identifier: Wollock, Jeffrey Lee <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Wollock=3AJeffrey_Lee=3A=3A.html>   (1968) Thomas Stinson Jarvis, Canadian author.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

title: Thomas Stinson Jarvis, Canadian author.

abstract: The present study is intended to provide a general introduction to the life and works of the Toronto-born author and lawyer, Thomas Stinson Jarvis (1854-1926). As far as can be ascertained, this is the first such study ever undertaken. -- The justification for the study is provided in a brief general discussion in Chapter 1, in which some of the problems involved in the research are also mentioned. A review of Jarvis’s biography is afforded by the second chapter. The following three chapters deal with Jarvis’s ideas and philosophies in relation to the period in which he was writing. Finally, in Chapter 6 his fictional works are surveyed and criticized. -- Special notice should be made of the bibliography, which lists every known printed source of information on Jarvis, and for the first time provides a list of every one of his known books, articles, and reviews. -- It is hoped that this study will help to bring about renewed interest in this forgotten Canadian author. -- The first of Jarvis’s six books was published in Toronto when he was only twenty-one; the last, in Los Angeles, a few years before his death. But the great bulk of Jarvis’s writing was done in New York City between 1892 and 1903. His canon comprises a book of travel in the Middle East; a semi- or pseudo-scientific book which applies Darwin’s principles to the domain of “mind science”; a purported history of the Druid domination of the world; and three admirable novels; also a number of philosophical essays; a large amount of writing on the subject of yachting; and quite a few theatre reviews. -- The study is motivated by the idea that modern students of Canadian literature would find Jarvis a most interesting figure once introduced to his works; and with some familiarity with this life and times, their knowledge would be broad enough to allow them to undertake their own further investigations.


identifier: Wongwitit, Sutti <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Wongwitit=3ASutti=3A=3A.html>   (2005) Analysis of free vibration of stiffened plates due to variation in componet dimensions and weld profiles.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

type: Thesis NonPeerReviewed

abstract: The investigation, reported in this thesis, focused on the free vibration responses of two identically fabricated stiffened plates due to the inherent variation in dimensions of components of stiffened plates and also due to the presence of weld profiles along the connections between the components. The percent certainty of 99.73 of each data set to be measured was used, lying in between μ - 3σ and μ + 3σ of each data set; moreover, three sets, μ - 3σ, μ and μ + 3σ, of each dimension of the components and weld profiles were used to generate finite element analysis models. The possible effects of variation in spacings, between the two transverse girders, were analyzed by setting the spacings to be normal, close girder and away girder cases, respectively. Weld cross sections were transformed to equivalent rectangular cross sections in order to use two-dimensional quadrilateral shell elements to model in finite element analyses. The validation of the transformation was also examined. -- The finite element analysis models were categorized into two groups, the models without and with weld profiles. Each model was generated using three different spacings of the girders, and each of them was generated using three prescribed sets of dimensions. All models were broken up into 4 stages in order to consider the influence of addition of components to structural behaviour and also to observe the variations in natural frequencies. -- Two finite element analysis software packages, viz., ABAQUS and ANSYS, were used to confirm the reliability of certain results. In addition, a number of element types and element sizes were used to determine the suitability of element types and convergence of results. -- Two approximate methods were employed to obtain the natural frequencies of stiffened plates. The first one was the method of elastic equivalence, and the other one was the approximate method using concepts of static analysis. The results obtained from these two methods and finite element method were compared. -- Once the weld profile geometries of the two models were obtained, it was observed that the weld qualities of Model I were better than those of Model II because the standard deviations of widths of weld on panel and on webs of girders of Model II were 1.39 and 2.59 times greater than those of Model I; the standard deviations of all the other dimensions of both models were comparable. -- From all the analyses, it was observed that the variation in dimensions of components of stiffened plates and in weld profiles produced a variation in natural frequencies between -4.59% to +4.74% for Model I and -4.27% to +5.04% for Model II. The inclusion of weld profiles alone in the models produced a variation in natural frequencies between of -5.02 to +4.12% for Model I and -4.50 to +3.14% for Model II. Moreover, the inaccurate placement of the transverse girders produced -2.01 %to 2.04% variation in natural frequencies for Model I, and -2.03 % to 1.99 % variation in natural frequencies for Model II. The method of elastic equivalence gave differences of -68.54 % and -59.96 % for the comparable natural frequencies of this method and finite element method. In addition, an approximate method using concepts of static analysis was also used to determine the first five natural frequencies of stiffened plate. The differences in results obtained from this method and finite element method were found to be between -4.39 %to +5.99 %.


identifier: Wooden, Tracey Carolanne <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Wooden=3ATracey_Carolanne=3A=3A.html>   (2013) Inferences in non-stationary longitudinal binary models.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Longitudinal binary data has been analyzed over the last three decades either by using odds ratio or 'working' correlations as a measure of association between the repeated binary responses. Recently, this type of data has been analyzed by modeling the correlations parametrically and estimating the parameters by a generalized quasi-likelihood (GQL) approach. In this thesis, we consider a specific correlation model, namely, the binary autoregressive order 1 (AR(1)) model to generate the data, and study the relative performance of the odds ratio and equi-correlations based estimation approaches with the GQL approach. This comparison is mainly done by simulations under both stationary and non-stationary AR(1) correlation models. A real life data set containing repeated asthma status of a group of children is also analyzed.


identifier: Woodland, Andrea Lynn <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Woodland=3AAndrea_Lynn=3A=3A.html>   (2013) A randomized controlled trial of costs associated with anemia therapy in hemodialysis patients treated with intravenous darbepoetin alfa versus intravenous epoetin alfa.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Anemia of Chronic Kidney Disease is associated with adverse cardiovascular and clinical outcomes and a reduced quality of life. Erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESAs) have improved anemia management and two agents are available in Canada, epoetin alfa (Eprex®) and darbepoetin alfa (Aranesp®). Darbepoetin requires less frequent administration due to a longer half-life. Epoetin and darbepoetin are considered to be equally effective in achieving target hemoglobin in dialysis patients but it is not clear if there is a cost difference. There have been few head-to-head comparisons of the two ESAs; most published data is from observational switch studies. -- An open label randomized controlled trial of intravenous darbepoetin alfa versus epoetin alfa was conducted in hemodialysis patients. Fifty patients were enrolled in the study. A dose stabilization run-in phase was followed by a 12 month active phase. ESAs and iron were dosed using a study algorithm to maintain hemoglobin within 100-120g/L. The primary outcome was the cost per patient of ESA over 12 months. Secondary outcomes included deviation from target ranges in anemia indices, iron dose and cost, time and number of dose changes required for dose stabilization, number of dose changes in the active phase and the dose conversion ratio. -- The median cost for epoetin over 12 months was $4179(IQR $2416-5955) and for darbepoetin was $2303(IQR $1178-4219) with a difference of $1876 (p=0.017). There was no significant difference in the dose or cost of iron. The median weekly iron dose was 40.4mg for epoetin and 41.7mg for darbepoetin (p=0.992). There were no significant differences in the anemia care targets including hemoglobin: 108.0g/L epoetin and 109.8g/L darbepoetin (p=0.336); serum ferritin: 848μg/L epoetin and 726μg/L darbepoetin (p=0.202); TSAT: 26.7% epoetin and 28.6% darbepoetin (p=0.472). -- The number of dose changes and the time required to attain hemoglobin stability in the run-in phase and the number of dose changes in the active phase were similar for both groups. The dose conversion ratio was 280:1 (95% CI 197-362:1) at the end of the run-in phase, 360:1 (95% CI 262-457: I) at the 3 month point of the active phase and 382:1 (95% CI 235-529:1) at the 6 month point of the active phase. -- In this study of hemodialysis patients  with comparable anemia management, darbepoetin cost $1876 less per year per patient than epoetin. This difference represents a significant cost savings which would be of interest to clinicians, policy makers and payers.


identifier: Woodrow, Jennifer Renee <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Woodrow=3AJennifer_Renee=3A=3A.html>   (2008) Automated recognition of harp seal pups in aerial photographs.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Harp seals, Pagophilus groenlandicus, are the most abundant pinniped in the Northwest Atlantic. The Canadian and Greenland hunt for the harp seal is the largest marine mammal harvest in the world. To ensure a sustainable yield, it is important to monitor abundance and population trends on a regular basis. In addition to species management, assessing harp seal population is important in estimating the consumption of prey by the species. To estimate the total population of harp seals, the Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) uses a population model that combines pup production estimates, pregnancy rates, and age-structured removals. -- Currently, the number of harp seal pups are estimated by conducting visual and photographic aerial surveys over whelping concentrations. A fixed-wing aircraft, equipped with a large format metric mapping camera with motion compensation, is used to take black-and-white photographs of whelping areas. To count seal pups, manual analysis of aerial photographs is performed by trained scientific personnel with extensive knowledge of harp seals and their environment. This process can take many months and involve several people. While extensive measures are taken to ensure the most accurate pup count, manual identification of seal pups is not always conclusive. This thesis attempts to address these issues by developing image processing and pattern recognition tools that automatically detect and classify harp seal pups in digitized aerial photographs. Automating this process will reduce the amount of time required to compute population estimates and potentially improve the accuracy of pup counts. -- The first step in the pattern recognition algorithm is to divide the large digitized aerial images into several sub-images for further analysis by the image processing and classification tools. The objective of the image processing algorithm is to segment and isolate potential harp seal objects to be used in pattern classification. The rigorous image processing component uses a combination of techniques including contrast stretching, adaptive thresholding using between-class variance, and a "cleaning" algorithm that employs edge detection, line dissection, and removal of objects based on size constraints. In addition, this thesis proposes a unique segmentation procedure called Isolate Connected Components that separates connected objects with minimal distortion to object shape. -- The image processing routine calculates nineteen features for each segmented object. Features are optimized using three different methods: scaling the data, Principal Component Analysis, and kernel whitening. One-class classification methods use these features to identify an object as 'seal pup' or 'not seal pup'. Two one-class methods are considered in this research: Parzen density estimation and Support Vector Data Description (SVDD). Optimal classifier parameters are determined by maximizing the Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (AUC). It is shown that the Parzen method performs better than the SVDD with an 82% success rate on test data.


