identifier: Hu, Ting <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Hu=3ATing=3A=3A.html>   (2010) Evolvability and rate of evolution in evolutionary computation.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Evolvability has emerged as a research topic in both natural and computational evolution. It is a notion put forward to investigate the fundamental mechanisms that enable a system to evolve. A number of hypotheses have been proposed in modern biological research based on the examination of various mechanisms in the biosphere for their contribution to evolvability. Therefore, it is intriguing to try to transfer new discoveries from Biology to and test them in Evolutionary Computation (EC) systems, so that computational models would be improved and a better understanding of general evolutional mechanisms is achieved. -- Rate of evolution comes in different flavors in natural and computational evolution. Specifically, we distinguish the rate of fitness progression from that of genetic substitutions. The former is a common concept in EC since the ability to explicitly quantify the fitness of an evolutionary individual is one of the most important differences between computational systems and natural systems. Within the biological research community, the definition of rate of evolution varies, depending on the objects being examined such as gene sequences, proteins, tissues, etc. For instance, molecular biologists tend to use the rate of genetic substitutions to quantify how fast evolution proceeds at the genetic level. This concept of rate of evolution focuses on the evolutionary dynamics underlying fitness development, due to the inability to mathematically define fitness in a natural system. In EC, the rate of genetic substitutions suggests an unconventional and potentially powerful method to measure the rate of evolution by accessing lower levels of evolutionary dynamics. -- Central to this thesis is our new definition of rate of evolution in EC. We transfer the method of measurement of the rate of genetic substitutions from molecular biology to EC. The implementation in a Genetic Programming (GP) system shows that such measurements can indeed be performed and reflect well how evolution proceeds. Below the level of fitness development it provides observables at the genetic level of a GP population during evolution. We apply this measurement method to investigate the effects of four major configuration parameters in EC, i.e., mutation rate, crossover rate, tournament selection size, and population size, and show that some insights can be gained into the effectiveness of these parameters with respect to evolution acceleration. Further, we observe that population size plays an important role in determining the rate of evolution. We formulate a new indicator based on this rate of evolution measurement to adjust population size dynamically during evolution. Such a strategy can stabilize the rate of genetic substitutions and effectively improve the performance of a GP system over fixed-size populations. This rate of evolution measure also provides an avenue to study evolvability, since it captures how the two sides of evolvability, i.e., variability and neutrality, interact and cooperate with each other during evolution. We show that evolvability can be better understood in the light of this interplay and how this can be used to generate adaptive phenotypic variation via harnessing random genetic variation. The rate of evolution measure and the adaptive population size scheme are further transferred to a Genetic Algorithm (GA) to solve a real world application problem - the wireless network planning problem. Computer simulation of such an application proves that the adaptive population size scheme is able to improve a GA's performance against conventional fixed population size algorithms.


identifier: Yungblut, Christopher <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Yungblut=3AChristopher=3A=3A.html>   (2009) Implicit religion in Canadian film: a new frontier.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

type: Thesis NonPeerReviewed

abstract: The present work examines the presence of religious themes in Canadian film, and attempts to relate these themes on a broad level to issues of Canadian identity. As a specific field of research, "Religion in Canadian Film" has not yet been introduced into academic departments; the intent here is to provide an initial justification for further study in the area, and for the establishment of a scholarly sub-discipline within departments of Religious Studies. Toward these goals, the thesis begins by placing this new subject within the context of existing studies on implicit religion, religion and popular culture, and religion in film. The primary question of Canadian religious identity in our national cinema will ultimately draw on links to Canadian literature and history. It is also argued here that this religious identity as portrayed in Canadian film focuses on the notions of family and community relations.


identifier: Hossain, Mohammed Raju <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Hossain=3AMohammed_Raju=3A=3A.html>   (2010) Dynamics modeling and control of a Quad-rotor helicopter.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have become a promising field of research due to the enormous potential for both military and civilian applications. This thesis focuses on increasing the autonomy of one type of rotary wing UAV; namely a Quad-rotor Helicopter. -- In this work a detailed mathematical model was introduced for simulation of the dynamics and control of this system. The dynamic model evolved from a simple set of equations, valid only for hovering, to a complex mathematical model with more realistic aerodynamic factors like thrust factor and drag factor. A simple yet precise tool was developed to measure these aerodynamic factors. An intelligent vision based control technique has been proposed for the critical, near-hovering flight of the vehicle. Finally, a platform was developed and a PD controller was implemented with inertial sensors in order to prepare the platform for implementing the vision-based control in the future.


identifier: Whittle, Paul <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Whittle=3APaul=3A=3A.html>   (2010) Everything is what it is.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

title: Everything is what it is

abstract: The stories in this collection raise questions about the nature of Newfoundland cultural identity. As characters oscillate physically and mentally between home and away they are forced to examine the nature of their relationship to place. They face conflicts that help them get a better understanding of their place and themselves; they also learn about gender biases in the construction of their cultural identity. These themes are examined in an accompanying essay, which looks at the collection in the context of contemporary Newfoundland literature.


identifier: Saunders, Robyn L. (Robyn Lynn) <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Saunders=3ARobyn_L=2E_=28Robyn_Lynn=29=3A=3A.html>   (2009) Escape mechanisms in crab and lobster pots: implications for snow crab (chionoecetes opilio) stock conservation and policy review.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Since the collapse of groundfish stocks in the early 1990s, market demand and industry diversification has placed considerable pressure upon crab stocks in Newfoundland and Labrador, specifically snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio). The total allowable catch (TAC) for snow crab in the Newfoundland region peaked in 1999 at 69,000 tonnes. Fisheries and Oceans Canada has been reactive in its approach to management and has implemented various measures in line with the precautionary approach. --  Work conducted on modifications to crab pots, specifically the development of escape mechanisms for undersized crab, has generated attention as a means to improve sustainability of the resource. commentary from local crab harvesters using experimental escape devices in their pots has been positive in that they are seeing less undersized crab in their catch. This translates to reduced sorting time for the harvester, less mortality, and fewer non-commercial crab exposed to air and drop factors. This further increases the chance that these undersized individuals will be available for harvest in subsequent years. -- The use of escape mechanisms in shellfish fisheries is not a new concept. Reducing ghost fishing of lost and derelict gear has prompted research that has translated into new management measures in many jurisdictions. Reducing the incidental capture of undersized crab and lobster has been an additional outcome of escape device utilization is most crab and lobster fisheries around the world. --  Experiments were conducted in Newfoundland as early as the 1890s with escape devices in lobster gear. While lath spacing in lobster pots has been enforced since 1937 it is interesting that the use of rigid escape mechanisms in snow crab pots has not yet been adopted as a mandatory management measure although efforts to recommend policy changes have been underway since 2004 in the region. -- The following document reviews the use of escape mechanisms in different decapods fisheries around the world, benefits of their use in Newfoundland and Labrador, and the implications for snow crab stock conservation and policy review.


identifier: Xiong, Hui <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Xiong=3AHui=3A=3A.html>   (2008) Examining the health status of Asian immigrants in Canada.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This study examined the health status of Asian immigrants, and mammogram and Pap smear use among Asian immigrant women, using data from the 2003 Canadian Community Health Survey cycle 2.1. It shows that Asian immigrants were in better health than non-immigrants, with respect to chronic conditions, but were disadvantaged in terms of their self-perceived health. Non-Asian immigrants had patterns similar to non-immigrants in terms of chronic conditions, but were  also disadvantaged with respect to self-perceived health. Socioeconomic status and lifestyle factors did not explain the differences between non-immigrants and Asian and non-Asian immigrants. Asian immigrant women had low rates of mammogram and Pap smear use compared with nonimmigrant women. Non-Asian immigrant women had significantly lower rates of Pap smear use than non-immigrant women, but had patterns similar to non-immigrant women in mammography use. While language is an important barrier to mammogram use for many Asian immigrant women, a perceived lack of necessity and lack of time are major barriers to Pap smear use. The study suggests that additional research is needed to explore the health effect of factors such as culture and the immigration experience in general, which were not considered in this study. Targeted efforts should be made to promote screenings in Asian immigrant women.


identifier: Jiang, Xingyan <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Jiang=3AXingyan=3A=3A.html>   (2008) Dynamic cooperative co-evolutionary automated mobile sensor deployment via localized fitness evaluation.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: A wireless sensor network is a self-organized network consisting of a large number of small sensor nodes distributed over an area of interests. Such networks are capable of observing and sensing the environment, and sending the collected data to a data sink for further processing. Sensors must be deployed before they can provide useful data. Therefore the deployment of static or mobile sensors is an important basis for sensor networking. -- Automated mobile sensor deployment of a wireless sensor network has a significant impact on the network performance, such as network sensing coverage, communication or mobile costs, and connectivity. Due to the small size of sensors, they are equipped with small batteries and have low-power computing and communication resources. The lifetime of a sensor is determined by its battery life and it cannot operate for an infinite amount of time. Therefore, a good deployment yields a high utilization of power resources. -- In this thesis, we propose an innovative cooperative co-evolutionary computation framework, Localized Distributed Coevolution (LODICO), to optimize the automated sensor deployment with arbitrary initial positions. LODICO is a fully distributed and localized algorithm. It can be executed on all sensors of the network in parallel. Meanwhile the information exchange has to be done locally as each sensor can only communicate with those within a distance. Further, we extend LODICO to LODICO/D to provide dynamic interaction to neighboring computing agents during the evolutionary process. It models the potential local interactions between computing agents, and uses the imaginary neighboring movements to improve its local fitness and to help escaping from local optima. -- This thesis is a powerful extension work to the traditional Cooperative Revolutionary Algorithm. One feature of it is the utilization of local fitness to achieve a global optimum, which makes co-evolutionary algorithms applicable to localized distributed environments, such as network computing. Another salient feature is that the proposed algorithms can adjust and adapt the frequent dynamic change of network structures due to the position changes or failures of computing agents. LODICO/D incorporates LODICO with mode D to help to escape local optima. Mode D creates the third feature of imaginary collaboration with the neighboring computing agents during the evolutionary process to improve its local fitness. Our experiments show that LODICO and LODICO/D are effective in obtaining good solutions under such dynamic, distributed, and localized condition constraints.


