identifier: Salia, Stephanie <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Salia=3AStephanie=3A=3A.html>   (2021) The role of the gut microbiome on socio-sexual behaviours in mice.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The gut microbiome is host to trillions of microorganisms that influence the brain and behaviour via the gut-brain axis. Gonadal hormones drive sex differences in the gut microbiota composition that translates into sex-dependent effects on behaviour when depleted. To date, these studies have primarily examined the gut’s depletion on psychiatric disorders, including anxiety and depressive-like behaviours in rodents. The current study explored the role of gut microbiota on socio-sexual behaviours in male and female mice. Broad-spectrum antibiotic (ABX) in drinking water was used to deplete the microbiota in either early development (embryonic day 16 to postnatal day 21) or adulthood (day 60 to 81) while the control group received normal drinking water. Compared to control males, early and adult ABX decreased male territorial aggression, while adulthood ABX also decreased sexual odor preferences among males. Next, I examined whether these decreases in socio-sexual behaviour among males following ABX resulted from the depletion of the gut microbiota, rather than other non-specific effects of antibiotics, and/or whether these behavioural deficits could be due to decreases in androgens. To do so, cecal microbiota transplantation with same and opposite-sex control cecum contents or testosterone treatment was provided to adult antibiotic-treated males. Microbiota transplant with male cecum restored both olfactory preference and male aggression among adult ABX males. Female microbiota partially restored olfactory preference but not aggression among ABX males, while testosterone treatment was insufficient to rescue any of these behaviours. In adult ABX females, male microbiota transplant did not alter socio-sexual behaviours, but testosterone treatment increased male-typical sexual behaviours. Together, the results suggest a sex-dependent role for the gut microbiome in the display of sex-typical behaviours in mice that is independent of androgen.


identifier: Sundararajan, Raghul Suraj <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Sundararajan=3ARaghul_Suraj=3A=3A.html>   (2021) Design of vehicle to home and vehicle to grid energy systems for Newfoundland conditions.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

type: Thesis NonPeerReviewed

abstract: In this fast-changing world, Electric Vehicle (EV) is a giant leap in the world of transportation. In comparison with fossil fuel powered vehicles, EVs are more efficient, silent, emit less pollution while in use and they act as mobile power banks, these makes them a better alternative. This in turn can be used for Vehicle to Home (V2H) and Vehicle to Grid (V2G) operations using IoT as a platform to achieve control and monitoring, Nissan Leaf is considered as the EV in this research. In this research, Mozilla IoT is used as the IoT platform to implement V2H and V2G concepts. The research was divided into four phases. In the first phase, the dynamic modelling of solar energy system with V2H concept is implemented. The second phase involves the dynamic modelling of a solar energy system with V2G concept. The third phase involves the design of an IoT based solar energy system with V2H concept. The fourth phase demonstrates the hardware modelling of the V2H and V2G system using Mozilla IoT. The implemented prototype is executed in eight major modes. The results show that the developed system performs accurately and could serve as a viable option along with interoperability and security for the V2H and V2G implementations.


identifier: Dabas, Youssef H Mussa <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Dabas=3AYoussef_H_Mussa=3A=3A.html>   (2021) Design and analysis of a DC stand-alone photovoltaic-battery system for a rural house in Libya.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This thesis presents a comprehensive study about the design, optimization, and analysis of
an isolated Photovoltaic (PV)-battery system for fulfilling the load of a rural house in
Libya. A bus voltage of 48 V DC is considered. The annual demand of the house was
estimated by completed thermal modeling of the loads in the BEopt program. The assumed
design was sized and analyzed using HOMER Pro software and consisted of 12 PV panels,
325 watts each, and 12 lead-acid batteries of 12 V, 219 Ah. The dynamic model of the
system is implemented in MATLAB/Simulink software. The results show that the
proposed approach can provide a stable 48 V DC for the intended load. It can also be used
to meet the electricity needs of houses with low loads or in rural communities with basic
electricity needs. A detailed economic analysis was carried out by comparing the proposed
PV system with a hybrid PV-DGN-BTT system, an independent Diesel generator. The
performed financial analysis reveals that the proposed system is a feasible solution - with
a net present cost of $15,070 - that can generate electricity at the cost of $0.333/kWh,
indicating that such a system will make economic sense in remote off-grid areas.


identifier: Carter, Johnathan <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Carter=3AJohnathan=3A=3A.html>   (2021) The majestic glory of fjords: geomorphometry and sedimentology of selected fjords on Cumberland Peninsula and the northeast coast of Baffin Island.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This thesis presents a morphometric database of 13 parameters across 29 Baffin Island fjords, and the postglacial sedimentology and chronology of three fjords on Cumberland Peninsula. For the morphometric analysis, the fjords were partitioned into two regional groups (northeast coast and Cumberland Peninsula), and a one-way ANOVA test was conducted for each parameter. Fjords were found to be significantly larger along the northeast coast of Baffin Island than on Cumberland Peninsula, attributable to the Laurentide Ice Sheet supporting larger outlet glaciers than those emanating from the Penny Ice Cap and local alpine glaciation on the peninsula. Sub-bottom acoustic profiles of three Cumberland Peninsula fjords (Boas Fiord, Durban Harbour, and Akpait Fiord) were observed to feature the archetypal postglacial stratigraphy for Canadian east-coast fjords (ice-contact overlain by glaciomarine and marine units), in addition to local facies associated with specific fjord features (deltas, sills, and spillover deposits). Sediment cores from these three fjords contained a total of six lithofacies, which were associated with acoustic facies and sediment sources, and provided new calibrated radiocarbon dates (ranging from 0.9 to 9.6 cal ka BP). One of these new radiocarbon dates from Durban Harbour, when combined with Cowan’s (2015) earlier interpretation, associates the postglacial sea-level lowstand with the Preboreal-Cockburn transition (9.5 cal ka BP). Moreover, the sedimentology of these Cumberland Peninsula fjords was found to be comparable to fjords on the northeast coast of Baffin Island in terms of sedimentary sequence and sedimentation rates, but had overall thinner deposits.


identifier: Behnamfar, Sateyesh <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Behnamfar=3ASateyesh=3A=3A.html>   (2021) Is peak FAT oxidation within daily locomotor activities?  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.


identifier: Pietruszka, Dorota Kinga <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Pietruszka=3ADorota_Kinga=3A=3A.html>   (2021) A melt inclusion and isotope investigation of the El Laco, Chile, magnetite-(apatite) deposit.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This two-part investigation focuses on Fe- and Si-rich melt inclusions in plagioclase phenocrysts,
in andesite, that hosts the El Laco magnetite-(apatite) (MtAp) deposit in Chile. The first part, a
high-resolution study of the mineralogy, micro-textures, chemical composition, and phase
relationships of the immiscible melt inclusions reveals that the Fe-rich immiscible melt hosts Cusulfide
melt, phosphate-rich melt, and carbonate-REE-Nb-rich residual melts. The composition of
these melts at the micro- and nano-scale is controlled by relatively high fO₂ conditions, and is
analogous to the macro-scale assemblage forming the MtAp deposits that includes massive
magnetite, REE-rich fluorapatite, diopside, and anhydrite. The second part, a Pb isotope
investigation of the melt inclusions, phenocrysts, the bulk sample MtAp ore, host andesite, and
selected country rocks, indicates isotopic disequilibrium between the melt inclusions and the
magnetite ore, suggesting that the Fe-rich immiscible melt preserved in the melt inclusions is not
the direct parental melt from which the El Laco deposit was derived. The magnetite ore also has a
different Pb isotopic composition than the host andesite, suggesting a Pb isotopic inheritance
from the underlying basement reservoir, e.g., Paleozoic ironstone, that was intruded into and
crustally contaminated the andesitic magma leading to separation of Fe-rich immiscible melts.


identifier: Bhatt, Dhrumit Shaileshbhai <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Bhatt=3ADhrumit_Shaileshbhai=3A=3A.html>   (2021) Use of molecular markers and antioxidant properties to study biodiversity and to discriminate blueberries.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Blueberries (Vaccinium spp.) have gained much attention worldwide with their potential health benefits and economic importance. Estimation of genetic diversity using molecular markers, antioxidant properties, and their association can reveal genotypes with important characteristics and help in berry improvement programs. Genetic diversity was estimated in blueberry hybrids, wild clones, and cultivars using expressed sequence tag- simple sequence repeat (EST-SSR), genomic (G)-SSR, and EST- polymerase chain reaction (PCR) markers. The antioxidant efficacy was estimated by total phenolic and flavonoid contents in blueberry hybrids, wild clones, and cultivars. Wide diversity existed among the genotypes, for antioxidant properties with the highest variation for 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity (20-fold) followed by the contents of total flavonoids (16-fold) and phenolics (3.8-fold). Although a group of 11 hybrids generated the maximum diversity for antioxidant activity (15-fold), wild clones collected from Quebec, Canada, had the maximum variation for total phenolic (2.8-fold) and flavonoid contents (6.9-fold). Extensive genetic diversity was evident from Shannon's index (0.34 for EST-SSRs, 0.29 for G-SSR, 0.26 for EST-PCR) and expected heterozygosity (0.23 for EST-SSR, 0.19 for G-SSR, 0.16 for EST-PCR). STRUCTURE analysis separated the genotypes into three groups, which were in agreement with principal coordinate and neighbor-joining analyses. Molecular variance suggested 19% variations among groups and 81% among genotypes within groups. Clustering based on biochemical data and molecular analysis did not coincide, indicating a random distribution of loci in the blueberry genome conferring antioxidant properties. However, the stepwise multiple regression analysis (SMRA) revealed that a total of 17 EST-SSR, G-SSR, and EST-PCR markers were associated with antioxidant properties. The outcome of this study will provide valuable information for the selection of blueberry genotypes with desired traits, breeding, and germplasm conservation programs.