identifier: Workman, Chad <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Workman=3AChad=3A=3A.html>   (2013) Effects of intermittent normobaric hypoxia on substrate utilization and metabolic rate in sedentary males.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of intermittent normobaric hypoxia on resting metabolic rate and substrate preference in sedentary males. After a 12-hour fast, 11 sedentary male subjects (acute) were individually exposed to 3 hours of intermittent normobaric hypoxia, achieving an isometabolic stress of ~80% oxygen saturation. A subset of 6 subjects (short term) continued with the hypoxia exposure for a further 6 sessions. Resting metabolic data was acquired immediately before and after the hypoxic exposure on day 1 for the acute exposure group and on days 1 and 7 for the short-term exposure group. Heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation and Acute Mountain Sickness Score were monitored and recorded. In the acute exposure group, there was a significant increase in oxygen consumption, from 315 ml·min (±10) to 371 ml·min (±10). As well, there was a significant reduction of the respiratory exchange ratio, from 0.89 (±0.1) to 0.76 (±0.06). There was also a significant increase in oxygen consumption in the short-term exposure group, from 322 ml·min (±10) on pre-exposure day 1, to 3 7 6 ml·min (±7) post exposure on day 7 and a significant reduction in respiratory exchange ratio from 0.86 (±0.09) on preexposure day 1 to 0.73 (±0.05) post exposure day 7. These results demonstrate that intermittent normobaric hypoxia, as described here, is sufficient to induce an increase in resting metabolic rate resulting in a switch from primarily carbohydrate to primarily lipid substrate as the main energy source.


identifier: Worthman, Lynn-Ann D. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Worthman=3ALynn-Ann_D=2E=3A=3A.html>   (1997) Surfactant protein A (SP-A) affects pulmonary surfactant morphology and biophysical properties.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Surfactant protein A (SP-A) is necessary in the formation of tubular myelin, the precursor to pulmonary surfactant (PS) films at the alveolar fluid-air interface. However, the exact role of SP-A in the physicochemical properties of PS films is not understood. Epifluorescence and electron microscopy were used to investigate the interaction of SP-A, and its structural homolog, C1q, with PS. Molecular films of PS lipid extract (PSLE) containing 1 mol% fluorescent probe (NBD-PC) were spread onto a saline subphase (145 mM NaCI, 5 mM Tris-HCl, pH 6.9) containing 0, 0.13, 0.16 or 0.20 μg/mL SP-A as well as 0, 1.64 or 5 mM CaCI2 in the subphase. Monolayers were compressed at a slow rate (the initial rate was 0.0089 A² /molecule/second) and film features were recorded. No differences were noted in PSLE monolayers in the absence or presence of Ca²⁺. Circular probe-excluded (dark) domains were observed against a fluorescent green background at low surface pressures (π ~ 5 mN/m). The domains grew in size with increasing π until π ≥ 25 mN/m, then diminishing domain size was observed. The amount of dark phase was maximized at π ~ 25 mN/m (at 18% of the initial film area), then decreased to ~3% when π reached ~40 mN/m. The addition of 0.16 or 0.20 μg/mL SP-A with 0 or 1.64 mM Ca²⁺ in the subphase caused a reorganization of dark domains into a loose network, and the maximum amount of dark phase was increased (25%) between π 10 - 28 mN/m. Monolayer features in the presence of 5 mM Ca²⁺ and SP-A were not significantly different from that of PSLE monolayers alone. This effect may be due to a self-association and aggregation of SP-A in the presence of higher concentrations of Ca²⁺. PSLE films were spread onto a subphase containing 0.16 μg/mL Texas-Red SP-A (TR-SP-A), a fluorescent analog of SP-A, in the presence or absence of 5 mM Ca ²⁺ to determine the location of the protein in the monolayer. In the absence of Ca²⁺, TR-SP-A associated with the reorganized dark phase lipid (probe-excluded domains). The presence of 5 mM Ca ²⁺ resulted in an aggregation of TR-SP-A in the fluid phase and fluid/gel phase boundaries of the monolayer. The interaction of PSLE monolayers with C1q was investigated by adding 0.16 μg/mL of this protein to the subphase in the presence or absence of 1.64 mM Ca ²⁺. Monolayer surface texture was reorganized in a manner similar to that when SP-A was present, but the total amount of dark phase recorded (~12% at π between 15-25 mN/m) was  less than that observed in PSLE films in the presence of SP-A. The effect of C1q on the surface texture of PSLE films was similar to that of SP-A, hence the oligomeric structure of these C-type lectin proteins may have some impact on PSLE film organization. This study suggests that SP-A associates with PSLE monolayers, particularly gel-phase lipid, and results in some reorganization of gel-phase lipid in surfactant monolayers.


identifier: Worthman, Marcus Glenn <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Worthman=3AMarcus_Glenn=3A=3A.html>   (1988) Compatibility of selected insecticides with two steinernematid nematodes.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The combination of insecticides with entomogenous nematodes in integrated pest management protocols could be an effective way of lowering environmental loads of harmful insecticides. The compatibility of two locally isolated steinernematid nematodes, (Steinernema sp. Newfoundland strain no. 1 (L1C) and Steinernema sp. Newfoundland strain no. 2 (5B)) with the organochlorine insecticides chlordane and methoxychlor, the organophosphates diazinon and malathion, the carbamates carbaryl (SevinR) and aminocarb (MatacilR), as well as the insect growth regulator diflubenzuron (DimilinR), was investigated. -- Direct exposure of infective juveniles to chlordane, methoxychlor, diazinon and carbaryl at a concentration of 1.0 mg/ml proved toxic. Exposure of nematodes to ≤0.1 mg/ml of these three and ≤1.0 mg/ml of malathion, carbaryl, Matacil and Dimilin did not cause significant mortality to the juvenile of both nematode. -- Efficacy of infective juveniles to the Greater Wax moth, Galleria mellonella was unaffected, except where nematodes were lethally affected by chlordane, methoxychlor a-and diazinon at 1.0 mg/ml. -- In vitro development of both nematodes was impaired by exposure to all tested insecticides. Toxicity appeared to be related to both direct toxicity toward adult and non-ensheathed nematode larvae as well as towards the associated bacterial symbionts. -- The doubling or generation time of the bacterial symbionts Xenorhabdus sp. L1C and Xenorhabdus sp. 5B, was found to be approximately 90 and 117 minutes respectively. Bacteria showed variable sensitivity to the tested insecticides but the carbamates and diazinon were particularly toxic at ≥0.1 mg/ml. -- The juveniles of both nematode strains demonstrated active seeking of hosts by migrating in soil towards G. mellonella larvae. -- Nematode migration in soil was not impaired by the organochlorine insecticide, chlordane. However the organophosphate diazinon reduced migration of both nematodes at ≥0.1 mg/ml. -- The data obtained suggest that compatibility of nematodes with insecticides in integrated pest management programs can be attained by lowering insecticide levels or altering timing of insecticide and nematode application.


