identifier: Osunrinde, Dayo J. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Osunrinde=3ADayo_J=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2017) The design and implementation of a web application for visualizing chemical structures and information using test driven development.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This research examined the use of Test-Driven Development (TDD) for the creation
of a web application to visualize chemical structures. To date, TDD has mainly
been applied to develop traditional software systems. The study however described
the novel application of TDD to the development of a high-quality scientific web
application using Django, Python 3, Selenium, HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, JSmol and
the RESTful API. With TDD, automated tests are written first. These tests drive
the design of the software towards an extensible application that easily accommodate
changes and updates. Presented in this thesis is the test driven design, analysis and
implementation of the visualization application as well as the tests and verification
results. The study concluded that the application of TDD to scientific web application
development can lead to a better design, high-quality production code, and easier
integration of changes and new requirements. However, the research made no claim
that TDD is a magic wand that solves all software problems. Rather, the approach
has the prospect of ensuring high-quality web applications as it can be a bit tedious.


identifier: Slade, Lesley <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Slade=3ALesley=3A=3A.html>   (2017) The social validity and pro-social impact of the FRIENDS for Life program in Newfoundland and Labrador schools.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

type: Thesis NonPeerReviewed

abstract:
The current study examines the treatment acceptability of the FRIENDS For
Life program in a Canadian context - specifically Newfoundland and Labrador, as
well as examining how involvement with the FFL program may influence the
prosocial behaviours reported by students. Using a quantitative pre-post survey
design, data was collected from students and parents selected from ten elementary
schools within the Eastern Region of the Newfoundland and Labrador English
School District. Students indicated that they enjoyed the program, and felt that
experiencing the program within the classroom environment, with their peers, was
useful. Students within this study rated themselves more positively on the prosocial
scales after completing the program. This was especially true when it came to
helping others, sharing with others, and being nice to others. Results also indicated
parents felt the program was useful, and that their children enjoyed participating in
the program. In keeping with the Theories of Planned Behaviour, and Self-Efficacy,
the belief that the program works can have a positive impact on the actual
experience of anxiety for students. As such, this program may be a useful addition
to the school experience for the students of Newfoundland and Labrador.


identifier: Montgomery, Emaline M. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Montgomery=3AEmaline_M=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2017) The pelagic propagule’s toolkit: An exploration of the morphology, swimming capacity and behaviour of marine invertebrate propagules.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The pelagic propagules of benthic marine animals often exhibit behavioural responses to
biotic and abiotic cues. These behaviours have implications for understanding the
ecological trade-offs among complex developmental strategies in the marine
environment, and have practical implications for population management and
aquaculture. But the lack of life stage-specific data leaves critical questions unanswered,
including: (1) Why are pelagic propagules so diverse in size, colour, and development
mode; and (2) do certain combinations of traits yield propagules that are better adapted to
survive in the plankton and under certain environments? My PhD research explores these
questions by examining the variation in echinoderm propagule morphology, locomotion
and behaviour during ontogeny, and in response to abiotic cues. Firstly, I examined how
egg colour patterns of lecithotrophic echinoderms correlated with behavioural,
morphological, geographic and phylogenetic variables. Overall, I found that eggs that
developed externally (pelagic and externally-brooded eggs) had bright colours, compared
to the typically pale colour intensity of internally-brooded eggs. Additionally, my analysis
suggested geographic location as a potential driver of the evolution of colour diversity
through the selection of better-adapted pigments in response to ecological pressure. I then
undertook a critical assessment of swimming capacity and sensory ability in propagules
from four co-occurring North Atlantic echinoderms with two different types of pelagic
development: the sea stars Asterias rubens (planktotrophic) and Crossaster papposus
(lecithottrophic), the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis (planktotrophic), and the sea cucumber Cucumaria frondosa (lecithotrophic) at two different temperatures.
Propagule swimming speed increased with ontogeny in two of the four species (the sea
stars A. rubens and C. papposus) but did not uniformly increase with temperature.
Contrary to initial assumptions, some lecithotrophic propagules emerged as the fastest
swimmers (e.g., 1.2 mm s⁻¹ in the brachiolaria of C. papposus). Lastly, in a study of
phototaxis involving the same focal species, variation in swimming speed and trajectory
were detected when propagules were exposed to three different light colours. Taken
together, the data generated by my PhD work provide a framework to assess the adaptive
value of pelagic propagules to benthic animals, to examine the trade-offs of complex lifehistory
strategies, and to enhance modeling of larval dispersal in the marine environment.


identifier: Ye, Xudong <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Ye=3AXudong=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Coupling of multi-agent based simulation and particle swarm optimization for environmental planning and decision making.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Environmental design making modeling is a vital part in environmental decision making process to help to conclude which decisions should be made and how to find alternatives for each decision. However, the complicated circumstances, massive data, uncertainties and multiple criteria standards make the decision-making process sophisticated and hard to realize.
This research focused on developing new environmental modelling methods by dynamic coupling of agent based modelling (ABM) and a multi-agent system (MAS) with PSO optimization algorithm and other kinds of traditional environmental simulation models for supporting environmental engineering decision making.
Firstly, a novel multi-agent hybrid particle swarm optimization (MAHPSO) approach was developed for a wastewater treatment plant network design. A hybrid particle swarm optimization module was proposed to account for both continuous and binary variables, and then integrated with the concept of multi-agent to enhance solution convergence and stability. The feasibility and effectiveness of method was tested and demonstrated by a case based on the wastewater treatment plants network of the city of St. John’s, Canada. The results were compared with those of the traditional GA approach and the HPSO method. The proposed MAHPSO approach was approved to be capable of significantly enhancing solution convergence without sacraficing the computation time/efficiency, and of providing optimal results with high accuracy and repeatability. The approach could be used as an effective evolutionary algorithm for complex system optimization and planning problems in environmental and other fields.
Secondly, a simulation-based multi-agent particle swarm optimization (SA-PSO) approach was developed for supporting dynamic decision making in offshore oil spill responses. The ABM as an emerging simulation method was introduced into oil spill responses in the first time to simulate the response actions with consideration of dynamic interactions among individual devices and/or response centre. A PSO method was further adopted to optimize the allocation of response devices/vessels among spill sites and warehouses with minimal total cost and time. Through a hypothetical oil spill case, the proposed SA-PSO approach showed strong capability and efficiency in reducing response time and optimizing responses. The results indicated that the proposed SA-PSO approach could efficently decrease the total response time, and dynamically optimize the allocation of response equipment. It had the strong potential to be applied to decision making problems in environmental and other fields.
This research developed two new modeling methods for supporting WWTP network designs and oil spill responses, respectively. The results of two case studies demonstrated the value of the integration of emerging artificial intelligence approaches with traditional environmental simulation models for facilitating environmental engineering and management.


identifier: Hoskins, Melissa <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Hoskins=3AMelissa=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Exploring the roles of social support & community belonging in relation to the severity and duration of depression in Canadian seniors.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This study examined the effects of four types of social support and sense of community belonging on depression severity and duration in a sample of Canadian male and female seniors (age 65 – 80+ years of age). The present work builds on research conducted by Fowler et al. (2013) where the same variables were assessed in relation to Canadian men and women (ages 20-64). Data associated with 627 respondents were extracted from the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS; Statistics Canada, 2002) and analyzed. Overall, tangible support was the only predictor of depression severity in both male and female seniors. Positive social support, tangible support, affection, age and sense of belonging predicted depression in both male and female senior depression duration. Separate gender analyses were also conducted and compared to the findings in the Fowler et al. (2013) study. Differences in depression severity and duration emerged for male and female seniors. These findings were conceptualized as representing facets of seniors’ social worlds.


identifier: Dintoe, Seitebaleng Susan <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Dintoe=3ASeitebaleng_Susan=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Experiences with technology among early adopters at the University of Botswana.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This study explores the experiences with technology among early adopters in the transition from face-to-face (f2f) to distance education to online learning at the University of Botswana. The University of Botswana had used the national education policies, government reports, National Development Plans, Vision 2016, Maitlamo National ICT Policy, to guide them with their intentions to propose technology in the system and to professionally develop and train lecturers. Yet, the rate of adoption of new technology is slow. This study uses Rogers (2003) Diffusion of Innovation (DoI) theory and focuses on three concepts: the compatibility of technology, social systems, and early adopters, in order to understand and describe the lecturers’ experiences with and use of technology in the transition process. A qualitative case study method was employed. The study used four methods of data collection: artifacts, secondary documents, interviews, and observations. Data collected using these methods were used to determine whether what was stated in the artifacts and secondary documents were actually corroborated by f2f in-depth interviews with nine participants from the Department of Adult Education in the Faculty of Education at the University of Botswana.
Three main findings resulted from the study. First, despite intense efforts from the University of Botswana to promote the transition to online learning, very little technology was being used outside of the f2f teaching. Second, even though the lecturers worked within an environment, which restricted the use of technology, they did what they could to use online technologies in the f2f teaching. Third, the top-down technology adoption approach of the University of Botswana contributed to an environment that promoted minimal technology use and supported compatible technology use. Recommendations have been made for lecturers to be included in decision-making relating to technology, for online technologies to be promoted among students, for professional development and training to be considered along with time management training for lecturers, and for the university to plan, organize, and manage programs with all faculty and departments to share ownership of and responsibility for the programs.