identifier: Greening, C. Michael <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Greening=3AC=2E_Michael=3A=3A.html>   (2009) Develop yourself: anxiety and performative masculinity in Robert Baden-Powell's Scouting For Boys.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Robert Baden-Powell's seminal instructional tract Scouting For Boys has been in print continuously for one century, and is cited as one of the English-speaking world's bestselling books of the twentieth century. The youth movement that Scouting For Boys has spawned is now one of the largest and recognizable of such organizations in the world. Drawing on the sociological and psychoanalytical theories in Erving Goffman's The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life and Judith Butler's Bodies That Matter: On the Discursive Limits of 'Sex,' the theory of performative identity is used to outline the myriad anxieties and contradictions inherent in this text. A performative analysis of Scouting For Boys' various discursive modes-as well as close readings of its key illustrations-allow for an understanding of the ways in which this text seeks to indoctrinate youth while simultaneously immunizing them from unwholesome outside influences. This thesis illustrates that Scouting For Boys' success depends on performativity, even while denying performativity's possibilities, and that the text itself is a crystallized example of the ways in which performance theories work.


identifier: Mahmud, Faisal Bari Al. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Mahmud=3AFaisal_Bari_Al=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2009) Experimental measurement of thermal-hydraulic characteristics at low Reynolds number in wavy fin heat exchangers.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Experiments were conducted to predict the thermal hydraulic characteristics for flow in wavy fin heat exchangers. Low Reynolds number (0.1 < Re < 100) and larger Prandtl number (318 < Pr < 573) were considered using high viscous oil. Experimental results were obtained for fifteen different fin specimens having various geometric parameters. The corrugation ratio ranged from 0.1 to 0.18, the aspect ratio ranged from 0.07 to 0.67, and spacing ratio ranged from 0.4 to 1.23. -- Experimental results of heat transfer and fluid friction data for all the wavy fins exposed the presence of two flow regimes. These were: 1. the low Reynolds number regime where the flow behaviour is the same as that in rectangular ducts, 2. the laminar boundary layer regime where vortices induced in the wall waviness valley region with the increase of Reynolds number provided a higher heat transfer performance and pressure drop penalty. This could be due to the complex flow pattern in the wavy fin channels. Models for each regime were developed from fundamental solutions of fluid dynamics and heat transfer. Experimental results were compared with both models which suggested a new model. -- Finally, an asymptotic model was developed by combining both analytical models for predicting the Fanning friction factor, f, and Colburn factor, j, which covered a wide range of Reynolds number. Most of the experimental data sets agreed with this model to within ± 25 %.


identifier: MacEachern, Jill <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/MacEachern=3AJill=3A=3A.html>   (2009) Familial and hereditary colorectal cancer screening in Newfoundland and Labrador: specialists' knowledge, attitude and practice patterns.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Objectives: To determine knowledge, practice patterns and attitudes of gastroenterologists and surgeons in NL regarding familial and hereditary colorectal cancer screening. --  Methods: A self-administered mail-out survey was used to collect information on specialist understanding of best practice colorectal cancer screening guidelines. --  Results: Eighty- four percent of eligible specialists responded. The majority of specialists begin screening at the appropriate age and preferred screening with colonoscopy. Interdisciplinary health team involvement varied. More than half of respondents are seeing patients with FAP and HNPCC gene mutations for colonoscopy within 3 months. Almost all respondents agreed there is a need for a province wide colorectal cancer registry. -- Conclusions: Overwhelming preference for the colonoscopy is potentially contributing to extended wait times. Inconsistencies in practices are evident. Examining other models of colorectal cancer screening would help to provide clarity around interdisciplinary health team roles and guidance for moving towards a more organized screening approach.


identifier: Doan, Brandy <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Doan=3ABrandy=3A=3A.html>   (2009) Empirical tests of the homology assumption in criminal profiling.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: A fundamental assumption in criminal profiling, known as the homology assumption, is that criminals who exhibit similar crime scene actions have similar background characteristics. The homology assumption was tested by first classifying, with a pre-existing typology, a sample of arsonists (N = 87) and robbers (N = 111) into different crime types and then comparing the similarity of their background characteristics. Study 1 tested the homology assumption with Canter and Fritzon's (1998) arson typology, and for Study 2, Alison, Rockett, Deprez and Watts' (2000) robbery typology was used. Results showed that using pre-existing typologies to classify crimes into mutually exclusive types was not easily accomplished. Notwithstanding classification difficulties, the homology assumption was violated in 56% of the comparisons between the different types of arsonists and in 67% of the comparisons between the different types of robbers. Overall, these two studies failed to provide empirical support for the homology assumption for typology-based  profiling practices. These findings indicate that using established typologies to profile offenders might not be very useful. Future research endeavors that wish to examine the validity of the homology assumption should first seek reliability with typologies across several geographic regions.


identifier: Chatman, Shawn <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Chatman=3AShawn=3A=3A.html>   (2009) Electronic properties of electrodeposited semiconductor junctions.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This thesis describes the synthesis, structural properties, optical properties, and electronic properties of semiconductor junctions based on electrochemically deposited ZnO and CU₂O thin films. The first focus is characterizing the effect of deposition conditions (including applied potential and electrolyte composition) on the fundamental properties of these materials (including carrier concentration, band gap, and microstructure). Subsequent discussion addresses electrical conduction to and through ZnO/substrate junctions as a function of these deposition conditions. Finally, three device applications for these ZnO-based junction are explored: Schottky rectifiers, humidity sensors, and photovoltaic cells. Since electrical conduction to and through heterojunction interfaces is very important for maximizing the functionality of semiconductor devices, this thesis work is an essential step towards increasing the functionality of multi-layer ZnO-based heterojunction devices prepared by electrodeposition. -- Capacitive Mott-Schottky analyses showed that the carrier concentrations of our ZnO electrodeposits are dependent upon deposition potential, with higher net carrier concentration at more positive potentials. UV/Visible diffuse reflectance data indicates that band gap increases with more positive deposition potentials. Together, these results suggest that hydrogen is the dominant, yet unintentional, Moss-Burstein like dopant in our n -type ZnO. Furthermore, the range of carrier concentrations we can achieve (10¹⁸ - 10²¹ cm⁻³) is comparable to that obtained with intentional doping. This is significant because using deposition potential to change growth rate or morphology will simultaneously change electronic properties. -- The deposition potential studies evolved into a procedure for selective, one-step production of either ohmic or rectifying (Schottky) ZnO/metal junctions (Chatman et al., Appl. Phys. Lett., 2008, 92, 012103/1-3). Rectifying ratio and soft-breakdown characteristics can be influenced by tuning either deposition potential and p H (Chatman et al., ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces, 2009, 1, 552-558). (In contrast, our CU₂O/metal junctions were always ohmic.) Rectifying ZnO/metal junctions are very susceptible to relative humidity compared with ohmic samples because of protonic conduction at the ZnO/air interface. Hydrophobic coatings applied to ZnO deposits greatly reduce the erratic sensitivity of ZnO at high humidities while retaining humidity sensitivity (Chatman et al., ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces, 2009, 1, 552-558).  -- ZnO/CU₂O pn junctions were prepared with different permutations of a two-step electrodeposition process. ZnO/CU₂O/metal junctions were determined to be light sensitive when the CU₂O layer was deposited using lactate-based electrolytes. Unfortunately, solar conversion efficiencies was too low to determine device efficiencies.


identifier: Trask, Robert B.  <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Trask=3ARobert_B=2E_=3A=3A.html>   (2009) Dopaminergic modulation of melanin-concentrating hormone expressing neurons.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) is a neuropeptide that acts centrally as an anabolic signal, while also mediating behaviours such as reward, activity level, and anxiety. MCH expressing neurons are limited in their expression being isolated to the lateral hypothalamus (LH) and nearby zona incerta (ZI). Despite this limited area of expression the neurons project widely throughout the brain. The neurotransmitter/neuromodulator dopamine (DA), which is best known for its role in reward and locomotion, is released within the LH area. DA action within the LH area is known to influence MCH related behaviours: for example, an injection of DA into the LH will decrease food intake. Since MCH promotes food intake and DA has anorexic properties in the LH it is hypothesized that DA inhibits the activity of the MCH expressing neurons.   However, DA's mechanism of action on MCH neurons is not known. This study was carried out to determine the cellular mechanisms by which DA influences MCH expressing neurons. To determine this MCH neuronal activity was monitored using whole cell patch-clamp recordings from LH/ZI containing rat brain slices. MCH neurons were identified and distinguished from nearby orexin neurons by their electrophysiological characteristics and post-hoc immunohistochemistry. All drugs were bath applied. In order to monitor DA's presynaptic influence y-aminobutyric acid (GABA) release was recorded through pharmacologically isolated miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mlPSCs). Results showed that DA inhibits the activity of MCH expressing neurons through hyperpolarization and a reduction in action potential firing.  Furthermore, DA induced a dose dependent outward current. This current was the result of G protein-activated inwardly rectifying K⁺ (GIRK) channel activation. Surprisingly, initiation of the GIRK current was not dependent on DA receptor activation but rather on the highly expressed adrenergic α₂ₐ receptor. Norepinephrine (NE) also produced a reversible, dose dependent outward current in MCH neurons when acting on the adrenergic receptors. The DA and NE induced outward currents were of similar magnitudes, indicating both have similar efficacies when acting on MCH neurons. Monitoring mlPSCs revealed that DA had no consistent effect on their frequency or amplitude, indicating that DA does not influence synaptic GABA transmission. Overall this study demonstrates that DA has a direct postsynaptic inhibitory influence on MCH neurons. This inhibition is accomplished though activation of adrenergic receptors and the initiation of a GIRK current. Furthermore, this study reveals a cross talk between dopaminergic and adrenergic signalling at the cellular level within the LH area.


