identifier: Watson, Michael <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Watson=3AMichael=3A=3A.html>   (2016) Growth functions for bases of commutator subgroups.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
In this paper, we compare growth functions of different bases of commutator subgroups
of free groups. Of the bases that we consider, the geodesic Schreier basis appears to be
the fastest. In connection with groups, we consider a basis for the free Lie commutator
subalgebra. In contrast with groups, the growth of a basis for a free Lie algebra does
not depend on the choice of basis.


identifier: De Moura Neves, Bárbara <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/De_Moura_Neves=3AB=E1rbara=3A=3A.html>   (2016) Growth in cold-water octocorals: rates, morphology and environmental controls.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

type: Thesis NonPeerReviewed

abstract: Deep-water corals can have high longevities and slow growth rates. While most studies have been focusing on growth rates of gorgonians, few studies have examined rates and patterns in other octocorals, such as sea pens. Here I studied growth rates and patterns in the sea pens Halipteris finmarchica, Umbellula encrinus, and Pennatula grandis, and in the gorgonians Primnoa pacifica, Primnoa resedaeformis, and Keratoisis sp. Longevity and growth rates were estimated by examining growth rings in their skeletons (axes), whose morphology and composition were also explored. Growth patterns were investigated by examining relationships between colony and axis characteristics. Relationships between colony growth rates and environmental factors were also assessed. The morphology of the axis in sea pens varies among taxa and within colonies, and their carbonate portion is composed in average of 65-85% of magnesian calcite (Ca, Mg)CO₃. Sea pens can have longevities reaching ~70 years in U. encrinus. Diametric growth rates in H. finmarchica, U. encrinus, and P. grandis were comparable in magnitude, ranging between 0.13-0.14 mm∙yr⁻¹. Using new and published data, diametric growth rates in P. pacifica and P. resedaeformis averaged 0.43 mm∙yr⁻¹ and were not statistically different. In the Arctic populations of Keratoisis sp. studied here radial growth rates ranged between 0.010-0.018 mm∙yr⁻¹, much slower than in most other populations of this coral. Relationships between growth rates and environmental variables were statistically significant for bottom temperature (U. encrinus), chlorophyll a (P. grandis and Primnoa spp.), and depth (Primnoa spp.). Geochemical analyses yielded a number of trace element peaks comparable to the number of growth rings in sea pens. The ¹⁴C curves for the studied sea pens follow the same patterns seen in the calcite of other octocorals in the region, in which rings are formed annually. Growth rate and longevity data can support conservation efforts for these vulnerable species.


identifier: Slade, Jennifer Denise <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Slade=3AJennifer_Denise=3A=3A.html>   (2016) Evaluating starvation resistance in Drosophila melanogaster.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Feeding is a complex behaviour that must be regulated to maintain an appropriate energy balance and avoid death by starvation. Adjustments to either the homeostatic regulation, including complex signaling cascades and neuropeptides, or to the post-feeding reward systems could substantially affect the reserve of energy and thus survivorship in times of nutrient adversity. This thesis uses Drosophila melanogaster to model the biological basis of starvation and determine how to enhance survivorship upon amino acid starvation media via manipulating components that control feeding. The conserved insulin receptor pathway and its endpoint effector the foxo transcription factor are pivotal for survival during nutritional stress. The Akt1 kinase and the Sir2 deacetylase are modifiers of foxo activity. Novel Akt1 hypomorphs show a significant increase in survival on amino acid deprived media, yet have decreased lifespan and growth when aged upon standard media. When these mutants are combined with null foxo mutants, biometric analysis and longevity evaluation indicate a phenotype similar to the original foxo mutant signifying its necessity in the Akt1 phenotype. Investigation of mutant Sir2 heterozygotes showed that they do not have altered growth when raised upon standard conditions, yet exhibit a greatly extended lifespan when reared on both a standard diet and when starved of amino acids. The neuropeptide NPF, a homologue of mammalian NPY, acts to induce feeding within the homeostatic regulation of the behaviour. Drosophila also bear a shorter form of NPF known as short NPF (sNPF) that can influence feeding. Overexpression or reduced expression of NPF or sNPF increased sensitivity and diminished survivorship upon amino acid starvation media. The neural hormone regulator, the dopamine transporter (DAT) works to clear dopamine from the synapses. This action may manipulate the post-feeding reward circuit in that lowered dopamine levels depress feeding and excess dopamine can encourage feeding. When DAT is either over-expressed or reduced via mutation, Drosophila have an increased sensitivity to amino acid starvation. Taken together these results indicate that subtle variations in the expression of key components of these systems impacts survivorship during reduced nutrient conditions. These findings may advance the understanding of the biological response to starvation to aid in treatment of eating disorders or malnourishment.


identifier: Merzetti, Eric M. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Merzetti=3AEric_M=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2016) Characterizing the spargel, nutcracker, PI31 and FBXO9 homologues as models of Parkinson Disease in Drosophila melanogaster.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Parkinson Disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder resulting from the premature destruction or improper function of dopamine producing neurons in the striatum of the brain. Symptoms include resting tremor, bradykinesia, rigidity, postural instability, gait abnormality and additional severe cognitive impairment. Although Parkinson Disease has historically been thought of as a disease with sporadic origin, there are a number of genetic links and specific gene mutations found conserved across patients. These mutations are typically found in genes responsible for the proper functioning of proteasome activity or intracellular organelle homeostasis. The upkeep and repair of mitochondria involves a number of components including Pink1, Parkin, and the Peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor coactivator (PGC) family of genes. The PGC family of genes have a single homologue in Drosophila melanogaster known as spargel. In Chapter Two, I characterized this gene in neuronal tissues and found that altered gene activity in dopaminergic neurons leads to a decrease in longevity and locomotor ability over time, indicative of a Parkinson Disease like phenotype. In Homo sapiens the PGC family genes are regulated through the activity of an intermediate protein, PARIS. In Chapter Five I identified three potential homologues of the PARIS gene in D. melanogaster and compared altered expression of them in neuronal tissues resulting in the identification of a strong PARIS candidate and two novel genes involved in neuronal development. The proteasome complex acts upon and destroys proteins targeted for destruction by addition of a ubiquitin moiety. This process is undertaken by ubiquitin ligase complexes. The target specific component of many of these complexes are the F-box genes. Chapters Three and Four characterize two F-box genes implicated in H. sapiens PD and identifies putative D. melanogaster gene homologs. The results of this thesis provide expanded knowledge of both confirmed and putative D. melanogaster homologues of H. sapiens disease related genes and new model systems with which future study of disease mechanisms may be carried out.


identifier: Mason, Elliot <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Mason=3AElliot=3A=3A.html>   (2016) Fearful symmetry: the relationship between Leviathan and Yahweh as seen through the lens of monster studies.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This thesis examines the relationship between the biblical sea monster Leviathan, and the
god of the Old Testament, Yahweh, through the use of primary sources taken from the
Hebrew Bible. It combines research conducted in the fields of biblical studies and
monster studies to investigate parallels between the two figures, drawing particular
attention to similarities between the biblical conflict between Leviathan and Yahweh with
the Near Eastern combat myth (chaoskampf). It touches on the work of biblical scholars
such as Hermann Gunkel and John Day, as well as researchers in cultural and monster
studies such as Timothy Beal, Jeffrey Jerome Cohen, and David Gilmore. Cohen and
Gilmore's definitions of monsters and monstrousness are applied to the biblical narrative,
with additional insight borrowed from Mary Douglas's Purity and Danger.


identifier: Hamilton, Alan <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Hamilton=3AAlan=3A=3A.html>   (2016) The effect of prior knowledge of test endpoint on the expression of non-local muscle fatigue.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
To clarify if prior knowledge of test endpoint has an effect on the expression of nonlocal
muscle fatigue (NLMF), fifteen male participants (22.4 ± 3.8 years) completed four
conditions: 1) KN-fatigue (known endpoint after fatigue), 2) UNK-fatigue (unknown
endpoint after fatigue), 3) KN-control (known endpoint without fatigue), 4) UNK-control
(unknown endpoint without fatigue). For fatigue conditions, a maximal intensity,
unilateral knee extension protocol was completed (two sets of 100s maximal voluntary
contractions (MVIC), 60s rest between); control conditions involved rest (260s). The
duration of a post-intervention strength-endurance test (contralateral leg extension, ≥30
seconds) was known (KN conditions) or unknown (UNK conditions) by the participant.
UNK-fatigue demonstrated the largest anticipatory decreases from pre-MVIC to the start
of the strength-endurance test (-18.9% MVIC force, and -25.6% VM RMS EMG). During
the strength-endurance test, the UNK-fatigue and KN-control conditions displayed
clinically meaningful differences in force (UNK-fatigue 12%↓ over first 30s), which were
largest at epoch 6 (UNK-fatigue 21.6%↓ from 25-30s).


identifier: Keating, Deidre <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Keating=3ADeidre=3A=3A.html>   (2016) The journeying body: narratives of women who have experienced the transition from disconnection to connection with their body.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This inquiry centers on the movements of the journeying body in its transition
between, across, and through experiences of disconnection and connection. Supported by a
hermeneutic framework, this study explores the key constructs of disconnection, connection, and
transition in the context of the lived body experiences of six women. Of particular interest are the
ways in which the women choose to describe or frame their bodily journeys, the multi-layered
impacts of such journeys on their identities, relationships, and selves, and the nuanced meanings
that they create from the totality of their dis/embodied experiences. Shared understandings are
cultivated across the collectivity of the women’s narratives, offering expansive perspectives of
the shifting and evolving experiences of the journeying body. Three central understandings
emerge from this inquiry: the emergence of hope, meaning, and empowerment, the fluctuating
nature of the body, and the significance of listening to and within the body.


