identifier: Wu, Xiaonan <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Wu=3AXiaonan=3A=3A.html>   (2012) A route to the evolution of cooperation: investigations of multilevel selection in evolutionary computation.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: To debunk the myth of how cooperation can emerge through the competition induced by Evolutionary Computation, this dissertation, inspired by nature, presents a new route to reach the evolution of cooperation in computational settings. The inspiration is drawn from multilevel selection theory in biology. This theory is an extension of the well-known group selection theory, which explains the evolution of cooperation by considering selection taking place both within and between groups. Although within-group selection encourages individuals to compete, between-group selection posits competition between groups, which leads to cooperation within groups. The concept of individuals and group are relative: groups can be regarded as individuals on a higher level; therefore, multilevel selection claims that selection should take place on every level of this hierarchical structure. -- Indeed, our biological world is hierarchically organized. However, most multilevel selection models in the literature take this hierarchical structure as given. The biological hierarchy, however, has developed gradually: simpler, smaller components appear before more complex, composite systems. Therefore, the new computational multilevel selection model we propose defines a bottom-up process, where entities on new levels are created with the help of a cooperation operator under the guidance of predefined reaction rules. Hence, new entities are able to possess different genotypic or phenotypic traits than their constituents. Evolution is performed on each level to optimize the traits of the entities on that level. Selection pressure from higher levels forces entities on lower levels to cooperate. Between-level selection determines which level to select and controls the growth of the hierarchy. As a result of these features, the model shows an emergent property: the appropriate structure required reaching a predefined cooperative goal, i.e., the number of individuals and the role each individual playing in the cooperation, are automatically developed during evolution. -- After introducing the model, we first experimentally evaluate the feasibility of our proposed multilevel selection model in achieving the evolution of cooperation on the N-player Prisoner's Dilemma (NPD) game. We further explore the transition ability of our model by using division of labor as an example. Our findings reveal that cooperation emerges and persists more easily in this model than in other models from the literature. In fact, the between-group selection is strong enough to ensure groups with all required skills emerging from a population of independent individuals, no matter whether the skills are equally rewarded or not. Next, we validate the cooperation and problem decomposition capability of this model in solving decomposable problems. Two case studies are performed on string covering problems and multi-class classification problems, respectively. The experiment results show that our model evolves faster and finds more accurate solutions than other cooperative evolutionary algorithms. More importantly, problem decomposition emerges through evolution without human intervention. -- The thesis concludes with a discussion of achievements and further work building on our results.


identifier: Yang, Qingyong <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Yang=3AQingyong=3A=3A.html>   (2012) Numerical solution of 3D highly nonlinear water entry problems.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

type: Thesis NonPeerReviewed

format: application/pdf application/pdf

abstract: Ships or offshore structures may experience severe water impact problems in the harsh environments, such as cargo sloshing, slamming and green water on deck. These impact loads can cause serious structural damage and are of considerable concern to the stability and survivability of ships or offshore structures. All of these forces are associated with highly nonlinear free surface flows. -- The thesis presents the numerical solution of slamming problems for 3D bodies entering calm water symmetrically and asymmetrically, with prescribed entry velocities and free-fall motions. The highly nonlinear slamming problems are governed by the Navier-Stokes equations and are solved by a Constrained Interpolation Profile (CIP)-based finite difference method on a fixed Cartesian grid. The CIP method is employed for the advection calculations and a pressure-based algorithm is applied for the non-advection calculations. For the pressure computation, a Poisson-type equation is solved at each time step by the Conjugate Gradient iterative method. The solid body and free surface interfaces are captured by density functions. A panel-based method is developed to capture the interfaces of 3D bodies. The motion of a body is described in terms of six degrees of freedom. -- Validation studies of the present method were carried out for several 3D bodies entering calm water symmetrically and asymmetrically with prescribed velocities and free-fall motions. Water entries of 3D bodies with prescribed velocities were first studied. For the water entry of a 3D wedge, 3D flow effects were investigated. 3D flow effects tend to cause a reduction in slamming force. The computed slamming forces are in good agreement with experimental results. For the sphere entering calm water obliquely, the computed vertical and horizontal slamming forces in general agree well with experimental results. The simulations were further carried out for a couple of bodies with complex geometry. For the water entry of a 3D ship section, pressures near the knuckles were under-predicted by the numerical method. The slamming force on a 3D flared body was also computed by the present numerical method, and the predicted slamming forces are in good agreement with the experimental results. The maximum slamming force coefficients of a planing hull with different pitch and roll angles were computed by the present numerical method and compared with these by the 2D strip theory. The 2D results are slightly greater than the 3D solutions. -- The studies were then extended to 3D bodies entering calm water with free-fall motions. The predicted motion of the half-buoyant cylinder with free-fall motion agrees well with the experimental data. For the neutrally buoyant cylinder, reasonable agreement is obtained, except at one experimental value which obviously deviates from the other data. The complicated free surface elevations during water entry of cylinder were simulated by the present numerical method. They are visually in good agreement with the photographs taken from the experiments. The present numerical method over-predicts the velocity ratios for water entry of a catamaran, especially for large drop heights. Velocity, acceleration, as well as vertical and horizontal hydrodynamic forces as a function of time were predicted by the present numerical method for the asymmetric water entry of a ship section. A satisfactory agreement with experimental drop test results is demonstrated.


identifier: Zein, A. L. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Zein=3AA=2E_L=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2012) Enantioselective total synthesis of tetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloids and anthrax lethal factor inhibitiors.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Tetrahydroisoquinolines ('THIQ') which contain a B ring that is reduced at the C1-C2 and C3-C4 positions are known to be key biosynthetic precursors to many naturally occurring alkaloids. The enantioselective synthesis of each of the enantiomers of N -norlaudanidine, a minor Papaver somniferum opium benzyltetrahydoisoquinoline alkaloid has been achieved using a (S )- or (R )-α-methylbenzylamine chiral auxiliary-mediated strategy. The use of this chiral auxiliary has proven to be convenient and effective in a Bischler-Napieralski cyclization-reduction to enantioselectively form each of the enantiomers of N-norlaudanidine as confirmed by X-ray crystallography. Structures of each of these secondary amines are reported as well as the tetrahydroprotoberberine alkaloids (-)-( S )-tetrahydropalmatrubine and (-)-(S)corytenchine. The thesis will also report on our findings to date toward the total synthesis of (1R ,1'S )-temuconine using this strategy. Temuconine was isolated from Aristolochia elegans by Shamma and coworkers who stated it to be the enantiomer of a compound previously obtained by others, from Chilean Berberis valdiviana . (-)-Temuconine has been reported to have potent antiplasmodial activities, but its structure is different to that reported earlier by Shamma. -- A second set of synthetic targets reported herein are potential anthrax lethal factor inhibitors. Anthrax is an acute infectious disease that normally affects animals and is caused by the Bacillus anthracis bacterium. Some tetrahydroisoquinoline unit-containing compounds, which were racemic, were recently found by Wong to be anthrax lethal factor inhibitors. This finding prompted us to investigate the enantioselective synthesis of these compounds using our chiral auxiliary-mediated strategy.


identifier: Zhang, Min <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Zhang=3AMin=3A=3A.html>   (2012) Numerical solution of water entry problem of 2-D wedges.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The numerical solution of nonlinear water entry problem for two-dimensional (2-D) wedges is presented in this thesis. The Boundary Element Method (BEM) was used for solving the Laplace equation, and the Mixed Eulerian Lagrangian scheme was employed to track the nonlinear free surface. The free surface profile and the velocity potential are represented by Cubic-Splines. The forward fourth-order Runge-Kutta method was used for time marching. A cut-off treatment was applied to the thin jet to avoid computational instability. -- Verification studies were carried out for a wavemaker with impulsive motions. Pressure distributions, free surface elevations and hydrodynamic forces were calculated and compared with analytical solutions and other numerical results. The developed numerical method was then employed to solve the symmetric water entry of 2-D wedges with various deadrise angles. Pressure distributions and free surface elevations were compared with experimental results and solutions by other numerical methods, such as the similarity method, BEM, and the constrained interpolation profile (CIP) method.


identifier: Zhang, Yuhua <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Zhang=3AYuhua=3A=3A.html>   (2012) Generalized quasi-likelihood method for longitudinal binary data with measurement error.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: In this thesis, we propose an approach to correct the estimation of the bias of the model parameters when using a generalized quasi-likelihood method to analyze longitudinal binary data with measurement errors. The measurement errors are assumed to follow a normal distribution with an unknown variance, which can be estimated by repeated observations or taken from previous similar studies. An approximation method proposed by Monahan and Stefanski (1992)is used to obtain the expectation of an unknown function involved in the calculation of the means and covariance, which will be used later to construct the estimating functions of the GQL. A simulation study is carried out in the aim of investigating the small sample performance of the proposed approach. The results of an intensive simulation study show that the proposed approach works very well in all configurations. The efficiency gain of the proposed method, as compared to the naive use of GQL is remarkable. The proposed method has great potential to be widely used to analyze data from social, economical and biomedical studies.


