identifier: Moazzez, Behrang <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Moazzez=3ABehrang=3A=3A.html>   (2014) An experimental and computational approach to the development of SERS substrates for water quality monitoring sensors.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This PhD thesis presents three essential aspects for an optical sensor suitable for use
in harsh environments. The first of these is a robust gold film layer. The second is
the metallic rough film with tendency to engage the hydrocarbon on the surface for
detection with surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The third is predicting
the Raman responses of the confined hydrocarbon molecules for altered laser field
directions.
The first project delineates a promoter-free protocol to improve the adhesion of
thermally evaporated gold thin films by depositing the gold layer on SU-8 photoresist
prior to UV exposure, and post-exposure baking steps of SU-8 processing. The
higher adhesion of the top gold film to the post-deposition cured SU-8 sublayer is a
product of shrinkage and distribution of residual stresses, due to cross-linking of the
SU-8 polymer layer in the post-exposure baking step. The SU-8 underlayer can also
impact the resulting gold film morphology. This approach is easily integrated with
existing processes and can be used in a wide range of applications including, but not
limited to, several types of optical sensors, where good adhesion of gold to a substrate
is important and where controlled topography/roughness is key. In this project, a
stable gold thin film substrate was developed specifically to address the mechanical
properties required to avoid delamination and functionality in harsh environments,
because gold thin films are naturally vulnerable to thermal shocks introduced during different fabrication steps of the sensor package and when introduced to cold ocean
water where the sensor package will be used. In addition, the findings are also beneficial
for the development of gold coated cantilevers for atomic force microscopy (AFM)
and for MEMS-based sensors.
For the first time, a mixed gold/chromium substrate is proposed and developed
to tune surface features to generate a better SERS signal of the analyte in use. This
alloy (SERS) substrate allows for detection of phenanthrene, a prominent member
of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), at low levels. Gold/chromium bilayer
films with three different thickness ratios were deposited on glass by thermally
evaporating layers of chromium and gold. Subsequent thermal annealing procedures
either at 325ﾟC or 400ﾟC for either one or two hours were performed on bilayer films.
Annealing led to the creation of gold and chromium islands. Atomic force microscopy
(AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX)
reveal that islands resulting from annealing-based segregation could reach the morphology
and composition giving SERS activity for detection of phenanthrene. UV-Vis
reflectance illustrates that films annealed at 400ﾟC show more intense scattering behavior
than bilayer films. SERS activity tests with 532 nm excitation using confocal
Raman spectroscopy show better response for annealed substrates with thicker top
gold layers, with the best enhancement for those annealed at 400ﾟC for two hours.
A reproducible SER spectrum has been the target of many studies for the last five
decades. One of the difficulties with reproducibility and quantification of analytes in
trace concentrations comes from the changing interaction angle of the analyte with
the laser electric field due to random movements. Here, quantum chemical timedependent
Hartree-Fock (TDHF) calculations are conducted to indicate the effect of
the laser field direction and energy on the Raman spectra (peak shape and intensity) of
oriented and free phenanthrene and naphthalene molecules. These findings can inform and improve SERS experiment and sensor design by determining the appropriate
molecular orientation(s) for optimum signal acquisition.


identifier: Wang, Guoqiang <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Wang=3AGuoqiang=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Use of inshore benthic cages for storage and on-growing of adult lobsters Homarus americanus.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

type: Thesis NonPeerReviewed

abstract: The goals of this research project were to determine if it is feasible to hold adult lobsters Homarus americanus in inshore benthic cages for extended periods. The underlying premise is that they would survive and grow. This larger product could then be sold outside of the regular season for a higher price. In the first experimental chapter, I investigated the use of the serum protein concentration (determined from the refractive index) as an indicator of the quality and physiological condition of adult lobsters. Serum protein concentration increased linearly with hepatopancreas mass, heart mass and edible meat content. There was a concomitant decrease in serum protein concentration with increasing moisture content of the hepatopancreas and muscle tissue. The serum protein concentration also changed over the molt cycle reaching its highest levels in the premolt stage followed by a sharp drop after the lobsters had molted. This rapid and non-invasive method is a valuable tool for determining quality and physiological status of commercially important decapod crustaceans. In the second series of experiments, I recorded the survival, molting, growth rates and serum protein concentrations in cage-held adult lobsters over a six month period. Laboratory experiments allowed parameters, such as water temperature, feed type, feeding frequency and cage size, to be manipulated to determine optimal conditions for survival and growth, while field experiments tested the feasibility of the storage and on-growing protocol. Temperature had a significant effect on molting rates, with a greater percentage of lobsters molting at higher temperatures. Feeding frequency influenced growth rates of both molted and non-molted animals. Animals with limited access to food had lower serum protein concentrations and were of poorer quality. This project showed that benthic cages provide a viable method to store lobsters for up to six months allowing harvesters to sell them locally, outside the regular season.


identifier: Zhou, Jiayi <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Zhou=3AJiayi=3A=3A.html>   (2015) A robust algorithm to compare chemical structures.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The recognition of chemical similarities between molecules plays an important role in
chemical science, especially in the subjects of chemistry, biology and pharmaceuticals.
Traditional methods of structure recognition are time consuming, usually involving
a lot of experimentation and computational effort. The goal of the research is to
create an algorithm to compare two chemical structures automatically with basic
information. The algorithm only requires atom Cartesian coordinates, atom types
and connectivity information of the structures as input. It uses a novel method to
pair the atoms in the two structures such that the best superimposition is achieved.
A similarity score is computed based on this best superimposition.
The algorithm can also be used to search a large set of molecules for a structure
similar to a query molecule. An application is developed to display the two structures
to be compared and provide a 3D image of their best superimposition based
on the auto-pairing of the atoms. Run-time analysis of the algorithm reveals that
the traditional time complexity does not describe the run-time of the algorithm well.
Linear regression indicates that the run-time is strongly influenced by the number of
triplets (consisting of 3 atoms joined by 2 bonds) matched between the two structures.
Testing of the algorithm on an in-house data-set of 737 structures as well as a larger
NCI-sourced database demonstrates its utility.


identifier: Escudero, Carolina <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Escudero=3ACarolina=3A=3A.html>   (2015) Cardiovascular health in adolescent females with anorexia nervosa: echocardiographic abnormalities, biophysical properties of the aorta, and ventricular function during exercise.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a common disorder affecting the adolescent female population. In order to investigate the structure and function of the cardiovascular system in adolescents with AN, we performed case-control studies using echocardiography at rest to assess cardiac dimensions, systolic ventricular function, diastolic ventricular function, and vascular stiffness as well as echocardiography during exercise to investigate cardiac responses to hemodynamic stress. We found that female adolescents with AN have decreased left ventricular (LV) dimensions, LV wall thickness, LV mass, and abnormalities of diastolic ventricular function when compared to controls. Our patients demonstrated increased pulse wave velocity of the aorta, indicating increased aortic stiffness and potential increased future cardiovascular risk. During exercise, patients with AN demonstrated normal patterns of cardiovascular response with progressive exercise, although cardiac responses at peak exercise were decreased compared to controls. These findings demonstrate abnormalities in cardiac and vascular structure and function in adolescent females with AN.


identifier: Parsons, Peter <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Parsons=3APeter=3A=3A.html>   (2015) Realtime analysis of carbon dioxide concentration curves for intelligent ventilation control.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This thesis is an investigation into the intelligent control of on-demand ventilation
systems using carbon dioxide concentrations to determine occupancy
patterns, the building’s natural infiltration rate and as a proxy for indoor air
quality (IAQ). The suitability of using CO₂ sensors to continuously monitor
concentration changes in a ventilation zone in order to determine occupancy
and natural infiltration rate is investigated.
A heat recovery ventilator (HRV) was modified by replacing the factory electronics
with a designed controller that enabled variable air flow rates and
direct control of recirculation via direct computer control. Apparatus was
built to centrally sample the incoming fresh air and outgoing exhaust flows
for CO₂ which was measured using a non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) sensor.
An additional controller was designed to select air streams for sampling,
command the HRV and send data to a data acquisition system. Data was
logged for several months into a database and analysed. CO₂ concentration
decays that highly correlated with a theoretical decay curve using a moving window technique were studied as an indicator of vacancy while the decay
constants of the decay curves were used to calculate the natural infiltration
rate.
The results demonstrate that building ventilation zone occupancy schedules
and natural infiltration rates can be accurately determined via the analysis
of CO₂ concentration decay curves. These techniques allow a control system
to automatically adjust to changing usage patterns without manual reprogramming.
The natural infiltration rate of a ventilation zone would normally
be unknown, making prediction of future CO₂ concentrations difficult. These
calculated parameters allow intelligent, predictive ventilation control schemes
which have the potential to minimize ventilation energy losses to their theoretical
limits.


identifier: Wolfe, Kara <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Wolfe=3AKara=3A=3A.html>   (2013) Culture contact in Southern Labrador and Newfoundland's Great Northern Peninsula: an ethnohistorical and archaeological approach.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This thesis examines cultural interactions in southern Labrador and
Newfoundland's Great Northern Peninsula between numerous Aboriginal (Beothuk, Innu
and Inuit) and European (Basques, English, French and Norse) groups following the
arrival of the Norse ca. AD 1000. The presence of so many groups, each with their own
agendas and prejudices, impacted the development of relationships along the coast.
Drawing upon ethnohistorical and archaeological data this thesis explores the
multifaceted development of contact relationships. The ethnohistorical research examines
the larger picture of culture contact in the region and explores the gradual transition from
sporadic contact to more formalized trade initiatives. The archaeological research focuses
on the movement of two classes of European goods, iron nails and ceramics, onto Inuit
sites in southern Labrador. The archaeological research illuminates the Inuit decision-making
process regarding the method in which they obtained these goods, either through
scavenging or trading, and the effects of the transition from French to English dominance
along the Labrador coast.