identifier: Ammendolia, Justine <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Ammendolia=3AJustine=3A=3A.html>   (2017) From behaviour to bathymetric ranges: examining the responses of marine invertebrates to hydrostatic pressure.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Although hydrostatic pressure is one of the most prominent abiotic drivers of faunal
bathymetric ranges, it is one of the least understood. As climate change drives warmer
temperatures, it is hypothesized that benthic communities may undergo vertical shifts
from shallow to deeper depths. Expanding our understanding of the impact of pressure on
marine organisms is therefore important. Here, I first synthesized and analyzed >130
studies reporting survival of >260 shallow and deep-sea taxa after exposure to non-native
pressure. Many deep-sea species survived and bred under low or atmospheric pressure
(slightly below sea surface depth), especially those from higher latitudes, and tolerance in
adults was influenced by phylum. Next, I used high-pressure chambers to test the
response of several subtidal echinoderms to various pressure levels, durations and pH
conditions. Responses to acute pressure shifts suggest that deep-sea species are relatively
tolerant to depressurization, but shallow-water species are less likely to maintain critical
behaviours if moved to pressures beyond their current bathymetric ranges.


identifier: Shareef, Mohammed Mujtaba <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Shareef=3AMohammed_Mujtaba=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Photochemical air quality modelling in arid regions.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Despite continuous measures to control air pollution, large fractions of the population across the world are still exposed to potentially dangerous pollutant concentration levels. Research continues to increase in the area of air pollution with focus on different pollutants and regions. A particular emphasis is on the understanding of the formation of secondary pollutants as their relationships with primary pollutants are complex. One of the key factors that influences these complex relationships is the regional characteristics, such as temperature, humidity, and solar radiations. Arid regions are of particular concern as the characteristics, especially, extreme temperatures and dust storms, deteriorate air quality significantly. The study area chosen for this research is the Riyadh region in Saudi Arabia. Improving the air quality in this region requires further understanding of the formation of secondary pollutants, particularly ozone (O₃). Generally, Photochemical Air Quality Models (PAQM) are employed to study the formation of secondary pollutants in the atmosphere. This research configured high-resolution Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model over the area to study the research objectives. This model could be utilized to study various strategies to mitigate photochemical smog formation in the region.
The regional characteristics have significant roles in atmospheric chemical mechanisms, and an effective mitigation plan is important for successful air quality management; hence getting a better understanding of the chemical mechanisms is pivotal. This thesis investigated various chemical mechanisms that are present in PAQM constraining with the observed data resulting in the identification of the most appropriate mechanism for arid  regions. The key chemical reactions and corresponding kinetics were also ascertained. The identified chemical mechanism will serve as a benchmark for any future implementation of PAQM in Riyadh as well as similar regions.
Conventionally, deterministic PAQMs are applied to evaluate the efficacy of a control strategy to achieve air quality standards. Uncertainties are inherent in any mathematical model, including PAQM, and are specific to regional characteristics. Ignoring model uncertainties might yield a false sense of precision about pollutant response to emission controls. Hence, such uncertainties must be identified and quantified for the selection of control policies. This research identified key factors influencing the O₃ precursor responsiveness and characterized the parametric uncertainties influencing the prediction of O₃ to precursor emissions.
Devising an appropriate mitigation plan also requires running PAQM for a number of scenarios, which is computationally challenging. To overcome this computational burden, an efficient Reduced Form Model (RFM) was developed. It characterizes the impact of uncertainties in model input parameters on O₃ response to not only precursor emissions (NOₓ and VOCs) but also to dust emissions.
The development of an efficient RFM allowed the use of a probabilistic framework to study the impact of various emission mitigation and dust increase scenarios. This RFM enabled the understanding of the impact of various emission reductions on the formation of O₃. The newly incorporated dust parameter in the RFM revealed that the relationship of dust concentrations with O₃ formation is nonlinear. Initially, O₃ concentration decreased with the increase of dust and later increased.
The configured PAQM, the identified atmospheric chemical mechanism, and the developed RFM (incorporating the new dust parameter) would facilitate the responsible authorities in devising appropriate O₃ reduction strategies for the study area and similar regions.
The endeavour undertaken in this research to advance the understanding of PAQM in arid conditions opens up several avenues of further research. The developed RFM has a potential to be improved, such as adding more types of uncertainties (structural and meteorological) and further validating with comprehensive observed data. Additionally, the RFM could be integrated with economics and health uncertainty models to study the cost of mitigation plans and health impacts. Moreover, air chambers can be setup to get more insight into chemical kinetics under arid conditions especially the role of heterogeneous reactions of NOₓ with dust particles.


identifier: Zheng, Jisi <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Zheng=3AJisi=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Removal of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from offshore produced water by advanced oxidation technologies.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
As the largest waste stream from offshore oil and gas industry, offshore produced water contains dissolved toxic organic pollutants that are hard to be removed by conventional wastewater treatment technologies. Among those pollutants, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are of growing concern due to their high toxicity and persistence in the marine and coastal environments. Removal of PAHs from produced water before disposal is thus essential for offshore oil and gas production. However, the offshore operation and facilities (e.g., platforms and ships) usually have many special technical and economic constraints that limit the applications of many treatment technologies. Since advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are featured with high cost-efficiency, small footprints, and eco-friendliness which well match with the requirements of offshore operation and present a promising treatment option for offshore wastewater (e.g., produced water). However, limited research efforts have been reported in investigating AOPs’ mechanisms, performance and applicability in treating offshore produced water. In order to help fill the knowledge and technical gaps, this research aimed at development of advanced oxidation technologies for removal of PAHs from offshore produced water treatment and examination of the oxidation processes and kinetics, and effluent toxicity and biodegradability.
To ensure efficient, reliable, and acurate analysis results, a refined analytical method, Vortex and Shaker Assisted Liquid-liquid Microextraction (VSA-LLME), was first developed, tested and adopted in the analysis of 16 priority PAHs recommended by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Under the optimized condition, the enrichment factors ranged from 68 to 78. The recoveries of the method were 74 to 85%, and the limits of detection were as low as 2 to 5 ng/L. The linearity results (R² values) for 16 PAHs were all above 0.99 with the relative standard deviations (RSD%) of 6 to 11%. This method also creatively utilized the organic constitutes in produced water as dispersive solvents to reduce the solvent consumption. Its straightforward procedure and excellent performance showed a strong potential for application in research and regulatory and industrial practice.
The photolysis of 16 PAHs in offshore produced water was then thoroughly investigated in this research. The results indicated much more complex kinetics in the removal of PAHs from produced water than those in stilled water, mianly due to the complex chemical constitutions of the substrate. The experiment disclosed the unique mechanisms including direct photolysis, dynamic light screening, and radical induced organic synthesis. A novel kinetic model involving dynamic light screening was developed and approved to support the mechanism analysis, and a semi-empirical model was also established to simulate the photolysis process. The proposed mechanisms and kinetics not only helped answered some scientific questions but also showed strong practical significance for further AOP development and applications.
The performance of ozonation in removing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from offshore produced water (OPW) was studied. The experimental results showed that ozone dose had positive effect due to enhancement in ozone decomposition, and radical yield. On the other hand, the removal was suppressed at increased bubble size and pH, which may be attributed to the reduction of interfacial area as well as stronger radical scavenging effect, respectively. Microtox tests showed that the acute toxicity of OPW was reduced after ozonation, which was highly correlated with the removal of PAHs. Such reduction was inhibited at high ozone doses, possibly due to the formation of disinfection by-products via reactions with halogens. As compared to control, ozonated OPW had higher oxygen uptake and less organic residual after biodegradation, indicating more bioavailable organics were formed after ozonation. Results from this study can be used as good references for designing new or upgrading existing OPW treatment systems using ozonation.
Based on the experimental results, the three major mechanisms affecting the PAHs removal through AOP treatment were proposed in the first time. Novel kinetic models based on the dynamic oxidant competitiveness was developed and validated. The model was able to simulate the oxidation processes, quantify the effects of different operational parameters. The testing result also indicated that insufficient treatment could lead to carcinogenetic by-products. On the other hand, proper advanced oxidation technologies could significantly increase biodegradability, showing strong potential of combining with conventional biological treatment in practice.


identifier: El-Gheriani, Malak Ali <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/El-Gheriani=3AMalak_Ali=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Modeling rare events under uncertainties.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The development of the oil and gas industry is accompanied by high risks that increase the potential for major accidents. Improving safety through implementing safety measures maintains the risk within an acceptable level and helps to prevent the occurrence of accidents. Identifying and treating uncertainty is the main challenge in performing risk analysis. This uncertainty reflects the lack of information about the accident scenario and its potential causes, as well as the absence of a modeling technique used to model accident scenarios. In most situations, there are either few or no data available to perform risk analysis. Gathering the required data from other relevant sources is one of the solutions to overcome this challenge.
In the presented work, the first part of the developed methodology considers Hierarchical Bayesian Analysis (HBA) as a robust technique for an event’s frequency estimation using data collected from several sources. Results demonstrate the power of HBA in treating the uncertainty within the gathered data and providing the appropriate estimation of an event’s frequency. The estimated event’s frequency is then integrated into Bowtie (BT) analysis, one of the modeling techniques, in order to predict the occurrence of a major accident. Due to their limitations, the standard modeling techniques are unable to capture the variation of risks as changes take place in the system. Therefore, their results involve a degree of uncertainty, considered as model uncertainty.
In the second part of the presented study, the developed methodology has been improved by integrating HBA and Bayesian Network (BN) into one framework to cope with data and model uncertainties simultaneously. HBA handles the uncertainty within the multi-source data, while BN is used to model the accident scenario in order to treat model uncertainty. Using HBA along with BN provides more accurate estimations and better handling of uncertainties.