identifier: Caldeira, Olivia <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Caldeira=3AOlivia=3A=3A.html>   (2016) Facing stigma, negotiating expectations, and exploring identities in a special olympics group transitioning into adulthood.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Special Olympics continues to be controversial to those who criticize any segregated activity that is not inclusive for people with disabilities. Rather than dismissing the Special Olympics outright as an outdated organization that has not kept pace with the push towards inclusion, I engage these controversies from the perspectives of the disciplines of folklore and disability studies. I demonstrate that close attention to the actual practices and lived experiences of a Special Olympics group provides important insights about the challenges and goals of inclusive versus exclusive practices.
I examine the athletes’ conceptions of identity, disability, and kinship to better understand how stigma affects people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and the opportunities for full the participation in public life. Based on extensive ethnographic research, participant observation, and open-ended interviews with adult athletes, their families, coaches, and support professionals, I describe a Midwestern team’s activities, including athletic practices, games, home life, and social events. To what extent people with IDD are aware of stigma and its effects emerges as one of the underlying questions from this research. In addressing this, I encounter methodological challenges that require an appreciation for different communication styles, including deceptive practices, moments of resistance, and exercises of agency.
I begin by looking at the history of the Special Olympics, how it is structured, and where it provides (or inhibits) possibilities for full participation. As part of that discussion, I describe the roles of safety, sportsmanship, and self-esteem. To further develop the issues that arise in discussing Special Olympics and inclusion from a disability studies perspective, I turn to the subjects of pity and its corollary, the celebration of individuals with IDD as mascots who are awarded symbolic, rather than actual, roles in sports, school, or community events. As mascots, individuals with IDD are hypervisible, but this does not necessarily counter the stigma they experience that prevents them from being fully included in other domains. In particular, obtaining and maintaining competitive employment are often the central measures of inclusion, so my concluding chapter considers the challenges faced by Special Olympics athletes in the workplace.


identifier: Morrissey, Liam <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Morrissey=3ALiam=3A=3A.html>   (2016) Gas flux and isotopic sampling of diffuse gas at a site of serpentinization for the purposes of sourcing methane.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The flux of natural CH₄ released and CO₂ sequestered at a site of serpentinization were
determined and methods for sourcing dissolved and diffuse CH₄ at the site were tested.
Greenhouse gas fluxes (CO₂, CH₄, N₂O) at an ultra-basic pool associated with a site of
serpentinization in the Tablelands, Gros Morne, NL were measured to determine the
impact on atmospheric heating. It was calculated that the site had a small net reduction on
atmospheric heating over a time horizon of 100 years and a net increase on atmospheric
heating over a time horizon of 30 years. Methods for sourcing methane were also
examined in this thesis. Several common collection and concentration methods were
tested in the laboratory and at the Tablelands and were shown to be non-isotopically
fractionating for CH₄. Additionally, a metadata analysis showed that a carbon
fractionation factor of above 1.04 better described microbial CH₄ and below better
described abiogenic CH₄. Results from this thesis are the first to calculate the flux of both
CH₄ released and CO₂ sequestered at a site of serpentinization and highlight the need for
an understanding of the natural baseline of these sites.


identifier: Yoshioka, Ema <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Yoshioka=3AEma=3A=3A.html>   (2016) Promotion of protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) fluorescence by MEK inhibition in animal models of cancer.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Background: Protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) is an endogenous fluorescence that is
accumulated in cancer cells treated with the heme precursor 5-aminolevulinic
acid (5-ALA). The cancer-specific fluorescence of PpIX is used to distinguish
tumor from normal tissue, which has proven clinically useful during fluorescence-image
guided surgery. This study sought to investigate whether modulation of
oncogenic Ras/MEK pathway mediates PpIX accumulation in vitro and in vivo.
Methods: For in vitro studies, human breast, lung and prostate cancer cells were
treated with or without the MEK inhibitor (U0126) for 20 hours, followed with 5-
ALA for 5 hours. The cells were lysed, and the PpIX fluorescence accumulated in
the cells was measured with a microplate fluorescence reader (λex 405 nm;
λem635 nm). For in vivo studies, the 4T1 mouse breast cancer cells were
injected into the right hind flank of 8 week-old Balb/c female mice. U0126 (50
μM/Kg) was injected intratumourally to 4T1 breast tumors for 5/8 h followed by 5-
ALA injection. Mice bearing 4T1 breast tumors were also injected
intraperitoneally with U0126 for 5 or 8. Furthermore, similar experiments were
conducted using a HRAS transgenic mice, which develop spontaneous
mammary tumors within 3 months old. Results: In vitro, MEK inhibition increases
PpIX fluorescence in human cancer cell lines, but not in normal cell lines. The
promotion of PpIX fluorescence by MEK inhibition was most commonly observed
among human breast cancer cells. In vivo, PpIX accumulation was observed
significantly more in the tumors from mice treated with U0126 and 5-ALA (2-3
fold) than those from mice with vehicle control (DMSO/saline) and 5-ALA.
Conclusions: In vitro and in vivo treatment of the MEK inhibitor significantly
increases the accumulation of PpIX fluorescence in cancer cells which may
contribute to improved efficacy of FGS in clinical settings.


identifier: Cakir, Erkan <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Cakir=3AErkan=3A=3A.html>   (2016) Fluid structure interaction of a submerged flexible circular cylinder mounted on an experimental rig.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This study aims to develop a numerical tool for investigating the FSI and dynamic
reactions of a scale model of a deeply submerged cylindrical flexible offshore structure
mounted on an experimental rig that will be used for future studies. The flow around
a finite cylinder with an aspect ratio of four causes smaller drag and lift forces compared
to an infinite cylinder. However, for cylinders with flexible material properties
these forces cause non-negligible deformations which require the investigation of FSI.
For this purpose, a two-way coupled partitioned approach was used by coupling the
FLUENT and Transient Structural modules in ANSYS with the help of dynamic
meshing algorithms in order to communicate force and deformation data alternately
between the solvers. Compared to two-way coupling, one-way coupling demands less
effort and computational resources, however, it overestimates the deformations for the
flexible cylinder. Two-way coupling requires more effort and computational resources,
yet it is advantageous enough to justify extra work and computational resources.


identifier: Van Staalduinen, Mark <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Van_Staalduinen=3AMark=3A=3A.html>   (2016) Risk based framework for critical decision making.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Risk analysis is a science of understanding and quantifying the probability of the occurrence(s) of undesirable event(s). Traditionally, risk assessments have been concerned with the management of safety based incidents. Recent attacks on chemical facilities in the Middle East and Northern Africa illustrate the need to broaden the risk management mindset. This body of work proposes quantitative barrier-based methodologies to assist management of broad-based decision-making processes. This research began by exploiting concepts from security-based research accompanied with a barrier-based methodology from safety research through both fault and event trees. This work expands into mapping the trees onto Bayesian Networks to manipulate the conditional probability table of intermediate variables. This manipulation allows for the implementation of various relaxation assumptions. Case studies accompany each proposed approach to illustrate its execution. The goal of this work is to raise awareness of quantitative security based methodologies and to assist in critical decision-making.


identifier: Rajabi, Hoda <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Rajabi=3AHoda=3A=3A.html>   (2016) Design, optimization and validation of a diagnostic panel comprised of ABCA4 pathogenic variants causing Stargardt disease in the Newfoundland and Labrador population.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The objective of this translational research project was to develop, optimize and validate a diagnostic panel of the 20 pathogenic variants in the ABCA4 gene previously identified to cause Stargardt disease in the population of Newfoundland and Labrador (NL). Two different laboratory developed test (LDT) panels (1x20-plex & 2x20-plex) were designed and genotyping was performed on the Sequenom MassARRAY 4 system using genomic DNA from both Stargardt patients and population controls. A set of minimum criteria was established to accurately determine genotyping calls; 1x20-plex LDT panel was selected based on quality metrics. Assessment of the validation cohort including 78 previously tested genomic DNA samples, blind to the investigator, resulted in establishing analytical sensitivity (100%), specificity (100%), accuracy (100%), and reproducibility (100%). A total of 1039 control samples were assessed using the 1x20-plex LDT panel and the minor allele frequencies of 0% - 0.76% for NL, and 0% - 0.60% for non-NL samples were determined.


identifier: Simmonds, Tara <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Simmonds=3ATara=3A=3A.html>   (2016) A qualitative exploration of complementary and alternative health beliefs and practices in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
In the 1990s, some ground-breaking, large-scale studies concerning the use of
complementary and alternative health were conducted in the United States (Eisenberg,
Kessler, Foster, Norlock, Calkins, and Delbanco 1993, Eisenberg, Davis, Ettner, Appel,
Wilkey, Van Rompay, and Kessler 1998) and, subsequently, in Canada (Ramsay,
Walker, and Alexander 1999). Both the Canadian and the American studies presented
startling evidence that the use of health alternatives had been greatly underestimated
in medical and social scientific literature, and that this use was growing rapidly. In
the decades that have followed, there has been a pronounced and increasing interest
in the study of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), from a wide range of
disciplines and approaches. This thesis tackles the issue of CAM use from a uniquely
crafted lens – it examines the world of complementary and alternative health beliefs
and practices from a folklore perspective. Situating the research in the Atlantic
Canadian provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, the thesis is based around
interview-based ethnographic fieldwork from the perspective of CAM users, CAM
practitioners, and allopathic physicians. It therefore reflects some of the most relevant
current CAM-related issues: themes related to region, knowledge and belief, role, and
the notion of ideal health care scenarios. It is a thesis about health, but it is also one
about agency, power, epistemology and personal experience, and the ways that all of
these important factors can help, or hinder an ongoing quest for wellness.


