demands of the tests. Third, there is a lack of consensus among researchers/clinicians as to what constitutes an effective vision screening program. -- In order to address these issues, we implemented a population-based screening program to assess toddlers and preschoolers in the St. John's, NL, Canada, metropolitan area. The program was one of the most comprehensive conducted to date, as we attempted to assess 954 children on up to five separate aspects of functional vision (visual acuity, ocular alignment/motility, stereoacuity, refractive error, and contrast sensitivity). The screening battery included commonly used tests to assess toddlers and preschoolers such as the Teller Acuity Cards, Randot E Stereotest, and the cover-uncover test along with promising, new tests such as the Lea symbols, the Randot Preschool Stereoacuity Test, the contrast sensitivity cards, and the Welch-Allyn SureSight autorefractor. Children who failed at least one test were sent to an optometrist for an optometric gold standard exam. To determine which tests should be included in an effective preschool vision screening program, four measures of validity (sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value) were calculated for tests of each visual function and 29 different combinations of tests. -- Results suggested that although all individual tests possessed relatively high positive predictive values, they generally possessed low sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive value. Combinations of tests tended to yield high sensitivity and positive predictive value, but relatively low specificity and negative predictive value. The most effective combinations were those that included autorefraction and the ocular alignment/motility tests. Also, prevalence estimates of vision disorders based on the present study were in agreement with those from other areas of Canada and other industrialized nations. Finally, completion times and completion rates revealed that of all tests in the screening battery, autorefraction was the easiest for children to complete, whereas contrast sensitivity was the most difficult. -- Based on the data analyses, we have made several important recommendations that may be instrumental in improving the quality of preschool vision screening: (1) vision screening should be conducted with a combination of three to four tests; (2) the program should implement relatively lenient referral criteria; (3) autorefraction should be included as part of the combination in order to assess spatial vision; (4) the combination should include either stereoacuity tests or alignment/motility tests; (5) three-test combinations are preferable to four-test combinations as they are more cost-effective.


identifier: Drover, James R. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Drover=3AJames_R=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2000) Modification of the infant contrast sensitivity card procedure.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Recent attempts to measure spatial vision in infants have encountered serious drawbacks, such as the expense and sophistication of the equipment required, or the time necessary to complete the test. Adams, Mercer, Courage, and van Hof-van Duin (1992) have developed a prototype contrast sensitivity (CS) card procedure which sidesteps these problems, most notably test time. Despite its success, the prototype possesses several limitations which affect the accuracy and the efficiency of the procedure. -- In the present thesis, custom software and printing techniques were developed to construct a new set of CS cards which, compared to the prototype, contain four improvements: (1) Larger, more salient test gratings; (2) higher contrast "warm-up" cards in each spatial frequency set; (3) smaller contrast step size between adjacent cards; (4-) gratings mounted onto more durable backgrounds. The success of the new cards was evaluated by testing 3- and 12-month-old human infants and comparing the results to those obtained with the prototype cards. -- Results indicate that the new CS cards were very successful. Compared to the prototype, which required 10 to 15 minutes, the new card procedure was completed by most subjects within 5 to 8 minutes. Also, compared to the prototype, individual contrast sensitivity functions (CSFs) of 12-month-olds tested with the new cards are more typical of healthy infants as measured by more rigorous behavioral procedures. Surprisingly, however, group CSFs obtained with the new cards were lower than those obtained with the prototype, a discrepancy that may be due to differences in space average luminance between the two sets of cards. In all, the new CS card procedure possesses several merits which give it potential as a technique for widespread adoption by both researchers and clinicians.


identifier: Drover, Mary Sheila Lewis <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Drover=3AMary_Sheila_Lewis=3A=3A.html>   (1994) Monoclonal antibodies to T-cell defined HLA-DR4 subtypes: peptide-dependent, antibody-binding epitopes on HLA-DR [beta] chains associated with rheumatoid arthritis.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Part of abstract is missing.


identifier: Drover, Rodney D. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Drover=3ARodney_D=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2004) The role of collaborative leadership in building professional learning communities: an intern's perspective.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This paper posits that a learning organization which creates high academic school performance is created when there is a collaborative approach not only between administration and teachers but, with an interaction between school and community. Dibbon (1999) writes, "in schools characterized as learning organizations the organization's culture is truly collaborative; individuals take responsibility for and contribute to one another's learning as they go about their day-to-day activities" (p. 35). For the purpose of this paper, collaborative leadership will be discussed to encompass the specific variables necessary for school leaders to achieve effective school performance, particularly in student achievement. These will include definitions of school leaders as managers, change agents, culture builders and lead learners. The role of teachers, students, school administrators and the relationship necessary of the school, parents and the community will be discussed. Vanier Elementary provide an excellent example of a professional learning community and will act as an example to a desired process.


identifier: Duffett, John Allen <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Duffett=3AJohn_Allen=3A=3A.html>   (1992) The interrelationships among students' conceptions of the nature of scientific knowledge, inductive reasoning, and achievement in science.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Interrelationships among conceptions of the nature of scientific knowledge, inductive reasoning, and achievement in science were examined for a sample of 305 suburban high school students. Epistemological beliefs were measured using a questionnaire developed for the study on the basis of the philosophic literature and portions of philosophical models of existing instruments. The final version consisted of 56 items organized into seven subscales representing different dimensions of scientific knowledge. The Essay Test of Inductive Reasoning Strategies, Part A, developed by Norris and Ryan (1987a), was selected as the measure of inductive reasoning. The test requires subjects actively to employ inductive reasoning strategies. Students' achievement in science was measured by the final grade received in the past school year for general science, biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science. -- Students' conceptions included beliefs that scientific knowledge: (a) represents real world phenomena, (b) is fallible, (c) is changeable, (d) is a product of the human imagination, (e) must be subjectable to empirical test, (f) is acquired slowly, and (g) should be questioned when reasonable to do so. Students' inductive reasoning was characterized by a superficial treatment of the reasoning tasks. Students tended not to (a) withhold judgement, (b) seek additional information, (c) suggest alternate conclusions, and (d) monitor their own progress. -- Results of a path analysis indicated that students' conceptions of scientific knowledge exerted strong significant effects on achievement in general science, biology, chemistry, and physics. The effect of scientific knowledge conception on reasoning was significant for the biology group. Significant effects were also found for reasoning on general science and biology achievement. Reasoning was found to play a much smaller role in determining science achievement than did conceptions of scientific knowledge. -- A factor analysis of the questionnaire subscales empirically divided the variable of scientific knowledge conception into four factored variables. The results revealed that the large direct effect for conception of scientific knowledge on reasoning and science achievement was due to beliefs that knowledge: (a) was a representation of real world phenomena, (b) must be testable, (c) is fallible, (d) is changeable, and (e) should be questioned when appropriate to do so.


identifier: Duggal, Anil <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Duggal=3AAnil=3A=3A.html>   (2003) Assessing the relationship between needs and services in elderly women receiving government subsidized home support services in the St. John's region.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Introduction: The combined effects of low fertility and low mortality levels in Canada have resulted in an aging population and increasing health care costs. A major challenge is to provide high quality, long-term care services and programs while ensuring that the care is appropriately matched to need. -- Objective: To explore the association between assessed need and service provision for women aged 75 years and older receiving government subsidized home support services in the St. John's region of Newfoundland. -- Study Aims: 1. To describe the needs of clients according to functional need indicators for formal care provision. -- 2. To describe the service being provided to the clients (formal and informal service systems). -- 3. To describe the relationship between needs and services as well as the predictors of service allocation and the appropriateness of utilization of home support services. -- Methods: A retrospective design was used to assess clients formal care needs and their amount of formal services. A cross-sectional design was used in administering a questionnaire to community health staff, which focused on the perceived capabilities of all providers of informal support. -- Materials: The statistical package for social sciences (SPSS),  and a customized Paradox software program were used in the analysis. -- Results: The average age of the 103 female clients assessed was 86 years. Their high need scores centered around a cluster of problems related to Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). In examining levels of informal support, a large number of clients (85%) had low provision. A significant number of clients (74%) scored in the 8th and 9th decile indicating high formal resource use. A correlation between decile ranking and formal service provision was found to be significant. A correlation between informal support and formal service  provision was also significant. -- Clients identified as receiving an under-utilization of home support services (n=14) were compared to those appropriately matched for needs and services (n=40). Mismatches between these two groups existed in the domains of age and memory status. Clients identified as receiving an over-utilization of home support services (n=12) were compared to those appropriately matched (n=37). Mismatches between these two groups existed in the domains of living arrangement and informal support. -- The most important predictors of formal service provision were  need and informal support variables. Forty-seven percent of the variance of formal service provision was explained by the variables examined. -- Conclusions: 1. Identified mismatches between need and formal support exist within the home support system in St. John's, Newfoundland (25%). -- 2. In order to improve analysis of the associations between formal service, informal support and need score, caregiver burden and longitudinal data should be examined. -- 3. A multi-disciplinary approach to collecting and evaluating complex data would facilitate the future growth and efficacy of home support services.