identifier: Hardenberg, Mariane <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Hardenberg=3AMariane=3A=3A.html>   (2009) In search of Thule children : miniature playthings as a means of socializing children.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: During the last decade, the study of the individual and the transmission of knowledge and learning have become an essential concern in prehistoric archaeology. However, the child, as an individual agent who participates in the entirety of social contexts, is often absent or passive in prehistoric connection. The archaeology of children contributes to make children more visible by examining the child's world through the study of the archaeological correlates of their activities. This thesis presents the assessment of child-related playthings of the Thule culture from the pre-contact period by examining miniatures, toys and games from Inuarfigssuaq settlement, Northwest Greenland, and playhouse structures from the region of Wollaston Forland, Northeast Greenland.


identifier: Myles, Angelique Helena <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Myles=3AAngelique_Helena=3A=3A.html>   (2008) Examining Hepatitis C patient care pathways and services in Canada: results from a national specialists' survey.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Background and Aims: This study was designed to examine management practices of Canadian physicians trained in the specialties of infectious diseases, gastroenterology and hepatology in order to increase understanding of how people living with the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) receive treatment across Canada. Approximately 170-175 million people worldwide are infected with HCV and the current prevalence of HCV in Canada is approximately 0.8%. It is known that treatment outcome and hence management strategies differ based on factors such as genotype and viral load, liver histology, body weight, co-infection with HIV and adherence. Canadian hepatologists have varied perspectives towards treating HCV patients [1]. The purpose of the study was to examine health care services provided to HCV patients by HCV health care providers (infectious disease specialists, hepatologists, gastroenterologists) and to see if there is variation in treating HCV in Canada. It is hypothesized that regional variation in treatment exists because of unequal access to care across Canada and that staffing capacity will be a major barrier to care. --  Methods: A nationwide anonymous postal survey was conducted to determine if treatment varies by geographical location. HCV health care providers were identified through the Canadian Medical Directory [2]. A cover letter outlining study objectives and a questionnaire were sent to all eligible HCV health care providers. The survey requested information regarding health care provider demographics, referral pathways, treatment eligibility, pattern of drug prescribing, barriers to providing high quality service, and the role of physicians in providing treatment. --  Results: A structured questionnaire was sent to 562 physicians and 222 returned completed questionnaires with an adjusted response rate of 42%. Forty-three percent of respondents provided a comprehensive service (included treatment and follow-up), 33 % provided a diagnostic and investigative service (followed by referral to dedicated HCV service), and 24 % had no role in the management and diagnosis of people with HCV. The estimated number of patients managed by the total number of comprehensive service providers was over 27,000 with an increasing trend over the  previous years. Regional variation was observed between comprehensive care providers across Canada, including the size of practice community, number of patients, and type of service provided. The majority of comprehensive service providers indicated that they would not provide treatment to a current injection drug user; the provinces most likely to provide treatment were Alberta and Nova Scotia. Key barriers to quality of care identified by the majority of  comprehensive service providers were funding for treatment and patient non-attendance. --  Conclusions: Survey respondents revealed that there are regional variations across Canada at many levels of the patient pathway, which could contribute to inequalities in health care services provided to patients with HCV. The results provide a baseline assessment of the overall HCV services across Canada. Services involving a multidisciplinary clinic setting need to be expanded and regional networks should be formed in order to allow for a more comprehensive approach to the identification of HCV patients and health care delivery of HCV antiviral therapy.


identifier: Ling, Lin <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Ling=3ALin=3A=3A.html>   (2007) Density functional theory study of electronic band structures of fluorene-based conjugated polymers.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Alternating triphenylamine-fluorene, TPAFn (n=2,3), and fluorene-oxadiazole copolymers OxFn (n=2,3) are important components of novel high-efficiency multilayer polymeric blue light-emitting diodes [1]. In this work we investigate their electronic structure properties using a computational approach. For comparison and calibration purposes we also perform the calculations for poly(acetylene) (PA). The band gaps (E gap’s) and band widths (E width’s) are studied with the Hartree-Fock (HF) and density functional theory (DFT) approaches. The polymers are treated as one-dimensional (1D) infinite conjugated chains with periodic boundary condition. We consider a number of DFT exchange correlation functionals: B3LYP, O3LYP, OB95, PBEPBE, PBE1PBE and TPSSTPSS and employ the 6-31G* basis set and 32 k points in most of our calculations. We compare our results with experimental values whenever possible. The results show that HF method overestimates the band gap of trans-PA by 2.0 eV while the DFT theory underestimates it by 0.20 eV or more. In all DFT calculations with various functionals, B3LYP, O3LYP, OB95, PBEPBE, PBE1PBE and TPSSTPSS, all band gaps are direct and the best agreement with experiment is obtained with the B3LYP and O3LYP functionals for the fluorene-based polymers. The variation of bond length alternations (BLA's) and dipole moments as related to band gaps are discussed.


identifier: Ou, Yanzhen <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Ou=3AYanzhen=3A=3A.html>   (2009) Hydrological modeling in the Marmot creek basin.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Two primary purposes of this research were to assess the hydrologic response and to detect the hydrologic similarity of a 9.5 km²  needle-leaf forested watershed in the Canadian Prairie province of Alberta known the Marmot Creek basin. In order to achieve these two objectives, three hydrologic models and several analysis methods were applied in this study. -- Topographic index, In(α/tanβ), was calculated by different flow routing algorithms ( single flow and biflow direction algorithms) with 1- and 90-meter resolution digital elevation models (DEM) in this research. A series of maps and tabular outputs showed that in high resolution DEM, the distinction of the frequency distribution of In(α/tanβ) was pronounced between different algorithms. However, in low resolution DEM, the difference was not obvious. -- Evaporative resistances (stomatal and aerodynamic), which was used to calculate potential evapotranspiration (PET), was estimated by Canadian Land Surface Scheme CLASS). Aerodynamic resistance was also produced by the Monteith method (1965) under neutral conditions. The maximum stomatal resistance in the Marmot Creek basin could reach 2000 m s⁻¹ : however, the minimum value was only 0 s⁻¹. A series of comparisons showed that aerodynamic resistance computed by CLASS and Monteith method (1965) were fairly close. -- PET, as one of the input data sets to drive TOPMODEL in this research, was estimated by Penman-Monteith formulation. The peak of PET over the Marmot Creek basin occurred in July, and October had the lowest rate, which was equal to half the peak value in July. The effects of evaporative resistance on PET were also discussed. From the results, it could be concluded that compared to aerodynamic resistance, stomatal resistance had main control of PET. -- TOPMODEL, a topographically-based hydrologic model, was used to assess the hydrologic response in the Marmot Creek basin. This hydrologic model was combined with genetic algorithm (GA) to do calibration and, subsequently, validation with historical streamflow datasets retrieved from the Environment Canada hydrometric database. According to streamflow simulation with TOPMODEL, subsurface flow accounted for 84.9% of the total simulated streamflow during the calibration periods for the Marmot Creek basin. The simulations yielded a Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency of about 0.611, which was acceptable given the limitations of climate data. However, during the validation phase of the model assessment, there were some discrepancies between the simulated streamflow response and the observed values. Moreover, different In(α/tanβ) distributions were observed using different grid sizes in different flow direction algorithms, but these did not lead to significant departures in all the cases of the simulated streamflow. -- Four-meter resolution IKONOS images were used to perform land cover classification in the Marmot Creek basin through a Decision Tree classifier using Normalized Difference Vegetation index (NDVI) input. The variation of In(α/tanβ) between different land covers was investigated using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results of NOVA showed that no obvious relationship between In(α/tanβ) and the land cover classes could be determined.


identifier: Nguyêñ, Duyên Thi Kim <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Nguye==0302n==0303=3ADuye==0302n_Thi_Kim=3A=3A.html>   (2008) Influences on young adults' earliest memory and memory fluency.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Parent-child relationships have a marked impact on child development that continues into adulthood, such as the development of identity. Identity formation is based upon one's life story, consisting of past memories, perceived present, and predictive future, collectively providing a sense of purpose and unity (McAdams, 1985; 2006). Thus, the recall of autobiographical memories is necessary in the construction of identity. Currently, there is no study that has examined the importance of parent-child relationships and frequency and function of reminiscing on adults' earliest memory and memory fluency. Therefore this study examines this issue by interviewing 149 young adults regarding memory, and measuring parent-child relationships and reminiscing. Results show that the quality of parent-child relationships, the amount of parental involvement, and reminiscing are associated with early autobiographical memory, though they account for only a modest proportion of the variance.