identifier: Wright, Penny M. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Wright=3APenny_M=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2007) Optimizing production rates through enhanced well design.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: For decades, reservoir and drilling engineers have independantly strived to provide optimal production rates through various methods. The method studied for this research was based on a post-drilling analysis of optimizing production rates by designing a well path that could be drilled sucessfully. This was achieved by combining a wellflow simulator, NETool™, with a torque and drag modelling program, Power Plan®, to prove better results could be obtained. The work consisted of creating a methodology that was sucessfully implemented to first optimize the production rates by modifying an existing well path. Each new well path was placed in the torque and drag program to analyze the torque, sideforces and hookloads experienced on the drillsting. The success of the study was dependant on not exceeding the limitations of the system which in this case included the drillstring, connections and topdrive system. A component of cost-based risk was incorporated into the study to add a measure of uncertainty associated with drilling each new well path. This analysis proved very successful in obtaining higher production rates and a future in-depth study is recommended to develop an advanced tool that will integrate the two areas of oil and gas engineering


identifier: Wu, Ling <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Wu=3ALing=3A=3A.html>   (2007) Performance analysis and VLSI design of a high-speed reconfigurable shared queue.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Modern switches and routers require a large amount of storage space to buffer packets. This becomes more significant as the link speed increases and switch size grows. While DRAM is a good choice to provide capacity, the access time becomes a problem for high-speed applications. In this case, SRAM has to be used to match the link speed. However, SRAM is more costly and the density is low. The SRAM/DRAM hybrid architecture provides a good solution to meet both capacity and speed requirements. -- To minimize packet loss and provide better quality of service (QoS), each switch port is normally equipped with a large amount of buffering resources, which is usually based on the worst case scenario. However, under normal load conditions, the buffer utilization is very low. Therefore, we propose a reconfigurable buffer sharing scheme in which a buffer controller can dynamically adjust the buffer size allocated for each port according to the parameters derived from the traffic pattern and buffer saturation status. The target is to improve the buffer utilization without posing much constraints on the buffer speed. -- In our research, we study how buffer sharing architectures improve the switch performance, based on the results from both numerical analysis and simulations. The performance results obtained from both uniform and nonuniform traffics demonstrate that the proposed reconfigurable shared buffer can provide better queuing performance with a much smaller shared buffer. We further conduct research into the VLSI design of the proposed reconfigurable shared queue architecture using hardware description language VHDL and using 0.18um CMOS technology. The design result indicates that the buffer sharing and control logic can be integrated into port controllers with a increasing of about 20,000 gate-count for each 4-port group, while the memory size can be reduced into half of the dedicated buffer scheme.


identifier: Wu, Shaojun <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Wu=3AShaojun=3A=3A.html>   (1996) Robust estimation of fracture parameters.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Fracture mechanics is mainly concerned with the analysis of fracture-dominant failure. Various methods of analyses for cracks are used in the determination of fracture characterizing parameters, which in turn can be used to predict loads and crack sizes at which failure would occur. -- In engineering practice, robust methods for estimating fracture parameters are useful, given the lack of details of material data, geometric configuration and computational sophistication in an operational industrial plant. This thesis focuses on the approximate methods for the determination of (1) crack tip plastic zone size, (2) the J of circular-ended notches and (3) the J for three-dimensional pressure vessels and piping components. Furthermore, this thesis focuses on design perspectives based on robust methods. -- The assessment of the integrity of structures and components with defects has been shown to be possible using the robust methods developed in this thesis. The robust method for estimating the elastic-plastic energy release rate has been presented which is suitable for the purpose of design. In order to estimate the effect of out-of-plane loading which is parallel to the crack front, the so-called "2½-D" model is proposed in this thesis. This model has been developed to evaluate J for three-dimensional pressure vessels and piping components with defects such as pressure vessels and piping with a circumferential flaw or a longitudinal flaw.


identifier: Wu, WenLong <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Wu=3AWenLong=3A=3A.html>   (2004) Investigation of the Elastic Properties of Rb₄LiH₃(SO₄)₄ as a Function of Temperature and Pressure.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: A high resolution acoustic interferometer is used to study the elastic properties of Rb₄LiH₃(SO₄)₄ as a function of temperature and pressure. The temperature and pressure ranges in our investigation were 4 K-300 K and 0 kbar-10 kbar, respectively. At ambient pressure, a phase transition at Tc = 132 ± 0.3 K is observed using the sound velocity measurements as a function of temperature. At room temperature, the occurrence of a phase transition at a pressure of Pc = 8.4 ± 0.2 kbar is discovered through sound velocity measurements as a function of pressure. Attempt has also been made to distinguish the x and y direction in the monoclinic phase. The results turn out to be still equivalent along these two directions. Using the sound velocity measurements as a function of temperature under different pressures, the temperature-pressure phase diagram of Rb₄LiH₃(SO₄)₄ is derived. It is found that Tc increases rapidly with pressure at a rate of 19±1K/kbar. Using the sound velocity measurements, the temperature and pressure dependence of five of the seven independent elastic constants of Rb₄LiH₃(SO₄)₄  are obtained. To our knowledge, we are the first to investigate the elastic constants as a function of pressure. We observed that the elastic constant (C₁₁-C₁₂)/2 shows incomplete softening at Tc or Pc. In the high symmetry phase, this elastic constant exhibits a nonlinear temperature or pressure dependence. A Landau model involving both temperature and pressure as external parameters is proposed. Our calculations agree well with our experimental results. Our model predicts that the actual soft acoustic mode shows complete softening at Tc. It also predicts that the actual soft acoustic mode propagates along the direction away [110] by -5⁰.


identifier: Wyatt, Jessica L. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Wyatt=3AJessica_L=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2012) The effect of extended holding under ambient water temperatures on the condition, physiology and stress response of cultured blue mussels (Mytolys edulis L. 1758) following commercial harvest in Northeastern Newfoundland.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Effects of extended holding under ambient water temperature on the physiology and stress response of cultured blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) in northeastern Newfoundland were examined over the course of four seasons. Changes in tissue weight, condition index, stress response, oxidative stress and immune gene expression were assessed over a period of two to three months in live-holding under ambient water temperatures. Animals in holding were compared to field control mussels collected from the original lease at each sample time. Condition and dry tissue weight decreased over time in holding during the summer, fall, and spring seasons; however the effect was only significant after one month. The summer and fall represented the most stressful seasons to maintain animals in extended live holding under ambient water temperatures as indicated by the significant decline in condition and increase in stress response as indicated by the neutral red assay. In the field, condition index and tissue weight varied seasonally and was lowest during winter peaking to a high during the spring (April). Seasonality of antioxidant and immune genes were noted however there was no consistent increased expression due to holding. Only in the spring did extended holding cause any change to digestive gland structure. -- We recommend mussels be maintained in extended holding for no longer than a period of one month to reduce the impact on their physiology and an overall loss in quality. After this point there is a significant increase in stress response coupled with a decline in condition and meat weight which could result in a loss of profit for the grower


identifier: Xiao, Lin <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Xiao=3ALin=3A=3A.html>   (2013) An experimental study on iron and manganese removal and optimum operating conditions for a small water treatment system.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: In sparse rural communities, it is often not cost-efficient to construct large or medium-scale water treatment plants or to connect to existing municipal facilities. In Newfoundland, many rural communities are facing similar situations in terms of drinking water supply, and a potable water dispensing unit (PWDU) was previously developed in order to supply reliable and safe drinking water to these communities. While the initial testing of this treatment system demonstrated its reliability in meeting drinking water standards, the insufficient removal of colour present in treated water occurred in some cases, which is often caused by high levels of iron and/or manganese. Aimed to improve the performance of the PWDU in removing iron and manganese, this study used a combination of central composite design and response surface model approaches to evaluate iron and manganese removal efficiencies under varying operational (e.g. ozone doze and flow rate) and environmental conditions (i.e., concentration of iron and manganese). In terms of iron removal efficiency, the initial iron concentration in the influent had the strongest effect followed by influent manganese concentration, while flow rate and ozone dose had no significant effect on iron removal efficiency. In terms of manganese removal efficiency, all 4 factors analyzed had significant effects but the flow rate had the weakest effect when compared to the effects of initial iron (strongest) and manganese (second strongest) concentrations. The results also indicated that an ozone dose of 8.5 g/hr was optimal for iron and manganese removal in most cases tested. While higher flow rate was preferred for raw water with lower iron and manganese concentrations, lower flow rate was better for raw water with higher iron and manganese concentrations. This study greatly improved our knowledge in system performance as well as iron and manganese removal by the PWDU, which would benefit the water treatment industry as well as the rural communities across NL by improving the quality and capacity of drinking water supply. In addition, the experimental approaches used by this study also provided a useful reference and tool for further studies aimed to improve the performance of small-scale water treatment systems.


identifier: Xiao, Lu <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Xiao=3ALu=3A=3A.html>   (2003) Implementation analysis of block cipher components and structures.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This thesis analyzes the implementation and performance characterization of symmetric key block ciphers. In particular, we study block ciphers which consist of Substitution-boxes (S-boxes) and Maximum Distance Separable (MDS) mappings. New mechanisms are proposed to evaluate the performance of block ciphers in terms of complexity and security for both hardware and software implementations. Configured with parameterized components, many cipher cases are derived from two cipher structures, a nested Substitution-Permutation Network (SPN) and a class of Feistel networks. In our study of each case, the hardware complexity and speed are evaluated by considering a gate network consisting of one- or two-input logic gates, which is suitable for an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) realization. The software complexity (in terms of both speed and memory requirements) is evaluated through table lookup implementations, which is a classical approach used for fast software implementations. The results of the complexity evaluation are verified with implementations using 0.18 μm and 0.35 μm CMOS technologies for hardware and C/C++ compilers for software. Cipher security, in the form of resistance to differential and linear attacks, is used to normalize the performance in the analysis. Because the discussed structures are similar to many existing ciphers such as the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) and Camellia, this mechanism enables us to study the efficiency of existing and new ciphers through a wide comparison of security, performance, and implementation methods. -- In addition to differential and linear cryptanalysis, we also examine integral, eXtended Sparse Linearization (XSL), and power attacks that may be applied to block ciphers. The XSL attack is discussed with respect to its effectiveness on the various studied cipher structures. Finally, a simple power analysis attack is implemented on Camellia's key schedule in the circumstance where the processor leaks Hamming weight information and the influence of the attack on the design of key schedules is explored.