identifier: Duggan, Daniel J.  <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Duggan=3ADaniel_J=2E_=3A=3A.html>   (2013) Angiotensin II control of regional haemodynamics in rats with aortocaval fistulae.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Pathological conditions exist in which regional blood supply is reduced due to a decrease in arterial blood vessel lumen diameter. This may be accomplished by humoral or neurogenic vasoconstriction, or by arterial blood vessel hypertrophy. Adequate blood perfusion is important, and it is desirable to improve blood supply in these conditions. Rats with aortocaval fistulae (ACF) are models of heart failure in which regional blood supply is reduced and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is activated. Attenuation of the RAAS was expected to cause a larger decrease in mean arterial pressure (MAP) and larger increases in regional blood flows and conductances (haemodynamics) in ACF rats than in sham-operated (SO) rats. Furthermore, AT₁  receptor antagonism by losartan was expected to cause larger effects on MAP and regional haemodynamics than AT₂ receptor antagonism by PD 123319. -- The continuous influence of angiotensin II on regional haemodynamics was estimated by administering captopril, losartan, and PD 1233 19 to rats with and without ACF. Losartan caused a larger decrease in MAP and generally larger increases in regional haemodynamics in rats with ACF than in SO rats. In rats with ACF, losartan caused a larger decrease in MAP and larger increases in regional conductances than the decreases produced by PD 123319. In SO rats, the increase in MAP produced by PD 123319 was larger than the decrease produced by losartan. The increases in mesenteric and renal conductances produced by losartan were larger than the decreases produced by PD 123319. However, the decrease in iliac conductance produced by PD 123319 was larger than that produced by losartan. -- The results of this study suggest (1) that the RAAS has a greater influence in controlling regional haemodynamics in rats with ACF than in SO rats and (2) that the RAAS is altered in rats with ACF to favor vasoconstriction, possibly as a mechanism of maintaining a normal mean arterial pressure despite a large decrease in total peripheral resistance. Finally, (3) AT₁ receptor antagonism is more effective than ACE inhibition at increasing regional blood flow in rats with ACF. This is important, given the goal of increasing regional blood supply in these rats, and may be true of other pathological conditions in which tissue ischaemia results from systemic vasoconstriction and decreased systemic blood flow.


identifier: Duggan, Gerald Adrian <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Duggan=3AGerald_Adrian=3A=3A.html>   (1975) The relationship between achievement differential, mothers' value of education, students' value of education and students' self-appraisal of performance.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The main purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between achievement differential and mothers' value of education, students' value of education, and students' self-appraisal of performance. The relationship between mothers' value of education and students' self-appraisal of performance was also a major concern in the study. -- The present study involved Grade V-VIII boys in one school in the City of St. John's. Information was obtained from mothers and pupils. Mothers' value of education was determined using an instrument devised by Medinnus and also by using an instrument devised by Rundquist and Sletto, further revised by Moss. Information on students' value of education and students' self-appraisal of performance was determined by use of questionnaires devised by the writer and Jones. Achievement differential for all pupils was determined by use of the Canadian Large-Thorndike Intelligence Tests, Nonverbal Battery, and by use of results of school exams in English Language, Literature, and Mathematics. -- The sample consisted of 39 randomly selected students and their mothers. The students were chosen from a larger group of underachievers and overachievers. Mothers were selected on the basis that their sons had previously been chosen. -- A significant relationship was found between students' self-appraisal of performance and their achievement differential. This was consistent with the literature. One of the additional relationships investigated was that which existed between students' value of education and students' self-appraisal of performance. This relationship was significant for the total sample and for underachievers taken separately. -- Some implications of the study were as follows: measurement of students' self-appraisal could be part of the school's testing program, teachers and counsellors could be trained to develop an understanding of self-appraisal theories and how they are related to various aspects of the school situation, and work to increase self-appraisal of performance and value of education might be done independently of the home and still be effective. -- Future studies could investigate the degree that improvement of self-appraisal of performance affects test scores. There is also a need to continue efforts to develop valid and reliable instruments with which to assess affective variables such as the ones in the present study.


identifier: Duggan, Melinda Mary <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Duggan=3AMelinda_Mary=3A=3A.html>   (2011) Vision rehabilitation services in Newfoundland and Labrador: Identifying the needs, barriers, and pathways.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: In Newfoundland and Labrador there are over 15,000 people that self identify as living with vision loss (Statistics Canada, 2006) and one in eight people can expect to live with significant vision loss after the age of 75 (CNIB, 2008). Given that the proportion of the population over the age of 65 is growing faster in Newfoundland and Labrador than anywhere else in Canada age-related vision loss will have a significant impact. Despite this prediction and the documented benefits of vision rehabilitation services, underutilization is a concern. The purpose of this research was to identify the needs, barriers, and pathways to accessing and using vision rehabilitation services in the province. A qualitative research approach was used to explore the topic and individual interviews were conducted with sixteen participants. The research informs the expansion and improvement of vision health and rehabilitation programs and the work of the CNIB Newfoundland and Labrador vision Rehabilitation Committee.


identifier: Duncan, Carolyn A. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Duncan=3ACarolyn_A=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2013) Examining the relationship between perturbation kinematics and motion induced interruptions in simulated marine environments.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The purpose of this doctoral dissertation was to attempt to gain a better understanding of when an operator working in a moving environment will experience a motion induced interruption (MII) or execute a motion induced correction (MICs). This was accomplished through a series of experiments and subsequent data analyses which attempted to describe the differences between MIIs and MICs, and define and characterize the postural stability limits of these events when persons are performing standing and manual materials handling tasks. From the results of these experiments it was found that MIIs and MICs are distinctly different phenomena which differ in occurrence, duration and platform kinematics at the time of event initiation. These change-in-support events may also occur well before the theoretical physics-based stability limits have been reached. It was also found that e initiation of these events cannot be predicted solely upon platform perturbation kinematics. Other factors, such as task characteristics and participant experience, may also affect response choice. Therefore, MIIs or MICs cannot be characterized as a last resort event, used only once all other strategies have been exhausted. Since these events may not be a last resource to maintain balance their occurrence may not necessarily suggest greater postural instability than fixed support alternatives and be a good measure of ship operability. Future examination of effects of change-in-support responses such as MIIs or MICs in offshore environments the resultant outcome of the MIC should be examined on a case-by-case basis, and include analysis of ship operability as well as the acute and cumulative injury caused by the performance of the event.


identifier: Dundas, Katherine <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Dundas=3AKatherine=3A=3A.html>   (1997) The construction of school curriculum and music education.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The Newfoundland and Labrador Government is currently in the process of implementing a comprehensive plan for the restructuring of the province's educational system. This study is an investigation into the influences of educational reform policies on the construction of school curriculum in Newfoundland and Labrador. Specifically, it investigates the role of music education in the reorganized school system. – To examine and help further our understandings of the role of arts education in school curriculum, this study uses specific sites and examples from music education. It has attempted to achieve three things: -- 1. To create a sense of the reality of music education in terms of current policy and practice in the Newfoundland and Labrador education system -- 2. To create a sense of the intent and mind-set behind policies and practices associated with current educational reform -- 3. To create a sense of the reality of arts and music education as interpreted by various stakeholders within the educational system. -- Critical theory has provided a method of analysis into the issue of curriculum construction and the role of music education in the Newfoundland and Labrador education system. It has raised many questions regarding the complex issue of reform currently underway in the education system of this province. The use of critical theory in this investigation and analysis is important to the process of understanding the Newfoundland and Labrador education system. Specifically, it challenges accepted definitions and searches for new meanings into the issue of prioritizing curriculum. -- This study uses seven elements drawn from Harvey (1990) as a basis for critical analysis. These elements include abstract generalization, totality, essence, praxis, ideology, structure, and history. -- The research has revealed that as part of current educational reform, the shift in the province's educational paradigm to a focus on ''returning to the basics" in the school system puts the future of music and arts education at risk. The need to consider very carefully the ideologies behind current policies and terms such as "basic" and "quality" education, to whom and for whom, has emerged from this investigation. -- The future of music and arts courses in current educational reform is vague at best. After many years of significant progress in the area of music education programs in Newfoundland and Labrador, a decrease in value or importance represents a significant loss to the educational process. With the institution of more effective communication and consulting processes, better alignment between stated perceptions and values with practice, and the general support of all stakeholders in the education system, music and arts education can remain an integral component of school curriculum and continue to be a significant contributor to current educational reform.


