identifier: Ferguson, Sarah Anne <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Ferguson=3ASarah_Anne=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Late neoproterozoic epithermal-style Au mineralization of the Burin Peninsula, Newfoundland: U-Pb geochronology and deposit characteristics.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The Burin Peninsula lies within the western portion of the Avalon Zone in
Newfoundland. The Avalon Zone constitutes the eastern extent of the northern
Appalachian orogen and includes extensive late Neoproterozoic magmatic arc-related
volcanic, plutonic and epiclastic sedimentary rocks. The stratigraphy of the Burin
Peninsula region is primarily composed of the Marystown, Musgravetown and Long
Harbour Groups, all of which are host to high- and/or low-sulphidation epithermal
precious metal mineralization, including the Hickey’s Pond, Tower, Stewart (and Forty
Creek), Heritage, Big Easy and Long Harbour prospects. A 580-573 Ma plutonic suite,
now recognized as the source to extensive hydrothermal activity in the region, runs along
the length of the peninsula, intruding roughly coeval volcaniclastic rocks of the
Marystown Group.
New U-Pb (CA-TIMS) ages for volcanic host rocks within the Marystown Group
constrain the timing of high-sulphidation mineralization to a maximum age of 584 ± 3 Ma
at Hickey’s Pond and 576.7 ± 2.5 Ma (‘Caribou Tuff’) at Stewart. A previous host rock
age of 572.5 ± 1.5 Ma at Hickey’s Pond is re-interpreted as a hydrothermal zircon age,
which provides a more explicit age for the high-sulphidation mineralization at the
prospect. New U/Pb zircon ages for the Marystown Group stratigraphy of the Stewart
prospect also include 575.2 ± 2.1 Ma (‘Stewart Tuff’), 575.9 ± 2 Ma and 575.6 ± 1.7 Ma
for other volcanic rocks, and 576.0 ± 2.7 Ma for the ‘Bat Zone’ granite (part of the ‘Burin
Knee Intrusive Suite’). In conjunction with field observations, these ages confirm a
northwest younging direction within the local Marystown Group stratigraphy at Stewart.
The tightly overlapping ages also further link the 580-573 Ma regional plutonism to the
volcaniclastic stratigraphy and to the regional high-sulphidation mineralization. A new
age of 573.3 ± 2.7 Ma for rhyolite from the Musgravetown Group, proximal to the lowsulphidation
Big Easy prospect, demonstrates contemporaneity with the Marystown
Group. The Musgravetown Group and Marystown Group are also of similar
lithogeochemical affinity, and are presumed to represent different facies within a single,
contemporaneous volcanic arc environment, undergoing active subduction between 585
and 570 Ma. The Long Harbour Group is younger than, and compositionally distinct from the Marystown and Musgravetown Groups. A new age for the flow-banded rhyolite
of the Belle Bay Formation, host to low-sulphidation epithermal mineralization at the
Long Harbour prospect, constrains the timing of the mineralization to a maximum age of
566.5 ± 1.9 Ma. The stratigraphy of the Long Harbour Group is characteristically
alkaline and associated with late arc-extension. Thus, the low-sulphidation deposits in the
Burin Peninsula region are related to at least two discrete volcano-plutonic sequences. A
sample of epiclastic sediment from the Grandy’s Pond Arenite Belt yielded a preliminary
youngest detrital zircon age of 566.2 ± 4.4 Ma, which corresponds to the age of Long
Harbour volcanism. The belt is predominantly derived from the erosion of volcanic rocks
of the Marystown Group based on their similar geochemical signatures, but also contains
additional detritus from the younger Long Harbour Group, possibly in the form of ash
during active volcanism.
SEM-EDX analysis was used to assess the deportment of precious metal
mineralization in both high- and low-sulphidation epithermal prospects. At Hickey’s
Pond, the most auriferous high-sulphidation prospect, gold occurs as part of the hypogene
assemblage as native gold and calaverite (AuTe2), and in the late supergene/weathering
assemblage as fischesserite (Ag3AuSe2). At the low-sulphidation Long Harbour prospect,
gold occurs as native gold and electrum, and silver occurs in the form of various Agtellurides.
Forty Creek, of possible intermediate-sulphidation origin and located proximal
to the regionally-developed high-sulphidation epithermal systems, contains gold and
silver in the form of various precious-metal tellurides including petzite (Ag3AuTe2) and
sylvanite ((Ag,Au)Te2).
Sulphur isotope microanalyses of pyrite, chalcopyrite and galena from the highsulphidation
Hickey’s Pond, Tower, and Stewart prospects, together yield a single
population displaying a normal distribution, and δ34S values ranging from -6.8 to +5.9‰
with an average of -0.6‰, consistent with a magmatic sulphur source for these deposits.
Sulphur isotope measurements at Forty Creek have an average δ34S of -7.8‰,
significantly lighter than the high-sulphidation deposits, and indicative of a sulphur
source perhaps influenced by biogenically derived sulphur from metasediments, and not
purely the result of magmatic input.