identifier: Liu, Xiaolong <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Liu=3AXiaolong=3A=3A.html>   (2013) Modelling of gas injection with constant pressure boundaries.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Gas injection is one of the most widely applied enhanced oil recovery methods. Existing analytical solutions to gas injection processes are based on the standard fractional flow assumption of a constant flow rate. Realistically, most reservoirs are operated with constant injection and production pressures where the total volumetric flux varies with time. An analytical model for the gas injection process with constant pressure boundaries and a numerical compositional model are developed in this thesis. By using the standard fractional flow analysis, the Riemann problem associated with the ternary gas injection process is solved. Based on the solution of the eigenvalue and elementary waves, the time dependent total flux, pressure distribution, and saturation profile with constant pressure boundaries are directly calculated by applying the approach developed by Johansen and James (2012). The analysis of the ternary gas injection problem provides the fundamental method for systems with higher numbers of components. -- The solution from the two-dimensional numerical model interprets the effects from the component property and heterogeneity in the reservoir to the displacement performance. The analytical solution is compared with the numerical solution. It shows that the grid block refinement plays a significant role in the behaviour of the numerical solution. By studying both the analytical and numerical methods, agreement and disparity of solutions between the two approaches can be investigated.


identifier: Xie, Ji <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Xie=3AJi=3A=3A.html>   (1999) Modeling, analysis and design of fixed frequency series-parallel resonant DC/DC converters using the extended describing function method.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The fixed frequency series-parallel resonant de/de converter is used in high current and low voltage power supplies in telecommunication applications. The frequency domain analysis technique has been the preferred method for the modeling and analysis of the converter. However, the modeling and analysis technique results in a complex set of equations from which it is difficult to establish systematic design procedure for selecting the component values of the converter. -- This thesis proposes a generalized modeling, analysis and design approach of the fixed frequency series-parallel resonant de/de converter. A systematic approach to modeling the behavior of the converter based on extended describing function technique is presented. By employing this technique, both continuous-time large-signal and small-signal models of the converter are developed. A new set of design criterion and procedure aimed at minimizing the cost and size of the converter is developed from the large-signal model A design example is presented to illustrate the use of the design procedure. Finally, a Pspice implementation of the converter is provided to validate the extended describing function technique.


identifier: Xu, Dashun <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Xu=3ADashun=3A=3A.html>   (2004) Asymptotic behavior and traveling waves for some population models.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Since the 1970s, more and more mathematicians have been trying to propose reasonable models for the growth of species in all kinds of environments and for the spread of epidemic diseases, and to understand the long-term behavior of their modelling systems. This thesis, consisting of five chapters, mainly deals with the dynamics of population and epidemic models represented by some time-delayed ordinary and partial differential equations, and reaction-diffusion systems. -- In Chapter 1, we present some basic concepts and theorems, which involve the theories of monotone dynamics, uniform persistence, essential spectrum of linear operators, asymptotic speeds of spread and minimal traveling wave speed. -- Based on some specific competitive models, we formulate in Chapter 2 a class of asymptotically periodic delay differential equations, which models multi-species competition, and investigate the global dynamics of the model. More precisely, we established the sufficient conditions for competitive coexistence, exclusion and uniform persistence via theories of competitive systems on Banach spaces, uniform persistence, periodic and asymptotically periodic semiflows. -- Chapter 3 focuses on a nonlocal reaction-diffusion equation modelling the growth of a single species. For this model, we obtain a threshold dynamics and the global attractivity of a positive steady state. We also discuss the effects of spatial dispersal and maturation period on the evolutionary behavior in two specific cases. Our numerical investigation seems to suggest that the model admits a unique positive steady state even without monotonicity conditions. -- In Chapter 4, we consider an epidemic model represented by a reaction-diffusion equation coupled with an ordinary differential equation, which is proposed by Capasso et al. Here, the existence, uniqueness (up to translation) and global exponential stability with phase shift of bistable traveling waves are studied by phase plane techniques, monotone semiflow approaches and a detailed spectrum analysis. -- In Chapter 5, the asymptotic speeds of spread for solutions and traveling wave solutions to the integral version of the epidemic model in Chapter 4 are investigated. Our results show that the minimal wave speed for monotone traveling waves coincides with the asymptotic speed of spread for solutions with initial functions having compact supports. Some numerical simulations are also provided.


identifier: Xu, Guang <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Xu=3AGuang=3A=3A.html>   (2006) Understanding the role of interaction in terms of linguistic, affective, and social factors: a study of native speaker - non-native speaker communication in a natural setting.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This study is intended to examine how learners' language and affective variables influence their interaction with native speakers, and conversely how such interaction influences students' language and affective variables. The affective variables are advocated to be important in the learning process. By the socio-educational model, Gardner advanced a dynamic process between affective variables and learning experiences/outcomes. Therefore, in addition to the conventional linguistic dimension that was commonly used to examine the role of interaction in second language acquisition, I added an affective dimension to the present study of interaction between Chinese ESL students and native English speakers in Canada. -- During the study, a questionnaire was used to provide quantified general descriptions of the native speaker-- non-native speaker (NS-NNS) interaction. Then, qualitative data were collected through interviews, which unveiled how individual students made sense of particular situations and experiences of interaction. Emphasis was given to the qualitative approach, and research findings were analyzed from three aspects: linguistic, affective, and social. -- In this study, the linguistic benefit of communicating with NSs was most obvious in fluency, vocabulary and expression, and sometimes pronunciation. But, except for fluency, the other two benefits were frequently situational and selective. The results indicated that, linguistically, interaction can be facilitative to language learning, but cast doubt on the proposal that interaction actually leads to acquisition. -- In terms of affective variables, as predicted by the socio-educational model, a dynamic relationship between anxiety/confidence and interaction was found in the study. L2 anxiety and confidence considerably influenced students' interaction with NSs, and conversely, interaction with NSs may gradually modify students' general anxiety and confidence level. Three factors were adopted to assess learning motivation, and they are: attitudes, desire, and intensity. I found that most students maintained very positive attitudes toward interaction with NSs, and all informants exhibited considerable desire for having more contact with NSs. However, a significant gap between students' attitude/desire and their interaction intensity was exposed. Reasons for this discrepancy were: language barriers, limited opportunities, weak social support from some NSs, and students' lack of self-discipline. It was confirmed that, through interaction with NSs, students' language was improved and personal experiences enriched, which motivated them to further communicate. – Finally, the critical perspective that looks into the social support of NS-NNS communication lent us a perspective to understand the gap between attitudes/desire and intensity found in the study. Because of subjective norms and significant others, students sometimes were unable to turn positive attitudes into practice. So this perspective is important to understanding the findings that students' anxiety, self-confidence, and motivation (esp. intensity) varied with situations and interlocutors. Such inconsistency implied that the affective filter is not an inherent trait of a language learner, but one that is socially constructed. -- So far, research findings obtained through the present study demonstrated that the effect between affective variables and interaction is reciprocal. Also it is both reasonable and desirable to interpret the role of interaction from all three aspects.


identifier: Xu, Jianhong <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Xu=3AJianhong=3A=3A.html>   (1997) Design and implementation of an advanced substitution-permutation encryption network.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: To solve the problems of data security in modern electronic communication environments and applications, researchers have been placing much effort on the design of efficient and secure ciphers. Substitution-permutation encryption networks (SPNs) are an important class of private-key block ciphers. The objective of this thesis is to develop an advanced substitution-permutation encryption network that not only is efficiently secure but also can be simply implemented in both hardware and software. -- Two of the most powerful attacks are linear cryptanalysis and differential cryptanalysis. After investigating the application of linear cryptanalysis to an SPN, a new nonlinearity criterion for the design of S-boxes is presented. S-boxes satisfying this criterion strengthen the ability of an SPN to frustrate linear cryptanalysis. As well, we propose a novel linear transformation as the method of interconnection between rounds of S-boxes. The use of the linear transformation increases the resistance of an SPN to both linear cryptanalysis and differential cryptanalysis. -- Finally, we implement an SPN which consists of our new linear transformation and 4 x 4 S-boxes satisfying our new design criterion by using a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). The simulation results confirm that the digital hardware implementation of the SPN is practical and not complicated.


identifier: Yabsley, Dennis E. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Yabsley=3ADennis_E=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2007) A comparison of educational reform in the provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador and Alberta: a document analysis of the North American economic business model and its effect on education reform in Newfoundland and Labrador and Alberta.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: In recent years, education has been a major focus of government policy in many of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. Governments have had an effect on changes in the education enterprise including curriculum, testing, governance, finance, and accountability. -- Greater accountability has been advocated for education systems as a means of ensuring that taxpayers are getting reasonable value for their education dollar. Strategies and tools for increasing school accountability have become an integral part of broader school reform initiatives. -- In examining reform initiatives in Newfoundland and Labrador in the 1990s and Alberta in the early 2000s, it has been observed that business model techniques have played a major role in driving school reform. In comparing education reform in Newfoundland and Labrador and Alberta, one finds that the Alberta model of reform is well advanced in areas of technology, school development models, and student performance. However, it must be noted that the Alberta system is well-funded compared to the Newfoundland and Labrador system. -- The language and practices of the corporate world have increasingly become a part of school reform. As a result, today's Canadian education systems utilize business and economic models in pursuing the education enterprise.