identifier: Ginsburg, Rebecca <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Ginsburg=3ARebecca=3A=3A.html>   (2016) Associations between depression, trauma, and earliest autobiographical memories.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Overgeneral autobiographical memory bias refers to the tendency to recall general
life events rather than specific life events. Previous research has demonstrated a higher
prevalence of this bias among individuals with a lifetime history of depression and/or
trauma symptoms compared to healthy controls. This association has been found across
many age groups and cultural groups, most often by using the Autobiographical Memory
Test (AMT). In the current study, two memory tasks designed to elicit earliest
autobiographical memories (i.e., before the age of 6) were used in addition to the AMT to
investigate whether an overgeneral memory bias could be detected in individuals’ earliest
childhood memories. University students (N = 89) were asked to complete a minimal
instructions version of the AMT, the Memory Fluency Task, and a Detailed Memory
Task in which participants generated their three earliest memories. Additionally, they
were asked to complete measures of depression (Structured Clinical Interview for DSMIV;
Beck Depression Inventory-II), trauma (Childhood Trauma Questionnaire; Impact of
Event Scale—Revised), and general psychopathology (Brief Symptom Inventory), in
order to be classified as “clinical” versus control. The results showed that the AMT was
the only memory task to yield significant differences between the “clinical” and control
groups. Scores on the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire were predicted by qualities of
participants’ three earliest memories, while none of the other clinical measures were
predicted by performance on any of the memory tasks. The implications of these findings
are discussed.


identifier: Malone, Stephanie D. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Malone=3AStephanie_D=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2016) Increasing physical activity intentions and physical activity behaviour using a media-based intervention informed by protection motivation theory in women at an increased risk of developing breast cancer.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Purpose: Physical activity (PA) has been shown to decrease breast cancer risk. Using
protection motivation theory (PMT), this study explored whether a media-based
intervention that presented factual breast cancer and PA information could motivate atrisk
women to increase their PA levels. Method: Inactive women (N= 60) were randomly
assigned to one of three groups: (1) PMT intervention, (2) attention control, or (3) noncontact
control group. The PMT intervention watched a DVD containing information on
PA and breast cancer risk based on PMT constructs (i.e., perceived severity [PS],
perceived vulnerability [PV], response efficacy [RE], and self-efficacy [SE]), while the
attention control group watched a DVD that contained general diet and cancer
information. PMT constructs and PA intentions were measured pre- and post-DVD, and
PA was measured subjectively and objectively pre- and post-DVD and at 4-week followup.
Results: Participants in the PMT intervention group showed significant
improvements in coping appraisal constructs after watching the DVD (i.e., RE and SE).
RE was also found to significantly predict PA intention scores pre-DVD and post-DVD.
No significant changes were found for PA behaviour. Conclusions: The PMT-based PA
intervention successfully increased participants’ belief that PA decreases breast cancer
risk and that they can perform the required amount of PA to decrease their risk. Further
research is needed on the threat appraisal component of PMT and on the inclusion of
objective measures of PA in intervention research.


identifier: Burgess, Stacey <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Burgess=3AStacey=3A=3A.html>   (2016) Examining experiences of online learners using student services: a community of inquiry study.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Much of our understanding of the online learning experience is based on research focused on in-classroom involvement despite considerable research that suggests student retention and persistence is also influenced by non-classroom experiences. Research on the impact of student affairs and services (SAS) on online learning experiences, although growing, remains limited. This study investigates the impact of student support services on the experiences of online community college learners using the Community of Inquiry (CoI) framework. Cited more than 3000 times in educational literature, this framework defines a worthwhile educational experience as the interplay of three key elements: cognitive presence, social presence and teaching presence. The current study uses the CoI framework to examine out-of-classroom interactions. Using a mixed method approach, quantitative findings show no statistically significant relationships between the CoI presences and student support services. However, analysis of qualitative data reveals insight on the impact of student support services on teaching and social presence.


identifier: Hennebury, Alicia <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Hennebury=3AAlicia=3A=3A.html>   (2016) Pressure injury prevention and management: an exploration of knowledge and practice.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Objective. The purpose of this study was to explore nursing team members’ knowledge and practices related to pressure injury prevention and management.
Sample and Setting: Registered Nurses (n=18), Licensed Practice Nurses (n=66), and Personal Care Attendants (n=36) who work in urban and rural Long Term Care facilities.
Methods. This was a descriptive-exploratory study. Two versions of a Pressure Ulcer Knowledge Questionnaire were used to assess knowledge about pressure injury prevention, management and related policies; one for RNs and LPNs with wound care education (LPNwcs), another for PCAs and LPNs without wound care education (LPNnowcs). Retrospective chart review was used to assess practices related to risk and skin assessments, and implementation of pressure injury prevention interventions.
Results. Knowledge for all nursing team participants was lower than expected. Median scores and ranges were: 1) RNs: 74.5 (59.6 to 83.0) and 2) LPNwcs: 72.0 (53.2 to 80.9). Mean scores and ranges were: 1) LPNnowcs: 78.4 (62.5 to 91.7) and 2) PCAs 75.9 (54.2 to 91.7). Policy knowledge was poor. There was insufficient completion of the Braden Risk Assessments (38.5%), with the most done on admission (76.6%). Fewer than 25% of high risk residents had sufficient interventions and consults documented.
Conclusion. Each nursing group has different learning needs. Recommendations include improving education, auditing with feedback, and tailoring education for individual needs. Organizational support is required.


identifier: Downey, Tyler <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Downey=3ATyler=3A=3A.html>   (2016) A computational analysis of the application of skewness and kurtosis to corrugated and abraded surfaces.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
In this work, we describe the results of our investigation into the relevance of skewness
and kurtosis as measures of surface roughness. Two types of surfaces are computationally
generated: abraded surfaces consisting of surface scratches, and corrugated
surfaces consisting of hemispherical features. It was found that abraded surfaces
could be well described by the skewness and kurtosis, which can both be specified by
the degree of coverage by the features on a surface. These two parameters showed
a large variation over the range of surfaces sampled. The root mean squared (RMS)
slope and surface area ratio did not change significantly by comparison, and the RMS
roughness changed significantly only for surfaces with a large variation of scratch
depths. A monotonic relationship was found to exist between skewness and kurtosis
for abraded surfaces composed mainly of smaller scratches. For corrugated surfaces,
the skewness and kurtosis were nearly constant for surfaces with RMS roughness values
that differed significantly. The RMS roughness, RMS slope, and surface area ratio changed significantly by comparison. No monotonic relationship was found between
the skewness and kurtosis for corrugated surfaces. This indicates that corrugated
surfaces are best described by the RMS roughness, RMS slope, and surface area ratio
rather than the skewness and kurtosis.


identifier: Okkola, Aila Sinikka <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Okkola=3AAila_Sinikka=3A=3A.html>   (2016) An explorative investigation of the dynamics of housing affordability in a booming oil economy: a case study of St. John's, Newfoundland 1991-2011.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Researchers have addressed the dynamics of housing affordability in the major metropolitan areas in Canada. However, housing costs are also growing rapidly in smaller resource driven urban agglomerations during commodity booms. The objective of this thesis is to explore the dynamics of housing affordability in such urban agglomerations with a focus on St. John’s, Newfoundland. This project encompasses two sections. An exploratory section of the thesis presents a descriptive data analysis approach to the evolution of incomes and housing costs between 1991 and 2011, followed by an investigation of trends in housing cost to income ratio, homeownership rate, housing debt and housing quality. The second section employs a more rigorous methodology of quantile regression analysis to ascertain the relative importance of various household characteristics on housing cost to income burden. This thesis finds that new patterns of growing housing affordability problems are emerging in smaller resource driven urban agglomerations in Canada.


identifier: Luther, Kirk Gregory <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Luther=3AKirk_Gregory=3A=3A.html>   (2016) Visual learning: the effect of sketching on recall of a witness' account.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The impact of sketching on memory for details of an account was examined across three experiments. In Experiment 1, participants (N = 84) were provided with an account of a robbery that was delivered either in an audio-visual sketch or an audio-only format, and asked to recall the account. In Experiment 2, participants (N = 116) were provided with an account regarding an assault that varied in length (5-minutes, 10-minutes, 15-minutes) and was presented in either audio-visual sketch or audio-only format. In Experiment 3, participants (N = 173) were provided with an account of an emergency medical situation that varied in presentation modality (audio-only, static sketch, hybrid sketch, dynamic sketch) and were either given the opportunity to have access to the sketch during recall or not have access to the sketch during recall. The results of the three experiments showed that participants provided with audio-visual sketch information outperformed participants provided with audio-only information. Experiment 2 revealed that short accounts are remembered better than longer accounts. Experiment 3 showed that dynamic visual information was remembered better than static visual information or audio-only information. In addition, Experiment 3 showed that having access to the sketch while recalling the account is less important as the mobility of the sketch increases. The utility of sketching as a viable learning mechanism for investigative interviewers is discussed.


