identifier: Kabir, AKM Fayazul <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Kabir=3AAKM_Fayazul=3A=3A.html>   (2016) Influence of humic acid on colloidal illite stability and attachment and transport of nTiO₂ in water saturated sand columns.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Effects of pH and humic acid on the attachment of illite particles to sand, and effects of surfactant and grain size of the porous media on the transport of nTiO₂ in sand columns were investigated. Results showed that illite colloids were stable in 1 mM NaCl solutions at pH 5 and 9 at HA concentrations of 0-20 mg/L. The attachment of illite colloids to quartz sand was not influenced by HA or pH, but illite attachment to Fe coated sand at pH 5 decreased with increasing HA concentration. Stability of TiO₂ particles were influenced by pH, ionic strength and surfactant. Transport of nTiO₂ was influenced by pH, xanthan gum, and higher in coarse-grained sand columns compared to that in fine-grained sand columns under certain conditions. Interaction energies between particles and between particles and sand calculated based on Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek theory agreed with the experimentally observed particle stability, attachment, and transport.


identifier: Baker, Erin <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Baker=3AErin=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Psychometric testing of scales designed to monitor the psychosocial impact of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy: a pilot study.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

type: Thesis NonPeerReviewed

abstract:
This pilot study validated two psychometric scales, the Psychosocial Adjustment to Hereditary Disease (PAHD) and the Hereditary Diseases and Genetic Testing (HD-GT) scales, for use in the Newfoundland and Labrador Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy population. Both scales were previously validated in the Newfoundland hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) population.
The target population for this study was individuals born at an a priori 50% risk for the TMEM43 mutation that causes ARVC who had undergone genetic testing. In total, 73 participants returned completed surveys.
Psychometric testing of both scales followed the procedures outlined by Ware and Gandek (1998) and demonstrated satisfactory data quality, reliability and validity. Results indicated potential usefulness in the ARVC population warranting analysis with a larger sample size.
No large-scale differences were found between carriers and non-carriers; however, small differences in particular aspects of psychosocial adjustment based on gender, gender of transmitting parent, and age were found.


identifier: Islam, Jannatul <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Islam=3AJannatul=3A=3A.html>   (2017) How can natural resource dependent social enterprises facilitate community sustainability? Insights from fishery and forestry cases in Newfoundland and Labrador.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Community development is often natural resource dependent, particularly in rural regions, but access to natural resources is often decided and prioritized by access to capital, rather than adjacency and necessity for nearby communities. I argue that social enterprises are the best collaborative mechanism to sustain community rights to natural resources and increase community residents’ ability to serve community development purposes through their use of these resources. Social enterprises based on social capital and for social welfare purposes can be characterised as innovative sources of social value-creation as they alleviate social problems and catalyze social transformation. However, there is a lack of scholarship on the relationship between natural resources and social enterprises. This research, through comparative case studies, will study the concept and role that natural resource-based social enterprises play in facilitating rural community development in the Newfoundland and Labrador fishery and forestry sectors, with particular focus on case studies from the rural region of the Northern Peninsula of Newfoundland. The conclusion covers the problems and prospects of the cases of natural resource dependent social enterprises and makes recommendations aimed at minimizing the effects of problems and facilitating the prospects.


identifier: Reid, Vanessa N. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Reid=3AVanessa_N=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Recruitment patterns and post-metamorphic attachment by the solitary ascidian, Ciona intestinalis (Linnaeus, 1767) in an invading population from Placentia Bay Newfoundland and Labrador.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Ciona intestinalis (Linneaus, 1767) is a non-indigenous species discovered in Newfoundland (NL) in 2012. It is a bio-fouler with potential to cause environmental distress and economic strain for the aquaculture industry. Key in management of this species is site-specific knowledge of life history and ecology. This study defines the environmental tolerances, recruitment patterns, habitat preferences, and attachment behaviours of C. intestinalis in Newfoundland.
Over two years of field work, settlement plates and surveys were used to determine recruitment patterns, which were correlated with environmental data. The recruitment season extended from mid June to late November.
Laboratory experiments defined the growth rate and attachment behaviours of Ciona intestinalis. I found mean growth rates of 10.8% length·d⁻¹. The ability for C. intestinalis to undergo metamorphosis before substrate attachment, forming a feeding planktonic juvenile, thus increasing dispersal time was also found. These planktonic juveniles were then able to attach to available substrates post-metamorphosis.


identifier: Kazemi, Khoshrooz <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Kazemi=3AKhoshrooz=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Solid waste composting and the application of compost for biosurfactant production.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
In Canada, about 9 million tonnes of residential waste with over 40% of organic waste was disposed every year. Another major source of organic waste in Canada is from the seafood processing industry. For effective organic waste management, composting serves as a sound, cost-efficient and environmental friendly measure.
The selection of bulking agents is of primary importance to adjust the moisture and carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio of organic waste during composting. Therefore, initially, the performance of locally available bulking agents (i.e., sawdust and peat in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL)) during organic municipal solid waste (MSW) composting was evaluated. Results indicated that to generate a high temperature and a longer duration of high temperature to kill pathogens and sterilize the compost, peat was considerably more effective.
A design of experiment (DOE) based methodology was then adopted to investigate the effects of multiple factors including C/N ratio, moisture content (MC), type of bulking agent (BA) and aeration rate (AR) and their interactions on the maturity, stability and toxicity of compost product. For the first time, enzyme activities were used as indices of maturity and stability during the course of a DOE based composting. The results provided guidance to optimize a MSW composting system that will lead to increased decomposition rate and the production of more stable and mature compost.
Thirdly, the feasibility of using enzyme activities for indicating the state of marine fish waste composting was also examined. A good correlation among enzyme activities and different physiochemical parameters including oxygen uptake rate (OUR), C/N ratio, and germination index (GI) led to the conclusion that enzyme activities could be feasible indicators of the state and evolution of the composting process.
Raw materials contribute about 30% of the biosurfactant production cost. Evaluation of the feasibility of using fish waste compost (FWC) extract as an unconventional substrate for biosurfactant production was highly desirable to refine the utilization of FWC and achieve the economical biosurfactant production. In this study, the nutrient extraction from FWC was achieved by enzyme hydrolysis and optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). The extract was used to produce biosurfactants by Rhodococcus erythropolis sp. P6-4P and bacillus sp. N3-1P strains. FWC extract showed a good potential as an unconventional source of nutrient for microbial growth. The obtained biosurfactants showed excellent properties with high surface tension reduction, high emulsification activity, and exhibited a high level of stability.
The research outputs can contribute to the technical and scientific knowledge to design and operate composting system to manage the organic MSW and fish waste by achieving a double benefit of waste reduction while producing marketable products. Additionally, the products and the bioprocess can be of great value to both scientific understanding and industrial applications.


identifier: Gregory, Anne Bernadette <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Gregory=3AAnne_Bernadette=3A=3A.html>   (2017) The relationship between body mass index and coronary artery disease in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The focus of this master’s research was two-fold. First, the relationship between body
mass index (BMI) and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) was examined in
patients undergoing diagnostic coronary angiography (CA) for suspected CAD in
Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. The primary outcomes were 1-year all-cause and
cardiac specific mortality. Second, in patients with established CAD and undergoing
percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) the relationship between BMI and short-term
adverse events including vascular and non-vascular (i.e., in-lab and post-procedural)
complications was investigated. This thesis is presented in manuscript form and consists
of four chapters with the first being an introduction and the fourth, final chapter being a
discussion. The second chapter focuses on the relationship between BMI and
angiographic severity of CAD, while the third chapter focuses on the impact of BMI on
vascular and non-vascular complications in patients undergoing PCI. This research failed
to detect an association of BMI levels with 1-year mortality in patients with suspected
CAD after adjustment for potential confounding variables. Further, overweight and
obesity were not independent correlates of short-term complications among patients with
established CAD who had a PCI.


identifier: Pinto, Plinio Ferreira <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Pinto=3APlinio_Ferreira=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Experimental and numerical investigation of the influence of cables on utility pole modal property extraction.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This work is a preliminary study on the dynamic response of poles with and without the influence of electrical lines. It is part of a research collaboration between NL Hydro and Memorial University of Newfoundland to achieve a better method of diagnosing aging wooden poles through non-destructive techniques. Previous researchers in this collaboration have found a good correlation between modal testing and wooden pole decay when the poles were tested in the laboratory. However, this correlation weakens with results from field tests, possible due to foundation or attached cables. Therefore, the main objectives of this research are to create a dynamic model for a pole and cable, to design an experimental rig of a reduced scale pole and cable, to use the experimental rig to validate those models, and to gain insights on the influences of the cable on the pole response for future research. The pole model consists of a Euler-Bernoulli cantilever beam obtained through the separation of variables method. The cable was modeled by using a lumped segmentation technique that considers the system as a sum of several lumped elements containing mass, ideal springs and viscous dampers. Both models are implemented using the commercial software 20sim, which is a graphical solver for the bond graph formalism that simplifies the process of building, assembling and testing the models. These models are intended to be preliminary tools for future work with trustable simulations, thus will allow for the study of the interaction between systems, the scaling of long transmission lines and their effects on the results of modal testing, and the insertion of other electric components and attachments usually found holding the cables on the poles (i.e. isolators, cross arms, ground wire, guy wires, etc.). A reduced physical model for the pole and cable is designed to proceed with the validation of the developed models. Modal testing and time series measurements are performed over the apparatus and compared with the simulation results, showing good comparative results. In addition, the methods developed, physical and computational, can be used in the continuation of this work.