identifier: Yang, Wei <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Yang=3AWei=3A=3A.html>   (2009) Physical modeling of subgouge deformations in sand.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: A series of 7 tests of PIRAM (Pipeline Ice Risk Assessment and Mitigation) tests were carried out to simulate the progress of a gouging ice keel by centrifuge modeling. This thesis focuses on the subgouge deformations of the ice gouging process. The relationships between gouge depth, frontal berm, force, pressure, subgouge deformation and vertical extent of subgouge deformation are discussed in the thesis. The PIRAM tests were compared with the results of a similar series of previously conducted tests, and previous tests. Significance of the frontal berm height, gouge depth, gouge rate are also discussed. -- The experimental program consisted of towing a model ice keel across a model testbed at a set gouge depth under various centrifuge acceleration. The test setup consisted of an aluminum half width ice keel model mounted on a gantry situated on top of the containment box given the centerline of the model was replaced by a viewing window to visualize the subgouge deformation accumulation. The model tests were conducted using saturated fine sand simulating seabed. Two tests were conducted with shallow gouge depths for comparison with previous Delft Hydraulics flume medium scale gouge tests to evaluate the applicability of centrifuge modeling. Three tests were conducted at a fast gouge rate since most of the previous work were conducted at a relatively slow rate. A large amount of data regarding ice keel gouge in sand was acquired from the experimental program the analysis of which described here in. -- The combined depth of gouge depth and frontal berm height has a significant effect on the force and subgouge deformation. The force per unit width increases as the gouge depth increases. The vertical to lateral gouge force ratio seems to be independent of the aspect ratio which is gouge width divide gouge depth or attack angle. The kappa value is the frontal berm height normalized by gouge depth is linear with the aspect ratio. The kappa value has a significant effect on gouge force and subgouge deformation. Particle image velocimetry (PlV) technique was successfully used to track the evolution of subgouge deformation in all 7 tests. The maximum horizontal subgouge displacement occurred at the base of the keel and decreased with depth. The associated maximum gouge forces are a function of the keel attack angle and the gouge geometry. In comparison with previous tests, the vertical extent of subgouge deformation (SGD) was a function of combined depth and the soil state, but independent of the attack angle. The SGD are influenced by the attack angle and the soil state. Faster gouge rates may result in larger gouge forces by a factor of 2 to 3 and smaller horizontal subgouge deformations but similar vertical extent.


identifier: Yang, Haiyan <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Yang=3AHaiyan=3A=3A.html>   (2006) Nonparametric statistical inference for the two-sample location problem.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The two-sample problem occurs in many scientific fields, with a major frequency in environmental and agricultural research. Its primary goal is either to estimate the difference between certain parameters of the two populations or to test the hypotheses about the difference. The well known nonparametric procedure is Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon test. The aim of this thesis is to develop a new statistical inference procedure for the problem by extending the Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon test. In particular, simulated probabilities of the new proposed V statistic for the uniform, normal and exponential distributions are considered. Efficient computation algorithms are proposed to obtain the distribution functions of the V statistic. Power studies via simulation compare the new proposed procedure with Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon procedure. Also included is a real data set.


identifier: Yang, Kai <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Yang=3AKai=3A=3A.html>   (2011) Analysis of convergence for some positive oscillating series and integrals.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Please see thesis for abstract.


identifier: Yang, Ming <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Yang=3AMing=3A=3A.html>   (2011) Risk and pollution prevention focused environmental management system (RP2EMS): a case of offshore oil and gas operations.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Global offshore oil and gas (OOG) production is rapidly expanding to meet increasing energy demands. Since the offshore environment is sensitive, attention is increasingly devoted to environmental issues associated with OOG operations. An Environmental Management System (EMS) can be utilized to systematically manage all activities in OOG operations that give rise to environmental impacts. However, there is limited literature related to EMSs for OOG operations. This requires academics to examine common EMS frameworks and propose an EMS exclusively for OOG operations. This research was carried out to fill this gap. -- common EMS frameworks have the following limitations: (1) they are not very effective to convey and interpret sufficient information for decision-making; (2) there is no specified performance evaluation system to drive improvement; and (3) there is a burden of extensive documentation. Therefore, it is necessary to revise conventional EMS frameworks to overcome these limitations. The main aim of this study is to integrate Risk-Informed Decision-Making (RIDM) and Pollution Prevention (P2) paradigms within EMS, called Risk and Pollution Prevention focused Environmental Management System (RP2EMS). This framework also addresses the limitations of common EMS frameworks. Moreover, quantitative tools are developed to implement the proposed framework. The specific objectives of this research are: (1) development of an EMS framework; (2) development of a methodology to prioritize environmental issues; (3) development of a methodology for informed environmental decision-making; (4) development of a methodology for environmental performance evaluation; and (5) demonstration of developed methodologies through illustrative examples related to OOG operations. -- As a preferred approach for environmental protection, P2 is integrated into the conventional EMS framework. The risk informed decision-making is coupled with P2 in this framework. This integration can reduce the effort and costs that are needed to develop waste management systems. As the first step, pollution prevention and control options are identified for important environmental issues. For each option, a risk assessment is carried out. Based on the calculated risks and related attributes, the better options are selected using a suitable decision-making method. Implementation of the selected options requires the proper assignment of responsibility and good communication during operations. The framework provides guidance and a procedure for the execution of environmental management emphasizing P2. -- Identification and prioritization of the important environmental issues which are susceptible to causing significant negative impacts are necessary under the constraint of limited resources. This study proposes a hybrid approach using the fuzzy inference system (FIS) and fuzzy AHP for the prioritization of environmental issues in OOG operations. In this approach, a five-level hierarchy is developed. The highest level of the hierarchy corresponds to the goal - prioritization of the significance of environmental issues, and the lowest level corresponds to environmental issues, whereas intermediate levels correspond to major concerns (environmental risks) and sub-parameters of risk. The FIS is applied at the lower levels of the hierarchy to infer the major risk parameters. Subsequently, the scores representing the extent of risk are calculated. Fuzzy AHP is used at the higher levels to synthesize the Significance Scores that will help to prioritize environmental issues. -- To deal with the significant environmental issues, pollution prevention and other sustainable waste management options are investigated. The best options are selected using multi-criteria decision-making. This research proposes a game theoretical approach to solve multi-criteria conflict resolution problem under constrained and uncertain environments. Uncertainties in the quantification of imprecise data are expressed using rough numbers. A multi-criteria game is developed to model a decision problem in which three groups of decision-makers (i.e., operators, regulators and service engineers) are involved. There are three major categories of criteria: (1) costs, (2) environmental risks, and (3) technical feasibility. This game is solved using the generalized maximin solution concept. With the solution (i.e., optimal weights of the criteria), the rough numbers can be aggregated to an expected payoff for each alternative. Finally, the weights of the upper and lower limits of a rough number are employed to transform the expected payoff into a crisp score, based on which all alternatives are ranked to identify the best solution. -- Environmental performance evaluation (EPE) is an essential part of EMS. A method is developed to identify and define specific environmental performance indicators on a case-by-base basis, which consists of five steps: (1) describing environmental requirements; (2) determining favorable outcomes corresponding to the requirements; (3) identifying required activities of issues to achieve the outcomes; (4) searching for proper measures of the activities or issues; and (5) generating a list of key indicators. Based on these steps, a quality function deployment (QFD) approach is developed to determine key indicators and evaluate environmental performance. To handle uncertainties in QFD, the decision makers’ evaluations are quantified using rough numbers. The output of the proposed approach is environmental performance indices. Using these indices, decision makers can determine whether an improved performance has been achieved through an EMS. -- This research provides an innovative EMS framework that integrates paradigms of P2 and risk-informed decision-making to systematically manage environmental issues in OOG operations. All the proposed approaches were validated through numerical examples.


identifier: Yang, Wei, 1975- <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Yang=3AWei,_1975-=3A=3A.html>   (2003) Study of seal oil in reducing the nephrotoxicity of cyclosporine A.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Nephrotoxicity is a common and serious side effect associated with cyclosporine A (CsA). Fish oil, rich in ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), has been reported to be beneficial in alleviating the toxicities induced by CsA. Seal oil is another source of ω-3 PUFAs. This project was designed to investigate the potential of using seal oil to reduce the nephrotoxicity of CsA. -- The cytotoxicity of CsA alone and in combination with seal oil emulsion, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), main PUF As in seal oil, was determined using the MTT assay and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage in LLC-PK1 cell line. The effects of seal oil on the in vivo nephrotoxicity of CsA were investigated on two different experimental protocols: In the first experiment, CsA in 20% of seal oil or com oil emulsion was administered to SD rats at 50 mg/kg/day p.o. or 25 mg/kg/day i.p. for 28 days. In the second experiment, rats were kept on diets containing 7% sunflower oil, or mixture of 5.95% seal oil with 1.05% sunflower oil, four weeks prior to and during the four-week i.v. administration of normal saline (control) or CsA (15 mg/kg/day). -- The results of the in vitro studies revealed that DHA reduced the cytotoxicity induced by CsA. In vivo studies demonstrated that the nephrotoxicity associated with CsA was attenuated by the concomitantly supplemented seal oil. The possible mechanism of beneficial effects of seal oil may be exerted via modulating biosynthesis of prostanoids, leading to a higher ratio of prostaglandins to thromboxanes production, with a net favorable vasodilatory effect.


