identifier: Qiu, Hongyuan <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Qiu=3AHongyuan=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Dynamic analysis of a drill-string under deterministic and random excitations.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Drill-strings are slender structures used to dig into the rock in search of oil and gas.
Failures of drill-strings are time and money consuming and therefore the dynamics of
drill-strings must be investigated and carefully controlled.
In the thesis, a dynamic model of the drill-string that is suitable for predicting axial,
torsional and lateral vibrations is built using Euler-Bernoulli beam theory. The drillstring
is driven by a DC motor on the top and is subjected to distributed loads due
to its own weight as well as bit/formation interaction. The model is axial-torsional,
lateral-torsional coupled. Under deterministic excitations, the model captures stickslip
behavior in drilling operation. Analysis on its negative effect on drilling performance
is made, and potential mitigation measures are also discussed. In random
model, the excitations to the drill-bit are modeled as combination of deterministic
and random components. Monte Carlo (MC) simulation is employed to obtain the
statistics of the response. Two cases of random excitation with different intensities
are investigated. The results from MC simulation are compared against that from
deterministic case.
Secondly, the thesis focuses on the drill-string torsional vibration and its stick-slip
analysis. A finite element model of the drillstring with inclusion of both deterministic
and random excitations is also developed. Simulation is carried out under certain
parameters and it is shown that in deterministic case the torsional vibration may behave stick-slip. With change of some parameters, bifurcation and chaos of the
system are observed. In the random case, Monte Carlo simulation and path integration
method are used to capture the probabilistic information of the response. The results
of path integration match well to those of deterministic cases.
Although there are some limitations, this thesis will help the author better understand
drill-string downhole behaviors and lay a foundation for further research work.


identifier: Rahman, Mohammad Majibur <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Rahman=3AMohammad_Majibur=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Metal thin films as SERS substrates for the detection of PAHs.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

type: Thesis NonPeerReviewed

format: application/pdf application/pdf

abstract: Environmental pollution is a significant concern because of human and industrial discharges. Rapid and accurate detection of a pollutant is of the utmost importance in determining its health concern and environmental impact. This detection could be achieved through the development of a facile and hence broadly deployable sensor. In the present study, I was able to detect polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in aqueous solutions using a wide variety of mixed metal alloy Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates. My work sought to optimize these substrates by varying their composition, base layers, and thermal annealing temperatures. Our findings have determined that the thinnest films, of the films I measured, exhibited the best SERS response. Furthermore, it was found that an annealing temperature of 300ºC was best able to produce the surface characteristics that lead to stronger signals. Finally, the base layer affected the results, silicon exhibited higher signals than glass.


identifier: Xu, Muyi Ant <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Xu=3AMuyi_Ant=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Molecular dynamics approach to mica surface reconstruction.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Mica has a layered silicate sheet structure and is widely used as a substrate for imaging
biological samples. Due to its high thermal stability and negatively charged features,
it is interesting to investigate whether the mica substrate will affect sample surface
structure by enabling interactions between biological systems.
In particular one has to consider the interactions of fluid or environmental water
as well as associated ions with mica itself. Experimentally, previous research group
members have observed protein alignment on the mica surface in register with underlying
crystal directions. In particular, it is not clear how the protein and mica
structures are connected across several length scales. We apply molecular dynamics
(MD) calculations to investigate whether the mica substrate affects ordering of the
ions in water. We first optimize the mica structure with four K⁺ ions originally in
the system. Then we use two methods to check whether ions effect the mica surface
reconstruction. The two methods are: replacing K⁺ ions with Na⁺ ions and removing
ions from the mica system.
Our calculations show that K⁺ and Na⁺ ions induce different surface reconstruction
of mica. Furthermore, ion arrangements on the mica surface play an important
role in water pattern formation. In this way, the nanoscale crystallographic reconstruction
of the mica surface may be translated into a micro-scale pattern for protein
alignment.


identifier: Norman, Bradley <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Norman=3ABradley=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Evaluating sensitivity to change in the Simple Lifestyle Indicator Questionnaire (SLIQ).  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The Simple Lifestyle Indicator Questionnaire (SLIQ) was developed to measure five aspects of lifestyle that are shown to impact cardiovascular health. The present study addresses a gap in the literature on the SLIQ by evaluating its sensitivity to change. We recruited forty-one adult participants from a Weight Watchers’ location and a university gym. At enrollment, participants were weighed and asked to complete the SLIQ. Three months later, they were weighed a second time and completed the SLIQ again. Additionally, participants provided self-reports regarding how they felt various health-related aspects of their lifestyle had changed during the study period. Self-reports and weight change were compared with the change in SLIQ scores over the study period. We found that changes in the overall SLIQ scores had a statistically significant correlation with weight change and with participants’ self-reported change in lifestyle. SLIQ sub-scores, specifically those relating to diet and exercise, were found to correlate significantly with self-reports.


identifier: Habib, Kashfi Binte <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Habib=3AKashfi_Binte=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Experimental investigation of compressive failure of truncated conical ice specimens.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: In total, twenty-eight (28) small-scale ice indentation tests have been carried out to study the compressive failure of polycrystalline ice during indentation and to explore the link between various parameters that influence the ice failure processes, using ice specimens having a truncated conical geometry. Taper angle, temperature, indentation rate, indenter shape and grain size are considered as controlled variables in this research program. For the experiments, three geometric configurations (with taper angles of 13°, 21°, 30°) have been used, conducted at temperatures of -10°C and -5°C. Indentation rates of 0.1 mm/s, 1 mm/s and 10 mm/s have been considered using two indenter shapes (a flat plate and a spherical indenter). Two grain size ranges were considered for these tests. The total force and pressure were found to show dependencies on the indentation rate. The force becomes higher and failure process changes from brittle to ductile as indentation rate decreases. For example, in case of the 21º taper angle ice sample, maximum ice loads were 20 kN and 145 kN and peak pressures were 8 MPa and 18 MPa for indentation speeds of 10 mm/s and 0.1 mm/s respectively. The total force also depends on the taper angle of ice sample. The loads increase as the ice samples become flatter. So, the 13° ice sample was stronger than the 30° ice sample. Different shaped indenters also observed to have distinct experimental outputs. Tests that were done using the spherical indenter show lower forces than the tests that were done using the flat indenter. Effects of temperature reveal that the warm tests show a greater tendency to ductile failure than cold tests having same parameters. The ice samples with smaller ice seeds need more force to fail compared to ice samples with bigger ice seeds. To observe the microstructural modification, horizontal and vertical thin-sections of the damaged ice adjacent to the indenter have been examined. Ice particles were collected from the testing area following each experiment to observe the influence of different factors on the particle size distributions. The effect of each variable on observed failure processes and associated loads are presented in the thesis.


identifier: Khouri, Jessica <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Khouri=3AJessica=3A=3A.html>   (2014) “They didn’t know fat was awesome”: fat activism and fat community in Toronto, Canada.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
My project focuses on fat activism as a direct challenge to the discourses of the
so-called “obesity epidemic.” Looking at the embodied experiences of fat activists,
including my own, I look at the multiple ways fat activism is carried out in the Toronto
area. I situate these experiences of fat activism in two ways. One, I look to examine both
individual and group activisms within and against the negative stereotypes of fatness that
come from obesity epidemic discourse. Using food, fitness, and fashion, I explore how
our experiences as activists work to reinscribe fatness in more positive and celebratory
ways. Secondly, I investigate the individualizing discourses of obesity and the loneliness
and shame these create for fat individuals. As a response to this, I examine fat community
creation as a fat activist project. Within this, I explore counter-discourses of fat activism
and how they work both to support fat people and revalue fatness as an embodied
experience. Finally, I look at these counter-discourses to investigate issues of inclusion
and exclusion within fat community.


identifier: Susilo, Adhi <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Susilo=3AAdhi=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Scripting for modeling local buckling of a spiral welded pipe.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundlnad.

abstract:
The demand of large diameter pipes is significant. In the offshore industry, seamless
and UOE (U-ing, O-ing, and Expanding) pipes are used commonly, but the production
costs of these kind of pipes is not low. The spiral welded pipe (SWP) is considered
the answer to this challenge. The SWP has a low cost of production and yet it can
be said that the SWP is as good as the UOE pipe. However, some opinions give bad
impressions about a SWP. Later, studies show that weaknesses found with SWPs are
due to poor manufacturing processes.
This work is developing a model to stimulate SWP strength with a finite element
analysis tool called ABAQUS. The pipe is loaded by internal pressure and bending
moment and there is imperfection on the pipe geometry. Therefore, local buckling is
expected. The model is built mainly by a Python script. This work emphasizes the
use of scripting for simulating a model, but some people may be not familiar with
Python. Therefore, other programs (e.g. FORTRAN and GNUPLOT) are involved.
There are two main models for this work. The first model is a UOE pipe; it is called
the Benchmark Pipe (BMP) model, this model of this pipe has been calibrated and
verified against large-scale physical tests, and the second model is for the SWP model.
Referring to the tested model, confidence in the SWP modelling procedures can be
established. Both models have the same dimensions, the same material properties,
and are isotopic. In this work, the SWPs with different setting are also examined.
The main conclusions from this study include:
1. The SWP modelling procedures provided consistent results with the BMP model
in terms of displacement response, moment-curvature behaviour and local deformation
mechanisms.
2. The use of scripting provide an effective tool for the pre- and post-processing of
the simulation. The main pre-processing attributes included generation of the
pipe diameter, wall thickness, pitch, and initial geometric imperfections. The
post-processing script facilitates the analysis by transforming field variables such
as displacement, rotation and section forces into section moment, curvature,
deflection and axial strain.
3. The use of partitioning was found to have detrimental effects on the pipe mechanical
response that resulted in non-intuitive behaviour. This further supports
the need for scripting tools in the simulation and analysis.