identifier: Tahavorgar, Amir <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Tahavorgar=3AAmir=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Analysis and design of a dual series-resonant DC-DC converter.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
DC-DC conversion systems are vital components in DC distribution systems, renewable energy generation systems, telecommunication systems, and portable electronics devices. The extensive applications of DC-DC converter have resulted in continuous improvement in the topologies and control methods in these converters. The challenge is to build a converter that improves factors such as efficiency of conversion and power density with a simple topology, which incorporates simplified switching and control schemes and fewer numbers of active and passive components to reduce the manufacturing cost. This thesis addresses this challenge by proposing an alternative topology of a DC-DC converter based on dual series-resonant circuits.
The proposed topology operates under zero voltage switching (ZVS) and zero current switching (ZCS) conditions to reduce the switching losses. It achieves two degrees of freedom (i.e., duty ratio and switching frequency) to control the output voltage of the converter, which results in both step-down and step-up voltage conversions. The number of active components is limited to two semiconductor switches and two rectifying diodes, which reduces the manufacturing cost of the converter. Detailed analytical analysis is carried out using the extended describing function methodology to characterize the steady state and small signal operation of the converter. Small-signal transfer functions are developed and used to propose a simple closed-loop control scheme to control the output voltage of the converter. An experimental 10 V, 40 W prototype of the proposed converter is built and tested to investigate its operation and confirm its features. The improvement in the efficiency of the converter and power transfer capability of the proposed dual series-resonant converter compared with the traditional single series-resonant circuit, which is used in the interleaved topologies are experimentally verified. In addition, soft switching operation of the converter is realized and a simple control scheme is developed to control the output voltage of the converter. A detailed and step-by-step design procedure is developed, which can be used to customize the design of the converter for different levels of power and voltage.
It is shown that the proposed dual series-resonant DC-DC converter provides significant improvement regarding power density, efficiency of power conversion, simplicity of switching and control schemes, and reduced number of converter components resulting in a low cost and compact converter.


identifier: Alqahtani, Haifa <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Alqahtani=3AHaifa=3A=3A.html>   (2017) A study of Asphalt Binders by X-Ray Diffraction Using Pearson-VII, Pseudo-Voigt and Generalized Fermi Functions.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Twenty-three asphalt binder samples were obtained from Northern Ontario, Alberta
from Canada, Montana USA, and Venezuela. Structural studies of asphalt in crude oil
have been performed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The XRD spectra were taken with
a Rigaku Dmax 2200V/PC, and Jadeᵀᴹ software was used for initial analysis. XRD
implementation with Cu-K- radiation operating at 40 KV and 40 mA, with a scan rate
of 0.001ﾟ 2 θ per second. The XRD data were fitted with (Pearson VII, pseudo-Voigt)
profiles, and then modeled in Mathematica using a generalized Fermi function (GFF).
The results are discussed in terms of their accuracy with different combinations
of backgrounds such as (Linear, Level, Fixed, Parabolic, 3ᴿᴰ order Polynomial, 4ᵀᴴ
order Polynomial). In addition, the fits also include various parameters, for example,
Threshold Sigma, Intensity Cutoff, Range to find background, Exponent, Skewness
and Lorentzian.


identifier: Ebel, J. D. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Ebel=3AJ=2E_D=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Nutrient cycling by large consumers at individual, population, and ecosystem levels.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Organisms modulate nutrient cycles by transforming, storing, and transporting nutrients. While the impact of microorganisms and autotrophs on local and global biogeochemical cycles is well studied, our understanding of the nutrient cycling role of macro-consumers is in its infancy. In the following thesis, I explore aspects of the role of aquatic vertebrates in ecosystem nutrient cycling. Recent studies demonstrate substantial intraspecific variability in body element composition arising from environmental conditions and ontogeny. First, I test whether body element concentration varies among life stages and populations of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) from three Newfoundland rivers. I demonstrate that most intraspecific variability is explained by life stage and inter-stage variability in element concentrations can be attributed to the energy and nutrient requirements of reproduction and migration. Second, using long-term population monitoring data, I test whether ontogenetic differences in body phosphorus (P) concentration influence the role of Atlantic salmon as net sources or sinks of freshwater P. I find that incorporating inter-stage variability in body composition into nutrient flux models qualitatively changes our assessment of these populations as P sources or sinks relative to assuming ontogenetic homogeneity of body P concentration. Third, I develop a framework to describe the stoichiometric traits of vertebrate populations and use the framework to evaluate ontogenetic variability in body stoichiometry and total nutrient storage in brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) populations and partition nutrients released by migrating Atlantic salmon between eggs and excretion. Finally, life history strategy may influence interspecific variation in the ecosystem effects of migratory animals. I derive a two ecosystem model to investigate the ecosystem effects of migratory top consumers as subsidies. I formalized the hypothesis that iteroparous migratory animals should have stronger top-down effects on their biotic resource stocks than semelparous migratory animals, and that the response of ecosystem fluxes depends on the efficiency of consumer-mediated nutrient recycling. Overall, my findings suggest that interactions between ontogenetic development and life history strategy shape the nutrient cycling role of vertebrates. Connecting population structure and dynamics to nutrient cycles in this way may be a new path for 21st century ecological research and wildlife management.


identifier: Kuriakose, Jaison <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Kuriakose=3AJaison=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Understanding and improving requirements discovery in open source software development: an initial exploration.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: In proprietary or closed source software (CSS) development, there is a formal requirements engineering (RE) phase for discovering the requirements for an application. The requirements engineering process in CSS development is comprised of many formal practices (e.g., elicitation/generation). With the advent of the Internet and web-based tools and technologies, a new and different form of software development has emerged – globally distributed, typically volunteer driven, open source software (OSS) development. OSS development largely occurs in an informal, ad hoc manner and often lacks the formal developmental practices and processes of CSS development. The goal of this research is to gain a better understanding of the current state of RE in OSS, to identify potential directions for improving RE in OSS, and to empirically investigate the potential of some specific RE practices to improve OSS development. In pursuit of the research goal, in the initial phase of this research a web-based survey of practicing OSS developers was conducted to explore the current state of RE in OSS. Results supported the claims about informality of RE in OSS. as well as pointed towards potential directions for improvement. In the second phase of the research, a web-based experiment was conducted to investigate the actual benefits from a particular CSS development requirements generation practice – requirements reuse (operationalized as the availability of a library of reusable requirements within OSS development environment) – for OSS development. Analysis of the experimental data revealed that that the experimental treatment (availability of a library of reusable requirements) had a significant effect on the size of requirements message, requirements quantity and requirements completeness after controlling for covariates, indicating usefulness of the reusable library. The final phase of the research focused on OSS issue gathering approaches, a source of requirements for OSS. In this phase, a qualitative study of OSS developers explored how an OSS issue gathering approach, enforcing classification (versus free-form OSS issue gathering), may contribute to the misclassification problem (erroneous classification of OSS issues), and what can be done at the issue gathering interface level to mitigate the misclassification problem. Insights from the analysis of data from the final phase of the research shed light on the desirable characteristics that OSS issue gathering interfaces should possess for mitigating misclassification.


identifier: Attarsharghi, Samareh <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Attarsharghi=3ASamareh=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Real-time measurement of wide-area near-surface ocean current.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Of all of the physical parameters of the ocean realm, the speed and direction of the movement of
ocean water, otherwise referred to as ocean “current,” is one of the most problematic to
characterize. Currents influence the global climate, used for producing power, are crucial in
determining the oil spill trajectories and ocean contaminant control, can either work against or
with the movement of ships at sea and govern the movements of icebergs. Icebergs are a threat to
offshore industries and marine transportations, particularly in places like the Northwest Atlantic,
because of damages they can cause once they strike the oil platforms or ship hulls. They are
steered by the near-surface current and not the surface current. Therefore, measurment of the
real-time ocean currents at desired depths is valuable for the industries or researchers who are
dealing with or studying the oceanographic data.
Ocean current measurment methods that are currently being employed for ocean monitorings, are
not able to measure the real-time current at certain desired depths over a larg area of the ocean.
Thus, the existing current measurement methods need improvements. Limitations of the existing
methods are as follows. Acoustic dopler current profilers (ADCP), are one of the most popular
methods employed by most of the industries dealing with the oceanograghy. ADCPs are capable
of measuring the current at any desired depth; however, their measurement method is of a point
nature and they cannot measure an area averaged current data. Other techniques such as high
frequency radio detecting and ranging systems (HF-RADAR) are also used to measure the
surface currents (down to 15 m). These shore-based current meters with radio antenna, follow the
same premise of the ADCP. In other words their measurement is dependant on the Doppler effect
to determine the direction and velocity of the currents; however, they are capable of evaluating only the surface currents and not the near-surface currents (70-100 meter of depth is considered
in this thesis as this is the depth oil structures are deployed in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean).
Another group of instruments used for current measurement are floats and drifters which report
their data to a centre device which is usually a satelite. The current data obtained with these
instruments are fed into modeling systems, e.g. in (Chassignet, Hurlburt et al. 2006), for the
ocean forcasting. The problems that exist with the available real-time current data from the
satelite is that it is the very shallow current data (down to 15m that can be called surface). The
data from other devices like floats is very sparse to include the horizontal information. Hence,
Chassignet et al. use data assimilation of the past knowledge and ocean dynamics in order to
predict the ocean features. Therefore, it is important to develop a method by which adequate data
could be provided for the ocean prediction and modeling system. Thus, the focus of this thesis is
on designing a method which is real-time and measures the near-surface current.
On the other hand, energy suplies to the instruments in open water is limited as they work mainly
rely on batteries and it is difficult to access the instruments in harsh condition to replace the
batteries. Moreover, in cold regions the solar power is very limitted and thus using solar cells is
not practical. Therefore, in order to measure the ocean current in real time, a novel method along
with a sustainable architechture design is being proposed in this dissertation. The new method is
based on transit time with the difference that in transit time method waves need to travel in both
directions; up- and down-stream. But with a modification in the newly designed architecture;
which is adding an extra node in the center of the network’s cells, sound waves need to travel on
only one direction. This helps with saving a great amount of energy and covering a larger area in
comparison with the networks which are developed using transit time method. Experimental
results as well as simulations verify that the new proposed method is both efficient and practical.