identifier: Zhang, Yi <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Zhang=3AYi=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Compressed sensing-based channel estimation and prediction for underwater acoustic communications.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This thesis develops approaches for estimating and predicting sparse shallow-water acoustic communication channels. The broadband shallow-water channel has three characterizations: a large dimension of channel impulse response caused by excessively long delay spread, fast temporal variability induced by scattering from the moving sea surface, and a sparse channel structure due to the resolvable paths. Traditional least square estimation techniques fail to utilize the sparse channel structure, and suffer from the limitations on the capability of estimating large-dimensional channels with rapid fluctuations.
Compressed sensing also known as compressive sensing (CS), has been intensively studied recently. It has been applied in various areas such as imaging, radar, speech recognition, and data acquisition. Recently, applying CS to sparse channel estimation has been largely accepted. This thesis details the application of CS to sparse estimation of both time-invariant and time-varying shallow-water acoustic channels. Specifically, various reconstruction algorithms are used to find the sparse channel coefficients. However, a priori knowledge of channel sparsity is often not available in practice. The first part of the thesis proposes an improved greedy pursuit algorithm which iteratively identifies the sparse channel coefficients without requiring a priori knowledge of channel sparsity. Then, the proposed algorithm is employed to estimate both time-invariant and time-varying sparse channels. In addition, a comparative study of the state-of-the-art of various CS-based signal reconstruction algorithms is performed to gain better understanding of the mathematical insights.
Furthermore, based on CS theory, different pilot placement choices will directly affect the performance of the channel estimation algorithm. The second part of the thesis investigates the pilot pattern design in sparse channel estimation. Unlike the equally spaced pilots for conventional channel estimation, randomly placed pilot tones are most used in existing CS-based channel estimation methods. In order to improve the efficiency of the optimal pilot pattern searching, a novel pilot pattern selection scheme is proposed based on the concatenated cyclic difference set. The performance of the proposed design is also compared with the existing search-based pilot placement methods. It should be noted that the proposed reconstruction algorithm and the pilot placement scheme are not restricted to underwater acoustic communication systems, but they can be applied so sparse channel estimation in other communication systems.
Finally, an outdated channel estimation will lead to severe performance degradation when the channel varies rapidly. Hence, to predict future channel state information, an efficient sparse channel prediction scheme is proposed which does not require any statistical a priori knowledge of channels and noise. A receiver structure which combines a sparse channel estimator and a decision feedback based adaptive channel predictor is developed to further improve the prediction accuracy.Simulation results are shown to demonstrate the performance of the proposed algorithms and schemes. The study of this thesis contributes to a better understanding of the channel physical constraints on algorithm design and potential performance improvement.


identifier: Silva, Murilo Teixeira <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Silva=3AMurilo_Teixeira=3A=3A.html>   (2017) A nonlinear approach to ocean wave spectrum extraction from bistatic HF-radar data.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
In this thesis, a new approach to the extraction of the directional ocean wave
spectrum from bistatic high frequency (HF) radar data is proposed. The proposed
method relies on the simplification of the second-order bistatic radar cross-section,
analogous to the one presented by Shahidi and Gill [1] for the monostatic case, to
facilitate the use of nonlinear optimization methods, such as regularized nonlinear
least-squares.
Initially, the historic development of the techniques related to the extraction of
the ocean wave spectrum from HF radar data is provided in order to contextualize
the work of this thesis. Then, an overview of the theory related to ocean waves and
the bistatic radar cross-section is shown. Later, the nonlinear optimization method
used in this thesis, Tikhonov regularization in Hilbert spaces, is explained, as well as
the theoretical background necessary to understand the method.
Once the theory is laid out, the simplification of the second-order bistatic HF
radar cross section is presented. The simplification consists of a change of variables
that allow the use of the “sifting” property of the Dirac delta function. This reduces
the dependence of the second-order bistatic cross-section to a single variable. After
the simplification process is shown, the methodology for extracting the directional
ocean wave spectrum from bistatic HF radar data is discussed.
As a proof-of-concept, the method is initially applied to the second-order bistatic
cross section, without the presence of noise. The method successfully extracted the
directional ocean wave spectrum without assuming any function model for the nondirectional
ocean wave spectrum, and assuming a cosine-power model for the directional spreading function.
Next, the first-order bistatic HF radar cross section is added to the second-order
cross section, and the proposed method is applied, still without noise present. The
proposed method was also able to extract the directional ocean wave spectrum and
very low error is added by the inclusion of the first-order cross section.
Finally, different levels of noise are added to the cross section including the first and
second- orders, and the presented method is applied for the extraction. Again,
the method yields good results, with acceptable levels of error for the different noise
levels.
This new approach to the extraction of the directional ocean wave spectrum from
bistatic HF radar data presents, to the author’s knowledge, the first nonlinear extraction
method for bistatic HF radar data. Further developments of the technique,
such as the use of different nonlinear extraction methods, or a general directional
spreading function, are suggested.


identifier: Zheng, Xiao <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Zheng=3AXiao=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Marine oil spill simulation and uncertainty analysis - a case study in the Newfoundland offshore area.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Oil spills have been regarded as one of the major contributors to marine pollution. With the rapidly changing environmental conditions and the diverse uncertainties in the data associated with the observation or meteorological and oceanographic data, the simulation of an oil spill is challenging to be accurate and reliable enough for supporting response management. Furthermore, with the different assumptions, structures and translations of various simulation models, results could significantly vary even with the same inputs. The objectives of this research are therefore 1) to compare three widely used models for offshore oil spill simulation and evaluate their capabilities under harsh environmental conditions; and 2) to develop a Design of Experiment (DOE) based approach for analyzing uncertainties associated with the spill modeling input and parameters to help improve offshore oil spill simulation.
In this research, the Terra Nova oil spill occurred on November 21, 2004, the largest oil spill in offshore Newfoundland, was chosen as a case study. The models, namely GNOME/ADIOS2 and OSCAR, were employed for the simulation of fate and transport of the spilled oil. During the simulation, ocean currents data from the Hybrid Coordinate Ocean Model (HYCOM) and surface wind data measured by the National Climate Data Center (NCDC) were used. The simulation results indicated that 43.7% of the spilled oil evaporated or dispersed in the first two days. With the model of OSCAR, 87.4% of the total spilled oil was evaporated or dispersed, while 10.8% was biodegraded. Only 1.6% of oil remained on the sea surface after six days, which agreed well with the historical data. The results from GNOME showed a more reasonable match with the observations from the RADARSAT-1 satellite images regarding the spill plume, shape and location as compared to those from OSCAR. But on the other hand, OSCAR showed better performance in simulating weathering process.
To facilitate a better understanding of the oil fate and transport, and to improve simulation performance, a DOE aided method was developed for sensitivity analysis, parameter calibration and interaction analysis of key factors during spill simulation. The interactions between wind speed and direction, and the currents have been analyzed and the effects of their interactions have been studied. In this case study, the key factors “Windage” and “Wind speed scale” both had the negative effects on the modeling response, but their interaction showed positive effects. The “Along current uncertainty” and “Diffusion coefficient” caused the negative and positive effects, respectively, but leading to the positive effects by their interaction. The results indicated that when adjusting the primary factors in order to optimize the response, interactions between factors may lead an opposite way and missed the optimal solution. The validation through the case study showed consistency with high values of R² (e.g., 0.93 and 0.95 for deviations of coverage and distance between the observed and simulated spills respectively). The results indicated that this DOE aided parameterization method could potentially be a useful tool for the evaluation of the contribution of multiple parameters and be applied as a new calibration method for other oil spill simulation models.