identifier: Tomlin, Julian <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Tomlin=3AJulian=3A=3A.html>   (2012) Location, but not cue, changes help to reduce interference between competing responses.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Although response reversal learning is subject to interference, providing contextual changes between reversals can reduce this interference and facilitate response reversal learning. The contextual changes that facilitate response reversal learning (i.e., room and direction changes) also cause global remapping in hippocampal place cells. This hippocampal remapping may allow rats to differentially encode memories thus enabling them to learn a response reversal task since the learning in one context will not interfere with the learning that took place in another context. In the present experiment rats were presented with contextual changes including changing rooms, maze orientation, and the color and shape of the room. The only rats that showed improved performance across reversals were rats that received changes in maze orientation or rooms between reversals. Changes in color and shape of the experimental enclosure did not facilitate response reversal learning. Since changes to color and shape have been linked to hippocampal rate remapping we speculate that global remapping, but not rate remapping, allows rats to differentially encode memories.


identifier: Osborne, Evelyn <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Osborne=3AEvelyn=3A=3A.html>   (2013) The most (imagined) Irish place in the world? : the interaction between Irish and Newfoundland musicians, electronic mass media, and the construction of musical senses of place.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Newfoundland has been described as “the most Irish place outside of Ireland” (McGinn 2000, 8). As a North Atlantic island and a former British colony, Newfoundland shares many  ethnic, geographic and economic similarities with Ireland.
The actual musical culture in Newfoundland is a blend of western European immigration and musical technological flows. However, the Irish connection is privileged in
discourses of musical cultural heritage. This dissertation examines how interactions both live and meditated by radio, television, and recordings between Irish and Newfoundland
musicians have contributed to the construction of musical senses of place as having an Irish foundation. Using three case studies of Irish musicians throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, this dissertation examines the construction of Irishness in Newfoundland music, particularly in relation to  instrumental (fiddle/accordion) music and musicians. -- The first case study examines an Irish-American group, The McNulty Family (1920s-1960s). Newfoundland businessman, J. M. Devine (1876-1959) both featured them on weekly radio shows (ca.1944-1974) and sponsored their 1953 tour of the island. Their music was heard regularly during the development of the Newfoundland recording industry and was highly influential in the establishment of local recorded repertoire. -- The second case study examines Ryan’s Fancy, a trio of Irishmen who moved to Newfoundland during the cultural revival of the 1970s. They became an integral part of the community and their (inter)national television show (1975-1977) highlighted rural Newfoundland musical traditions through a folklore-based documentary approach. --   The final case study examines the interactions between Irish  fiddler Séamus Creagh and local St. John’s instrumentalists from the late 1980s into the early 21st century. In 2003, Creagh released a joint CD project entitled Island to Island: Traditional Music from Newfoundland and Ireland. This chapter explores how some St. John’s musicians perceive  Irish music in relation to Newfoundland music. -- This work demonstrates that Irish music introduced by electronic mass media is a major component of the Newfoundland recording repertoire and construction of musical senses of place. However, there is also a strong sense of Newfoundland music as a related, but separate, entity. It is often through Irish music and recordings that musicians come to discover and appreciate Newfoundland music.


identifier: Karimi, Anahid <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Karimi=3AAnahid=3A=3A.html>   (2006) Selective dehydration of high pressure natural gas using supersonic nozzles.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The dwindling high quality crude oil reserves and increasing  demand for natural gas has encouraged energy industries further towards the discovery of remote offshore reservoirs.  Consequently, new technologies have to be developed to efficiently produce and transport stranded natural gas to consuming markets. Compactness of production systems is the most challenging design criteria for offshore applications. From the gas quality perspective, water vapour is the most common impurity in natural gas mixtures. At very high gas pressures within the transportation systems hydrate can easily form even at relatively higher temperatures. Therefore, gas dehydration or hydrate inhibition systems for  offshore gas production/processing facilities should meet these requirements. It should also be noted that at certain pressure and composition conditions, the presence of heavy hydrocarbons (C₂⁺) in natural gas increases pipeline flow capacity and improves compression efficiencies. Supersonic separators are proposed in this thesis as a compact high-pressure processing system capable of selectively removing water from high-pressure natural gas streams without affecting the hydrocarbon content. A computer simulation linked to a thermodynamic property package is presented to predict the water removal efficiency and to compare the proposed system with conventional techniques.  The simulation is first validated with a commercial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software (Fluent) and then the effect of pressure, temperature, flow rate, friction and backpressure of the system in this method are analysed.  Supersonic nozzles are also placed in different locations in a three-stage separation train on an offshore crude oil production platform to test the efficiency for the  recovery of Natural Gas Liquids (NGLs) from associated gas. The recovery of NGLs can significantly improve the economy of offshore crude oil production.


identifier: Ceballos Quintana, John <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Ceballos_Quintana=3AJohn=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Bio-sorption of heavy metals from wastewater by using marine biomass wastes.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Significant advances in the waste treatment field during the last decade have conclusively shown the possibility of enhancing effluents’ quality and wastewater solutions. Different techniques have been tested trying to remove impurities from polluted water with positive results. Among them, adsorption, a relatively new method, has proven to be a fast, economical, and universal method for treating wastewater laden with heavy metals [32]. The development
of inexpensive and efficient sorbents has led to the rapid growth of research interest in the adsorption field, and as a result, several adsorbents have been tested with outstanding results.
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the ability of marine biomass, as an adsorbent, to remove heavy metals from aqueous solutions by comparing the absorption capacities at
different values of pH, metal concentrations, and temperatures. Comparative adsorption studies of heavy metal ions are performed to investigate the uptake capacities of the biomass. Batch adsorption tests are performed at four different initial concentrations (20, 40, 60, 100
ppm), two different temperatures (273.5 and 298.15 K), and during 25 hours at four different values of pH (1, 3, 5, 7). All experiments are performed using heavy metal ion solutions (Cu, Pb, Zn, Fe and Ni).
Consequently, based on the results of the tests, it can be concluded that the marine biomass is a good bio-adsorbent for heavy metal removal from wastewater at standard conditions (room temperature) and at freezing conditions (0 °C). The analysis shows that the descending order of preference for adsorption of the different metallic ions is as follows: Pb > Fe > Zn > Cu > Ni at 0 °C. At room temperature, the analysis shows that the descending order of
III preference for adsorption of the different metallic ions is as follows: Pb > Fe > Cu > Zn > Ni.
Additionally, based on the Kinetic analysis, we can conclude that for all the metals studied at most of the concentrations and pH values, the adsorption equilibrium is reached after 5 hours of contact time.


identifier: Uwerhisvwe, Abel Aghogho <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Uwerhisvwe=3AAbel_Aghogho=3A=3A.html>   (2014) The impact of teacher development and student preparation in mathematics education in senior secondary schools in Delta State, Nigeria: a collective case study.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This study critically analyzes teacher development and student preparation in Mathematics education. A purposeful sample of three schools in Delta State, Nigeria was used while a total of
twenty-‐eight
teachers
and
students
were
interviewed
and
observed.
The
data
acquired
were
presented
and
critically
analyzed.
It
was
found
out
that
Mathematics
is
compulsory
for
all
students.
The
study
explored
the
conditions
of
classrooms
that
are
conducive
for
effective
teaching
and
learning
of
Mathematics,
and
the
availability
of
vital
instructional
materials
and
aids
and
facilities.
The
study
also
probed
the
motivation
of
teachers,
as
well
as
their
motivation
and
interest
in
the
teaching
of
Mathematics.
Furthermore,
the
study
investigated
the
place
of
gender,
IQ,
determination,
and
attention
in
knowledge
of
Mathematics.
In
addition
to
this
the
study
examined
teacher-‐student
relationships.
One
of
the
significant
findings
of
the
study
concerned
the
qualifications
of
teachers
who
teach
Mathematics
as
well
as
the
foundation
students
have
in
Mathematics.
The
study
explored
the
time
teachers
had
to
instruct
in
Mathematics
as
well
as
the
students’
study
habits
and
class
attendance.
This
study
offers
findings,
conclusions,
and
recommendations
on
the
effective
teaching
and
learning
of
Mathematics
in
Delta
State,
Nigeria.


identifier: Parcon, Mariel <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Parcon=3AMariel=3A=3A.html>   (2014) The effect of exergaming use on the enhancement of the psycho-motor component of physical literacy.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
A proposed use of exergaming is the enhancement of a child’s physical literacy.
Physical literacy is defined as the fundamental physical, cognitive, and affective skills
that are necessary for a person to confidently participate in physical activity. This study
determined whether or not an exergaming intervention could improve physical literacy,
specifically the psycho-motor component of agility, balance, and coordination among six
to nine year old children.
Pre and post-tests of agility, balance and coordination were compared for a control
group and an experimental group. The experimental group completed an exergaming
intervention that consisted of 12, 30-minute exergaming sessions spread out over seven
and a half weeks. The experimental group demonstrated an improvement in agility (p =
0.02) whereas the control group showed none. There was no improvement found in either
group in balance or coordination. More research is required to further explore the
relationship between exergaming and physical literacy.


identifier: Gharibiyamchi, Yousef <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Gharibiyamchi=3AYousef=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Evaluation and characterization of hydraulic pulsing drilling tools and potential impacts on penetration rate.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Hydraulic pulse tools are one of the well-known tools to create vibrational forces in
drill-strings. It is known that these vibrational forces applied behind the bit can affect the
drilling rate in medium strength formations. This thesis investigates the action of these
types of tools behind the bit through the series of Distinct Element Method (DEM)
simulations.
Two types of hydraulic pulse tools are evaluated and characterized in this thesis. The
Valved-flow tool (AGT) and the Hydropulse tool. A unique simulation scenario was
designed to simulate these tools in the DEM environment. Then this scenario combined
with simulation of drilling process to simulate the drilling with the AGT and the
Hydropulse tool.
Results of the simulations showed significant increase in drilling performance when
the AGT was used in the process. Simulation results of the two types of tools were
analyzed and compared to each other. The results showed that the AGT tool with
accompanying shock tool has better performance than the integrated Hydropulse tool and
drilling bit. The shock tool produces axial compliance in the drill-string. Results of
additional simulations revealed the effect of compliance on drilling performance. These
results showed that if the AGT is deployed without accompanying shock tool, it can have
strong negative effect on drilling rate. On the other hand, the results suggested the use of
shock tool in Hydropulse tool assembly since the drilling performance improved when
shock tool was used in combination with the Hydropulse tool. It was observed from the
iii
simulation results that the drilling performance of the Hydropulse tool was increase by
more than 100 % when shock tool was used in the assembly.