identifier: Kawamoto, Jon-Erik <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Kawamoto=3AJon-Erik=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Effect of load with dynamic contractions on contralateral homologous muscle performance.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Fatigue is defined as a decrease in force and power production and is normally classified as being central or peripheral in origin. A reduction in neural output either from spinal or supraspinal levels characterizes central fatigue, while physiological changes at or distal to the neuromuscular junction characterizes peripheral fatigue. Additionally, peripheral fatigue induced in a specific muscle can result in the development of central fatigue and create in a non-local response. This non-local response is referred to as crossover fatigue and affects non-fatigued muscles.
Research exploring crossover fatigue is in its infancy and appears to be conflicting. Several studies have not shown significant crossover fatigue effects while others support its existence. Despite all studies claiming that their subjects were brought to temporary exhaustion unilaterally, the presence of crossover fatigue phenomenon is not consistent. The inconsistent findings may be related to the differences in the unilateral fatiguing protocols, which include variations in parameters such as exercise intensity, volume and method of muscular contraction.
Based on the inconsistencies in the literature, the following experiment was conducted. Two different fatiguing protocols consisting of dynamic knee extension contractions were implemented to create localized fatigue in the ipsilateral knee extensors. Two different exercise intensities (40% and 70% MVC) were used and pre- and post-intervention measures (e.g. MVC, F100, EMG, median frequency and submaximal endurance performance) were recorded from the contralateral non-fatigued knee extensors. It was hypothesized that a higher intensity of unilateral dynamic exercise will lead to greater crossover fatigue effects, demonstrated by detriments in muscle strength and endurance performance.
It was found that both 40% and 70% of MVC dynamic fatiguing protocols caused a decrease in subsequent MVC and instantaneous force with greater detriments from the 70% condition. Additionally, the voluntary force produced during the initial 10 seconds of the submaximal endurance test showed a moderate magnitude of variability in both the 40% and 70% conditions compared with the control condition thus, indicated neuromuscular function was impaired.


identifier: Nasir, Muhammad <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Nasir=3AMuhammad=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Supporting ontology alignment tasks by organizing ontology mappings using edge bundling.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Ontologies are commonly used for knowledge representation and to exchange information between multiple applications. When similar information is represented by different ontologies, information sharing requires a mapping between corresponding pairs of entities. While ontology alignment have been developed to support such tasks, they generally do not offer entirely complete and precise mappings. Consequently, an important interactive aspect of the alignment process is the validation of automatically generated mappings and the addition of new mappings, by a knowledge manager. While visual interfaces exist to support these tasks, showing a large number of mappings can result in a significant amount of visual clutter. To address this issue, an edge bundling approach has been adapted to the constraints of an existing alignment interface. A user study was designed and conducted to evaluate the value of edge bundling in this context, with positive results for both mapping validation and addition tasks.


identifier: Halperin, Israel <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Halperin=3AIsrael=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Pacing strategies during repeated voluntary maximal contractions.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.


identifier: Ring, Robert S. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Ring=3ARobert_S=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Proportional-first-past-the-post: a Canadian model of proportional representation.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
For more than a decade a majority of Canadians have consistently supported the idea of
proportional representation when asked, yet all attempts at electoral reform thus far have failed.
Even though a majority of Canadians support proportional representation, a majority also report
they are satisfied with the current electoral system (even indicating support for both in the same
survey). The author seeks to reconcile these potentially conflicting desires by designing a
uniquely Canadian electoral system that keeps the positive and familiar features of first-past-thepost
while creating a proportional election result.
The author touches on the theory of representative democracy and its relationship with
proportional representation before delving into the mechanics of electoral systems. He surveys
some of the major electoral system proposals and options for Canada before finally presenting
his made-in-Canada solution that he believes stands a better chance at gaining approval from
Canadians than past proposals.


identifier: White, Gerald J. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/White=3AGerald_J=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2014) The impact of individual and school characteristics on types and levels of bullying in Newfoundland and Labrador schools.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Bullying in schools has been a concern for educational and health researchers for decades. Health related problems associated with being bullied include suicidal ideation, physical injury, anxiety and/or depression. This thesis research explored the impact of individual and school related factors on school bullying victimization and bullying by addressing three gaps in the literature: a theoretical approach, advanced statistical analysis, and the inclusion of school level variables. In particular, this research specifically applied the social-ecological theory to see which conditions in schools encouraged bullying, and which buffered it.
The social-ecological theory emphasizes the need for the whole community of students, teachers, principals, staff, parents, and the outside community to play a role in preventing bullying. Data were collected from both students and teachers in order to determine which aspects of the school community mediated school bullying. Individual and school related factors, such as student focus, community and parent-engagement, caring culture, collaborative leadership, student engagement, student belonging, adult responsiveness, and a “bullying” culture were analyzed to ascertain their role in relation to physical, verbal, social and cyber victimization, and bullying behaviours.
Data were collected in over 60 schools, with teachers (collected in March 2008) and students (collected in October and November, 2008). Students in Grades 6, 9, and 12 were selected for the study, covering all types of schools in the school district. Given the structure of the data, hierarchical linear modelling was used to take into account the impact of both individual and school related factors.
This research concluded that bullying victimization and bullying are taking place in schools in Newfoundland and Labrador. Risk factors at the individual level for victimization and bullying include gender, grade level, having been a victim of previous bullying and victimization experiences, as well as being in schools that have climates of fear and antisocial behaviour. Schools with lower levels of bullying climate, caring cultures, and extracurricular activities protected students from both bullying and victimization. Based on the findings, recommendations on policy and future research are made that can lead to the provision of safer and more caring school environments. These recommendations, if implemented, will reduce bullying and therefore, the number of children who are at risk of not achieving the three determinants of health as a result of being bullied: child development, education, and safe schooling.


identifier: Mercer, Joel <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Mercer=3AJoel=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Automated image analysis of estrogen receptor immunohistochemistry in breast cancer.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Breast cancer is among the leading causes of cancer death in women. The estrogen receptor
test (ERT) guides therapy and has a direct impact on patient survival. Recent data have
shown the interpretation of ERT can vary both within and between laboratories.
The aim of this project was to develop an automated system to classify digital images of
ERTs as positive or negative. The slides were classified by two expert breast pathologists
prior to being analyzed by the software. Two data sets were used for analysis, one from
Eastern Health (Newfoundland) with 60 cases and the other from the UK with 275 cases.
The UK dataset was also analyzed by two existing estrogen receptor analysis systems.
The developed algorithm made use of a color deconvolution algorithm to separate the
histological stains. It identified the individual cells by use of mathematical morphological
operations and a marker based watershed algorithm. Finally, each cell was classified based
on its concentrations of stains; if the proportion of positive cells reached a threshold then
the case was deemed positive.
Overall, the program reached a sensitivity and specificity of 100% for the first dataset.
For the second data set 94% sensitivity and 95% specificity. This was an increase of 10% in
sensitivity over the compared software. Given the history of false negatives with the ERT, an
increase in sensitivty could offer increased patient safety with use of this software as a quality
assurance system. Furthermore, its use could be extended to any immunohistochemical stain
of any tissue, human or otherwise.


identifier: Lin, Fan <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Lin=3AFan=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Internal wave drift of a neutrally buoyant sphere.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
We studied the motion of neutrally buoyant spheres induced by internal waves
in a linearly stratified fluid with moderate Reynolds numbers (200-300). The characteristic
scale of the sphere is much smaller than the wavelength (D/λ < 0.05), so
we apply Morison’s equation, which is a semi-empirical formula to estimate the force
on underwater structures, to model the drag force and motion of the sphere. In our
5-metre long wave tank, a mode-1 internal wave was generated by a wave generator
to study the motion of the spheres. Experimental results show that, similar to surface
waves, there exists a wave induced drift of the sphere resulting from the phase lag
between the motion of the sphere and the fluid. The magnitude and direction of the
drift velocity ud can be affected by many parameters, including the initial phase of
the wave generator, depth of the sphere, and frequency of the internal waves. An
empirical formula for ud will be introduced and will be compared to the theoretical
results from a numerical simulation. For the vertical motion of the sphere, both the
experiment and numerical simulation show that at low frequency of the internal waves
(ω/N < 0.2), a series of harmonics of ω appear in the vertical motion.


