identifier: Carey, Richard <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Carey=3ARichard=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Examination of potential environmental impacts on surface water associated with cranberry farming in Newfoundland and Labrador and development of best management practices for impact mitigation.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The commercial cranberry industry has a significant economic impact in North America, with cranberry sales of $89.6 million in Canada in 2014. However, there is growing concern about elevated levels of pesticides and nutrients downstream from cranberry farms and the associated risks to water quality and aquatic life. The present study will identify potential environmental impacts and develop best management practices (BMPs) for the growing cranberry industry in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador (NL).
Bi-weekly upstream, on-farm, and downstream water sampling was conducted at 6 farms in NL from June to November of 2011 and 2012. Water quality testing assessed levels of 69 pesticides and 11 additional parameters. Nine soil samples were analyzed for 122 pesticides and 4 additional parameters. Probability, linear and exponential regression, and correlational analyses were carried out to assess data. ANOVA and Tukey tests were run to determine significance between sites, and descriptive statistics were evaluated.
The only significant difference between upstream and downstream sites over all farms was a decrease downstream compared to upstream for pH. The most frequently detected pesticide was diazinon, with 15 detections at both upstream and downstream sites. The only other pesticide detection downstream aside from 3 instances of trace amounts of historical use pesticides was a single detection of carbaryl. None of the nine soil samples taken at the downstream locations contained any detectable levels of pesticides. The lack of significant differences in water samples between downstream and upstream sites for pesticides and nutrients, as well as no detected pesticides in soil samples, suggests current on-farm practices in the studied farms have been fairly effective in mitigating risk to downstream surface water and soil in NL during the sampling period. However, the frequent detection of diazinon off the farm shows there may be room for improving management practices for cranberry farming in the province.
An in depth analysis of BMPs at Deadman’s Bay cranberry farm found that many of the fifteen key BMPs introduced in the present study were already implemented at the farm, but that there was a need to adopt or modify some other BMPs or their combinations. Implementing the recommended BMPs at sites throughout NL will enable the provincial cranberry industry to minimize economic costs and environmental impacts.


identifier: Tanton, Cheryl <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Tanton=3ACheryl=3A=3A.html>   (2017) From insider to outsider and back again: a self-study of being and becoming a curriculum specialist in physical education.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

type: Thesis NonPeerReviewed

abstract:
The purpose of this research was: (1) to capture my lived experiences as a curriculum
specialist attempting to enact change, (2) to investigate how my identities as a curriculum
specialist shape my lived experiences and how those lived experiences shape my identity
and (3) provide insights into a curriculum specialist’s practice through self-study. Given
that little is known about the work and lived experiences of a curriculum specialist, in
particular, less is known about the identities of those who work in curriculum
development and how their identities influence their daily practice (You, 2011). It is in
these gaps that this study is situated thus will add to the limited body of research.
This study was conducted over a 17-month period where I actively engaged in
conversations with a critical friend who challenged and/or supported my assumptions.
Data collection involved personal journal entries (n=39,529 words), emails, field notes
from conversations with a critical friend, and artifacts and other forms of text. The
analysis of data comprised of building and sifting through themes, inductive coding,
synthesizing, organizing, inquiring questions and answers, insights into self, and looking
for patterns for the purpose of discovering my findings (Bogdan & Biklen, 2007). I
looked at problems through multiple lenses and angles, which brought about a
crystallization of the data and balance to this self-study that in turn, will ensure the
element of trustworthiness and ‘ring true’ to those who read it
Several themes were identified from the data: how I came to develop a newly
shaped view of who I was as a curriculum specialist; contrasting insider and outsider
identities, tensions in coming to identify as a curriculum specialist, becoming a
curriculum specialist, importance of critical friendship, establishing metaphors for my identity, from being a physical educator and becoming a curriculum specialist. This
research also demonstrates the value of self-study on processing identification in being
and becoming a curriculum specialist.
By sharing the resulting findings from this research, others can learn from the
insights about my practice as a curriculum specialist and the processes of curriculum
development, and identity while using self-study research.


identifier: Cochrane, Kerrie <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Cochrane=3AKerrie=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Exploring the employment experiences of adults with autism.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
There is room for increased exploration into the needs of adults with Autism Spectrum
Disorder (ASD), specifically in the area of employment. This study explored the employment
experiences of adults with ASD as perceived by both parents of adult children with ASD and
adults with ASD. The qualitative data gained in this study highlighted a number of themes
derived from interviews with parents of adult children with ASD and adults with ASD, themes
including ‘Communication’, ‘Economic Considerations’, ‘Education’, ‘Consistency’, and
‘Barriers.’ These themes highlighted common issues experienced by parents of adult children
with ASD and adults with ASD in Newfoundland and Labrador. Adults with ASD made many
positive comments about their current employment situations and personal support systems. On
the other hand most participants expressed dissatisfaction with autism related training programs,
the education level and skill set of support workers and employers specifically tasked with
providing employment support to adults with ASD, and the amount of funding available for
quality programs. Further research should explore employers and support workers perspectives
on this topic as well as transition programs to better inform ways to support individuals with
autism in the workforce.


identifier: Leclerc, Natasha <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Leclerc=3ANatasha=3A=3A.html>   (2018) Long-term histories of clam harvesting and seasonal settlement strategies on Shíshálh Lands, British Columbia.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This thesis investigated seasonality and intensity of shíshálh shellfish harvesting
practices, and, by proxy, seasonal site occupation in the Sechelt Inlet system (SIS),
located on the inner coast of the Sunshine Coast, southern British Columbia. Three
different site types were examined: a large village, an inlet village and two formal camps.
This represents the first systematic study of shellfish harvesting and seasonality in the
region that applied high-resolution stable oxygen isotope analysis (δ¹⁸Oₛₕₑₗₗ) coupled with
macro- and micro-growth line analyses of archaeological and live-collected butter clam
(Saxidomus gigantea) shells. The δ¹⁸Oₛₕₑₗₗ results showed that shellfish harvesting in the
SIS occurred year-round, though seasonal preferences differed by site type. The large
village showed a preference for winter/early spring harvesting, the smaller inlet village
showed a preference for spring and summer collection, and the formal camps showed a
preference for spring harvesting. Seasonal preference generally followed the seasons
when the sites would have been occupied by the most people. Few autumn-collected
shells were found suggesting that butter clams were harvested and dried in the summer
instead of the autumn to be prepared for winter consumption or were not harvested for the
intension of winter consumption. The results demonstrated that, from 930 to 0 cal. BP,
the shíshálh “seasonal round” generally followed the SIS’s ethnographically present
seasonal occupation but was also flexible to environmental contingencies. In addition, the
δ¹⁸Oₛₕₑₗₗ data support a seasonal shift between the Tzoonie Narrows inlet village and the
Porpoise Bay year-round village, which had not been recorded ethnographically. The
results continue to showcase the value in challenging the ethnographic record.
The macro-growth line analysis results demonstrated a pattern of high harvesting
intensity at all sites regardless of their site type. This differed from results previously
obtained from other investigations on the British Columbian coast, specifically sites in
eastern Vancouver Island, the Namu region on the central coast, and the Dundas Islands
and Prince Rupert Harbour on the northern coast, thereby highlighting the uniqueness of
shellfish-related practices on shíshálh lands and the variability along the Pacific
Northwest Coast. Results also suggested that proximity to mixed substrate beaches, the
preferred medium for butter clams, may have been a factor in clam harvesting intensity in
addition to the density of occupation.
Macro-growth line alignment with δ¹⁸Oₛₕₑₗₗ results suggested that low salinity coupled
with frequent freshwater incursions led to the deposition of macro-growth lines in the
autumn and the spring, as well as winter and summer. Micro-growth line analysis, which
involves measuring lunar daily growth increments (LDGI), was not able to account for a
full year of growth, while previous work on butter clam shells from the outer coast was
able to do so. This demonstrated that LDGI measurements could not be used in the SIS to
clarify salinity effects on δ¹⁸Oₛₕₑₗₗ.


identifier: Bower, Megan A. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Bower=3AMegan_A=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Exploring the potential of strontium isotope analysis to detect archaeological migration events in Southern Ontario, Canada.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This dissertation examines the potential of strontium isotope analysis to detect
archaeological migration events in southern Ontario, Canada. It is the first study of
strontium isotope analysis of white-tailed deer teeth conducted in Canada, with previous
research making use of stable isotope analysis and archaeological and ethnohistorical
evidence to investigate mobility. Southern Ontario has a rich archaeological record with a
long history of mobility studies making it an ideal setting in which to investigate the
potential of this method.
In pursuit of this, the range of variation in bioavailable ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values in
southern Ontario was established to create an isotopic baseline. Three models detailing
the range of variation in ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values were created: a proxy model using previously
published ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values of geological substrates; a theoretical model using previously
published equations to establish potential bioavailable ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values; and an
experimental model using white-tailed deer teeth recovered from archaeological sites in
southern Ontario.
Three hundred and twenty one samples of core enamel from 104 white-tailed deer
teeth recovered from 31 different archaeological sites in southern Ontario were prepared
for strontium isotope analysis to characterize the bioavailable strontium. Sites were
located in traditional Huron-Wendat and Neutral territory dating from A.D. 75-1651. The
underlying geology in the region dates to the Palaeozoic era (~542MYA to 251MYA)
and contains limestone, sandstone, dolomite and shale with trace amounts of other rocks
and minerals (e.g., arkose). A variety of types of sediment and soil overlay the bedrock including sand, clay, silt, gravel, and glacial till dating to the Quaternary period (2.6MYA
to present) while elevation ranges from 49 to 542 meters above sea level. The amount of
variation within and between white-tailed deer teeth was also examined with serial
samples analyzed from multiple lophs on the same tooth, as well as from different types
of teeth (e.g., first, second and third molars) from the same individual.
Strontium isotope analysis was found to be of limited utility to investigate
mobility within groups originating from southern Ontario (e.g., the Huron-Wendat and
Neutral) with minimal variation present. However, distinction between populations from
different geographic areas (e.g., Northern Iroquoians, Iroquoians, Europeans,
Algonquians) remains feasible. Similarly, the strontium isotope composition within
white-tailed deer teeth is relatively homogenous making them a viable sample for
strontium isotope analysis. However, small differences between types of teeth were noted
suggesting that white-tailed deer behaviour and seasonality are influential. Cultural
factors such as white-tailed deer acquisition and type of site (e.g., village, hamlet) also
impact strontium isotope analysis and should be considered in any study making use of
this method.