identifier: Washinger, Darrian P. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Washinger=3ADarrian_P=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2021) Influence of forest disturbances on summer foraging activity of boreal bats at three spatial scales.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Bat species worldwide have declined for several reasons, including natural and anthropogenic forest disturbances. In Gros Morne National Park (GMNP), Newfoundland, browsing by hyperabundant moose after insect disturbances has caused conversion of mature forests to open meadows (“moose meadow”, MM). I studied the influences of MM formation in GMNP on bat activity at fine (habitat), intermediate, and broad scales; the first investigation of such impacts by hyperabundant ungulate populations on bat activity. I hypothesized that bat activity would decrease in disturbed areas due to lower insect prey and incompatibility with foraging behaviour. I acoustically monitored bat activity and collected insects in disturbed, regenerating, and mature stand types throughout GMNP at 36 and 63 sites in 2017 and 2018, respectively. I used generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) to determine significant predictors of bat activity. At the habitat scale, insect prey biomass varied among stand types, but bat activity did not; instead, fine-scale vegetation measurements were the most significant predictors of bat activity. At both the intermediate and broad scales, MM formation was positively associated with bat activity among species-specific responses to other variables. I concluded that MMs positively impacted activity of both species by increasing habitat heterogeneity at the broader landscape scale.


identifier: Boschetti, Francesca <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Boschetti=3AFrancesca=3A=3A.html>   (2021) The hyphen: foodways as a metaphorical language in Canadian immigrant literature.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: My dissertation explores the connection between foodways, identity, and multiculturalism to advance an understanding of Canadian identity as quintessentially multicultural and hyphenated. My study is divided into five chapters: two devoted to multiculturalism and the hyphen in Canada and the final three to food and foodways as a metaphorical language in Canadian immigrant writing. Together, they trace the complex connection between food and identity and shed light on the hyphenated identity construction process within a Canadian context. To account for the diversity of today’s Canada, I conducted a comparative analysis of eight fictional works published between 1982 and 2009 that portray hyphenated Canadian characters of different heritages (Italian-Canadian, Indo-Canadian, Japanese-Canadian, Ukrainian-Canadian, Portuguese-Canadian, as well as characters attached to a multiplicity of hyphenated Canadian components). Through these close readings, I address Canadian identity as heterogeneous and dynamic, in line with policies and theorizations of Canadian multiculturalism. My analysis draws from a wide range of secondary sources (Canadian governmental documents, post-colonial theories, Canadian literary scholarship, sociological studies, food studies scholarship, and scholarly and non-scholarly sources on Canadian multiculturalism and the hyphen), offering an interdisciplinary theoretical approach that contributes to a better understanding of Canadian diversity and multiculturalism. The main contributions of this dissertation are 1. its recognition that literary representations of multiculturalism and the hyphen spill into general Canadian discussions on multiculturalism and help better explain the current Canadian climate, 2. its investigation of the impact of food and foodways on the hyphenated identity building process, and 3. its presentation of hyphenated spaces as productive in-between spaces that accommodate diversity and help redefine what it means to be Canadian. Considering Canada’s contemporary socio-cultural and literary makeup, I hope that my research will stimulate additional conversations on the hyphen, hyphenated identities, and hyphenated characters that aim to highlight how Canadian immigrant writing should no longer be considered simply ethnic or minority writing, but an integral part of the mainstream Canadian literary canon.


identifier: Prasad, Jagat Nandan <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Prasad=3AJagat_Nandan=3A=3A.html>   (1981) Paleomagnetism of the mesozoic lamprophyre dikes in north-central Newfoundland.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
A paleomagnetic study of 86 samples from 18 lamprophyre dikes
collected from the Notre Dame Bay area in north-central Newfoundland was
done to define their age of emplacement. Published K-Ar dates of 144 to
115 m.y. (Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous) from the dikes place
these among the youngest rocks in eastern Canada. Measurements of
natural remanence (NRM) give directions closely aligned to the present
field at the site. A detailed alternating-field (AF) demagnetization
yielded stable directions with optimum vector grouping for 9 dikes at
10-35 mT peak field. Similarly, the thermal treatment showed stability
of remanence with tightest grouping at 300°c for 8 dikes and at 500°c
for 7 dikes. The overall mean directions corresponding to thermal
and AF cleaning are indistinguishable at 95% confidence level, which
gives confidence in the stability of remanence obtained from two independent
tests.
The AF and thermal treatment coupled with thermomagnetic
analysis and an isothermal remanence (IRM) study indicate that the
stable remanence resides in a single component of magnetite or titanomagnetite.
Studies of Rayleigh loops and high-field hysteresis loops suggest
that the natural remanence is carried by a mixture of fine-grained single-domain
and pseudo-single domain magnetites of stoichiometric to cation-deficient
composition. The AF and thermal mean directions correspond to poles 75°N, 168°W (dp, dm = 7.4°, 9.7°) and 72°N, 152°W (dp, dm = 5.2°, 6.6°) respectively, which are in good agreement with each other. Bath pales are of normal polarity, though the present study revealed
for the first time the occurrence of a reversed polarity (with well-grouped
directions in one dike only) among the Notre Dame Bay lamprophyres.
These pole positions are intermediate between the poles
reported previously from two other lamprophyre localities in the Notre
Dame Bay area, and also are intermediate between the Lower Cretaceous
poles and Jurassic poles reported from other parts of the Appalachians.
This suggests a good correlation between the age of magnetization and
the range of available radiometric dates.


identifier: Potvin, Vanessa <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Potvin=3AVanessa=3A=3A.html>   (2021) Understanding and addressing the social impacts of closure at the Raglan Mine, Nunavik, Quebec.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
In the past, mine developments did not require remediation and closure plans. Mine sites were shut-down unexpectedly and left abandoned, resulting in everlasting impacts on the environment and to the communities that were involved. As a result, mine closure plans are now required from the very onset of mine development. However, in order for a mine closure plan to be successful, community engagement is critical but is often lacking; this poses an even greater challenge when working with Indigenous communities whose values and beliefs vary from those of technical experts that aim to improve the mine site after it has been closed. The Inuit communities of Salluit and Kangiqsujuaq are located in proximity to the Glencore Raglan Mine. The Raglan Mine is working to develop a closure plan that encompasses local and Inuit concerns regarding the future closure of the mine. An in-depth literature review was conducted and semi-structured interviews were undertaken with Inuit to understand their concerns regarding the closure of the Raglan Mine, and also their vision for a post-mining economy.
Results revealed that the Inuit of Salluit and Kangiqsujuaq have strong and clear views for various aspects of mine closure, including infrastructure and the environment. These communities welcome future engagement from Raglan Mine to develop a closure plan that satisfies all parties. The results of this research emphasize the need for mining companies to collaborate with all impacted parties in order to achieve successful closure at current and future natural resource developments.


identifier: Rohn, Emmanuel <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Rohn=3AEmmanuel=3A=3A.html>   (2021) Motivations and barriers to help-seeking behaviours among female victims of intimate partner violence in Ghana.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Although a global menace, intimate partner violence (IPV), is very high in sub-Saharan Africa, including Ghana. Existing literature shows that the majority of Ghanaian women who experience IPV do not seek help but there is limited understanding of the motivations and barriers to Ghanaian women’s help-seeking behaviours from an individual and institutional perspective. This study used qualitative data from 30 women in three of Ghana’s 16 administrative regions (Ashanti, Upper East, and Greater Accra) to explore IPV victims’ experiences of help-seeking. Fifteen staff at the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) in the three selected regions were interviewed to explore the barriers to help-seeking from an institutional perspective. Results of the thematic analysis showed low reporting to formal support networks such as DOVVSU or the police, with higher preference for informal sources such as family members, friends, and religious and community leaders. Motivations to seek help included fatigue, severity of abuse, abusive partner’s negligence in honouring marital obligations, and trust in family members, friends, and religious leaders. Barriers to help-seeking included: fear of divorce, stigmatization, lack of trust in formal support channels, presence of children, sociocultural norms emphasizing gender role expectations, and family privacy. From an institutional perspective, barriers ranged from inadequate resources, including administrative and logistical support, to inadequately trained personnel, location of DOVVSU offices, lack of privacy at DOVVSU offices, and financial constraints. Findings from this study suggest the need for future interventions to take into account the complexity of factors associated with victims’ help-seeking decisions. Developing a multifaceted solution responsive to the needs of IPV victims involves addressing the various barriers identified in this study.


identifier: Squirell, Elizabeth <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Squirell=3AElizabeth=3A=3A.html>   (2021) Serum albumin as a measure of inflammation or malnutrition in inflammatory bowel disease: a cross sectional study.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Albumin may be both a marker of malnutrition and a marker of inflammation in various
disease states but there has been very little study of the precise etiology of hypoalbuminemia in
patients with Crohn’s disease (CD). Malnutrition, a common complication of active CD, can lead
to hypoalbuminemia. Inflammation can also lead to low albumin levels, and previous literature in
other inflammatory diseases has suggested that inflammation may be more likely than malnutrition
to be a primary driver of hypoalbuminemia.
This study was a single centre cross sectional study of patients with Crohn’s disease in St.
John’s, NL. The main objectives were to examine the association between serum albumin and both
inflammation and malnutrition in patients with CD and to determine if serum albumin is an
appropriate indicator of one or both of these processes in patients with CD. A total of 45 patients
with Crohn’s disease were enrolled in the study. Serum albumin was compared with the subjective
global assessment (SGA) for nutritional status, the Crohn’s disease activity index (CDAI), and CReactive
Protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation.
In our study hypoalbuminemia was independently associated with both malnutrition and
inflammation in patients with CD but was most profound in subjects with both malnutrition and
active inflammation.