identifier: Hashemi, Seyed Javad <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Hashemi=3ASeyed_Javad=3A=3A.html>   (2016) Dynamic multivariate loss and risk assessment of process facilities.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Dynamic risk assessments (DRA) are the next generation of risk estimation approaches that help to enable safer operations of complex process systems in changing environments. By incorporating new evidences from systems in the risk assessment process, the DRA techniques ensure estimation of current risk. This thesis investigates the existing knowledge and technological challenges associated with dynamic risk assessment and proposes new methods to improve effective implementation of DRA techniques.
Risk is defined as the combination of three attributes: what can go wrong, how bad could it be, and how often might it happen. This research evaluates the limitations of the methodologies that have been developed to answer the latter two questions. Loss functions are used in this work to estimate and model operational loss in process facilities. The application of loss functions provides the following advantages: (i) the stochastic nature of losses is taken into account; and (ii) the estimation of the operational loss in process facilities due to the deviation of key process characteristics (KPC) is conducted. Models to estimate reputational loss and significant elements of business interruption loss, which are usually ignored in the literature, are also provided. This research also presents a methodology to develop multivariate loss functions to measure the operational loss of multivariate process systems. For this purpose, copula functions are used to link the univariate loss functions and develop the multivariate loss functions. Copula functions are also used to address the existing challenge of loss aggregation for multiple-loss scenarios.
Regarding the dynamic estimation of the probability of abnormal events, the Bayesian Network (BN) has usually been used in the literature. However, integrated safety analysis of hazardous process facilities calls for an understanding of both stochastic and topological dependencies, going beyond traditional BN analysis to study cause-effect relationships among major risk factors. This work presents a novel model based on the Copula Bayesian Network (CBN) for multivariate safety analysis of process systems, which addresses the main shortcomings of traditional BNs. The proposed CBN model offers great flexibility in probabilistic analysis of individual risk factors while considering their uncertainty and complex stochastic dependence.
The research outcomes provide advanced methods for critical operations, such as the offshore operations in harsh environments, to be used in continuous improvement of processes and real-time risk estimation. Application of the proposed dynamic risk assessment framework, along with a proper safety culture, enhances the day-to-day risk-informed decision making process by constantly monitoring, evaluating and improving the process safety performance.


identifier: Pike, Kenton P. (Kenton Patrick) <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Pike=3AKenton_P=2E_=28Kenton_Patrick=29=3A=3A.html>   (2016) Physical and numerical modelling of pipe/soil interaction events for large deformation geohazards.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Large deformation, differential ground movement events on buried pipelines involve large strain, nonlinear contact interaction, and soil strain localization and failure mechanisms. This study is focused on advancing finite element modelling procedures through laboratory tests to enhance soil constitutive models, physical models to verify simulation tools and algorithms to improve simulation tools that capture realistic behaviour for cohesive and cohesionless soils. The outcomes provide a robust framework for improved confidence in predicted outcomes to support engineering design.
The large deformation, ice gouge events, in cohesive soil, and pipe/soil interaction events, in cohesive and cohesionless soil, were simulated using the Coupled Eulerian Lagrangian (CEL) formulation within ABAQUS/Explicit modelling framework.
For ice gouge events, the numerical simulation was conducted using total stress analysis and the von Mises yield criterion. The numerical modelling procedures are improved by incorporating the distribution of soil properties, including elastic modulus and shear strength, throughout the domain without the need to develop complex user material subroutines. The numerical predictions were in agreement with available data in the literature and exhibited improved accuracy with respect to the keel reaction forces and subgouge soil deformations. The major contribution was to improve the benchmark and state-of-art for the numerical simulation of ice gouge events in cohesive soil.
Having developed confidence in the numerical simulation of large deformation events in cohesive soil, the research focused on advancing the modelling procedures for cohesionless soil. Large-scale, physical tests on lateral pipe/soil interaction events in sand investigated the effects of pipe diameter (254 mm, 609.6 mm), burial depth to pipe diameter ratio (1, 3, 7) and soil density (14.7 kN/m³, 15.6 kN/m³). The main objective was to provide a verification basis for the numerical modelling procedures with respect to the force–displacement response and localized soil failure mechanisms. The physical tests contributed to the limited database, for the range of pipe diameters examined, and the first large-scale lateral pipe/soil interaction tests to provide detailed soil deformation and strain fields using particle image velocimetry (PIV) technique.
In parallel with the physical testing program, an enhanced constitutive model for cohesionless soil was advanced through the development of a user-subroutine that accounts for the effects of soil friction angle and dilation angle as a function of plastic shear strain. Laboratory triaxial and direct shear tests were used to characterize the strength parameters. This contribution has practical applications for pipe/soil interaction events in granular soils, particularly at shallow burial depth with low confining pressure, large soil deformations and strains, and dense sand states with strain softening behaviour.
Integrating the enhanced constitutive soil models, the numerical modelling procedures, were verified through comparison with the large-scale pipe/soil interaction tests conducted in this study and third-party physical modelling data. An extended study was conducted to assess the verified simulation tool across a range of practical engineering design scenarios. The outcomes from this study illustrated the improved accuracy and confidence in the numerical predictions, based on the tools developed in this study, that provide a significant contribution to the field of buried pipeline design against large deformation ground movement events.


identifier: Chalise, Sovit Raj <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Chalise=3ASovit_Raj=3A=3A.html>   (2016) Biodiversity measures to summarize antibiotic resistance.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Studies of antibiotic resistance frequently focus on resistance to specific antibiotics, or
classes of antibiotics, without summarizing the overall resistance for all antibiotics.
Biodiversity indices, such as the Shannon-Weiner (SW) index and Bray-Curtis distance, are
widely used in ecology to measure overall species abundance and variation within and
between regions. We explore the use of biodiversity indices to summarize antibiotic
resistance. We illustrate this approach by analyzing data on antibiotic resistance in clinical
Salmonella enterica isolates. To understand changes in resistance patterns within and
between the provinces of Canada, S. enterica serotypes, and over time, we measure the SW
diversity and Bray-Curtis distance and visualize the differences between provinces,
serotypes and over time using ordinations. We describe the different types of antibiotic
resistance data that are required for measuring alpha and beta diversity and explain the
interpretation of biodiversity measures when applied to antibiotic resistance data.


identifier: Rogers, Felix John <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Rogers=3AFelix_John=3A=3A.html>   (2015) Mathematical modeling of a three-dimensional permeability tensor for reservoir simulation.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Anisotropy is generally formed as a result of systematic orientation and shape of asymmetric grains making up the solid matrix of porous media. It is well known that porous media are often anisotropic. To calculate flow in such three dimensional media a permeability tensor must be used in Darcy's law.
These anisotropic reservoirs cannot be properly studied with conventional simulators, which assume that the coordinate system used to describe the fluid flow aligns with the principal permeability axes. Thus, the coordinate axes are oriented in the same direction as these principal axes. Permeability actually varies in all directions and with increased use of directional wells, the ability to use correct permeability in the direction of fluid flow is important in predicting reservoir production characteristics. This will also help explain why and where oil accumulations occur.
Many investigators have attempted to either develop a mathematical model to calculate anisotropic permeability of a system or to experimentally develop a procedure to measure directional permeabilities.
This research involves creating this three-dimensional permeability tensor mathematically. Then, using the commercial reservoir simulator, the three-dimensional permeability tensor is included in the reservoir model. The tensor is rotated within each grid block to align the principal coordinate axes with the actual well path. The model with the three-dimensional permeability tensor is used to predict the oil production rate. The oil production rates are then compared to the conventional reservoir simulator results.
Results from the reservoir simulations found that as the size reservoir grid refinement increased, so did the deviation in the oil production rates predicted comparing the conventional reservoir simulator wellpath.
Also, from the simulations it was found that there is a difference in oil production rates when comparing the simulations with the tensor aligned with the wellpath to the conventional reservoir simulation and comparing the results to real field data will confirm which approach is more accurate.


identifier: Grover, Geetika <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Grover=3AGeetika=3A=3A.html>   (2016) Effects of ambient temperatures and exercise modality on neuromuscular excitability in people with multiple sclerosis.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The objective of this thesis was to examine how ambient temperatures ((Cool
(16°C) vs. Room (21°C)) and exercise modality ((upright (Treadmill) vs. recumbent
stepper (NuStep)) effects the neuromuscular excitability in people with Multiple Sclerosis
(PwMS). Fourteen heat sensitive MS patients (10 Females), 49.28 ± 13.56 years of age
with relapsing remitting MS and baseline expanded disability status scores ranging from
3.4 ± 2.37 participated in the study. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) elicited
motor evoked potentials (MEPs) were recorded and assessed prior to and following
aerobic exercise interventions at 65% of VO₂max. Tibial nerve stimulation elicited maximal
muscle compound action potential (Mmax). Measurements were taken from the tibialis
anterior, lateral gastrocnemius and soleus muscle of the weakest limb, both at rest and during a
torque equivalent to 10% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC). Participants attended
four randomized experimental sessions including temperature ((Cool (16°C) and Room
(21°C)) and exercise modality ((Treadmill (T) and NuStep (N)). Therefore, the
experimental sessions were T in cool (TC), T in room (TR), N in cool (NC) and N in room
(NR).MEP amplitudes were made relative toMmax amplitudes for analysis.
The results showed that exercising on a NuStep in a cool ambient temperature
resulted in greater MVC and peak twitch (PT) torque, reduced half relaxation time (HRT)
and no change in Mmax indicating that exercising in a cool environment enhances
voluntary contraction and electrically evoked contractile properties of the muscle in
PwMS. Furthermore, MEPs were elicited more readily following exercise using the NuStep as compared to the treadmill. Regardless of ambient temperature and/or exercise
modality; the number of MEPs elicited was strongly correlated with the neurological
disability measured through the EDSS (i.e., the occurrence of MEPs was reduced
significantly with increasing motor impairments). Strong correlations were also observed
with neurological disability for: 1) MVC and 2) EMG of the LG and SOL. Furthermore,
post exercise aural temperatures recorded did not change after exercising in cool (16°C)
ambient temperature conditions, but were increased in room (21°C) temperature
conditions. Overall, the experiment demonstrated that neuromuscular excitability of the
lower limb is affected by the exercise modality and ambient temperature conditions, and
PwMS should exercise in a cooler temperature conditions on non-weight bearing exercise
modality such as NuStep.