identifier: Gibbs, Shaun <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Gibbs=3AShaun=3A=3A.html>   (2017) A critical analysis of the high school outdoor education program in New Brunswick.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Outdoor Education (OE) is a possible solution to the lack of outdoor activity currently experienced by young Canadians; one that has the potential to significantly improve their mental and physical health. OE in the province of New Brunswick’s (NB) high school system takes the form of the Outdoor Pursuits (OP) course.This program evaluation investigated the effectiveness of the 1995 NB OP curriculum from the perspective of its teachers and has provided evidence supporting the value of teaching OE. Using a sequential mixed-methods approach, I gained a deeper understanding of the effectiveness of the OP program, the value the teachers place on it and the potential benefits associated with working with youth in nature. Due to the low number of respondents, this study lacks statistical validity; however, it effectively provides a rationale for maintaining and enhancing the OP program in the province of New Brunswick. Based on my research and the values placed on all the past outcomes, by the OP teachers, recommendations for an updated curriculum include that the outcomes be streamlined into four headings: ecological literacy, technical skill development, well-being, and group dynamics. I found that high school OE programs typically fall under the purview of the Physical Education curriculum and are therefore bound to the PE value orientations. As such, based on this research I have suggested a new OE-specific value orientation to help future OE curriculum developments. Recommendations include conducting a wider Canadian or North American study on OE, and following up on the impact of OE on high-school aged students.


identifier: Li, Zhi <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Li=3AZhi=3A=3A.html>   (2018) Survival strategies for unmanned surface vehicles in harsh ocean environments.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) have seen fast development in the past decades, and
they have opened up new ways for observing the ocean. A USV can run autonomous missions
on the water surface with different payload sensors for characterizing the chemical
and physical properties of the water column. With a group of USVs operated simultaneously
in a fleet, the ocean observation work can be extended to much larger areas to
achieve diverse scientific objectives. The ocean has very challenging environments, and to
enable a USV to successfully complete each survey mission under adverse weather conditions,
it is of great importance to investigate accurate and robust path-following control
algorithms. Further, the unexpected ocean disturbances on a USV can potentially lead
to critical motions, which may cause a USV to capsize. Therefore, the safety analysis of
a USV that runs a mission in the seaway becomes a particularly important subject.
This thesis provides a comprehensive investigation into the operation of a USV executing
autonomous missions in adverse ocean environments. We investigate a USV’s
dynamic motion modeling and validation in 6 degrees of freedom (DOF), examine three
path-following control algorithms and their real-world performance in adverse weather
conditions, as well as establish the safe operational condition for a USV that operates in
dynamic ocean environments. We hope that our accomplished work can assist the USV
practitioners in choosing appropriate motion dynamics models and robust path-following
control strategies, and potentially implementing our safety analysis results to improve a USV’s operational safety and survivability during its ocean exploration mission. The planar
motion dynamics are derived from the 6 DOF rigid-body motion equations, based on
which a hybrid identification method that combines the tow tank and field tests has been
carried out to determine the model parameter values. Depending on the constructed
planar dynamic motion model, we develop and test three path-following control algorithms,
i.e. Vector Field Method (VF), Carrot Chasing Method (CC) and Line-of-Sight
Method (LOS). Our investigation involves investigating their mathematical origins, performing
simulation tests and carrying out field experiments in adverse weather conditions
to examine each algorithm’s robustness.
Understanding the uncontrollable oscillatory motions in heave, roll and pitch are critical
for the safety of a USV that operates in harsh ocean environments. The major influence
on a USV’s oscillatory motion comes from the ocean waves. Since this highly nonlinear
interactive dynamics are quite complicated, we implement three mathematical tools for
the safety analysis, which includes the Analytical Method, Melnikov’s Method and Erosion
Basin Method. Using the approximated analytical solution, we demonstrate the wellknown
jump phenomenon for the nonlinear oscillatory motion. Using Melnikov’s function,
we determine a conservative critical condition to predict the occurrence of chaotic motion,
which can be regarded as a USV’s safe operation boundary condition. The erosion basin
numerical analysis has been implemented as a supplement for the Melnikov’s method, and
the results show that the achieved Melnikov boundary condition corresponds to the 90%
safe region proportion contour. The boundary condition has been successfully combined
together with the wave excitation moments to determine the safe and unsafe operational
regions for a USV. These results are summarized in a series of unsafe region contour plots
in the 2D polar coordinates.


identifier: Kendrick, Jillian <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Kendrick=3AJillian=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Coupled trace element analysis and cathodoluminescence imaging applied to anatectic aluminous granulites: the metamorphic record of quartz and kyanite.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Anatectic aluminous granulites from the Grenville Province, Canada, are
investigated using trace element analysis and cathodoluminescence (CL) mapping of
quartz and kyanite. Two types of quartz: crystals resorbed during partial melting and
retrograde pseudomorphs after partial melt, are identified by CL mapping. Titanium-inquartz
thermobarometry for each type is evaluated in the context of phase equilibria
modelling. Despite the presence of rutile, most quartz did not reach equilibrium Ti
concentrations, especially during melt crystallisation. Kyanite porphyroblasts in highpressure
samples are found to be composite crystals comprising up to three generations of
kyanite, two prograde and one retrograde. These are linked to a metamorphic reaction
history consistent with phase equilibria modelling, and are used to provide additional
constraints on the P–T evolution of these rocks. Trace element analysis and CL mapping
are valuable complements to traditional methods of investigating high-grade metamorphic
rocks.


identifier: Mehrani, Sepideh <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Mehrani=3ASepideh=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Computational and experimental studies of redox-active 1,4-dithiafulvene derivatives.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
1,4-Dithiafulvene (DTF) is a π-conjugated organic molecule with excellent electrondonating
properties and redox activity, which can be widely used in the application of
molecular electronics and optoelectronics. The work described in this dissertation investigates
on the fundamental properties of a series of novel DTF-based molecules and
macromolecules. The first part of this thesis is focused on the studies of a bis(DTF)-
end-capped oligo(phenylene ethynylene). Both experimental characterizations (e.g.,
cyclic voltammetry, UV-Vis absorption, and Raman spectroscopy) and theoretical
density functional theory (DFT) modeling have been conducted to gain insight into
the structural, electronic and redox properties of this oligomer in the neutral and
oxidized states. Further, the self-assembling behavior of the bis(DTF)-oligomer on
the surfaces of mica and highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) was examined by
atomic force microscopy (AFM). It has been noted that the microscopic morphologies
of the self-assemblies of bis(DTF)-endcapped oligo(phenylene ethynylene) on surfaces
show redox state dependency. In the second part of this thesis, the adsorption behavior
of a carboxyl-substituted DTF molecule on the surface of gold was studied. DFT
calculations were performed with the Vienna Ab Initio Simulation Package (VASP)
under periodic boundary conditions with Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof (PBE) correlation
and the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) exchange functional. The effect
of van der Waals interactions was taken into account by the vdW-DFT (optB88-vdW) method. The DTF molecule–gold surface interactions were investigated to understand
the process of monolayer formation and associated charge transfer properties. Moreover,
calculations with and without dispersion correction were performed to examine
the role van der Waals interactions play at organic-metal interfaces. Raman spectroscopy
and Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) were employed to validate the
accuracy of computed work functions. The results demonstrate that the work function
of Au (111) can be tuned by depositing a thin film of redox-active DTF molecules
with differing molecular dipole moments. Finally, the mechanisms for the reduction
of HAuCl4 with DTF derivatives were investigated by time-dependent UV-Vis analysis.
The experimental results show that stepwise temperature control is a key factor
dictating the formation of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Overall, this finding points
to a promising one-phase synthetic approach for AuNPs in aqueous media.


identifier: Zhou, Yuhong <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Zhou=3AYuhong=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Influence of natural organic matter in the transport medium on fine particle transport.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Although extensive research has been conducted to understand the effects of dissolved organic matter (DOM) on fine particle transport, less attention has been paid to NOM in the transport medium (i.e., immobile rock and sediment grains). The objective of this study is to the roles of NOM in the transport medium in mediating particle transport. We conducted an experimental and modelling study on the transport of nanoscale titanium dioxide (nTiO₂) and illite colloid in columns packed with quartz sand under water-saturated conditions. Peat moss was used as an example NOM and packed in some of the columns to investigate its influence on particle transport. Experimental results showed that NOM may either increase or decrease particle transport depending on the specific conditions. NOM in the transport medium was found to attract particles and reduce particle mobility when the energy barrier between particle and NOM is low or non-existent. NOM also adsorbed to Fe and Al oxyhydroxides and promoted the transport of negatively-charged particles at low pH. Partial dissolution of NOM releases DOM, and the DOM adsorbs to and increases the transport of positively-charged particles. Additionally, NOM changes pore water pH, which influences particle mobility by affecting the interaction energy between the particle and transport medium. Modelling results showed that the deposition sites of peat moss are very heterogeneous, and the NOM from peat moss may reduce particle deposition rate by adsorbing to the particle and/or transport medium. Findings from this study demonstrates that NOM in the transport medium not only changes properties of the medium, but also may alter water chemistry. Therefore, the role of NOM in mediating particle transport is complicated and dependent on the properties of the particle, NOM, and mineralogical composition of the medium.