identifier: Dunphy, Carla <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Dunphy=3ACarla=3A=3A.html>   (2006) Another perspective on consonant harmony in Dutch.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: In this thesis I investigate patterns of consonant harmony in Dutch which appear to be at odds with consonant harmony data from other languages such as English and French. In order to achieve this, I undertake a recompilation of the original Dutch data. I examine two individual case studies involving children from a corpus documenting phonological development in Dutch. I describe these case studies from both qualitative and quantitative perspectives, in order to provide a representative account of the factors driving harmony. This study reveals that a series of production strategies exist (mainly of segmental substitutions) that are independent from harmony itself but that result in harmonized forms. I demonstrate that the tendencies observed in the data are largely predictable from the general phonotactics of the language which, I hypothesize, affect the children's analysis of their language and, as such, yield the production strategies observed in the data.


identifier: Dutta, Sujan <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Dutta=3ASujan=3A=3A.html>   (2012) Large deformation finite element analysis of partially embedded offshore pipelines for vertical and lateral motion at seabed.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Subsea pipelines play a significant role in transporting hydrocarbon from offshore. For both shallow and deep water, an effective means of hydrocarbon transportation is the usage of pipeline. However, deep water pipelines are expensive to bury and an economic way is to lay the pipelines on seabed. Due to pipe installation procedures (e.g. wave action, pipelines self weight etc.), pipelines could penetrate into the seabed a fraction of its diameter. Pipelines might experience thermal expansion (due to low ambient and high internal temperature) during operation cycles which can cause pipelines to expand axially. But due to restraining conditions from accumulated soil/pipe interaction and effective longitudinal force along the pipeline, bending moments can develop in the pipelines, which cause pipelines to buckle laterally. This lateral buckling is resisted mainly through soil/pipe interaction. In addition, the berm formed around the pipe (during installation period) plays a vital role in resisting the lateral pipe movements. Thus, accurate prediction of soil/pipe interaction of an as-laid pipeline is very important for the development of pipeline design guidelines. To address this critical phenomenon, the first step is to capture the soil behaviour during pipe vertical penetration along with the berm formulation mechanism. This is a large deformation problem. To solve the problem numerically, a large deformation numerical tool is required. In this study, the Coupled Eulerian Lagrangian (CEL) finite element method is used for analysis of partially embedded pipelines. Analyses are performed using ABAQUS 6.10-EFl software. In the deep sea, the undrained shear strength of clay typically increases with depth. In addition, the undrained shear strength is strain rate dependent. Moreover, strain softening behaviour of clay is another critical phenomenon that should be considered. The standard von Mises yield constitutive model available in ABAQUS cannot capture this clay behaviour. Therefore, in this study an advanced soil constitutive model that considered these phenomena is implemented in ABAQUS using user subroutines programmed in FORTRAN. Results from the analysis are compared with centrifuge test results and other available solutions in the literature. [t is shown that the Coupled Eulerian Lagrangian (CEL) approach together with the advanced soil constitutive model is a very effective tool for modelling large deformation behaviour of partially embedded pipelines in seabed both for vertical penetration and lateral movement.


identifier: Dwyer, Patricia <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Dwyer=3APatricia=3A=3A.html>   (2004) An evaluation of remote communities services telecentres in five rural Newfoundland communities.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Citizens of rural communities face many challenges related to distance, environmental factors, socioeconomic barriers, transportation issues, and communication systems availability. Rural communities have been found to be disadvantaged in terms of access to: (a) health care; (b) peer support/consultation among professionals in a variety of occupations; (c) continuing education; (d) a range of centrally located government services; (e) economic markets; and (f) key decision makers in the public and private sectors. Telecommunication technologies have been recognized as powerful tools for reducing the impact of rural isolation and enhancing the delivery of health, education, and public and private services. -- One initiative, the Remote Community Services Telecentres (RCST), a shared use facility implemented in rural communities to provide teleleaming, telehealth, communications, and information access services, was established in five remote communities in Newfoundland and Labrador as a model to effectively meet the needs of individuals and professionals separated by distance. This study reports the findings from the evaluation of this model in those five communities. -- The evaluation found that the use of the RCST model in five sites is limited, but growing. Active participation in the centres has demonstrated that the technology can work, and the growth in utilization over the course of the study indicates that the telecentre is acceptable and useable by community stakeholders. The longevity of the RCST, however, is not clear. In the absence of key policy changes around health provider reimbursement and dedicated funding for continued use of ICTs to enhance rural access to services, the RCST model may fail to survive beyond the initial funding and enthusiasm for the project.


identifier: Dykstra, Robert John Clarence <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Dykstra=3ARobert_John_Clarence=3A=3A.html>   (2004) Communitas and cohesion on a men's recreational slow pitch softball team in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Teamwork and cohesiveness are understood to be important elements for sports teams. This research explores the construction of unity on a men's voluntary, nonprofessional, recreational slow pitch softball team in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador by linking Victor Turner's concept of communitas with the notion of cohesion in sports psychology. The social and symbolic aspects of egalitarianism are considered throughout. The team is discussed as a form of friendship, while also recognizing that team structure may influence the development of relationships between players. The ways that participants balance discourses of fun and competition are described as key elements relating to the sport and to team identity. Drinking alcohol and uses of humour are also discussed in relation to the expression of meaning within the game and in terms of social interaction among the players.


identifier: Eastham, Francis Charles <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Eastham=3AFrancis_Charles=3A=3A.html>   (1972) Private returns to education and training for selected trade-occupations and vocational teaching.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This thesis has no abstract.


identifier: Easton, E. Bradley <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Easton=3AE=2E_Bradley=3A=3A.html>   (2003) Chemical modification of fuel cell catalysts and electrochemistry of proton exchange membrane fuel cell electrodes.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: One of the major goals of this research was to investigate ion transport within the catalyst layer of fuel cell electrodes and attempt to improve it. -- One method used to study ion transport within fuel cell electrodes was to incorporate electroactive metal complexes into the catalyst layer to act as a probe. It was found that a lower fraction of the complexes were electrochemically active in the cathode of an operating fuel cell, compared to similar electrodes in contact with an aqueous sulfuric acid solution. It is anticipated that in many cases, the method of electroactive probes will be more advantageous than (or complimentary to) standard methods. -- Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was also used to study ion transport in fuel cell catalyst layers. It was found that limiting capacitance correlates with active area. Also, results indicate that the non-ideal impedance behavior of fuel cell electrodes is due to variation of their ionic conductivity with distance from the membrane. -- In order to increase proton conductivity in the catalyst layer, we have explored the attachment of a sulfonated silane directly to the catalyst surface. It was found that the modified catalysts outperformed the unmodified catalyst at low Nafion loadings (<15%). The optimum performance achieved with the modified catalyst was similar to that of the untreated catalyst, despite the fact it contained 66% less Nafion. This result is explained by the fact that both optimized catalyst layers contained approximately the same concentration of sulfonate groups.  -- Another major goal of this work was to study the materials from which direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC) are constructed. Here we report the systematic optimization of all membrane-electrode assembly components, using standard fuel cell materials. This has led to significant improvement in performance. -- To combat the issue of methanol crossover in DMFCs, we have prepared polypyrrole/Nafion composite membranes, which have previously been shown to be significantly less permeable to methanol. DMFC performance achieved with composite membranes was superior to that achieved with Nafion membranes. The improved performance results from increased cathode activity, which is due to less methanol crossover and a lower water flux across the membrane.