identifier: Yao, Lu <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Yao=3ALu=3A=3A.html>   (2007) Studying the Au/Si(100) system using the modified embedded atom method.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Molecular dynamics simulations based on the modified embedded atom method were applied to study the formation of thin Au films on the Si(100) substrate. Different Au coverages were used to study how the Au concentration affected the structure and morphology of the thin Au film on the Si substrate. It was found that Au atoms re-evaporated from the Si surface below 1 ML coverage at room temperature, and became more stable when the coverage was increased. Above 1 ML, all the Au atoms stayed on the Si substrate without re-evaporation. In our simulations, no Au/Si intermixing was observed within the simulation time of 41.25 ps below 3 ML Au coverage at room temperature. We also calculated the surface stress as the system evolved with time. The calculations showed the surface stress oscillated intensively at the beginning of the simulations and became stable when the system approached equilibrium. Comparing the surface stress of the system at different Au coverages, we found that the surface stress became smaller when the Au coverage was increased. Lastly, we studied the influence of temperature on the Au/Si interactions. Our results showed Au and Si intermixed above 2 ML Au coverage at 800 K, indicating that the Au/Si interactions could be enhanced by increasing the temperature.


identifier: Yeboah, Daniel Owusu <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Yeboah=3ADaniel_Owusu=3A=3A.html>   (1980) A survey of the prevalance and study of the effects of an ovariam phycomycete in some Newfoundland blackflies.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The ovarian phycomycete parasitizes Stegopterna mutate and prosimulium mixtum. The rate of infection in St. mutate was found to be 40%, but the rate in P. mixtum could not be accurately determined because of insufficient data. Simulium verecundum is a suspected host because the fungus is found on its egg masses. – The spore released by the fly during oviposition did not withstand desiccation and did not develop on the artificial media tested; development occurred only in water. At 4°C development was slow, and sporangia took between 5 and 7 days to develop. Above 10°C, the sporangia developed faster, within 2-3 days. The developmental process included the formation of sporangia from which discharge tubes formed, from these structures zoospores were presumed to be released. Evidence suggested that discharge tube development coincided with egg development, and that the life cycle of the fungus coincided with that of the host. A dormancy period equivalent to egg diapause of the host, of the involvement of an inte3rmediate host in the life cycle of the fungus is discussed. Evidence collected suggest there were two seasonal forms of the fungus – winter and summer – each form parasitizing the simuliid species present in the appropriate season. Based on the evidence collected to date, it is thought that infection occurs during the host’s early instars. Parasitism does not produce any detectable external symptoms in the host for results in a complete destruction of the ovarian tissues and eggs. Infected flies did not bite after the first gonotropic cycle and did not oviposit again. The infection rate in an ovipositing fly population was found to decrease with time. Longevity of the host did not appear to be affected by the presence of the fungus.


identifier: Yetman, David Jason <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Yetman=3ADavid_Jason=3A=3A.html>   (2007) Genetic variation and dispersal ecology of the lichen Erioderma pedicellatum in Newfoundland: recommendations for management of a globally rare species.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Erioderma pedicellatum (Hue) P.M. Jørg is a globally rare and critically endangered lichen largely confined to the island portion of Newfoundland and Labrador. In 2002 the Boreal population was designated under the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA) as a species of "Special Concern", while the Atlantic population was listed as "Endangered". Under the provincial Endangered Species Act the lichen was designated as a "Vulnerable" species. This designation does not provide immediate protection for the lichen but requires the development of a management plan and periodic status assessment. Essential management baseline information on the species is lacking; especially on the ecology of the species as well as levels of genetic variability. This project attempts to answer key questions about the dispersal ecology of E. pedicellatum and identifies markers for analysis of genetic variation in Newfoundland and Labrador. Using the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS-I) of the ribosomal DNA (rDNA), two haplotypes were found among samples from Newfoundland and a single 62-year-old Swedish herbarium specimen. The common haplotype was found in both the Newfoundland samples and the Swedish sample. In addition through field research, this study describes for the first time the micro-ornamentation on the surface of E. pedicellatum spores and concludes through laboratory studies that the minute E. pedicellatum spores are actively discharged (<10 mm), can become trapped on the leg bristles or antennae of flying insects and may therefore be carried individually by these small animals. Given the high probability of an insect landing on an E. pedicellatum thallus and the shear abundance of insects in the boreal forest, our hypothesis of insects as dispersal vectors of spores is possible. We predict the potential number of insects carrying E. pedicellatum spores to be in the range of 129-161 over a 15 year period, given the calculated probability of insects landing on thalli, 4000-5000 incidences. This has important implications for forest management in E. pedicellatum habitat and further research should build on these findings by testing maximum distances spores travel in the average gap sizes of the Avalon forests, the periodicity of dispersal, and implementing harvesting /cutting block sizes to test the dispersal limitation of the species. These findings should be compared to the genetic variation of the species. This is the first study documenting the genetic variation of this rare species and the results provide significant, important information on the global population. We conclude that given the low genetic variation and the lack of variation between North American and European populations, that the global population is one evolutionary unit. This supports the IUCN designation of a globally endangered population.


identifier: Yetman, Lori Jean <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Yetman=3ALori_Jean=3A=3A.html>   (1990) Sex as power: stories and memories.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

title: Sex as power: stories and memories

abstract: The following thesis, entitled Sex As Power: Stories and Memories, is a journal consisting of essays, stories and letters. A response to male terms of reference, it is an exploration of heterosexuality as an institution of power and an examination of the social construction of masculinity, femininity, and sexual discourse. It is based on the premise that sexuality is constructed and maintained by and for a male-dominated social structure and that it is through sexuality that men retain their power. Experiences of sex as power are described and discussed by women, from their own individual points of view as well as from the perspective of radical feminism. It represents an attempt to address the phallocracy; to record women's words and experiences; to employ a feminist methodology; to place the subjective in the realm of the political and authoritative; and, to work towards defining women's sexuality by questioning the one that has always taken precedence - men's sexuality, heterosexuality.


identifier: Yin, Hui <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Yin=3AHui=3A=3A.html>   (2007) Nonlinear analysis of mooring lines and marine risers.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: A six degree-of-freedom finite element numerical code, named MAPS-Mooring, has been developed for the static and dynamic analysis of mooring lines and marine risers. The three dimensional global-coordinate-based finite element method is adopted to model the mooring lines. In this method, the global coordinate system is used to describe the position of mooring lines instead of introducing local coordinate systems. The geometric nonlinearity and the environmental load nonlinearity are considered. Assuming that the sea bottom is flat and elastic, the non-penetrating bottom boundary conditions are applied on the sea floor in the analysis. -- In the computation, the static problem is first solved to determine the initial profile of mooring lines. When solving the static problem, the inertia term is neglected. The governing differential equations of the mooring line are a set of nonlinear algebraic equations which are solved by Newton's iteration method. For dynamic problems, the first-order differential equations are solved by the first-order Adams-Moulton method. -- The developed program was verified and validated by its applications to various mooring systems and marine risers. The reliability and accuracy of the program has been demonstrated by comparing the numerical solutions with the analytical solutions, experimental data and numerical results by other programs.


identifier: Yong, Neen-kee <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Yong=3ANeen-kee=3A=3A.html>   (1967) The histochemistry of the gastrointestinal tract of cod (Gadus morhua L.).  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This study was undertaken to correlate the histological features of the gastrointestinal tract of the cod with the occurrence of some of the hydrolytic enzymes and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) reactive compounds. Representative tissue of nine regions of the tract (cardiac, fundic and pyloric stomach, pylorus, caeca, anterior loop of small intestine, posterior loop of small intestine, rectum and liver) were fixed in cold acetone, Lisen's fluid and Baker's formol calcium for the histology and the localization of alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, esterase and PAS-positive substances. -- The distribution of alkaline phosphatase was mainly extracellular within the lamina propria and muscularis mucosae in the stomach region and in the striated border of the small intestine, caeca and rectum. The muscular layers, especially the outer longitudinal, indicated a very high activity of alkaline phosphatase. The acid phosphatase and esterase were intracellular and concentrated at the distal portion of the surface epithelium in the stomach and intestine. A high concentration of PAS-positive substances was observed in the gastric surface epithelial and intestinal goblet cells. It was not investigated whether or not a correlation exists between enzyme activity and age, sex of the animals or the season.


identifier: Young, Aedon <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Young=3AAedon=3A=3A.html>   (2013) The quest for identity in children's high and wainscots fantasy.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Like Wilkie-Stibbs, I draw upon the work of Lacan and Kristeva to connect children's fantasy to the feminine Imaginary. My focus is the sub-genres of high and wainscots fantasy. In the first analytical chapter, using a psychoanalytical and semiotic lens, I explore how the protagonist follows a quest to define identity in which the concept of true names is often an underlying motif. Using the critical themes of resistance, agency, and emancipation, I link the quest to the problematic post-modem view of truth and with the post-colonial concept of hybridity. In the second analytical chapter, I focus on fantasy fiction's depiction of the soul and the contrast between the natural order and immortality. Issues of concern are knowledge and power. In the third analytical chapter, I relate the fantasy quest motif to my own naming and to how I equate my views on the soul, the natural world, and mortality with those of a fantasy protagonist.