identifier: Fürst, Bojan <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/F=FCrst=3ABojan=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Islands of the sun and ice: perceptions and policies in small island settings of Change Islands and Fogo Island off the coast of Newfoundland and Vis and Biševo islands in Croatian Adriatic.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Islands are a home to over 10 percent of human population and represent evolutionary and
social laboratories worthy of special attention for their biodiversity, cultural, political,
economic, and strategic significance. Island studies framework used in this study provides a
holistic and respectful approach to study of islands allowing for a greater engagement with
islanders in describing and exploring the lived island lives. This comparative study situated on
Change Islands and Fogo Island in Newfoundland, Canada, and Vis and Biševo islands in
Croatia, explores perceptions and policies towards small islands in these two geographic
settings. Despite the geographic differences, the islanders in both areas see population
decline, education and transportation and fisheries to be the crucial development issues.
Tourism has emerged in both study areas as an important economic activity. There is a
conflict between islanders and policy makers that stems from different perceptions, lack of
communications and undervaluing of islands. The policy framework is better in Croatia
where islands are considered of strategic importance to the state. Further empowering the
islanders, better communications, and policy approaches that take into consideration
specificity of island conditions are steps that must be taken to foster viability of small island
communities in both areas.


identifier: Khan, Md. Nahidul Islam <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Khan=3AMd=2E_Nahidul_Islam=3A=3A.html>   (2015) Modeling, design and control of a small marine current energy conversion system.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The Seaformatics project is a five year AIF project that intends to develop wireless
marine sensors for use in monitoring seabed processes. The sensor pods will be selfpowered
through ocean bottom currents and will be able to communicate with each other
This research is focused on development of a device to harvest energy from water
currents near the ocean floor to power such seabed marine technologies. The research is
very interdisciplinary in nature and involves design, structures, fluid dynamics, nonlinear
control and power electronics, which makes it very challenging. A major outcome of the
research is a robust small marine current energy conversion system that can extract power
from the low marine current.
A prototype was designed and constructed. It was tested in the towing tank in the Faculty
of Engineering at Memorial University of Newfoundland. Power output was controlled
using a DSP PI controller. The device consisted of a watertight hull. An electric generator
was installed inside the hull and the turbine rotor was installed outside. The rotor of the
device has blades like conventional wind turbines but the blades face forward into the
flow and not perpendicular to it. This unique arrangement of the blades ensures high
starting torque even in low currents. It used simple flat plate blades. A unique magnetic
torque coupler was used to connect the generator to the turbine. This used sets of magnets
inside and outside that repelled each other. Besides acting as a coupler, this arrangement
of magnets also acted as a bearing. Ideally, it would have been good to use a generator
designed specifically for the device but that would have been expensive and beyond the
project budget so we used a commercial generator. To increase the rotational speed of this generator, a set of gears was inserted between the turbine and generator shafts.
Computational Fluid Dynamics analysis and Potential Flow Hydrodynamics Theory were
used to study the hydrodynamics of the rotor. This allowed us to explore geometry
variations too expensive to study experimentally. For example, it showed that curved
blades would give significantly more power than flat blades.
This dissertation also presents an adaptive back stepping nonlinear maximum power
point tracking (MPPT) control strategy for the system. Because of tow tank scheduling
constraints, this was tested in simulation only. The proposed control strategy does not
require any flow sensors and also does not need the parameters of a PMSG. A Lyapunov
based online estimation approach is used to continually estimate the input voltage and the
output load resistance of the converter. Detailed simulation results of the proposed
adaptive back stepping control are presented and fully analyzed. Simulation results
demonstrate that the proposed nonlinear controller can incessantly extract maximum
power from the ocean current at various flow speeds.


identifier: Parrill, Roland <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Parrill=3ARoland=3A=3A.html>   (2015) Life satisfaction and school bullying in elementary school students.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This descriptive study examined domain-specific and global life satisfaction, traditional and cyber bullying, and the relationship between perpetrator involvement in school bullying and life satisfaction among 299 elementary school students in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. A self-report bully/victim survey assessed students’ involvement in physical, verbal, social and cyber (internet/computer and cell phone) bullying and victimization and a life satisfaction survey assessed students’ levels of satisfaction with family, school, friendship, self, living environment (neighborhood) and overall life. Results show that for the time period assessed, students report moderately high to high levels of domain-specific and global life satisfaction. Results also show that students’ life satisfaction does not predict their involvement as traditional and cyber bullies and that students’ involvement in traditional bullying is more prevalent than in cyber bullying. Elementary school females report significantly higher satisfaction with their living environment (neighborhood), greater social victimization involving exclusion and isolation, and greater cyber (cell phone) victimization with mean pictures than males. Younger elementary students report significantly higher levels of cyber victimization with mean telephone calls over the Internet using a computer and verbal victimization with mean names, comments or gestures with a sexual meaning than older students.


identifier: Will, Alice <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Will=3AAlice=3A=3A.html>   (2015) Resident attitudes and beliefs toward bison, disease and management in Wood Buffalo National Park.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This study investigates the human dimensions (HD) of wood bison conservation in Wood Buffalo National Park of Canada (WBNP). Use of a quantitative questionnaire uncovers Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal attitudes toward wood bison, disease, and management approaches. Focus groups with local Aboriginal community members revealed themes related to bison and their management in and around WBNP. These investigative instruments show that the majority of both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal participants support the presence of wood bison in WBNP, despite prevalence of disease. This support extends to protection offered to wood bison through park management. There is low support for the destruction of the entire WBNP population as a means of managing disease. While there is consensus amongst Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal residents regarding the acceptability of various management options, Aboriginal residents consider bison more valuable for ceremonial, spiritual, economic, and food purposes than non-Aboriginal respondents. Strongly emphasized throughout the focus groups are issues of trust, communication, and participation between local Aboriginal groups and WBNP decision-makers. Wildlife managers in national parks are increasingly using public participatory approaches when making decisions in order to produce management plans that are more publicly acceptable. By identifying local perspectives regarding the management of diseased bison, this study brings interest group input into decisions regarding wildlife management, which is crucial to successfully implementing wildlife management decisions.


identifier: Roberts, Jonas <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Roberts=3AJonas=3A=3A.html>   (2015) Investigation of the projected impacts of climate change on the hydrology of Labrador's Churchill river basin using multi-model ensembles.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This manuscript thesis presents four stand-alone papers which all contribute to the
investigation of projected impacts of climate change on the hydrology of Labrador’s
Churchill River Basin. The overarching goal of this undertaking was to provide useful
information to Nalcor Energy, a hydroelectric developer, regarding the change in the
amount and timing of water in the Churchill River between a base period (1971-2000)
and a future period (2041-2070).
Three separate multi-model approaches used data from the North American Regional
Climate Change Assessment Program to look at the impacts of climate change on the
Churchill River: (i) Bias-corrected precipitation and temperature data forced a hydrologic
model to investigate the changes in mean daily streamflow for the Pinus River, a subbasin
of the Churchill River; (ii) A new approach (dubbed “fullstream analysis”) took
advantage of the full range of simulated hydrological variables from each ensemble
member and was used to study the expected changes in mean annual runoff of the entire
basin, and; (iii) Weighted multi-model ensembles examined the simulated impacts of
climate change on mean monthly runoff for the entire basin.
Several results were common across the various approaches. Ensemble mean annual
increases in runoff were found to be similar, between 8.9% and 14.6%. Further to this, an
increase in cold-season runoff amounts, an earlier onset of the spring melt (though not necessarily a larger spring melt) and no discernable change in the late summer and early
fall runoff were found.
In an effort to further understand sources of error and uncertainty of the climate models
used, water balances were investigated and the annual cycle of residuals quantified.
Residual magnitudes varied widely between months and models and were dependent on
whether one examined atmospheric or terrestrial balances. Water balance residuals
remained relatively consistent between time periods implying they are systemic and not
climate dependent.


identifier: Gill, Shannon <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Gill=3AShannon=3A=3A.html>   (2015) Mineralogy, metal zoning, and genesis of the Cambrian Zn-Pb-Cu-Ag-Au Lemarchant volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposit.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The Lemarchant deposit is a Cambrian bimodal felsic Zn-Pb-Cu-Ag-Au
volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposit that is hosted in the Newfoundland
Appalachians. The mineralogy consists of barite and normal VMS sulfides (e.g.,
sphalerite, galena, pyrite, chalcopyrite), as well as minerals common to epithermal
deposits (e.g., tetrahedrite, bornite, electrum) and enrichments in epithermal suite
elements. Sulfur isotope analyses of sulfides range from δ³⁴S -6.4 to +15.1‰ and indicate
sulfur was derived from thermochemically reduced seawater sulfate, igneous leaching and
magmatic SO₂ . Lead isotope data are restricted, and indicate Pb-sourcing from
Neoproterozoic basement rocks and more juvenile sources.
The occurrence of epithermal suite minerals and element enrichments with bladed
suggest that precious metals were derived from magmatic fluid additions to the VMS
hydrothermal system. Precious metal enrichment of the Lemarchant deposit was caused
by low temperature, oxidized, near neutral fluids that boiled upon seafloor discharge in a
shallow water (<1500 mbsl) setting.


