identifier: Bury, Madeline <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Bury=3AMadeline=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Gender, retirement & mobility: a case study of the Lobster Enterprise Retirement Program in Newfoundland.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This thesis explores issues of retirement, restructuring, gender and mobility through an
analysis of the Lobster Enterprise Retirement Program (LERP) as it impacted lobster harvesters
on the South Coast of Newfoundland (LFA 11). Employing the tools of Institutional
Ethnography (Smith, 2005), this analysis begins in the work and daily lives of harvesters who
retired through the LERP and explores the institutional networks and chains of action which
transform their lived experience into institutionally manageable outcomes. I conclude, based on
interview data from harvesters and key informants as well an analysis of program documents,
that the LERP perpetuates historical advantage and disadvantage within the fishery. I explore
the specific mechanisms of the program which simultaneously acknowledge and then make
invisible the work of women and crew, in effect precluding their access to benefits of the
program. I explore the implications of this structured inequality in terms of unpaid labour,
negotiations of a retirement decision within couples, life in retirement, and the ability to find
land-based work in rural Newfoundland subsequent to leaving the fishery. This project is
supervised by Dr. Nicole Power and Dr. Charles Mather and is funded by the On The Move
Partnership.


identifier: Adu-Boateng, Simon <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Adu-Boateng=3ASimon=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Examining the perspectives and practices of high school science teachers on inclusive pedagogy.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

type: Thesis NonPeerReviewed

abstract:
This study examined the perspectives and practices of high school science teachers on inclusive pedagogy. The study also sought to elicit teachers’ views on the challenges they encounter in the classroom. Previous studies on inclusion have focused on pre-service teachers, elementary, and middle school teachers’ attitudes and perceptions toward inclusion, leaving a gap on the perspectives of high school science teachers on inclusion and how they adopt inclusionary practices to make the science curriculum accessible to students. This study attempted to fill this gap by addressing three essential research questions: (a) what are high school science teachers’ conceptions of inclusive pedagogy? (b) how do high school science teachers describe their instructional planning processes when designing lessons appropriate for the diversity in their classrooms? and (c) what specific inclusive pedagogical strategies do high school science teachers use to respond to the diverse learning needs of students?
This study was carried out in the Avalon region of the English School District of Newfoundland and Labrador using a qualitative case study methodology. Data were gathered from four experienced high school science teachers who were sampled purposefully from three different high schools during the fall 2017 and winter 2018 semesters. To gain a more in-depth insight into participants’ perspectives of inclusion and their instructional practices, data were gathered using semi-structured interviews, classroom observations, and document analysis. The data were then coded and analyzed qualitatively using MAXQDA software.
Six overarching themes emerged from the study: (1) science teachers hold multiple conceptions about inclusion, (2) science teachers’ perspectives and practices of inclusion are influenced by classroom experiences, (3) collaboration is essential when planning instructions for learners in inclusive settings, (4) several factors influence the science teachers’ selection of instructional strategies, (5) science teachers implement multiple instructional strategies to represent information, engage students, and enable students to express their knowledge and what they have learned, and (6) science teachers encounter several barriers in creating inclusive classrooms.
The recommendations in the final chapter of this qualitative case study may be a valuable source of information for addressing many of the concerns identified by the participants and provide avenues for future studies to enhance teacher education and teaching science to diverse learners in inclusive environments.


identifier: Ibrahim, Maryam <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Ibrahim=3AMaryam=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Investigating the experiences of families of young children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with the use of social support services.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Previous studies have indicated that families of young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) experience challenges caring for their children and that social support services have been found to help families cope or deal with some of these challenges (Hall & Graff, 2010; Ludlow, Skelly & Rohleder, 2012; Lytel, Lopez-Garcia & Stacey 2008). This study used a qualitative research methodology to investigate the experiences of families of young children diagnosed with ASD and accessing and utilizing social support services within an urban center in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL). Themes were derived from the data and commonalities across participants were explored. This study employed purposeful sampling as the method of participant selection. Parents or guardians of young children [preschool - grade 3] diagnosed with ASD and using social support services from various services providers were invited to participate. Open-ended interviews were used as the primary source of data and thematic analysis was used as the methodology to analyze the data. The findings suggested three overarching themes which included; suitability, barriers to access, and quality. Results from this study suggested that families with young children with ASD had both positive and negative experiences when accessing and utilizing social support services for their children with ASD.


identifier: Waite, Nicole <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Waite=3ANicole=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Popular music elementary programs: Prince Edward Island teachers' perspectives.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This qualitative study investigates the perspectives of Prince Edward Island elementary music teachers on topics of popular music and teacher preparation in post-secondary education programs. In-depth interviews were completed with 10 elementary music teachers to investigate their views on the use of popular music in the elementary classroom, their personal definition of popular music, and barriers that they may have encountered when incorporating this style into their programming. Teachers were also asked about their experiences in post-secondary music education programs, what courses they found were most applicable to their current positions, and suggestions they may have for improvements to these programs.


identifier: Eghbalpour, Hamid <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Eghbalpour=3AHamid=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Application of distributed optimization technique for large-scale optimal power flow problem.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Optimal Power Flow (OPF) is one the most basic problems in power system analysis. In the last decades many studies have been done to provide a robust and fast solution for OPF. The main goal of the Optimal Power Flow problem is determining an operating point that minimizes the power system objectives such as generation cost, emission or power loss.
The conventional optimization algorithms for Optimal Power Flow are centralized algorithms. These conventional centralized algorithms encounter two challenges. First, most times the generation units in a power network belong to different owners that do not want to share their confidential information with other power generation companies. Second, when the number of buses significantly increase the optimization problem will be very complicated. In these cases, finding the optimal solution takes time and in some cases even the solution does not converge.
In order to solve the large-scale Optimal Power Flow problem in power networks and deal with the problems brought by the system size, distributed parallel processing algorithms, which are known distributed optimization techniques, are sought. In distributed parallel algorithms, each processor tries to solve a sub-problem independently based on limited information communication.
This research discusses a consensus-based Alternating Direction Method of Multipliers (ADMM) approach for solving the OPF problem. In distributed optimization, the whole power system should be split into some partitions. Sub-problems which are related to partitions should be solved by their assigned local processors in parallel. The local processors have to be networked. In the proposed distributed optimization technique, the optimal point of the whole system can be obtained throughout the ADMM iterative process. In this thesis, ADMM implementation on an OPF problem for some IEEE cases has been presented and the optimal solution obtained by ADMM and MATPOWER (a MATLAB base program) are compared.


identifier: Noonan, Meghan <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Noonan=3AMeghan=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Modelling scenarios for forest conservation through restoration following moose (Alces alces) disturbance.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Hyper-abundant ungulates can act as a disturbance and hinder natural forest regeneration w hen they severely overbrowse vegetation. In Newfoundland ( Canada), hyper - abundant moose have suppressed balsam fir advanced regeneration producing alternate stable states. I integrated data from field observations and experiments, aerial photographs and drone imagery to par a meterize mathematical models of boreal understory and canopy regeneration in Newfoundland. I used simulations to evaluate several restoration scenarios for moose impacted forests, including reduced browsing pressure and seedling planting. Model outcomes suggest active restoration via planting birch and balsam fir seedlings is required to restore the understory and canopy vegetation to its natural state in large canopy gaps, and any planting should be done under low moose browsing pressure or within moose exclosures. The study found that Markov models parameterized by aggregate data with simulated herbivory can be used to support experimental studies and strengthen evidence for restoration planning.


identifier: Landy, Rachel <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Landy=3ARachel=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Participatory filmmaking and HIV/AIDS education with Indigenous youth in Labrador: exploring knowledge/attitude change and the experiences of Indigenous youth and elders.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Arts-based HIV/AIDS education initiatives with Indigenous youth have become increasingly popular; however, little research addresses their development, effectiveness, and acceptability. This dissertation describes and evaluates a participatory filmmaking and HIV/AIDS education workshop for Indigenous youth in Labrador.
Guided by decolonizing principles and adopting a community-based research approach, I collaborated with an Indigenous community organization to develop, implement, and evaluate an arts-based HIV/AIDS education workshop. Workshop participants included eleven youth, ages eleven to seventeen, and five Elders who self-identified as Indigenous. Participatory filmmaking was used to engage participants and create dialogue about HIV/AIDS, sexual health, and health in general. The participants created four films during the 3.5-day workshop.
A mixed methods approach was used to evaluate the youth’s HIV/AIDS knowledge and attitude change post-workshop and to explore the experiences of the youth and Elders. Youth completed a pretest and posttest comprised of the HIV-Knowledge Questionnaire (HIV-KQ-18) and “Your Beliefs” attitude questionnaire immediately before and after the workshop. Approximately two weeks after the workshop, participants were interviewed about their experiences.
Analysis of pretest and posttest data using matched t-tests supplemented by Wilcoxon sign rank tests demonstrated that the youth significantly improved their HIV/AIDS knowledge and attitudes after the workshop for HIV-KQ-18 knowledge scores (t₍₉₎ = 8.093, p < .001) and “Your Beliefs” attitudes scores (t₍₉₎ = 3.674, p = .005).
Content analysis of interview transcripts showed that youth participants: learned about HIV; learned about stigma; operationalized new knowledge; learned about healthy relationships; and attributed their knowledge and attitude change to their experience at the workshop. Additional findings include: the youth found participatory filmmaking an acceptable and engaging strategy for HIV/AIDS education; participatory filmmaking allowed youth to create an educational environment; the process of participatory filmmaking facilitated the development of relationships between youth and between youth and Elders; and the youth viewed themselves as HIV/AIDS educators. Analysis of the Elders’ interviews showed that they found the participatory filmmaking process to be a “comfortable” experience; they found the workshop to be a learning environment; and they found that the workshop facilitated relationships between youth and Elders.
These findings suggest participatory filmmaking is a promising arts-based approach for HIV/AIDS education with Indigenous youth, providing a good platform for constructive dialogue and engagement among youth, and between youth and Elders. Developing successful strategies for improving HIV/AIDS knowledge and attitudes is essential to addressing the overrepresentation of Indigenous youth affected and infected by HIV/AIDS in Canada.