identifier: Dev, Shemul <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Dev=3AShemul=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Comparative biochemical analysis of the major yolk protein in the sea urchin egg and coelomic fluid.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The sea urchin major yolk protein (MYP) is localized in nutritive phagocytes in the testis
and ovary, as well as the egg and coelomic fluid of the adult sea urchin. We and others
have shown that the egg MYP can drive calcium-dependent, membrane-membrane
interactions. However, much less is known about the coelomic fluid-localized MYP.
Therefore, we have begun a comparative biochemical analysis of the egg and coelomic
fluid MYPs. Sucrose density gradient ultracentrifugation revealed unique elution profiles
for the MYP species present in the egg and coelomic fluid. Under reducing conditions,
there were two species of MYP both in the egg and the coelomic fluid. Sodium dodecyl
sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) of the egg and coelomic fluid
MYPs under reducing and non-reducing conditions revealed that under reducing
conditions, there are two species in each fraction, 170- nad 240 kDa in the egg and 180-
and 250 kDa in the coelomic fluid. However, under non-reducing conditions only one
species is present in each fraction, 240 kDa in the egg and 250 kDa in the coelomic fluid.
In addition, V8 protease peptide mapping showed that all four polypeptide species have
very similar primary structures. Further analysis with circular dichroism (CD) revealed
that the purified 170- and 180 kDa species possess different secondary structural features.
Endogenous tryptophan fluorescence measurements in the presence of different
concentrations of calcium showed a notable difference in apparent dissociation constants
(calcium); 245- and 475 μM for the egg and coelomic fluid MYPs, respectively.
Interestingly, there was no notable difference in the apparent dissociation constants for
zinc. Additional assays revealed that both the 170- and 180 kDa species have different calcium requirements for binding to liposomal membranes, with an apparent dissociation
constants (calcium) of 10- and 290 μM for the 170- and 180 kDa species, respectively. In
addition, both the 170- and 180 kDa species have different calcium requirement to induce
vesicular aggregation, which is correlated with the calcium induced tertiary structural
change in both polypeptides. Collectively, these results identify structural differences
between the egg and coelomic fluid MYPs which may reflect different functional
capabilities between these species.


identifier: Yang, Yanbo <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Yang=3AYanbo=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Fatty acids liberated from lipoproteins by lipoprotein lipase negatively influences cholesterol efflux from THP-1 macrophages.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) is an extracellular lipase that primarily hydrolyses
triglycerides within circulating lipoproteins. Macrophage LPL contributes to
atherogenesis, but the mechanisms behind it are poorly understood. I hypothesized that
the free fatty acid (FFA) component of the products of lipoprotein hydrolysis generated
by LPL promotes atherogenesis by inhibiting the cholesterol efflux ability by
macrophages. To test my hypothesis, THP-1 macrophages were incubated overnight with
lipoprotein hydrolysis products generated by LPL. Results showed that the hydrolysis
products negatively modulated the transcripts encoding nuclear receptors, cholesterol
transporters, and enzymes involved in FFA synthesis. A mixture of only purified FFA that
matches those liberated by LPL yielded comparable results to those for lipoprotein
hydrolysis products. Furthermore, the FFA mixture significantly attenuated
apolipoprotein A-I-mediated cholesterol efflux. Overall, these data show that lipoprotein
hydrolysis products generated by LPL may promote atherogenesis by inhibiting
cholesterol efflux, which partially explains the pro-atherogenic role of macrophage LPL.


identifier: Yang, Haiyan <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Yang=3AHaiyan=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Joint modeling of genetic linkage and association.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Understanding the complexities involved in identifying disease causing genes is
still a monumental task. As we know, genetic variants and environmental factors can
influence the risk of disease outcomes. Epidemiological studies have identified that
age is one of a number of environmental risk factors for Familial Pulmonary Fibrosis
(FPF), but the genetic risk factors involved identification of disease causing genes still
are a problem largely unsolved. An inherited disease-causing locus occurs in the same
genomic position as an ancestor who has the disease trait, and the disease genotype
may be associated with a marker genotype. A joint modeling of genetic linkage and
association within families having a remote common ancestor or at population level is
presented in this thesis. This joint modeling uses a likelihood approach that allows the
inclusion of other covariates into the model for quantitative traits and binary traits with
multivariate random effects. Power studies via simulation compare the new proposed
procedure with standard linkage or association procedures. The joint test is more powerful
than linkage or association test alone where both sources of variation of linkage or
association are present. Furthermore, the proposed method also allows testing against
specific alternatives - for example, against the significance of linkage where there is
no association, significance of association where there is no linkage, and significance
of both linkage and association. By utilizing data from five FPF families in Newfoundland,
four candidate loci were identified for the linkage or/and association with
age-at-onset gene and FPF (rs4605929 in chromosome 6, rs11078200 in chromosome
7, rs1941686 in chromosome 18 and rs114682 in chromosome 22).


identifier: Liyanage, Migara Haripriya <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Liyanage=3AMigara_Haripriya=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Development and testing of a high speed hydraulic manipulator with single time scale visual servoing.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Automation of production processes has enabled to meet the dramatic demand for
manufactured products that has grown out of the increase in world population. In existing
industries greater production requirements and improvement in product quality
call for faster industrial robots. This study details the design and development of a
high-speed visual servoing system for industrial applications. The proposed visual
servoing system consists of a high speed robotic manipulator, a high-speed camera
system and an embedded controller.
The proposed robotic manipulator has the configuration of a Selective Compliant
Assembly Robotic Arm (SCARA). It uses two custom-designed double vane rotary
hydraulic actuators for driving the links of the robot. The SCARA system was mathematically
modeled and simulated. Based on the simulation results, the hydraulic
actuators were sized for optimal performance. A prototype actuator was subsequently
designed, manufactured and experimentally evaluated. The test results show that the
proposed actuator is capable of reaching torques of up to 460 Nm in 30 ms with a
payload of 12 kg. This is not possible with electric motors of similar size. Then the
proposed SCARA was designed and fabricated using the proposed actuators. The
end effector of this manipulator was capable of reaching velocities of up to 2.7 ms⁻¹
with a payload of 5.3 kg. Comparable performance is not feasible with contemporary SCARA type robots.
The proposed robot was designed for handling payloads up to 15 kg with speeds of up
to 2 ms⁻¹. This often results in flexing of the links and twisting of the support column,
adding external disturbances to the system. A high-speed camera system was designed
and built to obtain the position of the end effector as feedback for the controller. It
uses a two dimensional Position Sensitive Detector as the image sensor. An electronic
circuit was designed and built for signal conditioning and data acquisition from the
Position Sensitive Detector. It was then calibrated to account for non-linearities on
the image sensor. The camera was constructed using this Position Sensitive Detector
circuit, a lens and an infra red filter.It was then calibrated to estimate the extrinsic
and intrinsic parameters. This camera was capable of carrying out measurements at
frequencies of up to 1350 Hz. The measurements made by this camera produced an
average absolute accuracy of 0.31 mm and 0.37 mm in x and y directions, respectively.
A Field Programmable Gate Array was used in this study as the platform for developing
an embedded controller for the robot. Using contemporary Field Programmable
Gate Array technology, a powerful virtual processor can be synthesized and integrated
with custom hardware to create a dedicated controller that out performs some
of the conventional microcontroller and microprocessor based designs. The Field Programmable
Gate Array based controller takes advantage of both hardware features
and virtual processor technology. The input, output interfaces for this controller were
implemented using hardware. Complex functions that are difficult to be implemented
in hardware were implemented using a virtual soft processor. Four different types
of controllers were implemented and tested. These include hardware proportional-derivative,
software proportional-derivative, single time scale visual servoing and set point modification type controllers. The proposed implementation carried out single
time scale visual servoing at frequencies of up to 330 Hz.


identifier: Altowairish, Mead Saad <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Altowairish=3AMead_Saad=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Characterizing the role of CFL, OSR and SDR in the biosynthesis of the streptomyces scabies COR-like metabolites.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Streptomyces is the largest genus of actinobacteria and consists of Gram-positive
filamentous organisms that mainly inhabit soil environments. Some members of this
genus have the ability to cause economically important crop diseases such as potato
common scab (CS), which is characterized by the formation of superficial, raised or pitted
corky-like lesions on the surface of potato tubers. Among the virulence factors produced
by the best characterized CS-causing pathogen, S. scabies are the phytotoxic secondary
metabolites called the COR-like metabolites, which resemble the coronatine (COR)
phytotoxin produced by the plant pathogenic bacterium Pseudomonas syringae. The
objective of this study was to characterize the role of three S. scabies genes (cfl, oxr and
sdr) in the biosynthesis of the COR-like metabolites by constructing gene deletion
mutants and examining the effect of each mutation on metabolite biosynthesis and
bioactivity. The results of this study indicate that all three genes are necessary for normal
production of the COR-like metabolites in S. scabies, and possible roles for each gene in
the biosynthetic pathway are discussed.


identifier: Power, Conrad <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Power=3AConrad=3A=3A.html>   (2014) A spatial agent-based model of social relationality: emergent cooperation and leadership in community development.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The main objective of this research is to develop a spatially explicit agentbased
model that simulates emergent cooperation and leadership in the context of
complex community development. Formalization of the framework is founded on the
postulate that cooperation and complexity leadership emerge from the non-linear
behaviours of mobile affective agents as they participate in social interactions. The
architecture is an object-oriented system of components that model mobility, social
communication, psychological state, labour market dynamics, leadership, and
evolutionary learning. As an approximation of real world decision-making, agents
have an affective state derived from a psychological model that influences their
participation and response to the outcomes of social interactions. The spatial context
of these social interactions is based on the mobility dynamics of individuals as they
probabilistically select an everyday activity in reference to their demographic states
and expected payoff structure associated with potential neighbours. Social
interactions are classified according to the type of neighbourhood required for its
social network: (1) a grouping of multiple agents at a shared location, or (2) a directed
pairing of employee-firm traders engaged in a labour market transaction. Social
interactions in multiple agent neighbourhoods are simulated as N-Person's Prisoner's
Dilemma games, where the action choices of the citizens are determined from the
degree of relationality and trust within the social network. Labour market transactions
are interactions between an employee and a firm who are paired with a preferential
partnership matching mechanism. These directed social exchanges are modeled as
two person's Iterative Prisoner's Dilemma games. Self-organizing leadership is
conditioned on the tensions endemic in the Prisoner's Dilemma and the tensions
purposely introduced during knowledge diffusion by the administrative leaders. The
localized and overall cooperation and defection leaders are identified by the
magnitude of their reward, and are tagged as the most successful individuals within
the environment. The unsatisfied agents survive by adopting the action strategy of
their highest paid neighbour implemented with a social mimicry mechanism. A form
of steady state cooperation in a spatial environment depends on the citizens behaving in a comparable altruistic manner by making affective decisions with similar action
strategies.