identifier: Alam, Md. Jahangir <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Alam=3AMd=2E_Jahangir=3A=3A.html>   (2009) Design and development of a marine current energy conversion system using hybrid vertical axis turbine.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The Ocean Network Seafloor Instrumentation (ONSFI) Project, which commenced in 2007, is a five year multidisciplinary R&D project to design, fabricate and validate a proof-of-concept seafloor array of wireless marine sensors for use in monitoring seabed processes, including applications such as geological imaging and earthquake detection. Individual compact, low-cost sensors, called 'SEAformatics' pods, will be self-powered through ocean bottom currents and will be able to communicate with each other and to the Internet through surface master units to facilitate observation of the ocean floor from shore. -- One of approaches to power the SEAformatics sensor pods is using small marine current turbines that are equipped with an energy conversion system. For such application of a turbine, main constraint is a very low cut-in speed. Slow ocean currents require a low cut-in speed marine current turbine for continuous power to those pods. To alleviate the water speed issue, a self starting, low cut-in speed hybrid vertical axis marine current turbine have been designed and developed at the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University of Newfoundland. The developed marine current power generation system is composed of the designed hybrid vertical axis turbine, a permanent magnet generator, an ac-dc rectifier, a dc-dc converter and a battery. The hybrid vertical axis turbine is designed with a drag type Savonius and a lift type Darrieus turbines. Moreover, the battery is required for the stand-alone applications of marine current power generation systems. In order to get maximum available power at load side, a low cost microcontroller based maximum power point tracker have been developed as a part of proposed energy conversion system . This thesis provides details of system design and test results.


identifier: Zipperlen, Katrin <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Zipperlen=3AKatrin=3A=3A.html>   (2008) Immunological studies of psoriatic arthritis.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Since little is known about the contribution of B cells to the pathology of psoriatic arthritis (PsA), this study investigated the possible recruitment of peripheral blood B cells to sites of inflammation by differential expression of chemokine receptors CXCR3, CXCR4, CXCR5, CCR1, CCR2, CCR5 and CCR6. Secondly, we explored the role of B cell activating factor (BAFF) in PsA. The chemokine receptor expression analysis did not reveal any significant differences (p-values >0.05 for  all receptors) both at the RNA and the protein level when comparing PsA patients (n = 13) to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients (n = 15) and healthy controls (n = 10). Also, there was no significant difference (p = 0.1291) in plasma BAFF levels between PsA (n = 37) or RA patients (n = 24) and healthy controls (n = 35). Our study does not provide supporting evidence of B cell involvement in PsA, however it was limited to the analysis of peripheral blood.


identifier: Sutherland, Graig <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Sutherland=3AGraig=3A=3A.html>   (2010) Inferred boundary mixing rates from density inversions in the St. Lawrence Estuary.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: When interfacial internal waves shoal over a sloped bottom, a fraction of the wave energy is reflected away while the rest is utilized by such processes as transport, dissipation, and mixing. In this thesis, I investigate the dissipation and mixing parameters inferred from CTD profiles in a region of high shoaling wave activity. This is done by looking at gravitationally unstable portions in the density profiles and sorting them into gravitationally stable ones. The RMS distance the water parcel must travel is referred to as the "Thorpe" scale and this can be used to infer the turbulent dissipation rate and the eddy diffusivity. This method is applied to five days of data, 28 June 2008 to 2 July 2008, obtained off the shore of Ile-aux-Lièvres in the St. Lawrence Estuary. In this region, internal waves predominantly occur between 1 and 3 hours after the local low water during the flood tide. Therefore, the variability of the inferred turbulent and mixing parameters are investigated as a function of tidal phase to determine whether these are concurrent with the increase of shoaling internal waves. The dissipation and mixing parameters associated with a couple of the larger shoaling events are individually presented in higher detail.


identifier: Rowsell, Nicole Joy <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Rowsell=3ANicole_Joy=3A=3A.html>   (2009) Incorporation of a Krill Protein Hydrolysate into the feeding regime of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) larvae - effect on growth and survival.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) is being developed as a species for commercial scale aquaculture production. Years of study concerning the nutritional requirements of marine fish larvae have focused on the omega-3 (ω-3) fatty acid and lipid requirements, overshadowing the role and importance of protein and free amino acids in the larval diet. This study incorporated a Krill Protein Hydrolysate (Krill Protein) into a fatty acid/lipid-rich Artemia enrichment regime and examined the contribution that amino acids make to the growth and survival of Atlantic cod larvae. -- Atlantic cod larvae were fed Artemia enriched in AlgaMac 3010, DHA Selco and a Krill Protein Hydrolysate in eight different feeding regimes. The eight feeding treatments also included an unenriched Artemia treatment, and all were carried out in triplicate during the Artemia feeding stage (a 20 day period). -- During the Artemia enrichment, the Krill Protein Hydrolysate incorporated the highest proportion of phospholipid (25.5% total lipid), the most arachidonic acid (7.7% fatty acids) and DHA Selco and Krill Protein contributed similar proportions of total lipid (5.6%; 5.5%). Unenriched Artemia contained the highest concentrations of all free amino acids (FAA) studied. FAA incorporated by the Artemia enriched with Krill Protein and AlgaMac 3010, respectively, expressed as a percent of FAA concentrations in unenriched Artemia were: alanine (54% of unenriched; 50% of unenriched), leucine (39%; 66%), serine (44%; 56%), isoleucine (40%; 67%), lysine (32%; 59%), and valine (44%; 62%). -- Growth during the experiment, measured as total length (mm), was significantly improved in the larvae fed DHA Selco/Krill Protein enriched Artemia on alternating days (P=0.010). The DHA Selco/Krill Protein treatment produced the best specific growth rate (2.55), in fact, all treatments containing Krill Protein produced significantly higher SGRs than that found in the unenriched treatment (P<0.05). Alanine, leucine, serine, isoleucine, lysine and valine concentrations, measured as mole %, were significantly higher in larvae fed Artemia enriched with AlgaMac 3010/Krill Protein and those fed DHA Selco/Krill Protein than the FAA levels in the unenriched treatment. Further, larvae fed solely AlgaMac 3010 enriched Artemia had significantly higher levels of alanine than larvae fed unenriched Artemia. Artemia enriched in DHA Selco and the Krill Protein Hydrolysate contained high concentrations of total lipid (TL), total fatty acids (TFA) and triacylglycerol (TAG). -- These nutritional components probably contributed to the increased growth rates found in larvae fed DHA Selco/Krill Protein enriched Artemia on alternating days. Artemia enriched in AlgaMac 3010 contained higher levels of phospholipid than all other treatments, possibly contributing to the significantly improved survival rate in the larvae fed AlgaMac 3010/Krill protein enriched Artemia in combination (44%) as opposed to those fed Krill Protein enriched Artemia alone. -- A suggested Artemia diet feeding regime for Atlantic cod larvae using DHA Selco (lipid), AlgaMac 3010 (lipid) and a Krill Protein Hydrolysate (protein) in a 1:1 (lipid:protein) ratio would be: Day 1 - AlgaMac 3010 enriched Artemia, Day 2 - Krill Protein enriched Artemia, Day 3 - DHA Selco enriched Artemia, Day 4 - Krill Protein enriched Artemia, and continue to repeat this cycle.


identifier: Claus, Brian <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Claus=3ABrian=3A=3A.html>   (2010) Development of an underwater glider equipped with an auxiliary propulsion module.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: A low power propeller based propulsion module has been developed to complement the buoyancy engine of a 200 m Slocum electric glider. This device is introduced to allow new behaviours such as horizontal flight and faster overall speeds to expand the existing operational envelope of underwater gliders. The design goal is to match typical horizontal glider speeds of 0.3 m/s while minimising the impact of the module on the performance of the unmodified glider. After careful selection of the propeller and motor candidates the stand-alone propulsion module has been tested in a small flume tank to verify the system's performance. Since the desired flight trajectory is restricted to the horizontal plane the validity of a previously published hydrodynamic model of the glider at zero angle of attack was verified by conducting drag measurements at various flow velocities at full scale in a larger flume tank. Self propulsion tests were also performed to establish the performance of the glider with the new propulsion module in a larger flume tank and in a towing tank. Open water tests were performed in a large test tank to show the stability of the platform for horizontal flight. The results from these tests show that the new propulsion module is capable of driving the vehicle horizontally while matching the performance of the conventional glider.


identifier: Straatman, Bastiaan <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Straatman=3ABastiaan=3A=3A.html>   (2008) Innovation and evolution in an artificial spatial economy.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This thesis regards economies as constructive systems. A constructive system is defined as a system whose later components are generated during the interaction of its earlier components. The thesis develops a model that simulates an evolving spatial economy: as time progresses, it generates new products and new technology. The model is built around von Neumann technology matrices, but this model does not assume fixed matrices as is usual. Instead it progressively expands the matrices by adding columns and rows representing new technologies and products. The additions are not predetermined, but are composed of new combinations of existing products and techniques, and by this means new, innovative functionality is created. A spatial, individual based model, consisting of economic agents and a price mechanism, decides where the profits are, and thus selects the successful additions. The model shows that through the localized price mechanism and agents' local optimization an efficient global economy can exist, illustrative of Adam Smith's invisible hand, and can evolve: according to a measure developed by Bedau et al. (1998) the model demonstrates real evolutionary dynamics. New goods and skills allow the economy to enlarge, either through a growing population or through increased consumption. The model allows the study of spatial implications of continuous creativity, which is important in our world of continuously changing economic challenges and opportunities.