identifier: Making, Ericka Theresa Ann <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Making=3AEricka_Theresa_Ann=3A=3A.html>   (2021) Richard Niccols’s A Mirour for Magistrates (1610) and the politicization of the English speculum principis literary tradition.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The progenitive text of the English speculum principis, or mirror for princes, literary tradition, John Lydgate’s (1370-1451) The Fall of Princes (1438) was reprinted and reinterpreted for new political purposes by Protestant printers and authors alike throughout the sixteenth century. As the print history and reception of the numerous early modern adaptations of Lydgate’s The Fall reveal, the development of the English mirror tradition was closely related to the evolution of nationalistic English literature from the 1550s to the early seventeenth century. Following William Baldwin’s influential A Mirror for Magistrates (1559), the adaptations of Lydgate’s The Fall provided a suitable platform from which authors could communicate their displeasure, especially with the political directions of Mary I’s and later James I’s regimes. The last early modern adaptation of Lydgate’s The Fall by the poet and editor Richard Niccols (1584-1616), A Mirour for Magistrates: Being a True Chronicle Historie of the Untimely falls of such unfortunate Princes and men of note…Newly Enlarged with A Last part, called A Winter’s Nights Vision (1610), exemplifies how authors tried to shape the responses of the reading public to contemporary political and religious disputes through topically applicable historical exempla. The 1610 edition of A Mirour with the addition of Niccols’s own composition entitled A Winter’s Night Vision represents the mirror tradition as what it had come to signify by the early seventeenth century: an archetypically Elizabethan monument of imagined national history. Niccols’s choice to concentrate solely on England’s past reveals his disdain for and criticism of the policies of the Scottish James I (1566-1625) and the latter’s concerted efforts to create the culturally unified kingdom of “Great Britain” under
his rule. Moreover, Niccols’s insertion of the tragedies of King Arthur, Richard III, Edward II, and King John, and his lengthy laudatory poem of Elizabeth I were intended to offer covert, but pointed, princely instruction to James I. Reinforcing Niccols’s oppositional political stand and promoting a certain type of English patriotism during a period of growing political and religious unrest, A Mirour for Magistrates can be aligned with the emerging anti-Jacobean literature of the early seventeenth century.


identifier: Fahd, Faisal <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Fahd=3AFaisal=3A=3A.html>   (2021) Impacts of oil spills on Arctic marine species: a risk assessment perspective.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The Arctic region is characterized by an ubiquitous presence of sea ice, harsh weather conditions and inhabitation of some unique marine animals. The changing climatic conditions have resulted in receding of the sea ice in the regions along the Arctic boundaries. The receding sea ice has opened the possibilities of tapping into hitherto unexplored reserves of natural resources in the Arctic. Shipping operations along the Northern Sea Route have received an impetus because of the changed sea ice conditions in the region. However, the growing anthropogenic activities also increase the risk of environmental pollution in the region. The Arctic is a home to many unique marine species, such as the polar bear, beluga whales, seals and polar cod. The Arctic marine food chain is non-complex, with limited prey options forming a large portion of the diet of the marine species. Thus, adverse impact to the populations of a species may also impact the well-being of its predators in the Arctic food chain. The knowledge gap in the exposure and toxicological modeling of Arctic marine species were identified to be the presence of limited availability of the toxicity data and dose response relationship.
The research questions addressed in this study are as follows:
1. Is the toxicity and impacts in Arctic fish different from their temperate counterparts?
2. What is the risk of mortality to lower tropic sentinel species in the event of an oil spill?
3. What is the risk to apex marine species in the event of an oil spill?
The components of Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA) are hazard identification, exposure modeling, toxicological modeling and risk characterization. The thesis followed the steps laid down for ERA and identified the polar cod as the sentinel species for the Arctic food chain. The study also identified apex marine predators, polar bear and beluga whales, as species of interest along with polar cod. Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons are major constituent of the crude oil that can cause deleterious effects in the marine species. The spill scenarios considered for risk assessment to polar cod, polar bear and whale are as follows: Spill over thick sea ice; Spill over thin sea ice; Spill under thick ice.
A review of current exposure and toxicological models used for marine species was conducted and a novel toxicological model where the effects of the toxicant exposure were quantified based on the probability of cellular damage and metabolites interactions was proposed. This toxicodynamic approach in conjunction with physiology based toxicokinetic approach was proposed as the best suited approach for modeling and estimating toxicity in the Arctic marine species.
This research studied physiological causal dependencies leading to toxicity and mortality in polar cod from PAH exposure. Toxicity is also affected by environmental factors, such as sea ice and feeding behaviors. Presence of sea ice, could mitigate or aggravate the exposure to crude oil, thereby affecting the toxicity of the fish. The polar cod could biotransform some of the ingested PAH using a two-step process, namely, phase I and phase II processes. In phase one, the cytochrome P 4501A (CYP1A) enzymes react with the lipophilic xenobiotic, such as PAH, and convert it to water soluble metabolites for elimination. Phase II reactions further enhance the water solubility of the metabolites produced during the phase I step. The phase II conjugation reactions with glutathione are facilitated by glutathione-S-transferase (GST). The biotransformation toxicity is a result of cell death when the toxic metabolites resulting from the phase I process exceeds the conjugating capacity of the organism via the phase II process. The other pathways of toxicity in polar cod are lipid peroxidation and cell damage. Although the pathways of PAH toxicity and the impact of sea ice on PAH ingestion for the fish had been studied previously, an effort to combine these factors as causal dependencies to estimate mortality in polar cod was never made. A novel Bayesian Network (BN) based model was developed as a part of this research, combining the physiological and environmental factors affecting the PAH exposure and toxicity in polar cod.
To estimate the risk to apex marine predators, an Arctic food chain was considered with the sentinel species, polar cod, at its bottom and apex species at its top. The risk to the apex species can be from exposure and susceptibility due to oil spill and additional risk from reduced food availability owing to decreased prey populations from the spill. Another BN based model was developed based on the food chain and spill conditions. The average daily food consumption and baseline population density of seals, polar bears and whales was collated from literature. The changes in populations of the polar cod, seals polar bear and whales due to oil spill were input in the BN model and probabilities of apex species survival are estimated.
The BN based risk models developed in this study were demonstrated for a hypothetical spill scenario in a geographic region around the Svalbard Island and Fram Strait. The oil spill scenarios considered in this research are spill over and under thick sea ice and spill on thin sea ice. Three spill sizes considered in this study were 15000 tonnes, 18000 tonnes and 40000 tonnes for low, medium and high states. The PAH weight percentage of 3.9% is assumed in the crude oil, along with a uniform dissolution in the water column.
The results of the BN model developed for polar cod and sensitivity analysis of the results suggested that physiological factors followed by sea ice played important role in risk mitigation.The presence of thick sea ice in winter decreased the risk of mortality in polar cod by 16%. The ability of polar cod target organs to eliminate the xenobiotics, evident by various biomarkers activity, decreased the risk of mortality by 25% for worst case scenario. The spill scenario causing highest risk for polar cod population (29% mortality in population) was spill over thin ice in Autumn. The results from the apex species BN risk model predicted a polar cod recruitment collapse for the spill scenarios considered in this study, causing a higher risk of mortality of polar bears, beluga whales, and Narwhals in the Arctic region. Whales (adult and calves) were predicted to be at higher risk when the spill was under thick ice, while adult polar bears were at higher risk when the spill occurred on thin ice. A spill over the thick ice caused the least risk to whale and adult polar bears. The spill's timing and location had a significant impact on the marine animals in the Arctic region due to its unique sea ice dynamics, simple food web, and short periods of food abundance. In summary, this study identifies key marine species in the region and conducts an ecological risk assessment for the species based on the Arctic food chain. Four peer reviewed journal papers were published in the Marine Pollution Bulletin journal as the outcome of this research/thesis.


identifier: Yazdanpanah, Fatemeh <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Yazdanpanah=3AFatemeh=3A=3A.html>   (2021) Designing a cased based reasoning decision support system for ice management operations using expert knowledge.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Prevention of safety hazards plays an important role in the offshore and maritime industries, especially in offshore ice management operations as the safety of these operations depends on the judgment and decision making of experienced captains and their bridge teams. To address safety challenges that may arise in the context of ice management operations, this study focused on a human-centered approach to develop an early-stage decision support system (DSS) for offshore ice management operations by applying a case-based reasoning (CBR) method. The aim of this research is to (i) capture knowledge from expert seafarers to be used in the development of a DSS; and (ii) propose a DSS employing a CBR model to be used onboard ships in a real-time basis for ice management operations. To capture seafarers’ experience, this study employed semi-structured interviews and bridge simulator exercises. The results of the knowledge capture exercises were translated into an ice management DSS using a CBR model. The case-based reasoning (CBR) model develops solutions to new problems by using similar problems in the past. The DSS employs a decision tree algorithm to retrieve a case to match observations from the current situation with an unknown outcome to a case base with known outcomes. This thesis describes the methods used in the development of the onboard DSS to provide tactical guidance for ice management operations. It also outlines the methods used to test the DSS software’s suggested ice management strategies and adjustments during a series of simulator exercises.


identifier: Adamus, Filip Piotr <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Adamus=3AFilip_Piotr=3A=3A.html>   (2021) Elastic anisotropy of layered or cracked media: alternative parameterisation.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This thesis consists of six research papers. Each of them attempts to contribute to the field of elastic anisotropy. We investigate layered or cracked materials in the context of micromechanics and seismology. In the document, we discuss three following topics.