identifier: McBreairty, Laura E. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/McBreairty=3ALaura_E=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Methionine metabolism in Yucatan miniature swine.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Methionine is an essential amino acid which when not incorporated into protein, can be converted to S-adenosylmethionine, the universal methyl donor in over 200 transmethylation reactions, that include creatine and phosphatidylcholine (PC) synthesis, as well as deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylation. Following transmethylation, homocysteine is formed which can be converted to cysteine via transsulfuration or remethylated to methionine by receiving a methyl group from folate or betaine. Changes to methyl group availability in utero can lead to permanent changes in epigenetic patterns of DNA methylation which has been implicated in “fetal programming,” a phenomenon associated with poor nutrition during fetal development that results in low birth weight and disease in later life. It has been shown that programming can also occur in the neonate. So our global objective was to understand how the variability of nutrients involved in methionine metabolism can affect methionine and methyl group availability. We hypothesize that nutrients that converge on methionine metabolism can affect methionine availability for its various functions. In this thesis, we used intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR) piglets to investigate whether a global nutritional insult in utero can lead to a perturbed methionine metabolism. Our results demonstrate that IUGR piglets have a lower capacity to dispose of homocysteine via both transsulfuration and remethylation pathways, as well as a lower incorporation of methyl groups into PC. The second objective of this thesis was to determine whether variation in methionine supply and demand can affect methionine availability. We demonstrated that stimulating either acute or chronic creatine synthesis leads to lower methyl incorporation into protein and PC in pigs. Furthermore, when methionine is limiting, supplementation with either folate or betaine leads to higher methionine availability for protein synthesis. Lastly, because creatine is increasingly being utilized as an ergogenic and neuroprotective supplement, we wanted to determine whether provision of the creatine precursor, guanidinoacetate (GAA), could effectively increase tissue creatine stores. We showed that 2.5 weeks of supplementation with GAA is more effective than creatine at increasing hepatic and muscle creatine stores. The results of this thesis demonstrate that the presence of IUGR, an increased demand for creatine synthesis or the supplementation with remethylation nutrients can each affect methionine availability; all are important when considering neonatal nutrient requirements. Furthermore, although GAA is effective at increasing levels of tissue creatine, higher GAA methylation can limit methionine availability for growth and synthesis of PC.


identifier: Nosworthy, Matthew G. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Nosworthy=3AMatthew_G=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2015) Peptide transport in the neonatal Yucatan miniature pig.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The H⁺-coupled transporter peptide transporter 1 (PepT1) is found primarily in the intestine and is capable of transporting dietary di- and tripeptides as well as peptides produced by bacteria. However, little is known about the ontogeny of PepT1 in the piglet. The first part of this thesis describes the investigation of the effects of development and diet on peptide transport in the intestine of the Yucatan miniature piglet. Dipeptide transport was significantly higher in the ileal section in the youngest age group (1 week) compared to the other suckling groups (p<0.05); however, all suckling piglet groups demonstrated lower ileal transport compared to post-weaned pigs. These results suggest that peptide transport in the small intestine is important during the first week of suckling and again with diet transition following weaning. The objective of the second part of this thesis was to determine the impact of enterally delivered dipeptide-containing diets on indices of intestinal adaptation in neonatal piglets after intestinal resection, as PepT1 is preferentially maintained over free amino acid transporters in situations of gut stress such as short bowel syndrome. In this model no evidence was found that enteral dipeptides provide specific adaptive benefits compared to constituent amino acids. However, the dipeptide-containing diets reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine concentrations in the mucosa (p<0.05). One dipeptide in particular, cysteinyl-glycine, supported greater villus height compared to all other dipeptides and greater crypt depth compared to alanyl-glutamine yet no dipeptide diet altered intestinal morphology compared to the free amino acid control diet. This study demonstrated that while there was no explicit morphological benefit of enteral dipeptides over their constituent free amino acids, there was the potential for the amelioration of intestinal inflammation by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines. As PepT1 is also capable of transporting bacterial peptides were then investigated intestinal response to a pro-inflammatory peptide, formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) alone or in combination with cysteinyl-glycine in a model of intestinal atrophy. Piglets received parenteral nutrition (PN) for 4 d to induce atrophy while littermates remained with the sow. In both dietary treatments, intestinal segments exposed to fMLP had higher mucosal pro-inflammatory cytokines with this inflammatory effect being attenuated when cysteinyl-glycine was co-perfused with this bacterial peptide (p<0.05). Morphologically, fMLP exposure did not alter villus height or crypt depth in sow-fed animals; in contrast, intestinal segments from PN-fed piglets exposed to fMLP had reduced villus height compared to unexposed loops. Inclusion of cysteinyl-glycine was effective at attenuating a bacterial peptide-induced inflammatory response in the injured SI. This may be due to efficient dipeptide uptake in a situation of impaired free amino acid absorption, and/or competitive inhibition of fMLP uptake. Through the use of in vivo piglet models, these studies have contributed to the understanding of peptide transport in health and disease states in addition to demonstrating the potential benefits of enteral dipeptide provision.


identifier: Buren, Alejandro D. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Buren=3AAlejandro_D=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2015) The roles of capelin, climate, harp seals and fisheries in the failure of 2J3KL (northern) cod to recover.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) fishery sustained the way of life of Newfoundlanders during centuries. Its collapse in the early 1990s represented a socio-economic and cultural crisis. Despite the fishing moratorium imposed in 1992, the northern cod stock (NAFO Divs 2J3KL) is still a shadow of its former self. Several hypotheses have been offered to explain this lack of recovery, many involving ecological interactions between harp seals (Pagophilus groenlandicus) and cod. However, these contentions are based on indirect evidence, while formal assessments are lacking. Availing of long term data series, I addressed the two simplest ways in which harp seals might impede cod's recovery: predation and competition for food resources, particularly  for the major forage fish in the system: capelin (Mallotus villosus). I found no supporting evidence for either hypothesis. The biomass dynamics of northern cod during the period 1985-2007 were driven by an interplay between fisheries removals and food (capelin) availability, and potentially affected by water temperature. Harp seal predation was not an important driver of the stock. I provide evidence that a regime shift occurred on the Newfoundland and Labrador Shelf ecosytem during the early 1990s, linking community reorganization to physical perturbations. The capelin stock is regulated by bottom-up processes: ocean climate adn the regime shift, acting via food availability. I found also that Atlantic cod did not change its diet following the regime shift. In addition, the diet of Atlantic cod overlapped to a greater extent with the diet of Greenland halibut than with harp seals' diet. These findings constitute mounting evidence against the consumptive competition hypothesis. The results presented in this thesis are important for the development of ecosystem approaches to fisheries management and raise questions as to the potential impacts of climate change on the structure and productivity of the Newfoundland and Labrador Shelf marine ecosystem. Also, this suggests that reductions in the harp seal population are unlikely to enhance the rebuilding of the northern cod stock; management efforts should be focused on protecting cod itself and the lower trophic levels.


identifier: Brown, Cynthia Marie <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Brown=3ACynthia_Marie=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Assessing the impact of a high-fidelity simulated interprofessional clinical experience on the attitudes, collaboration and teamwork in health sciences students: a pilot study.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: There is limited research that supports the use of high fidelity human patient simulation (HF-SICE) as a teaching learning approach to enhance interprofessional collaboration and teamwork in nursing, medicine and pharmacy students. The purpose of this quasi-experimental descriptive study was to assess the impact of participation in one HF-SICE on students’ attitudes towards interprofessional education (IPE) and teamwork. Using the theory of situated cognition and the nursing education simulation framework to guide the study, twenty nursing students and ten medical students participated in the HF-SICE. Students reported a statistically significant improvement in their attitudes towards IPE (t = -4.28, p = .000) and teamwork (t = -10.79, p = .000). Students also reported they had a better understanding of the knowledge and the roles of different interprofessional team members after participation. All of the students were satisfied with the HF-SICE as a teaching approach and wanted to participate in more sessions. Teamwork and interprofessional collaboration are essential skills in today’s complex healthcare arena; however, pre-licensure health sciences students have very little exposure to the roles and responsibilities of the team prior to graduation. This pilot study showed that participating in a HF-SICE can have a significantly positive impact on students’ attitudes towards collaboration and teamwork. These findings give support for implementing HF-SICE as an effective teaching learning approach with nursing and medicine students. Further research is needed to assess the impact of HF-SICE on student teamwork in the clinical setting.