identifier: Chen, Zizui <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Chen=3AZizui=3A=3A.html>   (2017) A computer vision based ultrasound operator skill evaluation.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The aim of this thesis is to research inexpensive and automatic methods for analysing sonogra-
phers skill level, which reduces cost and improves objectivity. The current approach of teaching
physicians to generate good quality ultrasound images is expensive and subjective, also takes
significant time and resources, because it requires experienced instructors to guide and assess
trainees in person. In this thesis, a distributed data collection system for synchronising and
collecting data from multiple different sensors, including Microsoft Kinect 2 and ultrasound
machine, was designed. Then hand movements are extracted from ultrasound images with an
intensity-based image registration algorithm. The extracted movements data are analysed to
find different patterns between novice and expert sonographers. A multi-sensor fusion algorithm
is used in this thesis to extend the field of view of Microsoft Kinect 2, as well as overcome the
cluttered environments and obstacles in clinics. Hand tracking is performed in the registered
large point clouds with a semi-automatic colour-based segmentation algorithm.


identifier: Mahdi, Ali Karbalaei <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Mahdi=3AAli_Karbalaei=3A=3A.html>   (2018) The duty to enter a civil condition: Immanuel Kant's argument in the Metaphysics of Morals.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The problem of political obligation is the question of what justifies our obedience
to the laws imposed upon us by a political authority, or alternatively, what makes a civil
condition necessary. In this thesis, I provide an answer to this question through a study of
Immanuel Kant’s theory of right in his Metaphysics of Morals. My main claim is that,
from a Kantian perspective, a civil condition is necessary we take ourselves to be rational
beings. The crucial concept by which Kant establishes the necessity of a civil condition is
the concept of freedom as independence from being constrained by another’s choice.
First, I argue that the concept of freedom is a demand of the very principle of our
rational, free agency. I then show that a civil condition is necessary for our innate right to
freedom.


identifier: Badewa, Emmanuel Adedamola <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Badewa=3AEmmanuel_Adedamola=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Apparent electrical conductivity mapping in managed podzols using multi-coil and multi-frequency EMI sensor measurements.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The research focused on utilizing apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) survey protocols in characterizing the spatial and temporal variability of soil physical and hydraulic properties in Western Newfoundland, Canada. In this study, two different non-invasive multi-coil and multi-frequency EMI sensors; CMD Mini-explorer and GEM-2, respectively were used to collect ECa data under different nutrient management systems at Pynn’s Brook Research Station, Pasadena. Results showed that due to the differences in investigation depths of the two EMI sensors, the linear regression models generated for SMC using the CMD Mini-explorer were statistically significant with the highest R² = 0.79 and the lowest RMSE = 0.015 m³ m⁻³ and not significant for GEM-2 with the lowest R² = 0.17 and RMSE = 0.045 m³ m⁻³. Furthermore, there is a significant relationship between the ECa mean relative differences (MRD) versus SMC MRD (R² = 0.33 to 0.70) for both multi-Coil and multi-Frequency sensors. In addition, the spatial variability of the ECa predicted soil properties are relatively consistent with lower variability compared to the measured soil properties. Conclusively, the ECa measurements obtained through either multi-coil or multi-frequency sensors have the potential to be successfully employed for soil physical and hydraulic properties at the field scale.


identifier: Shekari, Elahe <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Shekari=3AElahe=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Risk-based evaluation of pitting corrosion in process facilities.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Pitting is one of the most challenging forms of corrosion to study and model due to complex
pit behavior. Pitting can occur in different engineering alloys and can lead to catastrophic
consequences. Pits are usually latent or difficult-to-detect and resulting degradation often
causes in-service failure of process equipment. Therefore, the ability to predict pit behavior is
key to design and maintenance of assets. In particular, pitting corrosion is a significant
challenge in marine environments and offshore operations due to remoteness of operations
and hidden damage under insulations. Thus, the ability to assess risk and estimate remaining
life of assets affected by pitting corrosion is necessary for timely maintenance and safe
operation of assets.
This thesis proposes a methodology to assess and dynamically update the risk of pressurized
components affected by pitting corrosion. To take into consideration the time-dependent
growth of pits, the application of non-homogenous Markov process is proposed to model the
maximum pit depth. The integration of the developed maximum pit model into a pressureresistance
model is proposed to predict the failure probability of affected components. An
economic consequence analysis model is developed to estimate both business and accidental
losses due to failure of the affected component. Then, risk is estimated by integrating models
developed for probability of failure and associated consequences. The application of
Bayesian analysis is proposed to update estimated risk as new inspection data gets available
and also as economic condition of the process evolves. This work also proposes a risk
management strategy including corrosion prevention, control and monitoring measures to
make effective decision related to pitting corrosion. The application of the proposed methods
is demonstrated using different case studies.


identifier: Wall, Stephen E. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Wall=3AStephen_E=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2017) The men we sell ourselves: the communication of masculinities folklore through the medium of television advertising.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This work explicates the vernacular interpretive practices of audience members as they view masculinities images conveyed through the medium of television advertising. Founded in a theoretical framework of gender studies, media studies, the folkloristic approach to popular culture, and the subtle performances of everyday life, this dissertation aims to better understand both what people see when they are shown an image like Old Spice’s “Man Your Man Could Smell Like” or Dos Equis’ “Most Interesting Man in the World” and how they assimilate these images into their larger understandings of manliness and masculinity. The evidence interpreted herein will point to a disconnect between the displays of manliness in advertisements collected from the informants’ locally available television networks and the depth and breadth of the informants personal experiences to which the notion of “masculinity” applies in their everyday lives. Based on consultation of advertising literature and interview work with advertising professionals undertaken as part of this project, it is clear that this hegemonic approach to masculinity is something advertisers are seeking to perpetuate as a means of making messages available to a wider audience in an effort to achieve profit. This dissertation concludes on the note of problematizing this approach to masculinities in advertising and identifies examples of advertisings’ lack of impact when it comes health, education, and not-‐for-‐profit efforts in the field of advocacy that centers on North American men.


identifier: Rafiyi, Alireza <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Rafiyi=3AAlireza=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Mean-field dynamics in a class of open quantum systems.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
We consider a system of N identical quantum particles coupled to an environment. The
coupling is scaled in a mean-field way, and particles interact indirectly through the
environment. There is no direct interaction between particles. The time evolution of the
mean-field-scaled particles is called the mean-field dynamics and the limit of the
evolution as N → ∞ is called the mean-field limit. The study of mean-field limits is an
active topic of research in many-body quantum theory. Previously, almost all research in
this area has been carried out for directly interacting particles without interaction with
an environment. In this thesis, we prove that under a suitable condition on the initial
system states the mean-field limit in the above indirectly interacting particle system does
exist. The condition is satisfied in particular for spin ½ (qubit) systems. Assuming this
condition, we show that the system dynamics is the free dynamics in the mean-field limit
N → ∞, and we find the first and second correction terms. We show that the particles
have a collective effect on the dynamics of the environment (reservoir) which we derive
analytically. We give examples to illustrate our results.


identifier: McIlroy, Caroline <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/McIlroy=3ACaroline=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Development of extension over time during rifting of the Jeanne d’Arc Basin, offshore Newfoundland.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The Jeanne d’Arc Basin formed during multiple rift events and passive subsidence
associated with the opening of the North Atlantic Ocean through the Mesozoic and
Cenozoic. It is typically reported that crustal thinning is greater than extension due to
brittle faulting. Although there have been measurements of total extension from fault
analysis along single transects across the basin or from change in crustal thickness,
quantifying the extension using detailed fault analysis for the different rift phases and
how it changes throughout the basin has not previously been attempted.
2D and 3D seismic data and well data were used to create time structure maps at the
start of each rift phase. These maps were restored to their position before each rift
phase using beta values derived from fault heave extension estimates. The restored
maps were compared with restorations produced using change in crustal thinning to
measure beta. It was established that fault heave measurements from the 2D data
underestimate extension by approximately 50% when compared with measurements
from the 3D data. This observation was incorporated into the extension estimates.
Extension was most significant during the Late Triassic to Early Jurassic rift phase in
the Jeanne d’Arc Basin. The total amount of extension measured using fault heaves
in this study corresponds closely with the total amount of extension measured using
change in crustal thickness in the regional North Atlantic deformable plate model, for total extension with beta values generally around 2. This indicates that stretching is
uniform with depth in this area. This detailed study can be used to refine the regional
North Atlantic deformable plate model.
Time structure maps of the syn-rift and post-rift thickness were created for a larger
area extending into the northern Jeanne d’Arc Basin and the southern Orphan Basin.
The post-rift thickens dramatically northwards to overlie thin syn-rift in the north of
the area. It is suggested that depth dependent extension caused by ductile flow of continental
mantle lithosphere towards the rift axis led to large scale thermal subsidence
in this area.