In the first part, we study the overall (effective) elastic properties of a medium that is longwave equivalent to thin and parallel layers. To obtain the effective elasticity, we use the Backus average. Initially, we consider a typical scenario of isotropic layers that result in a transversely isotropic medium. We propose an alternative parameter that describes the anisotropy of such an effective material. We use it to indicate the presence of fluid within thin layers. Further, we discuss a crucial mathematical approximation of the Backus average and examine a particular case in which the approximation is inaccurate. This time, we allow the layers to exhibit lower symmetry than the isotropic one.

In the second part, we consider an orthotropic symmetry, which is a good analogy to a cracked material. Instead of discussing the medium’s microstructure, we focus on the effective properties only. Specifically, we investigate the relations among orthotropic stiffnesses in the context of primary-wave phase velocity. We introduce the so-called cumulative moduli to describe the dependence of quasi P-wave velocity on each elasticity parameter. Such a  parameterisation is useful for the velocity approximation.

In the last part, we analyse cracked media in the context of both micromechanics and seismology. We propose an alternative way of obtaining effective elastic properties of a material with many parallel cracks. We represent a set of cracks by a thin layer embedded in a background medium, using Backus average; hence, we generalise the linear-slip method. Finally, we study the influence of cracks on the azimuthal variations of amplitude. We present patterns consisting of a series of azimuthal shapes that change with increasing concentration of inhomogeneities.


identifier: Saturno, Jacquelyn <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Saturno=3AJacquelyn=3A=3A.html>   (2020) Investigating the role of fishing gear on plastic pollution: The occurrence of fishing gear-related plastic ingested by Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) and the fragmentation of polymer ropes.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Globally, the fishing industry is one key source of plastic pollution as the majority of fishing gear is made from plastic polymers and regularly used at sea. To study this relationship in an area with high fishing activity, I collected the gastrointestinal tracts (GI) of commercially caught Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) on Fogo Island, Newfoundland and Labrador and dissected them for ingested plastics. The frequency of occurrence was 1.4% for 216 GI tracts. Two of the three plastic items ingested were bait bags used in cod pots and the third was a thread such as the type found in fishing rope. Following this, I conducted an experiment to test the way different polymer fishing ropes create plastic pollution during use. All polymer types emitted plastics at the same rate (total plastic particles over time), with Polypropylene and Polypropylene-Polyethylene having lasted longer during trials, allowing for more time to pollute. Various sizes and morphologies of plastics were emitted, creating different pollution profiles for each polymer type. Through my investigation of the natural environment and testing fishing gear in-use, this thesis demonstrates that fishing gear is a source of plastic pollution in both fish ingestion and through fragmentation of fishing gear during abrasion with the sea floor in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.


identifier: Christopher, Grace A. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Christopher=3AGrace_A=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2021) Intercellular communication during human pluripotent stem cell lineage specification.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: During embryonic germ layer development, cells must communicate with each other and their environment to ensure proper lineage specification and tissue development. Proteins of the connexin (Cx) or pannexin (PANX) protein families mediate cellular communication. Cx’s facilitate direct cell-cell communication through gap junction channels, while PANXs release small molecules into the extracellular space for autocrine or paracrine signalling. While previous reports suggest that gap junctional intercellular communication may contribute to germ layer formation, there have been no comprehensive expression analyses or genetic ablation studies on either Cxs or PANXs during human pluripotent stem cell (PSC) specification to the three embryonic germ lineages. I screened the mRNA profile and select protein expression of human Cx and PANX isoforms in undifferentiated human induced pluripotent stem cells and after directed differentiation into the three embryonic germ lineages: ectoderm, endoderm and mesoderm. RT-qPCR analysis of control iPSCs revealed upregulation of Cx62 in iPSC-derived ectoderm cells, Cx45 upregulation in ectoderm and mesoderm cells, and enrichment of Cx30.3, Cx31, Cx32, Cx36, Cx37 and Cx40 in endoderm. However, Cx43 and PANX1 remain highly expressed in iPSCs as well as cells of each germ lineage. Despite high expression levels, both the Cx43 and the PANX1 CRISPR-Cas9 knockout iPSCs each successfully differentiated into cells of all three germ layers, suggesting that Cx43 and PANX1 are dispensable during directed iPSC lineage specification. This is the first comprehensive analysis of Cx and PANX isoform expression throughout iPSC germ layer segregation. Future studies will reveal whether other Cx or PANX isoforms compensate for the loss of Cx43 and/or PANX1 in the generated knockout iPSCs cells during germ lineage specification.


identifier: Sindol, Gabriel P. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Sindol=3AGabriel_P=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2021) New insights into paleoproterozoic granular iron, formation deposition and paleo-environment from the ca. 1.88 Ga Sokoman iron formation, Labrador trough.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The ca. 1.88 Ga Sokoman continental margin-type iron formation (IF) was studied by detailed mineral-chemical analyses of drill core to better understand tectonically stable, shallow-shelf marine environments of the late Paleoproterozoic. Suboxic (Fe-oxide-rich, including paragenetically early hematite) and anoxic (Fe-silicate/carbonate-rich) mineral paragenetic pathways operated during IF deposition; post-depositional alteration beyond late diagenesis/metamorphism was negligible. Chemostratigraphic variations in detrital element, rare earth element and yttrium (REE+Y), and redox-sensitive and nutrient-type trace element parameters, evaluated within a sequence-stratigraphic framework, were controlled by a combination of base-level fluctuations, terrigenous input, basin redox stratification, and microbial activity. The REE+Y in the Sokoman IF, like contemporaneous IF localities, exhibit several features reminiscent of modern seawater (LREE-depletion, small negative Ce anomalies, small positive La, Gd, and Y anomalies), but also strong positive Ce anomalies. This study reveals that the redoxcline was very shallow and likely spatially dynamic, producing separate Mn- and Fe-oxide shuttles controlled by different microbes. During Sokoman IF deposition, continental weathering of predominantly felsic Archean rocks under an oxygen-poor atmosphere and locally arid conditions limited the terrestrial supply of redox-sensitive and nutrient-type elements into the ocean, thus restricting the spatial extent of primary productivity to the photic zone of shallow-marine environments.


identifier: Rasul, Golam <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Rasul=3AGolam=3A=3A.html>   (2021) Experimental and CFD analyses of cuttings transport in horizontal annuli and a study on isotropic rocks for strength correlations.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The research activities performed in this study focused on the cuttings transport process in horizontal annuli that represents the horizontal drilling phenomenon. Both experimental and numerical approaches have been adopted to investigate the efficient hole cleaning process. Numerous flow conditions were examined in laboratory conditions and the subsequent visualization was performed with the help of a high-speed camera. The effects of drilling parameters such as drill pipe’s rotational speed (RPM), eccentricity and flow rate were scrutinized throughout the experimental and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analyses. The common findings indicate enhanced hole cleaning ability at increased RPM and eccentricity. On the other hand, an increasing trend for pressure drop across the annulus section is identified with the enhanced drill pipe’s rotation (RPM), eccentricity and flow rate. The last part of this study examined tensile and shear fracture examination to find out different strengths of isotropic rock samples and establish strength correlations among them. This study will contribute to an ongoing investigation to predict cuttings size distribution from rock formation properties and drilling parameters. Unconfined compressive strength and indirect tensile strength (UCS-ITS) and unconfined compressive strength and point load strength index (UCS-PLSI) correlations were developed. Additionally, the ultrasonic pulse wave measurement was performed to establish the unconfined compressive strength and primary wave velocity (UCS-VP) relationships for sandstone and medium strength rock like material (RLM). Ultimately, all fitted relationships were analyzed through a comparative study with published correlations. This study on isotropic rocks is a part of an investigation to predict cuttings size distribution and future research will take the lead from this current thesis.


identifier: Brandon, Heather <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Brandon=3AHeather=3A=3A.html>   (2021) Assessing the relationship between corticospinal excitability and mechanical force generation to both arms during arm cycling: are asymmetries present?  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Investigations regarding asymmetries in cortical motor control during static and locomotor movements has been conducted. From this research, interhemispheric asymmetries related to movement have been identified, where excitability of the dominant cerebral hemisphere is generally greater compared to the non-dominant. During locomotor outputs like cycling, bilateral asymmetries in measures such as crank torque, power, and/or work have been identified. However, the majority of studies examining human neural control during locomotor outputs is typically available only regarding the dominant limb. Currently, it is unknown how corticospinal excitability and mechanical force generation is modulated during a locomotor output, and whether asymmetries are present. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine corticospinal and spinal excitability with vector force generation to the dominant and non-dominant biceps and triceps brachii during arm cycling to determine whether bilateral asymmetries were present.


identifier: Bartlett, Steven <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Bartlett=3ASteven=3A=3A.html>   (2021) Finite element analysis of hollow structural sections subject to torsion and combined loading.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The reliability of steel structures is governed by design codes which may vary between countries. These codes may stipulate factors of safety, quality, and loading conditions. The approved steel design codes ensure each structure is designed with the same quality, recommended loading conditions, and safety standards for the design life of the structure. In Canada, steel structures are governed by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and designed to CAN/CSA S16-19 – Design of Steel Structures [1]. In the United States, steel structures are governed by the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) and designed to ANSI/AISC 360-16 – Specification for Structural Steel Buildings [2]. Both Canada and the United States have similar design principles included in their structural design codes. Therefore, the Canadian steel code and the load-resistant factored design sections of the American steel code are almost interchangeable.
From the literature review comparing the most current Canadian and American principle clauses, it was identified ANSI/AISC 360-16 [2] provides mathematical equations for checking HSS in torsion and combined loading while CAN/CSA S16-19 [1] advises the user to complete an elastic analysis for verification. While the approach of completing a finite element analysis to the torsion stress is a very precise method, having the option to use theoretical formulas in accordance with limit state design to analyze this condition could be beneficial to practicing engineers. This thesis concentrates on strength verification of the American torsional clause using non-linear FEA techniques with calculated section capacities to determine if the clause can be a potential recommended method of torsion loading assessment. The objective of this work is to develop a practical method of evaluating hollow structural sections subject to torsion and combined loading in Canada.
From the research performed, conclusions are made based on the results of the analysis. Recommendations are provided according to the application of the ANSI/AISC 360-16 [2] torsion clause along with the additional research required for validation as an approved design approach in Canada.