identifier: Kianpour, Masoud <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Kianpour=3AMasoud=3A=3A.html>   (2010) Emotion management in hospital chaplaincy.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This is a qualitative study based on in-depth interviews with professional chaplains working in Toronto hospitals. In order to explore emotional experiences that chaplains undergo as a result of working in hospital and dealing with people who are emotionally overwhelmed, I utilized insights from interactional and symbolic interactionist, phenomenological, ethnomethodological and dramaturgical approaches within the sociology of emotions and spoke with 21 chaplains from five faith traditions (Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism and modern paganism). The aim was to understand how chaplains manage their work-related emotions in order to protect their mental health, whilst also providing spiritual care. Modern chaplaincy is not about performing religious ritual as much as it is about providing emotional support. As a result, chaplains must be prepared to become deeply involved with emotions. Like a sponge, they should soak up patients' emotions. -- Based on actual accounts of work-related emotional experiences, I draw an emotional map for hospital chaplaincy in which typical situations likely to challenge chaplains are pinpointed as emotional hotspots. Emotional challenges are further discussed in terms of spiritual approach vs. medical approach, emotional identification with situation, dealing with baby death, inability to create effective communication, and emotional dissonance. Physical contact and crying, two major outlets of emotional expression, are analyzed in terms of emotion management. I also discuss different techniques, strategies and resources that chaplains rely on to perform their job. The result of the study shows that if chaplains fail to maintain a proper work-life balance, job pressure can be harmful. As a strategy, many chaplains work part-time. As a supportive means, an overwhelming number of chaplains regularly benefit from psychotherapy and/or spiritual guidance.


identifier: Ordonez, Martin <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Ordonez=3AMartin=3A=3A.html>   (2008) High performance fuel cell power generation system for stand-alone applications.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Fuel Cell (FC) power generation for stand-alone applications such as residential power supply, building power generation (for hospitals, office buildings, schools, and airports), and portable power supply have the potential to meet high energy standards comprising high conversion efficiency, low emissions, and quiet operation. The strong interaction between the load, power conditioning stage, and FC system makes the design and coordinated operation a remarkable challenge in stand-alone applications. In this thesis, a detailed description of a high-performance FC power conversion system is presented. Key aspects such as power extraction, efficiency, dynamic response, monitoring, and power quality are addressed as part of this work. --  An advanced isolated dc-dc power converter topology and control scheme is proposed to address minimization of power losses and switching stress in the entire range of operation of the system. Architectural and control aspects (dynamic behavior) of the generation system are investigated at the system level with the objective of reducing the effect of low frequency ripple current in the FC. The concept of swinging bus is introduced and characterized to absorb the inverter ripple current. A novel control strategy based on curved switching surfaces is investigated to control the inverter stage, producing high quality output power while rejecting the fluctuations in the swinging bus. In addition, an innovative feature is incorporated to perform on-line monitoring and diagnosis of the FC stack. This critical component based on frequency response analysis is required to realize a fully functional system and has not been addressed in previous FC power conversion systems.


identifier: Baker, Jedediah <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Baker=3AJedediah=3A=3A.html>   (2008) Help! I need somebody (not just anybody): the folktale's helper in personal experience narratives of recovering alcoholics.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This thesis explores the personal experience narratives of nine recovering alcoholics through the lens of folktale scholarship. Using Propp's structuralist model developed for folktales, I analyze several narratives and examine the role of the helper in both the Märchen and the turning-point personal experience narrative. I explore the role Alcoholics Anonymous plays in the recovery of its members and the use of the personal experience narrative as therapy and a catalyst for healing.


identifier: Sun, Bingrui <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Sun=3ABingrui=3A=3A.html>   (2009) GQL inferences in linear mixed models with dynamic mean structure.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: In some panel data studies for continuous data, the expectation of the response variable of an individual (or individual firm) at a given point of time may depend on the covariate history up to the present time. Also, the response at a given point of time may be influenced by an individual random effect. This type of data are usually analyzed by fitting a linear mixed model with dynamic mean structure. When the distribution of the random effects and error components of the model are not known, the likelihood inferences cannot be used any longer. As a possible remedy, there exists some alternative estimation methods such as bias corrected least squares dummy variable (BCLSDV) and instrumental variables based generalized method of moments (IVGMM), which however may produce inefficient estimates. In this thesis, we develop a new GMM as well as a generalized quasi-likelihood (GQL) estimating approach and demonstrate that they perform well in estimating all parameters of the model, the GQL being in general more efficient than the GMM approach.


identifier: Marion, Cassandra Lorraine <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Marion=3ACassandra_Lorraine=3A=3A.html>   (2009) Geology, distribution and geochemistry of impact melt at the Mistastin lake impact crater, Labrador.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The Mistastin Lake crater in Labrador, Canada (55°53'N; 63°18'W) contains a 3 km wide central uplift within a 19 x 12 km wide lake and has a rim diameter of 28 km. The projectile impacted Mesoproterozoic crystalline target rocks approximately 36 Ma ago. -- This study consists of detailed field observations; geology, geochemistry, and geochronology of impact melt and target rocks of the Mistastin impact crater. To determine (1) the significance of the relationship between preserved melt thickness and vesicularity in the melt rocks; (2) the scale and origin of compositional heterogeneities in impact melts produced in craters of moderate size and the relationship between entrained mineral clasts and impact melt composition; and (3) the origin of zircon clasts in the impact melts. -- Melt rocks that are distributed around two thirds of the lake in patchy outcrops vary in thickness from <1 m to 80 m. Previous estimates suggested that a coherent melt sheet up 10 200m thick formed in the crater and that the much smaller preserved unit thicknesses are the result of glacial erosion. New field observations and laboratory measurements identify a relationship between distribution, thickness and vesicularity of melt rock units. The thickest melt-rock occurrence, at Discovery Hill, is massive, crystalline, non-vesicular and 80 m thick. In contrast, 1-2 m thick melt-rock occurrences elsewhere in the crater are glassy and vesicular. Measured vesicularities vary from 0.1 to 31 % and follow an empirical relationship (ϕ = 30±2 h-0.8±0.1) whereby vesicularity ϕ increases with decreasing melt rock thickness h. Plagioclase microlite crystallization temperatures of thin melt rock outcrops are very high (>1300°C), indicating rapid cooling rates. Lower crystallization temperatures (~1245°C) for the Discovery Hill melt are consistent with slower cooling rates. The data suggest that the pre-erosional melt sheet at Mistastin was not uniform and, consequently, previous estimates for the level of erosion and the volume of the melt produced have been overestimated. -- Target rocks which contributed to the impact melt consist principally of anorthosite, mangerite and granodiorite. Chemical compositions of bulk samples of thirty-three melt rocks and fourteen target rocks were measured by XRF and SN-ICPMS. Matrix compositions of nine samples of impact melt rocks were determined by EPMA and LA-ICPMS. Zircon grains from four samples of target rock and zircon clasts from three samples of impact melt rock were measured for multi-element composition, U-Pb age and Hf-isotopic composition by LA-(MC)-ICPMS.  -- The data reveal compositional heterogeneities in the impact melts on the scales of both bulk samples and matrices. Bulk samples can be divided into compositions with high and low concentrations of high-field strength elements (HFSE; Ti, Zr, Nb) and Fe, Ba, Ce and Y. High HFSE-type melt rocks formed when impact melt entrained large quantities of clasts from mangerite, which is rich in HFSE. Matrix compositions of bulk samples do not show the HFSE distinction but are affected by the introduction of low-temperature melts from the clasts to form dispersed, micron-scale silica-rich heterogeneities. Both clast entrainment and melting are more extensive for the thicker flow units which had a higher heat capacity for melting and cooled more slowly than thinner flows. -- The best estimate of the sources of the initial impact melt is ~73% anorthosite, ~7% mangerite and ~20% granodiorite, based on least-squares modeling of major element compositions of the matrices of thinner flows. Zircon derived from anorthosite can be distinguished from zircon from mangerite and granodiorite on the basis of higher Nb/Ta and Eu/Eu* ratios and more negative initial ε Hf values. Zircon clasts greater than 40 microns in size in the impact melt rocks are dominantly or exclusively derived from mangerite and granodiorite. Hence zircon may be a poor provenance indicator for target rock contributors to impact melts.