identifier: Zhang, Jinfeng <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Zhang=3AJinfeng=3A=3A.html>   (2017) From design to application: the synthesis of metal-organic frameworks (MOFS) with an environmentally benign solvent for applications in environmental protection.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a series of porous materials made of wellorganized
inorganic metal nodes linked via organic ligands (linkers). MOFs have
gained particular attention due to their applications in gas adsorption and separation,
selective sorption of harmful chemicals, catalysis, energy, sensing, bioscience, and
electronics.
The thesis will focus on two different aspects of MOFs. Briefly, in the first portion
of the thesis, a less-toxic solvent than N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) can be used
to make MOFs will be demonstrated. In the latter portion of the thesis, my efforts
to incorporate organic moieties into MOFs for sulfur dioxide sequestration will be
described.
With regard to the use of less-toxic solvents, it should be noted that with notable
exceptions (e.g., mechanochemical, water-based, and electrochemical), the synthesis
of MOFs is often carried out at elevated temperature using DMF or N,Ndiethylformamide
(DEF) as the solvent. However, the industrial-scale synthesis of
MOFs from DMF/DEF may generate significant amounts of DMF waste, which can
exhibit reprotoxicity and end-of-life issues associated with the formation of NOx upon
incineration. With the introduction of the Registration, Evaluation and Authorization
of Chemicals (REACH) legislation in the European Union, there is a growing
trend towards safer production and use of chemicals by industry. As such, it is crucial
to develop green/sustainable methods of synthesizing MOFs.
Dihydrolevoglucosenone (Cyrene), a green bioderived solvent from waste cellulose,
was applied to the synthesis of MOFs. The MOF, HKUST-1, exhibited a larger Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area than HKUST-1 synthesized with DMF.
Four additional archetypal MOFs were also synthesized to verify the universal application
of Cyrene in the synthesis of MOFs. However, their BET surface areas were
lower than DMF-made MOFs. It was observed that an aldol-condensation product of
two Cyrene molecules, in addition to Cyrene trapped within the pores, were responsible
for the lower-than expected surface areas. The use of Cyrene has led to a series
of design principles that eliminate the need for problematic solvents such as DMF
and can be applied to the synthesis of a wide range of MOFs.
With regard to sulfur dioxide sequestration, it should be noted that sulfur dioxide,
a colorless gas belonging to SOx family, yields detrimental effects via inhalation or
absorption. Since MOFs are ideal sorbents for toxic gases, in Chapter 3, I will continue
along the theme of reprotoxicity and end-of-life issues by designing MOFs which have
the potential to chemically react with sulfur dioxide. Unlike the de novo synthetic
pathways in the Chapter 2, the Chapter 3 will demonstrate how solvent-assisted
linker exchange (SALE) and solvent-assisted linker incorporation (SALI) can be used
to make MOFs with the ideal functionalities for sulfur dioxide sequestration.
In Chapter 3, the main focus of the work was to introduce the butadiene functional
groups into different MOFs, namely UiO-66, UiO-66-MA (muconic-acid-functionalized
UiO-66), MOF-808, MOF-808-BS (butadiene-sulfone-functionalized MOF-808) and
MOF-808-BD (butadiene-functionalized MOF-808), the SALI method was vitalized
to determine if the butadiene group could undergo a cheletropic reaction in the presence
of sulfur dioxide inside the MOF. All MOFs were exposed to a constant flow of
sulfur dioxide, the UiO-66-MA was observed to take up three times more sulfur dioxide
than the unfunctionalized parent UiO-66. For the MOF-808 series, surprisingly, the unfuctionalized MOF-808 was able to absorb more than two times the sulfur
dioxide than MOF-808-BD, and five times higher than MOF-808-BS, respectively.
This suggests that the terminal waters and hydroxide groups are responsible for the
enhanced uptake. Despite the improved uptake of sulfur dioxide in UiO-66-MA and
MOF-808, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and infrared (IR) data indicate that
no chemical change occurred to the butadiene-functionalized group, which suggests
that a cheletropic reaction did not occur.


identifier: Lasagani, Kumbalatara Arachchige Terashmila <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Lasagani=3AKumbalatara_Arachchige_Terashmila=3A=3A.html>   (2018) A communication method for remote control of grid-tied converters.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This thesis presents selection, design, development, and validation of a communica-
tion method for remote control of a grid-tied inverter. There is a gap in the smart grid
field for a secure and reliable communication method. To fulfill this gap three low-cost
wireless such as LoRa, Radio Teletype, and UHF/ VHF based data communication
technologies were tested, compared and presented in the thesis. Based on the test
results, range, data transfer rate, and power consumption, LoRa based communica-
tion are selected as the most suitable method to satisfy the problem. Security and
reliability issues have been identified in the LoRa based communication. Therefore,
an encryption algorithm is developed to improve the security of the LoRa communication and data have been logged into a local data storage to improve the reliability.
To increase the reliability of the developed system further, Power Line Carrier (PLC)
communication link has been combined in parallel to the LoRa communication link.
To evaluate the reliability of the developed system fault tree and Monte-Carlo simula-
tion based reliability model has been proposed. Based on available data and assumed
data reliability of the system had been calculated. Results obtained by testing the
developed system with an Inverter which is being designed at the University of New
Brunswick, presented in the thesis verify the operation of the development. Therefore,
this study substantially contributes to the field of SCADA systems by developing a
low cost and reliable communication method.


identifier: Patey, Matthew <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Patey=3AMatthew=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Understanding inclusive pedagogy from perspectives of primary and elementary physical and health educators.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Living a life within inclusive environments is a human right (Canadian Human
Rights Commission, 2013), and these environments must exist across several domains of
one’s everyday life. Physical and health education (PHE) is important to improve a
child’s well-being physically, socially, cognitively, and spiritually (Kilborn, 2016).
Accordingly, these benefits of PHE should be equitably accessible to all children.
Teachers play significant roles in students’ inclusive learning experiences. However, the
perspectives and practices of teachers in establishing inclusiveness within PHE contexts
are not fully explored in the research literature. Furthermore, there is a lack of empirical
knowledge regarding primary/elementary educators’ understandings of inclusive
pedagogy and their day-to-day pedagogic practices. Therefore, the purpose of this study
was to understand the ways in which primary/elementary PHE teachers understand the
inclusive pedagogy and their ways of engaging in inclusive pedagogy in day-to-day PHE
contexts. Specific research questions were “How do primary/elementary PHE teachers
understand inclusive pedagogy” and “What do primary/elementary PHE teachers do dayto-
day to promote inclusiveness in their pedagogic practices?”
An explorative qualitative research design was employed. 11 primary/elementary
PHE teachers participated in one-on-one interviews. Thematic analysis was performed to
highlight primary/elementary PHE teachers’ perspectives and practices of inclusive
pedagogy. According to participants, inclusive pedagogy is “for everyone,” “but mission
impossible”—considering the diverse backgrounds of students and teachers, as well as the
current constructions of the educational system. They also perceived that inclusive
pedagogy is “to create a safe place” for everyone within PHE contexts. In order to create and maintain inclusive environments, participants highlighted what they do in their dayto-
day pedagogic practices: (1) planning from the beginning using a universal
pedagogical design; (2) sharing ownership of teaching and learning with students by
providing students leadership roles and responsibilities, and by ensuring students’ choices
in learning and; (3) building rapports and positive relationships with students and
maintain affirmative partnerships with co-educators; (4) being responsive and flexible by
mindfully implementing adaptation strategies, and engaging in critical reflections on their
own inclusive pedagogic practices in PHE.
This study has provided empirical knowledge regarding the complex processes
and mechanisms of providing inclusive pedagogy within primary/elementary PHE from
the perspectives of teachers, for further cross-cultural comparisons with those of
administrators, parents, and children. Furthermore, this study has highlighted teachers’
understandings of inclusive pedagogy, as well as actions they take to ensure the
establishment and sustainability of inclusion in their PHE program, which may encourage
other teachers to be reflexive about their own pedagogic practices in promoting inclusion.


identifier: Moakler, Edward <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Moakler=3AEdward=3A=3A.html>   (2018) Development of guidelines for transverse web frame design in polar class ships using non-linear finite element analysis.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This thesis aims to fill in the gaps that exist for transverse web frame design in polar class
ships. The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) has developed a
set of harmonized rules that govern the design and construction of many different types of
vessels. Traditional ship design used an elastic design point whereas the new Polar Class
rules use a plastic design point. For polar class ships an agreement could not be reached
within IACS governing bodies with regards to transverse web frame design. As no
agreement was reached each classification society has adopted their own methods for the
design and construction of transverse web frames. Many of the classification societies
have adapted their rules from traditional steel vessel designs until an agreement can be
made within IACS. The problem with this (aside from there not being harmonized rules
across the classification societies) is that the design point for web frames using traditional
steel vessel rules is elastic, while the design point of all the surrounding is plastic. This
causes a mismatch in design philosophies where the web frames must be overly large in
order to remain elastic under the design load. This thesis looks at the plastic behaviour of
transverse web frames in two different polar class ships, at the design load and in
overload scenarios, using non-linear finite element analysis and a “design of experiments”
statistical approach. This thesis presents guidance on how to develop accurate finite
element models for polar class ships and provides guidance on appropriate acceptance
criteria for the plastic design/behaviour of transverse web frames.