identifier: Rahnamafard, Yasamin <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Rahnamafard=3AYasamin=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Multi-objective optimization application in power systems.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
For hundreds of years, electricity supply industries have been in the hands of monopoly utilities, until engineers conceived the management of this industry as a challenging multi-objective optimization problem. Multiple objectives need to interact in divergent or competing interests to win the competition and to deliver the electrical energy and keep the lights on. The most highlighted objectives are the economic dispatch of power for satisfying consumers with lower power bill costs, the minimum loss in transmission lines, the environmental emission reduction, and the reliability and stability of the voltage and generated power. The consideration of mentioned goals push for a tighter coordination of planning and operation scheduling in a power system and raises interest in using multi-objective optimization methods in power system applications.
The Optimal Power Flow (OPF) is used to determine an optimal operating condition for power systems while considering the limitations and system constraints such as: generator capability, line capacity, bus voltages, and power flow balances.
Among many optimization methods, the Teaching-Learning Based Optimization (TLBO) algorithm has gained wide acceptance in different areas of science and engineering. In this study, the Teaching-Learning-Based Optimization algorithm is used to optimize the Optimal Power Flow problem considering total fuel cost of generation, emission, voltage deviation and, active power transmission losses in single and multi-objective cases. The method has been applied on the IEEE 30-bus and IEEE 57-bus test systems for several OPF objectives including minimization of fuel cost, emission, voltage deviation, and power losses, and the results reflect the effectiveness of the method.


identifier: Del Angel-Rodriguez, Jorge Arturo <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Del_Angel-Rodriguez=3AJorge_Arturo=3A=3A.html>   (2018) Seasonal and ontogenetic changes in subtropical krill lipids: implications for temporary blue whale and resident fin whale stocks that inhabit the Gulf of California.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The subtropical-neritic euphausiid Nyctiphanes simplex is a key food source for several resident and migratory organisms in the Gulf of California and the West Coast of the Baja California peninsula. Possibly, their main predators are two large mammals: a resident population of fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus), and blue whales (B. musculus) during their winter migration. Evidence shows that both baleen whale species breed and feed in the Gulf of California. In order to estimate the relevance of the region in terms of biomass intake by predators, it is necessary to understand and estimate the effect of development, reproduction, season and location on the energy content of krill. The development and maturity processes of this euphausiid were studied along with changes in size, weight and biochemical composition of the different life stages. Ovigerous females carrying eggs in pouches provide significantly higher energy than other life stages. Contribution of total lipids to dry weight was higher during the most productive months (February and May) in clear association with the spring reproductive peak previously reported for the species. Nonetheless, total energy content and body condition were higher during warmer months as a consequence of an increase in protein content, suggesting an increase in carnivory during warm months. Fasting experiments revealed that it was possible to detect unfavourable feeding conditions between 2.5 to 5 days as lipid content and the hepatosomatic index had a large negative significant correlation with fasting time. Wild euphausiids collected during spring 2010 never fasted >2.5 days and fatty acid analysis revealed that diatoms were the main food source in upwelling areas. However, cyanobacteria, Chlorophyceae or even copepods seemed to be a relevant food source for N. simplex in warmer areas. Energy content of euphausiids, together with seasonal patterns, metabolic rates and estimated abundances of blue and fin whales (Balaenoptera musculus and B. physalus) were
used to calculate prey biomass demands of both top predators. Individual estimates of daily energy requirements during winter were 10–19% higher for blue whales than for fin whales. However, individual estimates of prey biomass demand during spring were ~6% higher for fin whales. In fact, the density of krill required to satisfy the estimated biomass demand by female fin whales at the end of spring is very close to the maximum estimated density of euphausiids in the region. This suggests that alternative food sources are needed to sustain the resident population of fin whales in the area. On the other hand, the density of krill required to satisfy the estimated biomass demands by blue whales is within the limits of the estimated density of winter swarms. This is important as the North Pacific population of blue whales appears to be clearly recovering from exploitation. However, the closeness between the densities of euphausiids required in spring and those estimated in the field suggest that a decrease on euphausiid population density might be key in the migratory movement of blue whales to more profitable feeding areas.


identifier: Taghizadehgan, Afsoon <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Taghizadehgan=3AAfsoon=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Development of granulated activated carbon using Corner Brook pulp and paper mill fly ash for drinking water treatment.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Natural organic matters (NOM) interact with disinfectants and produce disinfection by-products (DBPs). One of the best available technologies to remove NOM from water to reduce DBPs formation is adsorption with activated carbon. In this study, the removal of NOM from pond water was studied using powder activated carbon (PAC), and the granular activated carbon (GAC) generated from Corner Brook Pulp and Paper (CBPP) fly ash as raw material. PAC was used in batch tests and water pH, temperature, and volume was considered as variables to determine optimized conditions for NOM removal applying response surface method (RSM); it was concluded that water pH and volume have significant effects on NOM removal. CBPP was combined with bitumen as a binder to produce GAC. Effect of binder to carbon ratio, calcination and steam activation temperature, the temperature increasing rate, and steam activation time were studied to produce GAC with high BET surface area and efficient hardness. Granules with 30:70 binder to carbon ratio, calcinated at 750°C, activated at 950°C for 3 hours with 15°C/min of heating rate were found to be ideal for GAC production for NOM removal.
Column tests for NOM removal were conducted using produced GAC. Results indicate that the produced GAC is effective for 60% NOM removal. Follow-up chlorination experiments illustrate that the formation of DBPs (THMs and HAAs) were significantly reduced. Used GAC was regenerated using RSM design at different regeneration temperature, time, and steam flow. The results show that regeneration at 916°C for 43 minutes under 350 mL/min of steam would lead to optimum regeneration conditions.


identifier: Iqbal, Amjad <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Iqbal=3AAmjad=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Long-range and secure communication system for remote data logging monitoring of micro-grids.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
With the increasing renewable energy penetration in the grid system, the number of
distributed generation and remote micro-grids are also increasing. While each remote
micro-grid requires to have a sophisticated (secure, long range, low power and low cost)
communication system for the Suspervisory Control and Data Acquision (SCADA) system,
creating a research gap for devising a system with desired attributes. This research was
conducted to fill that gap by implementing a low power, low cost, secure, and a long-range
communication system for remote micro-grids. The literature review comprising the study
of twelve wireless technologies and three wired technologies was done to achieve this.
After the comparison of those technologies, LoRa communication was chosen for this
purpose. Different encryption algorithms were studied, implemented, cross-checked, and
finally advanced encryption algorithm was implemented to achieve the security of the
communication system. An algorithm was developed to generate a unique message
authentication code for each message. It enabled to identify a bit-level alteration in the
message. Further, to monitor the system remotely, data was uploaded to the server. It was
achieved by programming and configuring different gateways for this purpose. LoRa range
was improved by implementing LoRa nodes in a mesh-network structure. A hybrid, LoRa
and radio-set based system was implemented to extend its range up to 40km. Three different
system topologies were designed and implemented, and the final one was recommended
based upon the SG SCADA system requirements. The results of step-by-step designing and
implementation of the system show that this research work has significantly contributed to
develope a low-cost, secure and long-range communication system for remote micro-grids.


identifier: Weiler, Bradley A. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Weiler=3ABradley_A=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2018) Exploring the cold-water coral holobiont: characterizing the bacterial associates of the octocorals Paragorgia arborea and Primnoa resedaeformis.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Corals are among the world’s most biodiverse symbiotic ecosystems, and recent work has highlighted the importance of microbes to the health and resilience of reef-building tropical corals. Cold-water corals (CWCs) constitute crucial ecosystems in both shallow and deeper waters, and also form symbioses with microbes. Here, we describe the bacterial associates of two CWCs, Paragorgia arborea and Primnoa resedaeformis, sampled from the Gulf of Maine. Unique bacterial communities were found in the mucus and the tissues of P. arborea, and anatomically distinct bacterial biomarkers were identified. We speculate that some P. arborea-associated bacteria may participate in nitrogen cycling, and other contributors such as the dominant taxa Mycoplasma may play a role in host health. While bacterial sequences in the mucus of P. resedaeformis were low in abundance and diversity, our findings were supported by the recently published P. resedaeformis microbiome. The information provided here serves to detail novel findings in CWC microbiome research and promotes future exploration of CWCs.