identifier: Hong, Xi <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Hong=3AXi=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Comparisons between automatic force based triggering and manually triggered methods of quantifying quadriceps voluntary activation assessment.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The interpolated twitch technique is a widely used method of assessing muscle voluntary activation. The approach involves delivering an electrical stimulus to determine the degree to which a voluntarily activated muscle is activated. If the muscle is not fully activated then additional force will be generated by this stimulus. The amount of additional force generated can be used to quantify the degree of activation. Conventionally, for this technique, stimuli are delivered either manually (when the force reaches a plateau) or after a set time period post onset of contractions. This study examined an approach for interpolated twitch that has recently been suggested to improve precision of the technique. For this method, stimuli were delivered once the force produced by participants reached 97% of their previously recorded maximum voluntary isometric contraction force. This method was used to examine quadriceps activation in 15 male volunteers. Muscle activation was determined using two different methods of stimulus delivery. One method involved the stimulus being automatically triggered when participant’s knee extension force reached 97% of their maximum voluntary isometric contraction. The other method involved the stimulus being manually delivered when the force tracing reached a plateau. The purpose of the study was to verify that this automatic force based triggering method improved the precision in delivering stimuli near peak force. Also, the quadriceps voluntary activation determined using both stimulus delivery approaches were compared. The findings indicated that the automatic force based triggering method reduced the stimulus delivery timing errors by 119% and increased voluntary activation levels by 3% on average. In conclusion, automatic force based triggering is suggested as an alternative approach to stimulus delivery when using interpolated twitch to assess voluntary isometric muscle activation.


identifier: Gibson, Jillian B. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Gibson=3AJillian_B=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Communicating the changing roles of deans: a content analysis.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This qualitative study examined the changing roles and requirements for deans as educational leaders at Canadian post-secondary institutions. A content analysis approach was used to capture, code and analyze 248 job advertisements for the position of dean in Canada from 1970 to 2011. The findings show that in many cases the role of post-secondary deans as advertised in recruitment efforts is evolving to reflect the nature of service systems. With respect to the role of fundraising, only 23 job advertisements mention fundraising as either a duty that the dean would perform or as pre-requisite experience. This research points to a need to focus our communications to future educational leaders on the skills that will enable them to excel in a dynamic environment.


identifier: Alam, Md. Samrat <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Alam=3AMd=2E_Samrat=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Mineral dissolution and groundwater arsenic (As) and uranium (U) contamination in Newfoundland.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The studies presented in this thesis provide critical insights in understanding: (i) arsenic and uranium hosting minerals in natural sediments, and (ii) mechanisms that control arsenic and uranium release from natural sediments to groundwater.
Two distinct sediment samples were collected, characterized, and examined with batch leaching experiments. Scanning electronic microscopy equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) and sequential extraction results showed that silicate minerals are the main arsenic hosting mineral, containing 75% of the total arsenic. Carbonate, Fe-Mn oxyhydroxides and silicate minerals are the major uranium hosting mineral. Batch leaching experiments showed that, besides desorption, dissolution of Fe oxyhydroxides and silicate minerals is an important mechanism controlling arsenic release. Uranium release increased with increasing pH, Eh, citrate, bicarbonate and natural organic matter (NOM) concentrations. Uranium desorption is the dominant uranium release mechanism under most of the water chemistry conditions tested in our leaching experiments.


identifier: Fallahi, Ehsan <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Fallahi=3AEhsan=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Investigation of coupled axial-lateral-torsional drillstring vibrations using a multi-body dynamics approach.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Drillstring vibration is a very crucial phenomenon which has a great effect on the drilling process. The drillstring is responsible to transfer rotary motion and energy to the drill bit. Unwanted vibration causes reduction in the rate of penetration (ROP), bit wear and connection failure between drillstring parts. In this thesis, a model of a realistic drill collar is generated which can predict any possible motion of the drill collar.
This study contains several analyses about drillstring vibration in three main modes. The focus is on the drill collar section of the drillstring because of the importance of this section in vibration generation of the whole drillstring. This study attempts to determine the vibration behavior of the drill collar in axial, lateral and torsional directions in the presence of vibration-assisted rotary drilling (VARD) and unbalanced rotation.
The model includes self weight, hydraulic forces due to drilling mud circulation and most realistic boundary condition for each particular scenario. This model also can be used for coupled vibration states and determination of vibration behavior of the drillstring in three coupled modes, simultaneously. Simulation results show the vibration behavior of the drillstring due to several cases and boundary conditions. The time response to each single mode is expressed and will be validated by finite element method (FEM). The vibration behavior of the rotating drillstring in three coupled modes will be studied using unbalanced rotation of the drillstring. The rock-bit interaction will also be applied to the model. Finally, the effect of the VARD tool will be examined.


identifier: Waight, Celina F. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Waight=3ACelina_F=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Understanding all-terrain vehicle users: The human dimensions of ATV use on the island portion of Newfoundland and Labrador.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This research examined the underlying factors that influence the attitudes of ATV users toward the environment, as well as the biophysical and social impacts of the activity. The recreation specialization framework was also deployed to assess how the attitudes and management preferences of ATV users change at different levels of engagement in the activity. Quantitative questionnaires were randomly distributed to ATV users across 35 communities on the Burin Peninsula on the southeast coast of the island of Newfoundland. Results showed that the attitudes of ATV users were primarily driven by beliefs about the environmental and social outcomes of the activity, type of ATV use, social involvement in ATVing, riding frequency, and whether they reside in urban or rural communities. Findings also revealed that experienced ATV users were less likely to agree with the potential impacts of the activity, while novice participants exhibited more concern for the environment, and were more supportive of resource management intervention overall.


identifier: Nartey, Michaelina Naadu <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Nartey=3AMichaelina_Naadu=3A=3A.html>   (2014) An investigation into mRNA expression in the rat pup olfactory bulb after odor preference learning.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Neonate rat pups rely on odor cues to identify their mother for food and warmth. Olfactory learning modifies behavioral, neural and metabolic responses to odor after a subsequent presentation with 24 h memory being dependent on CREB phosphorylation (pCREB). However the mRNA dependent changes that take place after olfactory learning have not been studied. Our lab previously showed that there is increased pCREB localization in the dorsolateral quadrant of mitral cells of the learning pups (odor + tactile stimulation) compared to the non-learning pups (odor only). In the present study, odor + stroking and odor only groups of pups were used. Following 10 minutes of training, pups were killed, and mRNA from the dorsolateral and ventromedial quadrants of the mitral cell layer was isolated using the laser microdissection (LMD) system for analyses by microarray.
Thirteen genes with a minimum of a 1.5- fold difference in expression levels between groups were then analyzed using quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Six of the 13 genes showed concordance between microarray and qRT-PCR. Seven genes showed opposite expression patterns. A second study compared gene expression between whole bulb and LMD samples and a third study utilized qRT-PCR in whole bulbs to analyze the expression of the 13 genes at various times post training. Several of the genes confirmed as changing with learning are known to be involved in plasticity related activities, but were not previously associated with olfactory learning and memory formation. These findings will form an important basis for conducting further studies that will help us understand olfactory learning better.


identifier: Siddam, Aravind <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Siddam=3AAravind=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Cascade failure analysis of electrical transmission lines using ADINA.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Cascade failure of electrical transmission lines can be caused by a number of reasons. Dynamic forces like equipment failure, conductors rupture in any span, heavy wind loads, snow accumulation on conductors and structural members or ice shedding are known to be the main reasons for such a collapse. The primary objective of this investigation was to study the dynamic behavior of supporting towers, collapse of supporting towers and longitudinal dynamic maximum forces that were induced on the adjacent supporting towers due to conductors rupture in any span.
The study was performed on transmission lines, whose supporting towers were modeled with (a) Linear elastic truss and beam elements, (b) Moment-Curvature beam elements, with elastic-plastic material properties, and (c) Towers with load limiting devices or tower load controllers (TLC).
The transmission lines modeled with linear elastic truss and beam elements were used to perform the free vibration analysis to calculate the damping properties of the towers and the transmission lines. Each of these models was used to conduct static and transient dynamic analyses due to broken conductors in the middle span. The transient dynamic analyses were carried out with bare conductor (no-ice-loads) loading and 25-mm (1-inch) radial ice loading conditions.
The linear material models do not predict the failure or cascading of the transmission line towers, however considering the elements as moment-curvature beam models with elasto-plastic materials showed that the towers adjacent to the span, where conductors are ruptured, experienced large impact forces causing the adjacent towers to collapse. And the use of TLCs was able to limit the length of this cascade failure.