identifier: Zhang, He <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Zhang=3AHe=3A=3A.html>   (2015) Integrated nano zero valent iron and biosurfactant aided remediation of PCB-contaminated soil.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) have been identified as environmental hazards for many years. Due to historical issues, a considerable amount of PCBs were released deep underground in Canada. In this research, a nanoscale zero valent iron (nZVI)-aided dechlorination followed by biosurfactant enhanced soil washing method was developed to remove PCBs from soil. During nZVI-aided dechlorination, the effects of nZVI dosage, initial pH level and temperature were evaluated, respectively. The results showed that the nZVI dosage of 7.5 g nZVI/kg led to the maximum PCB dechlorination rate. Adding more nZVI could cause particle aggregation, and thus, lower the PCB dechlorination rate. A pH level of 5 was selected for PCB dechlorination before soil washing. The results also indicated that the temperature changes could positively influence the dechlorination process. In the soil washing process, results showed that the presence of nano iron particles played a key role in PCB removal. The crude biosurfactant was produced using a bacterial stain isolated from the Atlantic Ocean and was applied for soil washing. The soil washing results indicated that a higher concentration of the biosurfactant solution led to an increased solubilization of PCBs. The overall removal rate of PCBs using the biosurfactant solution with a concentration of 0.5% was 80%. The study has led to a promising technology for PCB-contaminated soil remediation.


identifier: Darijani, Iren <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Darijani=3AIren=3A=3A.html>   (2015) The classification of [p]-nilpotent restricted Lie algebras of dimension 5.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
In this thesis, we will classify p-nilpotent restricted Lie algebras of dimension 5. Any finite
dimensional p-nilpotent restricted Lie algebras is nilpotent by Engel’s theorem. Therefore,
we use as our starting point, the classification of nilpotent Lie algebras of dimension 5 and
classify the possible equivalence classes of p-maps on these Lie algebras. We first explain
the method that we used to classify p-nilpotent restricted Lie algebras of dimension 5 which
is the analogue of Skjelbred-Sund method for classifying nilpotent Lie algebras. Then, we
will give a complete classification of p-nilpotent restricted Lie algebras of dimension 5 over
perfect fields of characteristic p > 5.


identifier: Winter, Laura <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Winter=3ALaura=3A=3A.html>   (2015) Bloody Mary in the mirror: a comparative examination of a living tradition.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This thesis is a cultural analysis of Bloody Mary, which exists simultaneously
as legend, ostension, folk drama, maturation ritual, a demonstration of social
hierarchy within a folk group, and various types of play. I investigate Bloody Mary
through the lens of each of these genres, exploring retrospective narratives from
adults and teenagers, in addition to narratives collected from contemporary school
children. Included in these groups are women who attended Catholic school in the
1980s and consider themselves “cultural Catholics,” adults who grew up in St. John’s,
Newfoundland during the 1980s but did not attend Catholic school, high school
students from a small community just outside of St. John’s, and contemporary schoolaged
children.
Building upon the research of Langlois, Dundes, Tucker, Ellis, Armitage and
with consideration given to Sutton-Smith’s rhetorics of play, the present
investigation analyzes the function of Bloody Mary to each group of informants,
extracting elements of similarities and variants that could be conceptualized through a
table of structural elements in order to show mutations over time, geography and
cultural groupings (such as religion and age). This comparative, cross-cultural
examination of contemporary usages and functions of Bloody Mary frames it as
living, dynamic folklore and an important aspect of children’s folklore/childlore.


identifier: Kelvin, Michelle <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Kelvin=3AMichelle=3A=3A.html>   (2015) Precious metal geochemistry and mineralogy of the ovoid zone of Voisey's Bay magmatic sulfide deposit, Labrador, Canada.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The Voisey’s Bay Ni-Cu-Co deposit, located in northern Labrador, is considered to be a PGE poor, magmatic sulfide deposit, but anomalous regions containing elevated concentrations of Pt, Pd, Au and Ag have been reported during routine assay. Only limited data is available which documents the types of precious metal occurrences that are present in these regions. In this thesis, a thorough investigation of the PGE and precious metal-minerals has been conducted for the Ovoid, Mini-Ovoid and Discovery Hill deposits. The results were compared to previously documented occurrences in a hornblende-gabbro dyke in the Southeast Extension zone. The significance of these occurrences has been evaluated in reference to potential for recovery of Pt, Pd, Au and Ag, and the genesis of the mineralization in the anomalous regions. Because the concentrations of precious metals at Voisey’s Bay deposit are low, unconventional methods of analysis were used to concentrate and analyze the mineral phases present. The dominant mineral phases that are present are sperrylite and froodite. Electrum, stützite and volyksite account for minor to trace proportions of the precious metal minerals. Analysis of sulfide minerals for Pt, Pd, Au and Ag by LA-ICPMS revealed that, in regions that represent very fractionated magma, most of the precious metal mass is present as discrete mineral phases containing Bi, Te, As, Sn and Sb, and only small proportions of Pd are found in solid solution in pentlandite and galena. The presence of semi-metals in the sulfide melt is the key component necessary to crystallize domains rich in PGM. Semi-metals were likely inherited through local crustal interactions of parental magma with Tasiuyak gneisses.
The major conclusions drawn from this study are 1) that even at low-PGE grade deposits such as Voisey’s Bay, PGM are able to crystallize if sufficient amounts of semi-metals are present; and 2) recovery of the Pt, Pd, Au and Ag at Voisey’s Bay may be possible because the majority of the precious metal mass is associated with minerals that are already recovered in the Ni or Cu concentrates, or they are present as mineral grains large enough to be concentrated alone.


identifier: King, Krista A. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/King=3AKrista_A=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2015) Automated specification-based graphical user interface testing.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The event-based nature of graphical user interfaces, or GUIs, increases the difficulty
of testing software applications. Automating this process reduces not only the time
to test, but also the work involved in preparing the tests to be run. However, some
form of specification is required for this automation.
TUIL, or Testable User Interface Language, is a lightweight prototype specification
language based on XML that was created to specify desktop, widget-based application
GUIs. TUIDE, or Testable User Interface Development Environment, is a prototype
Java application that is used to handle the testing automation processes, as well as
mock-up TUIL specifications.
A small Java application, containing four dialogs, is created to prove that the
TUIL language and TUIDE processing can not only find errors within faulty versions
of it, but also generate reasonably accurate mock-ups of the dialog GUIs. The findings
from this testing are positive.


identifier: Demian, Wael <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Demian=3AWael=3A=3A.html>   (2015) Bottom up proteomics of cryptocyanin protein and anti-tumor Thomsen–Friedenreich neoglycoconjugate vaccine.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
In this thesis, two different kinds of complex biomolecules were examined: cryptocyanin protein of snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) and carbohydrate-protein neoglycoconjugate vaccine using mass spectrometry (MS) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS).
The main objective of the first study was to determine structural changes in snow crab cryptocyanin protein. Accordingly, cryptocyanin was isolated and purified from molting and non molting snow crabs. The purified molting and non molting cryptocyanins were sequenced by using matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) and collsion induced dissocation tandem mass spectrometry (CID-MS/MS). The structural differences between molting and non-molting cryptocyanin were reported using bottom-up proteomics. The molecular masses of the snow crab during molting and non-molting stages were found to be respectively 67.6 kDa and 68.1 kDa.
In the second study, two anti-tumor Thomsen-Friedenreich neoglycoconjugate vaccines were prepared by the Michael addition reaction, and their molecular composition was confirmed by MALDI-TOF-MS analysis. De novo peptide sequencing using electrospray ionization in the positive ion mode mass spectrometry (ESI-MS, + ion mode) and low-energy CID-MS/MS of trypsin digests using a quadrupole-quadrupole-time of flight –hybrid tandem mass spectrometer (QqTOF-MS/MS). The CID-analysis allowed us to identify three glycation sites for the glycoconjugate prepared with a TF: protein ratio of 2:1, and 14 glycation sites for the glycoconjugate prepared with a TF: protein ratio of 8:1. It should be noted that this work represents the only published report for the determination of the exact poistions of the carbohydrate haptens on this unique C-S linked glycoconjugate. In addition, this investigation constitutes a versatile example for the identification of accurate quality control necessary in commercial production of glycoconjugate vaccines. Indeed, the glycopeptides isolated were fully characterized during this work and may well represent useful reference compounds that can be used in standardization analyses.
The presented two applications of this research indicate that the cohesive and clever application of MS continue to grow due to its high sensitivity, and its ability to analyze high molecular mass biomolecules such as the two complex biomolecules.
In summary this thesis has presented a major dynamic role for the identification, characterization and sequencing of two novel complex biomolecules namely the molting and non molting and cryptocyanin proteins and the two anti-tumor Thomsen-Friedenreich neoglycoconjugate vaccines. These biomolecules were chosen as elegant applications of MS/MS in the fields of proteomics and glycomics vaccine.


identifier: Smith, Jennifer <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Smith=3AJennifer=3A=3A.html>   (2015) The effect of virtual environment training on participant competence and learning in offshore emergency egress scenarios.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Within the offshore and maritime industries, simulation training can enhance conventional safety training by providing orientation training before workers have been deployed offshore and by improving the workers’ level of preparedness for emergency situations. As a precursor to simulation transfer studies, this research aimed to determine the level of competence in basic offshore safety gained through a virtual environment training program, investigate the training time required to achieve competence, and develop a strategy to assess human performance in simulated offshore emergency situations.
The experiment demonstrated that offshore egress learning objectives can be taught using the virtual environment training program with some limitations. Basic offshore safety competence was not demonstrated for all learning objectives. Time to competence for some learning objectives was achieved within the study but for other learning objectives the time to competence is still unknown. Due to individual differences in spatial and procedural learning, some individuals required more exposure to the virtual setting to ensure knowledge retention.
Modifications to the training and technology design are recommended in order to prepare for future transfer studies and offshore applications.