identifier: Murphy, Andrew J. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Murphy=3AAndrew_J=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Evaluation of fishing gears modified to reduce ecological impacts in commercial fisheries.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: To sustainably and responsibly harvest commercial aquatic species in the world’s fisheries, consideration must be given towards the negative physical and biological effects that fishing gears place on marine ecosystems. Fish habitat degradation, bycatch of undersized and non-target species, carbon footprint, reductions in biodiversity and biomass are just some of the negative impacts of fishing gears. One novel method to reduce impacts while maintaining commercially viable catch rates of target species is through modification of fishing gears. Two experimental studies, conducted for this thesis, evaluated the catch characteristics of innovative, modified fishing gears designed to mitigate ecological concerns specific to each study’s respective fishery. In the first study, the Newfoundland cod pot was modified in an attempt to target flatfish species while avoiding the capture of snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio). Major findings include the importance of artificial light and entrance shape in capturing American plaice (Hippoglossoides platessoides). Also, non-baited pots that contained only artificial light were successful in capturing plaice while greatly reducing the capture of snow crab. In the second study, at-sea catch characteristics of northern shrimp (Pandalus borealis) and non-targeted bycatch species were compared between two trawls, one containing a traditional rockhopper ground gear currently used in the northern shrimp fishery, the other containing an experimental ground gear designed to reduce seabed contact. Catch rates and size of shrimp were found to be comparable between trawls however the experimental trawl captured significantly more bycatch.


identifier: Li, Chen <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Li=3AChen=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Sea surface oil slick detection and wind field measurement using global navigation satellite system reflectometry.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
In this thesis, research for improving sea surface remote sensing using the Global
Navigation Satellite System-Reflectometry (GNSS-R) signals is presented. Firstly, a
method to enable the simulation of GNSS-R delay Doppler Map (DDM) of an oil
slicked sea surfaces under general scenarios is proposed. The DDM of oil slicked
sea surface under general scenarios is generated by combining the mean-square slope
model for oil slicked/clean surfaces and the GNSS-R Zavorotny-Voronovich (Z-V)
scattering model. The coordinate system transformation appropriate for general-
elevation-angle scenarios is also incorporated. Secondly, a technique to detect sea
surface oil spills using reflections from Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)
satellites is presented. This technique is implemented by compensating the distor-
tion induced during the DDM deconvolution process of scattering coefficient retrieval
and employing the spatial integration approach (SIA) to retrieve the scattering co-
efficients unambiguously using the DDMs obtained by two separate antenna beams.
A performance characterization including retrieval accuracy and resolution is demon-
strated with respect to the signal-to-noise ratio and the size of oil slicks, respectively.
Simulation based on the oil slick distribution of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill ac-
cident shows that the retrieval error can be reduced by the SIA after the distortion
correction. The technique proposed here can be used to map oil slick extent on the
ocean surface or it may be applied generically to produce physical surface maps of the bistatic scattering coefficient from multiple DDM’s from a single space-based platform.
Lastly, a novel method is presented to retrieve sea surface wind speed and direction
by fitting the two-dimensional simulated GNSS-R DDMs to measured data. An 18-
second incoherent correlation is performed on the measured signal to reduce the noise
level. Meanwhile, a variable step-size iteration as well as a fitting threshold are used
to reduce the computational cost and error rate of the fitting procedure, respectively.
Unlike previous methods, all the DDM points with normalized power higher than the
threshold are used in the least-square fitting. An optimal fitting threshold is also
proposed. To validate the proposed method, the retrieval results based on a dataset
from the United Kingdom Disaster Monitoring Constellation satellite are compared
with the in-situ measurements provided by the National Data Buoy Center, and good
correlation is observed between the two.


identifier: Wheeland, Laura J. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Wheeland=3ALaura_J=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Fish community size spectra and the role of vessel avoidance in hydroacoustic surveys of boreal lakes and reservoirs.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Hydroacoustic data were used to quantify vessel avoidance by fishes, and derive fish community size spectra in two shallow boreal systems in eastern Manitoba, Canada. Lac du Bonnet reservoir and adjoining lakes at Nopiming Provincial Park were studied during summer 2011 and 2012. The magnitude of boat avoidance varied between these relatively similar water bodies (p = 0.04), but was not significantly influenced by fish depth or survey speed. Length-frequency spectra were determined from acoustic surveys at Lac du Bonnet, and acoustic data were used to map bathymetry of the reservoir. Community abundance (spectra height) was greater in 2011 then 2012 (p < 0.05), and decreased through the summer. Spatial variation in spectra parameters appear to be related to physical habitat characteristics. I conclude that vessel avoidance should be quantified in situ, and that acoustic size spectra may be used to monitor differences in fish communities over time and among habitats.


identifier: Narduzzi, Kate M. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Narduzzi=3AKate_M=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Discharge information and its relationship to auality of care and transition outcomes following short stay hysterectomy: a pilot study.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Vaginal or laparoscopic hysterectomy performed as day surgery has been broadly welcomed but this can diminish the time and opportunity for discharge nursing education leaving patients potentially under prepared to recover at home. It is unknown if the current discharge information and teaching is meeting clients’ needs following short stay hysterectomy and what effect this has on satisfaction with care and recovery outcomes. The purpose of this study was to examine relationships between and among a set of variables: discharge information provided, perception of discharge information received, overall satisfaction with short hospital stay experience, satisfaction with discharge information, perceived confidence in self-care and post-operative recovery following short stay hysterectomy procedures. An integrated model of Donabedian’s Quality of Care Model and Schumacher and Meleis’s Nursing Model of Transitions was the guiding framework for this descriptive correlational study. Fifty one women, aged between 23 and 71, who underwent a short stay hysterectomy procedure, were contacted 48 to 72 hours after discharge for a telephone interview. Quantitative data analysis indicated that most women were satisfied to very satisfied with the short stay experience and with the discharge education they received. There was a high positive correlation between the discharge information provided and the perception of the discharge information received(r = 0.85). Women recovering at home scored themselves as having high levels of self-care confidence but reported varying levels of post-surgical recovery. The best predictor of self-care confidence was satisfaction with discharge information (adjusted R² = 27%) and the best predictor of post-operative recovery was self-care confidence (adjusted R² = 22%). Findings from this study support the important role of discharge teaching for short stay hysterectomy patients. As well, the implications for nursing practice, education and research are discussed.


identifier: Thorburn, Jennifer <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Thorburn=3AJennifer=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Dialect development in Nain, Nunatsiavut: emerging English in a Canadian aboriginal community.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This dissertation is a case study of the English spoken in Nain, Nunatsiavut (Labrador),
an Inuit community in northern Canada. Conducted within a variationist sociolinguistic
framework, it offers a quantitative analysis of a majority language as spoken in an
Aboriginal community, an understudied area of research. Nain is an ideal location for this
type of study because Labrador Inuit are experiencing rapid language shift as the
population becomes predominantly English speaking, with few people learning Inuttitut
as their native language, creating an opportunity to examine an emerging variety of
English.
In this dissertation, I contrast Nain Inuit English with the variety spoken in
Newfoundland, the English-speaking region with which residents have historically had
contact. I survey three sociolinguistic variables that typify Indigenous English and/or
Newfoundland English—one phonological (the realization of interdental fricatives, e.g.,
this thing pronounced as dis ting), one morphosyntactic (verbal -s, e.g., I loves it), and
one discourse (adjectival intensification, e.g., very happy vs. really happy vs. so happy)—
to test notions of diffusion and transmission while also looking for evidence of transfer
from Inuttitut. I also consider theories of new dialect formation and models of
postcolonial English and how they apply to Nain. Complicating this comparison is the
fact that some interviewees overtly self-identify as not being Newfoundlanders, raising
the possibility that they may try to avoid Newfoundland English variants.
Results indicate that Nain Inuit English shares some traits with the English spoken
in the rest of the province but has also developed in different ways, though few of these differences can be attributed to influence from Inuttittut. This study also contributes to
the growing body of work on majority languages in indigenous communities, in addition
to deepening our understanding of English in Labrador.