identifier: Belley, Rénald Joseph <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Belley=3AR=E9nald_Joseph=3A=3A.html>   (2016) Ecosystem functioning in northeast pacific soft-sedimentary habitats: the roles of species diversity, functional diversity, and environmental variables.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Previous studies indicate a central role for biodiversity and environment in
marine ecosystem functioning, raising concerns about the potential consequences of
biodiversity alteration. By combining marine biology and biogeochemistry
approaches, and field and laboratory-based approaches I provide new information
on biodiversity and environmental contributions to important ecosystem functions
such as benthic flux variation and organic matter degradation. Using published
benthic flux rate measurements and available environmental variables, I created
global models and maps to identify predictors of benthic fluxes of oxygen and
nutrients. By performing incubations of intact sediment cores and measuring
benthic flux rates, I determined that, of the environmental variables examined,
bottom water properties, organic matter quality, and sediment characteristics best
explained benthic flux variation. By adding functional and species diversity metrics,
I demonstrated that biodiversity and environment contribute about equally to these
functions, and that functional richness was the most important predictor of benthic
flux variation and organic matter degradation. In experimental incubations where I
added phytodetritus to intact sediment cores, I determined that higher taxonomic
diversity, and densities of detritivores and omnivores explained higher benthic flux
rates in enriched sediment cores. These results point to the combined importance of
biodiversity and environment in controlling ecosystem functioning and illustrate
the need to combine established and novel approaches to evaluate more fully the
consequences of anthropogenic impacts, such as biodiversity alteration and
environmental change for ecosystem functioning.


identifier: Elliott, Andrew <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Elliott=3AAndrew=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Complexation reactions of some poly-n-topic ligands – towards large [n×n] square grids (n = 2-4).  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The coordination chemistry of a series of poly-n-topic pyrimidine, pyridazine, benzothiazole and triazole based ligands was studied. The ligands were designed with donor pocket arrangements which have the potential to form self-assembled multimetallic [n×n] grids. Such assemblies can exhibit interesting magnetic and redox properties, and have potential application in data storage at the molecular level. Ligand synthetic strategies and synthetic methods will be discussed and typical grid complexes described. Reactions with Mn(II), Ni(II), Co(II), and Cu(II) were attempted and the products characterized by X-ray and variable temperature magnetism. Antiferromagnetism typically dominates the magnetic behaviour in such systems, but in the cases of some [2×2] Cu(II)₄ square grids ferromagnetic behaviour was observed, which was attributed to the strict magnetic orbital orthogonality, resulting from the orientation of the Jahn-Teller axes in the grid.


identifier: Sparkes, Carissa <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Sparkes=3ACarissa=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Comparison of autoregressive moving average and state space methods for mean monthly time series modelling of river flows in Labrador and South East Quebec.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Time series data such as monthly stream flows can be modelled using time series methods and then
used to simulate or forecast flows for short term planning. Short term forecasting can be applied, for
example, in the hydroelectric industry to help manage reservoir levels at storage dam facilities as well as
energy supply throughout the year at run of river facilities. In this study, two methods of time series
modelling were reviewed and compared, the Box Jenkins autoregressive moving average (ARMA)
method and the State- Space Time-Series (SSTS) method. ARMA has been used in hydrology to model
and simulate flows with good results and is widely accepted for this purpose. SSTS modelling is a
method that was developed in the 1990s for modelling economic time series and is relatively unused for
modelling streamflow time series. The work described herein focuses on modelling stream flows from
three selected basins in Labrador and South-East Quebec, the Alexis, Ugjoktok and Romaine Rivers,
using these two time series modelling methods and comparing results. The ARMA and SSTS models for
each study basin were compared for fit of model, accuracy of prediction, ease of use and simplicity of
model to determine the preferred time series methodology approach for modelling the flows in these
rivers. The performance of the methods for both the model fit as well as the forecast accuracy was
measured using Nash Sutcliffe Coefficient, Median Absolute Percentage Error and Mean Squared
Deviation error calculations. It was concluded that the SSTS method for these three rivers produced
better fitting models than the ARMA method, but was generally equivalent in prediction accuracy to the
ARMA method. The ARMA models, in contrast, were easier to diagnose and could be used to produce
flow simulations, which was challenging using SSTS.


identifier: Chakraborty, Suvra <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Chakraborty=3ASuvra=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Experimental investigation and modelling of heat loss mechanism from offshore buried pipelines.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Modeling of heat loss from offshore buried pipelines is one of the major concerns for oil and gas industries. Offshore oil and gas production and thermal modeling of buried pipelines in Arctic regions are challenging tasks due to the harsh environmental conditions and hazards. Heavy components of crude oil start to precipitate as wax crystal when the fluid temperature drops. Gas hydrates also form when natural gas combines with free water at high pressure and low temperature. Significant heat loss may occur from offshore buried pipelines in the forms of heat conduction and natural convection through the seabed. The later can become more prominent where the backfill soil is loose or sandy.
Theoretical shape factor model was widely utilized to estimate heat loss from buried pipelines. Several benchmark tests were performed to ensure the validity of the test using theoretical shape factor models which depend on the amount of heat flow, thermal conductivity and geometry of the surrounding medium.
The degree of saturation of surrounding medium can play a significant role in the thermal behavior of fluid traveling through the backfill soil. This research presents several steady state and transient response analysis describing some influential geotechnical parameters along with test procedures for different parameters such as burial depth, backfill soil, trench geometries, etc.
Several shutdown (cooldown) tests were performed to show the transient response in the dry and saturated sand medium. The outcomes of this research will provide valuable experimental data and numerical predictions for offshore pipeline design, heat loss from buried pipelines in offshore conditions, and efficient model to mitigate the flow assurance issues e.g. wax and hydrates.


identifier: Penney, Carla <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Penney=3ACarla=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Urinary tract infection diagnosis and response to therapy in long-term care facilities: a prospective, observational study.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is common, often over-diagnosed, in long-term care (LTC) facilities and a source of inappropriate antibiotic prescription.
Objectives: (1) Establish factors associated with a nurse’s decision to send a urine culture (UC), and if those factors were associated with a positive culture result; (2) to determine if antimicrobial therapy is associated with functional improvement.
Method(s): 101 LTC residents were prospectively identified and assessed after submission of a urine specimen for culture. Logistic regression was performed to identify variables associated with a positive culture result.
Result(s): Change in behaviour, dysuria, and change in character of urine were the three main reasons for UC collection. Male sex and change in mental status were the only significant predictors of culture positivity. Treatment did not lead to significant improvement in ADL score.
Conclusion: UCs obtained from LTC residents is often not appropriate and antibiotic treatment of residents from whom urine specimens are obtained does not lead to functional improvement.


identifier: Adows, Hadeel <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Adows=3AHadeel=3A=3A.html>   (2016) Synthesis of carboxylated dithiafulvenes and tetrathiafulvalene vinylogues as redox-active ligands.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The excellent electron-donating properties of dithiafulvene (DTF) derivatives and
tetrathiafulvene vinylogues (TTFVs) make them versatile building components in
the synthesis of functional organic optoelectronic materials and devices. The recent
synthesis and characterization studies on functionalized DTF and TTFV derivatives
have disclosed promising applicability in the development of advanced optoelectronic,
photonic, and redox-active nanomaterials. To cast more light in this aspect, the
central theme of this MSc thesis is based upon the design and synthesis of a new class
of DTF and TTFV derivatives containing carboxylate esters and carboxylic groups
as active ligands for metal coordination. The detailed research is diversified into two
projects. In the first project, the ability of these carboxylated DTFs and TTFVs to
reduce Au(III) species in organic media was investigated by various spectroscopic and
microscopic analyses (e.g., UV-Vis-NIR, cyclic voltammetry, SEM, and DLS). It was
found that a carboxylic DTF was able to directly reduce Au(III) to Au(0) in dipolar
aprotic solvents (DMF, DMSO), and the resulting Au(0) could be further stabilized
by the carboxylic DTF as nanoparticles with sizes of tens of nanometers. The finding
point to a useful approach for the preparation of functionalized gold nanoparticles with
redox-activity. In the second project, the carboxylic TTFV derivative was investigated
as a ligand for complexation with a number of metal cations, with the attempt to
form redox-active coordination polymers or metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). The detailed reactivity and properties were characterized by IR, single-crystal and power
X-ray differaction analyses.