identifier: Alalaily, Hossam S. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Alalaily=3AHossam_S=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Service life of reinforced concrete exposed to chloride environment highlighting the effect of metakaolin in the mixture.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Experimental and numerical analysis were conducted to investigate the service life of reinforced concrete exposed to chloride attack highlighting the effect of using metakaolin (MK) in concrete mixtures. The research also aims to study and optimize the mixture proportions/composition of MK mixtures in order to maximize their service lifetime. Design tools/charts were also developed in this research to facilitate and simplify the service life prediction of the mixtures. Three main service life periods of reinforced concrete exposed to chloride environment were studied: corrosion initiation, propagation, and damage periods. The research was divided into three stages; the first stage experimentally studied and investigated the three corrosion periods (initiation, propagation, and damage periods) in concrete with MK and concrete with different curing conditions. The second stage developed mechanical and chloride permeability prediction equations for concrete containing MK. Finally, the third stage utilized probabilistic and extended finite element (XFEM) in predicting the corrosion periods for concrete containing MK.
In the first stage, two corrosion testing methods were used to study the three corrosion periods: impressed current corrosion and wet/dry cycles testing methods. Seventy-eight concrete samples were tested under the impressed current corrosion testing. In this investigation, three variables were studied: percentage of MK% (0% to 20%), cover thicknesses (20, 30, and 40 mm), and curing conditions. On the other hand, thirty concrete samples were tested under the wet/dry corrosion testing for two years to study the corrosion period under natural corrosion process and to compare the results with those of the impressed current corrosion testing. The results of the first stage indicated that the incorporation of MK significantly increased both the initiation and propagation periods with little increase in the damage period. Also, the different curing conditions had a clear effect on the initiation and propagation periods while length of the damage period was not significantly affected. The results from the wet/dry corrosion testing were compared with the impressed current corrosion technique and proved that the impressed current corrosion test can be used effectively to evaluate and compare the corrosion activities in different concrete qualities but cannot be used after the initiation of the first crack.
The second stage tested fifty-three concrete mixtures containing MK to develop prediction equations using statistical analysis. Three factors were considered in this stage: total binder content (350kg/m³-600Kg/m³), the percentage of MK (0%-25%), and the water-to-binder ratio (0.3-0.5). The mixtures were examined based on the rapid chloride permeability test, chloride diffusion test, compressive strength, modulus of elasticity, splitting tensile strength, flexural strength, and cost of mixture per cubic meter. More over, bulk diffusion test was adopted for two years to determine the time-dependent coefficient of chloride diffusion for all mixtures based on the error function solution to Fick’s law. Finally this stage also included some experimental relationships between the rapid chloride permeability test, chloride diffusion coefficient, and compressive strength results.moreover The derived models and design charts based on the experimental results in this stage were useful for optimizing and predicting the concrete mechanical and chloride permeability properties.
Finally, the third stage is divided into two parts: the first part was using probabilistic method to predict the probability of corrosion initiation and the second part was developing iv
XFEM to enhance predicting the propagation period (corrosion induced cracking). Three variables were investigated in this stage: total binder content (350kg/m³-600Kg/m³), MK% (0%-25%), concrete cover (20 mm- 60 mm) and W/B (0.3-0.5). In the first part, Monte Carlo simulation technique was used to predict probability of corrosion initiation in a concrete structure containing MK with different mixture proportions and concrete covers. Statistical modeling was then utilized to develop prediction models/charts to predict the probability of corrosion initiation for concrete containing MK, and identify the most significant factors affecting this stage. The results showed that the probability of corrosion decreased as the percentage of MK increased. The results also showed that the most significant factor affecting the corrosion probability was found to be MK replacement, W/B ratio, and binder content respectively, in order of significance. On the other hand, the second part utilized XFEM to investigate the crack propagation and expansive behavior of corroded steel bar on the concrete cover for a concrete structure containing MK. statistical analysis was incorporated with XFEM to develop prediction model/charts for the expansive pressure resulted from corrosion products. Finally validation samples were tested under accelerated corrosion to verify the enhanced model. The results indicated that the time required for corrosion-induced cracking obtained from the developed prediction model showed a good agreement with the experimental results of the accelerated corrosion samples. Also, the cracks predicted by the XFEM showed a similar trend of variation with that found in the accelerated corrosion samples.


identifier: Liu, Yi <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Liu=3AYi=3A=3A.html>   (2017) 3-acetamido-5-acetylfuran from n-acetyl-d-glucosamine: its synthesis, properties and applications.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
In recent years, biomass has been developed as a resource for production of biofuels
and renewable chemicals. 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) is an important platform
compound for a variety of value-added chemicals. 5-HMF can be obtained from the
dehydration of lignocellulosic biomass such as fructose, glucose, sucrose and cellulose.
There have been numerous studies on the synthesis of 5-HMF, among which many were
focused on the mechanisms. The tools and approaches used for mechanistic studies on the
transformation of biomass to 5-HMF were reviewed, showing that both lab techniques (e.g.
NMR spectroscopy, kinetic studies) and computational calculations can be used for
intermediate detection and mechanism investigation. It is proposed that the methods used
with this class of renewable feedstock will be valuable in studying the reactions of related
nitrogen-containing carbohydrates.
N-Acetyl-D-glucosamine (NAG) is an amino sugar and the monomer of chitin, which
occurs abundantly in the shells of crustaceans. The dehydration of NAG produces a
renewable amide, 3-acetamido-5-acetylfuran (3A5AF). When ionic liquids (ILs) were used
as solvents, the 3A5AF yield was influenced by the acidity of the ILs. The addition of boric
acid (B(OH)₃) and sodium chloride (NaCl) improved the 3A5AF yield. Ethyl acetate
(EtOAc) was added for in situ extraction of 3A5AF during the reaction, and an optimum
yield of 55.6% was achieved. Kinetic studies were performed for the dehydration of NAG
and its two isomers (NAGal, NAMan) in the presence of B(OH)₃. Chromogen I and III
were proposed as important intermediates in the mechanism, as their characteristic peaks were observed in the ¹H NMR spectra of NAG dehydration. ¹¹B NMR spectroscopy was
performed to study the role of B(OH)₃ in the dehydration of NAG. The reusability of
[Bmim]Cl in the conversion of NAG to 3A5AF was studied.
The pKa of 3A5AF was determined through both computational calculations and
experimental measurements. The solubility of 3A5AF in supercritical carbon dioxide
(scCO₂) was low, mainly due to the strong intermolecular forces between 3A5AF
molecules. Dimerization energies of 3A5AF were calculated, and IR and NMR analyses
were performed to investigate the hydrogen bonding. The highest occupied molecular
orbital, lowest unoccupied molecular orbital, electrostatic potential and atomic charges of
3A5AF were determined through molecular orbital calculations. A reaction between
3A5AF and a methyl Grignard reagent was performed to study the reactivity of the two
carbonyl carbons towards a nucleophile.
Hydrolysis of 3A5AF was performed via sodium hydroxide (NaOH) catalysis and an
amino-substituted furan product was obtained. Reduction of the acetyl group in 3A5AF
was achieved using sodium borohydride (NaBH₄) or catalytically via transferhydrogenation
using an iridium (Ir) catalyst. 3A5AF and the hydrolysis product were tested
for CO₂ capture, but no reaction was observed because of their inherent acidity.
Tautomerism of 3A5AF was observed in methanol-d4 (CD₃OD) as evidenced by H-D
exchange within the acetyl group.


identifier: Petten, Alison M. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Petten=3AAlison_M=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Gender differences in protective factors of child anxiety.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Anxiety is a commonly experienced emotion encompassed by nervousness, worry, and often
accompanied by physical symptoms such as increased heart rate (American Psychological
Association, 2015). Anxiety disorders are the most commonly diagnosed mental disorders in
both children and adolescents (Reinecke, Dattilio, & Freeman, 2006). While previous research
on gender differences in anxiety throughout adulthood is considerable, there is little on gender
differences among children. The present study examines protective factors of child anxiety,
namely self-esteem and coping strategies, from self-report data (Doyle, 2016) on children in
grades four and five to determine if gender differences exist. Maladaptive and adaptive coping
strategies were measured using the Coping Scale for Children and Youth (CSCY). Also, a
rating of global self-esteem was measured using the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory
Revised (SEI). While no gender differences were found on self-esteem, findings showed that
girls were significantly more likely than boys to draw on the coping strategy of “cognitive
avoidance”. Present findings are comparable to research in adult anxiety, such that women are
more likely to experience symptoms of anxiety than men, and more likely to engage in
avoidance behaviours (Bekker & van Mens-Verhulst, 2007; Kessler & Merikangas, 1994;
McLean, Asnaani, Litz, & Hofmann, 2011). However, some of the findings are inconsistent
with earlier adult studies. For example, boys use of problem solving strategies (Bahrami &
Yousefi, 2011). These results will expand the knowledge of anxiety, specifically among
younger children, and can inform the development and implementation of preventative
programming.


identifier: White, Dawn <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/White=3ADawn=3A=3A.html>   (2017) An exploration of the school-to-work transition for university graduates in northern Ontario: a qualitative case study.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This research study examined the school-to-work transition for Algoma University graduates in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, using a qualitative case study approach. The research explored the experiences of university graduates from the past ten years as well as service providers who directly support the transition in order to better understand the school –to-work transition in a Northern Ontario context. Understanding the school-to-work transition in a Northern Ontario context is significant as the region struggles with population decline, youth outmigration, an aging population, and large fluctuations in employment, all of which potentially contribute to challenges for university graduates as they transition to the labour market. The researcher conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews with 27 participants and examined themes that emerged from the data. Five major themes emerged in the study: (a) preparation in curriculum; (b) work experience; (c) expectation clash; (d) networking; and, (e) soft skills. The findings demonstrate a) the importance of situating career preparedness within the curriculum; (b) the importance of work experience; (c) there are multiple factors that influence the expectations of recent graduates; and, (d) the importance of networking and networks in a Northern Ontario context.