identifier: Hernández, Mariana Hernández <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Hern=E1ndez=3AMariana_Hern=E1ndez=3A=3A.html>   (2017) A variationist analysis of modifiers in cooking shows.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
“[A]mong the many symbolic resources available for the cultural production of identity, language is the most flexible and pervasive.” (Bucholtz & Hall, 2003, p. 369)
This study explores how food celebrities (re)produce (gender, class, cultural) identities through variant choice. The corpus (3,704 adjectival heads) derives from 20 hours of televised cooking shows from 12 food celebrities from Canada, England, and the USA. The chefs are classified in five gendered culinary personas (male: chef-artisan, gastro-sexual, environmentalist; female: pin-ups and homebodies) following Johnston, Rodney and Chong’s categorization (2014). The two linguistic variables examined are degree modifiers preceding adjectives: intensifiers (really great, pretty sticky), and attenuators (a bit cold, a little different), as well as gradable adjectives (nice, beautiful). I use multivariate analysis to measure linguistic (syntactic position and adjective type) and social (gender, country, and food) correlations, as well as qualitative methods informed by work in the growing field of Food Studies (Ashley, Hollows, Jones & Taylor, 2004; Johnston et al., 2014; Naccarato & LeBesco, 2012, Prescott, 2012).
The results indicate that the intensification rates (29 %) and the three most frequently used intensifiers (really, very and so) in televised cooking shows are similar to those found by other studies (e.g., Ito & Tagliamonte, 2003; Tagliamonte, 2008; Tagliamonte & Roberts, 2005). However, different from previous findings, the nice and construction takes the fourth place of frequency, attenuators appear well distributed and with an important role as food and cooking gradators as well as markers of culinary control. The results also reveal that −ly intensifiers mark masculinity among chefs, HEDONIST VALUE adjectives indicate sensual femininity among pin-ups, and really and TASTE adjectives are instruments of adequation (Bucholtz & Hall, 2005) used by gastro-sexuals to assimilate to homebodies. Although the skew towards ‘positivity’ is unmarked and common across languages (Rozin, Berman & Royzman, 2012), the analysis suggests that it may serve a purpose in the construction of cooking shows as ‘fantasies of transformation.’ Finally, this paper exemplifies how sociolinguistic and variationist analysis can help decode social hierarchies and constructs within fields and societies.


identifier: Pitts, Reginald Charles <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Pitts=3AReginald_Charles=3A=3A.html>   (2017) University education for the police veteran: the liberalization of the profession.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This thesis seeks to explore the relationship between post-secondary education and mid-career supervisory police officers in one Canadian urban police service. The research will examine whether these officers, through the completion of a university degree programme, will have less conservative and correspondingly more liberal attitudes that are posited to be essential attributes for the successful implementation of community-based policing. The research will examine the police subculture as a factor in police education at the post-secondary level to determine what effect, if any, it has on the “liberalization” of the profession. Based on the quantitative and qualitative analysis of the surveyed population, this thesis will seek to make recommendations on the future and nature of police involvement in post-secondary education as a means of developing skills required by individual officers as well as the relationship required between the police and the community to fully implement the desired mutual goal of community safety.


identifier: Kelly, Meighan H. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Kelly=3AMeighan_H=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2018) An aged rodent model of stroke recovery: examining the role of the medial prefrontal cortex.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Covert and recurrent strokes increase during aging, emphasizing the importance of using
aged rodent models of recurrent stroke.
In experiment 1, 25 young and 16 middle-aged Sprague Dawley rats underwent medial
prefrontal cortex (mPFC) or sham ischemia. There was no overt motor effect of mPFC ischemia,
making it a valid model of covert stroke. Notably, middle-aged rats showed decreased overall
performance in the staircase reaching test, relative to younger rats.
In experiment 2, 34 young and 33 middle-aged rats underwent middle cerebral artery
occlusion (MCAo) +/- mPFC ischemia. Unlike experiment 1, there was no effect of age on
baseline performance. The middle-aged group, however, had less motor impairments and
significantly smaller striatal infarcts, suggesting the MCAo strokes were suboptimal.
These results highligh important age-related differences in post-stroke performance.
Behavioural outcome measures, motivation level and the ischemic model must be carefully
considered in developing older animal models of stroke.


identifier: Zhu, Yun <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Zhu=3AYun=3A=3A.html>   (2018) Vitamin D, calcium, dairy products and genes involved in their metabolic pathways in colorectal cancer risk and survival.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Background

Vitamin D, calcium, and dairy products are inversely associated with colorectal cancer incidence.
These inverse associations may be mediated by the vitamin D binding protein, the vitamin D receptor
(VDR), and the calcium sensing receptor (CASR). The purpose of the thesis was to investigate
prediagnostic consumption of vitamin D, calcium, and dairy products and genetic variations in genes
involved in their metabolic pathways (GC, VDR, and CASR) for their relevance to colorectal cancer
risk and survival in the Newfoundland and Labrador population.

Methods

A population-based case-control study identified over 700 incident colorectal cancer cases
(including 531 patients with follow-up data on mortality end-points) and 489 matched controls. Data
on diet and lifestyle factors were gathered via epidemiological questionnaires. Germline DNA
samples were genotyped with the Illumina Omni-Quad 1 Million chip in cases and the Affymetrix
Axiom® myDesign™ Array in controls. Multivariable logistic regression examined the associations of
these nutrients and genetic variants with colorectal cancer risk. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox
models assessed the relationship with overall survival (all-cause mortality, OS) and disease-free
survival (DFS) among colorectal cancer patients.

Results

Results from this study are presented in three related, yet standalone manuscripts: 1) The

GC rs2282679 polymorphism was not associated with colorectal cancer risk overall but was
correlated with the DFS of colorectal cancer patients (per C allele HR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.05-

1.77). The association of this SNP on DFS was limited to BRAF wild-type tumors. 2) VDR and CASR
genes were associated with DFS and OS of colorectal cancer, respectively, at the gene level.
Haplotype analysis within linkage blocks of CASR revealed the G-G-G-G-G-A- C  haplotype
(rs10222633-rs10934578-rs3804592-rs17250717-A986S-R990G-rs1802757)
to be associated with a decreased OS of colon cancer (HR, 3.15; 95% CI, 1.66-5.96). 3)
Prediagnostic calcium intake from foods, but not total calcium intake, was negatively associated
with all-cause mortality (HR for Q2 vs. Q1, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.26-0.75). An inverse relationship was
also seen in a dose-response fashion for prediagnostic cheese intake (P trend=0.029). No evidence
for modification by factors known to be associated with colorectal cancer survival was observed.
Conclusions

Our results indicate that genetic variations in GC, VDR and CASR genes are associated with survival
after colorectal cancer diagnosis. These findings also suggest a protective role of prediagnostic
intakes of cheese and calcium from foods against colorectal cancer progression.


identifier: Merner, Courtney <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Merner=3ACourtney=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Reconstructing Southeast Iberian copper age mobility: a strontium isotope analysis of the Camino del Molino mass burial.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This study is the first application of strontium (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr) isotope analysis to identify human mobility patterns during the southeast Iberian Copper Age (3100-2200 BCE). Human (n = 93) and faunal (n = 23) tooth enamel were sampled from the site of Camino del Molino (Caravaca de la Cruz, Murcia, Spain), a dense communal burial pit in continuous use during cal. 2800-2400 BCE. Results show twelve human individuals and two of the fauna, an ovicaprid and a canid, are likely migrants to the burial area, exhibiting ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values higher than the fauna-defined local biologically available Sr isotope range (0.7064-0.7107). The identified non-locals were all adults and included both females and males. These migrant individuals were found throughout the burial, however, the number of migrants were highest in the upper most levels. The local male population had a greater Sr isotope variation in comparison to the local female population, which supports a gendered division of mobility. Inter-site comparison within the Iberian Peninsula showed the local biologically available ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values at the sites La Pijotilla and Perdigões from the Ossa-Morena Zone had comparable ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios with the majority of non-local Camino del Molino individuals and, potentially, reflect a transhumant pastoral orbit between these two regions. The Sr isotope results endorse transhumance as an important economic practice at Camino del Molino. Overall, this research supports potential wide ranging networks between Iberian Copper Age communities.


identifier: Noseworthy, Hayley L. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Noseworthy=3AHayley_L=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2018) The cause of the increased colon cancer mortality rate in Newfoundland & Labrador: a study comparing survival in Newfoundland & Labrador and Ontario population-based cohorts.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related death among Canadian men and women. Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) has the highest CRC mortality rate in the country. To determine whether this resulted from increased CRC incidence, later stage or more adverse prognostic factors at diagnosis, or diminished survival by stage, colon cancer data was compared from NL (n=510) and Ontario (ON) (n=906) cohorts.
Methods: Predicted and actual CRC incidence and death rates were obtained. Survival analysis was conducted for stages 1-3 colon cancer patients in the 2 cohorts. Multivariate models included sex, stage and age at diagnosis, microsatellite instability, body mass index, smoking status, and adjuvant treatment.
Results: Estimated age-standardized incidence rates in NL were 34% higher in men and 21% higher in women than in ON, comparatively. Actual NL incidence rates were 55% and 53% higher in men and women than estimated. NL cases had improved survival compared to ON at stage 2 (p=.041), otherwise survival by stage was similar. Other adverse predictors of survival were similar between provinces.
Conclusion: NL’s high CRC mortality rate can be attributed to increased incidence and not to adverse prognostic indicators or worse survival. This data supports the need for improved CRC screening strategies.