identifier: Chafe, David Bruce <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Chafe=3ADavid_Bruce=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Price of a gift: lives and work of professional musicians in St. John's, Newfoundland.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Musicians’ work has been generally omitted from sociological literature on work and
occupations because it is difficult to trace. Musicians are usually self-employed on short-term
contracts that are often verbal and paid in cash that is usually quickly expended on ongoing
costs. Furthermore, their work in music is commonly obscured by portfolio employment
within and outside of music to supplement income and cover costs. Portfolio employment is
characterized by concurrent multiplicity of sources of employment and income from outside of
one’s primary skills. In order to illuminate the true experiences of local professional musicians
and to lend some definition to music-making as an occupation, this study traces and examines
the complete career trajectories of 54 wage-earning rock, traditional and classical musicians
based in St. John’s, Newfoundland. In so doing, it is possible to reveal a network of support
essential to their commitment to the music profession. The network usually develops from
early childhood and includes family, friends, educational institutions, funding institutions,
fellow musicians, other industry professionals, and audiences. The weakening or
disappearance of any support can compromise the career and cast doubt onto its viability.
Music work stands in contrast to other occupations in at least three key ways. First,
participation in music is not restricted by license, age, or experience. Professional and amateur
musicians often co-exist in the same events or settings, performing music as a community
activity, clouding distinctions between amateurs and wage-dependent professionals. Second,
musicians in St. John’s tend to be highly educated yet with a tradition of adapting to and
accepting portfolio employment as the norm and, for some, as a measure of employment
security. Musicians’ familiarity with balancing personal life and portfolio employment can inform the literature on work and occupations as a longstanding example of adaptability to
employment and income instability. Portfolio employment may result in a sense of either
employment precarity or employment satisfaction, depending on individual circumstances and
career goals.
Third, competition among musicians is carefully managed so that their work can
continue unimpeded and they can present publicly as a unified collective group with a
common cause. Furthermore, there are numerous bureaucratic and educational organizations
and ensembles that purport to serve musicians’ interests but that might also obscure some
harsh realities of attempts to establish music careers.
Underlying these characteristics of the music occupation is the interrelationship
between cultural, social, symbolic and economic capitals. Economic capital is not by itself the
determinant of career commitment in music. All of these forms of capital intermesh, are
influenced by one another, and contribute to artistic commitment at different career stages.
Given the dearth of representation of the work of income-dependent musicians in work
and occupations literature, my research —which confirms the co-existence of these forms of
capital, the significance of understanding music professions in the context of relational
sociology, the importance of family, and the ways in which musicians adapt to portfolio and
precarious employment — may serve as a basis for additional future research that might
include other genres and other locales so as to provide increasingly meaningful realities of
musicians’ work.


identifier: Reid, Phillip Frank <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Reid=3APhillip_Frank=3A=3A.html>   (2017) "A very good sailor": merchant ship technology and the development of the British Atlantic empire 1600-1800.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
To understand the technology that helped create the British Atlantic in the early 1600s and expand it to the end of the next century, this study investigates Atlantic World history, maritime economic history, nautical archaeology, material culture studies, the history of technology, and the technical history of the ship. In addition to archival research in merchants’ and shipbuilders’ papers, the study relies on the technical analysis and modeling of extant vessel remains by ship archaeologists, and incorporates the study of replica vessels and the experiences of those who operate them, with an experimental-archaeology approach. The insights gained make it difficult to remain comfortable with inherited assumptions without further investigation, while making it easier to understand how a technology traditionally considered static served a new and rapidly expanding colonial-imperial enterprise so well. Experiments suggested by the processing and analysis of the source material present opportunities for the study of the period merchant ship to make a more significant contribution to Atlantic, maritime, and technological history.
The approach presented here can help free Atlantic World historians with no technical background from having to take the received wisdom of ship history at face value, and offer new avenues of inquiry into problems in maritime economic history going back to Ralph Davis’s work in the 1960s. It demonstrates that strong elements of continuity and important changes were both responses to the evolving needs and high risks of the British Atlantic. Understanding those needs and risks is the goal; asking questions about ships is asking questions about people, and how they were similar to and different from us, and in what ways, and why, so that we can better understand ourselves and our own world.


identifier: Carmona Martinez, Ricardo <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Carmona_Martinez=3ARicardo=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Characterization of regulatory proteins within the Pak2 signaling pathway on prostate cancer migration.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among men, with an incidence rate of 1 in 7. The mechanisms regulating its abnormal growth and metastasis are not fully understood. Transforming Growth Factor-Beta (TGF-β) has been described as both a negative prognostic indicator and a growth promoter in prostate cancer. The p21-Activated kinase 2 (Pak2) enzyme regulates growth and migration of normal cells and has been shown to be activated by TGF-β. My hypothesis proposes that Pak2 regulates the aberrant migratory properties of prostate cancer. Multiple prostate cancer cell lines, representing multiple stages in disease development were used to define protein and gene expression levels within the Pak2 signaling cascade. P-Merlin levels were used to determine Pak2 activity. There is a shift in the ratio of Pak2 stimulatory proteins with a dominance of CDC42 corresponding with disease progression. The ratio of Merlin to Erbin is altered in all prostate cancer cells. There is an increase in P-Merlin levels corresponding to progression of the disease, indicating an increase in basal Pak2 activity. Pak2 inhibition blocked TGF-β promoted migration in highly metastatic prostate cancer cells PC-3 and DU145. These results demonstrate the Pak2 signaling pathway is not only aberrantly active but that regulates TGF-β induced migration in prostate cancer.


identifier: Ridder, Coralee <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Ridder=3ACoralee=3A=3A.html>   (2017) The journey towards one-pot epoxidation-carboxylation reactions of alkenes.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Previously in the Kerton group [1], metal-containing ionic liquids have been investigated for the catalytic synthesis of cyclic carbonates from carbon dioxide and epoxides, which can be prepared via catalytic oxidation of alkenes. This has led to the attempt of a one-pot transformation of alkenes in cyclic carbonates using [BMIm]Cl and manganese salts. A number of parameters were examined in order to obtain optimized conditions for the H₂O₂-mediated epoxidation of alkenes. This has lead to exciting results for the conversion of styrene to styrene carbonate. Investigation then turned towards the synthesis of bis(amide) compounds, that when paired with a suitable metal, might yield catalysts suitable for one-pot epoxidation-carboxylation reactions. This is based off stable oxidation catalysts such as the TAML-Fe complexes developed by Collins and co-workers [2]. Their stability has been attributed to not only the macrocyclic nature of the ligand but also its amide backbone. Adolph et al. [3] also recently reported success in using amide-containing ligands in the catalytic formation of cyclic carbonates from CO2 and epoxides.
References:
1 Q. He, J. W. O’Brien, K. a. Kitselman, L. E. Tompkins, G. C. T. Curtis and F. M. Kerton, Catal. Sci. Technol., 2014, 4, 1513.
2 T. J. Collins, Acc. Chem. Res., 2002, 35, 782–790.
3 M. Adolph, T. a Zevaco, C. Altesleben, O. Walter and E. Dinjus, Dalton Trans., 2014, 43, 3285–96.


identifier: Spence, Alyssa-Joy <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Spence=3AAlyssa-Joy=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Phase- and workload-dependent changes in corticospinal excitability to the biceps and triceps brachii during arm cycling.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Transcranial magnetic stimulation of the motor cortex and transmastoid electrical
stimulation of the corticospinal tract can be used to assess changes in supraspinal and
spinal excitability, respectively. These techniques have been used previously to determine
differences in the neural control of isometric contractions compared to locomotor outputs.
It has been shown that corticospinal excitability to the biceps brachii is not only different
between isometric contractions and locomotor outputs, but also different during multiple
cadences of arm cycling. This suggests that changes in workload, another method of
changing intensity during arm cycling, may also result in differences in corticospinal
excitability. The purpose of this study was to examine changes in corticospinal
excitability between the biceps and triceps brachii during different relative workloads of
arm cycling.