identifier: Strong, Tristan <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Strong=3ATristan=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Offshore solvent-based huff 'n' puff injector well improved oil recovery.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The solvent-based huff ‘n’ puff process has been used with great success in heavy oils with CO₂ as the solvent. The aim of this work was to explore the use of natural gas as a solvent in the huff ‘n’ puff process and apply this to the Hibernia reservoir by creating a numerical reservoir simulator to complete this study. A one-dimensional compositional reservoir model was created using MATLAB. The simulator was developed to be able to use a Cartesian as well as radial co-ordinate system, allowing for simulation of multiple processes which aided in the validation of the model. The model uses a robust flash calculation which was tested against known experimental values, as were all fluid prediction models. The reservoir flow was compared to known analytical solutions, using both constant-rate and constant-pressure boundaries. This was done to ensure the simulator could adequately handle the required boundary conditions for simulation of the huff ‘n’ puff process.
Slim-tube experiments were simulated with Hibernia oil using realistic reservoir properties, in order to determine the minimum miscibility pressure for different gases to be tested in the huff ‘n’ puff process. Simulation of the huff ‘n’ puff was successful for the huff and puff phases, but issues were encountered when simulating the puff phase. It was found that it was not possible to model the three-phase huff ‘n’ puff process in the one-dimensional simulator that was developed. Although the huff ‘n’ puff process was not able to be modelled using the developed simulator, the simulator was validated on many different levels and there are many other useful processes that can be simulated using this model. It is also a great foundation for future work studying the huff ‘n’ puff and many other gas injection processes.


identifier: Abdouni, Hala <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Abdouni=3AHala=3A=3A.html>   (2017) RNA enhances the activity of purified AID on DNA sequences of Immunoglobulin switch regions.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Activated B lymphocytes in peripheral lymphoid organs undergo class switch recombination and somatic hypermutation of antibody genes to produce antibodies with higher antigen-binding affinity. These processes are initiated by the DNA mutator enzyme activation–induced cytidine deaminase (AID) which mutates cytidine to uridine at Immunoglobulin loci. AID activity also results in mutations across the genome which in turn causes and exacerbates cancers. In vitro, AID mutates single stranded but not double-stranded oligonucleotide DNA substrates whereas in vivo, it acts preferentially on loci that are robustly transcribed or contain unusual transcriptional features. Taken together, AID is thought to target single stranded DNA liberated during transcription. In addition, AID has been shown to interact with factors associated with transcription, including the RNA exosome and spliceosome components, and with non-coding RNA itself. Here, we examined the behavior of purified AID on DNA/RNA hybrid substrates designed to simulate structures found at Immunoglobulin loci. We found that when composed of Immunoglobulin switch sequences, DNA/RNA hybrids significantly boost the catalytic activity of AID. We also identified numerous AID mutants which are catalytically inactive on DNA, whose activity is restored by proximity to RNA. Given the prevalence of RNA:DNA hybrids at Immunoglobulin switch sequences, our finding that RNA directly enhances the catalytic activity of AID on DNA suggest a novel role for RNA in regulating AID activity.


identifier: Lovas, Judit <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Lovas=3AJudit=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Exploring gender equality and women's empowerment: a critical examination of select L'Oréal corporate documents.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Although women make up half of the world’s population and over 40 percent of the global labour force, gender inequality is still prevailing. The formal commitment of the United Nations and the World Bank to achieve women’s equality is crucial to addressing the challenges of development and poverty; however, there is no part of the world where women and men are equal. Moreover, gender equality is worsened by globalization, in which private actors such as multinational companies play a controversial role.
L’Oréal, the world’s largest beauty corporation, employed approximately 52,000 women in 2013. The company is a signatory of the United Nations Global Compact (2000), and supports the United Nation’s Women’s Empowerment Principles (2010). Although L'Oréal claims that it is engaged in socially responsible corporate practices, with particular attention to issues of gender equality, few critical analyses of these claims exist. This research, a case study analysis of L’Oréal’s gender equality and women’s empowerment policies, concludes that the company’s concept of gender equality is limited, focusing on professional and workplace equality.


identifier: Tennier-Stuart, Emma <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Tennier-Stuart=3AEmma=3A=3A.html>   (2017) The performance of heritage tourism sites: communicate competence in two Cornish tourist villages.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Much has been written about the role of various imaginings of authenticity in the study of heritage tourism. This thesis examines tourists’ and locals’ experiences of two villages in Cornwall, England as a comparative case study of the roles that the perception and performance of authenticity play in heritage tourism. Using Richard Bauman’s work on performance theory in conjunction with Dean MacCannell’s concept of “staged authenticity” and John Urry’s concept of the “post-tourist,” this thesis will show that heritage destinations are emergent, succeeding or failing based on locals’ ability to perform these destinations to their visitors’ satisfaction.


identifier: Byrne, Shannon <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Byrne=3AShannon=3A=3A.html>   (2017) The effects of self-talk on gross motor and precision tasks in softball.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The purpose of this study was to further explore which form of self-talk (i.e.,
instructional or motivational) would enhance performance on precision and gross motor
related tasks in the sport of softball. Additionally, the impact of negative self-talk on
performance was explored. Eighty participants, forty males and forty female softball
players (M = 34.04. SD = 10.16) were randomized into four self-talk groups: (1)
instructional, (2) motivational, (3) negative, and (4) control group. Participants in the selftalk
groups attended a self-talk training session, and generated their own self-talk
statements. One week following the session, all participants completed the athletic tasks
(i.e., throwing a ball for distance and throwing at a target) using their generated self-talk
statements, and these tasks were repeated two additional times with at least one week
between each session. Although the findings were not significant, positive and negative
self-talk was found to impact performance. Akin to previous studies, positive self-talk led
to enhanced performance in both gross motor and precision tasks, while negative self-talk
led to poorer performance in gross motor tasks. It may be suggested that the use of
motivational and instructional self-talk may be an important mental training technique
that coaches and athletes could utilise when attempting to enhance athletic performance.


identifier: Wahl, Michael Jonathan <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Wahl=3AMichael_Jonathan=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Influence of supervised training and a hypocaloric macronutrient scheduled diet vs a hypocaloric macronutrient scheduled diet alone on energy regulating hormones in overweight and obese men ages 35-55: a randomized control trial.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Context: Adiponectin is a hormone involved in energy metabolism. However, its
response to weight loss achieved through Exercise + Diet as compared to Diet Alone, is
not fully understood. In addition, the impact of Exercise and Diet on adiponectin related
hormones has not been thoroughly investigated in the specific cohort of men ages 35-55
years of age who are overweight and obese.
Objectives: To determine; (1) the influence of 12 weeks of supervised resistance
training combined with a hypocaloric macronutrient scheduled diet (Exercise + Diet)
on fasting adiponectin in overweight and obese men, (2) the influence of the above
modalities on TNF-α, leptin, ghrelin, and testosterone, and (3) the relationship of
regional adiposity and body fat topography with these hormones.
Design, Setting, Participants: The study was a randomized control trial of fifty-one
healthy inactive males (35-55 years old), with a BMI of 25-35 kg/m², in St. John’s NL
between August 2011 and August 2014.
Intervention: Subjects received either a 12 weeks of Exercise + Diet or a Diet Alone
weight loss intervention.


identifier: Shadbahr, Jalil <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Shadbahr=3AJalil=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Modeling, optimization, and life cycle assessment of bioethanol production.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Second generation bioethanol produced primarily from lignocellulosic biomass resources has attracted great attention over the past two decades due to its numerous advantages such as: (i) potential to reduce environmental impacts in comparison to fossil fuels (ii) capability to mix with gasoline and use in vehicles without modifications in regular engines, and (iii) not competing with food resources that are being used in first generation ethanol.
Simultaneous Saccharification and Fermentation (SSF) approach was proffered for this research over the Separate Hydrolysis and Fermentation (SHF) method to mitigate the inhibition impacts of hydrolysis products and reduce the capital costs of process. SSF process was experimentally studied in a batch media at various levels of enzyme loading and sugars concentration to investigate the interactive influences of sugars concentration and enzyme loading on the final ethanol yield and concentration. Results indicate that cellulase inhibition by cellobiose and glucose is remarkable when enzyme loading is increased from intermediate to high level, particularly at high initial sugars concentrations. The acquired experimental data from batch SSF reactions were consequently applied to determine five major kinetic parameters (k1, k2, Keq, λ, and μ) of kinetic models which incorporate the synergistic effects of supplementing β-glucosidase with cellulase on cellulose conversion and end-product inhibitions. The accuracy and reliability of the derived kinetic parameters were then verified by the good agreement between experimental results and the simulation concentration profiles of sugars and ethanol using tuned parameters under different reaction conditions.
Multi-objective optimization of the SSF process based on mechanistic kinetic and reaction models was carried out in this study to further improve the SSF performance by simultaneously maximizing the ethanol yield/concentration and minimizing enzyme loading. Controlled elitist genetic algorithm, a variant of NSGA II, was used for bi-objective optimization of three case studies with a varied combination of objectives and constraints. The optimized objectives in each case were validated by experiments at the corresponding operating parameters. Comparing the results with non-optimized experiments proved that optimization is capable of improving the objectives.
Lower environmental impact is an important criterion when selecting the best technology for lignocellulose to bioethanol conversion. In this study, the influence of pretreatment process design on the environmental performance of the chained ethanol production process was evaluated by life cycle analysis. Resulting substrates by two pretreatment designs led to significant differences in final ethanol concentration. The amount of produced ethanol as the functional unit in the life cycle analysis of a bioethanol production plant will significantly affect the environmental performance of the system. LCA was performed in small scale (pretreatment unit) and large scale (bioethanol plant) for both scenarios and results confirmed that pretreatment process leading to higher final ethanol concentration helps to mitigate the environmental impacts of the whole production process in most environmental impact categories.