identifier: Watkins, Kathy E. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Watkins=3AKathy_E=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2014) The psychosocial and behavioral impact of genetic testing for Lynch Syndrome.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The focus of this doctoral research was to investigate the long-term psychosocial and
behavioral implications of genetic testing for and living in families with Lynch syndrome
(LS). A primary purpose of the research was to develop a clinical monitoring tool capable
of assessing psychosocial adjustment and conduct a psychometric evaluation of the
Psychosocial Adjustment to Hereditary Diseases (PAHD) scale. This dissertation consists
of five chapters including an introductory and discussion chapter. The middle three
chapters focus on the long-term psychosocial and behavioral adjustment to LS and
development of the PAHD. Collectively, the studies and resulting manuscripts constitute
a thesis that forms the basis for an ongoing and future program of research for monitoring
adjustment to hereditary diseases.
Adjustment to the presence of hereditary cancer is best described as an evolving state that
ebbs and flows in response to changing personal and family experiences in the
management of long-term cancer risk and emergence of cancer in the self and/or others.
The findings indicate that both carriers and non-carriers experience long-term personal
and family challenges in living with the presence of LS. In fact, the findings suggest that
the management of LS has implications for many individuals and families that extend
well beyond the initial genetic testing event. The results also suggest the importance of
personal resources and the family context in facilitating or impeding adjustment.
Importantly, a confirmed presence of LS requires lifelong cancer screening and/or surveillance to reduce morbidity and mortality. Therefore, it is crucial to assess how
individuals and families are adjusting to hereditary cancer in the long-term.
Psychometric testing of the PAHD scale was based on the work of Ware and Gandek
(1998). Steeped in the experiences of those living in families with LS, the PAHD was
found to be a psychometrically sound scale that is capable of assessing psychosocial
adjustment. Preliminary findings support the convergent, discriminant and construct
validity of the subscales. It is concluded that the PAHD may be a valuable monitoring
tool to identify individuals and families who may require therapeutic interventions.
The findings have implications that can be utilized to enhance the clinical management of
individuals and families with LS. Individuals living in these families may need
supportive interventions to effectively manage their cancer risks and minimize
adjustment difficulties. From a policy perspective, resources are needed to enhance the
coordination, continuity and provision of health care services that promote optimal health
functioning and a quality of life. The familial and lifelong nature of LS necessitates longterm
resources to ensure availability and accessibility of interventions that result in
improved health outcomes.


identifier: Thompson, Sheridan <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Thompson=3ASheridan=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Coastal erosion at Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve, Avalon Peninsula, Newfoundland.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The purpose of the project at Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve (MPER) was to investigate coastal processes through qualitative assessment as well as to create a measurable baseline for future quantitative measures at four distinct sites. Analysis started in the spring of 2009 and was completed in the fall of 2011. The sites were chosen based on previously observed erosion, as well as age and number of Ediacaran fossils present at each site. MPERs coastline is known for having the oldest known soft-bodied multi-cellular organisms, and is believed to provide critical information about biological evolution in the Ediacaran Period. As a result, MPER was nominated for UNESCO World Heritage Site Status in 2004. However, under the UNESCO Operational Guidelines, appropriate management of the site and its fossils must be procured in order for full heritage status to be granted.
Four sites were chosen (PC Site 1, PC Site 2, MP Site 3 and MP Site 4) for analysis within MPER. Qualitatively, field and ground photographs of the four sites were analyzed. Visitation statistics were recorded for MP Site 3. To create a baseline for future research on coastline erosion, data was collected using Real Time Kinematic (RTK) GPS. Additional quantitative methods include strike/dip/sense measures which were later mapped to stereonets to provide a comprehensive view of the geological structure, and its response to physical processes.
Much of the bed rock along MPERs coastline is greywacke. Differences such as structural geology, wave aspect, human impact, and therefore type and level of erosion occurring vary among sites. Observed physical processes included wave impact, storms, freeze/thaw, and gravitational failure resulting in mass movement. Human factors include foot traffic due to increased visitation and individual casting projects of the fossils.
Due to time constraints of the project, no quantitative rates were identified. However, qualitative observations pointed to two primary contributing factors of erosion at all four sites. The first was the inherent structural geology, and the second was intense wave impact. Although the qualitative observations made from 2009-2011 document visible movement or removal of bedrock clasts, to adequately understand rates of erosion along a consolidated hardrock coastline, a minimum of 60 years of data collection is required. Therefore, to quantitatively understand rate of erosion along MPERs coastline, further and ongoing assessment of MPERs coastline is recommended.


identifier: Webb, Matthew <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Webb=3AMatthew=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Finfish broodstock nutrition and impacts on reproductive output in Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua).  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
In aquaculture, broodstock nutrition is recognized as an influential factor affecting spawning performance and subsequent egg and larval quality. The purpose of this thesis was to examine broodstock dietary effects on the eggs of fish fed different experimental diets. This study also examined broodstock dietary effects on larval growth using RNA:DNA as predictors of growth. Three diets were tested: an OG diet, an experimental BR diet and a BF diet.
The first objective of this work was to categorize the dietary lipid classes and fatty acids in the eggs produced by the broodstock fed these diets. Significant differences were observed between five of the nine dietary lipid classes examined and significant differences were observed in fatty acids (% of total FA) and their ratios among diets for 16 of the 29 dietary fatty acids examined. Of particular importance are, TAG (p = <0.001), PL (p = <0.001), EPA (p = <0.001), DHA:EPA (p = <0.001) and EPA:ARA (p = <0.001). The BF diet which showed the best reproductive output in terms of fertilization and hatching success had the highest proportions of DHA:EPA and the lowest proportions of TAG and EPA. Overall, the differences present in the dietary lipid classes of this study did not translate into differences in the lipid classes of the eggs. Dietary differences were more evident in the essential FA composition of diets and eggs as the proportions of DHA and EPA in the eggs are reflective of the dietary proportions. However, the proportions observed in the eggs are much higher, and the DHA proportions are larger than the EPA proportions, supporting the idea that DHA is preferentially retained in developing yolk-sac larvae.
The second objective was to determine if the experimental diets led to any growth benefits in the subsequent larvae. No effects of broodstock diet were observed in larval survival, concentration of nucleic acids, protein concentration or SGR of larvae. The slopes of the RNA:DNA (p = <0.001) after 7 dph showed a significant difference indicating that the slope of the BR group was significantly lower than the other two groups but this difference did not translate into differences in growth . These results suggest that, although larvae originating from parents fed the BF and OG diets have a higher growth potential (as inferred by the RNA:DNA) when compared to the larvae originating from broodstock fed the BR diet, they grow similarly (up to 49 dph). We found a lack of correlation between the RNA:DNA and growth rates contradicting some of the findings of other authors and questioning the accuracy of RNA:DNA as an indicator of growth in this situation.
Our results suggest that the BR diet may improve reproductive performance, when compared to the OG diet, although the BF diet remains the golden standard for optimizing broodfish reproductive output.


identifier: Chen, Hua <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Chen=3AHua=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Chromium complexes of amine-bis(phenolate) ligands as copolymerization catalysts.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Alternating copolymerization of CO₂ with epoxides to provide polycarbonates is a
promising reaction for the industrial production of biodegradable thermoplastics, which
have been widely used in electronics, optical media, the automotive industry, the medical
and healthcare industry, and many consumer goods. Homogeneous catalysts containing
transition metals including Co, Cr and Zn have been active for this reaction. Previous
work in the group involved using amine-bis(phenolates) with different metals to generate
catalysts and reactive species for use in several reactions. It was found that Cr complexes
of tetradentate amine-bis(phenolate) ligands were promising catalysts for the
copolymerization of CO₂ with cyclohexene oxide (CHO) and propylene oxide (PO). This
thesis seeks to further that research by investigating different amine-bis(phenolates) to
study their structure-polymerization activity relationship.
The ligands used in this thesis were tridentate or tetradentate amine-bis(phenolates)
where the substituents on the phenolate groups and pendant arm were varied. Three
ligands used were 2-tetrahydrofurfuryl-N,N-bis(2-methylene-4,6-tert-butylphenol),
H₂[L1], benzylamino-N,N-bis(2-methylene-4,6-di-tert-butylphenol), H₂[L2], and
benzylamino-N,N-bis(2-methylene-4,6-di-tert-amylphenol), H₂[L3]. The synthesis and
characterization of related lithium complexes 1, 2 and 3 and also chromiumᴵᴵᴵ complexes
4, 5 and 6 were performed. Three chromium complexes were isolated and characterized
by UV-Vis spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, elemental analysis and, for complex 5,
single-crystal X-ray diffraction.
The copolymerization of cyclohexene oxide with CO₂ to yield polycarbonates was
investigated with these chromiumᴵᴵᴵ amine-bis(phenolate) complexes. The resulting
polymers were analyzed by ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, MALDI-TOF mass
spectrometry and gel permeation chromatography.


identifier: Bowden, John <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Bowden=3AJohn=3A=3A.html>   (2014) On noncommutative dynamic spacetimes.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

title: On noncommutative dynamic spacetimes

abstract:
Noncommutative gravity is a theory of quantum gravity that presupposes a fuzziness
in spatial coordinates. Under the formalism of coherent states, mass is diffused per a
gaussian distribution. In this work we begin with a review of existing noncommutative
spacetime solutions. We then study the classical Vaidya spacetime with parameters
for mass and charge, in the context of noncommutative gravity. The characteristic
behaviour of this spacetime is discussed, with particular attention to the moment of
formation of the apparent horizon. At this moment, the black hole is extremal, and we
discuss the relationship between the mass and charge parameters, and the time and
position of the apparent horizon. We follow with a calculation of the stress-energy
tensor for a noncommutative Vaidya spacetime, and show violation of the energy
conditions. Using a polytropic-like equation of state, we construct a new dynamic
spacetime solution that satisfies the dominant energy condition, and encompasses
several interpretations via parameter choice.