identifier: Eastwood, Joseph <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Eastwood=3AJoseph=3A=3A.html>   (2007) What the public wants from their professional: attitudes toward decision making strategies.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Attitudes toward four types of decision making strategies (clinical/fully-rational, clinical/heuristic, actuarial/fully-rational, and actuarial/heuristic) were examined. Participants (N = 80) were randomly split between a legal or medical decision making scenario and asked to judge, on a 7-point rating scale, each strategy in terms of (a) preference, (b) accuracy, (c) fairness, (d) ethicalness, and (e) similarity to how legal and medical professionals actually render decisions. Results showed that the clinical/fully-rational strategy was rated the highest across all attitudinal judgments, whereas the actuarial/heuristic strategy received the lowest ratings across all judgments. Considering the two strategy-differentiating factors separately, clinically-based strategies were always rated higher than actuarially-based strategies and fully-rational strategies were always rated higher than heuristic-based strategies. The potential implications of the results for professional decision makers and those affected by their decisions are discussed.


identifier: Eastwood, Joseph <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Eastwood=3AJoseph=3A=3A.html>   (2011) Improving the comprehension of Canadian police cautions.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: In most English-speaking Western countries, individuals facing a police interview are presented with various legal rights through the delivery of a passage of text known as a police caution (or warning). Research has consistently shown that people struggle to fully understand the legal rights delivered through police cautions. The purpose of the current research was to improve the comprehension of Canadian police cautions by analyzing the cautions currently in use and identifying ways to alter their structure to increase comprehensibility. In Study 1, the complexity of 44 unique Canadian police cautions was assessed using five readability measures (Flesch-Kincaid reading level, sentence complexity, use of difficult words, use of infrequent words, and number of words). Results showed that seven (37%) of the right-to silence cautions (n=19) and none of the right-to-legal counsel cautions (n=25) reached acceptable cut-off levels for all t measures. In Study 2, participants (N=121) were presented with one of three cautions orally and asked to explain its meaning. Despite variations in complexity across the three cautions, participants understood approximately one-third of the information contained in the cautions. In Study 3, the extent to which modifying a police caution using three listenability factors (Instructions, Listing, and Explanation) improved comprehension was examined. Participants (N-60) were presented orally with one of eight cautions and asked to record their understanding of what they heard. Only the Explanations modification produced a significant effect, suggesting that repeating the information contained in the caution in different terms increased comprehension. Study 4 assessed the validity of the free recall measures used in the prior studies by presenting participants in one of three conditions (Created/Fully Modified caution, Calgary caution, Baseline/No caution) with an alternate free recall measure, true/false questions, and multiple-choice questions. Results from this study demonstrated the same, albeit smaller, effect as seen in free recall studies, and also identified several components of cautions that appear to be consistently misunderstood across all measures. The implications of this research for psychological research on comprehension of orally-delivered information are discussed, along with practical recommendations for improving the legal-counsel cautions currently used by Canadian police agencies.


identifier: Ebrahim, Yahia Ali Alam <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Ebrahim=3AYahia_Ali_Alam=3A=3A.html>   (2013) Shear behaviour of macro-synthetic fibre-reinforced concrete beams GFRP reinforcement.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of macro synthetic fibre on the shear behaviour of Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymers (GFRP) reinforced concrete beams. The experimental program was carried out in two phases: material tests and structural investigation. -- In the material investigation, thirty two prisms (100 mm x 100 mm x 400 mm) and thirty six cylinders (100 mm x 200 mm and 150 mm x 300 mm) were cast to determine the mechanical properties of concrete containing macro-synthetic fibres. The samples were tested to investigate and to develop a clear understanding of the effect of the amount of macro synthetic fibre on the concrete properties. For the prisms, the investigation focused on the modulus of rupture, flexural toughness, toughness indices, while for the cylinders, the compressive strength and splitting tensile strength were investigated. -- In the structural investigation, sixteen reinforced concrete beams were tested up to failure at the structural laboratory of Memorial University (MUN) to study the behaviour of the beams in terms of deflection characteristics, shear and flexural behaviour, concrete and GFRP strains and ultimate load capacity. The dimensions of the simply supported beams were 250 x 350 x 2840, 250 x 350 x 2840, 250 x 500 x 3540 and 250 x 350 x 3540, measured in millimetres. The main variables in the structural investigation were the amount of synthetic fibre by volume, reinforcement ratio, effective depth, and shear span to depth ratio. -- The test results revealed that the inclusion of different volumes of macro synthetic fibre enhanced the shear failure behaviour of GFRP reinforced concrete beams, and increased the normalized shear strength of the reinforced concrete beams by an average of 35% for beams reinforced with 1.3 Ph and 1.5 Ph respectively. The increase in the normalized shear strength for the deeper beams with a depth of 441 mm was approximately 39 %. Furthermore, GFRP reinforced concrete beams an increase in the post cracked stiffness of the beams. As it was expected, the addition of fibre increased the increased the beams' maximum deformation by 35%, when it was compared to the control beams that had 0% of macro synthetic fibre. -- The capacity of the beams was compared to the predictions of the different models propsed I the literature for steel fibre reinforced beams. The model proposed by Greenough and Nehdi (2008) which gave the best predictions of the test results. -- Finally, a finite element analysis was carried out using ANSYS and a finite element model was developed. The FEA model was calibrated using the experimental results. All the necessary steps to create and calibrate the model are presented and explained. A comparison of the test results with the finite element model predictions was carried out in terms of the ultimate load capacity, the maximum deflection and the cracks pattern of the test specimens. The load-deflection characteristics obtained from the finite element solution at the center of the beam were in close agreement with the experimental test results at first cracking stage and at failure stage. In terms of, the initial crack, progressive cracking or the failure mechanism, the finite element model compared well to the experimental data obtained and the predicted failure load was very close to the measured load during experimental testing.


identifier: Eddy, Terry <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Eddy=3ATerry=3A=3A.html>   (2006) Classifying groups with small squaring properties.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: A group G is said to be a B(n, k) group if |A²| ≤ k for any n-subset A of G. The B(2, 3) groups were previously classified by Freiman and the B(3, 6) groups were classified by Parmenter. In addition, the B(3, 8) groups were partially classified by Berkovich, Freiman and Praeger, and their work was later completed by Longobardi and Maj. In this thesis, we will classify the B(2, k) and B(3, k) groups for all other values of k (except B(3, 7) where partial results are obtained). We will also provide some results for higher values of n, including the classification of the B(4, 10) groups by Parmenter and some classifications for a general value of n by Berkovich and also Herzog, Longobardi and Maj.


identifier: El-Aneed, Anas <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/El-Aneed=3AAnas=3A=3A.html>   (2006) Mass spectrometric analysis and fingerprint identification of natural lipopolysaccharide vaccine candidates and synthetic liposomal cholesteryl neoglycolipids.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Mass spectrometric fingerprint identification and structural elucidation of natural and synthetic compounds can be accomplished via the use of mass spectrometry techniques namely, electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) and matrix assisted laser desorption ionization tandem mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS/MS). In this work, it was opted to use ESI-MS and MALDI-MS, since these are the softest ionization methods which do not require excessive manipulation of the analytes. The identification of MS fingerprints can be effectively used for any quantitative or qualitative studies. -- Lipopolysaccarides (LPS) are poly-sugars enriched on the outer membrane of all gram-negative bacteria, most of which are pathogenic. These sugar complexes are potential candidates with relevance to bacterial vaccine developments. This study established the fragmentation pattern of native LPS extracts isolated from Aeromonas salmonicida, which infects various fish species. The exact molecular structure of lipid A portion and the core region of this bacterium have been precisely established providing evidence for the unreported presence of the reactive phosphate group at the reducing end of the core oligosaccharide. -- LPS moieties (vaccines) have limited antigenic properties when injected alone due to their small size. Therefore a synthetic conjugate of LPS with a protein carrier or the encapsulation of LPS within liposomal carrier will result in the desired antigenic activity. One major limitation for the usage of liposomes is their tendency to aggregate as well as rapid clearance in the circulation system. Synthetic neoglycolipids have been successfully incorporated into liposomal formulations to prolong their half lives as alternative to pegylated liposomes (PEG-liposomes). -- The fragmentation routes of a series of synthetic amphiphilic cholesteryl polyethoxy neoglycolipids were established with the aid of electrospray ionization mass spectrometry with a QqTOF-MS hybrid instrument. The results have shown the unique presence of specific common fingerprints such as [Cholestenet, [(Sugar-spacerOH)+H]⁺, [oxonium]⁺, [oxonium-H₂O]⁺ and, in some cases, [(Cholesterol-spacerOB:)+H]⁺. In addition, the "in situ" formation of an unexpected and unique [Cglycosidet product ion, resulting from an ion-molecule reaction, was observed. This reaction occurs in the collision cell and the ESI interface of the tandem mass spectrometer. Interestingly, this product ion was absent in the case of O-acetylated sugar species.