identifier: Jalbert, Catherine L. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Jalbert=3ACatherine_L=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Archaeology in Canada: an analysis of demographics and working conditions in the discipline.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This dissertation examines the demographic composition and current working
conditions among archaeological practitioners in Canada. Previous research documenting
the archaeological population has occurred most readily in the United States and the
United Kingdom; by contrast, little is known about the Canadian context. To explore this
topic, I executed a mixed-methods research design that gathered longitudinal data
pertaining to education and employment in archaeology, administered an online survey to
the current archaeological population in Canada, and conducted semi-structured
interviews with women currently situated within the discipline.
The presentation of a long-term, gendered analysis (binary) of available datasets
on the archaeological population revealed that more women are educated in
archaeology/anthropology departments but are underrepresented in both academic and
CRM workplaces. Using both quantitative and qualitative analyses, these structural data
were supplemented and compared with the results yielded through the survey and
interviews. While the quantitative analysis of survey data further contextualized these
findings and aimed to facilitate an understanding of the dynamics at play in
archaeological education and work, the qualitative, thematic analysis of interviews
allowed these findings to be explored through lived experiences. By approaching this
research through a feminist, intersectional lens, these data were used to attempt to
develop relational understandings beyond the male/female dichotomy and explore the
social composition of archaeology through other identity-based variables.
The results of this study show that these data are consistent with broader literature
on demographic compositions in other contexts; while women are entering the field at increased rates, they are not retained in upper level positions. Similarly, although gender
remains the most discernible variable from which to draw conclusions about the
archaeological population in Canada, it is also clear that demographics remain relatively
homogenous; education and employment sectors lack diversity at all levels. I suggest that
while the data in this dissertation provides a mechanism to discuss how various
individuals are represented in the present-day discipline from a more intersectional
perspective, additional efforts are needed to further understand and examine how
exclusionary behaviours manifest and are sustained in archaeological education and
practice.


identifier: Ambrose, Kenson <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Ambrose=3AKenson=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Cobalt and chromium amino-bis(phenolate) complexes for epoxide homopolymerization and copolymerization with carbon dioxide.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Chemical transformations of CO₂ into useful materials have received significant attention in the past as it is a potential C1 feedstock of very high abundance. This attention originates from the increased abundance of CO₂ in the earth’s atmosphere due to anthropogenic processes such as fossil fuel combustion. The use of CO₂ as a C1 feedstock will not lead to a decrease in atmospheric CO₂ concentrations but rather as an alternative starting material to petroleum derived small molecules. Metal-catalyzed reactions of CO₂ with epoxides into either polycarbonate via copolymerization or cyclic carbonates via cycloaddition are potentially lucrative methods for CO₂ use. In this work, Co(II)/(III) complexes bearing tripodal amino-bis(phenolate) ligands were synthesized and characterized by NMR, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, elemental analysis and X-ray diffraction, then investigated for catalytic activity toward CO2 and epoxide coupling in the presence of the following co-catalysts: TBAB (tetrabutylammonium bromide), PPNCl (bis(triphenylphosphine)iminium chloride) or DMAP (4-dimethylaminopyridine). Co(III) complexes also contained ancillary ligands such as [2,4-DNP]⁻ (2,4-dinitrophenolate), OAc⁻ (acetate) and ⁻O₂CCF₃ (trifluoroacetate) and showed selectivity toward cyclic carbonate production. A Co(II) complex, however, contained coordinated KOAc (observed via X-ray diffraction and elemental analyses) and was selective toward polycarbonate production where OAc⁻ served as a minor initiator during the copolymerization process, as determined by end-group analysis using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The coordinated KOAc is believed to play an important role in overall catalyst activity as other reported catalysts with similar structure, but not containing KOAc, showed little to no copolymerization.
Cr(III) complexes bearing slightly different amino-bis(phenolate) ligands were also synthesized and investigated as catalyst for reactions of CO₂ with epoxides. A Cr(III) complex with a ligand containing tert-butyl groups in the ortho and para positions of the phenolate O-donors, was highly active toward CHO (cyclohexene oxide) ring-opening homopolymerization to produce high molecular weight PCHO (poly(cyclohexene oxide)) without the use of a co-catalyst and even in the presence of CO₂. Modification of this complex by introducing methyls into the ortho and para positions of the phenolate donors switched activity to CHO/CO₂ copolymerization, with high selectivity and CO2 incorporation. This complex showed the fastest rate of CO₂/epoxide copolymerization with PPNN₃ as a co-catalyst, when monitored using in situ FTIR spectroscopy. Kinetics studies of the CHO/CO₂ copolymerization process showed a first order dependence on catalyst concentration.


identifier: Balakrishnan, Kirushanthini <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Balakrishnan=3AKirushanthini=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Order identification and estimation of moving average and auto-regressive dynamic models for count time series.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Time series of count data occur frequently in practice such as in medical studies and life
sciences. Identification of a proper model for time series data is extremely important
as it reects the underlying structure of the time series and the fitted model will be
used for forecasting. We first discuss the basic properties of the stationary Poisson
moving average (MA) and stationary Poisson auto-regressive (AR) processes up to
order 3 with the intention of finding a method for model identification. Some authors
have derived and discussed the basic properties of stationary Poisson MA(q) process and
stationary Poisson AR(1) and AR(2) processes for analysis of count time series data. We
have extended to stationary Poisson AR(3) process and derived the basic properties of
mean, variance, covariance and correlation of it. We discussed auto-correlation function
(ACF) of stationary Poisson MA and AR processes up to order 3 and derived partial
auto-correlation function (PACF) of stationary Poisson MA up to order 2 and stationary
Poisson AR processes up to order 3 in order to find the theoretical patterns of the
processes for model identification purposes. The patterns and behaviour of ACF and
PACF of these stationary MA and AR Poisson models have been discussed in detail. In
each of the cases, the accuracy of the patterns of ACF and PACF are examined through
simulation studies. We found that patterns in the ACF and PACF of these models are
similar to those of AR and MA models for Gaussian processes. We have also proposed
a model for non stationary Poisson AR(3) process and the basic properties have been
derived. Model parameters are estimated using generalized quasi-likelihood (GQL) and
generalized method of moment (GMM) methods. The performance of the estimation
methods have been examined through simulation studies.


identifier: Esmaeilzadeh, Mehdi <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Esmaeilzadeh=3AMehdi=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Experimental and numerical modeling of lateral pipeline-trench interaction backfilled with sand.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Subsea pipelines are usually buried for physical protection in shallow waters. Pipelines may undergo large lateral displacements duce to ice gouging, ground movement, extreme thermal gradients, fish traps, pulling by anchors, etc. Sand backfills that have a different stiffness relative to the native ground are sometimes used for backfilling of the pipelines. The different stiffness of the sand backfill and the native ground affects the failure mechanism around the laterally moving pipe, and consequently the ultimate laterally mobilized soil resistance. This important effect is not considered by design codes in the lateral design of pipelines due to less explored failure mechanisms in pipeline-backfill-trench interaction process. In the current study, the lateral interaction between trenched pipeline backfilled with loose sand was investigated by performing centrifuge model tests. Soft slurry and lose sand backfills were used to facilitate investigation of the backfill stiffness effect. Transparent observation window was used with digital cameras to conduct Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) and capture the internal soil deformation mechanisms. State-of-the-art instrumentation was used to collect high-quality data from the pipe, backfill, and trench. Partially drained condition was adopted to allow for full development of interaction mechanisms. Advanced numerical simulation of the conducted the tests was also conducted by using Coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian (CEL) analysis and built-in constitutive soil models in ABAQUS/Explicit. The study showed the significant influence of the relative backfill-trench stiffness on the lateral response of pipeline to large displacements. Comparisons with design codes revealed that the proposed equations by design code underestimate the lateral response inside the backfill, overestimate the lateral response for pipe penetrating into the trench wall, and propose no prediction for the pipe approaching the trench wall.


identifier: Said, Mahmoud Essam <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Said=3AMahmoud_Essam=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Structural integrity assessment of corroded reinforced concrete slab-column connections.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Reinforced concrete (RC) is widely used in structures, e.g. residential buildings, bridges, marine structures, and offshore structures. Some RC structures are constructed in harsh environmental conditions, which increase the probability of their deterioration. Corrosion is one of the main causes of deterioration in concrete structures. Consequently, further research is needed to better understand the effect of corrosion on different RC structural elements and materials.
In this thesis, the punching shear behaviour of RC two-way slabs was investigated under different levels of corrosion. In addition, different corroded areas were also investigated. Accelerated corrosion techniques were used to achieve the targeted corrosion levels and areas. The objective of this study is to provide experimental information and assessments of the structural performance and behaviour of corroded RC two-way slabs under loading. The objectives were achieved by evaluating the effect of three different levels of corrosion on the punching shear of two-way RC slabs; mild corrosion (15% mass loss); moderate corrosion (25% mass loss); severe corrosion (50% mass loss). In addition, three different delaminated corroded areas will be considered: small corroded area; a large corroded area with enough reinforcement development length; large corroded area without enough reinforcement development length. The experimental program was designed based on statistical methodology in order to do a regression analysis at the end of the test period for the obtained results. The regression analysis used to construct predicted equations that calculate the residual carrying load capacity for corroded RC two-way slabs.
The concrete mixture used to pour those elements was designed to conquer the exposure requirements for horizontal elements against de-icing agents according to ACI. For ensuring the poured concrete had an acceptable quality against chloride ions penetrations, rapid chloride penetration test and chloride diffusion were measured for standard cylinder specimens taken during the pouring. The corrosion performance was monitored for all tested slabs by measuring and tracking current measurement, corrosion cracks widths propagation, half-cell potential measurements, natural frequency measurements, chloride content measurements, and mass loss. In addition, the structural behaviour of the corroded slabs was evaluated based on cracking patterns, deflection capacities, deflection profiles, slab rotations, energy absorptions, and ductility indices. Moreover, the actual capacity for each corroded slab was compared with the predictions of punching capacities according to the yield line theory and four different: the Canadian Code (CSA 23.3-14), the American Code (ACI 318-11), the British Standard (BS 8110-97), and the European Code (EC2). Furthermore, this thesis showed a proposed technique to predict roughly the capacity of the different corroded area in the two-way reinforced concrete slabs using current codes. Finally, equations were proposed based on the analysis of variance for the experimental results that could be used by practicing engineers to determine the residual capacities for existing reinforced concrete two-way slabs suffer from corrosion.
The experimental results will create a database for corroded slabs under real conditions. The database can then be used to verify future analytical studies of corroded RC structures. Thus, the thesis outcomes will help structural engineers to evaluate the strength degradation and load responses of such structures.