identifier: Fullerton, Laura Mary <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Fullerton=3ALaura_Mary=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Infant feeding and institutional compliance with the WHO/UNICEF baby-friendly initiative: an assessment through maternal experience.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The benefits of breastfeeding are numerous and supported through World Health Organization
guidelines. Maternal healthcare in the hours/days following delivery can greatly impact
breastfeeding outcomes. The World Health Organization developed the Baby-Friendly Initiative
(BFI) to promote optimal infant feeding care in healthcare settings. None of the 40 designated
Baby-Friendly facilities in Canada are located in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) where rates
of initiation and exclusive feeding are among Canada’s lowest. This research assesses hospital
adherence with Steps 3-10 of the BFI at the Janeway Children’s Hospital/Health Science Centre
in St. John’s, NL. Using interpretive phenomenology to explore maternal healthcare
experiences, data were collected through semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and hospital
policy review. Results indicate a lack of full adherence with Steps 3-10 of the BFI. Reported
inconsistencies suggest a need for improved breastfeeding education, training and supportive
conditions for nurses; and improved policy communication, monitoring and alignment with BFI
guidelines.


identifier: Hovingh, Esther R. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Hovingh=3AEsther_R=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2013) Collaborating with adolescent girls to co-construct physical education curriculum: an action research approach.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This action research project examines the extent to which providing adolescent girls with choice of curricular content and input into course design affects their enjoyment and participation in physical education. It also examines student preferences regarding activities based on personal health and wellness compared to the traditional sport-based curriculum many schools offer. Following an initial questionnaire, students in my grade ten physical education class were offered a series of introductory lessons to individual or partner activities not normally offered in the present curriculum, such as yoga and Zumba. Students set personal goals to meet their own needs and chose activities to participate in that addressed their needs. At the end of the intervention it was found that having an input and choice was motivational for high school girls. The study was able to show that when students are heard and their input is treated as valuable, they enjoy physical education. Insights gained in this study can be used by teachers and researchers to look for new ways to engage high school girls in physical education.


identifier: Danial, Syed Nasir <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Danial=3ASyed_Nasir=3A=3A.html>   (2014) On autonomous agent modelling for virtual offshore environments.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This study explores how simulation based training for offshore emergency situations
can embrace software agents who exhibit human-like behaviour when exposed to hazardous
situations such as fire aboard, smoke or explosions. Simulation based training
uses a virtual environment to expose a participant to scenarios related to mustering
events on offshore oil and gas platforms. These scenarios are also relevant to a number
of other industrial applications, as they help rehearse for emergency situations such
as installation fires.
The agent model proposed here exploits the concepts of similarity-matching and frequency
gambling as the primary knowledge retrieval methods and uses the agent’s
reliability based selection of appropriate knowledge-units to make a decision in the
event of a hazard. The agent’s reliability is a probability that it acts rationally, and is
estimated as a function of the agent’s mental modalities: stress, panic, fear, overconfidence
and distraction. The effects of these modalities during simulated harsh weather
conditions and hazardous events are presented in the form of computer simulations.
These simulations show that the use of the agent-model in a training software would
enhance the scope of learning by exposing the human participant to more natural
human-like behavior during a simulated hazardous event.


identifier: Hixson, Stefanie M. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Hixson=3AStefanie_M=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Use of ω3 rich oilseed Camelina (Camelina sativa) as a fish oil replacement in aquaculture feeds: implications for growth and lipid biochemistry of farmed Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua), Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar).  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Camelina oil (CO) is a potential lipid replacement for fish oil (FO) in aquaculture feeds due to its high lipid content (40%), high levels of α-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3ω3) (30%), antioxidants, and low levels of saturated fatty acids. Five feeding experiments were conducted to determine the effectiveness of CO as a FO substitute for three farmed fish species relevant to Canadian aquaculture: Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua), rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar).
Three experiments were conducted with Atlantic cod. In the first experiment, a fish oil control (FO), 40% (CO40) and 80% (CO80) replacement of FO with CO were fed to cod for 9 weeks. There was no effect of replacing FO with CO on growth performance. The second study tested diets with 100% replacement of FO with CO (100CO), solvent extracted fish meal (100COSEFM) and partially substituted fish meal (FM) with 15% inclusion of camelina meal (CM) (100CO15CM) for 13 weeks. Cod fed CO had a lower final weight than cod fed FO, while cod fed 100CO15CM had a lower final weight than all other groups. Cod tissue lipid and fatty acid profiles were significantly affected by CO inclusion. In the third experiment, cod were unintentionally exposed to the parasite Loma morhua, which was a significant factor that affected growth in this experiment.
In the rainbow trout experiment, CO replaced 50% and 100% of FO. Growth was not affected after the 12 week feeding trial. Tissue lipid and fatty acid profiles were significantly affected by the addition of CO. Compound-specific stable isotope analysis indicated that 27% of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6ω3) was synthesized de novo from the CO diet. The Atlantic salmon study tested diets with 100% CO, SEFM and 10% inclusion of CM, in a 16 week feeding trial. Growth was not affected by using 100% CO; however, it was lower in groups fed SEFM and 10% CM diets. Total lipid in salmon flesh fed a diet with CO, SEFM and CM was significantly higher than FO. Amounts of DHA in salmon fed any CO diet were similar to FO-fed salmon due to increased flesh lipid. The sensory quality of salmon fillets was not affected by CO.


identifier: Ward, Heather <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Ward=3AHeather=3A=3A.html>   (2012) Characterizing the tundra taiga interface using Radarsat-2 (Mealy Mountains, Labrador).  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The transition zone between the boreal forest and Arctic tundra, also known as the
tundra taiga interface (TTl), is a unique and sensitive ecosystem. A convenient way to
monitor and understand TTl changes is through the interpretation and analysis of earth
observation satellite images, or remote sensing. Ecosystem monitoring provides useful
information about vegetation distribution and global climate. Currently, vegetation is
monitored at both global and regional scales through the use of multispectral, light
detection and ranging and synthetic aperture radar imagery. Each remote sensing
technology offers unique spatial, spectral and radiometric resolution sets.
This thesis investigates the use of synthetic aperture radar images from the Canadian
Space Agency's RADARSAT-2 satellite to derive an image product discriminating
different types of vegetation cover within the TTl region of Labrador.
A selection of texture measures was applied to a dataset consisting of six
RADARSAT-1 and fourteen RADARSAT-2 images. Statistical parameters were utilized
to measure how strongly the radar derived vegetation product correlated with the well established
normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). The analysis was guided and
validated by field data describing forest and non-forest land cover types.
The results indicate that a mean texture measure with a window size relating to a
ground area of 330x330 m (fine mode} and 450x450 m (standard mode) applied to an R-2
HV-polarized image is able to inform on the location of the TTl and also complements
the vegetation cover found in NDVl images.


identifier: Suliman, Mussa Farag Ali <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Suliman=3AMussa_Farag_Ali=3A=3A.html>   (2014) The mechanisms of thermosensitivity of human and bony fish activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID).  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) is an enzyme that initiates the
secondary antibody diversification events of somatic hypermutation (SHM) and class
switch recombination (CSR). AID is expressed in activated B lymphocytes and
deaminates cytidines to uridines, thus introducing mutations and/or double-strand breaks
throughout the immunoglobulin (Ig) locus. Although AID activity is mostly targeted to
the Ig locus, it mutates many other genes at lower rates and this off-target activity induces
genomic lesions leading to transformation of B cells. The structure of AID has not been
solved, which is partially the reason that several important questions remain unanswered
about its mechanism of action. Our lab has recently shown that AID from different
species has disparate rates of deamination, and that the deamination rate of AID from
each species is thermosensitive, such that fish AID are cold-adapted relative to human
AID. Here, we have measured the activity of purified AID from human, zebrafish,
channel catfish, pufferfish (takifugu), and hybrid AID containing various parts of the
aforementioned, over a wide range and fine increments of temperatures. Our aim was to
elucidate the relationship between thermosensitivity of AID and its primary structure, by
identifying region(s) and/or residue(s) within the enzyme that affect thermosensitivity.
We found that this characteristic is mostly determined by the C-terminus in the sense that
swapping this region resulted in transferring thermosensitivity patterns from the donor
enzyme. We also found that AID activity is not always optimal at native physiological
temperature, such that human AID is optimal at 32°C instead of 37°C. Based on our data,
we postulated that this finding may have implications for evolution of AID. Overall, our
work has shed light on mechanistic features of AID as well as aspects on its evolution.