identifier: Davis, Shanti E. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Davis=3AShanti_E=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2015) Migration ecology of Sabine's gulls (Xena sabini) from the Canadian high arctic.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Sabine’s gulls are the only Arctic gulls that undertake trans-equatorial migrations
between their breeding grounds and offshore wintering areas. I used light-based archival
geolocation devices (n = 36) to track Sabine’s gulls from one of their northernmost
breeding colonies, on Nasaruvaalik Island in the Canadian High Arctic, to their wintering
sites in the Southern Hemisphere. I discovered that birds from Nasaruvaalik Island
migrate to both the Pacific and Atlantic wintering areas this species is known to use, with
the majority of birds migrating to a restricted area in the Humboldt Current off the coast
of Peru and a small portion of the birds migrating to an area in the Benguela Current off
the coast of South Africa. I characterized the routes, timing, and distance of Pacific
wintering Sabine's gulls. Analysis of the movements of these individuals revealed that
Sabine’s gulls exploit highly localized areas of elevated marine productivity along a
migration route of more than 28,000 km. I identified the Juan de Fuca Eddy off the
southwest coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia as a critically important foraging
area during both north and southbound migration. I also describe the non-stop overland
crossing by some birds between the Pacific and Arctic Oceans during northbound
migration.


identifier: Lachance, Nicolas <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Lachance=3ANicolas=3A=3A.html>   (2015) Genesis of iron ore in the Snelgrove Lake Area, Labrador Trough, Western Labrador.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The Snelgrove Lake property, located in western Labrador, is underlain by the late
Proterozoic Sokoman Formation, the same geological formation that hosts economically
significant iron ore deposits elsewhere in Labrador and Quebec. This project aims to
better understand the origin of the iron formation, the controls on grade of the iron ore
including whether or not there is secondary iron enrichment, and the ambient marine
environment in the late Paleoproterozoic, including ocean redox conditions present during
the primary deposition of the iron formation.
Iron formations in the Snelgrove Lake area consist of chemically precipitated
jasper and Fe-rich sedimentary rocks that contain hard, metallic bluish-grey iron oxides,
with total Fe2O3 ranging from 22 – 64 wt%. On the basis of petrography, iron minerals
occur predominantly as: 1) syngenetically deposited (primary) iron oxides and iron
silicates; 2) microplaty hematite (secondary and remobilized); and 3) euhedral magnetite
(secondary). Despite textural features suggesting that microplaty hematite occurrences are
due to secondary Fe-mobilization, the lack of coarse-grained textures and structurally
controlled mineralization argues against hydrothermal enrichment as the cause.
Furthermore, the general absence of hydrous ores, the lack of light rare earth element
(LREE) enrichment within the iron formation, and the preservation of most primary
sedimentary textures argues against pre- or post-metamorphic supergene enrichment.
Evidence within suggests that iron was locally remobilized by post-depositional
diagenetic fluids, which resulted in the alteration, modification and enrichment of original
bedding with Fe-minerals. The current physical assemblage of iron-bearing minerals, and the local iron grades, were also significantly affected by the early diagenetic appearance
of silica cements. Those samples that received silica cement during early diagenesis
contain lower Fe grades, and show signs of having been less affected by compaction than
those that had no silica cement.
The geochemistry of the iron formation suggests various inputs from
hydrothermal, detrital, and hydrogenous sources. Immobile element contents indicate the
Snelgrove Lake iron formation has minimal detrital input, but that which is present was
likely derived from a mafic detrital source. Flat to weakly positive Eu/Eu* anomalies are
common and suggest precipitation of iron minerals in the ocean from low temperature
fluids (< 250°C). The iron formations also have REE-Y signatures comparable to other
late Paleoproterozoic iron formations and have flat post-Archean average shale (PAAS)-
normalized patterns, and Y/Ho ratios ranging from 20-50. The Y/Ho ratios of late
Paleoproterozoic iron formations have wider ranges and are generally lower in
comparison to early Paleoproterozoic iron formations and is interpreted to reflect the
appearance of oxygen in the oceans at that time, and more precisely, the appearance of a
redox-stratified ocean. The paleoredox-conditions present during the deposition of iron
formation in Snelgrove Lake, as deduced from Ce/Ce* anomalies and other redoxsensitive
elements, are generally indicative of an anoxic environment, while its bounding
units record signatures that reflect deposition in a more oxic environment, thus suggesting
deposition in a redox-stratified basin with iron precipitation near a redox-boundary.


identifier: St-Pierre, Anne Provencher <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/St-Pierre=3AAnne_Provencher=3A=3A.html>   (2015) Mechanistic underpinnings of foraging variability in the common sea star, Asterias rubens, from Newfoundland, Canada.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The common sea star, Asterias rubens, is a major predator in rocky subtidal ecosystems in the northern Gulf of St. Lawrence and along the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland. Yet, knowledge about the mechanistic underpinnings of foraging variability in A. rubens in these highly seasonal systems is sparse. The present research tested effects of key biotic (body size, starvation, chemical cues from potential competitors) and abiotic (temperature, wave action) factors on: 1) displacement, microhabitat selection, and ability to contact blue mussel, Mytilus edulis, prey; and 2) mussel prey consumption and size selection in A. rubens from southeastern Newfoundland. Experiments in laboratory microcosms (wave tank and aquaria), as well as analysis of seabed imagery and sea temperature and wave data from one subtidal site, showed that wave action, and to a lesser extent starvation, are key modulators of the sea star’s inclination and ability to explore its environment and localize prey. In southeastern Newfoundland, the behavioral response of A. rubens to wave action and starvation is adaptable, being generally stronger in summer than winter, when sea temperature differs markedly. Starvation, body size, and their interaction strongly affect prey consumption and size selection. Consumption is relatively stable across the natural temperature range in late summer, significantly lower in winter than summer, and unaffected by the chemical presence of indigenous rock crab, Cancer irroratus, and invasive green crab, Carcinus maenas. Collectively, results speak to the importance of considering the interplay between organismal traits and ongoing changes in ocean climate to more accurately predict causes and consequences of alterations to northern reef communities.


identifier: Elfeki, Hassan <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Elfeki=3AHassan=3A=3A.html>   (2015) Risk assessment and risk management for subsea rigid spool commissioning and installation operations.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Today the newest frontier in oil & gas exploration, drilling and production industries is the Oil and Gas Subsea Industry. Oil and gas fields reside beneath many inland waters and offshore areas around the world. Subsea oil & gas production equipment and systems can range in complexity from a single satellite well with a flow-line linked to a fixed platform, FPSO or an onshore installation, to several wells on a template or clustered connected to a manifold via a rigid spool.
The proposed study focuses on developing a risk assessment and risk management tool that can be used by the decision maker in the field to address the risks involving the different subsea rigid spool operations. This includes site integration tests, different phases of the logistics operations to get these spools from their test facility to their offshore fields, and the deployment and installation operations carried out in their designated locations in the subsea fields.
This study attempts to identify and integrate the risks in each operational step and give a clear account of the consequences involved ,the effects of such risks on the project as whole showing the true cost of such risks and also gives the tools to reduce these risks to as low as reasonably practical.


identifier: Silvesan, Daniela <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Silvesan=3ADaniela=3A=3A.html>   (2015) Cyclic block designs from Skolem-type sequences.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
M. Colbourn and R. Mathon [45] asked: "Can Skolem's partitioning problems be
generalized to yield cyclic BIBD(v; 4; 1)?". Rosa [76] asked: \What is the format of
Skolem-type sequences that leads to cyclic BIBD(v; k; λ) for k [greater than or equal to] 4?". In this thesis,
we will address these two questions.
We introduce new Skolem-type sequences and then we use them to construct new
cyclic BIBD(v; k; λ) for k [greater than or equal to] 3. Specifically, we use Skolem-type sequences to construct
new cyclic BIBD(v; 3; λ) for all admissible orders v and λ.
We use Skolem-type sequences to construct new cyclic BIBD(v; k; λ) for k [greater than or equal to] 4 and
every v coprime with 6. We provide a complete set of examples of Skolem partitions
that induce one cyclic BIBD(v; 4; λ) for every admissible class.
We also use some known results and relative difference families to construct new
cyclic BIBD(v; 4; λ) for infinite values of v.
Moreover, we use Skolem-type sequences to construct cyclic, simple, and indecomposable
BIBD(v; 3; 3) for every v with some possible exceptions for v = 9 and
v = 24c + 9, c  4. We also construct infinitely many cyclically indecomposable but
decomposable BIBD(v; 3; 4) for some orders v.
Finally, we have many examples of simple and super-simple cyclic designs coming
from Skolem-type sequences that produce optical orthogonal codes.