identifier: Babapour, Sadegh <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Babapour=3ASadegh=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Investigation of enhancing drill cuttings cleaning and penetration rate using cavitating pressure pulses.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Drilling efficiency is governed by rock cuttings removal by hydraulic forces. The
mechanical force introduced by the drill bit removes the rock chips from the parent
rock. The chips will be held down until the downward forces due to overburden
pressure are overcome. The turbulent jet that flushes away these chips consists of
static impingement and dynamic pressure fluctuations. Instead of providing high
pressure and hence enhancing the pressure fluctuations of the turbulent jet by rig
pumps, the existing fluid pressure can be used more effectively.
A fluid passing a Convergent-Divergent venturi demonstrates significant pressure
fluctuations due to the cavitation phenomenon. As the fluid passes the vena-contracta,
according to the Bernoulli’s principle, the fluid velocity increases and hence the
pressure decreases. If pressure drops below the fluid vapor pressure, cavitation occurs
and bubbles are created.
Different prototypes were designed to investigate the probability of cavitation
occurrence by using CFD simulations. The successful designs were venturis with
diameters of 4 mm and 12 mm. Simulation software applies tetrahedral meshing to the
prototype geometry for robust simulation results when geometry of the tool is
complex. The results obtained confirmed the pressure pulses and occurrence of
cavitation.
An experimental setup consisting of a 12 mm venturi, two pressure sensors at
upstream and downstream, and 3 load cells in a triangular combination, and a flow
meter was used. The flow rate range was from 10 USGPM to 70 USGPM. The
cavitation started at 25 USGPM with a shear noise that is the characteristics of a
iii
cavitating flow and the sensors recorded the pressure pulses at this point. The
magnitude of pressure peaks ranged from 150 psi up to 600 psi.
The second stage of the experiments was to investigate the effect of venturi and axial
compliance in drilling. Compliant element used in these experiments consists of two
plates with rubber mounts embedded between these two plates in an equilateral
configuration. The rubber mounts enable the displacement of the upper plate on the
base plate. An 8 mm venturi was also mounted on the drill string behind the bit as the
vibration source.
The experimental results show that the tool starts to cavitate and produce vibrations.
The tool was tested with compliance and without compliance to seek the effects of the
compliant element. Results show that when rigid (no compliance), the vibrations
produced, did not have any significant effect on the rate of penetration (ROP).
However, with integration of the compliant element, the vibrations produced by the
tool intensified the natural vibration of the compliant element and the penetration rate
increased.


identifier: Ryan, Michelle <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Ryan=3AMichelle=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Financial services versus development: "best practice" for development and gender empowerment in microfinance.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The debate in microfinance, between “left and right” political economy approaches to
development, can best be settled by examining the impact of microfinance as it is practiced.
Microfinance began thirty years ago as a reputedly progressive development based approach to
poverty alleviation. A development approach informed service delivery in the 1980s and early
1990s, focusing on using microfinance to help alleviate poverty and provide gender
empowerment. Currently, microfinance practice is dominated by a neoliberal paradigm that is
centred around provision of financial services, and a program delivery focused on the fiscal
sustainability of the microfinance institutions. This transition has impacted program delivery.
Despite a consensus that microfinance has the potential to improve the situation of impoverished
women when paired with the interventionist and educational components of the original
development conception (Greenspan, 2002, Sebstad and Cohen, 2003, Karlan and Valdivia,
2006, Karlan, Harigaya, and Nadal, 2006, Frisancho and Valdivia, 2006, Kessy and Temu,
2010), the industry no longer provides these services due to the shift from a development
approach to the neoliberal financial services approach. Moreover, the current methods used to
ensure high rates of repayment not only further entrench existing gender roles but actually run
counter to the “development wisdom” which originally informed microfinance practice.
The move away from a development approach has come under fire from feminists and
economists. They contend that pre-existing inequalities are being further exacerbated by
microfinance. It is now clear that a financial services approach to microfinance achieves neither
development goals nor gender equality. This thesis will advance that microfinance needs to be
paired with a broad range of objectives and initiatives, in line with a development approach, in
order to achieve gender empowerment and development goals.


identifier: Connelly, Emily Elizabeth <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Connelly=3AEmily_Elizabeth=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Patterns of marine bird biodiversity and habitat use in the Gulf of Maine.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Vessel surveys of birds at sea provide important information about marine ecology and food
webs. The Gulf of Maine and Scotian Shelf are productive habitats for seabirds that breed in both
the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. I examined seabird vessel survey data from the 1980s
through the 2000s in these areas during summer. My objective was to understand changes in
seabird distributions, abundances, diversity and aggregations. Nonbreeding Southern
Hemisphere species far outnumbered locally breeding species. Modeled habitat relationships for
the dominant species showed that trans-equatorial Great Shearwaters (Puffinus gravis) were
found in colder, deeper waters off the coast. A comparison of habitat use by Leach’s StormPetrels
(Oceanodroma leucorhoa) and trans-equatorial migrant Wilson’s (Oceanites oceanicus)
showed Leach’s Storm-Petrels closer to temperature fronts, but in lower chlorophyll density
areas, while Wilson’s Storm-Petrels had no relationship to fronts or chlorophyll densities, but
were seen in deeper more oceanic waters. Overall seabird numbers increased from the 1980s to
the 2000s and species composition changed. Audubon’s Shearwaters (Puffinus lherminieri),
Common Terns (Sterna hirundo), and Atlantic Puffins (Fratercula arctica) increased
significantly, and Sooty Shearwaters (Puffinus griseus) declined significantly. Average
taxonomic distinctness, a diversity measure used to indicate relatedness of a group of species,
increased, showing greater distinctness (decreased relatedness) among seabirds studied. High
species diversity, densities of seabirds, and endangered species use, e.g. Roseate Terns, identified
key areas, such as the Jordan Basin, that warrant further investigation.


identifier: Hassan, Aslinda <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Hassan=3AAslinda=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Analytical investigation and implementation of carry and forward based routing protocol for vehicular ad hoc network.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Recent research studies have recognized the applicability of carry and forward based
routing in a vehicular ad hoc network (VANET), where packets are stored and carried
by a moving vehicle until another vehicle comes into its transmission range and the
packets are transmitted via wireless channel. This thesis explores several research
topics concerning the use of a carry and forward approach in a vehicular network.
In the first part of our research, we develop an end-to-end delay model in a unidirectional
highway using vehicle-to-vehicle connectivity parameters that include the
carry and forward approach which extends an existing catch-up time delay model
for two disconnected vehicle clusters to multiple disconnected clusters on a unidirectional
highway. Consequently, two distributions are newly derived to represent
the number of clusters on a highway using a vehicular traffic model. The analytical
results obtained from the end-to-end distribution model are then validated through
simulation results. In the second part of our research, we present a fuzzy logic based
beaconing system where beacon intervals are adjusted based on packet carried time,
number of single-hop neighbors, and vehicles speed. It is common for vehicles in a
VANET to exchange information by broadcasting beacon messages periodically. This
information is required not only for routing protocols when making routing decisions,
but also for safety applications. Choosing a suitable interval for broadcasting beacon
messages has been considered a communication challenge since there will be a
trade-off between information accuracy and channel usage. Therefore, an adaptive beaconing approach is needed so that vehicles can regulate their beacon rate based
on traffic condition. Through simulation in a grid model and a realistic scenario, we
are able to show that the fuzzy logic based beaconing system is not only able to reduce
routing overhead and packet collision, but also decrease the average end-to-end
delay and increase the delivery rate as well. The last issue of this thesis focuses on
developing a proactive multi-copy routing protocol with carry and forward mechanism
that is able to deliver packets from a source vehicle to a destination vehicle at a
small delivery delay. It has been ascertained by the majority of researches in VANET
that the carry and forward procedure can significantly affect an end-to-end delivery
delay. Our approach is to replicate data packets and distribute them to different relays.
The proposed protocol creates enough diversity to reach the destination vehicle
with a small end-to-end delivery delay while keeping low routing overhead by routing
multiple copies independently. The simulation results in an urban grid model show
that the proposed multi-copy forwarding protocol is able to deliver packets at small
delivery delay compared to a single-copy forwarding algorithm without having to rely
on real time traffic data or flooding mechanism.


identifier: Kalidindi, Swetha <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Kalidindi=3ASwetha=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Potential neuroprotective effects of blueberry and lingonberry fruits and leaves.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) are natural processes occurring in the brain. However, overproduction of ROS and RNS may occur during aging and contribute to neurodegenerative diseases and disorders such as stroke. Phenolic compounds constitute a large class of phytochemicals that are widespread in the plant kingdom and known to have antioxidant capacities. This study aimed to determine the radical scavenging capacity and reducing power, as well as the polyphenolic content in fruits and leaves of blueberries and lingonberries growing in Newfoundland. We determined the potential neuroprotective effect of extracts against glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity, which is believed to contribute to disorders such as stroke and neurodegenerative diseases. We found that extracts of fruits and leaves of blueberry and lingonberry plants have high levels of total soluble phenolics, anthocyanins, tannins, and flavonoids. Overall, the levels of these compounds were significantly higher in the leaves of these plants versus the fruits. Total antioxidant capacity, in terms of radical scavenging activity and reducing power, were much higher in the leaves of both plants as compared to their fruits. We then tested the effects of the extracts against glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity, a pathological process partially involving overproduction of ROS and RNS. Brain-derived cortical cell cultures from neonatal rat pups were prepared and grown for 9-16 days in vitro. Cells were exposed to glutamate (100 μM) for 24 hours. Glutamate-exposed cells displayed morphological alterations such as disrupted cell bodies, and increased dark punctae, which is often indicative of condensed nuclei and delayed cell death. Glutamate caused a ~23% cell loss after 24 hours as determined by the amount of DAPI-positive nuclei. A specific NMDA receptor blocker (AP5) was used to determine the contribution of this receptor type to cell damage. While lingonberry fruit extract did not provide protection from glutamate toxicity, blueberry fruit extracts were protective. Cultures treated with leaf extracts of lingonberry and blueberry showed no cell loss in the presence of glutamate, indicating a strong protective effect of both the leaf extracts. The overall greater protective effect of leaf extracts was in correlation with the levels of phenolics and antioxidant capacity. Treatment with AP5 (NMDA receptor blocker) gave us positive results and the cell death caused by 100 μM glutamate was suppressed, but the trend was not clear enough to make any conclusion. Recent studies have analyzed antibody staining against alpha-synuclein, a protein involved with Parkinson’s disease, after glutamate exposure. These studies helped us raise a set of questions on the various factors leading to increased expression of alpha-synuclein and allowed us to get some preliminary data. I have measured levels of lactate in the culture media from different conditions which may be indicative of altered cell health. Overall, these findings suggest that berries or their components may provide protection to the brain from various pathologies such as stroke, trauma and neurodegenerative diseases. This protective effect of berry extracts may be due to a decrease in oxidative stress, nitrosative stress, or other damaging mechanisms caused by exposure to glutamate.