identifier: Vu, Huyen Thi Thanh <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Vu=3AHuyen_Thi_Thanh=3A=3A.html>   (2021) Phonological development of consonants in Vietnamese children.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.


identifier: Yankey, Ignatius Kobbina <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Yankey=3AIgnatius_Kobbina=3A=3A.html>   (2021) The politics of carbon pricing in Canada: a case study of Ontario stakeholders participation and deliberation in Canada's federal carbon pricing policy process.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Public and stakeholder participation and deliberation in environmental governance have been acknowledged and endorsed by several international principles and organizations as saliently sine qua non in unlocking solutions to “wicked” problems. Like in other countries, Canadian law recognizes and endorses the benefits of these elements. Accordingly, the federal government consulted and gathered inputs from various stakeholder groups during the development of its carbon pricing policy. However, there have been stakeholder acceptability problems and legitimacy challenges with the policy in Ontario. This thesis, therefore, explores and analyzes the role of the public and stakeholders in participatory and deliberative processes that occurred during the federal carbon pricing policy development, using Ontario stakeholders’ engagement as a case.
Using a qualitative research approach, participants from government/bureaucrats, political parties, academia/experts, ENGOs, and businesses/industries involved in the processes were interviewed. Key issues and questions structured around the study’s objectives revealed that although there were participatory processes, which affected some aspects of the final policy decision, the processes were deficient in several key aspects. The processes employed by the policy designers, even though, were restricted to tokenism, therapy, manipulation, and group interest politics, they reflected the input, preferences, and values of most of the stakeholders. Unfortunately, the existing and emerging major controversies and disputes were left unresolved during and after the processes, which have affected the policy’s legitimacy and acceptability in Ontario.
Given the various fundamental ideologies of the political parties/organizations, and their approaches to climate change and emissions reductions in Canada’s climate history, no nationally coordinated policy decisions about climate change will be free from political tensions, criticisms, and controversies. This thesis suggests that it is prudent for the federal government to continue with the policy so far as it is meeting its intended purpose, while engaging the dissenting stakeholders since policymaking is an unending process. The thesis concludes by recommending approaches that could be used to improve participatory processes and serve as a yardstick to assess other practices in future projects. It also calls on researchers to look into how Canadian provinces can achieve unity in solving “wicked problems” like the GHG emissions.


identifier: Phadtare, Indrayani S. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Phadtare=3AIndrayani_S=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2021) Shrimp oil extracted from shrimp processing by-product is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and astaxanthin-esters, and reveals potential anti-adipogenic effects in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, generates tons of shrimp processing by-product every year. Shrimp processing by-product is a valuable source of shrimp oil and astaxanthin (Astx), a potent antioxidant that exist in either free or esterified form (Astx-E). As part of this thesis, extraction of shrimp oil was carried out from shrimp processing by-product using various extraction methods. The shrimp oil extracted from shrimp processing by-product using Soxhlet method (hexane: acetone 2:3) showed that shrimp oil is rich in omega (n)-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), phospholipids and Astx-E. Shrimp oil was also extracted from shrimp processing by-product using waste fish oil as a solvent, and also fish waste. The oil extracts were rich in triacylglycerols (TAG), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), followed by PUFA, and contained low amount of total carotenoids. The next objective of this thesis was to investigate the effects of shrimp extract and shrimp oil on fat accumulation in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, and the mRNA expression of genes involved in adipogenesis and lipogenesis. I also investigated the effects of fish oil, and a combination of fish oil plus Astx-E on fat accumulation, and the mRNA expression of genes involved in adipogenesis and lipogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. My findings demonstrated that shrimp oil extracted from shrimp processing by-product using the Soxhlet method decreased fat accumulation, and reduced the mRNA expression of adipogenic and lipogenic genes, compared to untreated cells. However, fish oil and fish oil plus Astx-E increased fat accumulation, and the mRNA expression of adipogenic and lipogenic genes, compared to untreated cells. Thus, shrimp oil and fish oil appear to regulate adipogenesis and lipogenesis via independent pathways. Shrimp oil extracts using waste fish oil revealed similar effects on adipogenesis and lipogenesis as that of fish oil. Overall, my findings demonstrate that shrimp oil extracted from shrimp processing by-product using the Soxhlet
method contains a significant amount of phospholipids, n-3 PUFA and Astx-E, and inhibits fat accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells. Thus, it has the potential to elicit anti-adipogenic effects.


identifier: Newman, Jacob Edward <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Newman=3AJacob_Edward=3A=3A.html>   (2021) Dependence of elastic nonlinearity on aligned inhomogeneities.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The nonlinear elasticity of geomaterials is a prominent indicator of the materials’
internal structure (micro-fractures, grain-to-grain boundaries, etc.), both microscopically
and macroscopically. Dynamic acousto-elastic testing (DAET) has become a
standard tool to assess the nonlinear elasticity of materials. Here, we use a transient
wave variation of DAET (TW-DAET) to evaluate whether this type of testing can (1)
distinguish the presence of varying types of inhomogeneities and (2) determine the
direction in which said inhomogeneities align. We explore two main types of inhomogeneities
with TW-DAET; micro-fracturing in sandstone samples (which we attempt
to induce via freeze-thaw cycles) and embedded objects within an elastically linear
background cement. The sandstone results remain largely inconclusive though evidence
for a potential two-mechanism (one increasing and one decreasing nonlinearity)
system is presented in a subset of the data. We observe the presence and alignment of
inhomogeneities for a sub-set of the cement samples we examine with TW-DAET. We
also find evidence for a potential dependence of the nonlinearity on the relative sizes
of the probe’s wavelength and the spatial characteristics of the inhomogeneities.


identifier: Byrne, Kristen <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Byrne=3AKristen=3A=3A.html>   (2021) Duty to warn for genetic testing: the importance of understanding harm when practically applying The president's commission standards of disclosure.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The field of genetics is unique as test results reveal information about multiple
individuals. When a hereditary condition is identified, healthcare professionals face an ethical
dilemma between their duty of confidentiality toward their patients and their moral obligation to
warn relatives of possible harm. The standards developed by The 1983 President's Commission1
guide healthcare professionals with this decision-making process. This thesis will argue that these
standards of disclosure are defensible in the face of common criticisms of genetic information
disclosure and are a good guide for health care professionals challenged with this ethical
dilemma. However, there are challenges when practically applying these standards because of the
standards’ reliance on the notion of harm. Harm is complex, and when using the standards, we
must distinguish between a harmful action and a wrongful action. This thesis will argue that this
distinction must be made when practically applying these standards to avoid a mistake in our
understanding of the situation. An improper understanding would result in a moral dilemma as
the rights of another would be infringed upon in an unjustified manner.


identifier: Esquivel Suárez, Mariana <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Esquivel_Su=E1rez=3AMariana=3A=3A.html>   (2021) A country full of Lloronas: La Llorona as a protest symbol against enforced disappearances in Mexico.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
La Llorona, or the Weeping Woman, is perhaps the most famous figure of Mexican supernatural folklore. This murderous mother turned into a restless spirit has traditionally been used as a cautionary tale for children; however, she has acquired a new meaning in present-day Mexico. The war against drug cartels that began in 2006 has resulted in an unprecedented wave of violence. The country is currently facing an epidemic of enforced disappearances with thousands of citizens who are detained by the authorities and are never seen again.
Since the Mexican government has failed to address this crisis, activists are raising their voices to help bring justice and closure to the families of the victims. La Llorona has become a symbol of their struggle. This thesis explores how Mexican activists and artists transform La Llorona and turn her into an appealing symbol of protest against enforced disappearance, and how, in doing so, they challenge patriarchal values and colonialism.


identifier: Yadav, Om Prakash <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Yadav=3AOm_Prakash=3A=3A.html>   (2021) Risk perceptions of occupational noise exposure and its impacts on fish harvesters' health in Newfoundland and Labrador: a mixed-methods study.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Occupational noise exposure is a significant concern for fish harvesters because it can cause severe health problems such as hearing loss, hypertension, stress, anxiety, and sleep disorders. The study investigates the perceptions of noise and self-reported hearing loss among fish harvesters in Newfoundland and Labrador. A mixed-methods research was conducted. A pre-validated survey tool was adopted to assess perceived noise risks and self-reported hearing loss. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted to explore noise exposure and associated health problems as well as obstacles and challenges for fishing workers to take noise reduction measures.
Data were collected through 76 survey responses and twelve interviews. Through measuring the perceived benefits, barriers, and self-efficacy score (2.3 to 2.9 out of 5), this research finds a moderately positive attitude of harvesters toward noise reduction and hearing loss prevention. A high perceived attitude and susceptibility score (3.9 to 4.5) suggests that fish harvesters disliked the loud noise and were susceptible to hearing loss. Most interviewees agreed that their workplace is noisy. A conflict between vessel safety and individual health was observed, as participants reported that the reason to avoid wearing hearing protectors is due to various other safety concerns. Participants believe that increasing education, awareness, and training can reduce noise exposure and prevent hearing loss.