identifier: Young, Beverly <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Young=3ABeverly=3A=3A.html>   (2004) Richard Ford's postmodernist fiction: The Sportswriter and Independence day.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Richard Ford's The Sportswriter and Independence Day respond to the methods of representation of modernist and early postmodernist fiction. Ford writes a subtler form of postmodernist fiction, one that is conscious of its fictionality yet relates to lived experience. In this thesis I contend that The Sportswriter and Independence Day are hybrids of modernist and early postmodernist modes of fiction. Unity of knowledge, totality of text, singularity of voice and vision mingle with uncertainty, multiplicity, and contingency in this new hybrid form. In the context of the literary theories of Brian McHale, Alan Wilde, and Linda Hutcheon, along with the novelistic theories of M.M. Bakhtin, I show that Richard Ford's novels contribute to postmodernism's evolving aesthetic. I demonstrate how the novels not only fit within a postmodern aesthetic but also how they advance a new direction for contemporary American fiction.


identifier: Young, Christina M. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Young=3AChristina_M=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2013) There's more to birth than a baby coming out: a feminist phenomological examination of doula work in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: In this thesis I present a feminist interpretive phenomenological examination of the lived experiences of doulas in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, in relationship to three research objectives: ( 1) to investigate if membership in a collective provides doulas with particular forms of support, (2) to examine how doulas construct the significance of their relationships to their clients, and (3) to explore the potential to conceptualize the activities of doulas as a form of resistance against medicalized models of birth. Data were collected via focus groups and interviews with eight doulas in St. John's, including seven members of the Doula Collective of Newfoundland and Labrador (DCNL), and one doula who practices independently. -- Analysis and interpretation of these data resulted in four key findings: (1) the DCNL acts as a system of support for its members, but also poses particular challenges for insiders and outsiders, (2) doulas create meaningful relationships with their clients, but sometimes encounter difficulties with setting and maintaining boundaries with them, (3) doula work in St. John's is associated with overt activism for women's birthing rights, but doulas are careful to separate this activism from their care for their clients, and (4) it is possible to conceptualize the typical activities associated with doula care as forms of subtle resistance, falling along a continuum of subtle to overt acts. These findings are interpreted in relationship to the medicalization of childbirth, feminist theories of maternal embodiment, and the gendered nature of caring labour - in addition to my analytical frameworks of community and resistance. I discuss the practical and theoretical implications of my findings, and provide directions for future research.


identifier: Young, C. K. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Young=3AC=2E_K=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2007) Brillouin scattering from porous p-type 6H silicon carbide.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Brillouin scattering was used to study acoustic modes in porous silicon carbide (PSC). Six samples, with porosities varying from 30% to 58%, were studied. Initially the samples were coated with a 40 nm aluminum layer and two Brillouin peaks were found with frequency shifts that increased with increasing angle of incidence but that could not be classified as Rayleigh surface modes. Two of the samples were studied while in a near vacuum environment but it was found that this did not affect the resultant frequency shifts. 50% HCl was used to remove the aluminum coatings and each sample was found to have a Rayleigh surface mode, with velocities ranging from 2.8x10³ m/s to 5.2x10³ m/s. The velocities were compared to, and agree closely with, those theoretically determined using the Mori-Tanaka acoustic effective medium model for spherical and prolate spheroid pore shapes. Four of the samples also had a mode that could be due to a pseudo-surface mode, with velocities ranging from 4.6x10³ m/s to 8.4x10³ m/s. Each sample was also found to have a transverse and longitudinal bulk mode, with velocities ranging from 3.1 x 10³ m/s and 5.3 x 10³ m/s and from 5.5x10³ m/s to 9.7x10³ m/s respectively. The velocities were compared to, and agree closely with, those determined by using the Mori-Tanaka model for prolate spheroid pore shapes. Due to the optical transparency of the sample, the slow and fast transverse bulk modes and the longitudinal bulk mode of the sample's silicon carbide (SiC) substrate were also detected. The average velocity values for these peaks were determined to be 7.2x 10³ m/s, 7.5x 10³ m/s, and 12.8x 10³ m/s respectively. Using the data that was collected a more accurate value for the shape factor could possibly be determined. As well, further analysis would allow for the determination of the elastic constants for the PSC layers.


identifier: Young, Douglas Wayne <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Young=3ADouglas_Wayne=3A=3A.html>   (1986) A report on the development of an instructional unit entitled Happy Valley-Goose Bay: the changing pattern of communities.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The purpose of this study was to develop a unit of instruction to supplement the grade five social studies curriculum in Newfoundland and Labrador. The unit is entitled “Happy Valley-Goose Bay: the Changing Pattern of Communities:, and was deve3loped using a systems approach to instructional development. – The unit is multimedia in nature and includes a student booklet, a teacher’s guide and a slide-tape presentation. The intended learning outcomes were drawn from the social studies curriculum for the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. An extensive literature search resulted in the composition of related research on the community of Happy Valley-Goose Bay. This research was used to develop the content of the instructional materials. – At various stages in the development of the unit consultations were held with content specialists, media specialists, and learning specialists. Their suggestions were incorporated into the unit. – The materials were field-tested in grade five classes in St. John’s, Mount Pearl and the Goulds. Results of the evaluation showed that the unit was appropriate for the intended use, and successful in meeting the objectives specified. – The following the conclusions were drawn from the study: -- 1. The materials are effective in reaching the objectives specified in the report. – 2. The effectiveness of the materials is even more pronounced when they are used in conjunction with the unit for which they were developed.


identifier: Young, Marie Catherine <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Young=3AMarie_Catherine=3A=3A.html>   (2004) A phenomenological study of students' experience in returning to school after the onset of a psychiatric illness.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.


identifier: Young, Zhenpen <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Young=3AZhenpen=3A=3A.html>   (1994) A Reed-Solomon code simulator and periodicity algorithm.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Communication channels are usually affected by various kinds of noise. As a result, errors occur in data transmissions. Reed-Solomon (RS) codes, as other channel codings, are widely used to eliminate the errors due to its optimal characteristics in both Hamming distance and structure but most of all its capability of correcting both random and burst errors. -- The selection of the best RS code for a specific communication channel is always a major issue in system design. Hence, this thesis introduces and implements an RS code simulator to study a wide range of RS codes. The simulator first encodes the user's message into a codeword. The user can choose the symbol length m from 3 bits up to 8 bits or the block length N from 7 symbols up to 255 symbols, and the error correcting capability T of up to 16 random errored symbols. Then the user enters an error pattern of arbitrary weight which the simulator adds to the generated codeword. The resulting received word is then decoded. Either the direct (Peterson's) or iterative (Berlekamp's) method is used to construct the error locator polynomial. Only the Chien search is used as a root search technique for the error locator polynomial. This simulator does not handle erasures. -- Commonly, Chien search is used to find out all the possible roots of the error locator polynomial. It is found that for the double error correcting case (T = 2) these roots are not randomly distributed but they follow certain patterns. Based on these patterns, the periodicity algorithm is introduced and its validity is verified by exhaustive computer simulations. -- With fewer than 8 additions, 4 decision operations and only N symbols of memory space required, the periodicity algorithm outperforms Chien search and the binary decision fast Chien search techniques in terms of decoding time. Most of all it also outperforms the Okano's analytical solutions by a decision operation. Of course, the look-up table is the fastest in terms of the decoding time but its memory space required is N². This will limit its use when N is large. Therefore, it is concluded that the periodicity algorithm is the optimal solution for both decoding time and memory space. This algorithm is found to be very suitable for use in microprocessor based decoders.


identifier: Younghusband, Lynda J. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Younghusband=3ALynda_J=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2005) High school teachers' perceptions of their working environment in Newfoundland: a grounded theory study.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Teacher stress has been of considerable concern for several decades. Researchers have reported that the primary health problem of teachers is stress and that the causes are multiple and complex. Workplace stress has also been found to diminish teachers' enthusiasm and distance them emotionally from their students, thereby lessening the teacher-student interaction. School reorganization and consolidation in Newfoundland and Labrador has caused the incremental downloading of additional duties for teachers and, in their perception, unreasonable demands. The high stress levels of teachers in this province are worrisome and the causes and results of their stress must be identified and reduced. -- The purpose of this grounded theory study was to explore the experiences of high school teachers' work environment, particularly their experiences of stress. Interviews were conducted with 16 high school teachers, from 24 to 55 years of age, in rural and urban Newfoundland in 2002. The constant comparative method of analysis was used to generate three theoretical constructs: the struggle to balance multiple demands (feeling burdened by work pressures and demands, barriers to teacher effectiveness), the importance of supportive work environments (feeling unsupported by administration, value of a collegial community, importance of having adequate resources), and the realities of stress (participants' understanding of stress, self-concept, the taboo of stress, feeling consumed by the job: interference with personal life). -- A picture presented of a profession that demanded constant attention often to the detriment of participants' health and well-being. In particular, the emotional repercussions of stress seemed difficult for these participants. Findings suggest that they were concerned not just for themselves but for their colleagues and their students as well. The stigma associated with stress had prevented these teachers from speaking out until they were interviewed. -- This study emphasized the importance of  administrative and collegial support, the importance of effective communication, the necessity of adequate resources and professional development, and the need to recognize the excessive workload and the associated stress that teachers are feeling. The results of this study provide new insights into the serious problem of teacher stress in this province and the repercussions on their personal and professional lives. The implications of this study for teachers, the educations system, and further research on teachers' stress are discussed.