identifier: Kincaid, Kate Gemma (Barley) <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Kincaid=3AKate_Gemma_=28Barley=29=3A=3A.html>   (2017) The role of closed areas in marine ecosystem management.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This thesis aims to advance knowledge on the role marine closed areas play in achieving marine conservation and fisheries benefits under an ecosystem based management (EBM) approach. The approach follows broad EBM principles that include a combination of conservation and fisheries objectives, a wider view of multiple species and ecosystems and people as a part of, not apart from, the ecosystem. First, a review provides insights into all types of closed areas that had fisher involvement with biodiversity conservation and fisheries management objectives. An indicator based scorecard approach is proposed as a means to evaluate management success of such closures. Research then focused on specific closed areas in tropical (Mafia Island marine park, Tanzania) and boreal regions (Hawke Box, Labrador, Canada); both areas featured restrictions on fisheries instigated largely by the local fishers and management. In these diverse fisheries and regions, several parallels were evident: fishermen (>90%) believed that fisheries sustainability was the major objective, and that their fishery and communities would be much poorer, or gone, without the implemented restrictions, despite self-imposed limitations on their own actions. In Tanzania, multiple-use zoning provided a means to identify and resolve conflicts and achieve what are likely universal objectives for fisheries sustainability and conservation. In the Hawke Box, Canada, respondents believed that protecting the area from trawling was the primary reason for a viable snow crab pot fishery, despite research indicating little improvement since the closure. Long term (20 years) multi-species abundance and biomass analysis from pre/post this closed area revealed increases inside the Hawke Box for many benthic fish species, in addition to increased crab productivity inside relative to outside the closure. The evidence suggests that the Hawke Box has benefited fisheries, communities, and biodiversity conservation, and provides a unique boreal area for the study of restrictions on trawling in an area with historically strong fisheries, strongly supported by local fishers and their communities. This thesis, through different angles, contributed to knowledge to better understand the role different types of closures play from fisheries aspects, conservation aspects, and within a wider EBM approach. I conclude that closed areas of many types are important for fisheries, conservation and local communities and, with local support, can meet multiple management goals.


identifier: Papari, Sadegh <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Papari=3ASadegh=3A=3A.html>   (2016) A theoretical and experimental study on the pyrolysis of softwood sawmill residues to py-oil.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Pyrolysis oil (py-oil) that is obtained from biomass, through thermochemical conversion in the absence of oxygen, is a possible sustainable source of renewable energy and for useful chemicals. Based on our existing infrastructure which is petroleum-based, py-oil can be an attractive alternative/blend for fossil fuel. The fuel application of py-oil can be limited by high water content, low heating value and high total acid number. Lab-scale and pilot-scale, pyrolysis experiments on forestry residues were performed to determine the impact of key parameters on py-oil yield and properties. The overall objectives of this study were to; determine the important operatorial factors and scale up of the pyrolysis of woody biomass, determine the range of conditions at lab scale for optimal py-oil yield and fuel properties, use these results to optimize the pilot scale auger unit, and develop a process model to simulate the process and be used as a design tool. In Chapter One, an overview on the first and the second generation of pyrolysis, the scopes, the objectives and the significance of this study along with a summary of the thesis chapters was outlined. In Chapter Two, the literature was reviewed to identify the impact of reactor operating conditions on py-oil yield and properties. The results indicated that the key parameters are a faster heating rate and a shorter vapour residence time which produce a higher py-oil yield (up to 75 wt.%) with a higher heating value (up to 22 kJ/kg). In addition, the published empirical and process models for pyrolysis of woody biomass were investigated in order to better understand the applied heat/mass transfer equations, assumptions, kinetic models, and the method of solution. The reported kinetic models in literature were compared with our experimental data obtained from the lab-scale reactor in order to find the ―best‖ model. In Chapter Three, the impact of three process parameters including temperature, N2 flow rate, and biomass particle size were investigated on py-oil yield and water content using response surface methodology coupled with central composite design (RSM-CCD) in a lab-scale tube furnace reactor. The results indicated that a 500-550 ᵒC temperature, a 500 mL/min N₂ flow rate, and a 0.1-0.5 mm particle size produced the optimum oil for the lab-scale reactor. The quadratic CCD model with factor interactions better predicted the experimental data compared to the quadratic model without parameter interactions. In addition, the results showed that the secondary tar cracking should be included in pyrolysis reactions at a temperature higher than 550 ᵒC, since some condensable organics convert to non-condensable gases by these reactions. After finding the optimum conditions of the lab-scale tube furnace pyrolysis reactor in Chapter Three, the impact of feedstock quality (particle size, moisture content, and age of feedstock) on py-oil yield, higher heating value (HHV), total acid number (TAN), and water content was investigated in the lab-scale reactor (Chapter Four). The results illustrated that the initial moisture content has a little effect on the water chemically produced during pyrolysis. Particle size reduction did not have a significant effect on HHV. The aged feedstock produced a slightly lower py-oil yield and higher water content compared to the fresh feedstock. In addition, a qualitative assessment of the pyrolysis heat of reaction was performed in the lab-scale reactor. The results illustrate the overall endothermic nature of the pyrolysis of this type of biomass (balsam fir wood). This result was helpful in next Chapter (i.e. process modeling). In Chapter Five, a process model was developed for the 2-4 kg/h auger reactor with assuming plug flow model for both solid and gas phases. Process modeling is typically used as a tool in process optimization, scale up, and reactor design to reduce the capital and operating cost of a pyrolysis system. The transport equations for each phase are combined with the kinetic model to predict py-oil, bio-char, and non-condensable gas yields. The process model was validated with the experimental data obtained from this reactor and showed good agreement (with approximately 10% average relative deviation). The model was used to predict py-oil yield as a function of temperature, feed flow rate and reactor pressure. In Chapter Six, the impact of process variables (temperature, feed flow rate, and vacuum fan speed) on py-oil yield, water content, and more importantly phase separation were investigated in the 2-4 kg/h auger reactor. In the optimum conditions (a 450-475 ᵒC temperature, a 2415 rpm vacuum fan speed, and a 4 kg/h feed flow rate) a single phase softwood oil was obtained with 53 wt.% yield and 26 wt.% water content. A comparison between different sawmill residues (softwood shavings, hardwood sawdust, and softwood bark) at similar conditions showed that hardwood and softwood produced a single phase oil with a higher oil yield (53-55 wt.%) and a lower water content (25-26 wt.%) compared to bark (39 wt.% oil yield and a 33 wt.% water content).


identifier: Hicks, Dion <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Hicks=3ADion=3A=3A.html>   (2017) An automated targeting mechanism with free space optical communication functionality for optomechatronic applications.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This thesis outlines the development of an agile, reliable and precise targeting mechanism
complete with free space optical communication (FSOC) capabilities for employment
in optomechatronic applications. To construct the complex mechanism,
insight into existing technologies was required. These are inclusive to actuator design,
control methodology, programming architecture, object recognition and localization
and optical communication. Focusing on each component individually resulted in a
variety of novel systems, commencing with the creation of a fast (1.3 ms⁻¹), accurate
(micron range) voice coil actuator (VCA). The design, employing a planar, compact
composition, with the inclusion of precision position feedback and smooth guidance
fulfills size, weight and power (SWaP) characteristics required by many optomechatronic
mechanisms. Arranging the VCAs in a parallel nature promoted the use of a
parallel orientation manipulator (POM) as the foundation of the targeting structure.
Motion control was achieved by adopting a cascade PID-PID control methodology in
hardware, resulting in average settling times of 23 ms. In the pursuit of quick and
dependable computation, a custom printed circuit board (PCB) containing a field
programmable gate array (FPGA), microcontroller and image sensing technology were
developed. Subsequently, hardware-based object isolation and parameter identification
algorithms were constructed. Furthermore, by integrating these techniques with the
dynamic performance of the POM, mathematical equations were generated to allow
the targeting of an object in real-time with update rates of 70 ms. Finally, a FSOC architecture utilizing beam splitter technology was constructed and integrated into the
targeting device. Thus, producing a system capable of automatically targeting an infrared
(IR) light source while simultaneously receiving wireless optical communication
achieving ranges beyond 30 feet, at rates of 1 Mbits per second.


identifier: Kohl, Lukas <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Kohl=3ALukas=3A=3A.html>   (2016) Natural abundance stable isotope values as a tool to link microbial processes and geochemistry applied to boreal forest soils and serpentinization associated springs.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Naturally occurring variations in stable isotope ratios provide a tool to study biogeochemical
cycles in the absence of disturbance, including amended labelled substrates. This thesis
followed two such approaches to study microbial processes in two contrasting ecosystems,
ultra-basic, reducing springs and boreal forest soils along a climate transect.
First, the fact that the carbon stable isotope ratios of biomass represent the stable isotope
ratio of the carbon source of an organism ("You are what you eat") was exploited to
investigate substrate use pattern of microorganisms in undisturbed forest soils. On a pedon
scale, fungal and bacterial specific fatty acid biomarkers were isotopically distinct but exhibited
no variation with depth in contrast to the increasing δ¹³C of the bulk soil C. This
suggests a common substrate supporting microorganisms across soil horizons. Further, the
carbon isotope ratio of the total microbial community, determined using ubiquitous fatty
acid biomarkers, appeared to be dictated by the proportion of ¹³C-enriched bacterial relative
to ¹³C-depleted fungal biomass in the community. This suggests that the decrease of
fungi:bacteria ratio with depth likely contributes to the widely observed increase in δ¹³C of
bulk soil organic carbon with depth.
Geochemical analyses of soils from across a boreal forest climate transect indicate that
climate history and diagenesis can influence distinct chemical properties of soil organic matter.
Patterns in these distinct properties across climates indicate that distinct litter inputs
rather than soil organic matter diagenesis controls the climate effects on soil chemistry in
these forests. First, a warmer climate led to a decrease of moss litter relative to coniferous
litter, thus changing the composition of the total litter inputs. Second, a warmer climate led
to an increase in nitrogen concentration, which in turn led to a shift in microbial substrate
use patterns and to distinct changes of litter chemistry during early litter decomposition.
Together, these indirect climate effects led to the establishment of less bioreactive organic
matter in warmer climate soils.
Second, the investigation of ultra-basic, reducing springs, in this thesis provides the
first microcosm experimental evidence of microbial methanogenesis in this environment.
Furthermore, this thesis exploited the distinct isotope fractionation factors associated with
the two main metabolic pathways of methanogenesis demonstrating that carbonate, rather
then acetate, was the main precursor of microbial methane in this environment. This result
suggests that CO₂  injections for carbon capture and storage, which have been proposed for
similar sites, might stimulate methanogenesis.
Overall, this thesis made contributions to the understanding of each of the studied ecosystems,
and demonstrates the great potential and flexibility of the application of natural abundance
stable isotope analysis for reconstructing microbial processes in undisturbed or hardto-
access environments.