identifier: Akhter, Sharmin <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Akhter=3ASharmin=3A=3A.html>   (2021) Rigidity of marginally outer trapped surfaces in Reissner-Nordström spacetime.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Our primary focus in this thesis is to investigate the stability vs rigidity of marginally
outer trapped surfaces (MOTS) in four-dimensional Reissner-Nordström (RN) spacetime.
This is connected to studying the first-order derivative of the stability operator
(and hence the second derivative of the outgoing null expansion). Stability means that
the principal eigenvalue is non-negative, and rigidity means that we cannot deform
MOTS. The question we have addressed in this thesis is distinguishing between stability
and rigidity. We study the special case of the inner horizon of Reissner-Nordström
spacetimes for specific values of charge and mass is horizons can be unstable, and we
ask questions whether they unstable is still rigid. To approach this question we use
a technique to reduce an infinite-dimensional second variation calculation to a finite-dimensional
one. We start with a brief introduction to general relativity and review
some fundamental aspects of black holes. We then define the stability of MOTS in
terms of the principal eigenvalue. Since the stability operator has a zero eigenvalue in
our case, the MOTS admits infinitesimal deformations. In the rest of the work we use
Lyapunov-Schmidt reduction to investigate whether these infinitesimal deformations
can be made finite. We give evidence that suggests that the inner horizon is stable.


identifier: Saha, Shailen <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Saha=3AShailen=3A=3A.html>   (2021) Iron-copper separation in aqueous solution using ion exchange resins.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Iron removal is an imperative process in hydrometallurgy processing of non-ferrous metallic ores as iron coexists with these non-ferrous metals in nature; e.g., the common copper mineral chalcopyrite is the sulfide of copper and iron. Precipitation methods and solvent extraction techniques are used to separate iron from copper leach solutions selectively. However, precipitation methods create a plethora of iron precipitates, making it not environment-friendly, and solvent extraction methods have the disadvantages of extractant’s loss and potential fire accidents. Ion exchange resin technology is applied extensively in metal ion recovery or removal at low metal concentrations, e.g., ppm levels. This research studied the efficiency of 24 commercial resins in 14 different functional groups to remove Fe(III) from Cu(II) leach solutions at relatively high metal concentrations. The resin dosage ranged from 0.1 to 0.5 g / mL, to test the effect of resin type and dosage on the separation of iron from simulated copper leach solutions containing 45 g / L Cu(II) and 50 g / L Fe(III) at pH 1.5. The test results showed that resins with the amino-phosphonic functional group and a mixture of phosphonic and sulfonic groups showed the best percentage of Fe(III) removal, while the resin with bis-picolylamine groups obtained more than 92% Cu(II) loading with a moderate amount of Fe(III) removal. Resins with phosphoric, phosphinic acid, and amidoxime functional groups also favoured the loading of Fe(III) over Cu(II) but loaded less percentages of metals. Resins with the carboxylic, quaternary amine, and glucamine groups had the best potential to remove a significant amount of Fe(III), while keeping Cu(II) loading low using multiple adsorption stages. Resins with sulfonic groups, thiol, thiourea, and isothiourium groups did not obtain a notable loading of both metals from the leach solution. However, resins with the iminodiacetic acid group loaded a considerable percentage of both Fe(III) and Cu(II) at the highest resin dosage. After choosing selective resins based on better iron removal and copper recovery performance, single factor optimization tests were conducted by studying the effects of pH, adsorption time, and temperature on metal adsorption. Finally, elution experiments were performed with different acids for the resins having the most selective adsorption of Fe(III).


identifier: Crowley, Samantha E. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Crowley=3ASamantha_E=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2021) Genetic influence on survival and fitness-related traits of juvenile farmed, wild, and hybrid Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in nature.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Farmed Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) have experienced multiple generations of selection pressures different from those experienced by their wild counterparts. Farmed fish escape from aquaculture facilities regularly, and their interbreeding with wild fish can result in lower wild population productivity and altered life history traits. Therefore, understanding the genetic basis of relative performance of farmed, wild, and hybrid salmon is critical to predicting impacts on wild populations from farmed escapees. In my first data chapter, I compared the relative survival, size, morphology, and parr marks of Atlantic Salmon parr (wild, farmed, and reciprocal F1 hybrids) over the first summer of growth at three replicate sites in southern Newfoundland. There was a consistent pattern of relative survival across all sites (wild-mother hybrids > pure wild > pure farmed > farmed-mother hybrids), with wild fish consistently smallest in size, and wild-mother hybrids and farmed fish largest. In addition, I found small differences in body shape related mainly to body depth, and differences among sites for parr mark size. In my second data chapter, I compared lipid and fatty acid profiles at release and recapture for farmed, wild and hybrid parr. There were lipid profile differences among cross types at both time points and in addition, pure farmed fish displayed a greater decrease in storage lipids and certain fatty acids characteristic of freshwater invertebrate prey over the experimental period when compared with other cross types. Overall, there were measurable differences in survival and fitness-related traits among cross types, even over a relatively short experimental period under favourable conditions. Ultimately, this research provides key data on relative cross type performance for North American populations of Atlantic Salmon that may help inform predictive models, and subsequent aquaculture management and mitigation decisions.


identifier: Kelly, Richard <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Kelly=3ARichard=3A=3A.html>   (2021) Component-action deep Q-learning for real-time strategy game AI.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Real-time Strategy (RTS) games provide a challenging environment for AI research, due
to their large state and action spaces, hidden information, and real-time gameplay. The
RTS game StarCraft II has become a new test-bed for deep reinforcement learning (RL)
systems using the StarCraft II Learning Environment (SC2LE). Recently the full game of
StarCraft II has been approached with a complex multi-agent RL system only possible
with extremely large financial investments. In this thesis we will describe existing work
in RTS AI and motivate our work adapting the deep Q-learning (DQN) RL algorithm to
accommodate the multi-dimensional action-space of the SC2LE. We then present the results
of our experiments using custom combat scenarios. First, we compare methods for calculating
DQN training loss with action components. Second, we show that policies trained with
component-action DQN for five hours perform comparably to scripted policies in smaller
scenarios and outperform them in larger scenarios. Third, we explore several ways to transfer
policies between scenarios, and show that it is a viable method to reduce training time. We
show that policies trained on scenarios with fewer units can be applied to larger scenarios
and to scenarios with different unit types with only a small loss in performance.


identifier: Mahmoud, Mohamed <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Mahmoud=3AMohamed=3A=3A.html>   (2021) An analysis of the duration of non-local muscle fatigue effects.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Introduction Non-local muscle fatigue (NLMF) is a temporary impairment in the performance of a non-exercised muscle following a fatigue protocol of a different muscle group. Since the tested muscle has not experienced prior activity or fatigue, any impairments due to the fatigue of another muscle cannot be due to peripheral factors and thus must be due to global or central influences. The majority of NLMF post-tests were conducted immediately after the fatiguing protocols. Thus, how long these effects can last is unknown. Purpose There is some uncertainty and conflicting results in literature regarding NLMF effects. The purpose of this study was to examine post-test durations of NLMF in four different time conditions (Control, 1, 3, and 5 min) to investigate the duration of the possible effects. Methods In a randomized crossover study design with only five recreationally trained participants (due to COVID) were recruited for this study (four females: height 159.1 ±2.9 cm, body mass 62.7 ± 7 kg, age 26.6 ± 9.8 yrs. and one male: height 182.2 cm, body mass 90.3 kg, age 40 yrs.) to examine the duration of acute effects of unilateral knee extensors muscle fatigue on the contralateral homologous muscle strength, activation, and fatigue resistance (endurance). Four of the participants were determined to be right-leg dominant, while one participant was left-leg dominant. In five randomized separate sessions (48 hours between visits) each condition was presented which included testing at one, three, five minutes post-test or Control. Non-dominant knee extensors muscle force, and an endurance test as well as vastus lateralis and biceps femoris electromyography
III
(EMG) data were collected. The fatigue protocol consisted of two sets of continuous 100-seconds MVC by the dominant leg, separated by 1-min of rest. Results The major finding was the lack of significant NLMF-induced single (discrete) MVC force decrements at any post-test duration. Conclusions NLMF was not evident in both single discrete MVC and muscle endurance (fatigue resistance). This finding was in agreement with a recent meta-analysis that reported trivial NLMF effects on single MVCs but contradicts the review’s finding of small to moderate NLMF effects on muscle endurance. The lack of NLMF effects on endurance might be attributed to a lack of statistical power, the recruitment of recreationally active rather than trained individuals, the greater fatigue endurance of female participants or recovery effects within 1-minute of the unilateral fatigue intervention.