identifier: Ypsilanti, Dimitri <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Ypsilanti=3ADimitri=3A=3A.html>   (1970) A programming approach to regional economic planning: an application to the Newfoundland economy.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The aim of this study is to present and apply a programming model to the Newfoundland economy through which the efficient allocation of scarce factor inputs can be determined. In addition the possible results that the elimination of resource misallocation would have on the level of Provincial income and on the rate of growth of the economy within the next five years are explored. -- The model used to achieve this aim is based on a combination of linear programming and input-output analysis. This allows general equilibrium and structural interdependence to be taken into account so that efficient and optimum resource allocation can be achieved for the economy as a whole. -- Chapter I briefly examines the crucial variables in the Newfoundland economy which reveal that resource misallocation has taken place to some extent. -- In Chapter II the theoretical aspects of allocation are discussed. The conclusion is that to prevent resource misallocation coordinated investment is required, that is, planning. -- The general activity model is presented in Chapter III and two empirical models used in planning regional economic development are criticized. The planning model and methodology used in this study is then discussed. -- In Chapter IV the planning model is applied to the Newfoundland economy. An optimum solution for each period of the planning period is obtained and briefly discussed. -- Chapter V gives the main conclusions of the study. These are: -- 1) Relatively high rates of growth are possible in Newfoundland of up to a maximum of 15% per annum. -- 2) Labour, although relatively abundant in the initial periods, becomes the operative constraint quite early in the planning period. -- 3) With efficient allocation of resources the gap between Newfoundland and Canadian per capita income would close quite rapidly.


identifier: Yu, Bing <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Yu=3ABing=3A=3A.html>   (2005) Family socioeconomic status and adolescents' academic achievement: parenting practice as mediator.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The aim of the study was to examine the relations between parenting practice, family socioeconomic status (SES), and adolescents' academic achievement. The mediating effects of two aspects of negative parenting practice, harshness and inconsistency, were also tested. A sample of 2,17 4 12- and 13-year-old adolescents who participated in the second data collection of the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth (NLSCY) was used. It was found that (1) harshness and inconsistency were associated with adolescents' academic achievement; (2) family SES was significantly related to parental harshness and inconsistency; and (3) parenting practice was not a significant mediator in the link of family SES to mathematics achievement. Family SES and parenting practice had separate significant effects on mathematics achievement. No gender difference was found in the study.


identifier: Yu, Hao <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Yu=3AHao=3A=3A.html>   (2004) Attempted synthesis of aromatic belts.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

title: Attempted synthesis of aromatic belts

abstract: In this thesis, the synthesis of a molecular board, which is a potential precursor to some aromatic belts, will be described. -- The first synthetic approach to the molecular board in which IEDDA (inverse electron demand Diels-Alder) chemistry is involved will be discussed in Chapter 2. This approach did not lead to the formation of the molecular board due to the failure of the formation of the C-C bond between benzylic carbons. Direct alkylation and variations of Wittig reaction were employed in this approach. -- The second synthetic approach that involved Sonogashira coupling successfully constructed the main body of the molecular board. A Pd-catalyzed intramolecular arylation, which is the key step in this synthesis, gave rise to the molecular board. -- Further investigation of converting this molecular board into corresponding aromatic belts has not met with the success due to the serious solubility problem. Future work should be directed into this concern.


identifier: Yu, Namin <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Yu=3ANamin=3A=3A.html>   (2005) Compact hardware implementation of advanced encryption standard with concurrent error detection.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: A compact, efficient and highly reliable implementation of the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) is the desirable encryption core for any practical low-end embedded application. In this thesis we design and implement a compact hardware AES system with concurrent error detection. -- We investigate various architectures for compact AES implementations in 0.18 μm CMOS technology. We first explore a new compact digital hardware implementation of the AES s-boxes applying the discovery of linear redundancy in the AES s-boxes. Although the new circuit has a small size, the speed of this implementation is also reduced. Encryption architectures without key scheduling that employ four s-boxes and only one s-box are implemented using the new AES s-boxes, as well as based on other compact s-box structures. The comparison of the implementations based on different architectures and s-box structures indicates that the implementation using four s-boxes based on arithmetic operations in GF(2⁴) has the best trade-off of area and speed. Therefore, using this s-box implementation, a complete encryption-decryption architecture with key scheduling employing the four s-box structure is implemented. In order to be adaptive to various practical applications, we optimize the implementation with the four s-box structure to support five different operation modes. -- In addition, high reliability and resistance to malicious attacks are achieved by applying concurrent error detection technology. After the studies of fault models and practical fault induction techniques, two concurrent error detection schemes based on both parity code and hardware redundancy are proposed and implemented. The proposed 16-bit and 32-bit parity code based concurrent error detection schemes achieve 100% detection for single injected faults and detection of many multiple faults with about 67% hardware overhead to the original AES compact hardware implementation.


identifier: Yuan, Li <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Yuan=3ALi=3A=3A.html>   (2004) Chinese teachers' perceptions of the implementation and effectiveness of communicative language teaching.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This study profiled the understandings and perceptions of implementation and effectiveness of the communicative language teaching (CLT) approach by nine university teachers of English as a foreign language (EFL) in China" Four research questions were proposed: how do the nine university teachers define and understand CLT? What strategies, activities and material have they used in their teaching practice to reflect their understandings of CLT? If they have practiced CLT, what are the factors that influence their choice of using it? If they have rarely or never used it, what are the constraints that hinder their employment of CLT? -- The primary data collection method used in this study was in-depth interviewing which was conducted face to face, by phone and on the Internet The nine EFL university teachers were selected from six different universities or institutions in China, which are located in regions from the northeast to the very south – Hong Kong" They were interviewed through a number of questions proposed in the Interview Guide" Follow-up interviews were taken at the data analysis stage to clarify potential misunderstandings and to verify the participants' viewpoints" -- The interpretations of the findings revealed that all the nine EFL teachers are aware of certain aspects of communicative language teaching pedagogy" Some of their understandings and interpretations exactly correlate with those presented in the literature" However, the findings suggested that most teachers had incomplete and inaccurate interpretations of communicative competence and CLT" They narrowed down the meaning of "communicative competence" by overlooking its social and cultural aspects. Many of them perceived an equivalence of "communicative skills" with "listening and speaking abilities" or "getting ideas across". They overlooked "appropriateness of language use" (Hymes, 1972a), i.e., the ability to use the target language appropriately in socially and culturally determined situations. The teachers' lack of knowledge of and emphasis on social and cultural aspects of CLT was also reflected from their discussions on communicatively oriented language activities. They listed role-play, discussions, music, drama, story-telling and use of computer and Internet as communicative activities. These activities are, in a restricted sense, linguistically rather than communicatively-oriented, because certain linguistic patterns or drills were usually required in their communicative activities, which resulted in no truly genuine communication involving the social and cultural backgrounds of the target language and the students' real communicative needs. The teachers neglected some important aspects of CLT, like meaningful tasks, purposeful interaction, intellectual stimulation, focus on the whole learner, etc. -- A conclusion was drawn that there is a great need for  communicatively oriented teacher training courses and professional development in China. On the one hand, the teachers had misinterpretations and inaccurate understandings of CLT; on the other hand, CLT seems to be more highly regarded in China than it was a few years ago and many teachers are willing to make a change from a teacher-centered instructional approach to more student-centered pedagogy, but they feel powerless to do so due to their inadequate knowledge of communicative teaching. Another conclusion was that an adapted CLT approach might be beneficial to Chinese English learners. Most teachers held the opinion that a pure communicative approach is not applicable to China's present EFL education background and situations, due to a list of constraints that arise from cultural conflicts and different pedagogical theories and practices when CLT is implemented in China, but a combination of CLT with a traditional teaching method or an adaptation of this approach to China's specific education contexts may be beneficial to Chinese learners' development of communicative competence. -- Recommendations for educational practice were made concerning how to organize teacher training courses, CLT -directed teacher training programs in particular. Another educational practice for Chinese educators could be their attempt to try the communicative approach in English language teaching at the primary school level. Recommendations for educational research and development were made concerning conducting research on how to adapt CLT to specific education situations in China and, if CLT is to be combined with another method, what methods can be combined with CLT and how they can be effectively combined so that the resulting hybrid is still focused on developing students' communicative competence. To establish a new instructional method, researchers also need to develop a theoretical basis for it. Therefore, one or more language researchers teams need to be set up to develop English teaching theories more suitable for China's EFL contexts. Research could also be conducted exploring how to develop a model of communication-centered teaching pedagogy and curriculum design that Chinese EFL teachers could follow.