identifier: Renkawitz, Mark D. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Renkawitz=3AMark_D=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2008) Habitat complexity influences the growth rate of juvenile gadiformes (gadus morhua, gadus ogac, urophysis tenuis) in newman sound, Newfoundland.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: In Newman Sound, Newfoundland, juvenile fish settle in shallow near-shore waters and are often associated with eelgrass beds of intermediate structural complexity. Although it is well established that structurally complex habitats such as eelgrass provide a refuge for juvenile fish from larger predatory fish, little is known about the potential energetic reward associated with use of these complex habitats. The settlement and close association of age 0 and 1 juvenile fish (approximately 60-100 mm SL) with eelgrass habitat may be the result of an active compromise in which optimal foraging habitat is sacrificed for habitats with increased shelter from predators. In this study, I quantified the relative growth rates of fishes associated with three adjacent habitats of differing structural complexity (barren seafloor, eelgrass, and water column) at five sites in Newman Sound, Newfoundland. Juvenile Greenland cod (Gadus ogac), Atlantic cod (G. morhua), and white hake (Urophysis tenuis) were placed in 1 m³ enclosures positioned over eelgrass, barren seafloor, and water column habitats in 2002 and 2003. Changes in standard fish length (mm SL) and volume (ml) were measured, and specific daily growth rates were determined and compared. Stomach contents were examined for habitat-related differences in the type and quantity of items consumed by enclosed fish at the termination of each experiment. Zooplankton samples were also collected biweekly during summer and fall in 2003 to determine if differences in prey concentration differed among the habitats. -- Annual and seasonal variations in growth rates were documented among habitats and between the species. In fall 2002, there was no statistical difference in specific growth rates (SGR) of Greenland cod among the habitats (barren = 0.068 % SL·day⁻¹, eelgrass = 0.074 % SL·day⁻¹, water column = 0.064 % SL·day⁻¹). SGR of Atlantic cod during winter from 2002 to 2003 did not differ significantly either (barren = 0.129 % SL·day⁻¹, eelgrass = 0.151 % SL·day⁻¹, deep water = 0.116 % SL·day⁻¹), but survival was significantly greater in deeper habitats (55 %) than in shallower habitats (20 %). In spring 2003, mean SGR (± SE) of Atlantic cod was significantly greater in eelgrass than barren seafloor or water column habitats (0.366 ± 0.026 % SL·day⁻¹, 0.327 ± 0.035 % SL·day⁻¹, and 0.065 ± 0.013 % SL·day⁻¹ respectively). In summer 2003 juvenile white hake grew more rapidly in eelgrass (0.713 ± 0.062 % SL·day⁻¹) than in barren or water column habitats (0.483 ± 0.055 % SL·day⁻¹ and 0.271 ± 0.040 % SL·day⁻¹ respectively). In fall 2003, juvenile Greenland cod grew more rapidly in water column (0.449 ± 0.055 % SL·day⁻¹) habitats than in either barren (0.372 ± 0.028 % SL·day⁻¹) or eelgrass habitats (0.254 ± 0.013 % SL·day⁻¹). Diets were similar among habitats within experiments, but differed over time. Fish in eelgrass tended to have greater amount of food by weight in their stomachs at the time of sampling than fish in either barren or water column habitats (1.03 %, 0.88 % and 0.69 % respectively). Gadiformes in each habitat appeared to select for benthic or epibenthic prey. The concentration of available prey differed among the habitats. Eelgrass samples had the highest concentration of zooplankton (1.93 individuals·Liter⁻¹), followed by barren (1.33 individuals·Liter⁻¹) and water column samples (0.99 individuals·Liter⁻¹). -- These data suggest that at certain times of the year, juvenile fish settle and occupy structurally complex habitats for energetic reward as measured by growth. At the scale of these experiments, there were differences in the growth rates, food availability and zooplankton concentration between three habitats at my sites. Enclosure methodology can be a useful tool in determining relative differences between specific juvenile fish foraging habitats provided that confounding variables and artifacts of the experimental method are rigorously accounted for. Understanding the relationships between specific habitat components (e.g., vegetation) and fish growth aids our understanding of juvenile fish ecology, and may ultimately help restore depleted fish populations in the Northwest Atlantic through habitat conservation and protection.


identifier: Clay, Rachel Laura Muriel <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Clay=3ARachel_Laura_Muriel=3A=3A.html>   (2010) Glucocorticoids are required for extinction of predator stress-induced hyperarousal.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Extinction of fearful behavior induced by severe stress was studied using predator stress. Predator stress involves a ten minute unprotected exposure of a rodent to a cat which induces long-lasting changes in anxiety-like behaviours and hyperarousal (increased acoustic startle response) (Adamec & Shallow, 1993; Adamec et al., 2001; Cohen et al., 2004). In the present set of experiments, three questions were addressed using predator stressed mice. First, can predator stress-induced fear memories be extinguished? Second, is the extinction of predator stress-induced fear memories glucocorticoid-dependent? Finally, is re-exposure to the predator stress context necessary to see glucocorticoid's effects on predator stress-induced fear memories? -- Extinction was induced by re-exposing mice to the predator stress room in the absence of the cat. This repeated re-exposure to predator stress context increased activity in the predator stress context implying extinction of predator stress-induced immobility, a context-dependent fear memory.  Repeated re-exposures to the predator stress context also decreased subsequent hyperarousal (acoustic startle response) and generalized anxiety-like behaviour. These fearful behaviors were predator stress context independent, having been tested in environments different from the cat exposure room. Furthermore, blocking glucocorticoid synthesis with metyrapone during repeated exposures to the predator stress context had no effect on activity. Therefore, reducing corticosterone levels did not affect extinction of the predator stress-induced, context-dependent fear memory. However, metyrapone given during repeated exposures to the predator stress context prevented extinction of predator stress-induced  hyperarousal. These results suggest that extinction of predator stress-induced, context-independent fear memory is dependent on the presence of endogenous corticosterone during the extinction trials. Finally, re-exposure to the predator stress context was found to be necessary to see glucocorticoid's effects on predator stress-induced fear memories. This was determined by repeated injection of metyrapone over days without re-exposure to the predator stress context.


identifier: Sioud, Salim <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Sioud=3ASalim=3A=3A.html>   (2010) Gas-phase fragmentation studies of a series of biotin derivatives and of a core oligosaccharide by tandem mass spectrometry.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The gas-phase fragmentation of a series of commercially available biotinyl reagents have been evaluated by electrospay ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and collision induced dissociation tandem mass spectrometry (CID-MS/MS) analyses using a QqTOF-MS/MS hybrid instrument. In general it has been observed that the CID-MS/MS fragmentation routes of the five precursor protonated molecules obtained from the biotin linkers I-5 afforded a series of product ions formed essentially by similar routes. The genesis and structural identities of all the product ions obtained from the biotin linkers I-5 have been assigned. All of the exact mass assignments of the protonated molecules and the product ions were verified by conducting separate CID-MS/MS analysis of the deuterium labeled precursor ions. -- The ESI-QqTOF-MS structural eluciadation of the core oligosaccharide of Aeromonas hydrophila (chemotype II) lipopolysaccharide has been investigated and it was demonstrated that it contained a 4-O-linked posphorylated group Kdo residue which was glycosylated by the remaining outer core oligosaccharide through its O-5 position. After, releasing the core oligosaccharide from the native LPS with acid, the phosphorylated Kdo residue eliminated phosphoric acid to produce a core oligosaccharide containing a mixture of diastereomeric 4,8- and 4,7-anhydro-α-keto acids and an open olefinic Kdo residue. The characteristic glycone sequence was elucidated by CID-MS/MS of the protonated molecule of the native core oligosaccharide. In addition, the analysis of the Hakamori permethylated core oligosaccharide was carried out by ESI-QqTOF-MS and MALDI-TOF-MS analyses. The presence of more than nine isobaric isomers of this core was noticed. The collision-induced dissociation analysis (CID-MS/MS) of the various protonated permethylated core oligosaccharide molecules showed a similar and diagnostic fragmentation pattern. -- To confirm these obtained results, the permethylation of the core oligosaccharide SJ-48R has been performed with a different methylation method (Ciucanu & Kerek method). It was realized that the extra minor satellite signals obtained in the ESI-QqTOF-MS and MALDI-TOF-MS analyses were DMSO stable covalent addition products, which have occurred by a Michael addition on the 4,8-Kdo exocyclic double bond and on the C-3-C-4 double bond of the olefinic open-chain Kdo residue. To our knowledge, this is the first time that DMSO adducts have been observed in the gas phase, and they have never before been reported.


identifier: White, Mike Charles <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/White=3AMike_Charles=3A=3A.html>   (2008) Global dynamics in a chemostat and an epidemic model.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Two models are studied in this work; a periodically forced Droop model for phytoplankton growth with two competing species in a chemostat and a time-delayed SIR epidemic model with dispersal. -- For the competition model, both uniform persistence and the existence of periodic coexistence state are established for a periodically forced Droop model on two phytoplankton species competition in a chemostat under some appropriate conditions. Numerical simulations using biological data are presented as well to illustrate the main result. -- The global dynamics of a time-delayed model with population dispersal between two patches is also investigated. For a general class of birth functions, persistence theory is applied to prove that a disease is persistent when the basic reproduction number is greater than one. It is also shown that the disease will die out if the basic reproduction number is less than one, provided that the invasion intensity is not strong.  Numerical simulations are presented using some typical birth functions from biological literature to illustrate the main ideas and the relevance of dispersal.


identifier: Butler, Don H. (Donald Hugh) <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Butler=3ADon_H=2E_=28Donald_Hugh=29=3A=3A.html>   (2008) Geochemical exploration of Inuit soilscapes in northern Labrador.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The past Inuit people of northern Labrador had a variety of effects on their landscape. However, there is an absence of archaeological research addressing their inadvertent influence on the soil's chemical record. Here, I contribute to this type of research by investigating the geochemical characteristics of soils from Inuit winter dwellings at Iglosiatik Island, Nachvak Fiord, Komaktorvik Fiord, and Big Head, northern Labrador. My research at these locations compares the  geochemical compositions of soils from several dwelling spaces, adding a geoarchaeological perspective to the study of spatial organization within Inuit winter dwellings. Spaces in these households had socially prescribed and proscribed functions, and the habitus associated with these taskscapes modified the soil's chemical record. -- The geochemical characteristics of soils from dwelling floors, sleeping platforms, lamp stands, storage niches, entrance tunnels, and refuse disposal areas were compared with adjacent non-habitation areas to determine their degree of anthropogenic alteration. The elemental compositions of these soils were measured using x-ray fluorescence and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy, while pH, reduction-oxidation potential, and total dissolved solids were determined using electronic meters. Compared to their respective control samples, soils from the tested dwelling spaces were more acidic and had elevated concentrations for a variety of elements. Independent-samples t-tests and principal components analysis revealed that the tunnel alcove, middens, sleeping platforms, lamp areas, and entrance tunnels have characteristic increases in distinct suites of elements.