identifier: Granger, Jean Elizabeth <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Granger=3AJean_Elizabeth=3A=3A.html>   (2019) A preliminary assessment of the influence of adjacent land-use on growth-form composition of vegetation in small Newfoundland basin bogs.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Anthropogenic land-use in wetland-adjacent landscapes has been demonstrated to alter wetland ecology in several ways, including changes to vegetation composition. However, comparatively little of this kind of research has been dedicated to bog wetlands specifically. The purpose of this study was to examine if vegetation growth-form composition in small basin bogs is influenced by different types of adjacent land-use throughout the St. John’s region of Newfoundland, Canada. The results provide evidence that overall vegetation composition in small basin bogs are different depending on adjacent land-use (pasture, urban, or natural) and graminoid growth-form vegetation specifically decreases in bogs next to pasture land-use. Additional studies of a similar nature, particularly those implementing remote sensing methods, may provide further evidence to strengthen this relationship in the future.


identifier: Smith, Doug <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Smith=3ADoug=3A=3A.html>   (2019) A new systems approach to safety management with applications to Arctic ship navigation.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This research is intended to improve the techniques available to safety assessors and provide tools for decision making in safety management. This is done by fostering a new paradigm for safety management, which forms the basis for the performance measurement and process mapping/monitoring (PMPM) method. The research examines safety management philosophies and compares methods, including fault trees, Bayesian Networks, and the functional resonance analysis method (FRAM). This examination is intended to provide a broad understanding of the fundamental safety and risk concepts. The understanding provides the background knowledge to undertake an adaptive safety approach for an Arctic shipping application. The FRAM was adopted for Arctic ship navigation: where three captains were interviewed to form the basis for a functional map of the way ship navigation work can be performed. Also, variations in the ways ship navigation work is performed was recorded from the captains to help understand some of the ways captains may adjust their work to the dynamic conditions they face. Two additions to the FRAM are presented in this work: 1) functional signatures and 2) system performance measurements. Functional signatures provide a method for assessors to animate the FRAM and visualize the functional dynamics over time. System performance measurement provides a way to bring an element of quantification to the FRAM. Quantification can then be used to help compare different scenarios and support decisions. These additions to the FRAM have been demonstrated using data from an ice management ship simulator experiment. The demonstration can be used as a basis to continue future analysis of using this method in the maritime domain or transfer this approach to other domains.


identifier: Brueckner, Tobias Michael <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Brueckner=3ATobias_Michael=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Sustainable hydrogen and value-added chemical production: pyrolysis oil enhancement methods and electrolysis of the by-products.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Pyrolysis oils of forest residues can be used as renewable fuels for burner applications.
However, some produced oils do not meet the ASTM standard for pyrolysis oil in boiler
applications and must be upgraded. The scope of this work was to enhance pyrolysis
oils via distillation and pervaporation to improve its properties as a fuel and produce
value-added by-products. The main value still remains in the burner fuel, however the
separated by-product can be used for a sustainable hydrogen production via electrolysis
or the value-added chemicals can be used for other applications [1]. Distillation and
pervaporation have been studied. Distillation was used as a reference case to compare
with the pervaporation results. To find the optimal pervaporation process conditions to
separate water from the aqueous phase of bark pyrolysis oil a 2³ factorial design
experiment study with commercial polyacrylonitrile-supported polyvinyl alcohol
membranes was carried out. The conditions of 80°C and a feed flow rate of
0.1 mL min⁻¹ resulted in an enhancement of the pyrolysis bark oil aqueous phase from
an incomplete combustion to a heating value of 16.07 MJ kg⁻¹ and lowered the water
content from 70.2 to 21.4 mass% to meet the ASTM D7544-12 standard in the
investigated lab-scale pervaporation unit. Simultaneously low molecular weight
components were isolated in the permeate. Electrolysis of these low molecular weight
organics, such as methanol, ethanol, ethylene glycol, and glycerol can produce
hydrogen at much lower potentials than water electrolysis, and yields useful oxidation
products such as acetic acid and glyceric acid [2]. Efficient use of biofuels in
electrolysis and fuel cells requires anode catalysts with both high activities and high selectivity for the preferred product. A catalyst screening was carried out to identify a
highly selective catalyst for the complete oxidation of the fuel to carbon dioxide. A
novel experimental method for determining catalyst activities based on transferred
electrons was developed.


identifier: Ma, Yanxiao <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Ma=3AYanxiao=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Splitting light verbs in the resultative construction.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This thesis examines the resultative construction in Mandarin Chinese, and extends to
different resultative patterns in Shanghai dialect and Innu-aimûn. The objective of the study
is to investigate the derivational process of various resultative patterns with the labeling
theory. I will attempt to provide a symmetric analysis of the resultative construction in
general. Hopefully, this study will shed some light on the interface study between the
syntactic derivation and the event semantic analysis in the resultative construction.
In Mandarin Chinese, a v-splitting structure is proposed in compounding resultatives and
DE-resultatives, in which multiple adjacent light verbs are hypothesized along with feature
inheritance. The v-splitting structure is also applied to a pattern containing a preverbal
resultative adverb in Mandarin Chinese, which is termed as adverb-resultatives. I propose
that these patterns fall into the resultative construction in a broad sense. The splitting
approach is better than a base-generated structure with two v heads. One advantage is that
it allows us to formulate the analysis in which the root raises to v* without violating the
head movement constraint. It also works better to explain the specificity effect, when it is
based on a splitting structure and labeling requirement.
Extending the study to the cross-linguistic scope, resultatives in Shanghai dialect and Innuaimûn
are briefly explored. On the one hand, a mono-layer light verb is proposed in
Shanghai dialect, in which the resultative predicate does not undergo head movement to the light verb, ending up with the serial verb pattern. The contrast between Shanghai and
Mandarin resultatives indicates the diachronical development of light verbs in Chinese:
from a unified mono-layer to a v-splitting structure. On the other hand, in Innu-aimûn, the
resultative predicate is realized in the preverbal position within the complex verb structure.
Multiple head movement is analogically explored in Innu-aimûn.
Through the comparative study, the parameter of head movement is emphasized in various
resultative patterns. Different strategies to the symmetry-breaking are proposed across
languages. In English, the <φ,φ> label matching is used in the VP agreement system.
However, this is not unanimously applied to other languages. In Innu-aimûn, result-raising
in the resultative construction is the only possibility to break the symmetry of an
uninterpretable configuration. In Chinese, two ways are proposed on the symmetrybreaking:
the <φ,φ> feature-matching as the core mechanism in the VP agreement system,
and result-raising as a supplementary operation.


identifier: Butt, Emily <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Butt=3AEmily=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Real time risk monitoring in a processing system using Bayesian networks.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Safety and risk are essential components of process industries. The research objective of
this thesis is to develop a method to measure and monitor safety in terms of real-time risk of a
process system failure. The risk monitoring concept was developed using event trees and
Bayesian networks. Process instrument data such as flowrate was used as a basis for the risk
probability calculations. The risk monitoring methodology was developed and applied to the
Williams Geismar reboiler rupture and fire in 2013. The risk level of the reboiler was examined
based on the original design prior to failure and an updated design based on recommendations
made by the CSB. The accident probability was decreased by 96% and risk level was reduced by
76.9%. By plotting the risk of a process overtime, future projections of risk can be predicted and
action can be taken to prevent accidents before they could occur.


identifier: Padgett, Tegan Alienor Florence <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Padgett=3ATegan_Alienor_Florence=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Macrolichen community structure in boreal forested wetlands on the island of Newfoundland, Canada.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Forested wetlands provide important ecosystem services and vital habitat for numerous
organisms. Epiphytic macrolichens are a common and abundant group of organisms in
forested wetlands and, given their habitat specificity, they are of potential use as
indicators of forested wetlands and spatial boundaries. However, little is known about the
community structure of macrolichens in forested wetlands. To address this, I first tested
for differences in macrolichen communities and habitat associations between wetlands
and ecoregions. I found significant differences between forested wetland classes and
ecoregions and identified potential indicator species. Second, I tested for differences in
macrolichen communities among swamps, ecotones, and adjacent upland forests. I found
that macrolichen community richness and diversity were highest in swamps and lowest in
upland forests, and that macrolichen communities were significantly different among
swamps, upland forests, and their ecotones. The results of this research highlight the
potential use of macrolichens as indicators of forested wetlands and their spatial
boundaries.