identifier: McNicholas, Patrick J. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/McNicholas=3APatrick_J=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2021) An assessment of colonoscopy recommendations and the provision of genetic counseling for families of colorectoral cancer patients in Newfoundland and Labrador.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Introduction
Family members of patients who develop colorectal cancer (CRC) are at higher than population risk of developing CRC. Screening can prevent CRC by finding and excising precancerous polyps. Family members at risk of CRC require screening, starting at different ages and varying frequency depending on family history. The purpose of this thesis is to investigate clinical, pathological, demographical and family history variables in patients with CRC in an attempt to predict clinical decisions important in their management: referral to genetic counselors and frequency of colonoscopy in family members.
Methodology
The cohort used was from a familial CRC clinic started in 2010 in urban and rural regions of Newfoundland and Labrador (NL). Patients in the clinic were pathologically confirmed incident CRC patients from the Newfoundland Cancer Registry presenting between 2008-2010. Of the 1091 cases presented to the two health regions, 525 were considered for analysis. Pedigrees were reviewed by genetic counselors and family risk was determined using a variety of criteria. Multivariate models were created to predict the need for genetic counseling and the frequency of screening colonoscopy in family members as recommended by the genetic counselor.
Results
The multivariate model created to predict the need for provision of genetic counseling (GC) included eight predictive variables, had a sensitivity of 81.3% and specificity of 87.4%. Scores in 25 of 134 (19%) patients recommended for GC differed from the decision of the genetic counselor. Review of clinical information demonstrated that the decision of our model was more clinically apt than that of the genetic counselor. The model to predict screening at 5-10-year intervals included nine predictive variables, had a sensitivity of 90.3% and specificity of 76.3%, and identified 30 (9%) patients that differed from the decision of the genetic counselor. The model to predict screening at 2-3-year intervals included 7 predictive variables, had a sensitivity of 69.1% and specificity of 87.4%, and identified 21 (31%) patients that differed from the decision made by the genetic counselor. The model to predict 3-5-year screening intervals compared to 2-3-year intervals included five predictive variables, had a sensitivity of 75.0% and specificity of 55.6%. This prediction of this decision was poor and was not considered to be clinically important.
Conclusion
Reasonable prediction models of patients who had families that needed to see a genetic counselor and of those whose family members needed colonoscopy at 5-10-year, or 2-3-year intervals were obtained. Clinical information on patients where the decision made by the multivariate score differed from the decision made by the genetic counselor suggested the score’s decision was more clinically apt. Application of these multivariate scores in a population-based program of incident CRC patients has the potential to reduce mortality rates from CRC in NL.


identifier: Lunde, Jonas Halvorsen <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Lunde=3AJonas_Halvorsen=3A=3A.html>   (2021) Evaluation of mechanical properties and corrosion behavior of wire arc additively manufactured 13CR (AISI 420).  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: In this study, a 13Cr stainless steel multi-layer thin-wall part was fabricated using wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM). In Chapter 1 the microstructure and mechanical properties of the bottom, middle and top regions in as-printed condition were investigated. A multi-phase microstructure consisting of a hard martensitic matrix along with retained austenite and delta ferrite was detected for all regions. The top region exhibited both lower strength and elongation compared with the other regions, due to the presence of harder martensite with vermicular delta ferrite. In Chapter 2 a post-fabrication heat treatment was applied to the as-printed part. Here, austenitizing and quenching eliminated the detrimental secondary phases and the microstructure and corrosion behavior after tempering at 300°C, 400°C, 500°C, and 600°C for 2 hours were investigated. Electrochemical tests revealed that tempering at 400°C provided the best corrosion resistance and tempering at 500°C provided the worst resistance. In chapter 3 tempering at 400°C was looked into further by varying the tempering time; 1 h, 2h, 4h, and 8h were investigated by microstructural observations and electrochemical testing. A decreasing corrosion resistance with increasing tempering time was found due to the growth of intergranular carbide precipitates.


identifier: Lee, Sam Sangsueng <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Lee=3ASam_Sangsueng=3A=3A.html>   (2021) Statistical mid-air collision risk assessment.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This thesis describes current Detect and Avoid (DAA) equipment and communication methods among aircraft, Air Traffic Control (ATC) and Uninhabited Aerial
Vehicle (UAV) Ground Control Stations (GCS). The limitations of current DAA
systems are explored and analyzed to evaluate the effectiveness of each surveillance
equipment combination. Notwithstanding the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, future
air traffic is predicted to increase and the airspace to become very congested due to
the popularity of air travel and the increasing usage of UAVs.
Background information is provided for the current recommendations for the definitions of Loss of Separation (LOS) and for determining Well-Clear (WC), Loss-of-
Well-Clear (LOWC), unmitigated Near-Miss Air Collision (NMAC) and mitigated
NMAC for detecting any intruder aircraft and maintaining separation to avoid any
risk of a Mid-Air Collision (MAC).
The primary contributions of this work are the determination of the impact
of possible combinations of surveillance equipment that could be installed on current manned and unmanned aircraft, the estimated reduction of risk of violation
of WC boundaries and thus the probability for maintenance of safe aircraft separation. The impact on mid-air collision risk is determined by considering the impact of
DAA/Surveillance Equipment on the MAC (and NMAC) risk ratio.
The concepts herein focus on existing technologies as used in manned aviation and
their possible extension to use in UAS operations. The integration of such technologies
into future DAA systems is the major recommendation for future study.


identifier: Foley, Jordan Kevin <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Foley=3AJordan_Kevin=3A=3A.html>   (2021) Characteristics of strength and conditioning coaches in Canada.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The formal field of strength and conditioning (S&C) is relatively young in Canada when compared to the United States of America (USA). Identifying the characteristics of Canadian S&C coaches will serve as an evaluation and point of comparison for future strategy and direction. The primary purpose of this study was to gather information about the demographic characteristics of S&C coaches in Canada including age, sex, minority status, salary, education, and certification. Secondly, this study compared expert and non-expert Canadian S&C coaches. While the demographics of S&C coaches has been examined in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) in the USA, this study was the first to our knowledge to examine characteristics of Canadian S&C coaches. The criteria and study of expert coaches has been done on Canadian sport coaches but not for S&C coaches. This research aimed to combine both concepts of defining the characteristics of Canadian S&C coaches while also categorizing them as expert and non-experts based on a working definition of coaching expertise.


identifier: Nadler, Jonah Samuel <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Nadler=3AJonah_Samuel=3A=3A.html>   (2021) The relative deprivation trap: how feeling deprived relates to symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The psychological factors that explain how income inequality is associated with poorer mental health remain unclear. Personal relative deprivation (PRD), defined as the subjective distress experienced as a result of appraising oneself as unfairly disadvantaged compared to similar others, has been associated with poorer mental health, and may help explain this association. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a highly prevalent psychological disorder associated with negative cognitive appraisals. Accordingly, PRD may relate to the experience of GAD and to cognitive processes associated with GAD. In two studies we tested whether PRD was associated with GAD symptoms and if this relationship could be explained by cognitive predictors of GAD including Intolerance of Uncertainty (IU), Positive Beliefs about Worry (PBW), Negative Beliefs about Worry (NBW), and Experiential Avoidance (EA). Participants completed surveys measuring their experiences of PRD, cognitive predictors of GAD, GAD symptomology, subjective socioeconomic status, self-efficacy, and self-esteem. We found a consistent relationship between PRD and GAD. IU and NBW simultaneously mediated this relationship, while PBW and EA did not. These results remained when statistically adjusting for subjective socioeconomic status but were weakened when statistically adjusting for self-concept factors. This research suggests that the experience of relative deprivation may “trap” people in thinking patterns that contribute to symptoms of anxiety.


identifier: Holder, L. Kayla A. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Holder=3AL=2E_Kayla_A=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2021) Innate adaptation: the influence of human cytomegalovirus on natural killer cells.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
During their lifetime, over half the world’s population will experience chronic
viral infection or cancer, both of which involve evasion of host immunity. We have
within us immune cells called natural killer (NK) cells that constantly survey our
tissues to detect and eliminate transformed and infected cells. Thus, they have a
critical role in preventing cancer and containing virus infection. Although most
viruses only disrupt our lives transiently, if at all, some viruses establish life-long
persistent infection. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a common herpesvirus
infecting most of the adult population and although relatively innocuous in healthy
individuals, HCMV infection or reactivation has an enormous impact on the human
immune system, poses serious health risks to the immunocompromised, and is an
important cofactor driving ongoing immune activation in people living with HIV
(PLWH). One outcome of HCMV infection is emergence of a stable differentiated
population of phenotypically and functionally adapted NK cells exhibiting a form of
memory. While mechanisms that create adapted NK cells in vivo remain enigmatic,
exposure to HCMV is the one common factor underlying their presence. Exploring
basic molecular mechanisms governing NK cell-mediated immunity can inform cell-based
treatment strategies against virus infection or cancer. As chronic HIV-1
infection amplifies HCMV-driven accumulation of adaptive NK cells, we studied
whether NK cell adaptation to HCMV infection functionally impacts their natural and antibody-dependent cytotoxic functions in this setting. Although factors
present during HCMV infection augmented NK cell activity, we found no evidence
that NK cells acquire superior cytotoxic function or capacity for interferon-γ
secretion in response to target cells following adaptation to HCMV infection.
However, HCMV-driven NK cell adaptation in HIV-1 infection paralleled increased
expression of TIGIT, an inhibitory immune checkpoint receptor, on NK cells. As
chronic virus infection contributes to effector cell dysfunction, punctuated by
increased expression of inhibitory immune checkpoint receptors, it is important to
unravel the mechanisms by which viruses affect regular NK cell functions to either
prevent dysfunction or introduce disease-appropriate mediators to invigorate NK
cell responses. Understanding basic molecular mechanisms governing NK cell-mediated
immunity will inform new strategies to optimize our immune system
capacities.


identifier: Pennell, Natasha <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Pennell=3ANatasha=3A=3A.html>   (2021) Sustainability on a small campus: a case study of Grenfell Campus, Memorial University of Newfoundland.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Education has been identified as a key component in sustainable development and sustainability transitions, as exemplified by the UN’s Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2004-2015), thus, it is important for universities to understand the current state of their sustainability education and outreach efforts. The purpose of this research is to present a case study of a small campus that is making active efforts towards advancing its sustainability profile. This research uses transdisciplinary sustainability as a theoretical framework, using a social science approach and a mixed research method. Through a series of 10 expert interviews with faculty and staff at Grenfell Campus, Memorial University of Newfoundland, and a survey administered to the student body, this research unveils areas where Grenfell Campus has been successful at sustainability implementation and where it can improve, according to the Holistic Campus Sustainability Framework. This research reveals that while Grenfell Campus has increased its sustainability profile considerably in recent years in areas such as Operations and Engagement & Collaboration, there are still key areas in need of improvement, namely in the areas of Governance, Food Production & Services, Sustainability Communications, and Assessment & Reporting.