identifier: Lou, Yijun <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Lou=3AYijun=3A=3A.html>   (2010) Global dynamics of some malaria models in heterogeneous environments.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Malaria is on of the most important parasitic infections in humans and more than two billion people are at risk every year. There were an estimated 247 million malaria cases in 2006, causing nearly a million deaths. Currently, malaria is still endemic in 109 countries. Human malaria is caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Plasmodium, transmitted from human-to-human by the female Anopheles mosquito. Over the past century, considerable work has been invested in the study of malaria transmission. However, only a few studies with malaria consider the spatial and temporal heterogeneities of this disease. Hence, there is an essential need for more information on the spatial and temporal patterns of disease burden, distribution and control strategies. The aim of this thesis is to study the malaria transmission in heterogeneous environments. -- We begin with a brief introduction of mathematical background for this thesis in chapter 1. We shall provide some mathematical terminologies and theorems related to the theories of monotone dynamical systems, uniform persistence, basic reproduction ratio, spreading speeds and traveling waves. -- Chapter 2 is devoted to the study of global dynamics of a periodic susceptible-infected-susceptible compartmental model with maturation delay. We first obtain sufficient conditions for the single population growth equation to admit a globally attractive positive periodic solution. Then we introduce the basic reproduction ratio Rₒ for the epidemic model, and show that the disease dies out when Rₒ < 1, and the disease remains endemic when Rₒ > 1. Numerical simulations are also provided to confirm our analytic results. The study in this chapter also enables us to consider time-delayed and periodic malaria results. The study in this chapter also enables us to consider time-delayed and periodic malaria models. -- In chapter 3, we present a malaria transmission model with periodic birth rate and age structure for the vector population. We first introduce the basic reproduction ratio for this model and then show that there exists at least one positive periodic state and that the disease persists when Rₒ > 1. It is also shown that the disease will die out if Rₒ < 1, provided that the invasion intensity is not strong. We further use these analytic results to study the malaria transmission cases in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. Some sensitivity analysis of Rₒ is performed, and in particular, the potential impact of climate change on seasonal transmission and populations at risk of the disease is analyzed. -- Based on the classical Ross-Macdonald model, we propose in chapter 4 a periodic model with diffusion and advection to study the possible impact of the mobility of humans and mosquitoes on malaria transmission. We establish the existence of the leftward and rightward spreading speeds and their coincidence with the minimum wave speeds in the left and right directions, respectively. For the model in a bounded domain, we obtain a threshold result on the global attractivity of either zero or a positive periodic solution. -- To understand how the spatial heterogeneity and extrinsic incubation period (EIP) of the parasite within the mosquito affect the dynamics of malaria epidemiology, we formulate a nonlocal and time-delayed reaction-diffusion model in chapter 5. We thin define the basic reproduction ratio Rₒ and show that Rₒ serves as a threshold parameter that predicts whether malaria will spread.  Furthermore, a sufficient condition is obtained to guarantee that the disease will stabilize at a positive steady state eventually in the case where all the parameters are spatially independent. Numerically, we show that the use of the spatially averaged system my highly underestimate the malaria risk. The spatially heterogeneous framework in this chapter can be used to design the spatial allocation of control resources. -- At last, we summarize the results in this thesis, and also point out some problems for future research in chapter 6.


identifier: Lockyer, Marilyn <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Lockyer=3AMarilyn=3A=3A.html>   (2009) Formative evaluation of a course on the conduct of clinical research for healthcare professionals.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This master thesis describes the formative evaluation of a clinical research management course for healthcare professionals at the King Faisal Heart Institute (KFHI) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Both the instruction and formative  evaluation itself were conducted between November 2007 and May 2008. Sixty learning objectives were set and sequenced based on a needs assessment of KFHI staff (n= 102). -- The formative evaluation plan was developed in  accordance with the published method developed by Dick, Carey and Carey (2005). As a research method, formative evaluation does not purport to assess student learning. Rather its central purpose is to investigate the adequacy of the  instructional materials for learning and make suggestions for revision. During the design review stage of this formative evaluation, four design reviewers conducted independent reviews of the instructional materials. During the expert review stage, three reviewers evaluated the methods of instruction and instructional materials, the pre- and post-tests questions, as well as the content, language, and grammar. In the one-to-one review stage, three reviewers evaluated the instruction and instructional material for clarity and impact on learner attitude and achievement. Finally, during the small-group stage  of the formative evaluation plan, the evaluator tried out the instruction and instructional materials with 31 learners. The evaluator examined for the effects caused by the changes made in the one-to-one review and identified remaining learning problems. --  The results from the research were used to make changes in the instructional materials for the Clinical Research Management Course.


identifier: MacParland, Sonya Ann <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/MacParland=3ASonya_Ann=3A=3A.html>   (2010) Hepatitis C virus persistence and lymphotropism.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) leads to chronic liver disease in up to 80% of those infected. While thought to be mainly hepatotrophic, HCV has been considered to be able to replicate in cells of the immune system. The extent and implications of viral replication in immune cells are unknown, however, this site may represent an important reservoir from which the release of infectious virions, leading to viral reactivation may take place. -- We hypothesize that HCV-naive  lymphocytes are susceptible to infection with wild-type HCV and are capable of supporting the full cycle of its replication, including the release of biologically competent virions. We also postulate that small amounts of virus, lingering for years  after apparent complete clinical resolution of hepatitis C, retains its infectious potential. --  This thesis is comprised of three related, but also stand-alone studies. In the first study, we established an in vitro infection system in which wild-type HCV was used as inoculum and primary human lymphocytes served as infection targets. Employing this system, we demonstrated that HCV can infect T lymphocytes, as it became apparent via detection of HCV genome replicative  intermediates, non-structural proteins, and the appearance of unique variants in infected cells. We further identified and characterized the biophysical properties of virion particles by sucrose gradient centrifugation and by immune electron microscopy with HCV-specific antibodies directed against virus envelope (E2) protein, and by examining the in vitro infectivity of secreted virions by their serial passage in virus- naive lymphocytes. --  In the second study, we revealed that in vitro infection of T cells with HCV can lead to an altered T cell subset distribution characterized by an enrichment of CD8⁺ T cells that appears to be a result of an inhibition of CD4⁺ cell proliferation but not virus-related apoptotic death of the cells. --  In the third study, by utilizing the system established in the first study, we revealed for the first time that small amounts of HCV persistently circulating after apparent complete clinical resolution of hepatitis C due to antiviral therapy can infect HCV naive human T cells. This finding may have significant pathogenic (residual liver disease) and epidemiological (infectivity) consequences. --  Overall, our findings provide conclusive evidence that cells of the immune system can act as reservoirs of HCV and that virus replication in this compartment leads to the production of infectious virions. Furthermore, we described that virus exposure can alter the proliferative ability of lymphoid cells, possibly impairing their response to virus and slowing viral clearance in vivo. Finally, we documented the infectious potential of residual virus that lingers in  essentially asymptomatic patients after resolution of chronic hepatitis C. While the clinical significance of our findings are currently under investigation, the in vitro system established, capable of supporting the entire cycle of HCV replication in the natural cell milieu, may serve as a valuable tool to study poorly understood aspects of HCV infection, including factors determining cell susceptibility and virus-induced cytopathic mechanisms induced by the virus, as well as being applicable for evaluations of novel anti-HCV agents.


identifier: Wang, Guan <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Wang=3AGuan=3A=3A.html>   (2010) Hardware implementation of a pipelined turbo decoder.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Turbo codes have been widely studied since they were first proposed in 1993 by Berrou, Glavieux, and Thitimajshima in "Near Shannon Limit error-correcting coding and decoding: Turbo-codes" [1]. They have the advantage of providing a low bit error rate (BER) in decoding, and outperform linear block and convolutional codes in low signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) environments. The decoding performance of turbo codes can be very close to the Shannon Limit, about 0.7decibel (dB). It is determined by the architectures of the constituent encoders and interleaver, but is bounded in high SNRs by an error floor. Turbo codes are widely used in communications. We explore the codeword weight spectrum properties that contribute to their excellent performance. Furthermore, the decoding performance is analyzed and compared with the free distance asymptotic performance. A 16-state turbo decoder is implemented using VHSIC Hardware Description Language (VHDL) and then mapped onto a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) board. The hardware implementations are compared with the software simulations to verify the decoding correctness. A pipelined architecture is then implemented which significantly reduces the decoding latency. -- Keywords: turbo codes; decoding performance; Monte Carlo simulations; FPGA implementation


identifier: McGraw, Jason Melvin <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/McGraw=3AJason_Melvin=3A=3A.html>   (2010) Group gradings on simple lie algebras of cartan and melikyan type.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: In this thesis we explore the gradings by groups on the simple Cartan type Lie algebras and Melikyan algebras over algebraically closed fields of positive characteristic p > 2 (p = 5 for the Melikyan algebras). -- We approach the gradings by abelian groups without p-torsion on a simple Lie algebra L by looking at the dual group action. This action defines an abelian semisimple algebraic subgroup (quasi-torus) of the automorphism group of L. A result of Platonov says that any quasi-torus of an algebraic group is contained in the normalizer of a maximal torus. We show that if L is a simple graded Cartan or Melikyan type Lie algebra, then any quasi-torus of the automorphism group of L is contained in a maximal torus. Thus all gradings by groups without p-torsion are, up to isomorphism, coarsenings of the eigenspace decomposition of a maximal torus in the automorphism group. -- We also give examples of gradings by the cyclic group of order p which do not follow the pattern of the general description of gradings by groups without p-torsion as well as describe gradings by arbitrary groups on the restricted Witt algebra W(1; 1).