identifier: Wanasinghe, Thumeera R. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Wanasinghe=3AThumeera_R=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Leader-assisted localization approach for a heterogeneous multi-robot system.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This thesis presents the design, implementation, and validation of a novel leader assisted localization framework for a heterogeneous multi-robot system (MRS) with sensing and communication range constraints. It is assumed that the given heterogeneous MRS has a more powerful robot (or group of robots) with accurate self localization capabilities (leader robots) while the rest of the team (child robots), i.e. less powerful robots, is localized with the assistance of leader robots and inter-robot observation between teammates. This will eventually pose a condition that the child
robots should be operated within the sensing and communication range of leader
robots. The bounded navigation space therefore may require added algorithms to
avoid inter-robot collisions and limit robots’ maneuverability. To address this limitation,
first, the thesis introduces a novel distributed graph search and global pose composition
algorithm to virtually enhance the leader robots’ sensing and communication
range while avoiding possible double counting of common information. This allows
child robots to navigate beyond the sensing and communication range of the leader
robot, yet receive localization services from the leader robots. A time-delayed measurement
update algorithm and a memory optimization approach are then integrated
into the proposed localization framework. This eventually improves the robustness
of the algorithm against the unknown processing and communication time-delays associated
with the inter-robot data exchange network. Finally, a novel hierarchical sensor fusion architecture is introduced so that the proposed localization scheme can
be implemented using inter-robot relative range and bearing measurements.
The performance of the proposed localization framework is evaluated through a series
of indoor experiments, a publicly available multi-robot localization and mapping
data-set and a set of numerical simulations. The results illustrate that the proposed
leader-assisted localization framework is capable of establishing accurate and nonoverconfident
localization for the child robots even when the child robots operate
beyond the sensing and communication boundaries of the leader robots.


identifier: Cook, Melissa <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Cook=3AMelissa=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Characterization of sediments and mussels to determine if oil and metal contamination is affecting the scallop population in Port au Port Bay, NL.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This study investigated whether the decline of the scallop fishery in Port au Port Bay, Newfoundland was caused by hydrocarbon contamination. Potential hydrocarbon contaminants and sediments were chemically characterized for their organic and inorganic components. A new method for extracting sediment samples using accelerated solvent extraction was developed and applied to extract polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and alkanes from sediment samples. Water samples were chemically characterized for signs of inorganic and organic contamination. Since there were no scallops present at the study sites, mussels were used as a proxy organism. Mussels were analyzed for contaminants, Δ¹⁴C, and their health indices. No signs of contamination in the sediments, water, or mussels were detected. This data suggested the decline of the scallop fishery in Port au Port Bay cannot be explained by petroleum hydrocarbons from the leaking oil well.


identifier: Mobley, Erin Nora <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Mobley=3AErin_Nora=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Trans- youth matter(s): an exploration of the 'safe' space phenomenon.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This research notices the ways that safe space gets talked about in relation to education. In particular, I explore the phenomenon of safe space through the school-based experiences and perspectives of trans-identified and non-binary youth. Qualitative data was gathered from interviews conducted with young trans-identified and non-binary individuals (ages 19-24) who have recently attended a public secondary school in Ontario. The method of narrative inquiry is used to focus on depth and detail in each narrative—what matters to the youth is central. The goal is to open up the many meanings of safe space and suggest some ways that schools can do better in supporting the needs of trans-identified and non-binary students.
The findings reveal that securing a single, definitive understanding of safe space is not entirely possible, or ideal; each youths’ encounters in, and relationships to, school spaces were unique to their experience, which renders the concept slippery and hard to pin down. Moreover, safe space as rooted in a kind of ‘protectionist’ education rhetoric is not necessarily reflective of the perspectives of the youth in this research, whose meanings around, and experiences of, safe space cross over many boundaries with various attachments. Therefore, Canada’s education system might be better served by conceptualizing safety more broadly—beyond security and control of schooling—and in a way that considers trans- youths’ school-based realities.
I also tried to demonstrate how schools, specifically educators, might do better in supporting trans- youth by offering an action piece in the form of a list of suggestions. The following are amongst the most effective ways to address the support needs that the youth have identified in this thesis: (1) accept that we all have a social location; (2) see self-reflection and education as ongoing; (3) provide access to information; (4) stumble over language; and (5) implement gender-neutral washrooms and change rooms.


identifier: Osse, Matthew Taylor <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Osse=3AMatthew_Taylor=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Indicators of petroleum product exposure in benthic cold-water marine invertebrates.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The ubiquity of petroleum in society has led to widespread pollution of the marine environment resulting in a need to identify suitable biomarkers. The aim of this study was two-fold: (1) To measure variables that influence baseline biomarker activity and (2) to determine their response to the water-accommodating fraction of used engine lubricating oil. The biomarkers glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) were studied across three stages of the breeding cycle within the reproductive and digestive tissues of the common sea star, the orange-footed sea cucumber, the daisy brittle star, and the green sea urchin. Overall, sea stars were identified as the most promising cold-water biomonitors of oil contamination among the species studied, and GPx was found to be the most suitable biomarker due to its widespread activity, lack of seasonal baseline variation, and the simple separation of sexes during analyses. In comparison, the baseline activity of EROD was influenced by both season and sex.


identifier: Tang, Zhian <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Tang=3AZhian=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Statistical inference for nonlinear state space models: an application to the analysis of forest fire counts in Canada.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Nonlinear state space models occupy a predominant position in statistical stud-
ies. They are widely used in various fields such as economics, finance, ecology and
epidemiology. However, such models may be problematic when it comes to statistical
inference, due to the fact that they could be quite sensitive to small variations in
system states and parameters. In this dissertation, we present three estimation pro-
cedures and their respective algorithms for the statistical inference of such nonlinear,
non-Gaussian state space models. Also, simulation studies are carried out to evaluate
the performance of these methods. At the end, we analyze the time series of forest
fire counts that annually occurred in Canada using the proposed methodologies.


identifier: Chaytor, Carla <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Chaytor=3ACarla=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Characterization of arm muscle activity levels during cycling at various relative workloads.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Arm cycling is an effective mode of rehabilitation, exercise, and transportation. Previous studies aimed at examining the neuromuscular control of arm cycling typically use a standard workload (e.g. 25W) as opposed to relative workloads for each participant. This may be problematic given that many measures of neuromuscular excitability are intensity-dependent and a standard workload likely represents different effort levels for each participant. The purpose of this study was to examine and characterize the arm muscles during arm cycling at various relative workloads. While the present thesis is not a detailed examination of the neuromuscular physiology of arm cycling it may be an important step in normalizing the manner in which arm cycling studies are performed, by determining how the muscles respond to increases in relative workloads during arm cycling. With the use of surface electromyography, it is possible to determine an appropriate relative workload. This will allow us to improve current basic research examining the neural control of arm cycling and may also be important for rehabilitative and therapeutic practices for individuals with a neurological injury or impairment.


identifier: Caines, Susan <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Caines=3ASusan=3A=3A.html>   (2016) Development of a simplified electrochemical noise method to monitor assets under insulation.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Corrosion under insulation (CUI) is a serious problem in many industries both on and offshore. When operations are conducted in marine environments the opportunity for CUI is increased due to the harsh environment created by salt water. CUI can damage equipment and piping systems leading to loss of product containment which puts personnel and production in jeopardy. This research determines the current understanding of CUI, methods available for determining corrosion rates and develops a simplified electrochemical noise method to determine and predict CUI through laboratory and field operations.
From the high level CUI literature review two areas for further investigation were determined. Pitting corrosion was identified as a significant area of study and as it is as a key mechanism of pipe failure in offshore operations. Electrochemical noise was found to be a promising technique for monitoring CUI due to its ability to identify corrosion mechanism as well as corrosion rate.
Two objectives for research were identified:
1. To generate corrosion under insulation data
2. To develop a continuous monitoring technique for assets under insulation
To satisfy the objective of CUI data generation a comprehensive experimental plan was developed. This plan develops a field test procedure to study corrosion under insulation (CUI) in marine environments that ensures that data collected is representative of CUI developed in the offshore industry. The experimental design was completed and the facilities and equipment installed with monitoring and analysis of the ongoing experiment will be completed over the next three years.
This research developed, verified and applied a simplified EPN method to monitor corrosion. This method can be used to recognise different corrosion mechanisms (localized/uniform) and to estimate corrosion rates. A relationship between isolated electrode EPN, mass loss and corrosion rate was established. The simplified method aided in determining that there is increased corrosion activity under insulation due to retained moisture at the pipe surface.
The completion of this research expanded the understanding of how and when CUI occurs, developed new and developed a new simplified electrochemical noise method for online monitoring of CUI. These successes will ultimately improve offshore operations; both improving safety and production.