identifier: McDowell, Kalita Erin <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/McDowell=3AKalita_Erin=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Human preferences of canine coat colour and length.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The “Big Black Dog Syndrome (BBDS)” is a phenomenon often reported by animal
shelter workers to describe the belief that dogs with light coloured coats are consistently
preferred over dark and/or black coloured dogs (Leonard, 2011). Research based on shelter
adoption records is equivocal, however, with some studies finding support for BBDS and others
not. In the current study, neither the small pilot study in which participants rated dogs
photographs on a set of six semantic differential adjectives (Chapter 2), nor the much larger main
study, in which two groups of participants (online vs. on-campus) were forced to choose their
“preferred” dog from sets of two photos presented to them simultaneously (i.e., photos of the
same breed in a dark vs. light coat colour; Chapter 3) provided any support for a bias against
dark-coloured dogs. Rather, the main study revealed that online participants, in particular,
showed a dark coat preference for six of the eight “breed groups” created (Scenthound,
Sighthound, Sporting, Terrier, Toy, and Working groups). Participants showed an overall
preference for light coats in only one breed group (Primitive/Spitz) and no coat colour preference
in the remaining group (Herding). Furthermore, there were not necessarily similar coat
preferences shown for the individual breeds that comprised a breed group. These findings
suggest that people’s preference for canine coat colour is complex and may involve breedspecific
attributes; this is clearly incompatible with the existence of BBDS as a general
phenomenon.
Coat colour preference was influenced by participant location. For example, preferences
of participants from Newfoundland and Labrador (NL), a province with two official provincial
dogs that occur with black coats (the Labrador Retriever and Newfoundland dog) were compared
to the rest of Canadian participants’ preferences. Dark coat preferences emerged for the Newfoundland dog, in that NL participants selected a greater proportion of black Newfoundland
dogs than participants from other regions of Canada when forced to choose between the black
coat and the other two coat colour variations (black and white vs. brown). In contrast, Canadians
from other provinces showed a clear preference for the Landseer (black and white coat) over the
other two coat colours.
Findings of these studies suggest that the concept and definition of BBDS requires
reconsideration, as its very existence as a general phenomenon relating to people’s preferences
for dog coat colour and type is in question. The strength of preferences, as measured by
proportion of participants’ choices for photographs of dogs in dark or light coats, is not extreme,
again suggesting that there is no strong bias against dark-coated dogs. Though the study did
reveal that participants made a significantly greater proportion of light-coat selections for one
breed group (Primitive/Spitz), the majority do not show this preference. Biases may become
more apparent at breed level, as preferences within breed groups varied considerably, suggesting
that specific breeds are not subject to the same prejudices as other breeds. It is important to note
that only photographs of identifiable purebred dogs were used in the study, and many of which
were captured in professional manner, i.e. at dog shows. It is possible that colour preferences
differ or are influenced differently for purebred and mixed-breed dogs. Future research should
examine the issue more closely.


identifier: Wang, Zhongqi <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Wang=3AZhongqi=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Integrated geosteering workflow for optimal well trajectory.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The enormous upfront expense of developing heterogeneous reservoirs and the desire to increase ultimate recovery has spurred oil companies to develop and use innovative reservoir characterization techniques. Geostatistics is a technique using a branch of statistics focusing on spatial datasets and was developed originally to predict probability distributions of ore grades for mining operations. Geostatistically derived reservoir modeling is perhaps the most successful means of improving performance predictions in heterogeneous reservoirs. A reliable geostatistical model can be used to guide the drilling path at field scale and make a more scientific field development plan.
The objective of this study is to optimize production performance by combined geostatistical algorithms, Logging While Drilling techniques and reservoir simulation methods. Formation petrol-physics models are built with Kriging and Sequential Gaussian simulation methods and then updated with real time Logging While Drilling data to guide the drilling process and finally compare the model difference with production indices.
The data used in this study is from E-Segment Norne Field located in the Norwegian Sea. 2-D and 3-D porosity & permeability geostatistical models and a simple reservoir simulation model are built to describe the formation porosity and permeability regional distribution. A new well trajectory is designed based on updated models. The results demonstrate that new well trajectories significantly improve the production performance with the updated models, which reflects the importance of geostatistics in treatment of reservoir heterogeneity.


identifier: Kenny, Therese E. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Kenny=3ATherese_E=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Examining emotion regulation in binge eating disorder.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Background: Emotion regulation (ER) theory posits that individuals with binge eating disorder (BED) experience difficulties in ER and consequently engage in binge eating to modulate intense emotions. Method: Individual with BED (N = 62) and individuals with no history of an eating disorder (NED; N = 80) were recruited from the community and completed measures of eating disorder psychopathology, difficulties in ER, depression, insomnia, and impulsivity. Results: Individuals with BED reported increased difficulties in ER and in emotion-related facets of impulsivity compared to individuals with NED. Increased difficulties in ER were associated with eating disorder psychopathology and depression modulated the relationship between ER and binge frequency, such that this association was significant in individuals who reported higher depression. Insomnia symptom severity did not moderate the relationship between ER and eating disorder pathology. Conclusions: The findings support the ER model of BED. Clinical implications and future directions for research are discussed.


identifier: Doney, Ethan Douglas <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Doney=3AEthan_Douglas=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Urban and rural acceptance of management of a newly established wood bison (Bison bison athabascae) population in Alaska, USA.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This human dimensions study on wood bison restoration in Alaska aims to
understand and analyze public values, attitudes, fear, and support for management in the
state. Self-administered questionnaires (n=515) were distributed in urban centers.
Interviewer-administered questionnaires (n=31) were applied in rural villages. Findings
showed that overall tolerance of wood bison is very high among Alaskans, but that urban
and rural residents differ greatly on their preferred management of the animals. Results
indicated that stable attitudes have not yet been formed by the urban public, although
support for lethal management is very low indicating more positive attitudes toward the
species or at least their conservation. Wildlife managers will need to use this information
in order to inform future management strategies to minimize any potential social conflicts
surrounding the resource.


identifier: Lockyer, Evan James <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Lockyer=3AEvan_James=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Cadence vs power output: corticospinal excitability to muscles of the upper arm is modulated differently with increases in arm cycling intensity.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Indirect evidence suggests that arm cycling, like other forms of human locomotor outputs, is partially produced by a specialized set of neurones within the spinal cord, called a central pattern generator (CPG), although it is known that the brain also plays a role. Most of what is known regarding the neural control of locomotor outputs has come from research using several different neurophysiology techniques. From this research, it appears that the ‘type’ of locomotor intensity may be controlled differently by the central nervous system. Specifically, research suggests that the neural control of locomotor outputs is different when speed (i.e. cadence) and load (i.e. power output) are manipulated. To date, no study has compared the influence of cadence and power output on corticospinal and spinal excitability using transcranial magnetic stimulation and transmastoid electrical stimulation during arm cycling. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine corticospinal and spinal excitability to the biceps and triceps brachii during arm cycling as the cadence and power output were increased.


identifier: Pike, Levi <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Pike=3ALevi=3A=3A.html>   (2017) A performance analysis of multivariate nonparametric control charts.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Robust and efficient multivariate control charts are not common in literature. This
report explores the versatility of the few distribution-free, nonparametric multivariate
Statistical Process Control (MSPC) charts suitable for average run length (ARL)
analysis. Current datasets are becoming increasingly complex, large, and less likely
to follow distributional properties required for traditional parametric statistics, a fact
especially true for a multivariate setting. The purpose of our study is to compare
the newest available methods, not previously compared with one another in cases and
data structures not yet explored. Due to the versatility and robustness of the types of
data these methods can accommodate, finding real world applications is trivial. The
five methods applied here are able to exploit different types of changes to the structure
of a distribution, rather than simply detect a mean shift. These methods have similar
features, able to avoid lengthy data-gathering steps, and applicable in short-run and
start up situations. By establishing cut-off values simultaneously based on input observations,
rather than beforehand, the methods are applying data-dependent control
limits which shows their truly distribution-free property. Some of the current areas
of improvement continue to be on creating more computationally efficient algorithms
for these methods.