identifier: Callahan, Ashley G. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Callahan=3AAshley_G=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2009) Harbour survey and genetic analysis of non-indigenous ascidian tunicates in Newfoundland.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This study is the first assessment of non-indigenous ascidians (NIA) in Newfoundland. Field work was conducted from 2006-2007 in four harbours to assess the abundance and biodiversity of megainvertebrates on wharf pilings, including indigenous and non-indigenous ascidians. Quadrat samples, visual surveys and photographic records were taken in each harbour. The most common species found in the survey were Mytilus spp. Two NIA were also found, Botrylloides violaceus and Botryllus schlosseri. -- Variation in cytochrome oxidase I gene of mitochondrial DNA was analyzed for these NIA, as well as for two indigenous ascidians (Boltenia echinata & Halocynthia pyriformis), in order to determine within and between species variation for future use in genetic marker design and to identify probable source populations. There was less nucleotide dissimilarity within species (≤15.6 %) than among species (17.7 - 25.8 %). The probable source populations of B. schlosseri in Newfoundland are from locations in the Northwestern Atlantic and Europe, specifically the Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea coasts of France and Spain.


identifier: Rogers, Tiffany <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Rogers=3ATiffany=3A=3A.html>   (2009) Fridolin et Uncle Mose: deux icônes culturelles qui présentent la culture et simultanément sont les produits de leurs cultures.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Plus que tous les autres Canadiens, les Québécois, les Terre-Neuviens se définissent d’abord par leur province et ensuite par leur pays, ce qui reflète une forte identité culturelle. Malgré le parallèle entre ces deux provinces, les recherches qui ont été faites sur ce théme sont peu nombreuses. En tenant compte du fait que le context a une énorme influence sur la littérature, on examinera d’abord le contexte du Québec et ensuite celui de Terre-Neuve afin de bien comprendre ce qui rapproche ces deux provinces ainsi que ce qui les distingue l’une de l’autre. -- Finalement, on abordera ces deux provinces à travers les figures de Fridolin et d’Uncle Mose, deux figures que l’on reconnait autant auparavant qu’aujourd’hui comme représentatives de la culture la culture. En particulier, on discutera de l’amour dans les monologues des Fridolinades et de The Chronicles of Uncle Mose et l'on examine comment cela apporte une meilleure compréhension à l’idée de nation au Québec et à Terre-Neuve.


identifier: Lu, Shiliang <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Lu=3AShiliang=3A=3A.html>   (2008) Genetic algorithm design for ray tracing and hardware implementation.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Over the last 30 years, seismic ray tracing methods have played the important roles in the geophysical exploration and seismology. Various seismic ray tracing methods had been proposed, including ray bending and shooting methods based on the two-point ray tracing and graph theory based on the grids-algorithms. Each of these methods has its limitations, like shadow zone problem and nonlinear issues. In this thesis, we investigate the use of the genetic algorithms (GA), which are nonlinear global search algorithms, to improve upon these existing issues. Using a simpler continuous layer (polynomial based) function representation, ray tracing is accomplished by sampling each interface for a set of intersecting points. Based on these points, a ray path is traced from the shot point to a reflector interface back to the receiver. This process is similar to ray bending. The method for the generation of the interface points is a genetic  algorithm and it finds the Fermat path of the least travel time. However, it is computational intensive. In order to improve the algorithm the run times are reduced by using the genetic algorithm to generate some of the interface layers points and using Snell's Law to bend the rays at other interface layers. We validate the suitability and correctness of the two proposed methods using seismic modeling and Pre-stack Kirchhoff migration. The results of Kirchhoff migration  demonstrate that the reconstructed subsurface structures fit the real model very well, and also prove that the proposed methods are very effective seismic ray tracing methods. --  In addition, the hardware implementations are powerful approaches to accelerate our proposed ray tracing algorithms. Moreover,  considering that the development of the hardware implementations did not attract much attention in geophysics, a purpose built, specific hardware algorithm is developed and a hardware engine is implemented in the low-cost field-programmable gate array (FPGA) device. The fixed-point arithmetic, the functional parallel design, the high efficiency sorting engine and the memoryless design for the velocity model work together to produce a comparable performance with IBM workstation. --  All results mentioned above demonstrate that the Pre-stack Kirchhoff migration and the hardware implementations of our seismic ray tracing methods are all feasible and the proposed approaches may be further extended for the more complex media.


identifier: Kuai, Yujing <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Kuai=3AYujing=3A=3A.html>   (2009) Gene prediction by combining outputs from ExonHunter and SGP2.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Recently gene prediction has become a critical research area in computational biology. This thesis introduces our research on predicting genes in human DNA sequences. We present two algorithms to predict human genes by combining two chosen gene finders. One gene finder uses combination methods and another applies cross-species comparative sequence analysis. Based on these algorithms, a client-friendly gene finder can be developed to accurately predict human genes and thus to help discover genetic reasons of incurable human diseases. -- Combination methods and cross-species comparative sequence analysis are two methods which become increasingly helpful. This thesis first summarizes and classifies main algorithms applied in these two methods, respectively.  To be specific, we study two gene finders using comparative sequence analysis and three gene finders applying combination methods.  Their architectures and experiments are reviewed separately and overall comparisons are done.  According to our survey, currently many gene finders can predict genes with an sophisticated accuracy, but either the methods that gene finders apply have limitations, or the application of these gene finders is difficult for biologists and researchers in medicine.  Aiming at these two disadvantages, we develop two algorithms to combine outputs of gene finders using combination methods and cross-species comparative sequence analysis. By comparing the genomes of Mus musculus and Canis familiars, the algorithms are firstly tested on the HMR195 dataset and then on the sequence between the markers D3S1259 and D3S3659 on human chromosome 3p25.  The results show that to some extent our algorithms improve the performance of the gene finder using either comparative sequence analysis or combination methods, demonstrating their own advantages on predicting different genetic information. Additionally, our work shows an inspiring perspective of developing a gene finder with a more friendly interface.


identifier: Zhang, Xiaoning <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Zhang=3AXiaoning=3A=3A.html>   (2009) Least-time path fast marching method for seismic travel time computing: theory and implementation.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The main contribution of this thesis is the development of Least-Time Path Fast Marching Method and the design of the algorithm implementation frame on a digital hardware platform. This work imports application specific digital circuit design technology into the domain of computational geophysics problem solving. -- In the thesis, firstly, geophysics knowledge is reviewed and theoretical fundamental is introduced. From the theory the Least-Time Path Fast Marching Method that computes seismic travel time is developed. In the algorithm design section, the issues on parallel algorithm design and algorithm 3D extension are discussed. Software simulations arc run for verifying the algorithm, while parallel programming solution on a multiprocessor platform is introduced as well. At the end. a digital circuit implementation frame for the algorithm is proposed and a prototyping system is built on Xilinx FPGA. -- This thesis is not only an implementation report of a digital design project, but also includes consideration and discussion on the future direction of reconfigurable computing applications and methodology.


identifier: Roberts, Jonas <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Roberts=3AJonas=3A=3A.html>   (2009) Micro wind energy systems in harsh environments - failure analysis of small wind turbines at remote sites in Labrador.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The operational reliability of small-scale wind turbines in isolated, harsh environments is examined in this thesis. Bell-Aliant operates nearly 40 micro wind turbines (900 W) at hilltop telecommunication tower sites in Labrador, several of which have experienced catastrophic failure, due in part to the extreme meteorological conditions. Consequently, a technological challenge is presented. What are the external forces that caused these failures? Under what circumstances can failure be expected to recur? What, if any, flaws with the machinery may contribute to failure? How may the risk of failure be reduced? This work responds to these questions and in doing so demonstrates a systematic and analytical approach applicable to similar problems. A literature review discusses wind energy technology, applications and the challenges faced when operating in extreme climates. A statistical analysis of site-specific parameters suggests the best indicators of turbine failure potential at a given site were found to be wind speed and turbulence. A forensic mechanical and material analysis of the primary failure mechanism was conducted, highlighting flawed nacelle design. An experimental program whereby turbine response characteristics are analyzed with respect to machine alterations aimed at improving operational reliability showed simple blade modifications are not sufficient to mitigate the primary failure mechanism.


identifier: Vickerson, Andrew <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Vickerson=3AAndrew=3A=3A.html>   (2009) Managing the health of mussel (Mytilus spp.) seed from Newfoundland - the effects of thermal stressors, transport times, storage conditions and anti-biofouling treatments on the short-term and long-term performance of mussel seed.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The application of chemical treatments to rid seed of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS), in conjunction with temperature shocks and long transport times, has the potential to adversely affect the health and long-term performance of mussel seed from Newfoundland, which are approximately 30-40 mm in length and 1-1.5 yr of age. The Neutral Red Assay and the ability of seed to attach via their byssal threads were used as rapid tests for assessing the short-term performance of mussel seed exposed to temperature shocks, long transport/storage times (0, 24 and 48 h), storage conditions (ice or no ice) and 30 s chemical dips (4% hydrated lime, vinegar and 300 ppt brine) either before (rinse or no rinse) or after transport. Short-term performance was correlated with the long-term performance (length, biomass, survival and condition index) of seed following an 8 month in situ grow-out. Stress associated with harvesting,  storage/transport, and socking can be minimized if temperature fluctuations are kept to a minimum and seed is covered during transport. Solutions of 4% hydrated lime or 300 ppt brine can be applied to seed before, with or without a seawater rinse, or after a 24 h transport period, without negatively affecting the long-term performance of seed. The use of vinegar as a defouling agent shows promise as being useful when applied either before transport followed by a seawater rinse or after transport. Although similar AIS management strategies have been investigated in other regions, few studies have investigated the impacts of these strategies on the health of seed, and no prior research of this nature has been performed on seed from Newfoundland.