identifier: Song, Haifeng <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Song=3AHaifeng=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Overlapping resonances in open quantum systems.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
In this thesis, we study the dynamics of open quantum systems in the overlapping
resonances regime. An open quantum system consists of a small, finite-dimensional
system S and a reservoir R, which interacts with the system S via some operator.
The reservoir is, for example, modeled by a spatially infinitely extended free Bose
gas in thermal equilibrium at positive temperature. One of the main tasks in the
theory of open quantum system is to examine quantum phenomena observed in the
small system, such as return to equilibrium and decoherence, brought about by the
interaction with the environment. To deal with such a problem, one tries to study
the dynamics of the total system S + R, which is generated by the total Hamiltonian.
By tracing out the degrees of freedom of the reservoir, we obtain the dynamics of the
small system.
Over the last decade and a half, a perturbation theory based on quantum resonance
methods has been developed in the isolated resonances regime. The perturbation
theory developed so far permits a mathematically rigorous treatment of the dynamics
for fixed, small system-reservoir coupling parameter λ. However, in complex quantum
systems, e.g. when the dimension of small system is large, the problem belongs to the
overlapping resonances regime. The theory mentioned above is not applicable in this
regime. In this thesis, we adapt the perturbation theory for the treatment of such a
regime. We first obtain a representation formula of the reduced dynamics involving resonances of an associated operator. By analyzing the behaviour of resonances, we
derive the reduced density matrix of the small system.
Furthermore, we consider the spin-boson model and analyze the transition from
the isolated resonances regime to the overlapping one by using the Feshbach map. We
also find a critical value, related to the parameters, which separates the two regimes,
marking a sharp transition in the behaviour of the resonance energies.


identifier: Bulle, Florian <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Bulle=3AFlorian=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Multi-trace element distribution in olivine from the Eastern Deeps deposit, Voisey’s Bay Intrusion, Labrador: olivine composition as a record of ore-forming processes in evolved magma systems.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The distribution of Ni-Mg-Fe in olivine is used extensively to characterize mafic intrusions, and, in combination with other geochemical tools, assess their Ni-Cu-Co sulfide mineralization potential. Despite the availability of sensitive analytical techniques (e.g., Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry – SIMS) and the proven importance of olivine multi-trace element studies to igneous petrology, a more comprehensive geochemical approach of determining multiple trace elements in olivine has never been adopted for economic geology applications. For this dissertation I implemented a refined SIMS analytical protocol for the determination of multiple major-trace elements in olivine from the Eastern Deeps Intrusion (EDI), a part of the Voisey’s Bay Intrusion (VBI), Labrador. The study demonstrated that systematic, lithology-dependent trace element variations in olivine, particularly in Ni, Co, Cr, Mn, and Zn, characterize critical ore-forming processes and indicate the proximity to zones of massive sulfide mineralization in the EDI.
SIMS is an analytical technique for the in-situ, micrometer-scale determination of elements in a solid sample with very low detection limits. Chapter 2 introduces the SIMS analytical parameters applied for the olivine analyses and further discusses the reference material development and the sequential empirical calibration.
The subsequent chapters detail the SIMS studies of olivine from the EDI and Pants Lake Intrusion (PLI). Chapter 3 demonstrates that lithostratigraphic variations in olivine Ni-Co contents (~80–2,500 ppm Ni; ~170–370 ppm Co) in the EDI indicate magmatic episodicity and multiple sulfide saturation events. The basal, incongruent olivine Mn-Zn enrichment (up to 12,000 ppm Mn; up to 680 ppm Zn) reflects country rock contamination followed by a diffusive trace element exchange with surrounding sulfide liquid. Chapter 4 discusses the application of the olivine trace chemistry as a lateral vector towards sulfide mineralization in the EDI, and as a fertility indicator for mafic intrusions on a regional scale (ex. PLI). Progressively increasing contents of Mn-Zn in olivine towards the inner basal margin of the EDI indicate spatial (vertical and lateral) proximity (~150m) to massive sulfides. A strong compositional bimodality (e.g., Ni-enriched and Ni-depleted) of olivine also increases the potential for inherent economic mineralization (ex. VBI). This study considerably improved our understanding of systematic compositional variations in olivine as a response to essential ore-forming processes in mineralized mafic magmatic systems.


identifier: Al Shra’ah, Ahmad Q. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Al_Shra==2019ah=3AAhmad_Q=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Low temperature microwave pyrolysis of lignocellulosic materials for renewable fuels and chemicals.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Microwave pyrolysis of lignocellulosic materials (cellulose, lignin, xylan, white birch) were investigated at the relatively low temperatures of 200-300ᴼC and low power of 300 W. Effects of temperature, microwave absorber (activated carbon and water), closed/open microwave, and cellulose crystallinity on yield and product distribution were examined. Microwave results were compared with higher temperature (250-475ᴼC) conventional pyrolysis using pyrolysis-gas chromatography. Results from both microwave and conventional method revealed that increasing temperature produced more bio-oil at the expense of biochar. Bio-oil yields with microwave pyrolysis from cellulose, xylan and white birch at 260ᴼC were 45%, 47%, and 17%, respectively, while lignin required microwave heating up to 280ᴼC to give only 4% yield. Torrefaction improved the quality of bio-oil but also increased the biochar yield while reducing bio-oil. High yields of useful levoglucosan were obtained from microwave pyrolysis of amorphous cellulose. Addition of the adsorbent water increased bio-oil production by 25%.


identifier: Vyas, Poorva <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Vyas=3APoorva=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Antioxidant properties of lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) plants.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) is an economically important fruit crop
conventionally propagated by vegetative stem cutting. The present study is an
investigation of the effects of different propagation methods as well as different
geographical locations on the antioxidant properties of lingonberry plants. The study
also aims to determine neuroprotective effects of the lingonberry fruits and leaves
against glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity. In this study, it was observed that the leaves
of in vitro- derived plants exhibited significantly higher antioxidant enzyme activities as
compared to those obtained from ex vitro propagation. The total soluble phenolics,
tannins, and flavonoids were enhanced in fruits of the in vitro-propagated plants,
whereas in leaves, the levels of these metabolites (except flavonoids) were decreased in
the in vitro-derived plants.
The study determined that the lingonberry clones collected from different
geographical locations showed variability in terms of their antioxidant compounds. A
positive correlation was observed between the levels of antioxidant compounds and
latitude, altitude, reduced temperature and increased precipitation. Although the clones
have been maintained in the same greenhouse environment under similar conditions for
about 10 years since their collection date, the climatic conditions had an effect on their
adaptation at the developmental stage influencing plant genotypes.
The effect of lingonberry extracts were determined on cells subjected to
excitotoxicity by treating brain cell cultures of 1 to 2 day old rat pups with glutamate (100 μM) for 24 hours in order to damage the cells by excitotoxicity. Glutamate
treatment caused a ~20% cell loss when measured after 24 hours of exposure. While
lingonberry fruit extract did not provide protection from glutamate toxicity, leaf extracts
showed a significant neuroprotective effect. The greater protective effect of leaf extracts
was in correlation with the levels of phenolics and antioxidant capacity.
In conclusion, the findings in this dissertation suggest that the tissue culture
propagation technique has great advantages especially in enhancing antioxidant
compounds as well as for increasing vegetative growth in lingonberry plants. Our
findings also suggest that antioxidant levels increase with reduced temperature,
increased precipitation, latitude and altitude. Overall, the antioxidant capacity of
lingonberry leaves would be potentially beneficial for neuro-protection and slowdown
of brain aging, and consumption of lingonberry products could have positive effect on
human health.


identifier: Daley, Peter <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Daley=3APeter=3A=3A.html>   (2014) A randomized trial of efficacy and safety of adjunctive vitamin D in the treatment of active tuberculosis in India.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Background: Vitamin D supplementation may benefit patients with active tuberculosis
(TB)

Design: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial comparing
standard active TB treatment to active TB treatment plus supplemental high dose oral
vitamin D3 was performed in India.
Methods: Treatment naïve, smear positive, HIV negative, pulmonary TB patients were
randomized into two equal groups.
Results: 247 patients were randomized, 121 to vitamin D and 126 to placebo. Baseline
characteristics in both groups were similar. 101 patients in the vitamin D arm and 110
patients in the placebo arm were analyzed. Median time to culture conversion in the
vitamin D group was 43.0 days (95% C.I. = 33.3 to 52.8), as compared to was 42.0 days
(33.9 to 50.1) in the placebo group (p=0.95 by log rank test). Hypercalcemia was not
observed.

Conclusions: Vitamin D supplementation was safe but did not influence time to culture
conversion.