identifier: Collins, Carmel <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Collins=3ACarmel=3A=3A.html>   (2016) The nurse practitioner role is ideally suited for palliative care practice: a qualitative descriptive study.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Persons with progressive chronic diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, and chronic respiratory disease, among others, need palliative care for best quality of life as the conditions become life-threatening and deteriorate toward death. Chronic diseases are most common among older persons; therefore, with an ageing population nurse practitioners (NPs) in various areas of practice likely will encounter an increasing number of patients needing palliative care. The purpose of this study was to understand the role that NPs, who are not palliative specialists, play in providing palliative care. A qualitative descriptive design was used and 19 NPs were interviewed. The findings revealed a central and 5 other themes, indicating that the nurse practitioner role is ideally suited for palliative care practice. Their broad scope and autonomy, presence, and unique practice situations facilitate palliative practice. Impediments to such practice are having limited specialty palliative care knowledge and lacking emotional comfort with providing palliative care.


identifier: Zhang, Yang <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Zhang=3AYang=3A=3A.html>   (2016) Waves and eddies on a β plane: experiments with altimetry.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This study investigated problems related to beta-plane turbulence and wave radiation by
a vortex drifting on a beta plane using laboratory experiments supplemented by numerical
simulations and analytic methods. An optical system Altimetric Imaging Velocimetry was
employed in the study. It directly measures geostrophic currents and then calculates the total
current using the quasi-geostrophic approximation under a small Rossby number assumption.
The first part of the dissertation investigated the barotropic β-plane turbulence. In the
first experiment, an electromagnetic method was employed to generate barotropic turbulent ows consisting of cyclones and prevalent anti-cyclones. Zonal jets were formed in both the
forced-dissipative regime and the free-decaying regime. In the former case, jets are latent,
are obscured by the strong vortices and are only visible after time averaging of the observed
fields. In the second experiment, Thermal convection played the role of forcing with scales
confined by the baroclinic deformation radius, which was much smaller than the scale of the
electromagnetic forcing. The jets were more distinctive in this experiment. In both cases, an
anisotropic energy spectrum was observed, where less energy was located inside a dumbbellshaped
area near the origin, whose boundary corresponds to the Rhines scale. Rather than
arresting the inverse cascading energy, the dumbbell redirected energy to the zonal modes
of approximately the forcing scale. The theoretical spectrum evolution showed that the
zonal modes can be fed by an isotropic forcing through only linear dynamics. The westpropagating
Rossby waves caused the asymmetry in the frequency-wavenumber spectrum
with an energetic plume directing towards the west with a slope Vrmsk, where Vrms is the root mean square velocity of the turbulent
ow and k is the isotropic wavenumber.
The second part of the dissertation presented the results from a series of experiments on
baroclinic β-plane turbulence where a shear between two layers generated meanders, waves,
eddies and filaments interacting with each other. The small eddies and thin filaments in these
experiments are ageostrophic and can be related to the submesocale dynamics in the ocean,
where energy slowly released from baroclinic instability cascades to smaller scales. Dynamics
in spectral spaces were emphasized, and a normal Fourier transform in a local Cartesian
coordinate system together with a Fourier-Bessel transform in a global polar coordinate
system were employed. Rhines arguments hold on both spectra, which showed anisotrophy
during a quasi-stationary regime. High energy concentration on the zonal modes larger than
the Rhines scale, as well as low energy concentration below a threshold scale, represented
by the dumbbell-shaped curve in the Fourier spectrum, were observed as well. In frequencywavenumber
space, prominent signatures due to the westward-propagating Rossby waves and
the eastward-propagating baroclinic instability waves were revealed by dispersion relations.
Encouraged by the significance of the linear dynamics in β-plane turbulence, the third
part of the dissertation extended the β-plume theory to an idealized scenario, i.e. wave
radiation by a drifting vortex on a β-plane. In a series of experiments, a cyclonic vortex
was generated by siphoning water out of the tank. A northwestward-propagating cyclone
radiating Rossby waves (long waves to the west and short waves to the east) was observed
in the experiments as well as in the pseudo-spectral simulation. Distinct inertial waves
were obvious in the altimetric images. Decomposing the vortex into a primary monopole and a secondary dipole showed that the vortex translation speed was indeed determined
by its dipole component (β-gyres). In the far field the linear dynamics played a dominant
role. Laboratory experiments, numerical simulation and a linear theory showed a similar
wave pattern where the long wave crests aligned in a quasi-zonal direction to the west of
the cyclone. A linear analogue of the Rhines wavenumber is proposed as kRhines = [square root of] β/Ut,
which qualitatively described the energy distribution of large-scale dynamics in the spectrum,
where Ut is the vortex translation speed. This result might be applied to the ocean, where
sparsely distributed eddies interact with each other through Rossby waves.


identifier: Hammill, Christopher <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Hammill=3AChristopher=3A=3A.html>   (2016) Examining the coexistence of Splachnaceae mosses in Newfoundland peatlands.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Coexistence amongst highly similar species has captured the imagination of many ecologists. In my work I've endeavoured to answer the question of how Splachnum ampullaceum and Splachnum pensylvanicum coexist in peatlands in Newfoundland. I've employed individual based simulation modelling in conjunction with machine learning to answer if coexistence is facilitated most by dispersal differences or by competitive similarity. Experimental work examined dispersal differences and competitive ability directly. I found that coexistence is facilitated primarily by temporal niche separation via differing phenology, and substrate availability. My experimental work shows spore dispersal is dependent on distance to nearest moss population with no evidence of species-specific differences. The competitive ability of the two species was shown to vary according to moisture with potential facilitation effects at high population densities. Together the results show that the two Splachnaceae are more dissimilar than they appear, with niche separation along temporal and hydrological axes.


identifier: Chen, Shuyan <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Chen=3AShuyan=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Ionospheric clutter models for high frequency surface wave radar.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
High frequency surface wave radar (HFSWR), operating at frequencies between 3 and
30 MHz, has long been employed as an important ocean remote sensing device. These high
frequency (HF) radars can provide accurate and real-time information for sea state monitoring
and hard-target detection, which is greatly beneficial for planning and executing
oceanographic projects, search and rescue events, and other commercial marine activities.
Ideally, in HFSWR operation, the radio waves may be coupled with ocean waves and propagate
along the curvature of the ocean surface with ranges well beyond 200 km. However,
during transmission, a portion of the radar radiation may travel upwards to the ionosphere
from the transmitting antenna. This may be partially reflected back to the receiving antennas
directly (vertical propagation) or via the ocean surface (mixed-path propagation). This
ionospheric clutter may significantly impact the performance of HFSWR. Furthermore, the
high intensity and random behaviour of the ionospheric spectral contamination of radar
echoes make the suppression of this kind of clutter challenging.
In this thesis, comprehensive theoretical models of the ionospheric clutter are investigated.
The physical influences of the ionospheric electron density on HF radar Doppler
spectra are taken into account in the ionospheric reflection coefficient. Next, based on previous
modeling involving the scattering of HF electromagnetic radiation from the ocean
surface and a first-order mixed-path propagation theory, the second-order received electric
field for mixed-path propagation is derived for a monostatic radar configuration. This is
done by considering the reflection from the ionosphere and scattering on the ocean surface
with second-order sea waves. Then, the field integrals are taken to the time domain, with
the source field being that of a vertically polarized pulsed dipole antenna. Subsequently, the second-order received power model is developed by assuming that the ocean surface and
the ionosphere may be modeled as stochastic processes.
The ionospheric clutter model including a pulsed radar source is further investigated for
the case of vertical propagation for a monostatic configuration and mixed-path propagation
for a bistatic configuration.
Next, a theoreticalmixed-path propagationmodel is developed by involving a frequencymodulated
continuous waveform (FMCW) radar source.
In order to investigate the power spectrum of the resulting ionospheric clutter and its
relative intensity to that of the first-order ocean clutter, the normalized ionospheric clutter
power is simulated. Numerical simulation results are provided to indicate the performance
of the ionospheric clutter under a variety of radar operating parameters, ionospheric conditions
and sea states.