identifier: Mishra, Akhilesh Kumar <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Mishra=3AAkhilesh_Kumar=3A=3A.html>   (2015) Robot arm manipulation using depth-sensing camera and inverse kinematics.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Robotic arms can be controlled by human operators using different types of controllers or manipulators. For example, a Titan IV robot arm can be mounted on a ROUV (remotely operated underwater vehicle) for seafloor operation and can then be remotely controlled by a sophisticated manipulator, a “Master Controller”. An operator needs a lot of training with this type of controller before they could apply their skills manipulating real robot arms in the field. There are, however, simulators like GRI Simulations Inc.’s manipulator trainer which help a user train virtually on a particular robotic arm using either a master controller or a joystick. Compared to joysticks, master controllers are much more sophisticated and expensive devices. On the other hand, joysticks are not as convenient as controller mechanisms, since they are more generic products and do not map the functionalities of master controllers as well as the custom master controllers.
This thesis presents a new technique to manipulate a robotic arm which uses an inexpensive depth-camera to capture the user input and inverse kinematics to define the motion of the robotic arm. Along with the easier manipulation of the robotic arm, the presented technique also adds some gesture commands to control the end-effector which makes the interaction more intuitive. To test the efficacy and efficiency of the proposed method, a user study was conducted in which 18 participants were asked to perform two placement tasks using a keyboard, a joystick and the depth-camera based interface. The presented technique is inexpensive and the results of the study suggest the technique is a good option for controlling robot arms with configurations similar to that of the Titan IV.


identifier: Kenward, Fleur H. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Kenward=3AFleur_H=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2015) Understanding the college community: fostering female student success at a Canadian technical college in Qatar.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Female students at a Canadian technical college in Qatar are minimally accessing cocurricular
activities. As a result, they were limited in their ability to develop transferrable
skills. This quantitative and qualitative study investigated whether correlations existed
between grade point average, participation in co-curricular activities and overall
perceptions of the college experience. The study took place at this mixed-gender technical
college. By applying critical feminist theory, it also investigated barriers to, and
developed recommendations for, increasing engagement. It consisted of two phases: an
online survey and one-on-one interviews. With a survey sample size of n=30, positive
correlations were identified between GPA and both rate of engagement and perception of
college experience. The study found that positive perceptions of experience and
engagement were not correlated. It was noted that time constraints and feeling selfconscious
were barriers and participants recommended that co-curricular engagement be
more accessible and linked to the curriculum.


identifier: LeBlanc, Julie Marie-Anne <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/LeBlanc=3AJulie_Marie-Anne=3A=3A.html>   (2015) Marketing traditional and contemporary folklore: how microbreweries and community events process local legends and folklore in Québec.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This thesis examines the commodification of culture pertaining to re-imaginings
of historical Québec, New France colonies, political rebellions, imagined communities,
shared cultural traits, and romantic heroic associations as seen in beer product placement,
advertisements and reenactments from theme-restaurants to organized community events.
Because folklore is often used to sell products and tourism packages, these products
become transmitters of the selected folk items whether they are legends, figures, or the
knowledge of occupational folk trades, as seen and constructed by the population creating
these products.
While much of the folklore scholarship surrounding the uses and misuses of
folklore in consumption focuses on concepts of “authenticity,” I focused the lens on how
companies view utilizable items of folklore, from packaging to public relations, and how
the selection and rejection of vernacular heritage is used for cultural pride and identity.
This research challenges theories on legend dissemination in form as well as perceived
“shared common traits” used in commodified objects. I conducted fieldwork using
various methodologies, from individual session interviews to market focus groups and
also included an online survey to examine the process of using folklore in selling products
and how this influences and produces community events. These different approaches to
collecting and analyzing data by combining the traditional one-on-one interviews in
folklore with the focus group sessions and surveys found in marketing studies has proved
not only useful but necessary when researching a hybrid form of folk-consumer studies.
The outcomes of this research are relevant for business studies notably in how marketing models and their studied interpretations bring folklore perspectives in the use of targeted
mass media planning.


identifier: Fouzder, Anup <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Fouzder=3AAnup=3A=3A.html>   (2015) Modeling of riser-seabed-water interaction at touch down zone using computational fluid dynamics approach.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Steel catenary risers (SCR) are widely used in deepwater oil and gas production. Due to environmental loading the riser may be subject to six degrees of motion; however, in the touchdown zone (TDZ), the vertical penetration into the seabed and uplift are two of the main components. The riser-seabed-water interaction near the touchdown zone is one of the main concerns in fatigue life design of SCR. During upward displacement, suction develops under the riser and a trench might be formed when it separates from the seabed near the touchdown point (TDP). In subsequent downward movement, the riser penetrates through this trench to the seabed. Therefore, modeling of suction and trench formation is very important. In most of the existing models these factors are incorporated using empirical relationships. It is also recognized that the available finite element (FE) modeling techniques for this large deformation problem are computationally very expensive, although the penetration resistance can be simulated.
In the present study, numerical modeling of riser-seabed-water interaction at the TDZ is conducted using ANSYS CFX software to evaluate the response of the riser during its penetration and uplift. A new model for undrained shear strength of soft clay is proposed that is applicable to a wide range of shear strain rates. The models for the effects of strain rate and strength degradation on undrained shear strength are incorporated properly in ANSYS CFX and simulations are performed for one penetration-uplift cycle. The CFX model developed in this study using the subdomain approach is computationally very efficient. It is found that the suction under the riser is the main source of uplift resistance for shallow embedments. The parametric study shows that the maximum uplift resistance and depth of trench depend on uplift velocity and undrained shear strength of clay.


identifier: Claus, Brian <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Claus=3ABrian=3A=3A.html>   (2015) Energy efficient navigational methods for autonomous underwater gliders in surface denied regions.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Autonomous underwater gliders routinely perform long duration profiling missions
while characterizing the chemical, physical and biological properties of the water
column. These measurements have opened up new ways of observing the ocean’s processes
and their interactions with the atmosphere across time and length scales which
were not previously possible. Extending these observations to ice-covered regions is of
importance due to their role in ocean circulation patterns, increased economic interest
in these areas and a general sparsity of observations.
This thesis develops an energy optimal depth controller, a terrain aided navigation
method and a magnetic measurement method for an autonomous underwater glider.
A review of existing methods suitable for navigation in underwater environments as
well as the state of the art in magnetic measurement and calibration techniques is
also presented.
The energy optimal depth controller is developed and implemented based on an
integral state feedback controller. A second order linear time invariant system is
identified from field data and used to compute the state feedback controller gains
through an augmented linear quadratic regulator. The resulting gains and state
feedback controller methodology are verified through field trials and found to control
the depth of the vehicle while losing less than one percent of the vehicle’s propulsive
load to control inputs or lift induced drag.
The terrain aided navigation method is developed based on a jittered bootstrap
algorithm which is a type of particle filter that makes use of the vehicle’s deadreckoned
navigation solution, onboard altimeter and a local digital parameter model
(DPM). An evaluation is performed through post-processing offline location estimates
from field trials which took place in Holyrood Arm, Newfoundland, overlapping a
previously collected DPM. During the post-processing of these trials, the number of
particles, jittering variance and DPM grid cell size were varied. Online open loop
field trials were performed through integrating a new single board computer. In these
trials the localization error remained bounded and improved on the dead reckoning
error, validating the filter despite the large dead-reckoned errors, single beam altitude
measurements, and short test duration.
Terrain aided navigation methods perform poorly in regions of flat terrain or
in deep water where the seafloor is beyond the range of the altimeter. Magnetic
measurements of the Earth’s main field have been proposed previously to augment
terrain aided navigation algorithms in these regions. To this end a low power magnetic
instrumentation suite for an underwater glider has been developed. Two calibration
methodologies were also developed and compared against regional digital models of
the magnetic field. The calibration methods include one for which the actuators in the
vehicle were kept in fixed locations and a second for which the calibration coefficients
were parameterized for the actuator locations. Both methods were found to agree
with the low frequency content in the a-priori regional magnetic anomaly grids.


identifier: Catherwood, Kristin <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Catherwood=3AKristin=3A=3A.html>   (2015) "Every place had a barn": the barn as a symbol of the family farm in southern Saskatchewan.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The barn in southern Saskatchewan is a structure which symbolizes the family farm. By analyzing the barn as a functioning building through to its current marginal status, it is possible to trace the changes in agriculture over the past century, namely: the profound impact of the mechanization of agriculture, continually evolving technologies, especially pertaining to hay production, and the gradual lessening of reliance upon livestock. Such changes rendered the barn nearly obsolete as a working structure and, as such, it has become instead a symbol of the family farm in the cultural landscape of the region. By examining the meaning the barn holds through the lens of critical nostalgia, it is possible to speculate on a potential future for the barn in Saskatchewan. A comparative study with barns in Essex, England will demonstrate, that in the UK, barns have been repurposed. There is potential for a similar undertaking in Saskatchewan on a smaller scale. The success of farmstead surveys in Michigan and Pennsylvania, and barn preservation groups in the United States, present a model for such programmes to be implemented in Saskatchewan.


identifier: Ayoub, Maha <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Ayoub=3AMaha=3A=3A.html>   (2015) Phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of blackberry, black raspberry and blueberry seed meals.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Berries are highly valued crops due to their unique flavour, texture, colour and phytochemicals. They are rich in phenolic compounds which have been recognized as having beneficial health effects in humans. Phenolic compounds are present in the free, soluble ester and insoluble-bound forms; these were extracted using four different solvents {methanol–acetone–water (7:7:6, v/v/v), acetone-water (80: 20, v/v), methanol-water (70: 30, v/v), and water}. The insoluble-bound phenolics were procured after alkaline hydrolysis and subsequent extraction into diethyl ether-ethyl acetate. Phenolic extracts of each fraction were separately assayed for their antioxidant activity using several methods, namely oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), the reducing power capacity, as well as iron (II) chelation capacity, among others. There were significant differences in the total content of phenolics, flavonoids, and anthocyanins between blackberry, black raspberry, and blueberry seed meals. The bound phenolics contributed the highest proportion to the total contents of different classes of phenolics. Furthermore, blackberry seed meals had higher total antioxidant activity compared with black raspberry and blueberry seed meals in all assays employed. High-performance liquid chromatography−diode array detection−electrospray ionization multistage mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-ESI-MSn) was used to identify and quantify the phenolic compounds. Hydroxybenzoic and hydroxycinnamic acids, anthocyanins, flavonols, flavan-3-ols, and proanthocyanidins were identified and quantified in the aforementioned fractions. Extracts were found to contain various levels of phenolic compounds that were specific to each berry seed meal type.