identifier: Islam, Naveel <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Islam=3ANaveel=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Numerical implementation and modeling of earthquake induced landslides for slopes with soft and sensitive clay layers.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Earthquake induced landslides pose a significant threat to many communities, environment
and infrastructure. The potential damages could be severe in sensitive clay slope failures
because the post-peak softening behaviour could cause retrogressive failure of soil blocks
resulting in large-scale landslides. The failed soil blocks generally displace over a large
distance during earthquake and post-quake stages. Therefore, upslope retrogression and
downslope runout are two important phenomena need to be studied for better
understanding of risks associated with landslides in sensitive clays.
The traditional limit equilibrium methods, commonly used in slope stability analysis,
cannot model retrogressive failure or deformation of slopes. The present study concentrates
on development of large deformation finite element (FE) models using a Coupled Eulerian-
Lagrangian (CEL) approach to simulate the failure of soft and sensitive clay slopes
triggered by earthquakes. Analyses are performed for pseudostatic and dynamic loading
conditions modeling the undrained behaviour of clay as elasto-plastic material with and
without post-peak degradation of shear strength. A nonlinear post-peak strength
degradation model as a function of accumulated plastic shear strain is implemented in FE
analysis. In addition to CEL, FE analyses are performed using Lagrangian-based FE
techniques to show the advantages of CEL to simulate large landslides. The CEL approach
can successfully simulate the formation of shear bands (zone of accumulated shear strains),
type of failure commonly observed after earthquake, upslope retrogression and downslope
runout for varying geometry and soil properties.


identifier: Xie, Yingda <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Xie=3AYingda=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Simulation of interannual circulation and stratification around Placentia Bay.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: In this thesis, an application of a three-dimensional, full-prognostic and baroclinic model based on FVCOM is developed to simulate the interannual variability of circulation, sea surface temperature and stratification over Placentia Bay. The model is forced by NARR winds and heat fluxes on the surface and by tides, non-tidal sea level, temperature and salinity on the open boundary. Overall, the model solution compares well with the observed monthly mean water levels, surface currents and SST except for the surface currents at a location near the head of the bay. The circulation patterns in the outer bay area for December 2011 and 2012 showed that the general monthly-mean circulation in the upper ocean were positively correlated with the intensities of the remote westward water inflow from the inshore branch of Labrador Current under geostrophic assumption, which resulted in larger current amplitudes of the cyclonic gyre for December 2012. Over the inner bay, currents in the upper ocean were much weaker due to the reduced effect of the inshore branch of Labrador Current. When the amplitude of the monthly-mean local wind forcing was relatively strong for several months such as October 2010, the wind effect could be as important as the effect of the remote water inflow on the surface circulation. The monthly-mean surface temperature distributions for August 2010 and 2014 showed distinct spatial and interannual variations positively correlated with the observed air temperature, the net heat flux on the sea surface and the water inflow advected from the inshore branch of the Labrador Current. The depth-averaged (0-50m) buoyancy frequency (N²), Richardson Number (Ri) and the mixed layer depth at Buoy-Mouth and Buoy-Red Island also showed interannual variability that may be positively correlated with the interannual variations of some variables, such as wind intensity, air temperature, and net heat flux.


identifier: Alamri, Gamal Ali <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Alamri=3AGamal_Ali=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Design and analysis of a net-zero energy house and its power system for Libya.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This thesis focuses on an optimal design for a Net-Zero Energy house in the hot environment of Libya. Such work involves two main design steps. First is the design of the house body and direction based on seasonal sun height and sun East-West track (E-W Track). Second is the design of system for house heating and cooling by implementing multi- renewable energy. The first step of the design uses the sun’s heat based on summer-winter seasons. In summer, the design prevents high sun heat from entering the house by improving the house’s insulation, thus reducing cooling energy demand. In winter, the design utilizes the sun’s heat and E-W track in heating the house by allowing optimal sunlight to enter the house from the south façade by increasing the number of windows and reducing the ultimate energy required for heating. The second step of the design uses clean energy resources as the only house energy source. Several types of software are used in the house design and energy analysis including BEopt, Energy 3D, Homer, and Mat-Lab/Simulink. Safety precautions and requirements of installing the hybrid power system are carefully followed and implemented. The selected house for the design is a concrete house located in the hot environment of Tripoli, Libya. This new house design provides comfortable indoor conditions associated with a low energy consumption of ≤ 50% of a regular home, cost reduction, and environmental protection. The layout of the chapters of this thesis is chapter one: introduction, literature review, and design criteria and specifications; chapter two: house design, thermal simulation and analysis; chapter three: sizing of the hybrid power system; chapter four: electrical details and dynamic simulation of the hybrid power system; chapter five: safety issues, bus voltages, and suggestions; and chapter six: conclusions.


identifier: Braim, Mona <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Braim=3AMona=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Investigating the binding capabilities of triazole-calix[4]arene functionalized microcantilever sensors toward heavy metals in aqueous solution.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The main objective of this work was to investigate the binding capabilities of gold-coated
micro-cantilever sensors functionalized with a bimodal triazole-calix[4]arene towards
select heavy metals (e.g. Hg²⁺, Fe³⁺, Ni²⁺, Zn²⁺, and Pb²⁺). The interaction between the
triazole-calix[4]arene functionalized micro-cantilevers and the target analytes resulted in
the formation of a differential surface stresse, which in turn, resulted in a mechanical
deflection of the microcantilever. Results showed that microcantilever arrays modified with
triazole-calix[4]arene were capable of detecting trace concentrations of Hg²⁺ ions as low as
10⁻¹¹ M, which is sufficiently low for most applications. Results also showed that triazolecalix[4]arene functionalized microcantilevers were capable of detecting the presence of
Pb²⁺ ions in aqueous solution of Hg²⁺.
A new functionalization unit was also constructed to functionalize all 8 microcantilevers in
an array with different sensing layers simultaneously, thus increasing the accuracy and
reliability of the experimental results.


identifier: Alam, Md. Zobayer <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Alam=3AMd=2E_Zobayer=3A=3A.html>   (2017) A bioinformatics approach to the study of polyphenols and antioxidant capacity in Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) rich in nutrients and biochemical properties beneficial for human health is one of the less studied crops of the Ericaceae family. In this study, we identified regions within Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada where wild berries contained a higher phenolic content and antioxidant capacity. Notably, berries within the North Shore forest and high temperatures had higher phenolic content. Having DNA markers to characterize lingonberry plants in terms of their metabolite production would be useful, however lingonberry’s genomic sequences are unavailable. We applied next generation sequencing technology to discover single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Specifically, we investigated the association of SNPs with phenolic compound and antioxidant activity variation in lingonberry grown under different environmental conditions in Newfoundland and Labrador. After processing 144 million single-end DNA sequence reads, 1586 high-quality putative SNPs were identified. A Chi-square test identified 260 SNPs that were significantly correlated with at least one environmental variable, phenolic compound and/or antioxidant activity. Annotation of the 260 SNP-containing sequences, based on BLAST similarity searches, identified 128 genes that were involved in phenolic compound biosynthesis, transcription regulation, transport, drought and water pH resistance.
The SNP markers discovered in this study will provide a useful source for molecular genetic studies, such as genetic diversity and characterization, high-density quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis, and association mapping. The identified candidate genes containing the SNPs need further studies on their adaptation ability in lingonberry.


identifier: Moffett, Paul <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Moffett=3APaul=3A=3A.html>   (2017) The quest for the holy: the religious perspective of Sir Thomas Malory's Le morte darthur.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This thesis explores the religious content and context of Sir Thomas Malory’s Le Morte Darthur. There has long been a heated critical debate about Malory’s interest in religion, and this thesis demonstrates that Le Morte Darthur engages frequently and seriously with religion in general and with a specific manifestation of religion in particular: that is, fifteenth-century lay chivalric Christianity.
This thesis is divided into an introduction, five chapters, and a conclusion. The introduction provides a historical and critical context for the discussion that follows. The first chapter explains the text’s engagement with fifteenth-century lay chivalric Christianity in particular, and demonstrates that Le Morte Darthur gets more religious as it proceeds. Chapter 2 explores the role of holiness in the character development of Lancelot and Galahad, and argues that the father and son represent two alternative models of holiness. The third chapter demonstrates the thematic importance of penance throughout Le Morte Darthur, with particular attention paid to Guinevere, Lancelot, Arthur, and Gawain. The fourth chapter focuses on the Grail Quest, and demonstrates that Malory chose to use a symbolic and religious source for his retelling of the Grail story, despite having other options. Chapter 5 uses sections of Le Morte Darthur with no known source to argue that Malory’s religious preoccupation is his own, and not inadvertently imported from his sources. The conclusion makes a case for the significance of the study.
“The Quest for the Holy: The Religious Perspective of Sir Thomas Malory’s Le Morte Darthur” offers a critical analysis of one of late medieval literature’s central text, addressing deeply concerns that have more frequently been merely alluded to. More broadly, it joins critical discussions about conflicting loyalties, individualism and collectivism, ideology, politics, theology, and political theology.