identifier: Lim, Yongho <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Lim=3AYongho=3A=3A.html>   (2016) Testing for parallel carryover effects in redundant systems.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Redundancy is an important approach to increase the reliability and availability of
systems. There has been a recent interest in analyzing failure data from redundant
systems to detect the effects of adverse events. A carryover effect is defined as an effect
which may cause a temporary increase in the event intensity after the occurrence of
a condition or an event. We consider a parallel type of carryover effect in which the
event intensity of a process is temporarily increased after event occurrences in other
processes. The main goal of this thesis is to develop formal tests for the assessment of
parallel carryover effects in redundant systems with repairable components connected
in parallel. We, therefore, develop partial score tests for the presence of parallel carryover
effects, and discuss their asymptotic properties analytically as well as through
simulations. A data set based on the information obtained from a power company is
analyzed to illustrate the methods developed.


identifier: Boroujerdi, Ahoora Sadeghi <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Boroujerdi=3AAhoora_Sadeghi=3A=3A.html>   (2016) Privacy-preserving statistical analysis methods and their applications on health research.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Privacy consideration in health data usually prevents researchers and other data
users from conducting their research. Also, data is distributed through various health
organizations such as hospitals, thus gathering distributed health information becomes
impractical. Various approaches have been proposed to preserve the patients
privacy, whilst allowing researchers to perform mathematical operations and statistical
analysis methods on health data, such as anonymization and secure computation.
Data anonymization reduces the accuracy of the original data; hence the final result
would not be precise enough. In addition, there are several known attacks on
anonymized data, such as using public information and background knowledge to
re-identify the original data. On the other hand, secure computation is more precise
and the risk of data re-identification is zero; however, it is computationally less efficient than data anonymization. In this thesis, we implemented a web-based secure
computation framework and propose new secure statistical analysis methods. Using
the proposed web application, researchers and other data users would be able to perform
popular statistical analysis methods on distributed data. They will be able to
perform mathematical operations and statistical analysis methods as queries through
different data owners, and receive the final result without revealing any sensitive information.
Digital Epidemiology Chronic Disease Tool (DEPICT) database, which
contains real patients information, will be used to demonstrate the applicability of
the web application.


identifier: Hickey, Craig <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Hickey=3ACraig=3A=3A.html>   (2016) The effects of a moving environment on postural control and performance during manual materials handling, visual tracking and arithmetic tasks.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of cognitive tasks and manual materials handling in a moving environment. In particular we were interested in how task performance, postural control and lower limb muscle activation changed when tasks were performed in motion compared to no motion conditions. The motion trials were performed on a MOOG 2000E that created a 5-degrees of freedom simulated environment. The tasks examined were a lifting task, a mental arithmetic task and a visual tracking task. Results of this experiment indicated that two outcome measures of a visual tracking task (time to task completion and performance errors) were negatively affected by motion, while arithmetic task performance was unaffected. Additionally, postural control was not affected by the presence of motion in the two cognitive tasks. Lifting was the only task where postural control appeared to be negatively affected as participants exhibited significant increases in lower limb muscle activation and non-significant increases in number of steps taken. The significant increase in time to completion and errors suggest that workers doing these type of tasks in an offshore environment may be more prone to committing human factors errors. Furthermore, the results suggest that the risk of falls and injury due to loss of balance may be highest in workers regularly performing lifting tasks as this was the only task where task performance in a moving environment negatively impacted postural control. These findings were attributed to greater demands placed on the postural control system when lifting during the motion condition. This study provides ergonomists with a resource they can use to better appreciate the risks associated with performance of job related tasks in a moving environment.


identifier: Lait, Linda Amy <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Lait=3ALinda_Amy=3A=3A.html>   (2016) A mitogenomic study of four at-risk maring fish species: Atlantic wolffish, spotted wolffish, northern wolffish, and Atlantic cod, with special emphasis on the waters off Newfoundland and Labrador.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: High-resolution mitogenomics can answer questions as to how species survived the last glacial maximum, and can also address contemporary factors such as physical barriers, isolation, and gene flow. This study examines the population genomic structures of two genera of At-Risk marine fish species found across the North Atlantic Ocean, Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) and wolffish (Anarhichas spp.). Despite their sympatric distribution, the two taxa exhibit very different life history characteristics, and have very different patterns of genetic variation and structure. Populations of Atlantic cod show high levels of genomic variation, with eight major clades found across most populations and trans-Atlantic differences. The Arctic lake population (Lake Qasigialiminiq) was significantly different from all other populations (ΦST = 0.15 to 0.34), and comprised two distinct and essentially monomorphic clades. The Baltic and Barents Sea populations showed high levels of diversity, extensive variation among samples, and significant pairwise differences with many Northwest Atlantic populations (ΦST = 0.03 to 0.18). Within Atlantic Canada there was no evidence of differentiation in Newfoundland waters or between trans-Laurentian populations (ΦST = 0.0 to 0.06). High diversity levels, the absence of European fish in the most recent clades, and the presence of basal lineages support a European origin to the postglacial expansion, with a second smaller refugium likely in North America. Atlantic wolffish (Anarhichas lupus) and the congeneric spotted and northern wolffish (A. minor and A. denticulatus) each comprised two or three haplogroups dating back to the Pleistocene glaciations (63 - 220 kya). The haplogroups were not structured geographically: in Atlantic wolffish the overall ΦST was 0.05 and pairwise values ranged from 0.0 to 0.24. A similar pattern of distinct but shallow groups was seen in spotted wolffish, while northern wolffish exhibited two deeper lineages. This suggests isolation in multiple glacial refugia – likely three nearby regions in European waters (Atlantic and spotted) or two more distant refugia (northern) – followed by secondary admixture during recolonisation of the Northwest Atlantic. The two taxa show very different patterns of variation and structure, with greater variation in Atlantic cod and greater structure in the sedentary wolffish species.


identifier: Munn, Alexandra <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Munn=3AAlexandra=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Assessment of the complexities of genetic contributions to Ankylosing Spondylitis.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Objectives
This research assesses whether structural variations can predict disease expression
and whether gene-environment interactions can predict radiographic severity and
progression.
Methods
In
a
cohort
of
896
AS
patients
the
associations
of
UGT2B17
CNV
with
HLA
B*27
and
extra-‐articular
features
were
compared
using
the
Chi-‐
Squared
test.
A second cohort of 76 AS patients were assessed using multiple linear regression
analysis of serial radiographic assessments and SNPs from three genes related to smoking
metabolism.
Results
No association was found between having UGT2B17 CNV 2 and IBD (p-value =
0.155), psoriasis (p-value = 0.481), uveitis (p-value = 0.466) or HLA-B*27 positivity (pvalue
= 0.118).
Two SNPs from CHRNA7 were associated with radiographic severity: rs11071593
and rs7178176 (p-value = 0.0005). Two SNPs from CHRNA7 were associated with
radiographic progression: rs2337506 and rs12910885 (p-value < 0.0001).
Conclusion
No association was found between UGT2B17 CNVs and disease expression;
however, we have demonstrated an association between CHRNA7 SNPs and AS
radiographic severity and progression.


identifier: Ezeoru, Ikechukwu Charles <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Ezeoru=3AIkechukwu_Charles=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Marine icing sensor design using capacitive techniques.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The Marine Icing project, in industrial collaboration with Statoil, explores and develops in-depth research on marine icing phenomena, and the appropriate sensor technology to detect ice accretion in marine and offshore environments. The overall project includes detailed analytical concepts, simulations, and experiments of on and off deck ice accretion activities in the form of wave breakup and droplet freeing phenomena.
Part of the project is dedicated to developing appropriate low cost sensors for ice accretion detection in these harsh environments. Proposed sensors should be autonomous and easy to modify. After examining the available ice detecting systems, it was decided to explore capacitive techniques, a concept that have been used in other industrial applications like tilt sensing, liquid level sensing, and accelerometers. However, the capacitive sensing technique has not been explored for marine ice detection and therefore will be developed in this thesis.
A capacitive based sensor is simulated, designed, tested, and documented in this thesis. The proposed sensor consists of a copper tracing on a PCB, capacitance to digital converter circuit and a microcontroller. The whole system runs on a simple battery system or powered by a programming cable, depending on the area of deployment. The microcontroller controls the capacitance to digital converter circuit as well as the temperature sensing circuit. Additionally, this research compares the change in capacitance observed with the change in ice thickness; proper sensor calibration is drawn from this result. The system is used to test ice accretion due to fresh and saline water, observation and conclusions are made based on the data obtained. This thesis focuses on developing a technical start up point for capacitive marine ice sensing.