identifier: Smith, Nicholas Carl <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Smith=3ANicholas_Carl=3A=3A.html>   (2015) Evaluating the assessments in an orthopaedic residency program.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Introduction: Orthopaedic surgical education has undergone major change in the last 15
years. Work hour restrictions, public accountability, and government pressures have led to a
paradigm shift in the execution of surgical training. The Royal College of Physicians and
Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) is adopting a competency-based training model in an attempt to
ensure the quality of its future surgeons. Objective: To evaluate the reliability and validity of
assessment methods of orthopaedic surgery residents as defined by the RCPSC’s CanMEDs
framework. Methods: A critical appraisal was undertaken that indicated a paucity of studies
evaluating strategies for assessing surgical competencies in residency training programs. Staff
surgeons assessed residents in day-to-day performance of duties using the Interprofessional
Collaborator Assessment Rubric (ICAR) and the Surgical Encounters Form (SEF). The
assessments were collected and measurements of percent agreement, Cronbach’s alpha, and
Fleiss Kappa were obtained. Results: For the ICAR percent agreement was 80.6 percent.
Cronbach’s Alpha measure averaged 0.662 and the mean Fleiss Kappa score was -0.218 (95% CI
-0.400 to -0.089). For the SEF percent agreement was 90.9 percent. Cronbach’s alpha averaged
0.865, 0.920, 0.934, 1.00 and 1.00 for the Medical expert, Technical skills, Communicator,
Collaborator, and Advocate roles respectively. The mean Fleiss Kappa score was 0.147 (95% CI
-0.071 to 0.364). Conclusion: Low inter-rater reliability results suggest low levels of assessor
agreement and subsequently invalid assessment measures. Modification to assessment methods
will be required before a valid competency-training program can be fully adopted.


identifier: Baker, James Thomas Ernest <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Baker=3AJames_Thomas_Ernest=3A=3A.html>   (2015) Defending the indefensible? The use of argumentation, legitimation, and othering in debates on refugees in the Canadian House of Commons, 2010-2012.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The goal of this thesis is to investigate language use among elite parliamentarians
in debates related to refugee asylum. It challenges the non-political “taken for granted”
notions that many parliamentarians employ in their speeches and, using Critical Discourse
Analysis, seeks to understand how argumentation, legitimation, and Othering strategies
are used to support and reinforce their positions. While the Conservative government
contends that Bill C-11: The Balanced Refugee Reform Act and Bill C-31: Protecting
Canada’s Immigration System Act are aimed at refugee reform and designed to target
“criminal middlemen,” I argue that their approach is actually aimed at restricting refugee
asylum, despite the fact that it is an internationally recognized treaty right. To augment
my efforts, I frame my analysis around the work of two key theorists: Antonio Gramsci
and Zygmunt Bauman.
The Gramscian model of cultural hegemony informs my thesis in at least two key
ways: first, I argue that language use (specifically, the negative portrayal of asylum
seekers) is manipulated for the sole purpose of presenting refugee claimants as criminals;
second, by criminalizing certain groups, the Conservative government is able to put
forward a particular worldview that portrays certain types of refugees as legitimate, and
therefore deserving of protection. I contend, however, that cultural hegemony is
insufficient to explain how the Conservatives are able to propagate this worldview given
that cultural hegemony is primarily driven by ideology. While contemporary Canadian
political ideologies differ significantly, opposition parties nonetheless unintentionally
reproduce a Conservative worldview regarding asylum seekers. In its place, I argue that banal hegemony helps to explain this discrepancy. Bauman’s discussion of mobility is
relevant given that I assess how asylum seekers are framed as illegals whose ability to
seek asylum is restrained. Restricting or controlling mobility is central to the
Conservative defense precisely because those who cannot arrive in Canada are unable to
make an asylum claim. In fact, over the past few years, there has been a movement to
“push the border out.”
I conclude that the Conservative defense is not only fallacious, untenable, and
prejudicial but designed to portray asylum seekers are criminals, fraudsters, and security
threats. This thesis adds to the extant literature on Critical Discourse Analysis from a
Canadian parliamentary perspective and describes how politics is constituted by, and
through, language. Moreover, it offers a sociological understanding of how parliamentary
debates help to produce and reproduce social inequality and prejudice.


identifier: Barragán Paladines, María José <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Barrag=E1n_Paladines=3AMar=EDa_Jos=E9=3A=3A.html>   (2015) Exploring governance in Galapagos Marine Reserve.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundlnad.

abstract:
The image of Galapagos has been communicated by the conservation rhetoric as the
paradisiacal and pristine destination for tourism and science in the last decades. This
discourse has served to motivate, convince, and persuade audiences about why and
how Galapagos Marine Reserve (GMR) has been a positive outcome in marine
conservation. However, the role of humans in the GMR agency has intentionally been
left unnoticed, disregarding its influence in the GMR governability.
In recent years, the visibility of the human element in the GMR management has been
raised by developing more social-science-based research, mainly linked to economic
assessments. Although these initiatives have brought positive outcomes for local
interest groups, in many cases, this research-transition has proven to be insufficient
to address (and solve) the challenges in GMR governance. Consequently, the ruling
bodies' and interest groups' frustration, and the natural environment's degradation
have deteriorated the mutual interactions, compromising the MPA long-term
viability.
Generally, the success or failure of the Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) is attributed to
the governance model placed to govern it. In GMR, the challenges to its governance
have remained unsolved along the years as issues linked to current events, when in
reality, GMR success or failure was incubated even before the reserve was created. In
fact, its current condition has been endorsed to the co-governance mode, to the
availability of funds, to the fulfillment of regulations, and to the enforcement of law.
This idea has disregarded the relevance of the institutional structure, the interactions between interest groups, the meta-governance elements (e.g., images of users), and
their attitudes toward the area governance.
This dissertation recognizes that alternative perspectives and instruments to look at
this MPA agency are needed and argues that a shift from the managerial framework
towards a governance paradigm to rule the GMR is urged in order to addresses high
complex, diverse, and dynamic governance issues occurring at multiple scales. This
thesis is inspired by the interactive governance theory and the governability notion,
both of which highlight the importance of the three governance dimensions (i.e., first,
second-, and third-order governance) and their mutual linkages, in addressing
conflicts and suggesting alternatives. Here it is argued that the horizontal model of
governance (or co-management) used in GMR has extensively been promoted as the
solution for problems with marine resources, MPAs, and fisheries. However in reality,
it is shown that it has been far from being


identifier: Power, Erin C. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Power=3AErin_C=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2015) “I believe in inclusion but…” : a critical exploration into teacher beliefs and values around inclusion.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This critical exploration into teacher beliefs and attitudes around inclusion serves to
examine the various ways in which The Department of Education of Newfoundland and
Labrador’s implementation of its Inclusive Education Initiative (2009) is being
understood by educators. In particular it explores how teachers’ past experiences with
inclusion impact their core beliefs and values. Due to the importance of relationship
within the development of inclusive school cultures (Booth & Ainscow, 2002), this
research is positioned within a framework of relational theory and restorative justice.
This narrative inquiry focuses on three educators working in primary/elementary schools
in St. John’s, NL. There was a marked difference in discussions around inclusive
education before and after unpacking the participants own core beliefs and values around
inclusion. Suggestions are offered for professional development components that explore
inclusive core beliefs and values.


identifier: Daly, Lisa M. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Daly=3ALisa_M=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2015) Aviation archaeology of World War II Gander: an examination of military and civilian life at the Newfoundland airport.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This project examines the Second World War (WWII) history of the Newfoundland Airport (Gander, Newfoundland), with a focus on civilian and military life on the base, and the potential for aviation archaeology to enhance the historical record. To accomplish this, ten WWII era airplane crash sites were examined archaeologically, using a variety of methods depending on the state of the wreck and the environment of the site. On the grounds of the original airbase, the Royal Canadian Air Force Globe Theatre was excavated to determine the viability of excavating areas of the former nearby town site and to examine the material culture of those living at the base. In particular, information was sought on potential interactions between the three main countries residing and working at Gander in WWII; Canada, the United States, and Newfoundland. The aircraft crash sites yielded information about the crashes themselves, modern reuse of sites, and the potential risk of disturbance. They also allowed for further development of archaeological methods to be used at other aviation sites around Newfoundland and Labrador.
A major conclusion of this study is that base life was less segregated than official documents indicated, and that there was a significant amount of cooperation and flow of goods between the three countries. A combination of archaeological, documentary and memory research indicated a more relaxed atmosphere to the base, but still a realization of the importance to the work being done and the impact of the war on those serving at Gander. This project has set much of the groundwork for further archaeological study in this province, where numerous aviation sites of historical importance and war-era aviation and naval bases have yet to be researched, such as the WWII and Cold War facilities in Stephenville.