identifier: Futheiz, Ibrahim Abdulkarim <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Futheiz=3AIbrahim_Abdulkarim=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Characterization and mathematical modeling of the structure of Canadian crude asphalt binders by x-ray diffraction.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Eight samples of asphalt binder were retrieved from the provinces of Ontario and Alberta, Canada. Then they were pre-processed in thin film (1mm) on glass slides. X-ray diffraction (XRD) is used to perform profile fits, aromaticity and crystallite parameters in asphalt binder samples, and patterns were gotten by employing monochromatic Cu-K-a radiation (40kV and 40mA) using a Rigaku DMax 2200V-PC. Additionally, profile fitting was carried out by applying Pearson VII and Pseudo-Voigt functions from 5° to 35° as well as 60° to 110°= 2θ. The broadening of the diffraction line was simulated and analyzed using X-ray thin film. Outcome indicated a notable relationship between Pearson VII, Pseudo-Voigt, and Generalized Fermi Function (GFF). X-ray line broadening experiments using either the integral or full width at half maximum (FWHM) from diffraction lines are employed in order to simulate X-ray line profiles that emerged from the samples. For researchers as well as workers in the field, issues such as rutting of asphalt pavements in hot environments and cracking in cold ones are issues that not only persist but remain unresolved. Therefore, with the aim of enhancing asphalt pavement performance, it is worth examining compositional and structural characteristics in binders on a microscopic level.


identifier: Alshamani, Abdulhamid <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Alshamani=3AAbdulhamid=3A=3A.html>   (2018) Design and modelling of a large-scale solar water pumping system for irrigation in Saudi Arabia.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This thesis illustrates a comprehensive study of using a large scale solar water pumping system in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This system is applied on an average farm located in Riyadh which has an average water consumption of 245 m³/day. This study provides detailed system sizing and dynamic modeling. Sizing such a system has been carried out by using some useful tools such as Homer and PVsyst software. A 115 m deep well needs a 5.4 kW pump, 11.6 kW PV, 6.8 kW converter and 9, 200 Ahr- 12 V, batteries. The results of both softwares are compared to each other and showed almost the same system design. In addition, water cost has been estimated with the provided data, to be ₵4/m³.
System dynamic modelling is done using MATLAB/Simulink which contains several models of sub systems such solar arrays, two stages DC-DC boost converter, energy storage, DC shunt motor, and centrifugal pump. The system dynamic modeling has been developed based on the sizing of the system. In order to improve the system efficiency, perturbation and observation (P&O) algorithm based maximum power point tracker (MPPT) was built in the system model for the first stage of the converter; as well as PID controller for the second stage. MATLAB/Simulink simulation shows that this system can deliver the required energy with quite satisfactory controller dynamic performance.


identifier: Dehghanisanij, Alireza <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Dehghanisanij=3AAlireza=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Theoretical and experimental study of heat loss and ice accretion of large structures on marine vessels and offshore structures.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Sea spray icing, or marine icing, is one of the most significant problems for the
operation of marine vessels and offshore structures in cold regions and the Arctic. This
phenomenon risks the stability of marine vessels and structures as well as the safety of
human activities onboard. In this thesis, several issues related to the spray icing
phenomena are investigated. Chapter 1 briefly reviews sea spray icing models, along with
various experimental, theoretical and numerical approaches, which are used for modeling
and prediction of the accumulated ice on marine platforms located in cold seas and ocean
regions. In chapter 2, several topics, such as droplet trajectories, flux of seawater spray,
liquid water content (LWC), heat balance at the phase interface, and freezing equations
are formulated and examined.
The trajectory and cooling process of droplets during flight over marine platforms are
investigated and analyzed theoretically in chapter 3. The solidification process of a saline
water droplet is studied using semi-analytical techniques in chapter 4. The theoretical
prediction of ice accumulation on horizontal and vertical surfaces of marine vessels in
cold regions is investigated in chapter 5. An experimental study to measure ice
accumulation on vertical marine platform surfaces under various conditions is conducted
in chapters 6 and 7. Summary and recommendations for future research are presented in
chapter 8.
Chapters 3 to 7 represent the original research in this thesis. Previously, no
comprehensive evaluation of ice accumulation on the vertical marine platform surfaces
under harsh environmental conditions via empirical measurements had been conducted.
To fill the knowledge gap, a number of parameters, such as the weight and thickness of
ice accumulation on the plate, relative humidity, the temperature at the front and back of
the vertical plate, and the water temperature inside the pipe during the spray icing event
for various conditions, as well as the spray mass flux that impacts on the vertical plate for
the duration of the spray event were measured (chapter 7). The cooling and freezing
processes of water droplets during flight over marine platforms in cold weather conditions
were investigated and analyzed. The originality of this study was in the use of a semianalytical
technique to solve an inward moving boundary problem (chapter 4).


identifier: Dugger, Marlana <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Dugger=3AMarlana=3A=3A.html>   (2017) From act to act: Gadamer and Augustine on the verbum interius.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This thesis investigates Gadamer’s statement that Trinitarian theology relieves western thought from the forgetfulness of language that arguably began when Plato’s Cratylus depicted words as signs that represent truth and continued with logical positivism, which severed the word from history and culture. I will show that the new dimension that Trinitarian thought offers hermeneutics is the inner word as a movement from act to act, rather than potency to act. In the Trinitarian relation, the Word proceeds not after the Father understands, but proceeds simultaneously with the act of divine intellection, such that there is no divine understanding without divine saying. A movement from potency to act, as one finds in Platonism, would suggest that a concept is formed in an immediate sense and then we speak the word. This would mean that we can see the thing without the word and thus thought would not be historical but a pure act of intellection, divisible from language and history. I argue with Gadamer that the Trinitarian notion of the inner word as a procession from act to act has awakened hermeneutics to the way in which all thought is historical, in showing us that we always already understand what we speak.


identifier: Modasi, Aryan <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Modasi=3AAryan=3A=3A.html>   (2018) NSAID administration post colorectal surgery increases anastomotic leak rate - systematic review/meta-analysis.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Background
Current enhanced recovery guidelines suggest that opioid sparing medications should be used for
analgesia whenever possible following colorectal surgery. The present study aims to assess whether
postoperative NSAID use is associated with an increased anastomotic leak rate.
Methods
A systematic review was performed for studies investigating anastomotic leak rate following NSAID use
versus control after colonic or rectal anastomosis. Meta-analysis was performed to assess for overall risk
of anastomotic leak with NSAID use, as well as sub-group analysis to compare selective vs non-selective
NSAIDs and drug-specific NSAID safety profiles.
Results
Seven studies were included in the final review. Use of an NSAID post-operatively was associated with
an overall increased risk of anastomotic leakage [OR 1.58 (1.23, 2.03), P = 0.0003]. Non-selective
NSAIDs were associated with an increased risk [OR 1.79 (1.47, 2.18), P < 0.00001], but selective
NSAIDs were not. The non-selective NSAID diclofenac was associated with an increased leak rate [OR
2.79 (1.96, 3.96), P < 0.00001], but ketorolac was not [OR 1.36 (0.89, 2.06), P = 0.16].
Conclusions
Great caution must be taken when prescribing NSAIDs following colonic or rectal anastomotic creation.
The risk and safety profile varies within the NSAID class and further research is needed to clarify which
NSAIDs are safe for use and which are not.


identifier: Allafi, Ibrahim <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Allafi=3AIbrahim=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Low-cost SCADA platforms for a solar energy system.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Conventional energy has been used from ancient times. Coal, natural gas, oil, uranium, and
firewood are example of conventional source. These sources are consider the main source of air
pollution. So, it is desired to use clean energy sources such as solar power, wind turbine, and
hydro-electric power. We need to monitor and control parameters of clean energy sources when
they are working as a power source.
In this research, few low-cost Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems have
been designed for a small photovoltaic system to save data in a text file and show it on monitor
screen as a number or graph. The proposed system is designed using four methods. The first
method, is based on low cost sensors, Arduino Uno, and Raspberry pi. These components are
connected together to send data to web server on the internet (www.ubidots.com). Second
method, is based on three things: low cost sensors, Arduino Uno, and free Reliance SCADA
software. In this method, the data is sent to user interface -which are created by Reliance
Software- from Arduino by using mini USB. Third method, is based on a low-cost ESP32, SD
card reader, Wi-Fi, and sensors. The purpose of SD card is to save data as text file which come
from sensors by ESP32, and it saves on a web page as well. Wi Fi of ESP32 is used to access to
the file of data using a computer, a tablet, or cell phone and it could be download easily. Last
method, is based on low cost sensors and Arduino LoRa. In this method, the data of photovoltaic
system has been sent to a control room which is located 1km from photovoltaic system location.
LoRa is used to send the data instead of mini USB and Wi Fi. This thesis, which describes the
details of all the four SCADA system for a PV system at MUN, presents a comparison among
them.


identifier: Sreenivasan, Raja Rajeshwari <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Sreenivasan=3ARaja_Rajeshwari=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Characteristics of big data - a Delphi study.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Big Data has become increasingly important to organizations in various industries. Big Data is collected, stored and processed to obtain valuable insight and to support decision making and action. However, the question “what constitutes Big Data?” does not have a clear or singular answer. As Big Data is a developing phenomenon, concepts and constructs such as 3Vs, 4Vs, 5Vs, 6Vs, 7Vs and 9Vs have introduced by organizations and researchers. As a result, there is a lack of consensus on what constitutes the core characteristics of Big Data. Using four rounds of Delphi study, followed by a verification survey, this research aims to identify the core characteristics of Big Data as determined by practitioners and researchers and, among the key characteristics, which are deemed to be more important Though Volume, Velocity, and Variety are frequently mentioned as the 3Vs of Big Data, this study identifies Volume, Value, and Velocity to be the top three important characteristics of Big Data. Additionally, Visualization emerged as an important characteristic ranked much higher than Variety. We hope that the outcome of this study can contribute to better understand the key characteristics of Big Data.