identifier: Hossain, Mohammed Raju <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Hossain=3AMohammed_Raju=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Single chip solution for stabilization control & monocular visual servoing of small-scale quadrotor helicopter.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This thesis documents the research undertaken to develop a high-performing design
of a small-scale quadrotor (four-rotor) helicopter capable of delivering the speed and
robustness required for agile motion while also featuring an autonomous visual servoing
capability within the size, weight, and power (SWaP) constraint package. The
state of the art research was reviewed, and the areas in the existing design methodologies
that can potentially be improved were identified, which included development
of a comprehensive dynamics model of quadrotor, design and construction of a performance
optimized prototype vehicle, high-performance actuator design, design of a
robust attitude stabilization controller, and a single chip solution for autonomous vision
based position control. The gaps in the current art of designing each component
were addressed individually. The outcomes of the corresponding development activities
include a high-fidelity dynamics and control model of the vehicle. The model
was developed using multi-body bond graph modeling approach to incorporate the
dynamic interactions between the frame body and propulsion system. Using an algorithmic
size, payload capacity, and flight endurance optimization approach, a quadrotor
prototype was designed and constructed. In order to conform to the optimized
geometric and performance parameters, the frame of the prototype was constructed
using printed circuit board (PCB) technology and processing power was integrated
using a single chip field programmable gate array (FPGA) technology. Furthermore, to actuate the quadrotor at a high update rate while also improving the power efficiency
of the actuation system, a ground up FPGA based brushless direct current
(BLDC) motor driver was designed using a low-loss commutation scheme and hall
effect sensors. A proportional-integral-derivative (PID) technology based closed loop
motor speed controller was also implemented in the same FPGA hardware for precise
speed control of the motors. In addition, a novel control law was formulated for robust
attitude stabilization by adopting a cascaded architecture of active disturbance rejection
control (ADRC) technology and PID control technology. Using the same single
FPGA chip to drive an on-board downward looking camera, a monocular visual servoing
solution was developed to integrate an autonomous position control feature with
the quadrotor. Accordingly, a numerically simple relative position estimation technique
was implemented in FPGA hardware that relies on a passive landmark/target
for 3-D position estimation.
The functionality and effectiveness of the synthesized design were evaluated by
performance benchmarking experiments conducted on each individual component as
well as on the complete system constructed from these components. It was observed
that the proposed small-scale quadrotor, even though just 43 cm in diameter, can lift
434 gm of payload while operating for 18 min. Among the ground up designed components,
the FPGA based motor driver demonstrated a maximum of 4% improvement in
the power consumption and at the same time can handle a command update at a rate
of 16 kHz. The cascaded attitude stabilization controller can asymptotically stabilize
the vehicle within 426 ms of the command update. Robust control performance under
stochastic wind gusts is also observed from the stabilization controller. Finally, the
single chip FPGA based monocular visual servoing solution can estimate pose information
at the camera rate of 37 fps and accordingly the quadrotor can autonomously
climb/descend and/or hover over a passive target.


identifier: Hillier, Darrell <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Hillier=3ADarrell=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Stars, stripes, and sacrifice: a wartime familial experience of hope, loss, and grief, and the journey home of an American bomber crew.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This thesis analyses the experiences of ten American homefront families as they negotiate their loss following the fatal crash of a military aircraft near Gander in February 1945. The writer provides a brief history of Gander airport, with emphasis on American operations, followed by a biographical overview of the crew and a description of the final flight, search effort, and discovery. The writer assesses the phenomena of wartime rumours, both general and hope-based, and potential reasons for their transmission. The written correspondence between mothers of the crew and between next of kin and the military is analyzed for evidence of popular wartime narratives surrounding private grief and public expectations, and for evidence of the conventional state and military ideology of sacrifice, meant to give meaning to the bereaved. This thesis identifies commonalities in the overall familial experience and explains the state-controlled postwar repatriation program of America’s wartime soldier dead from Newfoundland. Finally, the writer examines postwar remembrance and commemoration and their forms of expression, from grave markers and monuments to narratives inherited by family members.


identifier: Nimmo, Victoria <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Nimmo=3AVictoria=3A=3A.html>   (2016) Effects of previous tree harvesting on productivity and photosynthetic pigments of mosses in a boreal black spruce forest.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The harvesting of forests across Canada is known to affect the carbon fluxes of these
ecosystems over large scales, but little is known about the potential range of longer
term effects on the bryophytes which cover the forest floor. This study aimed to
investigate seasonal productivity of common moss species (Hylocomium splendens,
Ptilium crista-castrensis, Pleurozium schreberi, and Sphagnum subnitens) from black
spruce boreal forest sites which had previously been clearcut in Western
Newfoundland, Canada, in comparison to the same moss species in adjacent intact
forests. Tests focused mainly on the photosynthetic rates and photosynthetic pigment
concentrations of the species, and found contrasting results. Feathermosses tested in
the post-harvest areas had greater photosynthetic rates in the more open habitats, but
the decreased rates of growth coupled with the higher vapour pressure deficits
measured in these areas suggests that they were often under moisture stress and were
unable to capitalize on their light environment. Sphagnum was able to better retain
water in these open areas, and had a smaller treatment effect. The light responses of all
three feathermosses were such that saturating light levels were greater in the more
open post-harvest blocks, and concentrations of photosynthetic pigments decreased as
light was no longer a limited resource. In contrast, Sphagnum was able to increase
maximum photosynthetic rates in the post-harvest blocks, and fewer effects of
treatment were found when measuring photosynthetic pigments, again suggesting that
Sphagnum shoots were more capable of mitigating water loss and associated effects.
All the test species were found to have naturally increased shoot densities in the post harvest blocks, presumably an attempt to mitigate the negative effects of a more
challenging micro-environment. Overall, mosses were found to be capable of
maintaining a substantial ground cover within the post-harvest areas, but did display a
range of changes to characteristics and traits which could potentially alter their
proportional contribution to the carbon fluxes in a harvested area.


identifier: Kumaraswamy, Venkataraghavan Karunamurthy <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Kumaraswamy=3AVenkataraghavan_Karunamurthy=3A=3A.html>   (2017) A standalone proton exchange membrane fuel cell generation system with different tracking techniques.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) may be operated at the maximum power point (MPP) or maximum efficiency point (MEP). In this thesis, a complete user-friendly Simulink model of the PEMFC is developed to implement the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technique and maximum efficiency point tracking (MEPT) technique. A new tracking technique referred to as the midpoint tracking (MDT) technique, is proposed to overcome the limitations of the MPPT and MEPT techniques. A detailed analysis of the tracking techniques based on simulation results using the Ballard MK5-E PEMFC as reference is presented. Simulation results indicate that the midpoint tracking technique provides a trade-off operation with acceptable efficiency derating of 15%, high output power, and small size of the fuel cell when compared with the maximum efficiency point tracking technique. In order to analyse the effects of the tracking techniques on the PEMFC system economics, a detailed economic analysis for ten different cases of standalone PEMFC system is carried out. From the point of view of the economics of a standalone fuel cell generation system, it is found that the MPPT technique is suitable for low power applications (<50kW) and MDT technique is suitable for medium to high power applications. Finally, based on the particular requirements of stationary PEMFC application, suitable tracking techniques are suggested.


identifier: Islam, MD Rakibul <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Islam=3AMD_Rakibul=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Numerical simulation & risk analysis of well kick.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Oil and gas development is moving into harsh and remote locations where the highest level of safety is required. A blowout is one of the most feared accidents in oil and gas developments projects, which is the result of uncontrolled flow of influx into the wellbore. Limited insights about the rapidly changing physical parameters during a blowout necessitates the exhaustive analysis of kick detection parameters. The risk of blowout consequences can be minimized by appropriate kick detection and well control techniques. This work presents a dynamic numerical simulation of kick detection and experimental studies to analyze hydrodynamic properties of drilling fluid to detect a kick. The experimental results are used to verify dynamic numerical simulation results. A three dimensional CFD simulation of a pressure cell which is a mimic of a scaled down version of a wellbore is performed using commercial CFD package ANSYS Fluent-15. The main objective of this simulation model is to analyze the pressure gradient, rising speed of a gas kick and volumetric behaviour of the gas kick with respect to time. Simulation results exhibit a sudden increase of pressure while the kick enters and volumetric expansion of gas as it flows upward. This improved understanding helps to develop effective well control strategies. The proposed numerical simulation model is validated by comparison with experimentally obtained downhole pressure during an influx into the pressure cell. This study confirms the feasibility and usability of an intelligent drill pipe as a tool to monitor well condition and develop blowout risk management strategies. Furthermore, to quantify the risk of blowout consequences, this work aims to test and validate a blowout risk assessment model using uniquely developed experimental results. Kick detection is a major part of the blowout risk assessment model. The accuracy and timeliness of kick detection are dependent on the monitoring of multiple downhole parameters such as downhole pressure, fluid density, fluid conductivity and mass flow rate. In the present study these four parameters are considered in different logical combinations to assess the occurrence of kick and associated blowout risk. The assessed results are compared against the experimental observations. It is observed that simultaneous monitoring of mass flow rate combined with any one the three parameters provides most reliable detection of kick and potential blowout likelihood. This work confirms that a blowout risk model integrated with real time monitoring is a reliable and effective way of managing blowout risk. Upon success testing of this approach at the pilot and field levels, this approach could provide a paradigm shift in drilling safety.


identifier: Keating, David <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Keating=3ADavid=3A=3A.html>   (2016) Inside Müller's workshop: Max Müller's collaboration with Nunjō Bun'yū and Kasahara Kenju on the translation of Buddhist Texts From Japan.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This thesis examines the forgotten collaboration that occurred between Max Müller,
founder of the Science of Religion, and Nanjō Bun’yū, a Japanese priest of the Shin
Buddhist sect, as they worked on the first English translations of sutras that would
become Buddhist Texts from Japan. Building on Tomoko Masuzawa’s extensive
scholarship on Müller and through the lens of Charles Hallisey’s theory of intercultural
mimesis and Anne Blackburn’s related method of locative pluralism, Müller’s legacy as a
Edward Said-styled Orientalist is reconsidered in light of the evidence of this crosscultural
exchange. Aligned with the work of Hallisey, Blackburn and others, including
Richard King, this thesis is part of an emerging movement to revisit assumptions about
Victorian scholarship founded in Edward Said’s theory of Orientalism and recover the
voices of Buddhist practitioners who collaborated on, contributed to and, in some cases,
were the primary influencers of Western scholarship’s first ideas about Buddhism.