identifier: Jerjawi, Walid <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Jerjawi=3AWalid=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Second-order cyclostationarity-based detection and classification of LTE SC-FDMA signals for cognitive radio.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Cognitive radio (CR) was developed for utilizing the spectrum bands efficiently. Spectrum
sensing and awareness represent main tasks of a CR, providing the possibility
of exploiting the unused bands.
In this thesis, we investigate the detection and classification of Long Term Evolution
(LTE) single carrier-frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) signals, which are
used in uplink LTE, with applications to cognitive radio. We explore the second-order
cyclostationarity of the LTE SC-FDMA signals, and apply results obtained for the
cyclic autocorrelation function to signal detection and classification (in other words,
to spectrum sensing and awareness). The proposed detection and classification algorithms
provide a very good performance under various channel conditions, with a
short observation time and at low signal-to-noise ratios, with reduced complexity. The
validity of the proposed algorithms is verified using signals generated and acquired
by laboratory instrumentation, and the experimental results show a good match with
computer simulation results.


identifier: Northcott, Crystal <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Northcott=3ACrystal=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Grief and coping post-pregnancy loss: a comparison between men and women.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Miscarriage is the most common pregnancy complication. The psychological effects of pregnancy loss may be experienced differently according to gender based on society’s concepts of maternal and paternal roles. The purpose of this cross-sectional, retrospective, correlational study was to determine if there are differences between men’s and women’s grief intensity and coping strategies post-pregnancy loss. Also, the potential influence of time since pregnancy loss, age, parenthood status, number of pregnancy losses, gestational age, and fetal ultrasound viewing status on the intensity of grief for men and women were explored. A convenience sample of 25 men and 41 women was recruited from health care facilities across the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U tests, Pearson’s product-moment correlation, point biserial correlation, Chi-Square, and Spearman’s rank-ordered correlation as appropriate to answer the research questions. There was no significant difference between men and women’s grief intensity. Statistically significant results were found between men and women’s coping strategies. Men were more likely to use humor as a coping strategy (p ≤ .05) and women were more likely to seek support from others (p ≤ .05). Significant negative correlations were also found between men’s and women’s grief intensity and time since the most recent loss (p ≤ .05). Furthermore, a significant correlation was found between men’s grief intensity and fetal ultrasound viewing status (p ≤ .05). Implications of the study results for nursing practice, education, and research are discussed.


identifier: Clarke, Corey N. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Clarke=3ACorey_N=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Life-long and transgenerational effects of early experience in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar).  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Supportive-rearing programs to produce individuals for release in efforts to re-establish
populations of threatened species continue to grow in number and scope. Based on the
increasingly reported negative effects of captive exposure, we hypothesised that early captive
exposure may affect fitness not only later in life but into the next generation, exactly when wild
fitness must be present to contribute to sustainable population augmentation. We examined a
supportive rearing program for endangered Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) that releases juvenile
fish at two life stages (fry and parr) having varying duration of captive exposure. We followed
multiple cohorts from release to the wild, collected 1-3 years later, held in a captive marine
environment until maturity, and produced broods of offspring to examine effects of parental
captive exposure on viability of the next generation. We found that the additional early-life
captive exposure for parr resulted in smaller and younger smolts, adults, and smaller less viable
offspring. Parr-origin fish survived better than fry from time of release until smolt stage as well
as during captive marine rearing however, this is not likely indicative of improved wild fitness.
We demonstrate how brief manipulations of early life exposure resulted in significant effects on
fitness and present these findings in context of designing effective population recovery
strategies.


identifier: Strong, Vanessa Dawn <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Strong=3AVanessa_Dawn=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Molecular correlates of multiday memory in an appetitive conditioning model: insights into mediators of memory extension.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: These experiments provide insight into potential mediators implicated in the maintenance of memory duration using an olfactory preference learning paradigm. Neonatal rats were trained in a single training session by pairing odor (CS) with pharmacological agents (UCS) to promote odor preference of different durations (24h, 4-Day and 5-Day). For the first time in olfactory preference learning we characterize the pCREB expression profile as biphasic with peaks at 10min and 2h post-conditioning in 24h and 5-Day olfactory preference memory. Second, we show histone acetylation is enhanced by HDAC inhibition via NaB in both learning and non-learning conditions. Finally, q-PCR reveals CREB target genes Nr4a1 and Egr-1 are differentially expressed across 24h and 5-Day models, consistent with a possible role in memory extension. These experiments support CREB as a possible initiator in mediating downstream events leading to the changes in synaptic plasticity that accompany extension of long-term memory.


identifier: Lasalle, Stéphanie <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Lasalle=3ASt=E9phanie=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Metamorphic and geochronological study of anatectic aluminous gneisses: insights on evolution of the hinterland in the central Grenville Province.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This thesis is an integrated petrographic, metamorphic, and geochronological
investigation of granulite-facies aluminous gneisses from the central Grenville Province
in Québec, Canada. The project aimed at characterizing the gneiss protoliths and
reconstructing the metamorphic history of the region. The results provide insight into the
evolution of the Laurentian margin upon which the Grenville orogen is built, and
contribute to our understanding of the Grenvillian orogeny. The rocks come from a
metasedimentary sequence and a volcanogenic bimodal (felsic-mafic) sequence, both
exposed in the orogenic hinterland. They consist of garnet–biotite–quartz–K-feldspar–
plagioclase with kyanite in the north (high-pressure segment) and sillimanite in the south
(mid-pressure segment), and display microstructural evidence of anatexis.
The nature of the protoliths was constrained by zircon textures and in situ U–Pb
ages obtained via laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA–
ICPMS). Detrital zircon grains from the metasedimentary samples show Laurentian
affinities, with ages between 2700 and 1500 Ma. In contrast, well-preserved igneous
zircon grains from a sample of the bimodal sequence suggest a deposition age of 1238 ±
13 Ma, coeval with an episode of crustal extension in the central Grenville orogen.
The metamorphic evolution of the aluminous rocks is inferred by interpretation of
microstructures and mineral chemistry within the framework of isochemical pressure–
temperature (P–T) diagrams (i.e., pseudosections), and in situ (LA–ICPMS) U–Pb dating
of monazite. Data from a kyanite-bearing rock record a steep P–T path peaking at ~ 14.5
kbar and 860–900 °C, as in other parts of the high-P segment. In contrast, sillimanite-bearing rocks record large variations in T relative to P with a peak at ~ 9.5 kbar and 850
°C.
Monazite mainly occurs in the rock matrix, where it commonly shows complex
internal textures. Areas dark on backscattered electron (BSE) images record ages of
1070–1020 Ma with a main cluster at 1060 Ma. The large spread of ages in individual
samples is consistent with a protracted residence of the host rocks under high-T
conditions. In contrast, BSE-bright rims within matrix grains recorded ages of 1010–990
Ma, attributed to (re)crystallization that was promoted by fluid infiltration of the host
rocks. This late event is coeval with ultra-potassic magmatism in this area and may record
the orogenic collapse.


identifier: Ahammad, Mohammad Jalal <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Ahammad=3AMohammad_Jalal=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Numerical simulation of miscible fluid flows in porous media.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The study of miscible
ow in porous media is an important topic in many disciplines
of science and engineering, especially in the field of petroleum engineering.
For example, Carbon dioxide (CO₂) may be injected into an oil reservoir in order
to improve the oil recovery rates, which is called enhanced oil recovery (EOR). This
thesis focuses on the study of a miscible displacement of two
fluids, such as CO₂ and
oil, in a porous medium. An upscaling methodology for modeling multiscale features
of the
ow and the porous medium has been studied, where the overall pressure drag
and skin friction exerted on the porous medium has been modelled by combining the
Darcy's law with a statistical mechanical theory of viscosity, which is an important
contribution of this thesis.
A numerical methodology for capturing the multiphysics and multiscale nature
of the governing motion has been studied. The temporal discretization employs the
second order Crank-Nicolson scheme for viscous and diffusive phenomena, and an
explicit method for all other terms. The nonlinear advection terms in the momentum
equation has been treated with an Euler explicit
flux form central finite difference
method; however, the advection of the CO2 mass
flux has been treated with a streamline
based Lagrangian method. In order to implement the Marker-and-Cell (MAC)
scheme for resolving the incompressibility, a staggered arrangement of the velocity
and pressure has been presented on a collocated grid. This approach enhances the
implementation of a multigrid solver, and is a novel computational model for simulating
miscible displacement processes. The performance of the Lagrangian method
has been assessed with respect to an equivalent
flux form upwind method.
The results indicate that the viscous forces play a signicant role compared to the
effect of permeability on miscible displacement of CO₂ and oil, where the injected CO₂ displaces the residual oil without being distorted, thereby enhancing the recovery
of hydrocarbon. Although the present results with an idealized model lacks from
verifications with field measurements, findings of this thesis provide useful feedback
to further investigations on CO₂ based EOR techniques.