identifier: Hasan, Md. Mahmudul <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Hasan=3AMd=2E_Mahmudul=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Experimental characterization of viscoelastic materials for marine applications.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
On-board noise and vibration has become an important concern across the maritime
industry. Prolonged exposure to noise and vibration causes an unsafe working
conditions and reduces the performance of marine professionals. In order to mitigate
noise and vibration generated by on-board sources, a proper design of the insulation
system and ship structural dynamics should be carried out. Viscoelastic materials
(VEM) are widely applied as damping materials for structure-borne noise and vibration
control in various industries. The most notable examples are aerospace, automotive and
marine industries. But still now there is no standard design formulation to apply VEM
effectively to the ship’s hull structure. This study provides a better understanding on
the effects of VEM on ship structures in order to provide ship designers with effective
ways to simulate the dynamics of VEM when applied to ship structures.


identifier: Hutter, Alexander D. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Hutter=3AAlexander_D=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Provenance of Upper Jurassic syn-rift strata in the Terra Nova oil field, Jeanne d’Arc basin, offshore Newfoundland: a new detrital zircon U-Pb-Hf reference frame for producing reservoir sandstone units along the Atlantic Canadian margin.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Jeanne d’Arc Formation reservoir sandstone intervals from the Terra Nova oil field,
Jeanne d’Arc basin, offshore Newfoundland, yield repeatable Neoarchean-Mesozoic detrital
zircon age populations and imply provenance from the Newfoundland Appalachians and
Canadian Shield. Tithonian-Berriasian maximum depositional ages are proposed based on ~145
Ma detrital zircon populations in nine sandstone samples from three Terra Nova wells. Mesozoic
detrital zircon grains yield chondritic to superchondritic Hf isotope compositions and suggest
that the Jeanne d’Arc Formation was deposited during mantle-derived, but crustally
contaminated, syn-rift volcanism. The U-Pb-Hf results define a new reference frame for Jeanne
d’Arc basin strata in the Grand Banks and provide opportunities to investigate correlations with
deep-water reservoir units along the Atlantic Canadian margin. Zircon U-Pb data from the
frontier Mizzen field compare favorably with the Jeanne d’Arc Formation results and suggest
Tithonian-Berriasian continuity between Jeanne d’Arc and Flemish Pass basin reservoir units.


identifier: Power, Cynthia <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Power=3ACynthia=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Signing on: literacy, knowledge and seafaring work in Newfoundland, 1860-1930.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: With one notable exception, the Newfoundland population’s low literacy rates have been discussed historically from landward perspectives and with orthodox sources. Following the lead of Memorial University scholar David Alexander (1939–1980), this thesis analyzes literacy data from the late nineteenth and early twentieth century work contracts of merchant seafarers. Mine is the first in-depth study of Newfoundland seafarers recorded in the Crew Agreements. I complement this analysis with the oral testimony of four master mariners. Their accounts facilitate an understanding of seafarers’ literacy and knowledge acquisition in their social and working lives. My study is shaped by changes in how we perceive knowledge, understanding, literacy and orality, and the relationship of work and home. By expanding my research to reintegrate household and community relations into the lives of "working men who got wet,” I offer an improved understanding of the role of social capital in the transformation of Newfoundland.


identifier: Evans, Daniel R. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Evans=3ADaniel_R=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Genetic investigation of Mendelian disorders in the founder populations of Newfoundland & Labrador.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Exploring the genetic basis of monogenic disorders imparts fundamental insights
into human molecular biology. Moreover, cataloguing and describing pathogenic
mutations offers new genetic tests to diagnose and identify mutation carriers
worldwide. Sometimes, reaching a genetic diagnosis provides long sought-after
answers for patients and their families. Likewise, comprehending the genetic and
clinical spectrum of rare disorders aids clinicians in managing their patients.
Further, clinical knowledge obtained from genetic studies allows clinicians to
anticipate and screen for potential complications.
Founder populations experience higher burdens of certain Mendelian
disorders and thereby provide unique circumstances to conduct genetic studies.
Several founder populations exist in the Canadian province of Newfoundland &
Labrador. These have proven instrumental for genetic discoveries. My thesis
investigated the genetic basis of three Mendelian disorders in families from
Newfoundland. These disorders include retinitis pigmentosa, Weill-Marchesani
Syndrome and hereditary colorectal cancer.
First, whole exome sequencing and linkage analyses were employed to
investigate retinitis pigmentosa in a large kindred living on the Great Northern
Peninsula of Newfoundland. This identified a linked region on chromosome 2
(logarithm of the odds 4.89 [θ = 0]) encompassing a novel pathogenic 25 kb deletion
(c.845-1450del; p.Ala282_His483del) in MERTK, which segregated in the family. The molecular features and clinical manifestations of the deletion were characterized
and study findings were explained to family members.
Next, Weill-Marchesani Syndrome was investigated in a Newfoundland
family using whole exome sequencing and homozygosity mapping. This identified a
novel homozygous pathogenic missense variant (c.3068G>A, p.C1023Y) in
ADAMTS17. Transfection of ADAMTS17 p.C1023Y expression plasmids into
HEK293T cells revealed significantly reduced secretion of ADAMTS17 into the
extracellular matrix. The clinical and molecular consequences of the variant were
characterized and the family members were counselled.
Finally, candidate gene screening of GALNT12 in a cohort of 479 colorectal
cancer cases from Newfoundland identified eight rare variants (p.Asp303Asp;
p.Arg297Trp; p.His101Gln; p.Ile142Thr; p.Glu239Gln; p.Thr286Met; p.Val290Phe;
c.732-8G>T), which were overrepresented in cases compared to controls (N=400)
(P=0.0381). Six of eight variants showed reduced GALNT12 enzyme activity,
providing supportive evidence of a role for this gene in colorectal cancer. In
summary, each study above imparted novel insights into genetic disorders in
Newfoundland.


identifier: Narimannejad, Samira <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Narimannejad=3ASamira=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Adsorption behaviours of cobalt onto saline soil with/without biosurfactants.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This thesis focuses on the investigation of behaviors of cobalt (Co) adsorption on
saline soil with and without the existence of biosurfactants. Three biosurfactants, including
surfactin, trehalose lipids and rhamnolipid products, were examined. The kinetics and
isotherms of Co adsorption on saline soil were firstly examined. The impact of pH, contact
time, initial Co concentration, and type/dose of each biosurfactant on Co adsorption were
evaluated. The adsorption kinetic models were explored, and results indicated that the
pseudo-second-order kinetic model would fit the experimental data the best. Four
isotherms, including Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin and Redlich-Peterson were used for
regulating the Co adsorption with and without the addition of each biosurfactant. The
interations among parameters impacting Co adsorption on saline soil were then explored.
The experiment was carried out using 2⁴ factorial design to examine the main effects and
quantify interactions between size of soil particles, biosurfactant concentration, type of
biosurfactant and initial Co concentration during Co adsorption. The research findings
would facilitate understanding of Co adsorption mechanisms in saline soil and the Cobiosurfactant
interactions during adsorption. The results would also help to screen a more
appropriate method for conductng effective soil remediation.


identifier: Egodage, Rasanjali <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Egodage=3ARasanjali=3A=3A.html>   (2019) The impact of annealing, acetylation, and dual modification on the structure and physicochemical properties of waxy starches.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Physical and chemical modification techniques are often used to modify native starch to enhance its positive attributes which are required in industrial processes. The present study focused on modification of waxy starches using annealing (ANN), acetylation, and dual modification (ANN-acetylation) and to evaluate their impact on the morphology, molecular structure and properties of waxy corn (WC), waxy barley (WB), waxy rice (WR) and waxy potato (WP) starches. In addition, the uses of methylation and mass spectrometry analysis helped to unravel the structures of native and modified starches. Acetylated starches were prepared using different levels of acetic anhydride (5, 10, and 20%) and dual modification was achieved by ANN for 72 h, followed by acetylation (10%). Scanning electron microscopy showed that granular morphology did not change upon ANN, but granular surface became rough and slight fragmentations, and indentations were observed upon acetylation and dual modification. In the 1H-NMR spectra, the characteristic peaks for acetyl protons (2.01-2.06 ppm) were detected. The introduction of acetyl groups was confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy with new absorption bands appearing at around 1737, 1375, 1252 cm⁻¹. X-ray diffraction pattern remained unchanged upon modification. The relative crystallinity of annealed starches remained unchanged except for WC, while acetylation and dual modification decreased relative crystallinity. Gelatinization temperatures increased on ANN and dual modification but decreased on acetylation. The gelatinization enthalpy remained unchanged upon ANN but decreased upon acetylation and dual modification. Acid hydrolysis decreased in WP, but remained unchanged in other starches on ANN. In vitro digestibility did not significantly change upon annealing except for WP however, it significantly decreased upon acetylation. Acetylation decreased RDS and SDS contents but increased that of RS. The dual modification resulted in lower in vitro digestibility and increased the RS content to a similar or higher extent than that of 20% acetic anhydride treatment, except for WR. Retrogradation characteristics were affected by modifications. Annealing increased light transmittance in WC and WR, while it decreased in WP. However, the impact of ANN on retrogradation endotherms was only marginal. Acetylation decreased retrogradation as evidenced by increased light transmittance and lower retrogradation enthalpy. The increase in light transmittance of dual modified starches was higher than acetylated starches with 10% acetic anhydride and the decrease in retrogradation enthalpy was significantly lower (p<0.05) than that of 5% acetic anhydride treatment in WC and WP, and retrogradation endotherms were not observed in dual modified WR and WB. ESI-MS analysis of permethylated native starches resulted in a series of sodiated molecular ions and low energy collision induced dissociation tandem mass spectrometry analysis (CID-MS/MS) indicating glycosidic and cross ring fragmentations of the precursor sodiated molecular ions. ESI-MS analysis of hydrolyzed acetylated and dual modified starches resulted in oligomers with various substitutions (1-3 acetyl groups). Furthermore, ESI-MS/MS analysis showed that when there were two acetyl groups, those were not located in the same glucose molecule, but were located in two different glucose molecules. The results of this study demonstrated that dual modification has a promising effect on improving functionality in waxy starches, and that tandem mass spectrometry can be used to study the structure of chemically modified starches.