identifier: Edison, Erica <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Edison=3AErica=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Creatine metabolism: regulation and neonatal accretion.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
A fraction of the body’s creatine and creatine-phosphate spontaneously degrades to creatinine, which is excreted by the kidneys. In humans, this amounts to about 1-2 g per day and demands a comparable rate of de novo creatine synthesis. This is a two-step process in which L-arginine:glycine amidinotransferase (AGAT) catalyzes the conversion of glycine and arginine to ornithine and guanidinoacetate (GAA); guanidinoacetate methyltransferase (GAMT) then catalyzes the SAM-dependent methylation of GAA to creatine. AGAT is found in the kidney and GAMT in the liver, which implies an inter-organ movement of GAA from the kidney to the liver. We have studied the renal production of this metabolite in both rats and humans. In control rats, [GAA] was 5.9 μM in arterial plasma and 10.9 μM in renal venous plasma for a renal A-V difference of –5.0 μM. In the rat, infusion of arginine or citrulline markedly increased renal GAA production but infusion of glycine did not. Rats fed 0.4% creatine in their diet had decreased renal AGAT activity and mRNA, and arterial plasma [GAA] of 1.5 μM and a decreased renal A-V difference for GAA of –0.9 μM. In humans, [GAA] was 2.4 μM in arterial plasma, with a renal A-V difference of -1.1 μM. These studies show, for the first time, that GAA is produced by both rat and human kidneys in vivo.
Creatine is essential for normal neural development; children with inborn errors of creatine synthesis or transport exhibit neurological symptoms such as mental retardation, speech delay, and epilepsy. Creatine accretion may occur through dietary intake or de novo creatine synthesis. The objective of this study is to determine how much creatine an infant must synthesize de novo. We have calculated how much creatine an infant needs to account for urinary creatinine excretion (creatine’s breakdown product) and new muscle lay-down. To measure an infant’s dietary creatine intake, we measured creatine in mother’s milk and in various commercially available infant formulas. Knowing the amount of milk/formula ingested, we calculated the amount of creatine ingested. We have found that a breast-fed infant receives about 9% of the creatine needed in the diet and that infants fed cow’s milk-based formula receive up to 36% of the creatine needed. However, infants fed a soy-based infant formula receive negligible dietary creatine and must rely solely on de novo creatine synthesis. This is the first time that it has been shown that neonatal creatine accretion is largely due to de novo synthesis and not through dietary intake of creatine. This has important implications both for infants suffering from creatine deficiency syndromes and for neonatal amino acid metabolism.
Approximately 1.7% of the body’s creatine pool is spontaneously converted to creatinine each day and excreted in the urine. This loss must be replaced by a combination of diet and synthesis. During lactation there may be an additional requirement due to the provision of creatine to the milk. Our objectives were (i) to quantify milk creatine in lactating rats, (ii) to determine the origin of milk creatine, (iii) to determine the activities of the enzymes of creatine synthesis in lactating rats and suckling pups and (iv) to quantify the origin of the creatine that accumulates in suckling rat pups. The origin of milk creatine was determined by administering 14C-creatine to lactating rats, followed by determination of its isotopic enrichment in milk and plasma. These experiments indicate that the mammary gland extracts creatine from the circulation, rather than synthesising it. This was confirmed by our failure to find significant activities of the enzymes of creatine synthesis in mammary glands. The provision of milk creatine requires an additional 35-55% of creatine above the daily requirement by lactating mothers. However, there was no increased creatine synthesis by these dams, so that the additional creatine was largely provided by hyperphagia, as creatine is present in rat chow. There was substantial accumulation of creatine in the growing pups but only approximately 12 % was obtained from milk. The great bulk of creatine accretion was via de novo synthesis by the pups, which imposed a substantial metabolic burden on them.


identifier: Dyapa, Rajendar <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Dyapa=3ARajendar=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Enantioselective synthesis of (+)-homocitric acid lactone, (+)-antofine and (+)-cryptopleurine involving organocatalytic conjugate addition reactions.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The organocatalytic, asymmetric conjugate addition of carbon nucleophiles and
heteroatom nucleophiles to electron-deficient alkenes (Michael acceptors) such as
nitroalkenes, enones, and vinyl sulfones, is of interest because the products are useful
synthetic intermediates. The present study examines the enantioselective, iminium ion
catalyzed vinylogous Mukaiyama-Michael reaction of 5-triisopropylsilyloxy furan-2-
carboxylates with acrolein. The stereoselectivity of this reaction is dependent on the
nature of the furan nucleophile and the secondary amine catalyst. The Michael adduct
obtained in this methodology was employed in the synthesis of (S)-homocitric acid
lactone. The details of this study are described in Chapter 2.
In a separate study, the γ-nitroketone obtained from an organocatalytic Michael
addition of β-nitrostyrene and 1,4-cyclohexanedione mono ethylene ketal has been
utilized in alkaloid synthesis. Thus, a total synthesis of indolizidine alkaloid (+)-antofine
and quinolizidine alkaloid (+)-cryptopleurine was achieved from the γ-nitroketone.
Details of these investigations are described in Chapter 3 and Chapter 4.


identifier: Hynes, Alexander P. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Hynes=3AAlexander_P=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2014) The phages and phage-like elements of Rhodobacter capsulatus.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Rhodobacter capsulatus is a purple non-sulfur bacterium that produces the gene
transfer agent RcGTA. This phage-like particle is capable of transferring ~4-kb of host
DNA to other R. capsulatus cells in a process analogous to transduction. The genes
known to encode this particle are located in a ~15-kb region called the RcGTA structural
gene cluster. As this cluster is larger than the packaging capacity of the particles, RcGTA
is non-replicative. In addition to lacking key functions required by a phage, the RcGTA
structural gene cluster lacks genes likely to encode functions necessary for its gene
transfer activity, such as a cellular release mechanism. The costs and benefits of RcGTA
production for R. capsulatus are unclear, making it difficult to explain its persistence in
the genome. I investigated R. capsulatus SB1003 prophages to search for other genes
involved in RcGTA production and gene transfer activity. I identified two functional
prophages, RcapNL and RcapMu, which I characterized and found to be linked to
RcGTA production. I also compared the genome-wide transcriptional profiles in a variety
of R. capsulatus strains and growth conditions affecting RcGTA production to identify
genes consistently co-regulated with the RcGTA structural gene cluster. I found nine such
genes at six separate loci. In characterizing several of these genes, I identified a gene
required for release of RcGTA by cell lysis, a pair of putative tail fibre-encoding genes,
and an additional gene whose product is required for binding to the recipient cell. Finally,
I characterized features of RcGTA production by quantitatively determining the
packaging frequency of all loci on the R. capsulatus chromosome. Remarkably, while any
gene can be transferred, the RcGTA structural gene cluster region was under-represented
iii
in the particles relative to the genome average. The search for a mechanistic explanation
of this anomaly led to the discovery that RcGTA gene expression is elevated in ~3% of
the cells in a population, and that these cells undergo lysis to release RcGTA particles.
This provided us with the first quantification of the cost of RcGTA production.


identifier: Paul, Eldho K. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Paul=3AEldho_K=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Organocatalytic asymmetric direct vinylogous aldol reactions of 2-furanone and application in the synthesis of (+)-L-733,060, (+)-CP-99,994, (2S,3R)-3-hydroxypipecolic acid and (+)-febrifugine.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The organocatalytic, direct vinylogous aldol reaction (ODVA) of 2-furanone (γ-crotonolactone) is of interest because the reaction provides direct access to γ-substituted butenolides, an important structural motif in several natural products and biologically active compounds. We have observed that this reaction is catalyzed by chiral aminothioureas and aminosquaramides. A detailed investigation of this method is described in Chapter 2. The ODVA reaction of γ-crotonolactone with aldehydes can be used for the synthesis of substance P receptor antagonist piperidines (+)-L-733,060 and (+)-CP-99,994, and also for the synthesis of (2S,3R)-3-hydroxypipecolic acid, which is a component of tetrazomine, an antitumor agent and an antibiotic. These results are presented in Chapter 3. This methodology is also useful for the total synthesis of the antimalarial alkaloid (+)-febrifugine and a formal synthesis of (+)-halofuginone, an antimalarial agent. The results of this work are described in Chapter 4.


identifier: Hanif, Waqas <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Hanif=3AWaqas=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Mechanical integrity of offshore pipelines.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Pipelines experience mechanical damage (e.g. dent, gouge, local wrinkling) due to external interference (e.g. anchor dragging, third-party) and ground deformation (e.g. slope movement, ice gouging). The type and severity of pipe damage may influence the development of integrity management programs. Assessment of mechanical damage may be of greater significance for pipeline systems located in remote harsh environments that may influence operational, repair and intervention strategies due to remote location and logistical constraints. There is limited engineering guidance and uncertainty for predicting mechanical response of defects and interacting defects; such as dent feature interaction with an adjacent girth weld or dent with gouge feature; and their corresponding effects on pipe integrity and fatigue life. This study addresses this technology gap through the development of calibrated numerical tools, conducting parametric studies and providing empirical equations that can characterize the effects of local damage and applied loads on pipe mechanical response.


identifier: Shah, Jay K. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Shah=3AJay_K=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Plant mitochondria under hypoxia: a cross-talk between nitric oxide, hemoglobin and oxygen.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The major goal of the present study is to describe the mechanisms by which plants adapt
to deficiencies in the electron transport chain, either in terms of lack of the functional
electron transport complex or lack of final electron acceptor (oxygen). In plants, the main
function of class 1 hemoglobins is to scavenge nitric oxide (NO). Under hypoxia and
anoxia, there is a significant increase in hemoglobin expression which upregulates the
turnover of the Hb-NO cycle. This cycle not only participates in the electron transport
chain, but NO influences various signalling processes which govern plant development,
morphology and physiology. The current study demonstrates that NO produced under
hypoxia induces AOX1A gene expression, which is translated to a higher AOX activity
and leads to a shift towards biosynthesis of amino acids. It also demonstrates that
respiratory complex I deficiency results in low NO levels and upregulation of
fermentation pathways. The current study undertakes extensive efforts to characterise the
morphological, biochemical and physiological effects of modified hemoglobin expression
in barley. Results show a difference in observations when compared with other model
organisms such as Arabidopsis. NO also influences the process of senescence. Hence we
investigate the process of senescence under hypoxia and in plants with modified
hemoglobin expression. The study also involves generating of three barley transgenic
lines to further study the role of hemoglobin in plant development, physiology, pathology,
nutrition and stress tolerance.