identifier: Davies, Michelle Tari <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Davies=3AMichelle_Tari=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Gender, work and value among the Inuit in 18th century Labrador.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The aim of this thesis is to explore the activities and agency of Inuit women during
the dramatic cultural, economic and social changes that occurred in 18th century
Labrador. During this period, the Inuit adopted large, rectangular communal houses,
which were capable of accommodating several families. The cause of this change in
household architecture is multifaceted and as a result the gender arrangements among 18th
century Inuit underwent a similar shift. By carefully reviewing Inuit ethnographic
analogies, the accounts of the 18th century Moravian Missionaries and archaeological
remains of four communal houses from strategic sites across Labrador, I aim to identify
the different ways each house was being used based on site-specific factors such as
location, local environment and the distribution of gendered artifacts. This theory-driven
research incorporates the Inuit perception of selfhood, which can be considered a flexible
and ongoing process through the value of labour, in order to determine the changes in
men and women’s activities at Ikkusik (IdCr-02), Eskimo Island-1 (GaBp-01), Adlavik
(GgBq-01) and Huntingdon Island-5 (FkBg-03). In particular, this research contributes to
ongoing investigations into the nature of 18th century Inuit settlements in southern
Labrador by examining the economic priorities of regionally disparate households.


identifier: Range, Bhagya Maheshi Kumari <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Range=3ABhagya_Maheshi_Kumari=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Characterization of biomass ash/char and use for treatment of sulphur and selenium oxy-anions.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This thesis presents the chararacteristics of eight biomass ash/char samples obtained from three pulp and paper mills in Canada. It also discusses the results from the adsorption studies conducted using these biomass ash/char to remove sulfur and selenium oxy-anions from mining effluent water streams such Acid Mine Drainage (AMD). Chemical, physical, thermal and structural characteristics investigated in this study confirmed the suitability of using these ash/char as adsorbents in waste water treatment applications. Batch equilibrium adsorption experiments were performed using individual solutions of thiosulphate, trithionate, tetrathionate, selenite and selenate by varying different parameters (ash type, initial pH, adsorbent dose, temperature). Maximum adsorption efficiency and adsorption capacity values obtained for sulphur oxy-anions were 35.6% and 14.24 mg/g of CBM-W biomass char. For selenium oxy-anions, the maximum adsorption efficiency and adsorption capacity values were at 15.2% and 0.211 mg/g of CLM2 biomass ash. Thermodynamic parameters were calculated and the data were fitted using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm equations. The results confirmed that sulphur and selenium oxy-anions have considerable affinity towards biomass ash/char. However, further characterization of spent biomass ash/char needs to be carried out in order to identify the adsorption mechanism and also to modify biomass ash/char chemically or thermally to yield high removal efficiencies. Therefore, this study substantially contributes in assessing the feasibility of using one waste stream to treat another waste stream in the field of sustainable waste management.


identifier: Yang, Huan <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Yang=3AHuan=3A=3A.html>   (2014) A Study of Water and Carbonated Water Injection with Constant Pressure Boundaries.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The Buckley-Leverett theory for one-dimensional constant fluid velocity is widely used
in the oil and gas industry. However, given a changing fluid velocity with fixed pressure
boundary conditions, limitations arise. This work is based on an existing extension of the
Buckley-Leverett theory in a water-oil system with fixed pressure boundary conditions.
This allows the Buckley-Leverett theory to be applied to situations of injecting water at a
constant bottom-hole pressure and producing oil at a fixed bottom-hole pressure. Based
on mass conservation, numerical simulation is performed in Matlab® using the Implicit
Pressure Explicit Satuation (IMPES) method for two-phase flow. The numerical solution
is compared to the recently developed analytical solution for different case studies. The
comparison is also used to illustrate the effect of numerical dispersion and round-off
errors. This extension of the Buckley-Leverett theory has significant consequences in its
applicability to more realistic operating scenarios and computational savings through
analytical solutions.
Carbonated water injection is studied numerically based on the validated water injection
model. In carbonated water injection, CO₂ is dissolved in water phase before injection.
After injection, the properties of reservoir fluids will change due to the partitioning of
CO₂ between both the water and oil phases. Therefore, the reduction of oil viscosity and
oil-water interfacial tension would be the main factors affecting the oil recovery.
However, there is minimal research on carbonated water flooding combining both
thermodynamics and reservoir simulation models. This research aims to study the effect for oil recovery in carbonated water injection based on both physical and numerical
perspectives.


identifier: Xu, Chuan <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Xu=3AChuan=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Nanostructure and Nanomechanics of Collagen Self-Assemblies.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This thesis outlines the development and application of methods for characterization
of nanostructured biomaterials, specifically, collagen. Collagen is the most abundant
protein in the human body and plays an important structural role. Therefore, research
on the structural and mechanical properties of this protein is beneficial for disease
treatment and health improvement, including the development of new materials for
bioengineering. These newly developed techniques and methods demonstrated their
merit in this research. They can potentially find the way to applications in broader
areas, e.g. bio-engineering, medical science, nano technology and industry.
A novel method called minimum indentation, which I developed, extracts the
mechanical properties of superficial layers or nanometer scale objects in a sample
with high precision. This is a true surface measurement with a detection depth of
less than 10 nanometers. During sample testing, an atomic force microscope (AFM)
tip jumps to contact with the sample surface when the tip-sample attractive force
gradient increases and exceeds the cantilever spring constant. The jump-to-contact
distance is determined by the sample mechanical properties and tip-sample surface
adhesion. Hence proper interpretation of the jump-to-contact phenomenon yields
sample surface mechanical properties. I present different models to suit for hydrophilic
and hydrophobic surfaces.
The minimum indentation method requires a different treatment in the presence of strong capillary effects. I develop this in the context of a study of segment-longspacing
collagen crystallites (SLS). A combination of morphological and nanomechanical
data yields a more complete picture of SLS nanostructure, including proposed
growth mechanism and internal structure.
Nanoidentation and persistence length are different methods to access complementary
mechanical information. I apply them to investigate the fibrillogenosis of
type I and type II collagens, demonstrating distinct growth stages and structure transition
phenomena. Type I collagen fibrils are much longer than type II collagen fibrils
and present different internal structures, with consequently different mechanical properties.


identifier: Kelly, Darron I. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Kelly=3ADarron_I=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2014) A Habermasian perspective on morally valid decision making in school-district administration: a Newfoundland and Labrador case study.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This research works toward the systematic development of a Habermasian perspective on moral validity within the context of educational administration. Its central aims are to promote Habermas’s Discourse Theory of Morality as a suitable moral epistemology for the field and to provide an initial examination of current attitudes toward adopting district-wide educational initiatives in Newfoundland and Labrador from a moral point of view. Habermas’s clear specification of conditions necessary for the justifiability of morally valid policy- and decision-making offers a promising avenue for empirical research. This facet of his moral epistemology is an ideal point for researchers to grasp the philosophical framework and apply it to real cases. The current study focuses on how senior administrators at one school-board office interpret the four necessary conditions of practical discourse in relation to their work in adopting district-wide initiatives. The method of investigation is semi-structured, in-depth qualitative interviewing. The attitudes and perspectives of the district’s Director of Education and three Assistant Directors are explored. These interviews are supplemented with the reflections of a former Director of Education and a former Assistant Director of Human Resources from two additional school districts in Newfoundland and Labrador. Each participant was asked to provide a personal example of the process of adopting educational initiatives and to comment on how they saw each of the four conditions of practical discourse operating within such processes. Key aspects of their responses are presented and implications of their responses for the moral validity of educational initiatives are discussed along with prospects for further research and the education of future administrators.


identifier: Ellerbrok, Brittany Ann <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Ellerbrok=3ABrittany_Ann=3A=3A.html>   (2014) An isotopic reconstruction of diet and origins in an 18th-century mass burial site at the Fortress of Louisbourg, Nova Scotia.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The Fortress of Louisbourg, on the east coast of Cape Breton, played an important role in the 18th-century colonial history of North America. In 2006, a mass burial was discovered on nearby Rochefort Point. From the historical and archaeological evidence, it is believed the remains are of New England garrison members who died at the Fortress in the winter of 1745-46. To investigate this hypothesis, isotopic analysis was conducted on the individuals’ skeletal remains and on faunal remains from the Fortress. While the dietary reconstruction revealed a great deal of isotopic variability, most individuals subsisted on C₃ based foods. The ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr analysis was inconclusive, however, the lack of marine diets and non-French δ¹⁸O values suggests the mass burial individuals were not Louisbourg residents. Furthermore, the δ¹⁸O values suggest possible origins in New England which lends further support to the hypothesis that the mass burial individuals were members of the 1745 New England garrison.