identifier: Rincon, Alejandra Ramirez <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Rincon=3AAlejandra_Ramirez=3A=3A.html>   (2019) The influence of IT governance and innovation management practices on the innovation of large-scale logistics systems in the upstream offshore oil and gas industry.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The current context of the oil and gas industry and its need for more efficient
operations have resulted in the examination of the potential for digital innovations to reduce costs,
enhance productivity and boost performance. Specifically, digital innovations in large-scale
logistics systems, referred to as Information Infrastructures (IIs), represent an opportunity for more
efficient logistics strategies. However, there is limited research on how to enable digital
innovations in this domain. This research focuses on the innovation of IIs and is conducted in the
context of logistics in the upstream offshore oil and gas industry. The present study identifies IT
governance and innovation practices which have been found to influence IS innovation and
examines their influence on the innovation of IIs in the domain of logistics in the oil and gas
industry. Through a Delphi study, a total of 47 practices that are perceived to influence the
innovation of logistics IIs in the oil and gas industry were found. Further, the levels of impact of
these practices in terms of their “effectiveness” and “ease of implementation” were determined,
and a minimum baseline of practices that can be applied in organizations to foster innovation was
proposed. These findings have theoretical and practical implications not only for the oil and gas
industry but also can be applied to other systems/industries.


identifier: Canning, Bridget <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Canning=3ABridget=3A=3A.html>   (2019) No one knows about us.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

title: No one knows about us

abstract: No One Knows about Us is a collection of twelve contemporary short stories. As the title suggests, the characters in each story deal with secrets: relationships, longings, grudges, addictions, and trickery. For them, these secrets are simultaneously overwhelming and futile; their importance within their small worlds reflect a deeper feeling of insignificance in the greater scheme of life in a small city in a northern province hemmed on to the side of a continent. Here are a range of characters and situations set in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. The stories are mapped out in different areas of the city and move chronologically over a year, starting in fall and ending in late summer. They work together to create a small sample of life in modern-day St. John’s – one that is informed by the influences of history, economy, and weather.


identifier: Nguyen, Trung <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Nguyen=3ATrung=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Computationally-efficient visual inertial odometry for autonomous vehicle.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This thesis presents the design, implementation, and validation of a novel nonlinearfiltering
based Visual Inertial Odometry (VIO) framework for robotic navigation in GPSdenied
environments. The system attempts to track the vehicle’s ego-motion at each time
instant while capturing the benefits of both the camera information and the Inertial Measurement
Unit (IMU). VIO demands considerable computational resources and processing
time, and this makes the hardware implementation quite challenging for micro- and nanorobotic
systems. In many cases, the VIO process selects a small subset of tracked features
to reduce the computational cost. VIO estimation also suffers from the inevitable accumulation
of error. This limitation makes the estimation gradually diverge and even fail to
track the vehicle trajectory over long-term operation. Deploying optimization for the entire
trajectory helps to minimize the accumulative errors, but increases the computational cost
significantly. The VIO hardware implementation can utilize a more powerful processor
and specialized hardware computing platforms, such as Field Programmable Gate Arrays,
Graphics Processing Units and Application-Specific Integrated Circuits, to accelerate the
execution. However, the computation still needs to perform identical computational steps
with similar complexity. Processing data at a higher frequency increases energy consumption
significantly. The development of advanced hardware systems is also expensive and
time-consuming. Consequently, the approach of developing an efficient algorithm will be
beneficial with or without hardware acceleration. The research described in this thesis
proposes multiple solutions to accelerate the visual inertial odometry computation while
maintaining a comparative estimation accuracy over long-term operation among state-ofthe-
art algorithms.
This research has resulted in three significant contributions. First, this research involved
the design and validation of a novel nonlinear filtering sensor-fusion algorithm using trifocal
tensor geometry and a cubature Kalman filter. The combination has handled the system
nonlinearity effectively, while reducing the computational cost and system complexity significantly.
Second, this research develops two solutions to address the error accumulation
issue. For standalone self-localization projects, the first solution applies a local optimization
procedure for the measurement update, which performs multiple corrections on a single
measurement to optimize the latest filter state and covariance. For larger navigation
projects, the second solution integrates VIO with additional pseudo-ranging measurements
between the vehicle and multiple beacons in order to bound the accumulative errors. Third,
this research develops a novel parallel-processing VIO algorithm to speed up the execution
using a multi-core CPU. This allows the distribution of the filtering computation on each
core to process and optimize each feature measurement update independently.
The performance of the proposed visual inertial odometry framework is evaluated using
publicly-available self-localization datasets, for comparison with some other open-source
algorithms. The results illustrate that a proposed VIO framework is able to improve the
VIO’s computational efficiency without the installation of specialized hardware computing
platforms and advanced software libraries.


identifier: McWilliams, Brenna <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/McWilliams=3ABrenna=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Learning to prepare hauling systems for rope rescue.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Introduction: While there is a good understanding of how anxiety impacts skill
performance, we understand less about how anxiety affects the learning process. We attempted to
create an environment that caused anxiety by having people practice the skill of preparing rope
rescue hauling systems (3:1 & 5:1) at height. Methods: Participants were assigned to a Low
practice group, that completed training in a general classroom setting; and a High practice group,
that trained at a 14m height. Retention tests, to assess learning, were completed one week after
practice. All participants were tested on the hauling systems at an elevated height and in a
classroom setting. A checklist of each element of the hauling systems was used to assess
configuration performance error scores. Movement time (MT) of the preparation was recorded for
each trial. Cognitive anxiety was examined through a Likert Scale delivered after each trial.
Somatic anxiety was observed using a Zephyr Bioharness system, which measured heart rate (HR)
and heart rate variability (HRV). Results: Configuration performance during practice was lower
for the High practice group compared to the Low practice group. Perceived anxiety decreased with
practice. During retention, which reflected learning, perceived anxiety was higher for the low
practice location (classroom) compared to the high practice (elevated) testing location. MT was
longest for the complex 5:1 system when performing at height. Conclusion: The current study is
one of the first studies to assess rope rescue skills and anxiety induced by different complexities
and environments. Performance at height, when there are cognitive challenges (the difficulty
associated with completing the 5:1 system) is impaired. However, training at height does not
appear to influence this effect. As well, trainees should practice all complexities or specific skills
that need to be learned multiple times.


identifier: Millán, Alicia Saldaña <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Mill=E1n=3AAlicia_Salda=F1a=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Vulnerability and viability of small-scale fisheries in Sisal, Yucatan, Mexico.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Small-scale fishing communities are highly vulnerable to changes both climate-related and other socio-economic and institutional changes mostly because of their high dependency on natural resources. Several of the approaches that have been developed and applied to reduce their vulnerability are largely externally driven and involve pre-determined vulnerability assessments. Vulnerability is, however, context-specific, i.e., it may mean different things to different people. Understanding what makes people vulnerable, determining feasible policy interventions for ameliorating such vulnerability, and exploring options for enhancing viability may need to begin with asking people what they think about their own situation. From the governance perspective, it is also imperative to have comprehensive knowledge about the resource system that people depend on, the complexity and dynamics of the social system, and importantly the existing governing system. This thesis brings together two perspectives, a simplified participatory diagnostic approach and interactive governance to investigate the vulnerability and viability of a coastal, small-scale fishing community in Sisal, Yucatan, Mexico. The study involved in-person surveys using semi-structured questionnaires. These surveys were targeting at captains and crewmembers involved in harvesting, and fishing women participating in post-harvesting activities. The survey respondents were asked to populate the list of vulnerability factors, both at individual and community levels, based on their own situation and experience. They were also asked to provide explanation about how these factors make them vulnerable. The respondents were prompted to consider vulnerability related to natural, social, economic, institutional, and technological dimensions. The preliminary results of the in-person surveys were presented to the focus group discussions, organized to enable the survey participants to further discuss vulnerability issues in Sisal, and to explore potential solutions to address them, as well as possible pathways to enhance viability.
Overall, the survey respondents agreed about the natural aspects of vulnerability but diverged in the other four dimensions. The level of agreement was higher between the captains and the crewmembers but lower between the captains and the women participating in post-harvest activities. The vulnerability factors receiving the highest number of mentions by all respondent groups were related to the social dimension. These include a wide range of issues such as lack of respect for regulations, issues pertaining to migration, lack of support from financiers, and lack of support and recognition for women working in post-harvest related activities. The interactive governance analysis of the fisheries in Sisal reveals that the vulnerability of the fish harvesters and the women are related to the high complexity, dynamics, and scale of the natural and the social systems. In addition, weak capacity of the governing system and the poor quality of interactions exacerbate vulnerability. Nevertheless, rich ecosystem, community solidarity, and strong leadership are key factors fostering viable livelihoods for the people of Sisal. Social relationships, proactive attitudes, high capacity and in-depth knowledge are key strengths of the community. These strengths can be built upon to encourage people to organize and participate in decision-making about their future.
In conclusion, by studying how people involved in the harvest and post-harvest activities perceive threats to their livelihoods and what they see as possible avenues for strengthening their community, this thesis adds to the general discourse regarding vulnerability and viability of resource-dependent coastal communities. The outcomes of this simplified participatory diagnostic approach, coupled with the understanding of the governance system, provide sound advice for the development of fisheries policies that benefit local communities and their surroundings.