identifier: Valvasori, Anthony A. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Valvasori=3AAnthony_A=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2017) The origin and evolution of V-rich, magnetite dominated Fe-Ti oxide mineralization; Northwest River Anorthosite, South-Central Labrador, Canada.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The Northwest River Anorthosite (NWRA) is a ca. 1625 Ma Paleoproterozoic massif anorthosite located in the Grenville Province of south-central Labrador. Abundant zones of coarse-grained massive to semi-massive Fe-Ti oxide mineralization and disseminated oxide mineralization, which occur in sharp irregular contact with the host anorthosite are present in the NWRA. The Fe-Ti oxide minerals in the NWRA are dominated by magnetite with less abundant ilmenite and pleonaste; all oxide minerals contain abundant and complex exsolution features.
Whole-rock geochemistry, petrography and in situ analyses show that regardless of field texture, oxide mineralization is similar in all of the samples analyzed. Whole-rock analyses of massive to semi-massive Fe-Ti oxide mineralization in the NWRA show values of ~10 wt. % TiO₂ and 2700 ppm V (0.48 wt. % V₂O₅). In-situ magnetite analyses contain <0.5 wt. % TiO₂ and 0.6-0.7 wt. % V₂O₅. Composite ilmenite contains ~1 wt. % Mg, 5-7 mol% hematite component and negligible Cr and Al content.
Based on oxide mineral chemistry, oxide-anorthosite field relationships, and whole-rock geochemistry, it can be inferred that the formation of the oxide mineralization occurred in a three step process: 1) late-stage magmatic crystallization of impure magnetite; 2) concentration by solid-state remobilization and/or crystal sorting; and 3) reequilibration during subsequent post-emplacement cooling and subsequent Grenvillian metamorphism. These subsolidus processes significantly modified the primary magmatic composition of the oxide minerals through exsolution and reequilibration.


identifier: Artacho, Bruno M. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Artacho=3ABruno_M=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2018) Unmanned aircraft system (UAS) integration to airspace and collision risk assessment.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Near Mid-Air Collision (NMAC) risk is an impediment to the integration of Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) into non-segregated airspace. It is quantified by a NMAC rate per flight hour, and this rate has been used for risk assessment for manned aviation. To estimate similar statistics with the inclusion of UAS in a known airspace, MIT Lincoln Laboratory (MIT/LL) has built an UAS-centric encounter model of the US National Airspace System (NAS). This thesis builds upon the MIT/LL encounter model to estimate a Canadian NMAC rate using on a standard proposed by National Research Council of Canada. The reported assessment takes into the account of the variation of field of view, radar range used for detection and tracking of the Intruder and the UAS achievable horizontal turn rate. Depending on the traffic, a notional radar-based detect-and-avoidance system could be demonstrated to have a lower NMAC rate than the Canadian NMAC rate.


identifier: Cui, Cong <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Cui=3ACong=3A=3A.html>   (2018) Metallic hydrophobic surface fabrication and wettability study.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Hydrophobic surfaces can be designed to have useful properties such as self-cleaning, anti-icing, and flow drag reduction. Research interests in this area have been growing with rising demands from various industries. Hydrophobic surfaces can be fabricated by coating, micro or nano-scale texturing, or a combination of the two. For industrial applications, methods for mass production of hydrophobic surfaces are desired. This thesis investigated two hydrophobic surface fabrication methods, laser machining and sandblasting, and conducted wettability analysis of the fabricated surfaces.
In the laser machining, four microscale surface structures including channel, pillar, varied channel and varied pillar, are designed and fabricated. The static contact angles of all laser-machined samples are close to 130° without any coating. In sandblasting fabrication, three standoff distances (10 mm, 20 mm and 30 mm) between the spray nozzle and target surfaces are tested. For stainless steel, lower standoff distance leads to increased water contact angle on the sandblasted surfaces. For carbon steel, sandblasting increases wettability of the carbon steel, with lower contact angle from lower standoff distance. A low energy coating (Aculon) is applied on the samples from both fabrication methods. In the analysis, samples are divided into two groups, one for coated samples, and the other for the uncoated ones. Overall, the coating increases static contact angle and decreases hysteresis in all laser-machined samples and sandblasted ones.
The difference in wettability of the samples from the two fabrication methods is analyzed in details. Sandblasted samples can reach 113°±4° without any coating, compared with static contact angle of 128°±5° from the laser-machined sample with pillar. After coating, the water contact angle of sandblasted samples increases to 137°±3° compared with 142°±4° on laser machined samples with pillar. The results of contact angle hysteresis are nearly same for the two methods before coating. After coating, contact angle hysteresis on sandblasted samples is overall lower than that on laser-machined samples.


identifier: Chalker, Julia <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Chalker=3AJulia=3A=3A.html>   (2017) The role of glutaredoxin-2 in regulating superoxide/hydrogen peroxide formation from liver and cardiac tissue.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: S-glutathionylation has been found to control the production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS), regulated by glutaredoxin-2 (GRX2). GRX2 deficiency is associated with heart disease, neurological deficits, and cataracts, which have all been linked to increased ROS production. Using GRX2⁺/⁻ and GRX2⁻/⁻ mice, we have shown that GRX2 controls the emission of superoxide (O2●⁻) /hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) from liver and cardiac mitochondria in a tissue and substrate dependant manner. In cardiac tissue, GRX2⁺/⁻ and GRX2⁻/⁻ mitochondria display increased O2●⁻/H2O2 production compared to WT when metabolizing succinate. In liver tissue, mitochondria isolated from GRX2⁻/⁻ mice show a significant decrease in O2●⁻/H2O2 emission when metabolizing pyruvate and 2-oxoglutarate. Our results show that GRX2 plays an important role in controlling mitochondrial ROS production in different tissues. Future work into the method of ROS control by GRX2 could highlight a method to control ROS production and prevent tissue damage from increased ROS.


identifier: Sultan, Rasel A <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Sultan=3ARasel_A=3A=3A.html>   (2018) A comprehensive study on multiphase flow through pipeline and annuli using CFD approach.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The physical phenomenon of more than one state or phase (i.e. gas, liquid or solid) simultaneously flowing is defined as multiphase flow. The overall performance of multiphase flow is more complex compared to single phase flow through pipeline or annuli. Calculation accuracy of pressure drop, and particle concentration is very important to design pipeline or annular geometry for multiphase flow. The objectives in the present study are to design a CFD model that can be used to predict multiphase fluid flow properties with more accuracy; to validate proposed CFD model with experimental data and existing empirical correlations at different orientations of geometry and combination of fluids; and to investigate the effects of pipe diameter, wall roughness, fluid velocity, fluid type, particle size, particle concentration, drill pipe rotation speed and drill pipe eccentricity on pressure losses and settling conditions. Three distinct phases of working fluids are used to fulfill the project. Simulation process is conducted using ANSYS fluent version 16.2 platform. Eulerian model with Reynolds Stress Model (RSM) turbulence closure is selected as optimum to analyze multiphase fluid flow. Pressure gradient and sand concentration profile are the primary output parameters to analyze. This article combines validation work at all possible cases to verify the developed model and parametric study to observe the effects of selected parameters on particle deposition. In parametric analysis, eccentricity of the annular pipe is varied from 0 – 50% and rotated about its own axis from 0 – 150 rpm. The diameter ratio of the simulated annuli is 0.56. Results show very good agreement with existing experiments and developed correlations. Also, the effects of different parameters are briefly analyzed with proper explanations. Fluid Structure Interaction (FSI) is introduced to observe the fluid flow effect on pipeline deformation.


identifier: Jayasinghe, Sarinda Lahiru <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Jayasinghe=3ASarinda_Lahiru=3A=3A.html>   (2018) SCADA system for remote control and monitoring of grid connected inverters.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This thesis presents a development of a supervisory control and data acquisition
(SCADA) system for remote control and monitoring of grid-connected inverters. Since
the number of battery energy storages connected to the grid is increasing the number
of inverters connected to the power system is also rapidly growing. Utilities need
to have the ability to monitor and control those inverters connected to the grid to
maintain the stability of the network, to improve the quality of the power supplied
and to stabilize the energy prices. After recognizing the requirement for a low-cost
SCADA system for grid-tied inverters, essential features that needs to be embedded
in the system have been identified by analyzing SCADA systems in the Wind Energy
Institute Canada (WEICAN). Based on available options to fulfill the requirement
selected SCADA systems were tested during the research. Based on the test results
an Internet of Things (IoT) based server has been kept as the core of the developed
SCADA system, and a SCADA development has been carried out to improve the
system to deliver features identified. A requirement was recognized to embed an automatic
control algorithm to the SCADA system for optimal control of the inverter
to maximize the economic benefits out of it by considering the energy price variation
and the renewable energy variation through a specific period. Results illustrate that
the developed SCADA system has been able to deliver features identified during the
research and the wind prediction algorithm has been able to maximize the economic
benefits.