identifier: Li, Yuting <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Li=3AYuting=3A=3A.html>   (2015) Biosynthesis and functional analysis of the COR-like metabolites produced by the common scab pathogen Streptomyces scabies.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Streptomyces scabies is a Gram-positive soil bacterium that causes common scab
disease, which is identified by the round corky lesions that form on the surface of root
and tuber crops such as potatoes. Virulence factors that contribute to the plant pathogenic
phenotype of S. scabies include the phytotoxic secondary metabolite thaxtomin A and the
secreted necrogenic protein Nec1. In addition, S. scabies produces a family of secondary
metabolites called the COR-like metabolites, which are structurally similar to the COR
(coronatine) phytotoxin produced by the bacterial plant pathogen Pseudomonas syringae.
The goal of this thesis research was to characterize the biosynthesis and function of the S.
scabies COR-like metabolites. In the first research chapter, the role of three genes,
scab79711, cfa8 and scab79691, in metabolite biosynthesis was elucidated by
constructing gene deletion mutants in S. scabies and assessing the effect of each deletion
on the production of the COR-like metabolites. In the second research chapter, the
bioactivity of the COR-like metabolites was investigated by testing S. scabies culture
supernatants or extracts containing the metabolites in various plant bioassays. In addition,
the bioactivity of the primary COR-like metabolite, coronafacoyl-L-isoleucine, was tested
alongside equimolar amounts of COR in order to compare the relative toxicity of the two
metabolites. The results of this study provide important insight into the biosynthetic
pathway responsible for COR-like metabolite production in S. scabies as well as the role
of the metabolites in S. scabies plant pathogenicity. Future directions for this research
were discussed.


identifier: Bassett, P. Kate <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Bassett=3AP=2E_Kate=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Prevalence of California Serogroup Viruses on the Avalon Peninsula.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Arthropod-borne diseases negatively affect humans worldwide. Understanding the
biology of the arthropod vectors and the pathogenic organisms they harbour has been a moving
target as a result of climate change, degradation of ecosystems, and long distance travel. Two
viruses within the California serogroup (CSV), snowshoe hare virus (SSHV) and Jamestown
Canyon virus (JCV), had been identified in Newfoundland, Canada, in a study conducted from
1980-1983. Little work had been done on CSV in Newfoundland in the 30 years since. The
current study was designed to determine whether these viruses still persist on the island Are
these viruses still persisting on the Island; if so, which mosquito species are vectors of these
viruses, and when is infection likely to occur in mammalian hosts? Evidence of infection by
SSHV was found in the local snowshoe hare population and sentinel rabbits housed outdoors.
The timing of observed infections was associated with peak mosquito activity. Fifteen mosquito
species were collected and identified. Two pools of mosquitoes were identified as containing
SSHV: one pool containing only Aedes canadensis, and another containing a mixed pool of
Aedes pionips, Aedes punctor, and Aedes abserratus. A partial SSHV sequence was obtained
from the mosquitoes and phylogenetically analyzed. Based on these findings, SSHV is currently
circulating on the Island of Newfoundland.


identifier: Eustace, Jayde <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Eustace=3AJayde=3A=3A.html>   (2015) An extreme value state space model with Gumbel marginals.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
In a 2009 paper, Fougéres, Nolan and Rootzen published an interesting relationship
betweeen the Gumbel and exponential stable distributions. The purpose of this research
is to explore this relationship and develop a related state space model that can
be used to predict and model time dependent processes with Gumbel marginals. Parameter
estimation methods will be discussed, both under a simple AR(1) time series
with Gumbel marginals and in the context of our proposed state space model. Since
our model has a hidden component, we will then discuss filtering methods as well.
Gumbel distributed extreme value processes are often found within natural systems,
especially in the field of hydrology and in the study of pollution.


identifier: Yue, Lingxiao <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Yue=3ALingxiao=3A=3A.html>   (2015) An exploration of Chinese graduate students' email communication with supervisors.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This study explored Chinese graduate research students‟ experiences of email writing to supervisors with a qualitative approach. Six Chinese research-based students and two supervisors took part into this study. Through the analysis of the participants‟ interview data, two sets of themes emerged from the two groups. They were emotions, perceptions of supervisors, writing approaches, writing problems and “good” emails for students. In terms of the themes on supervisors, they were traits of Chinese students’ emails, perceptions of “good” emails, supervisors’ recommended writing strategies and emails as a teaching tool. The analysis of student participants‟ email samples indicated that Chinese graduates took a different attitude in their emails. They could not differentiate request strategies, and preferred placing their requests behind justifications. English as Second Language (ESL) educators are encouraged to help Chinese graduate students establish a practical English learning plan to improve writing skills.


identifier: Churchill, Natasha C. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Churchill=3ANatasha_C=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2015) Exploring the lived experience of nursing students who encounter inter-colleague violence during clinical placements: a phenomenological study.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Inter-colleague violence during clinical placements can profoundly affect student well being, learning, and professional socialization. The experiences of students who encounter inter-colleague violence in the clinical setting have been examined by researchers internationally. There is a significant lack of research on the experiences of Canadian students in the literature. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the lived experience of nursing students who encounter inter-colleague violence during clinical placements. The population of interest was baccalaureate nursing students in an Atlantic province in Canada. Eight students representing three programs from two different sites participated in the study. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed for analysis. Five themes were determined using the approach of van Manen (1990/1997). The identified themes are a sense of foreboding, playing hide and seek, I had no options, we are all in this together, and letting go, moving on. Similarities were noted between the participants’ experiences and those of nursing students in other studies. Apparent in this study but not evident in the literature was the influence of word-of-mouth communication between students prior to the start of clinical placements. Word-of-mouth communication included the verbal exchange of stories and rumours about clinical instructors, nurses, and clinical units. Implications for nursing education, administration, and research are discussed and include the importance of teaching students to recognize inter-colleague violence and providing safe, supportive environments for students to report incidents of inter-colleague violence.


identifier: Ingram, Sarah Joy <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Ingram=3ASarah_Joy=3A=3A.html>   (2015) "By which so much happiness is produced": an analysis of the seventeenth-century Kirke Tavern at Ferryland, Newfoundland.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The arrival of David Kirke and his family in 1638 marked a decided change in focus at
the Ferryland colony. It evolved from a colony attempting to monopolize primarily on
the fishing industry, under the direction of Lord Baltimore starting in 1621, to one
focusing on trade, provisioning, and the fishery (Pope 2004). The seventeenth-century
site of Ferryland, Newfoundland represents an opportunity for a large-scale
archaeological study of life in colonial Newfoundland, as it is one of the earlier colonies
in North America. One aspect of the colony that has yet to be closely examined is the
seventeenth-century tavern operated by the Kirke family. There is potential to learn not
only about how David Kirke operated this important part of the family business, but
also more about the merchants, sailors, and colonists that frequented the establishment.
It is also an opportunity to learn about how this tavern relates to others in comparable
contexts across North America during the seventeenth century.
My research will explore how the archaeological remains associated with the
Kirke tavern can reveal information regarding tavern activities, the proprietors behind
them, and the Kirke tavern’s place in a tradition of taverns and tippling houses in
seventeenth-century British North America. Artifacts typically uncovered in these
contexts indicate that taverns were not just a place of drinking, but also one of social
interaction, networking, and relaxation (Crompton 2001). The clay tobacco pipes,
gaming pieces and cooking and serving vessels reveal that other activities were present
at the Kirke tavern. The glass bottles and ceramics help archaeologists distinguish what types of wares would have been used in a tavern setting, and to some extent where they
originated from, helping to determine the social interaction, socioeconomics, and the
trading networks behind these consumption patterns.


identifier: Chen, Zhi <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Chen=3AZhi=3A=3A.html>   (2015) Dietary patterns and their impacts on colorectal cancer in Newfoundland and Labrador.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Dietary habits have long been regarded as an important environmental factor which may contribute to or prevent chronic health conditions, such as colorectal cancer (CRC). This thesis aims to derive the major dietary patterns and explore the association with CRC in the Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) population using two existing databases. It is presented in a manuscript format that includes three complementary papers focusing on the topic of dietary patterns and CRC. The first paper examines the dietary patterns in the general NL population and the assessment of whether these patterns vary according to demographic characteristics. The second paper relates the derived dietary patterns with CRC risk in this population. The third paper assesses the reliability of the identified dietary patterns by comparing them with those from another study several years later using identical methods in the NL population. Overall, findings from this thesis suggest a four-factor dietary pattern (i.e., Meat pattern, Vegetables/Fruits pattern, Fish pattern, Grain pattern). Further, results suggest that the Meat-diet and the Sugary-diet increased the risk of CRC with corresponding odds ratios (ORs) of 1.84 (95% CI: 1.19-2.86) and 2.26 (95% CI: 1.39-3.66) for people in the highest intake quintile compared to those in the lowest. Whereas plant-based diet pattern decreased the risk of CRC with a corresponding OR of 0.55 (95% CI: 0.35-0.87). The reliability study suggests that the identified NL dietary patterns are reasonably stable overtime and across studies. This thesis provides more evidence to support healthy eating for the primary prevention of CRC in the NL population.