identifier: Muthusamy, Gopinathan <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Muthusamy=3AGopinathan=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Studies on the stereoselective synthesis of functionalized quaternary stereocenters and E-3-(arylmethylidene)-5-(alkyl/aryl)-2(3H)-Furanones.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
An enantioselective synthesis of isolated acyclic quaternary stereocenters was achieved using metal-catalyzed Gosteli-Claisen rearrangements of allyl vinyl ethers. A concise synthesis of 2-t-butoxycarbonyl allyl vinyl ethers by regioselective Petasis methylenation and stereoselective Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reactions of iodoallyl t-butyl oxalates was developed. Ethers with a terminally unsubstituted vinyl group and a terminally disubstituted allyl portion are readily accessible by this method.
In addition to the metal-catalyzed Gosteli-Claisen rearrangements, organocatalytic variant of the Gosteli-Claisen rearrangement was investigated. A modular synthesis of several new, chiral cyclic phosphoramide-based, thioureas, formamidines and thiosemicarbazides was developed and these phosphoramides were examined for their ability to catalyze the Gosteli-Claisen rearrangement of a selected allyl vinyl ether.
A variety of E-3-(arylidene)-5-(alkyl/aryl)-2(3H)-furanones were synthesized by employing regioselctive addition of -aryl acrylic acids with iodoacetylenes and subsequent intramolecular Heck reaction of Z-acyloxy iodo alkenes. The approach was applied in a formal synthesis of the naturally occurring kinase inhibitor BE-23372M.


identifier: Ghasemabadi, Parisa Ghods <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Ghasemabadi=3AParisa_Ghods=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Synthetic studies on new teropyrenophanes and pyrenophanes.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Cyclophane chemistry came into existence in the middle of 20th century with Brown and Farthing’s synthesis of [2.2]paracyclophane. During the six subsequent decades, interest in cyclophanes has grown significantly due to their interesting structural, spectroscopic, conformational, physical and chemical properties, especially with regards to highly-strained cyclophanes. 1,1,n,n-tetramethyl[n](2,11)teropyrenophanes are a remarkable class of cyclophanes, which have been successfully synthesized using two related strategies.
The first chapter of this dissertation involves the seminal work on the cyclophane chemistry of ropyrene series including benzene, pyrene and teropyrene. Different general strategies and the chemical, spectral and photophysical properties of each series of cyclophanes have been discussed.
The second chapter focuses on the application of these synthetic strategies and also the development of other approaches for the synthesis of 1,1,6,6-tetramethyl[6](2,11)teropyrenophane, which would become the smallest and most strained member of teropyrenophane series. Although all attempts to arrive at this highly challenging target were unsuccessful, several notable advances were made, and these may open new avenues of investigation. The third chapter studies a modified protocol for the key teropyrene-forming reaction (a valence isomerization/dehydrogenation (VID) reaction), which has enabled the construction of the teropyrenophanes on a gram-scale. This provided the opportunity to explore new aspects of their chemistry, i.e. through K-region oxidation and reaction with o-phenylenediamine, which resulted in the synthesis of larger bent PAHs; quinoxalinoteropyrenophanes. In the last chapter, some of the aliphatic bridge carbon atoms in teropyrenophane system were replaced with a small aromatic system (pyridine). Titration of this novel cyclophane (pyridinophane) with TFA was performed and a weak charge transfer band was observed in UV-Vis acid titration spectra due to the intramolecular transition between the teropyrene and pyridinium units, which did not exist in neutral pyridinophane. In addition, remarkable progress was made towards the synthesis of pyridine-containing pyrenophane, but more investigation is required in this area. These new types of compounds offer opportunities to investigate their host-guest chemistry and have the potential for application in the design of optoelectronic devices.


identifier: Bringerud, Lydia <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Bringerud=3ALydia=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Whose tradition? Adapting Orthodox Christianity in North America.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Focusing on three Orthodox Christian communities – St. Paraskeva and St. Luke in Midwestern US, and St. Nicolas in Atlantic Canada – this thesis examines the complex cultural dynamics surrounding Orthodox Christianity in North America. I explore the ways believers, both the Orthodox-born and new converts, negotiate with an ancient faith in a contemporary society where this faith may appear counter-cultural. Building on Leonard Primiano’s (1995) theory of vernacular religion, I propose the concept of vernacular theology to shed light on these processes. Despite the illusion of theology as the exclusive purview of clergy, laypeople exercise interpretive agency to creatively adapt doctrine to their individual life circumstances.
Considering the significant role of Church history in the religious choices and experiences of my consultants, I begin with a historical overview of Orthodox Christianity, from its origins in the Roman Empire to the present day, including its path to North America. The themes of empire, romantic nationalism, anti-Westernism, and Communism that have historically shaped this faith are explored specifically in Romania, Russia, Serbia, and Ukraine, the home countries of my Orthodox-born participants. I analyze the Orthodox Church’s response to globalization and how this may affect the future of the Church in North America.
I further consider encounters between converts and Orthodox-born immigrants within the walls of North American Orthodox churches, examining how Orthodox Christian communities meet the needs of these different groups. I argue that those who convert to Orthodox Christianity create exoteric folklore about ethnicity in terms of those who have cultural connections with the faith.
In my last two chapters, I address theory and practice in the lives of Orthodox Christians, with specific emphasis on how women navigate this patriarchal faith in a society in dialogue with feminist ideas. Themes include understandings of clerical authority, spiritual obedience, and the interpretive agency of parishioners. I offer a theory of vernacular feminisms, in which women create strategies of empowerment within a patriarchal system. By creating these choices for themselves, they simultaneously subvert and support a system that limits them on the basis of gender.


identifier: Rowsell, Marsha Rose <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Rowsell=3AMarsha_Rose=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Studies on emotion regulation in anorexia nervosa and obesity: associations with body weight and eating disorder psychopathology.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Difficulties with emotion regulation (DER) have been described as a prominent deficit across the eating disorders (ED). In anorexia nervosa (AN), limited research has evaluated whether weight gain is associated with improvements in DER, and whether improvements in DER are associated with reductions in ED pathology. In obesity, there has been limited research into the role of DER on weight regain following weight loss. The aims of study one were to determine whether DER improved during specialized inpatient treatment for AN and to explore whether improvements in DER were associated with reductions in ED pathology. The aims of study two were to examine associations between DER, emotional eating (EE), and BMI over a 12-month period; and explore the relationship between DER, weight regain, and binge eating (BE). The participants in study one were 108 patients who met DSM-IV-TR criteria for AN and were admitted to an intensive treatment program. Self-report measures were administered at admission to and discharge from the program. The participants in study two were 75 participants recruited from the community who were obese and had recently lost at least 5% of their body weight. Self-report-measures were obtained at baseline, six-month follow-up, and 12-month follow-up. Results of study one indicated improvements in DER among individuals who completed treatment and became weight restored, and a significant positive association between improvements in DER and reductions in ED pathology. In study two, baseline DER were not associated with EE or BMI change; however, participants demonstrated difficulties in emotional awareness comparable to the AN sample, and those who regained weight were significantly more likely to report BE at baseline. Study implications, limitations, and future directions are discussed.