identifier: Millar, Kyle R. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Millar=3AKyle_R=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Mechanisms of stability of rhodolith beds: sedimentological aspects.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Rhodolith beds are highly diverse benthic communities organized around the physical structure and primary productivity of red coralline algae. Despite a worldwide distribution and growing recognition that rhodolith beds are important calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) bio-factories, little is known of the factors and processes that regulate their structure, function, and stability. One prevalent and largely untested paradigm is that beds develop in environments where water motion is strong enough to prevent burial by sediments. Observations over seven months and three weeks in the centre and near the upper and lower margins of a Newfoundland rhodolith (Lithothamnion glaciale) bed, as well as a laboratory mesocosm experiment with rhodoliths and dominant macrofauna from the bed, were used to characterize, parse, and model spatial and temporal variation in rhodolith sediment load (RSL) and movement among presumably important abiotic and biotic factors. RSL and movement were largely mediated by a few dominant benthic invertebrates. Hydrodynamic forces were insufficient to displace rhodoliths. Daisy brittle stars (Ophiopholis aculeata) and small common sea stars (Asterias rubens) contributed to dislodgement of sediment from rhodoliths. Large green sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis) easily displaced rhodoliths in mesocosms. Results provide the first quantitative demonstration that rhodolith beds need not be exposed to threshold hydrodynamic conditions to avoid burial. Beds can simply occur in areas where burial is unlikely because of low sedimentation rates. In such cases, select resident bioturbators operating simultaneously at different spatial scales (within and outside rhodoliths) appear to suffice to maintain RSL below lethal quantities, contributing to stability of beds.


identifier: Omosule, Ayotunde <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Omosule=3AAyotunde=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Exploring water insecurity situation in Canadian indigenous communities: the efforts of the Flat Bay Indian Band to resolve its water challenges.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Despite generating national concern in recent years, the state of water insecurity in Indigenous communities across Canada remains alarming¹. This continuing challenge permeates Indigenous communities across the country and is deep-rooted in the colonial history that has brought about a state of disconnectedness among many Indigenous people, their water and its governance. In recognition that little is known about how some Indigenous communities are resolving their water challenges and to address this existing scholarship deficit, this research sought to understand the efforts of one of such community, a Mi’kmaw community, the Flat Bay Indian Band, Newfoundland.
This study employed an environmental justice theoretical framework and critical, interpretivist paradigm to explore the historical narratives, culture and actions of the residents of Flat Bay with respect to their water situation. In examining the water security challenges in Flat Bay, this study drew on a qualitative single case study approach and ethnographic research methods, including document review, participant observation and semi-structured interviews. This study had three main objectives which were: (1) to understand the nature of the water challenges Flat Bay has experienced and the factors that have contributed to these challenges; (2) to understand how Flat Bay has responded to and/or resolved the water challenge(s) it has faced; and (3) to investigate the application of the concept of environmental justice to the Flat Bay water situation.
The data from the study were analyzed via content analysis, developing themes and codes. The developed themes were discussed in relation to the three interrelated elements of environmental justice and each of the research questions. For the challenges to water security in Flat Bay to be fully addressed, this study emphasizes the need for local capacity to be enhanced, recognition of the Indigenous status of the community under the Indian Act and the boosting of the limited participation by Flat Bay in decision making processes relating to water. The potential limitations of the study including the difficulty of generalization were also identified.
¹ Indigenous is the terminology that includes First Nations, Inuit, and Metis in Canada. Globally, it is used to identify those who are Indigenous to their homelands, and not settlers


identifier: Shadbahr, Javid <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Shadbahr=3AJavid=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Affordable adsorbent for arsenic removal from rural water supply systems in Newfoundland.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Fly ash from the Corner Brook Pulp and Paper (CBPP) mill was used in this study as the raw material for preparation of a low-cost adsorbent for arsenic removal from the well water in the Bell Island. The CBPP was physically activated in two different ways: (a) activation with pure CO₂ (CAC) with the iodine number and methylene value of 704.53 mg/g and 292.32 mg/g, respectively; and (b) activation with the mixture of CO₂ and steam (CSAC) with the iodine number and methylene value of 1119.98 mg/g and 358.95 mg/g, respectively, at the optimized temperature of 850ºC and the contact time of 2 hours of activation. The surface area of CAC and CSAC, at the optimized conditions, was 847.26 m²/g and 1146.25 m²/g, respectively. The optimized CSAC was used for impregnation with iron (III) chloride (FeCl₃) with different concentrations (0.01M to 1M). The study showed that the adsorbent impregnated with 0.1M FeCl₃ was the most efficient one for arsenic removal. According to the scanning electron microscopy images and BET surface area analysis, it was revealed that the impregnation with 0.1M FeCl₃ would not significantly decrease the surface area and pore blockage was also negligible.
Isotherm analysis showed that the Langmuir model better described the equilibrium behavior of the arsenic adsorption for both local well water and synthesized water than the other models. Based on this model, the maximum arsenic adsorption capacity was 35.6 μg/g of carbon for local well water and 1428.6 μg/g of carbon for synthesized water. Furthermore, the kinetic data of the arsenic adsorption from synthesized and local well water was best fitted with the pseudo-second order kinetic model.


identifier: Ahmadi, Mohammad Ali <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Ahmadi=3AMohammad_Ali=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Developing tools for determination of parameters involved in CO₂ based EOR methods.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: To mitigate the effects of climate change, CO₂ reduction strategies are suggested to lower anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gasses owing to the use of fossil fuels. Consequently, the application of CO₂ based enhanced oil recovery methods (EORs) through petroleum reservoirs turn into the hot topic among the oil and gas researchers. This thesis includes two sections. In the first section, we developed deterministic tools for determination of three parameters which are important in CO₂ injection performance including minimum miscible pressure (MMP), equilibrium ratio (Kᵢ), and a swelling factor of oil in the presence of CO₂. For this purposes, we employed two inverse based methods including gene expression programming (GEP), and least square support vector machine (LSSVM). In the second part, we developed an easy-to-use, cheap, and robust data-driven based proxy model to determine the performance of CO₂ based EOR methods. In this section, we have to determine the input parameters and perform sensitivity analysis on them. Next step is designing the simulation runs and determining the performance of CO₂ injection in terms of technical viewpoint (recovery factor, RF). Finally, using the outputs gained from reservoir simulators and applying LSSVM method, we are going to develop the data-driven based proxy model. The proxy model can be considered as an alternative model to determine the efficiency of CO₂ based EOR methods in oil reservoir when the required experimental data are not available or accessible.


identifier: Amin, Md. Tanjin <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Amin=3AMd=2E_Tanjin=3A=3A.html>   (2018) Fault detection and root cause diagnosis using dynamic Bayesian network.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This thesis presents two real time process fault detection and diagnosis (FDD) techniques incorporating process data and prior knowledge. Unlike supervised monitoring techniques, both these methods can perform without having any prior information of a fault. In the first part of this research, a hybrid methodology is developed combining principal component analysis (PCA), Bayesian network (BN) and multiple uncertain (likelihood) evidence to improve the diagnostic capacity of PCA and existing PCA-BN schemes with hard evidence based updating. A dynamic BN (DBN) based FDD methodology is proposed in the later part of this work which provides detection and accurate diagnosis by a single tool. Furthermore, fault propagation pathway is analyzed using the predictive feature of a BN and cause-effect relationships among the process variables. Proposed frameworks are successfully validated by applying to several process models.


identifier: Li, Shuo <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Li=3AShuo=3A=3A.html>   (2017) The development of an acoustic sensor system to measure first year sea ice thickness.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This thesis reports on the development of an acoustic sea ice thickness measurement
sensor which has been completed in the Autonomous Ocean System Laboratory
(AOSL) of Memorial University (MUN). The development applies acoustic Non-
Destructive-Testing (NDT) techniques to test first year sea ice including significant
amounts of enclosed impurities (air bubbles and brine pockets). Several single piezoelectric
transducers are placed tightly together on a smooth sea ice surface to emit
and receive acoustic signals. In addition to showing a detectable reflection from the
ice-water interface, the received signal also shows significant energy being reflected
from entrained impurities. Based on an assumption of randomly distributed bubbles,
the desired reflection from the sea ice-seawater interface can be extracted through
sampling the sea-ice in multiple locations. Based on sufficient experimental results,
this method has been demonstrated to be feasible and reliable in the lab environment.


identifier: MacLaughlin, Sarah <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/MacLaughlin=3ASarah=3A=3A.html>   (2018) Physical activity as a risk factor for arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy caused by a pS358L mutation in TMEM43 in Newfoundland, Canada.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The many benefits of regular physical activity (PA) have been well documented in the literature. PA has been shown to improve cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, much less is known about the serious and sometimes fatal effects PA can have in individuals with certain rare cardiovascular diseases, such as arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC). This cross sectional study sought to examine the association between PA and the onset and progression of ARVC caused by a p.S358L mutation in TMEM43. The sample consisted of 82 patients in who were diagnosed with ARVC caused by a p.S358L mutation in TMEM43 and had received an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) as primary prophylactic (PP) treatment. Survival analyses were done on several clinical cardiac symptoms, cardiac test abnormalities, and demographic variables from prior to ICD implant using the Kaplan-Meier product limit method to determine their association with time to appropriate firing of the ICD. Relative risk (RR) was calculated using the Cox regression model. Having an abnormal 24 hour Holter monitor test result prior to receiving the ICD and reporting high levels of moderate to vigorous PA were found to be associated with appropriate discharge of the ICD with RR’s of 4.1 (CI 1.2-13.7) and 12.8 (CI 3.7-45.2) respectively. A multivariate Cox regression model showed high levels of moderate to vigorous PA and having an abnormal 24 hour Holter monitor result prior to ICD implant to be strongly associated with appropriate firing of the ICD with RR’s of 28.1 (CI 6.9-114.2) and 16.4 (CI 3.8-71.5). These results suggest that high levels of moderate to vigorous PA could play an important role in the phenotypic expression of ARVC caused by a p.S358L mutation in TMEM43.