identifier: Elford, Rod <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Elford=3ARod=3A=3A.html>   (1997) The child telepsychiatry project--a randomized controlled trial: (a comparison of initial child psychiatry assessments conducted via telemedicine to assessments conducted face-to-face).  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Telemedicine - the use of telecommunications technology to transmit medical information to and from a distant location, has many potential benefits. A variety of technologies can be used to conduct telemedicine and it has applications in every field of medicine. This thesis investigates the use of a PC-based videoconferencing system to conduct child psychiatric assessments at a distance. Using a randomized, controlled design, 23 patients and their parents completed a telemedicine interview and a face-to-face interview. Self-report questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were used to obtain data for the study. The data were coded and the evaluators blinded. The diagnosis~ treatment recommendations and participant satisfaction with the telemedicine and face-to-face assessments were compared. An independent evaluator concluded that in 22/23 cases (96%) the diagnosis and treatment recommendations made via telemedicine were clinically the same as the diagnosis and treatment recommendations made face-to-face. Overall, participants responded positively to the telemedicine assessments. All five psychiatrists stated that telemedicine assessments were an “adequate alternative” to face-to-face assessments and did not interfere with making a diagnosis. However, if given the choice they “preferred” to assess a patient face-to-face. The majority of patients “liked” using the system to talk to the psychiatrist and 5/17 children (29%) said they preferred talking to the doctor using the telemedicine system versus face-to-face. Parents were also positive toward the telemedicine system with 21/23 (91%) stating that if they had to travel a long distance to see a psychiatrist they would prefer to use the system. General conclusions include: -- 1) it was possible for psychiatrists to conduct a child psychiatry assessment using the PC-based videoconferencing system, -- 2) psychiatrists make the same diagnosis and treatment recommendations via telemedicine as they do face-to-face and -- 3) psychiatrists, patients and parents were satisfied with the telemedicine system.


identifier: Elliott, Denielle A. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Elliott=3ADenielle_A=2E=3A=3A.html>   (1998) Everything you ever dreamed of: romance, gender and travel in Mexico.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This thesis focusses on intimate relations between Western women and Mexican men situated in a tourist town in Baja California Sur. Based on five case studies of North American women, the thesis explores relations of power. Relationships between Western women and non-Western men have been characterized by social scientists as subverting the traditional dominance relations. This thesis seeks to explain how the women and men negotiate the difference in power by exploring how relations of power are influenced by material, cultural and moral resources. Lastly, the thesis explores gender identity negotiation. Do Western women actually negotiate gender roles? Or are they forced into adopting Mexican gender roles? If so, how do they contend with the differences in gender role expectations?


identifier: El Sherbiny, Aisha <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/El_Sherbiny=3AAisha=3A=3A.html>   (2008) Designing algorithms for improving quantum chemical calculations.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This work involves studying and developing new algorithms for molecular numerical integration used for density functional theory and new algorithms for Hartree-Fock method. -- New insight about molecular numerical integration is presented through a detailed study of the performance of some of the well known grids in addition to our implementation of the most recently developed MultiExp grid. A comprehensive study of numerical integration was conducted by evaluating several molecular properties: number of electrons, dipole moment, potential energy, and Coulomb repulsion energy using fifteen grids including a large benchmark grid. The standard grid (SG-1) and a slightly modified version of the Treutler and Alhrichs (TA) grid performed reasonably well. The MultiExp grid, which is more efficient, was studied as well and found to be less accurate. -- Studying large molecules using Hartree-Fock method is a challenge both in terms of CPU time and memory requirements. However, there is a high demand to perform quantum chemical calculations for large molecules. Projection from a smaller basis set to a larger basis set was studied in detail. It was found that projection from the STO-3G basis set to the 6-31G basis set performed well. Projection was used to develop a new version of a divide and conquer algorithm. Our divide and conquer algorithm was used to calculate the protonation energy for a series of peptides. Algorithms to skip calculating two-electron integrals of zero or negligible values are presented in addition to an algorithm to generate a better initial guess.


identifier: Elustondo, Pia Alejandra <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Elustondo=3APia_Alejandra=3A=3A.html>   (2012) The expression and role of integrin-linked kinase during human trophoblast differentiation.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: A critical phase of placental development is the differentiation of cytotrophoblasts into invasive extravillous trophoblasts. Alterations of this process can lead to serious pregnancy pathologies such as preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction. Unfortunately it is poorly understood which physiological and molecular mechanisms are involved in the regulation of trophoblast differentiation. -- lntegrin-Linked Kinase (ILK) is a ubiquitous protein able to regulate outside-inside signaling by binding to integrins. Since ILK is overexpressed in tumors that become invasive, it was hypothesized that ILK is expressed in human placenta and that it is necessary for the differentiation of trophoblasts into invasive cells. To test the hypothesis, spatial and temporal patterns of ILK expression were studied in normal human and mouse placentas by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence analysis, and immunoblot analysis. In human placenta, ILK was present in cytotrophoblast and extravillous trophoblast in the first trimester (n=17), early second trimester (n=6) and at term (n=10). By comparison, ILK was present in the three layers of the mouse placenta: labyrinth, junctional zone, and trophoblast giant cells. -- HTR8-SVneo cells were also used to determine the role of ILK in migration and invasion. When ILK function was impaired in HTR8-SVneo cells with a dominant negative form of ILK, migration and invasion were inhibited. Furthermore, HTR8-SVneo and human chorionic villous explant cultures were utilized to study the effect of the oxygen environment on ILK expression and activity. Exposure of HTR8-SVneo cells to a low oxygen environment produced a transient increase in the expression of ILK mRNA, but did not affect the level of protein expression nor its kinase activity. In contrast to these results, placental explants showed lower expression of ILK under 3% O₂ environment compared to placental ex plants exposed to 8% and 20% O₂ . Placentas from preeclamptic patients also showed lower detection of ILK in the fetal capillaries compared to age-matched controls. -- In total these novel results showed that ILK is present in human and mouse placenta in cells that invade the maternal uterus during pregnancy and that it plays a critical role in the migration and invasion of trophoblasts. -- The results contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in the control of placental invasion and could assist in the production of future tools to improve the early diagnosis and treatment of gestational trophoblastic diseases such as preeclampsia.


identifier: English, Denise M. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/English=3ADenise_M=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2003) The experiences of mothers caring for ventilator-dependent children: a phenomenological study.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: There is an increase in the number of families caring for ventilator-dependent children at home. The experience of primary caregivers, usually mothers, providing care with complex technology is multifaceted. This study attempted to provide insight into the experiences of mothers caring for ventilator-dependent children using a phenomenological perspective. The participants included five mothers caring for their ventilator-dependent children. The data were collected by way of unstructured interviews. Through the use of van Manen's (1990) methodology, the thematic analysis identified five themes: (a) taking charge, (b) "full-time nurse, part-time mom", (c) loss of personal freedom, (d) forgotten mothers of forgotten children, and (e) thinking about the future. -- Findings of this qualitative study have implications for nursing practice, research, and education. They have particular relevance for policies regarding the provision of additional supports for mothers caring for their ventilator-dependent children at home. The findings will increase the knowledge base of nurses who have the potential to be key resources in the coordination of services once the child is discharged from hospital.


identifier: Engram, J. Todd <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Engram=3AJ=2E_Todd=3A=3A.html>   (2007) Innovative approach to control of an emulsion loader.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: In this thesis, the work to develop the vision system for the Emulsion Loading Automation Project (ELAP) is presented. The ELAP project was a collaborative effort among various team members to develop an intelligent system to automate the complex task of an emulsion loader used in underground mining operations. The vision system was tasked with the challenging imaging requirements of locating and identifying drill-holes in the rock face of an underground mine, and to provide visual guidance for the hose guide to load the drill-holes with emulsion. The first part of this thesis outlines the development of image processing algorithms to segment and identify drill-holes present in an image acquired from a video stream. This involved applying thresholding and morphological techniques to preprocess the image to improve contrast, separate touching objects, and fill any holes. A pattern recognition model was then developed using drill-hole feature data to classify segmented objects as either drill-holes or background artifacts. The second part of this thesis presents the work performed for visual guidance to position the robotic boom in front of a drill-hole for loading. Using a camera mounted to the end of a robotic boom, camera and hand-eye calibration routines were developed to transform the drill-hole image object to both the camera and end-effector reference frames. A visual guidance algorithm was then developed using the calibration parameters to visual servo the robotic boom to a drill-hole for loading. Finally, testing performed in an underground mine after the critical subsystems were integrated and operational, verified the vision system operation as designed.