identifier: Sasi, Mahmud Ahmed <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Sasi=3AMahmud_Ahmed=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Fuzzy logic control of MPPT controller for PV systems.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This thesis presents a comparison between two methods to optimize the energy extraction in a
photovoltaic (PV) power system. The maximum power of a PV module varies due to changing
temperature, solar radiation, and load. To maximize efficiency, PV systems use a maximum power
point tracker (MPPT) to constantly extract the highest power that can be produced by a solar panel
and then deliver it to the load. The general structure of an MPPT system contains a DC-DC
converter (an electronic device that converts a source of direct current DC from one voltage level
to another) and a controller. The MPPT finds and maintains operations at the maximum power
point using a tracking algorithm during variations in weather conditions. Many different
algorithms of MPPT have been proposed and discussed in the literature, but most of these methods
have disadvantages in terms of efficiency, accuracy, and flexibility. Because of the nonlinear
behavior of PV module current-voltage characteristics and the nonlinearity of DC-DC converters
due to switching, conventional controllers are unable to provide the best response, especially when
dealing with wide parameter variations and line transients. The goal of this work is to design and
implement a maximum power point tracker that uses a fuzzy logic control algorithm. Fuzzy logic
naturally provides a superior controller for this type of nonlinear application. This method also
benefits from the artificial intelligence approach for overcoming the complexity in modeling
nonlinear systems. In order to succeed in this work, an MPPT system consisting of a PV module,
a DC-DC converter, batteries, and a fuzzy logic controller is designed and simulated in Simulink.
Analyses of buck, boost, and buck-boost converter characteristics are carried out to find the most
suitable topology for the PV system used. An integrated model of the PV module with the
identified converter and batteries is simulated in MATLAB to derive the expert knowledge needed
to formulate and tune the fuzzy logic controller. The simulation results show that the fuzzy logic controller is able to obtain the desired outcomes and is ready to be applied to the hardware system.
This entire research work aims to compare two types of controller-based MPPT techniques. Both
MPPTs are based on the same topology of DC-DC converter and are applied with the same PV
system specifications. That is, one of the MPPTs was kept at its original specifications and the
other one was modified by changing the internal PIC 16F684 controller with an external Arduino
Uno controller. Based on a MATLAB fuzzy logic design, the Arduino code was programmed and
uploaded into an Arduino board by using Arduino software (IDE). The proposed method illustrates
that the performance of MPPT is improved in terms of oscillations about the maximum power
point, speed, and sensitivity to parameter variation. The results indicate that a significant amount
of extra power can be extracted from a photovoltaic module by using a fuzzy logic-based
maximum power point tracker in comparison with a PIC 16F684 controller-based maximum power
tracker. Moreover, this gives improved efficiency for the operation of a PV power system, since
batteries can be sufficiently charged and used during periods of low solar radiation.


identifier: Ismail, Mohamed Karam Hussein <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Ismail=3AMohamed_Karam_Hussein=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Flexural, shear, and mechanical behaviour of self-consolidating-rubberized concrete with/without steel fibres.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This research program focuses on investigating the applicability of using crumb rubber (CR) as a replacement for fine aggregate in developing a novel eco-friendly concrete type suitable for structural applications, especially when self-consolidating concrete (SCC) is used. Four extensive experimental studies have been carried out on both small- and large-scale concrete specimens to accomplish the research objective. The first and second studies aimed to optimize a number of successful self-consolidating rubberized concrete (SCRC) and steel fibre SCRC (SFSCRC) mixtures with maximized percentages of CR and minimized reduction in the stability and strength. The first parametric study included 27 SCRC mixtures developed with different binder contents (500-550 kg/m³), supplementary cementing materials (SCMs) (metakaolin (MK), fly ash (FA), and ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS)), coarse aggregate sizes (10-20 mm), and entrained air admixture. The second parametric study included 19 SFSCRC mixtures developed with different binder content (550–600 kg/m³), steel fibre (SF) volume fractions (0.35% and 0.5%), and lengths of SFs (35 and 60 mm). In this study (study 2), another three vibrated rubberized concrete (VRC) and four steel fibre VRC (SFVRC) mixtures were developed for comparison. In both study 1 and 2, the fresh and mechanical properties of the developed mixtures were evaluated using small-scale specimens. The fresh properties included flowability, passing ability, high-range water-reducer admixture (HRWRA) demand, coarse aggregate segregation, and CR distribution. On the other hand, the evaluation of mechanical properties in both study 1 and 2 included compressive strength, splitting tensile strength (STS), flexural strength (FS), modulus of elasticity, impact resistance, ultrasonic pulse velocity, and acoustic emission measurements. The third and fourth studies evaluated the structural performance (flexural and shear) of large-scale reinforced concrete beams made with SCRC, VRC, SFSCRC, and SFVRC. In these studies, a total of 36 optimized mixtures from study 1 and 2 were selected to cast 36 large-scale reinforced concrete beams to be tested in flexure and shear (24 beams in flexure and 12 beams in shear). The performance of some design codes and empirical equations in predicting the first cracking moment, flexural, and shear capacity of the tested beams was also evaluated in study 3 and 4.
The results showed that using CR in SCRC helped to develop mixtures with improved impact resistance, acoustic absorption capacity, and lower self-weight, but their stability, fresh, and mechanical properties were decreased. However, using higher binder content, different SCMs, and entrained air in SCRC improved their fresh properties and allowed high percentages of CR to be used, successfully. Moreover, MK was found to be the most effective SCMs that could obviously improve the stability and strength of SCRC. Although using SFs in SCRC mixtures negatively affected the fresh properties of the mixtures, they proved to have a significant enhancement on the mixtures’ strengths, especially STS, FS, and impact resistance. Since the challenge to optimize mixtures with high flowability and passing ability was not a factor in developing vibrated mixtures, it was possible to develop SFVRC mixtures with higher percentage of CR and SFs. This high combination of CR and SFs provides a new concrete composite with further improvement in ductility, toughness, impact resistance, and with further reduction in self-weight. The results of the flexural testing conducted in study 3 indicated that increasing the CR appeared to narrow crack widths and improve deformability of SCRC and VRC beams at given load. The safe use of CR in structural applications was found to be 15%. Further increase in the CR content showed a significant reduction in the first cracking moment and ultimate flexural capacity of the tested beams, while the ductility and toughness did not show a confirmed effect for the higher percentages of CR. On the other hand, in SFVRC, the addition of 1% SFs (35 and 60 mm) helped to extend the possible safe content of CR to 35%, achieving successfully semi-lightweight concrete beams with a sufficient capacity, ductility, and toughness for multiple structural applications.
In shear testing conducted in study 4, using CR in SCRC and VRC beams showed a reduction in their shear capacity, post-diagonal cracking resistance, and energy absorption. These reductions could be alleviated by inclusion of SFs. The composite effect of CR and SFs also helped to narrow the developed cracks and change the failure mode from a brittle shear failure to a ductile flexural failure, particularly for SFs volume of 1%. The comparisons between the predictions and the experimental results (obtained from study 3 and 4) indicated that most of the proposed equations can satisfactorily estimate the flexural and shear capacity, but the first cracking moment was overestimated.


identifier: Shekoufa, Navid <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Shekoufa=3ANavid=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Continuous authentication and its application in personal health record systems.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Authenticating users in commercial smartphones is currently a naive process
putting the smartphone owner in security risks in events such as unauthorized device
sharing, device loss or theft, and session hijacking. With the recent interest of gov-
ernmental and health organizations to provide their users with applications that can
be run on their smartphones, securing these devices with measures above the cur-
rent solutions is imperative. In this research, we propose a continuous authentication
module for a Personal Health Record system that monitors its users for authenticity
over time via their touch biometrics and denies access to those who can not satisfy
authentication criteria.
The proposed solution can be used in any smartphone application that is highly
sensitive in terms of privacy and security which needs continuous authentication while
running. We will also propose a notification module that helps to build transparency
for the user about how their shared personal information is used in the system, so they
will be more willing to trust our application. The proposed continuous authentication
was implemented in an actual Personal Health Record system for Android enabled
smartphones to make it more secure and practical to use. The results show an average
precision of above 95% in detecting whether a user is the legit owner of a smartphone
or not. Finally, we composed an open-source dataset for touch biometrics and made
it available to the public. This is the first publicly available dataset related to touch
biometrics.


identifier: Roche, Ray <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Roche=3ARay=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Model study of the impact of hydropower developments on the oceanography of Hudson Bay.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Hudson Bay is a large inland sea in northern Canada which is characterized by high tides and strong residual currents. It is relatively shallow and isolated from the ocean, and its physical oceanography is largely dependent on freshwater river runoff, surface wind, freshwater and heat fluxes.
The freshwater budget of Hudson Bay has a substantial impact on the environment of the basin, its salinity, stratification of the water column and sea-ice formation. The export of fresh surface waters via the Hudson Strait into the Labrador Sea have been a center of intense studies because of their potential effect on the vertical stratification and deep convection in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean.
Over the past several decades, some of the largest rivers which discharge into Hudson Bay (Nelson, Churchill, Moose, and La Grande Riviere) have been affected by dams, diversions, and reservoirs constructed for generation of hydroelectricity. The thesis presents results from a model study of the impact of this development on the oceanography of Hudson Bay. I use an eddy-permitting, non-tidal model of the North Atlantic and Hudson Bay forced with NCEP atmospheric forcing over the period from 1948 up to 2005. River run-off is determined based on Environment Canada data for 23 rivers which discharge into the HBS collected between 1964 and 2005.
The model results suggest that the hydropower developments in the mid-1970s had two major effects on the characteristics of river runoff into Hudson Bay. Firstly, they reduced the amplitude of seasonal cycle of the freshwater input of some major rivers. Secondly, they caused a change in the spatial distribution of annual mean river runoff. The river diversions had a significant impact on the ocean characteristics of the James Bay. The model simulations suggest that the surface salinity in this region increased since the mid-1970s also affecting processes of vertical mixing and ice-formation.