identifier: Mohammadimanesh, Fariba <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Mohammadimanesh=3AFariba=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Wetland mapping and monitoring using polarimetric and interferometric synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data and tools.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Wetlands are home to a great variety of flora and fauna species and provide several unique environmental functions, such as controlling floods, improving water-quality, supporting wildlife habitat, and shoreline stabilization. Detailed information on spatial distribution of wetland classes is crucial for sustainable management and resource assessment. Furthermore, hydrological monitoring of wetlands is also important for maintaining and preserving the habitat of various plant and animal species. This thesis investigates the existing knowledge and technological challenges associated with wetland mapping and monitoring and evaluates the limitations of the methodologies that have been developed to date. The study also proposes new methods to improve the characterization of these productive ecosystems using advanced remote sensing (RS) tools and data. Specifically, a comprehensive literature review on wetland monitoring using Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Interferometric SAR (InSAR) techniques is provided. The application of the InSAR technique for wetland mapping provides the following advantages: (i) the high sensitivity of interferometric coherence to land cover changes is taken into account and (ii) the exploitation of interferometric coherence for wetland classification further enhances the discrimination between similar wetland classes. A statistical analysis of the interferometric coherence and SAR backscattering variation of Canadian wetlands, which are ignored in the literature, is carried out using multi-temporal, multi-frequency, and multi-polarization SAR data. The study also examines the capability of compact polarimetry (CP) SAR data, which will be collected by the upcoming RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM) and will constitute the main source of SAR observation in Canada, for wetland mapping. The research in this dissertation proposes a methodology for wetland classification using the synergistic use of intensity, polarimetry, and interferometry features using a novel classification framework. Finally, this work introduces a novel model based on the deep convolutional neural network (CNN) for wetland classification that can be trained in an end-to-end scheme and is specifically designed for the classification of wetland complexes using polarimetric SAR (PolSAR) imagery. The results of the proposed methods are promising and will significantly contribute to the ongoing efforts of conservation strategies for wetlands and monitoring changes. The approaches presented in this thesis serve as frameworks, progressing towards an operational methodology for mapping wetland complexes in Canada, as well as other wetlands worldwide with similar ecological characteristics.


identifier: Bowen, Sonya <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Bowen=3ASonya=3A=3A.html>   (2017) An inquiry into stigma within mental health care policy.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Stigma is a major obstacle in the lives of people living with mental illness. This research uses a critical discourse analysis to examine instances of stigma embedded within mental health care policies in one Canadian mental health and addictions program. Drawing on the work of Foucault, Bourdieu and Goffman, this study focuses on the social power, domination and inequality that exist and become perpetuated within the social and institutional hospital environment. This example is used to explicate themes that are relevant for considerations of stigma in mental health care more generally. Three themes that emerged from the policy analysis are: paternalism, deviance and social exclusion. Overall recommendations for policy development are: 1) avoid over-generalization, 2) involve people with lived experience, 3) explicitly examine draft policies for the presence of potentially stigmatizing language and policy directives, and 4) emphasize the importance of the therapeutic bond when evaluating policy for stigma.


identifier: Dutta, Debashis <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Dutta=3ADebashis=3A=3A.html>   (2018) "It's the same rain": using interpretative phenomenological analysis to explore parenting experiences of Bengali speaking immigrants to Canada.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
For immigrant parents, the desire to settle successfully for the sake of their children can complicate their own processes of acculturation and adjustment. Bengali speaking immigrants are an immigrant group for which there has been inadequate attention in the social work literature. Theory underpinning the study centred around acculturation, identity, and resiliency. This study employed Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis to explore the changes Bengali speaking immigrants endured as they parented their children in Canada. Thirteen participants were interviewed to ascertain how their immigration and acculturation experiences influenced their parenting.
Several key findings permeated the analysis. Acculturation and immigration to Canada accentuated gender differences between women and men. Women’ silence was larger in a Canadian context, and their expressed losses were larger. Parenting was informed by the immigrants’ sensitivity to their children’s need to fit in, and parents were generally amenable but there were costs, such as discarding cultural pieces from the past (fathers) while using introspection in the present to maintain family togetherness (mothers). The difference in parent-child relationships was in parental authority, which shifted from deference to discussion, from impositions to negotiations. Finally, parents made Canada their home, but on their own terms, and resilience came from choice, experiences of racism, felt losses, and wisdom. A clear gender and power theme emerged favouring men’s faster acculturation and accompanying greater dominance over women. Several graphical models illustrate the analyses, and propose ways for social workers to engage more empathically with immigrants. Limitations of the study and implications for future research are discussed.


identifier: Mahdianpari, Masoud <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Mahdianpari=3AMasoud=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Advanced machine learning algorithms for Canadian wetland mapping using polarimetric synthetic aperture radar (PolSAR) and optical imagery.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Wetlands are complex land cover ecosystems that represent a wide range of biophysical conditions. They are one of the most productive ecosystems and provide several important environmental functionalities. As such, wetland mapping and monitoring using cost- and time-efficient approaches are of great interest for sustainable management and resource assessment. In this regard, satellite remote sensing data are greatly beneficial, as they capture a synoptic and multi-temporal view of landscapes. The ability to extract useful information from satellite imagery greatly affects the accuracy and reliability of the final products. This is of particular concern for mapping complex land cover ecosystems, such as wetlands, where complex, heterogeneous, and fragmented landscape results in similar backscatter/spectral signatures of land cover classes in satellite images. Accordingly, the overarching purpose of this thesis is to contribute to existing methodologies of wetland classification by proposing and developing several new techniques based on advanced remote sensing tools and optical and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery. Specifically, the importance of employing an efficient speckle reduction method for polarimetric SAR (PolSAR) image processing is discussed and a new speckle reduction technique is proposed. Two novel techniques are also introduced for improving the accuracy of wetland classification. In particular, a new hierarchical classification algorithm using multi-frequency SAR data is proposed that discriminates wetland classes in three steps depending on their complexity and similarity. The experimental results reveal that the proposed method is advantageous for mapping complex land cover ecosystems compared to single stream classification approaches, which have been extensively used in the literature. Furthermore, a new feature weighting approach is proposed based on the statistical and physical characteristics of PolSAR data to improve the discrimination capability of input features prior to incorporating them into the classification scheme. This study also demonstrates the transferability of existing classification algorithms, which have been developed based on RADARSAT-2 imagery, to compact polarimetry SAR data that will be collected by the upcoming RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM). The capability of several well-known deep Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) architectures currently employed in computer vision is first introduced in this thesis for classification of wetland complexes using multispectral remote sensing data. Finally, this research results in the first provincial-scale wetland inventory maps of Newfoundland and Labrador using the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud computing resources and open access Earth Observation (EO) collected by the Copernicus Sentinel missions. Overall, the methodologies proposed in this thesis address fundamental limitations/challenges of wetland mapping using remote sensing data, which have been ignored in the literature. These challenges include the backscattering/spectrally similar signature of wetland classes, insufficient classification accuracy of wetland classes, and limitations of wetland mapping on large scales. In addition to the capabilities of the proposed methods for mapping wetland complexes, the use of these developed techniques for classifying other complex land cover types beyond wetlands, such as sea ice and crop ecosystems, offers a potential avenue for further research.


identifier: von Oppeln-Bronikowski, Nicolai <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/von_Oppeln-Bronikowski=3ANicolai=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Glider-based O₂ and CO₂ observations in the Labrador Sea.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Ocean gliders can provide high-resolution gas observations necessary to interpret the
space and time scales of highly dynamic processes such as gas uptake or outgassing
in the ocean surface layer. There is a critical need to make high-resolution in situ
gas measurements in the ocean for the biogeochemical community (Johnson et al.,
2009). Small optical sensor, called optodes, have been used on gliders to measure
dissolved oxygen in the oceans and recently optodes were modified to measure pCO₂
(Atamanchuk et al., 2014). The CO₂ optode is in an early prototype stage and
has not undergone rigorous testing on a glider. Here we describe our approach to
reference glider based O₂ and pCO₂ measurements to data from a vertical profiler
mooring – the SeaCycler to validate the glider data. The SeaCycler carried a Pro-
Oceanus Ltd., CO₂-Pro CV as part of its instrument float, an extensively tested
gas analyzer, based on non-dispersive infrared refraction (NDIR), which has shown
stable performance during lengthy observations (Jiang et al., 2014). We compare
the glider data against the SeaCycler’s O₂ and CO₂ measurements to compute an
isopycnal-matched in-situ optode correction. We conducted further glider tests of
the sensor on the Newfoundland Shelf in 2018 and further characterized the response
time in profiling applications. In this thesis, we show data from both deployments to
characterize the sensor performance. We discuss the spatial and temporal structure in
the Labrador Sea glider data and use frequency and correlation length scale analysis
to infer the presence of short internal wave energies near the buoyancy frequency
range. From the results of the glider missions, we present ideas to improve future
glider missions into the Labrador Sea and glider based CO₂ measurements.


identifier: Ensor, Tyler M. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Ensor=3ATyler_M=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Version 3 of the retrieving effectively from memory model: extensions and limitations.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Shiffrin and Steyvers (1997) presented a computational model of human memory they called Retrieving Effectively from Memory (REM). In their original report of the model, they described several REM variants. To date, the majority of papers using REM have employed the simplest version of the model, known as REM.1. Although it does not matter for most applications, REM.1 makes an important, simplifying assumption: namely, that item strengthening always accumulates in a single mnemonic trace. In other words, there is one trace for each study item, regardless of the time for which items were presented or the number of times items were repeated. In the case of spaced repetitions, this assumption of automatic, single-trace storage is untenable. Here, I use a version of REM Shiffrin and Steyvers termed REM.3. In REM.3, spaced repetitions are stored in one trace if subjects identify the repetition as previously studied, and in separate traces otherwise. I show that this model can account for two findings previously believed to be inconsistent with the REM framework: the spacing effect (Delaney, Verkoeijen, & Spirgel, 2010) and positive list-strength effects observed with spaced strengthening (Ratcliff, Clark, & Shiffrin, 1990, Experiment 5) and the strong-interference paradigm (Norman, 1999). I then test a novel prediction from REM.3 concerning the list-strength effect. Three experiments were unable to find support for this prediction. Instead, I present an explanation of the list-strength effect based on strategy disruption.