identifier: Espirito-Santo, Clara <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Espirito-Santo=3AClara=3A=3A.html>   (2007) Human dimensions in Iberian wolf management in Portugal: attitudes and beliefs of interest groups and the public toward a fragmented wolf population.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Most studies on wolves in Portugal have focused on biological issues although wolf management tends to be more socio-political in nature than biological. This is the first study of human dimensions in wolf management in Portugal. Understanding attitudes and knowledge about wolves and identifying the key issues of wolf management in the opinion of some interest groups (livestock owners, hunters, students, local residents, biologists, environmental NGOs, and members of the governmental Institute for the Conservation of Nature) that may have an important role in wolf management in Portugal were the main goals of this study. Attitudes of most groups are neutral but local residents are either negative or positive; knowledge is consistently low. All groups are willing to participate in wolf management decision-making, and they mention the presence of feral dogs, wolf poaching, poor wolf habitat, lack of environmental education programs, and lack of biological data as the most important issues. This study sets the direction for future public involvement processes at both the regional and national scale.


identifier: Eta, Ekong Ito Ekong <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Eta=3AEkong_Ito_Ekong=3A=3A.html>   (1991) A comparative study of endothelin and sarafotoxin action in vascular and non-vascular smooth muscle.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The hypothesis that endothelin (ET-1) is the endogenous ligand for “sarafotoxin receptors” (SRTX receptors) was examined. The actions of ET-1 and SRTX-b were compared with those of the well characterized vasoconstrictor, norepinephrine (NE). The rationale was to identify and compare the transduction-effector mechanisms of these peptides versus NE in vascular and non-vascular smooth muscles. – In this study, the rat aorta and anococcygeus muscles were used as representatives of vascular and non-vascular smooth muscle, respectively.  The role of extracellular Ca²⁺ was studied by omitting Ca²⁺ from the physiological saline solution, and the contribution of voltage-operated Ca²⁺ channels (VOCCs) assessed by determining the effects of nifedipine. In addition, the effects of ryanodine, which interferes with the release of cellular Ca²⁺, was also studied. The roles of arachidonic acid products were determined by studying the effects of the cyclooxygenase inhibitor, indomethacin, and the lipoxygenase inhibitor, nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA). The contractions elicited by ET-1 and SRTX-b (10 nM), or NE (1μM) were approximately equieffective in terms of tension development and correspond to EC₅₀ values, and these concentrations were thus used throughout the study. In Ca²⁺-free Krebs, the three agonists generated approximately similar levels of tone in the aorta and the anococcygeus corresponding to 18 and 5% of the maximum response, respectively. Nifedipine, 10 μM, significantly inhibited responses to ET-1 in both the aorta and anococcygeus; the responses to SRTX-b and NE were, however, not significantly affected in either tissue. A combination of 10 μM ryanodine and nifedipine caused near complete inhibition of response to ET-1 in the aorta and also significantly reduced the response to both ET-1 and NE in the anococcygeus. The lipoxygenase inhibitor, NDGA, inhibited the response to ET-1 in the aorta and ET-1 and NE in the anococcygeus muscle. The cyclooxygenase inhibitor, indomethacin, however, had no effect on the responses to any of the three agonists in either the aorta or anococcygeus. At concentrations greater than 30 nM both ET-1 and SRTX-b induced myogenic activity in normally quiescent anococcygeus muscle. As determined by the loss of myogenic activity, the tissues recovered more rapidly from SRTX-b than ET-1, with complete recovery apparent after 2.62 ± 0.85 and 5.22 ± 0.06 h, respectively. Omitting Ca²⁺ from the Krebs solution reduced recovery times to 1.62 ± 0.2 and 2.4 ± 0.51 h, respectively. -- In conclusion, the studies performed indicate that a number of cell signaling processes are activated by ET-1 and SRTX-b in smooth muscle and this could account for the varied responses. The suggestion and ET-1 solely acts on the ‘SRTX receptor,’ as proposed by Kloog and Sokolovsky (1989), is probably too simplistic. Results from this study also indicate that tissue variability does exist and, indeed, subclasses of ET/SRTX receptors have been inferred by others (Yanagisawa and Masaki, 1989b; Nayler, 1990).


identifier: Etchegary, Holly <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Etchegary=3AHolly=3A=3A.html>   (2005) I have the gene, but I don't have Huntington disease: negotiating genetic risk.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: In the emerging risk society (Beck, 1992), healthy bodies, rather than the sick or diseased, are the focus of medical attention. Nowhere is this more evident than in the field of predictive genetic testing. Few empirical studies of predictive testing have explored the everyday reality of living at risk for a fatal inherited disorder. Fewer still have focused on those already living with such a disorder and their caregivers. Drawing upon 24 semi-structured interviews with at-risk persons and their family members, this study examined the implications of living at risk for, or with, the adult-onset disorder, Huntington disease (HD). Qualitative data analysis revealed that genetic risk was not understood or retained as an objective numerical fact, much as it is constructed so by Mendelian genetics. Rather, genetic risk for HD was re-conceptualized as an index of threat to self and other family members. Discussion about genetic risk for HD was infused with emotions and moral undertones; the latter reflected a felt obligation to other family members. As such, decisions around genetic risk were sometimes constrained by perceived responsibility to others in the family. Living with risk for HD or with the illness itself had noticeable effects on self-identity and relationships with others. While the response of social others was often sympathy, perceived stigma did exist in relation to HD, affecting communication about the illness and sometimes restricting social behavior. Implications for research and clinical practice are discussed.


identifier: Evans, Robert Philip <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Evans=3ARobert_Philip=3A=3A.html>   (2003) Characterization of skin and plasma type I antifreeze proteins from Atlantic (Liparis atlanticus) and dusky (Liparis gibbus) snailfish.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Atlantic snailfish (Liparis atlanticus) and dusky snailfish (Liparis gibbus) belong to a large family of benthic and pelagic marine fishes that inhabit northern regions of the Atlantic Ocean. Both species spawn during the winter months in ice-laden inshore coastal regions around Newfoundland. Due to their harsh winter environment, snailfish are prime candidates for production of antifreeze proteins (AFPs). -- Initial results confirmed that plasma from both species contain alanine rich, α-helical, type I AFPs that are significantly larger (>9.3 kDa) than all previously described type I AFPs. Surprisingly, their skin tissues produce AFPs that are identical to those which circulate in blood. While all snailfish consistently express antifreeze mRNA in skin tissue, there is extreme individual variation in liver expression - an unusual phenomenon that has never been reported previously. Molecular analyses revealed that snailfish AFPs are products of multi gene families that consist of at least ten gene copies per genome. It is unclear if liver and skin antifreeze mRNAs are expressed by the same gene or a separate subset of genes which is typical of other fish that produce skin-type AFPs. -- Although the 113 residue snailfish AFPs are unusually long, their amino acid composition, highly a-helical secondary structure and the bipyramidal ice-crystals they create are characteristic of all type I AFPs. However, unlike other type I AFPs, snailfish proteins do not contain any obvious amino acid repeats or a continuous hydrophobic face that typify the structure of most other type I AFPs. These structural differences might have implications for their ice crystal binding properties. Biochemical experiments demonstrated that physiological concentrations of normal salts are responsible for a significant increase in thermal hysteresis activity in antifreeze proteins and glycoproteins. The colligative effects of these salts can account for the supplementary freezing point depression of blood required to ensure survival of marine fish in ice-laden seawater during winter. -- Two eDNA clones were identified from a snailfish liver eDNA library that code for fish eggshell proteins while a third one codes for a type II keratin. However, all three of these clones contain sections with substantial amino acid and nucleotide sequence
similarity to snailfish type I AFPs. It is plausible that one or more of these proteins represent the ancestral proteins of snailfish type I AFPs. -- Novel type I AFPs were isolated and partially characterized from skin tissues of cunner (Tautogolabrus adspersus). Type II AFPs that are identical to those expressed in liver for export into blood were isolated from sea raven (Hemitripterus americanus) skin tissue extracts. Taken together the data generated in this thesis has strengthened and widened the scope of the hypothesis that skin represents the primordial source of AFP expression. It is clear that epithelial tissues are a primarily important source for antifreeze expression to enhance the complement of AFPs that protect fish from freezing in extreme cold environments.


identifier: Everett, Holly J. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Everett=3AHolly_J=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2005) Class acts: culinary tourism in Newfoundland and Labrador.  PhD thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.