identifier: Dongare, Prateek <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Dongare=3APrateek=3A=3A.html>   (2014) The excited-state chemistry of molecular assemblies and novel aromatic chromophores.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This dissertation explores the spectroscopic characterization, excited-state behavior
and mechanistic analysis of systematically designed molecules. Excited-states are modular
in nature, they can be utilized to study electron transfer, proton transfer and concerted
electron proton transfer. Furthermore, the excited-state of a molecule has an ability to
respond to specific stimuli which can be detected as fluorescence quenching or
enhancement. Therefore, the reactivity of an excited-state can be utilized in a variety of
applications.
This dissertation starts with investigation of the excited-state properties of strained
pyrenophanes. The absorption and emission spectra of three inherently chiral
pyrenophanes were analyzed using Franck-Condon band shape analysis and emission
spectral fitting procedures. The study tested the applicability of the one-mode spectral
fitting procedure and provided detailed quantitative understanding of structural, vibronic
and electronic parameters.
With the increased understanding of ground and excited-state properties of pyrene,
effect of protonation on constrained pyridine appended pyrene based macrocycles and their
half cycle counterparts was studied. Global analysis of the absorption and emission
spectral data reveals sequential 1:1 and 1:2 binding equilibria in macrocycles and direct 1:2
binding equilibria in their truncated segments bearing only one pyrene chromophores.
In chapter 5, the applicability of the excited-state in detection of analytes such as
saccharides and metal ions was investigated. Systematically designed molecules comprised
ii
of triazole rings were utilized as sensors to detect saccharides and metal ions by employing
fluorescence spectroscopy. The study reveals that triazole rings play a major part in the
ground and excited-state properties of these molecules and teaches us how to design new
sensors to be used in opto-electronic devices.
In chapter 6, concerted electron proton transfer using Re(I) based MLCT excitedstates
was studied. A sterically bulky phenol was employed as a combined electron/proton
donor and the reductive quenching of three analogous Re(I) polypyridyl complexes was
studied. Owing to the significant oxidizing power of Re(I) MLCT excited-states the
concerted electron proton transfer in these molecular assemblies is feasible. Chapter 7 lists
the major conclusions drawn from the individual chapters. In the end, some
recommendations for the future work are outlined.


identifier: He, Qing <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/He=3AQing=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Synthesis of cyclic carbonates from CO2 and epoxides with metalcontaining deep eutectic solvents.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
In the introductory chapter, a brief overview of the chemistry of ionic liquids is
presented. Ionic liquids have been a very popular alternative reaction media in recent
decades because of their very low vapor pressure and non-flammability compared to
conventional organic solvents. Ionic liquids have also been widely used in chemical
synthesis and catalysis. A deep eutectic solvent (DES) is an ionic solvent which is easily
prepared, air/moisture insensitive and frequently environmentally benign. Physical
properties of the DES depend on the ratio of the two components from which it is
prepared. DESs containing metals can be prepared and some have been used in catalytic
reactions. Carbon dioxide utilization is important for sustainable development. At the end
of Chapter 1, the use of ionic liquids and metal complexes in the catalytic synthesis of
cyclic carbonates from carbon dioxide and epoxides is introduced.
Six metal-containing DESs were synthesized from choline chloride (ChCl) and
MClₓ·yH₂O where M = Co (x = 2, y = 6), Cr (x = 3, y = 6), Ni (x = 2, y = 6), Cu (x = 2, y
= 2), Fe (x = 3, y = 0), Mn (x = 2, y = 4). Physical properties of the DESs were studied by
TGA and DSC. The solubility of the Co(II) DES was also tested. These results are
presented in Chapter 2.
In Chapter 3, the metal-containing DESs catalyzed coupling reactions of CO₂ and
styrene oxide to produce styrene carbonate under solvent-free conditions are described.
¹H NMR and GC-MS were used to confirm product formation and the resulted indicated
that a high level of selectivity was achieved in this reaction. The effects of reaction parameters like temperature, CO₂ pressure, reaction time and DESs of different ratios
were investigated.


identifier: Huang, Yanyan <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Huang=3AYanyan=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Prevalence, transmission and evolution of avian influenza viruses in Newfoundland and Labrador.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The island of Newfoundland is an important location for the breeding and wintering of millions of subarctic birds. The adjacency of the island to Greenland and western Europe indicates the possibility of inter-continental viral transmission by pelagic birds. In this thesis, the prevalence and transmission of avian influenza viruses (AIVs) in 3 major bird groups (duck, gull and murre) were investigated to shed light on AIV ecology and evolution at this region.
The epidemiological study of AIVs in ducks (2008-2011) revealed an overall virus detection rate of 7.2%. The viral prevalence differed significantly by bird age and sampling season. Although the AIV detection rates were much lower in gulls (1.8%) and murres (3.9%) during 2009-2011, virus prevalence also displayed strong variability by bird age and season. In addition, serological study revealed a much higher frequency of AIV infection in ducks, gulls and murres compared to results by virus detection alone.
The gene sequences of 30 duck AIVs (2008-2011) in Newfoundland and 79 reference duck AIVs (2006-2010) from the Atlantic bird flyway of North America were analyzed to reveal their genetic structure and the extent of gene flow. The genetic structure differed amongst the 8 viral segments with the highest diversity being found in the HA and NA segments. These viruses showed rare inter-continental transmission, but frequent reassortment, and frequent interspecies and North American inter-flyway distribution.
The gull AIVs in Newfoundland (2009-2011) showed frequent inter-continental and cross-host group transmission. The study also revealed a larger than previously detected AIV gene reservoir in gulls in Atlantic Canada.
The 21 H1N2 AIVs identified from Common Murre in summer 2011 belonged to 4 genotypes. The major genotype had been circulating in the murre population for a while before detection, as indicated by its genetic heterogeneity. The murre viruses displayed a mainly waterfowl-related gene pool with considerable inter-continental and avian-gull gene reassortments.
The results of this thesis work provided a profile of AIV prevalence in Newfoundland, and increased our understanding of AIV ecology and evolution in wild birds of Atlantic Canada. Besides continuing the AIV surveillance in gulls, murres and dabbling ducks, future surveillance work should expand to include sea ducks and shorebirds, to better reveal the dynamics of AIV evolution and transmission in this region.


identifier: Katan, Tomer <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Katan=3ATomer=3A=3A.html>   (2014) The effect of dietary supplementation with zooplankton or fish protein hydrolysate on Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) production traits and physiology.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This thesis examined the effects of partial dietary supplementation with wild- zooplankton or fish protein hydrolysate on cod production traits, and how they related to the cod’s physiology and the expression of growth and appetite regulating genes. Atlantic cod larvae were fed three different diets: enriched rotifers / Artemia (RA); RA + fish protein hydrolysate (RA-PH); and RA supplemented with 5-10% wild zooplankton (RA-Zoo). Partial supplementation with zooplankton significantly improved the dry weight at 60 dph (by approximately 4-fold), specific growth rate (by 2.5% day-1) and the general development of cod larvae. In contrast, the protein hydrolysate enrichment did not improve growth, had a negative effect on survival, and increased the incidence of external deformities in 18 month post-hatch juveniles. Although the zooplankton fed cod were still larger at approximately 1.5 years of age, the growth advantage of this group decreased with age (the difference in wet mass decreasing from approx. 30% at 0.5 years old to 11% at 1.5 years old). Metabolic parameters, and pre- and post-stress cortisol levels, were similar in juvenile cod from the RA and RA-Zoo groups. Finally, the growth enhancement observed in the zooplankton fed larvae was not related to alterations in the mRNA expression of the main growth regulating genes [Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1); IGF-2; Growth Hormone (GH); GH Receptor-1 (GHR-1); GHR-2; and myostatin] or appetite regulating hormones [(Cocaine and Amphetamine Regulated Transcript (CART) and Neuropeptide Y (NPY)]. This latter finding suggests that the transcript levels of these hormones and hormone receptors are not a valuable biomarker for growth in cod larvae.


identifier: Ingram, Tony <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Ingram=3ATony=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Is bilateral quadriceps inhibition in unilateral anterior knee pain attributable to gamma loop dysfunction?  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: A growing body of literature is revealing that unilateral knee pathology can cause bilateral quadriceps inhibition. The mechanisms by which these bilateral deficits occur are poorly understood. Research on knee ligament injury and osteoarthritis appears to indicate a link between traumatic disruption of sensory structures in the knee and a dysfunction of the gamma loop. Disruption of sensory structures appears to reduce afferent feedback to the gamma loop, and an intact gamma loop is necessary to achieve full muscle activation bilaterally. However, bilateral quadriceps inhibition is also seen in unilateral anterior knee pain conditions in which there is no obvious damage to the sensory structures of the knee. The purpose of this study was to determine the existence of gamma loop dysfunction in individuals with unilateral anterior knee pain to investigate its role as a mechanism for bilateral deficits.


identifier: Patten, Ashley L. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Patten=3AAshley_L=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2014) How is self-mutilation constructed? An examination of discourses of gender, the body and risk in the DSM and by psychiatrists.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
My research is concerned with the production of knowledge and how the process of
knowledge production might shape how we view and understand people’s bodies. In
particular, this research sought to understand the construction of knowledge about selfmutilation,
how discourses of gender, the body and risk shaped how self-mutilation was
perceived and whether or not these dominant knowledge(s) re-produced inequalities. The
aim of my research was to explore the various ways of thinking that surround selfmutilation
and to map the connections and disconnections between the diagnostic criteria
used to diagnose self-mutilation and psychiatrists’ understandings. Using a poststructuralist
critical discourse analysis approach, I conducted a longitudinal analysis of
the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) versions 1 through 5 (spanning 1952-2013)
and in-depth interviews with ten psychiatrists practicing child, adolescent and adult
psychiatry. The results illustrate that knowledge produced in the DSM does impact how
psychiatrists make sense of self-mutilation. Drawing on multiple theoretical perspectives,
such as the work of Deborah Lupton, Michel Foucault and Dorothy Smith, I show that
self-mutilation discourses reflect larger dominant ideas surrounding gender, the skin,
healthy bodies and risk; that self-mutilation is gendered and is linked to a diagnosis of
borderline personality disorder; and that there are multiple ways in which DSM language
is taken up, reproduced and resisted by psychiatrists. In sum, this thesis has outlined the
intersections between gender, power, and psychiatric knowledge.