identifier: Calder, Meghan A. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Calder=3AMeghan_A=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Self-care patterns and burnout in a sample of social workers in Eastern Newfoundland with an organizational context.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The purpose of this study was to gain insight into the role that self-care patterns have on burnout in social workers in Eastern Newfoundland within the context of the Bolman and Deal (2013) four frames model. Methods included a three-part survey including the Self-Care Assessment Worksheet, Maslach Burnout Inventory, and Areas of Worklife Survey. The open-ended research questions further explored self-care, burnout and the organization’s role in relation to it.
Those with 20+ years of experience had the lowest level of burnout. Results showed the more one engages with self-care practices, the lower burnout they experience. Participants working in CYFS had the highest scores of depersonalization and those working directly with clients experienced more burnout than those who did not work with clients. Results showed 40% of participants felt that their organization doesn’t support the practice of self-care. Emerging themes relating to burnout included workload demands, difficulties with organizations and/or management, and working with traumatized clients. Interesting patterns and themes were also noted about self-care in the context of social work practice.


identifier: Ismail, Mohammad A. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Ismail=3AMohammad_A=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Validation of a propane gas calibration device for indirect calorimetric systems.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Indirect calorimetry (IC) estimates volumes of oxygen uptake (V̇O₂) and carbon
dioxide
production (V̇ CO₂). From these volumes we calculate energy expenditure and
respiratory exchange ratio which is used to estimate substrate utilization rates. The
accuracy of IC systems is critical to detect small changes in metabolic data. Indirect
calorimetry systems calibration is one way to ensure accurate data. The aim of this study
was to validate a new calibration method using propane gas technique with three metabolic
systems under environment with standardized conditions. A series of propane gas with
different flow levels and ventilation rates were run on three different IC systems. The
actual experimental V̇O₂ and V̇CO₂ were calculated and compared to stoichiometry
theoretical values. Results showed a linear relationship between gas volumes (V̇O₂
and V̇CO₂) and propane gas flows (99.6%, 99.2%, 94.8% for Sable, Moxus, and
Jaeger systems respectively). In terms of system error, Jaeger system had significantly
(p < .001) greater V̇O₂ (M = -0.057, SE = .004), and V̇CO₂ (M = -0.048, SE = .002) error
compared to either the Sable (V̇O₂, M = 0.044, SE = 0.004; V̇CO₂, M = 0.024, SE = 0.002)
or Moxus (V̇O₂, M = 0.046, SE = 0.004; V̇CO₂, M = 0.025, SE = 0.002) systems. There
were no significant differences between Sable or Moxus systems. In conclusion, propane
gas technique is valid to calibrate Sable and Moxus systems but not Jaeger system.
Keywords: calibration, energy expenditure, Indirect calorimetry, propane gas.


identifier: Morales Gonzalez, Hugo Raziel <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Morales_Gonzalez=3AHugo_Raziel=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Population genomics of Vaccinium vitis-idaea L. and links to environmental conditions, total phenolics, and antioxidant capacity in Newfoundland and Southern Labrador.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Lingonberry, also called Partridgeberry in Newfoundland (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) is
native to Eurasia, Greenland, Iceland and North America. Partridgeberry is well known for
its nutritional benefits, making it increasingly important for cultivation. While cultivation in
Europe is widespread, it is only in developmental stages in North America. Knowledge of
the genetic structure of wild populations, and its relationship with environmental
conditions, phenolic content (TPC), and antioxidant capacity (AC) is necessary for the
selection of desirable genotypes, but this knowledge is incomplete globally. Therefore, the
genetic structure of 56 wild partridgeberry populations distributed across nine ecoregions
of Newfoundland and Southern Labrador in Canada were investigated in the present
experimental study. This thesis also evaluated the effects of environmental factors on the
TPC and AC of partridgeberry leaves. By testing different variable levels, significantly
higher TPC on leaves was found in individuals growing under elevated levels of surface
water pH (>7). Significantly higher AC was found in individuals from the Central
Newfoundland, North Shore Forest, and Maritime Barrens ecoregions and in individuals
with low surface water pH (<6.6). AC was significantly lower for individuals with low
sensitivity to acid rain (alkalinity of >200 μeq/L). Temperature and precipitation had no
effect on TPC or AC. Contrary to expectations, no correlation between TPC and AC was
found. Individuals formed three genetic groups, which showed some geographic structure
according to ecoregion and temperature. Individuals collected in areas with the coldest
mean annual and summer temperatures were clustered within one genetic group. As
expected, geographically closer individuals were also genetically closer and contained
similar quantities of TPC. However, I did not find any correlation between genetic distance
and TPC or AC, suggesting that these desired biochemical traits for plant breeding
programs are very much influenced by the environment. Future research should focus on
the environmental effects I found over a longer period of time, under controlled field or
greenhouse conditions, and the expression of genes in the phenyl-propanoid metabolism.


identifier: Enrico, Valerio Tonelli <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Enrico=3AValerio_Tonelli=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Dietary inflammatory index and chronic pain in an adult, non-institutionalized civilian population of the US.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Chronic pain (CP) has a high prevalence worldwide. Yet, the mechanisms behind it are largely to be explained. One possible cause of CP is inflammation. The Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) assesses the tendency of diet to cause inflammation.
The association between DII and presence of chronic pain in neck and/or lower back was studied, as well as pain duration longer than 24 hours and longer than 3 months. The hypothesis was that higher levels of DII are associated with increased pain presence and duration. A population of 3966 individual taken from the 2003-2004 NHANES survey was considered. Baseline characteristics were analyzed with chi-square test and t-test. Univariate and multivariable analysis were performed using logistic regressions. Manual selection method was used for final model construction. The analyses performed were cross sectional.
DII levels were deemed significantly associated with presence of pain in lower back and/or neck in the final model (p= 0.0346; Odds Ratio (OR)= 1.031; 95% Confidence Interval (CI)= 1.002 - 1.060) which included another four relevant covariates. DII levels were also deemed significant in association with pain longer than 24 hours (p=<.0001). Lastly, DII levels were significantly associated with pain lasting longer than 3 months in the univariate analysis (p= 0.0164; OR=1.012 95%CI=1.042 - 1.124), although this association was lost in the multivariable analysis (p= 0.2956). From the results of this study, it appears that higher levels of DII (as a result of a pro-inflammatory diet) may play a role in the etiology mechanism of chronic pain and possibly in its perpetration.


identifier: Creelman, Bradley <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Creelman=3ABradley=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Using spacetime surgeries to model bouncing null fluids and null fluid radiation.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
In 1991 Ori proposed a construction to remedy energy condition violations in the
ingoing Vaidya-Reissner-Nordström (VRN) spacetime. The model replaces the violation
regions of VRN with an outgoing VRN spacetime. The two spacetimes are
attached along a spacelike hypersurface and the hybrid spacetime models the ingoing
matter bouncing at this surface. Such a spacetime surgery was claimed to produce
no thin shell at the junction surface. In 2015 Booth showed that in the special case
of extremal Reissner-Nordström a thin shell will exist under the same construction.
In this work the Ori construction is generalized to Husain null
uids, a one parameter
generalization of the VRN solution. Along the way, the tension between the
extremal case and the VRN case will be resolved: there are several ways to match
coordinates along the junction surface and the two cases chose different matchings.
Further, the case of a timelike junction surface will be analyzed as a classical model
of null radiation from a black hole.


identifier: Walsh, Megan M. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Walsh=3AMegan_M=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Mindfulness at work: implications for leaders and followers.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This dissertation investigates the benefits of mindfulness from the point of view of
leaders (Study 1) and employees (Study 2). In Study 1, I draw on Conservation of
Resources (COR) and dual process theory (Strack & Deutsch, 2004) to develop a
framework that outlines the mediating mechanisms explaining the relationship between
leader resource depletion (emotional exhaustion) and leadership style (transformational
leadership and abusive supervision). Using Glomb, Duffy, Bono and Yang’s (2011)
framework of self-regulation, I identify empathy and negative emotion as mediators that
are of particular importance for leaders. In addition, I propose that leader mindfulness
would disrupt this process to improve leadership style.
Using a time-lagged survey of leader follower pairs (N = 63; follower perceptions
of leadership style as the criterion), Study 1’s model was not supported. However, using
the larger sample of leaders’ (N = 505; leader self-reported leadership style as the
criterion), I found that leader empathy and negative emotion mediated the relationships
between emotional exhaustion and leadership style. Furthermore, I found that leader
mindfulness significantly moderated the indirect effect of leader emotional exhaustion on
leadership style through negative emotion. However, leader mindfulness did not moderate
the relationship between emotional exhaustion and empathy.
In Study 2, I shift focus to the benefits of mindfulness from the followers’
perspective in terms of the relationship between leadership style and employee wellbeing.
I define well-being in terms of four key categories: physical, social, psychological,
and cognitive. I again use COR theory to suggest that employee mindfulness will boost the positive relationship between transformational leadership and employee well-being,
and will buffer the negative relationship between abusive supervision and employee wellbeing.
I found, using a time-lagged survey of 246 employees, that employee mindfulness
boosted the positive relationship between transformational leadership and psychological
well-being (null results for the other facets of well-being). Contrary to my hypothesis,
employee mindfulness intensified, rather than buffered, the relationship between abusive
supervision and employee psychological well-being. This study shows the benefits of
employee mindfulness in certain contexts, and reveals one potential dark side of
mindfulness at work. I conclude with a general discussion of both studies and outline
future directions for research.