identifier: Sinha, Tanmoy <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Sinha=3ATanmoy=3A=3A.html>   (2021) Lateral ground movement effects near connection of medium density polyethylene gas distribution pipes.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Buried medium-density polyethylene (MDPE) pipes are extensively used for gas distribution systems. These pipes are sometimes exposed to geotechnical hazards such as ground movement, which may cause significant damage to the pipes. Understanding the behaviour of the pipes subjected to the ground movement is critical for transporting natural gas safely and economically using these pipings. This thesis presents an investigation of MDPE gas distribution pipes subjected to lateral ground movements near a connection. Gas distribution systems include a number of connections and lateral branches to supply gas to communities. When a pipe is subjected to the load from the lateral ground movement, the branch pipes experience axial force, and the pipe itself experiences bending deformation. As a result, excessive strains can develop on the pipes, leading to leakage or breakage. In this study, the bending strain on the pipes and the axial force on branch pipes are investigated using full-scale testing. Tests were conducted using 42.2-mm and 60-mm diameter MDPE pipes buried in the ground in a full-scale test facility. Each type of pipe was tested at two different burial depths in dense sand and loose sand. Test results showed that the axial force on the lateral branch depends on the burial depth, the pipe diameter, and soil density. The pipe under lateral ground movement experienced significant bending strain near the connection. The measured responses of the pipes were reasonably estimated within the linear range of deformations using beam-on-elastic spring idealization. For large deformations, elastoplastic spring parameters were required to simulate the pipe behaviour. The bilinear elastoplastic spring parameters recommended in the pipe design guidelines for steel pipes were modified to simulate the measured responses for the MDPE pipes. Based on the validated spring parameters, a parametric study was conducted using a python script to investigate the effect of burial depth, soil density and landslide magnitude on the pulling force and the bending strain.


identifier: Squires, Lauren <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Squires=3ALauren=3A=3A.html>   (2021) Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia in cancer survivors: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Background: Cancer survivors are at greater risk of insomnia relative to the general population.
The evidence for the efficacy of cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) amongst
cancer survivors continues to grow. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis
was to provide an up-to-date assessment of the efficacy of CBT-I in cancer survivors and explore
its effect on comorbid symptoms.
Method: Searches were conducted of PubMed, EMBase, PsycINFO, clinicaltrials.gov and the
World Health Organization’s international clinical trials registry for studies published up to
August 2020. Studies were included if they assessed the efficacy of CBT-I for improving
insomnia severity in adults diagnosed with cancer. Our primary measure of interest was insomnia
severity. Secondary outcomes included: actigraphy and diary measured sleep continuity,
subjective sleep quality, fatigue, mood, quality of life, and pain severity. The protocol for this
systematic review and meta-analysis was pre-registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020169986).
Results: Twenty-two studies including 1461 participants met the eligibility criteria. CBT-I
significantly improved insomnia severity (Hedges’ g = 0.78 and a 7.81-point decrease in mean
ISI score), with durable benefits at 3- and 6-month follow-up. CBT-I produced significant small
to large effects for the following secondary outcomes: sleep efficiency (sleep diary: g = 0.71 and
a 12.32% increase), wake after sleep onset (actigraphy: g = 0.21 and a 10.61-minute decrease;
sleep diary: g = 0.60 and a 26.24-minute decrease), total sleep time (actigraphy: g = 0.30 and a
23.29-minute decrease; sleep diary: g = 0.21 and a 30.12-minute increase), sleep onset latency
(actigraphy: g = 0.29 and a 3.40-minute decrease; sleep diary: g = 0.65 and a 20.58-minute
decrease), sleep quality (g = 0.70 and a 4.62-point decrease in mean PSQI score), anxiety (g =
0.28), depression (g = 0.31), fatigue (g = 0.35), and overall quality of life (g = 0.31). There were
insufficient data to analyse the effect of CBT-I on pain outcomes. Subgroup analyses revealed no
significant difference between in-person and self-help CBT-I, and effects were stronger for trials
that used non-active comparison groups.
Conclusion: Our results demonstrate the robust efficacy and durability of CBT-I for the
treatment of insomnia in cancer survivors and supports that CBT-I can produce concomitant
benefits on other symptoms. Implementation efforts are needed to ensure that people with cancer
have access to CBT-I as the recommended first-line treatment for insomnia.


identifier: Fallon, Laura <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Fallon=3ALaura=3A=3A.html>   (2021) An examination of layperson perceptions of the use of explicit and implicit social influence strategies in witness interviews.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The use of social influence in witness interviews, particularly implicit influence strategies, is an emerging practical and scholarly concern. In particular, how laypeople perceive such strategies is critically important, as they may one day serve as jury members tasked with evaluating witness evidence. Across four experiments, layperson perceptions of the use of explicit and implicit influence strategies in witness interviews were examined. In Experiment 1, participants (N = 293) read a witness interview transcript in which the interviewer employed an explicit influence strategy (i.e., threat), implicit strategy (i.e., minimization), or no strategy, and answered questions about the exchange between interviewer and interviewee. In Experiment 2, participants (N = 293) viewed an excerpt from a witness interview in which the interviewer used one of six influence strategies (i.e., threat, explicit leniency, four types of minimization) or no strategy, and rated the consequences the witness would face if they complied with the interviewer or failed to do so, and various aspects of the interviewer’s behaviour. In Experiment 3 and 4 (N’s = 286), participants read a transcript of a simulated murder trial where an explicit or implicit social influence tactic was used to convince an alibi witness to change his story (threat, explicit leniency, high-level minimization, low-level minimization, unprompted change, no-change). Participants were asked to render a verdict and answer questions about the alibi witness interview described in the transcript. The results from the first two experiments, in line with previous research, indicated that while laypeople can detect the message conveyed by implicit influence strategies, they do not fully recognize the potential risk of using such strategies. While Experiment 3 and 4
indicated that the use of explicit or implicit influence strategies did not impact verdicts – which is in line with findings in the suspect literature – there was also no impact of the alibi witness’ testimony on verdicts at all, suggesting that there are fundamental differences between witness admissions and confessions from suspects when it comes to their impact on courtroom decisions. Implications of these findings for the evaluation of witness statements in the courtroom are discussed.


identifier: Bilodeau, Reagan Leslie Simone <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Bilodeau=3AReagan_Leslie_Simone=3A=3A.html>   (2021) Workload and position dependent force output and the force-corticospinal excitability relationship during arm cycling.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The neural control of human locomotion is commonly investigated by measuring supraspinal and spinal (collectively: corticospinal) excitability during arm cycling. Arm cycling has proven to be an efficient addition to both exercise and rehabilitation regimes, specifically for persons experiencing paraplegia due to a spinal cord injury, or other neural impairments which affect mobility and limb function. Importantly, assessing corticospinal excitability to multiple muscles across phases of cycling and at various intensities has provided a broader understanding of how the central nervous system produces locomotor outputs. One aspect of arm cycling that has yet to be widely assessed is the mechanical component; namely force output. Muscular strength (a determinant of the ability to produce force) is necessary for many activities of daily living, as well as for athletic performance and overall musculoskeletal health. Examining both corticospinal excitability and force output across phases and intensities of arm cycling may improve knowledge translation related to training and rehabilitation that incorporate this exercise modality (i.e., promote a neuromechanical approach).


identifier: Zha, Ruosi <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Zha=3ARuosi=3A=3A.html>   (2021) An improved particle method for simulations of slamming with fluid-structure interaction.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
It is important to study the wave impact and slamming problems, involving breaking
free surface, which can cause high impact pressure and therefore structural damage
on ship hulls and offshore platforms.
An improved higher-order moving particle semi-implicit (MPS) method was developed
to solve 2-D water entry problems. To overcome the inconsistency in the original
MPS methods, a pressure gradient model was modified to guarantee the first-order
consistency and to satisfy the conservation of momentum simultaneously. A particle
shifting technique was also applied to improve the numerical stability. Validation
studies were carried out for water entry of a rigid wedge with a deadrise angle of
30ﾟ and the tilt angles of 0ﾟ, 10ﾟ and 20ﾟ and two rigid ship sections. Convergence
studies were conducted on domain size, particle spacing and time step. A Particle
Convergence Index (PCI) method was proposed to evaluate numerical uncertainties
in solutions by the Lagrangian particle-based methods. Uncertainties of the numerical
solutions due to spatial discretization were calculated. The predicted impact
pressures and forces by the present method are in good agreement with experimental
data and other published numerical results.
The improved higher-order MPS method has also been applied to study fluidstructure
interactions (FSI) for an elastic wedge entering calm water. The structural
responses of the wedge with a reinforce tip were computed during the water entry. In
the present method, different particle spacings and time steps were used for the fluid
and the structure. Convergence of solutions on the particle spacings for the fluid and
the structure and time step were investigated. Uncertainties of the numerical solutions
due to spatial discretization of both the fluid and the structure were evaluated based
on the proposed PCI method. Validation studies were carried out to two wedges with
deadrise angles of 20ﾟ and 30ﾟ entering water at various velocities. Numerical solutions
were compared with the results based on the original higher-order MPS model and
the experimental data. The present improved higher-order MPS method led to better
agreement with experimental data than the original one, and significantly reduced the
oscillations in numerical solutions.