identifier: Maxwell, Erika <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Maxwell=3AErika=3A=3A.html>   (2017) The impact of financial and geographic barriers to fertility service in Newfoundland and Labrador.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
In Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) accessing fertility services is challenging for
many residents, as a result of lack of service availability within the province,
geographical distance from location of services, and out-of-pocket expenses for both
treatment and travel. The purpose of this study was to explore the challenges experienced
by fertility patients in NL and how these challenges affect treatment. Semi-structured, indepth
interviews were conducted with female patients across Newfoundland and service
providers from NL Fertility Services to gather the perspectives of both patients and
providers. We developed a conceptual framework that considers patient group,
therapeutic goal, and barriers when determining treatment impacts. We found that for
heterosexual women (in couples) looking to become pregnant, the most commonly cited
barriers were costs, including financial, opportunity, and emotional, geography, lack of
service availability, nature of services, physical environment, partner separation, and
social stigma. We also found that these factors created patient and provider-driven
impacts on treatment.


identifier: Stevens, Erin N. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Stevens=3AErin_N=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2017) A biological assessment of zooplankton in St. Pauls Inlet, an estuarine environment in Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
St. Pauls Inlet is a fjordal estuary in Gros Morne National Park, Canada. During the summers of 2009 and 2010 four sites within the inlet were sampled for zooplankton as part of Memorial University’s Community-University Research for Recovery Alliance (CURRA) project. Objectives were:
 Determine patterns in zooplankton species composition
o Compare to species data from previous survey
o Relate to observed longitudinal salinity gradients
o Compare composition with that of estuaries regionally
 Estimate zooplankton abundance
o Compare with abundances seen in estuaries globally
Zooplankton species were primarily marine cyclopoida and calanoida, with some brackish-water cladocerans. Cluster Analysis and NMDS showed no strong longitudinal patterns in species assemblages in either season. Only 10 % faunal similarity was observed with estuarine Lake Melville in Labrador, Canada. St. Pauls Inlet does not appear to be a highly productive system, based on low zooplankton abundance (< 4 inds/l), compared with other global sites.


identifier: Ali, Ismail <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Ali=3AIsmail=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Mechanical properties of an exhumed cast iron pipe material.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Cast iron is one of the most commonly used materials for municipal water mains. Although cast iron pipes are no longer used for new water mains, a significant portion of existing water mains are still cast iron. These aged cast iron pipes are undergoing deterioration and are susceptible to leakage and breakage. In this thesis, a deteriorating cast water main is investigated to understand the failure mechanism and to determine the mechanical properties of the material as a tool for the structural integrity assessment of existing pipes. A better understanding of pipe failure mechanisms can lead to a realistic evaluation of the strength of the pipes in the system, and hence of their current level of safety. A pipe segment exhumed after failure from the city of Mount Pearl in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador is investigated. The failure is apparently due to subcritical corrosion fatigue crack growth. Localized defects were observed over the pipe wall thickness through which water could penetrate, providing an environment conducive to stress corrosion cracking. Tensile tests were conducted at different rates of loading to examine the effects of loading rate. The ultimate tensile strengths of the specimens varied from around 150 MPa to around 200 MPa, which are independent of the rate of loading. However, the stress strain responses are dependent on the rate of loading. The Poisson’s ratio of the material is determined through the measurement of longitudinal and lateral strains. Single Edge Notch Beam (SENB) tests are conducted to examine the mechanical properties in bending and to determine the fracture toughness. Numerical analyses using the finite element method (FEM) conducted to evaluate the performance of determined mechanical parameters in simulating the test conditions.


identifier: Turner, Sarah <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Turner=3ASarah=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Microbial inhibition of sulfate reduction using nitrate and nitrite addition: a laboratory study of reservoir souring control.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Microbial sulfate reduction produces unwanted H₂S in oil and gas reservoirs (i.e., reservoir souring) when seawater is used in secondary oil recovery. Previous studies have shown that the addition of nitrate and/or nitrite can inhibit sulfate reduction, but the effects are site-specific. In this thesis, seawater and produced waters were sampled offshore Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) for three incubation experiments to determine the affect of nitrate and/or nitrite addition on microbial sulfate reduction. Of the three amendments tested (i.e. just nitrate, just nitrite, and a combination of the two) all were successful at inhibiting sulfate reduction. No one type of amendment inhibited microbial sulfate reduction better than the others; however, nitrate showed potential of having a longer residence time, and therefore nitrate maybe an ideal choice for the inhibition of microbial sulfate reduction for offshore NL.


identifier: George, Amanda M. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/George=3AAmanda_M=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2017) The impact of a walking intervention in older adults: examining factors related to physical activity, cognitive functioning, and quality of life.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: With increasing life expectancies, being physically and mentally fit is important, especially in later years of life. The purpose of this study was to investigate factors related to a walking intervention in older adults. Eighteen older adults (ages 65 to 79) were recruited to complete a six-month walking intervention while tracking changes in cognition and quality of life (QoL) with bi-monthly questionnaires. Subjects also identified an informant to provide information regarding cognition and QoL at the same time intervals. An informal interview was completed with subjects at post-testing. Physical activity was recorded in a daily logbook, and an activity tracker was used for three one-week periods over the duration of the study. Three questions were explored. First, what effects does a walking intervention have on elderly individuals’ cognition and QoL? Second, are objective or subjective methods of recording activity more feasible for older adults? Finally, are both subject and informant measures reliable ways of capturing data? Results indicated that both informant and subject measures were highly correlated, indicating both provide similar information. It was found that objective methods of tracking physical activity were more effective and feasible with older adults. Finally, by maintaining a sufficient level of physical activity, participants experienced an overall increase in cognition and QoL.


identifier: Alhashmialameer, Dalal <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Alhashmialameer=3ADalal=3A=3A.html>   (2016) Synthesis, characterization and reactivity of amine-phenolate complexes towards the ROP of rac-lactide and the cycloaddition reactions of carbon dioxide and epoxides.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Polylactide (PLA) is an important polymer due to its mechanical properties,
biodegradability, biocompatibility, and renewable nature. Two main pathways to produce
polylactide have been described in the literature: the polycondensation of lactic acid and
the ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of lactide (LA). The latter is the most efficient
route to produce high molecular weight polymers of low dispersity in the presence of a
catalyst and/or an initiator. Furthermore, the transformation of CO₂ into cyclic carbonates
is economical and uses a waste feedstock (i.e., CO₂ emissions).
In this thesis, tetradentate amino-bis(phenolate) ligands were used to prepare
catalysts for rac-lactide polymerization and the cycloaddition reactions of epoxides and
CO₂. In these ligands, the substituents on the phenolate groups can be varied.
Tetrametallic lithium and sodium complexes were synthesized and characterized; both of
these metals are appealing for research in this area because of their low toxicity and cost.
The complexes were fully characterized by elemental analysis, nuclear magnetic
resonance spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, and mass spectrometry.
The ROP reactions of rac-lactide using tetrametallic lithium and sodium
complexes were studied in the melt and solution phase in the presence and absence of
benzyl alcohol as co-initiator. All complexes were capable of ring-opening rac-lactide to
produce polylactide with and without benzyl alcohol. Data also showed that the complex
containing the earth-abundant metal, sodium, gave excellent results. The isolated polymer
was characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and
gel permeation chromatography (GPC).
In addition, iron(III), cobalt(II), and cobalt(III) amino-bis(phenolate) complexes
were synthesized and characterized. Their activity in the cycloaddition reaction of
propylene oxide and various epoxides with CO₂ to yield cyclic carbonates was
investigated. The effect of factors such as reaction conditions and the electronic and steric
properties of the substituents on the phenolate rings was studied. The activation energy
for the formation of cyclic propylene carbonate using iron(III) complexes was also
determined to be close to previously reported values in the literature.


identifier: Chaulk, Andrew <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Chaulk=3AAndrew=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Culicids on the move: a genetic characterization of two mosquito disease vector species in eastern insular Newfoundland.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) are some of the most significant carriers of human and animal disease causing pathogens on our planet. However in regions where the prevalence of nuisance mosquitoes or diagnosed mosquito-borne illness is low, the motivation for efforts to monitor mosquito populations is often lacking, even though less well-known viral agents, capable of causing significant human or animal diseases, may be active. Recently, populations of two container breeding disease carrying mosquito species have been reported in St. John’s, the capital city of the Atlantic Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The first, Culex pipiens, is the primary vector of West Nile virus along the northeast seaboard of North America, while the second, Aedes japonicus, is a highly invasive mosquito species reported to play a role in the transmission of West Nile and La Crosse viruses. Here I report the results of two genetic analyses focused on investigating taxonomic identity, genetic diversity, and connectivity of these populations of medically important species. The first chapter utilizes a set of rapid molecular assays to describe the composition of two populations of Cx. pipiens on the Island of Newfoundland; that is, populations on the Island are a mix of the behavioural/physiological forms of Cx. pipiens. The second chapter uses population genetic techniques to describe the genetic characteristics of a population of Ae. japonicus in Newfoundland, as well as how this population may or may not be connected to other population in Canada and Europe. Results of this study indicate a level of genetic diversity within the recently discovered Newfoundland population comparable to populations in other regions and a general lack of structure between Canadian populations and those in Europe.