identifier: Pourreza, Ramin <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Pourreza=3ARamin=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Investigating the effects of hybrid fibres on the structural behaviour of two-way slabs.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This research is conducted to examine the effects of hybrid fibres on the
performance of two-way slabs. The hybrid fibres were a cocktail of steel and macrosynthetic
fibres. An experimental investigation was carried out to examine the structural
behaviour of hybrid-fibre-reinforced concrete (HFRC) two-way slabs under static loading
conditions.
A literature review was carried out on slab-column connections made with steelfibre-
reinforced concrete (SFRC). The major experimental findings of previous research
were discussed and the data were collected into a databank. The review of the results
revealed a large scatter in the data. Nonetheless, there was an apparent size effect in the
specimens. The expressions proposed to predict the capacity of the SFRC slabs gave a
significant degree of scatter when evaluated using all the test results in the database.
In the current study, eight full-scale interior slab-column connections with side
dimensions of 1900 mm were prepared and tested. The slabs were all simply supported
along four edges and loaded through a 250 ˟ 250 mm central column. The steel fibre volume fraction (0 to 0.96%) and the slab thickness (200 and 250 mm) were the main
variables. The structural behaviour of the test slabs was investigated with regard to loaddeflection
characteristics, deflection profiles, steel reinforcement and concrete strains,
crack patterns, modes of failure, and punching-shear capacity.
The test results revealed that an increase in fibre content enhanced the stiffness,
energy-absorption, and the capacity of the test specimens. The results also confirmed that
using HFRC caused a decrease in the steel strain due to the contribution of HFRC in
tension. The addition of hybrid fibres, up to 0.96%, increased the shear strength of the
200 and 250 mm-thick slabs, by 32 and 20%, respectively, compared to the reference
slabs. The addition of hybrid fibres caused a ductile punching failure in the slabs. The
ductility increased by 154 and 157% with the addition of fibres up to 0.96% for the 200
and 250 mm-thick slabs, respectively. The experimental observations confirmed that the
contribution of fibres in the 200 mm-thick slabs was more pronounced than in the case of
the 250 mm-thick ones. The results revealed that as the thickness of the test slabs
increased, the fibres had less effect on enhancing the capacity of the slabs.
Finally, the existing equations for predicting the capacity of SFRC two-way slabs
were evaluated using the experimental results from this research. In general, the equations
produced a small scatter in the predicted results. The equation proposed by Narayanan
and Darwish gave a reasonably safe prediction with least scatter compared to the
prediction of Hiroshi Higashiyama et al. which gave the safest prediction, however, it had
a large scatter.


identifier: Kilravey, Lucas <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Kilravey=3ALucas=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Fundamental human rights and cosmopolitan justice.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: One of the most contentious debates within political theory today surrounds the universality of Human Rights. To explore this debate, we first carefully define the amorphous terminology employed in such discussions and advance a theoretically grounded framework for fundamental Human Rights and cosmopolitan justice. With this in mind we trace the evolution of the concepts of cosmopolitan justice and Human Rights to the present debates. Engaging with criticisms of cultural and Western imperialism in turn, we advance a case with counterbalancing examples to provide evidence for the cosmopolitan nature and applicability of fundamental Human Rights. This paper adds to ongoing theoretical and practical debate by disentangling questions of fundamental Human Rights from questions of praxis derived from contingent socialization, essentialized identity and ideal Human Rights.


identifier: Martin, Sarah <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Martin=3ASarah=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Les noms et les titres sarcastiques dans une traduction anglaise de La Préférence Nationale de Fatou Diome.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Ce mémoire se propose d’étudier le sarcasme: son usage, son lien fort avec la culture et sa traduisibilité. En traduisant La Préférence Nationale de Fatou Diome, nous examinons la difficulté de transmettre le sarcasme sous-entendu dans les noms et dans les titres de ce livre. Le traducteur comme médiateur linguistique et culturel doit jauger l’importance des éléments qui entrent en jeu pendant l’acte traduisant. Comme cette traduction anglaise nous le démontre, le traducteur doit souvent prendre la décision soit d’amener son lectorat vers l’écrivain soit d’amener l’écrivain vers son lectorat- un choix qui, entre autres, pourrait mettre en question la fidélité du traducteur.

This thesis proposes to study sarcasm: its use, its strong link to culture and its translatability. By translating Fatou Diome’s La Préférence Nationale, we examine the difficulty in conveying the implicit sarcasm in the names and the titles of this book. As both a linguistic and cultural intermediary, the translator has to gauge the importance of the elements that come into play during the translation process. As this English translation attempts to show, the translator must often make the decision to either steer his or her readership towards the author or to steer the author towards his or her readership- a choice that, amongst other things, might call into question the faithfulness of the translator.


identifier: Brown, Andrew <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Brown=3AAndrew=3A=3A.html>   (2013) The elephant in the room: fatphobia & oppression in the time of obesity.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Employing the social and political ontology of Iris Marion Young, this paper evaluates the claim as to
whether or not fat people are subject to oppression on the basis of their weight. It establishes clear
criteria for what constitutes oppression (exploitation, marginalization, powerlessness, cultural
imperialism, and violence), as well as a compelling epistemological argument for the need to
conceptualize structural social relations at the level of social groups. It provides a psychoanalytic
account of embodied subjectivity, and considers the implications of a fat-hating culture on subjectivity
in light of this ontology. Further, it documents the way these fatphobic cultural norms have impacted
women, with particular emphasis on the history of anorexia. Lastly, it interrogates the medical literature
surrounding obesity qua disease, as well as how the 'obesity epidemic' is both produced by, and coconstitutive
of, the process of biomedicalization in late capitalism.


identifier: Van Vierssen Trip, Nyssa <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Van_Vierssen_Trip=3ANyssa=3A=3A.html>   (2014) A comparison of all-terrain vehicle (ATV) trail impacts in boreal forest, heath and bog habitats within the Avalon Wilderness Reserve and surrounding area.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Recreational trails are a source of anthropogenic disturbance in nature reserves and other low human impact areas. Effective management must balance the desire of recreationists to use these natural areas with the need to maintain the ecological integrity of these areas. Low productivity environments may be particularly susceptible due to low resilience to recreational impacts. My study examined 28 all-terrain vehicle (ATV) trails within the Avalon Wilderness Reserve and the adjacent surrounding area in Newfoundland, Canada. My research showed that different habitat types (boreal forest, heaths and bogs) differ in resistance and resilience to both direct on-trail erosion and indirect off-trail vegetation impacts of ATV trails. Dry forested sites were more resistant to direct on-trail erosion but less resistant to indirect off-trail vegetation disturbance. Heath sites were less resistant to direct on-trail erosion but highly resistant to indirect off-trail disturbance. Bogs sites had low resistance to both direct and indirect trail disturbance. There have been limited studies on ATV trail impacts in boreal environments, and these findings provide guidance for managers in Newfoundland and Labrador to manage recreational vehicle use.


identifier: Courey, Rachel Erin Adeline <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Courey=3ARachel_Erin_Adeline=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Getting to reconciliation: Lonergan and religious conflict transformation.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Conventional Conflict Resolution has typically denied religion a place around its
table. However, with the emergence of alternative conflict practitioners, such as John-
Paul Lederach, and the recognition of the positive contribution of Christianity in the
South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission, experts increasingly support the
involvement of religious perspectives and practices in conflict transformation. The aim of
this thesis is to introduce Bernard Lonergan’s dialectical philosophy to the discipline of
religious conflict transformation. In particular, an in-depth look at Lonergan’s dialectic of
history, which integrates the elements of progress, decline, and redemption, provides a
framework from which to understand the transformation of conflict that operates within a
religious perspective. Using Lonergan’s dialectic, the thesis considers both Lonerganian
and religious conflict transformation scholars with the aim of promoting not just
resolution – the end of violent conflict – but reconciliation – the re-visioning and
rebuilding of relationships with a common shared future. The long-term goal is to make
Lonergan’s method accessible to conflict transformation practitioners and, in effect,
increasing the probability of a shift towards reconciliation as a realizable goal for conflict.


identifier: Mills, Hannah Klara <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Mills=3AHannah_Klara=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Geology, alteration and lithogeochemistry of the hood deposits, Nunavut, Canada.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This study concerns the Hood volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposits that
are hosted by the ~2.68 Ga Amooga Booga volcanic belt in the northwestern Slave
Craton, Nunavut, Canada. The deposits comprise a cluster of bimodal-mafic VMS Cu-Zn-
Pb lenses and mineral occurrences. On the basis of crustally contaminated felsic and
mafic rocks, the volcanism is interpreted to have occurred in a tectonic environment
comparable to a modern continental marginal back-arc basin.
Geochemical study of the Hood volcanic rocks indicates controls on felsic
petrogenesis such as fractionation temperature and interaction with the sialic basement
have important implications for mineral prospectivity. Evidence for subseafloor
replacement style mineralization includes remnant host rock clasts within mineralized
intervals and alteration in both the footwall and the hanging wall to mineralization.
Vectors to mineralization at the Hood deposits include Na₂O loss, Fe₂O₃, MgO and base
metal gains and high principal component 1 scores proximal to mineralization


identifier: Sullivan, Julie Patricia <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Sullivan=3AJulie_Patricia=3A=3A.html>   (2014) The experiences of women who undergo an emergency cesarean section: a phenomenological study.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: In this phenomenological study, the lived experiences of women who gave birth via an emergency cesarean section (EmCS) were explored. Ten women from the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, who experienced an EmCS, were interviewed and their narrative accounts were analyzed using van Manen’s hermeneutic phenomenological approach. Analysis of the interview transcriptions revealed six themes: (a) disruption of a “normal” birth; (b) losing control: “given to the healthcare system”; (c) pervasive sense of fear and urgency; (d) being alone without needed support; (e) missing pieces: losing touch with reality; and (f) missing out on feeling like a new mother. The findings of this study will potentially enhance awareness and understanding of the experience of an EmCS and could be used to improve the care of women who undergo an EmCS. The findings could also be used to direct future research regarding this type of birth experience.