identifier: Pandey, Ashok <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Pandey=3AAshok=3A=3A.html>   (2016) Shipping route optimization in ice.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

title: Shipping route optimization in ice

abstract:
Technological advances and changing climatic conditions provide commercial
opportunities and some unique challenges for the Arctic region this century. Emerging
trans-Arctic shipping routes in the Northwest Passage are a direct consequence of
progressively receding sea ice in the Canadian Arctic archipelagic waters. This study
conceptualized and developed a Computer-aided Arctic Route Optimization Model
(CAROM) in the framework of a Geographical Information System (GIS) for ship voyage
planning and tactical ice navigation. The model optimizes shipping routes in ice based on
the charted depth of water, appropriate structural strengthening (Ice Class notation), and
predicted and observed sea-ice conditions, with the latest available navigational and ice
data in digital format. An incorporated ship transit-model provides speed-in-ice input to
the route model essential to estimating the transit time critical for vessel scheduling and
fuel cost estimation. The CAROM is operational, tactical in nature, and intended to act as
a decision-making tool for the ice navigator. The presence of diminishing sea ice is an
existential threat to surface navigation in the ecologically sensitive Arctic region, and
ship-sourced oil pollution is a threat to Arctic marine ecology. Access to reliable satellite
communication in the Arctic, the adoption of the Polar Code and the proposed e-
Navigation framework of the IMO has opened new doors to implement and operationalize
tactical navigation tools that may help in decision-making and risk mitigation in ice
navigation. A seamless integration of the route optimization tool in the e-Navigation
architecture is the desired objective that evolving technology may be able to achieve in future for the Mariners onboard. This research underscores the current limitations on the
spatial resolution of ice data, electronic navigation chart coverage, and hydrographic
surveys in the Canadian Arctic, to mention but a few. The transit time in ice predicted by
the CAROM provides a comparative cost-benefit evaluation between a trans-Arctic route
and the Panama Canal route for container ships of two different sizes trading between
Rotterdam and Tokyo. The last few years have witnessed the arrival of mega container
ships (Neo-Panamax type) primarily driven by economy of scale considerations, global
trade dynamics, and expansion of the Panama Canal locks to accommodate such ships.
The Cost Benefit Analysis reveals some interesting aspects of the container shipping
business via the Northwest Passage and the difference a large container vessel of the Neo-
Panamax type may result in assessing the overall cost comparison.


identifier: Wilson, Carissa Josephine <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Wilson=3ACarissa_Josephine=3A=3A.html>   (2016) Feeding ecology of larval Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus): linking main prey availability and recruitment in Trinity Bay, Newfoundland.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Newfoundland Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus) populations are composed of spring- and autumn- spawning components, targeted as a mixed fishery. Until the early 2000s, the spring-spawning component accounted for ~90% of the total catch. Within the last decade, the relative abundance of spring-spawning herring has decreased and autumn-spawning herring now dominate the catch in most areas. Year-class strength is largely determined by survival rate during the larval stage. The objective of this study is to identify the main prey of larval herring and explore the link between main prey availability and subsequent recruitment strength. Herring larvae were collected using bongo tows in Trinity Bay, Newfoundland, in the autumns of 2002 (15-52 mm Standard Length), 2006 (5-15 mm SL) and 2013 (5-15 mm SL). Diet composition was identified and otoliths were extracted to estimate age. Nauplius stages of the calanoid copepod Temora longicornis and the cyclopoid copepod Oithona similis dominated the diet during the early larval stage (5-15 mm SL) in 2006 and 2013, respectively. In 2002, the mid-size calanoid copepod Pseudocalanus sp. strongly dominated the diet in the mid-larval stage (15-30 mm SL). In the late larval stage (>30 mm SL) in 2002, larval diet showed a shift to the larger calanoid copepod Calanus sp. The seasonal abundance peak of the main prey during the mid-larval stage, Pseudocalanus sp., shifted from spring to autumn during the mid-2000s, concurrent with the period of changing relative abundance of spawning components. A positive relationship was found between the abundance of Pseudocalanus sp. in October and recruitment of autumn-spawning herring, thereby supporting the idea that survival may be driven by preferred prey availability during the larval stage. We could not reject the hypothesis that the observed shift in herring population dynamics in the mid-2000s resulted from higher survival rates in autumn-hatched larvae through increased availability of their main prey.


identifier: Kaul, Adrienne <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Kaul=3AAdrienne=3A=3A.html>   (2016) Using self-organizing maps to investigate abrupt reductions in Arctic sea ice extent: an application to winter and summer pan-Arctic daily sea level pressure data.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Self-Organizing maps (SOMs) have been used to explore potential connections between
atmospheric circulation over the Arctic (in the form of sea level pressure patterns
and teleconnection indices) and sea ice loss. Extended periods of abrupt loss
(rapid ice loss events, or RILEs) have been studied, along with high ice loss years
(with instantaneous ice loss years >0.45 million km2). The bulk of the Thesis focuses
on ice loss in 21st century projections from general circulation models (GCMs), with
complimentary analysis of the observational record as represented by the NCEP/NCAR
reanalysis. In addition to examining the frequency of specific weather systems
(e.g. Icelandic lows, Beaufort Highs etc.), a SOM-based analogue of traditional teleconnection
analysis was applied, which emphasizes impacts on the Arctic and allows
for asymmetry between the positive and negative phases of a teleconnection. Results
show no simple connection between sea level pressure patterns and RILEs, either
in winter or summer analyses; although statistically significant circulation anomalies
were identified for individual events, no common potential cause emerged. Results
from composites of large ice loss years show fewer significant anomalies than found in
RILE periods, but the sign of anomalies is more consistent. This suggests atmospheric
drivers of ice loss are better demonstrated over short time scales (a year) rather than
longer periods (years to decades). Identified circulation anomalies reflect increased
winds along the transpolar drift, and these broadly resemble previously proposed ice loss mechanisms associated with the North Atlantic Oscillation, Arctic Oscillation,
and Arctic Rapid Change pattern.


identifier: Addison, Reuben Newton <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Addison=3AReuben_Newton=3A=3A.html>   (2016) Cognitive load assessment in computer based video training for the purposes of one-hand knot tying.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The purpose of practice is to enable learning and this can be indirectly observed through performance. The current study employed the dual task methodology to assess the effectiveness of computer based video training during the practice of the one-hand knot tying among novice learners. Sixteen students were randomly assigned to one of two groups: practice and non-practice groups. A pre-recorded instructional video was presented to all participants. The practice group completed 10 trials of the one-hand knot tying on a bench top simulator, while the non-practice group did not. All returned a week later for a transfer task. Subjective ratings of mental effort and reaction time were indices of cognitive load. Time on task served as an indication of task performance. Results showed the practice group had reduced cognitive load and shorter performance times compared to the no practice counterparts. These findings imply that self-directed practice alongside Computer based video training (CBVT) is an effective tool in teaching technical clinical skills.


identifier: Zhang, Zifeng <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Zhang=3AZifeng=3A=3A.html>   (2016) The structure of restrictions: a "dual-domination" over the customers in the Chinese housing market.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The research tries to explore the restraints imposed on customers in the contemporary Chinese housing market from the perspective of the customers. It adopts "power" as the core concept, uses the method of content analysis, and consults primarily theories of Max Weber, James Coleman, and Pierre Bourdieu. The research uses news reports as data to present the exercise of power on the customers by the Chinese state, and uses texts of housing advertisements as data to present the latent power the Chinese real-estate developers deploys to profit from trades with customers. Put together, the customers suffer from a "dual-domination" from the state and the developers in the contemporary Chinese housing market.


identifier: Alrashdi, Ameera <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Alrashdi=3AAmeera=3A=3A.html>   (2016) Brillouin light scattering studies of transition metal dichalcogenides MoS₂, MoSe₂, and WS₂.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Brillouin Light Scattering has been used for the first time to probe surface and bullk
acoustic phonons in the transition metal dichalcogenides MoS₂, MoSe₂ and WS₂.
Rayleigh surface and transverse bulk acoustic phonon velocities were obtained from
the Brillouin peak frequency shifts. Rayleigh velocities were 1690 ± 70 m/s, 1630 ±
40 m/s, and 1430 ± 50 m/s for MoS₂, MoSe₂, and WS₂, respectively. The Rayleigh
surface phonon velocities are similar to those found for other transition metal dichalcogenides.
The transverse bulk acoustic modes propagating approximately along the z
direction, were observed for WS₂ and for MoS₂ and were calculated by measuring
the average value of the frequency shift. The transverse velocities were found to be
2430 ± 70 m/s and 3450 ± 100 m/s, respectively. The bulk transverse velocities for
MoS₂, and WS₂ were found to be ~ 21 % and ~ 44 % lower, respectively, than those
of single layer samples determined using first-principle calculations. Moreover, from
transverse acoustic phonon velocities the elastic constants, C44 was determined as 44
± 1 GPa and 60 ± 3 GPa for WS₂, and MoS₂, respectively. In general, obtained elastic
constants are higher than those obtained from other bulk and single layer studies.
Also, Brillouin peaks due to bulk modes were not seen for either sample of MoSe₂
so it was not possible to obtain the bulk velocities and elastic constants for this
material. The extinction coefficient for MoSe₂ is much larger than those for WS₂ and
MoS₂. This could be the reason why no bulk mode was observed in the Brillouin spectra of MoSe₂.