identifier: Fagan, Augustine. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Fagan=3AAugustine=2E=3A=3A.html>   (1970) The concept of time in empiricist philosophy.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The topic of the thesis is the attempt made by empiricist philosophers, notably Carnap and Reichenbach, to "reduce" time, or temporal order, to some physically observable feature of the universe such as causal chains or entropy increases in closed systems. This was not merely an attempt to find some physical counterpart to our subjective sense of time order but an attempt to eliminate completely any dependence, in the scientific context, on this subjective sense. The thesis examines the validity of this reduction and attempts to show why, both in the light of scientific evidence and in view of some more general philosophical or epistemological considerations, the empiricist attempt has failed. -- Reductionism, as explained in the first chapter, is basically the thesis that certain types of concepts, the higher-level concepts of scientific theory, subjective or allegedly a priori concepts, are all defineable in a language which is descriptive of observable physical features of the world. The causal theory of time, as explained and examined in the second and third chapter, is reductionist in as much as in this theory, the temporal order is explained and defined in terms of an independently ascertainable relation among physical events, the causal relation. I try to show that the definition is circular and suffers from certain other weaknesses due to the notion of causality assumed in the theory. The thermodynamical definition of time order in terms of entropy increases in observable closed systems is shown, in chapter four, to be paradoxical and based on some very questionable cosmological assumptions. In the fifth and concluding chapter I suggest an alternative to the reductionist conceptualization of science in which the relation of dependence or presupposition among scientific concepts and theories is no longer unidirectional and in which the relation between theoretical and observational language is much more complex and flexible.


identifier: Fagner, Glenda R. M. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Fagner=3AGlenda_R=2E_M=2E=3A=3A.html>   (1995) The process of precepting nursing students: balancing responsibilities and relationships.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: For the nurse preceptors in the study the core variable identified in precepting nursing students was 'balancing responsibilities and relationships'. Thus becoming a preceptor was a self-reflective and interactive process of learning to balance the responsibilities and relationships which resulted from being a preceptor. The basic social-psychological process consisted of five stages: (1) making the decision, (2) assuming precepting, (3) learning to be a preceptor, (4) gaining confidence, and (5) continuing on or taking a break. A period of personal and professional appraisal occurred as preceptors were deciding to take on the role. In balancing the responsibilities of staff nurse and educator and the relationships to patients and students the preceptors learned to interact with the school of nursing, nursing administration and colleagues. Some preceptors experienced frustration in trying to balance responsibilities and relationships because there was a sense of obligation to the student to provide clinical educational opportunities and at the same time preceptors had to balance the demands and responsibilities of staff nurse and practitioner. Furthermore, there was evidence that preceptors had to weigh the benefits to the student and the drawbacks to the patient in providing learning experiences. -- There was variation within each of the stages and through theoretical sampling of data the researcher was able to identify the different factors which accounted for the variation. These factors could be divided into two main categories: (1) structural constraints in the workplace and (2) personal characteristics of student and/or preceptor. The perceived potential of the student fostered preceptor development and perceived student initiative guided the decision to be involved in preceptorship. There seems to be a need to increase support for preceptors from school of nursing faculty and nursing service administration. Some informants indicated that they had to take a break and reevaluate their commitment to precepting nursing students.


identifier: Fallon, Ruth Marie <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Fallon=3ARuth_Marie=3A=3A.html>   (1979) A study of the changing concept of imagination in pre-Romantic criticism.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: It is a well-known fact of literary history, that between the Renaissance and the Romantic period, a radical change took place in the manner in which poets and literary critics conceived of the faculty and function of imagination and its role in the poetic process. Put briefly and over-simply, it was a change from a concept of imagination as a begetter of visual images, an instrument of dreams, fiction, and poetic diversion, to one in which this faculty came to be considered as not only a creative one, but also an 'organ of truth I, so to speak, whose visions, insights, and illuminations possessed unquestioned validity. -- This paper attempts to trace the historical steps by which this change occurred, and to examine the major differences between the way the imagination was conceived of in Romantic theory and criticism, as compared with prevailing conceptions among earlier theorists. -- I believe this change in the concept of the poetic imagination to be an important distinguishing characteristic between the poetry of the English Romantics and that of Renaissance and Neoclassicism. In my focus on seminal writers whose views helped bring about this change, I have kept in mind the two-fold question: What is poetry? What is its relation to reality? -- Three distinct answers emerge in this historical search. Briefly stated, a view of Renaissance poetry emerges which sees poetry as being ‘fictional’ in nature. The Renaissance theorist does not conceive of the imagination as a faculty which portrays reality. Neoclassic theory, the poet and critic are seen to refer poetry directly to the reason, rather than to the imaginative faculty. They attempt to portray empirical truth in their poetry. In doing so, imagination becomes "the dress of thought", the faculty of "adornment". -- In Romantic theory, on the other hand, one sees emerging a new concept of imagination. Here, the poet and critic believe that poetry refers directly to the imagination. Consequently, the imaginative faculty becomes, in Romanticism, the most vital agent in poetic composition, thought to be capable of presenting truth of a much higher nature than that which could be ascertained through the exercise of reason and the senses. It becomes the only sure way of arriving at truth. -- These three distinct views of the nature of poetry and its relation to reality characterize English literary criticism between the sixteenth and early nineteenth centuries, and have a direct bearing on the developing concept of the faculty and function of imagination. They provide valuable insights into the way imagination was seen to operate; consequently, they form the foundation on which I build my case for imagination's changing role.


identifier: Fang, Xiang <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Fang=3AXiang=3A=3A.html>   (2006) Design of a DSP-based impedance measuring instrument for multiphase flowmeter.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Crude oil is a mixture of gas, oil and water. Knowing the ratio of these three components can help to optimize the production process. Multiphase flowmeters have therefore been designed and constructed in recent years. However, the costs of current multiphase flowmeters based on radiation techniques are too expensive. In order to overcome this drawback, a low-cost electrical impedance-based multiphase flowmeter is investigated in the research. -- After numerical simulations and experiments, this thesis develops a DSP-based impedance measuring instrument that can obtain the impedance data from crude oil in real time. Experimental data show that the performance of this DSP-based impedance measuring instrument has good resolution and good linearity. -- The work completed to date acts as a starting point from which improvements and extensions can be easily made and incorporated. In this regard, suggestions for future work are also presented.


identifier: Farrell, Robert Thomas Christopher <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Farrell=3ARobert_Thomas_Christopher=3A=3A.html>   (1986) A calorimetric analysis of eccentric and concentric bicycle ergometry.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Phase I of this study entailed a verification of the relationship between oxygen consumption and both concentric and eccentric workrate on the bicycle ergometer constructed for the whole body human calorimeter. This series of exercise experiments, carried out without calorimetry, included a range of pedaling speeds and brakeforces, but also “idling”, i.e. pedaling only against the frictional resistance of the ergometer transmission and passively “being pedaled” by the electric motor of the eccentric exercise ergometer. It also included experimentation with the brake on the flywheel, by substituting the von Döblen brake on the monarch ergometer by a known weight suspended from the brake belt. Only one subject was employed for the total of 36 experiments. -- Phase II was carried out on six subjects, who performed a total of 79 experiments with concentric and eccentric exercise at a range of pedaling speeds and brakeforces in the calorimeter. All experiments were carried at a calorimeter temperature of 32.36 + 0.06°C and a dew point temperature of less than 6°C. Each experiment lasted about 50 minutes, or until the various monitored variables, sensible and insensible heat exchange, heart rate and body core temperature (tympanic or esophageal) showed a steady state as judged by visual inspection. Immediately prior to this state metabolic heat production was determined in duplicate from the measurement of oxygen consumption and respiratory quotient. Near the end of the experiment the subject reported his perceived exertion on the Borg scale. -- Phase I, which was intended to familiarise the author with the various methods, did not reveal anything that was not yet known from the current literature. The net mechanical efficiency of exercising on the calorimeter ergometer was 18.6% for concentric work and -100.4% for eccentric work. There was little to be gained by modifying the braking mechanism. -- In Phase II the energy balance was analysed by adding algebraically all heat gains and heat losses during the apparent caloric and thermal steady state. Surprisingly, there was usually a small positive heat storage which was most closely related to the concentric or eccentric workrate applied, and to ta lesser extent to the metabolic heat production. -- Conclusions -- 1. With direct calorimetry one can detect rates of heat storage which cannot be detected by thermometry at the conventional body sites. After 50 minutes of continuous exercise, either concentric or eccentric, there was a small amount of heat storage, which was associated with the workrate (0.5 W storage per applied workrate in watts), but not with metabolic heat production. The average heat storage was small at 33 watts for all experiments. A heat storage rate of 33 watts converts, in a 70 kg subject, to a rise in average body temperature of 0.008°C/min. This may well go undetected by observing the eardrum and mean skin temperature, if the storage takes place in peripheral body regions such as the exercising muscle. -- 2. It is not possible to quantitate internal work thermodynamically as the energy required to overcome these forces must ultimately be derived form aerobic metabolism and thus would show up as heat.


identifier: Faye, Lisa M. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Faye=3ALisa_M=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2006) Redefining farmer: agrarian feminist theory and the work of Saskatchewan farm women.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The purpose of this research is to explore the conceptual and experiential nature of work and identity as it relates to the lives of five farm women in rural Saskatchewan. This project examines the term 'farmer', developing an understanding of the identity farm women form in being part of a farming operation. One of the purposes of feminist theory is to help people reconfigure dominant ways of thinking. I n this thesis I utilize concepts from standpoint feminist theory and socialist feminist theory in an attempt to rethink the identity category 'farmer' by constructing an agrarian feminist theory. Clearly, an agrarian feminist theory is key in a revision of the work of farm women. Therefore, this research is intended to define a theoretical framework useful in constructing an agrarian feminist theory in order to compel changes in the farming communities of Saskatchewan.


identifier: Feero, Sharon Lynne <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Feero=3ASharon_Lynne=3A=3A.html>   (2012) Promoting emergent reading through the use of e-books.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This study examines how a group of four Kindergarten students' phonological awareness and cuing strategies can be supported through e-books. Research on emergent literacy concludes that children who read well, read more, and acquire more knowledge (Bus, De Jong, & van Ijzendoorn, 2007; Hindman, Connor, Jewkes, & Morrison, 2008; Korat, 201 0). Many of the students in this study have high reading needs and require additional supportive reading opportunities throughout the day. The Oxford Reading Tree CD-ROM e-book series offered these emergent readers an opportunity to develop reading strategies. An individual action research approach was used through qualitative data collection measures (field notes, journals, portfolio samples, transcribed conversations, Developmental Reading Assessment and Dolch High Frequency Word Recall list) to assess reading progress. A key finding of the study noted an increase in e-book reading engagement fostered the application of cuing strategies such as a) initial and final letter sound recall; b) picture cuing; and c) reading ahead. In addition to phonological and cuing strategy improvement, there was a marked increase in high frequency word recall, story sequencing and comprehension. As a result of these changes, students brought their reading understanding into other areas of their learning such as investigating conventional paper based reading books including exploring independent writing. The author anticipates that continuing research in this area will assist the future use of e-books in emergent reading.


identifier: Fehr, Linda L. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Fehr=3ALinda_L=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2013) The meaning of social justice to social work students.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This study was based on the emphasis that Canadian social work education is currently placing on educational processes to graduate critically reflective social workers who can address social issues from a social justice perspective. This qualitative study explored the meaning of social justice to graduating BSW students and the social work educational experiences that shaped this meaning. Ten adult learners from a Canadian baccalaureate program in social work participated in the study. A transcendental phenomenological research approach supported the exploratory and descriptive nature of this study and the method of data analysis was a modification of the Stevick-Colaizzi-Keen method developed by Moustakas (1994). Findings revealed that the integration of student participants' lived experiences and social work education created a meaningful commitment to social justice which could be further understood within the context of transformative learning in social work education. The findings also revealed that student participants had experiences with incongruency between the espoused commitment to social justice and a lack of commitment to social justice demonstrated within their educational and practice settings reflective of a tension that continues to exist between social justice and mainstream social work education and practice. The implications of this study suggest the need for social work educators who wish to promote social justice to further embrace transformative learning and further develop social justice education in social work programs as ways of continuing to support meaningful commitment to social justice and action for social change in their work with social work students. This study brings student voice forward and participants also offer their recommendations to social work educators. The study concludes with recommendations for future research.


identifier: Feng, Liping <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Feng=3ALiping=3A=3A.html>   (2003) Synthesis and biological evaluation of retinoyl and docosahexaenoyl derivatives of 5-Fluoro-2' -deoxyuridine as anticancer prodrugs.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: According to the survey (Gaudett et a!. 1998, 1996), cancer is the number one disease that causes death in Canada and U.S. Many approaches have been used to treat cancer. Chemotherapy has played and will continue to play an important role in cancer treatment. Although many anticancer drugs are available, there are serious problems associated with cancer chemotherapy including toxicity and development of drug resistance. Retinoids such as all-trans retinoic acid, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids such as cis-4,7,10,13,16,19-docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and fluoropyrimidines such as 5-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine (FUdR) have potent distinct anticancer mechanisms. Since many cancer cells are known to overexpress low density lipoprotein (WL) receptors, LDL has been proposed as a cancer specific carrier. In this study, LDL was investigated as a drug carrier to enhance the drug delivery to cancer cells (Hela, MCF7, MB231 and HepG2 cell lines). Four derivatives of FUdR (3' -0-retinoyl-FUdR, 3' -0-docosahexaenoyl-FUdR, 5'- 0-retinoyl-FUdR and 3', 5' -di-0-retinoyl-FUdR) were synthesized as prodrugs of FUdR. The prodrugs were incorporated into LDL. The results showed that the cytotoxicity of the respective prodrugs was increased compared with parent drug FUdR. The prodrug/LDL complex was more effective than the prodrug without LDL as a carrier in Hela cells.


identifier: Ferdous, Sultana <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Ferdous=3ASultana=3A=3A.html>   (2004) Ab initio study of polarizabilities of oligothiophene, oligocyclopentadiene, oligofulvene and their cyano substituted oligomers.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Ab Initio study of polarizabilities and first order hyperpolarizabilities of thiophene, fulvene and cyclopentadiene based conducting oligomers and polymers and their cyano derivatives have been performed using the Hartree-Fock (HF), configuration interaction singles (CIS) and density functional (DFI) theories with 3-21G* basis using Gaussian 94, 98 and 03 softwares. The main motivation for this investigation is to determine the correlation between the excitation energies and polarizabilities and hyperpolarizabilities for the conjugated systems studied. It has been found that HF and DFT approaches give similar magnitudes for polarizabilities whereas CIS theory provides results that are considerably different. All three methods predict similar trends in polarizabilities as a function of oligomer length and bond alternation along the backbone of the oligomers. It has also been observed that the end groups and the number of 'double' bonds have a significant effect on the magnitude of polarizability per C-C bond. Comparison with experimental results has been made where possible.


identifier: Ferguson, Euna E. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Ferguson=3AEuna_E=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2004) Fulfilling the commitment: the adjustment process of primary family caregivers of nursing home residents, a grounded theory study.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Prolonged caregiving of older relatives has become common in families as people live longer, often with multiple chronic health problems. Primary family caregivers are characteristically women with a strong attachment to their role. For many who provide high levels of care at considerable personal cost, relinquishing their duty of care is unthinkable. Thus, admitting a relative to a nursing home is a most difficult experience for family caregivers, accompanied by emotional turmoil and a sense of failure. How family caregivers make the adjustment to nursing home caregiving in order to maintain their duty of care, and how nurses might support caregivers were the questions that stimulated this inquiry. -- A grounded theory approach was chosen to study the process of caregiver adjustment. A convenience sample of 10 primary family caregivers of residents who had been in nursing homes in western Newfoundland for5 to 16 months, were interviewed. Constant comparative analysis revealed a basic social process called fulfilling the commitment, which occurred throughout three phases of the caregiving experience. These were home caregiving, admission caregiving and nursing home caregiving. Three adjustments were identified in each phase: taking it on, accelerating responsibility, and reaching an end in the home caregiving phase; finding a place, getting the relative settled, and feeling the loss in the admission phase; and getting used to it, rebuilding life, and coping day to day in the nursing home phase. Dimensions of each adjustment and factors affecting progress were identified. The common factors sustaining and constraining adjustment were: rewards, social support, and emotions. Findings were discussed in relation to pertinent literature, and contributions and limitations of the study were identified. Implications for health care policy, and nursing practice, education and research were proposed.


identifier: Ferrieri, Jenna Madeline <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Ferrieri=3AJenna_Madeline=3A=3A.html>   (2012) Experimental study on ice management through the use of podded propeller wash.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.