identifier: Kafaie, Somayeh <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Kafaie=3ASomayeh=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Network coding: performance analysis and robust design in multi-hop wireless mesh networks.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

type: Thesis NonPeerReviewed

abstract:
Network coding is an innovative idea to boost the capacity of wireless networks. However,
there are not enough analytical studies on throughput and end-to-end delay of network
coding in multi-hop wireless mesh network that incorporates the specifications of IEEE
802.11 Distributed Coordination Function. In this dissertation, we utilize queuing theory
to propose an analytical framework for bidirectional unicast flows in multi-hop wireless
mesh networks. We study the throughput and end-to-end delay of inter-flow network
coding under the IEEE 802.11 standard with CSMA/CA random access and exponential
back-o↵ time considering clock freezing and virtual carrier sensing, and formulate several
parameters such as the probability of successful transmission in terms of bit error rate and
collision probability, waiting time of packets at nodes, and retransmission mechanism. Our
model uses a multi-class queuing network with stable queues, where coded packets have
a non-preemptive higher priority over native packets, and forwarding of native packets
is not delayed if no coding opportunities are available. The accuracy of our analytical
model is verified using computer simulations.
Furthermore, while inter-flow network coding is proposed to help wireless networks
approach the maximum capacity, the majority of research conducted in this area is yet to
fully utilize the broadcast nature of wireless networks, and to perform e↵ectively under
poor channel quality. This vulnerability is mostly caused by assuming fixed route between
the source and destination that every packet should travel through. This assumption not only limits coding opportunities, but can also cause bu↵er overflow at some specific
intermediate nodes. Although some studies considered scattering of the flows dynamically
in the network, they still face some limitations. This dissertation explains pros and cons
of some prominent research in network coding and proposes a Flexible and Opportunistic
Network Coding scheme (FlexONC) as a solution to such issues. Moreover, this research
discovers that the conditions used in previous studies to combine packets of di↵erent flows
are overly optimistic and would a↵ect the network performance adversarially. Therefore,
we provide a more accurate set of rules for packet encoding. The experimental results
show that FlexONC outperforms previous methods especially in networks with high bit
error rates, by better utilizing redundant packets permeating the network, and benefiting
from precise coding conditions.


identifier: Teeft, Tricia A. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Teeft=3ATricia_A=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Are we here yet? Pilot study of a self-directed web-based mindfulness intervention as an adjunct to an undergraduate academic course.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Mindfulness-based interventions have become increasingly popular in Western culture. A broad and expanding base of literature has supported the efficacy of mindfulness practice with numerous psychological and physical health conditions. Research has begun to focus on cost-effective and convenient ways to introduce these skills to undergraduate students, who often experience elevated rates of psychological difficulties.
The current research was a pilot study investigating the effect of a 12-week self-directed web-based mindfulness intervention on undergraduate students enrolled in a course on metacognition. Pre-intervention measures were completed to evaluate self-reported levels of mindfulness and psychological wellness. Students in the intervention group completed mindfulness activities (meditation, body scan, yoga, or unstructured mindfulness activities), while students in the control group engaged in the course material without additional mindfulness content. After each activity, intervention participants submitted a reflection online which detailed the activity, number of minutes spent practicing, and thoughts, feelings, or sensations which arose. Post-intervention, the same tests were re-administered in addition to questionnaires evaluating engagement.
Participants in the intervention condition reported decreased state and trait anxiety levels at post-test, while the control group reported no change in state and anxiety and an increase in trait anxiety. When the intervention group was examined along with frequency of practice (total number of sessions), there was a significant decrease in trait anxiety, obsessive compulsive subscale scores (SCL-90) and an increase in total mindfulness (FFMQ). In contrast, total number of minutes of mindfulness practice contributed to decreased Depression and Hostility subscale scores (SCL-90).
Despite difficulties with enrollment, engagement, and attrition (reflecting general barriers in mindfulness research and practice), the current pilot contributes recommendations for ways to effectively tailor interventions to a specific population and methods to increase engagement. Doing so may allow more people to gain individually-relevant benefits from mindfulness practice while decreasing the perceived barriers.


identifier: Linehan, Victoria <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Linehan=3AVictoria=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Effect of high-fat diet on hypothalamic functions.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The increased prevalence of high-fat food in modern society has led to an epidemic of overeating and obesity. High-fat diets are known to modulate homeostatic and reward pathways in the brain that regulate feeding, which may underlie caloric overconsumption. Such modulation may involve functional plasticity of feeding-related neurons including orexin and melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) neurons of the lateral hypothalamus. However, how these neurons respond to high-fat diet at a cellular level and whether their responses precede obesity is incompletely understood. We used in vitro electrophysiology on acute brain slices from rats fed a high-fat, Western Diet (WD) or a standard chow to assess WD-induced plasticity of orexin and MCH neurons.
We found that orexin neurons display dynamic responses to WD. Excitatory transmission to orexin neurons is potentiated as early as 1 day and 1 week of WD feeding. At the same time, we found that a novel activity-dependent presynaptic long-term depression occurs only in the WD condition in orexin neurons, which is mediated by mGluR5 and retrograde cannabinoid signaling. This LTD may be a homeostatic mechanism to limit overactivation of the orexin system. With longer feeding, these effects on excitatory transmission become attenuated while inhibitory transmission is increased, which would limit the excitability of orexin neurons.
Contrastingly, WD induced a delayed activation of MCH neurons by 4 weeks of feeding through increased excitatory synaptic input and direct membrane depolarization due to an inhibition of the Na⁺/K⁺₋ATPase. The latter depends on the activity of cyclooxygenase and is mimicked by prostaglandin E₂, an inflammatory mediator. These changes are persistent and further exacerbated by prolonged feeding. Furthermore, this activation of MCH neurons underlies increased WD intake and weight gain, which likely contributes to diet-induced obesity. This is the first study to link excitation of feeding-related neurons with brain inflammation as a mechanism to explain high fat diet-induced weight gain.
In summary, we have found that complex, time-dependent plasticity occurs in the lateral hypothalamus over the course of WD feeding. This plasticity likely affects food intake and weight gain, as well as other physiological functions of orexin and MCH neurons. Therefore, our study may provide valuable insights into developing treatments for obesity.


identifier: Olusanya, Hope <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Olusanya=3AHope=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Assessing the climate change vulnerability of freshwater fishes in Newfoundland and Labrador.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Freshwater fish populations are rapidly declining globally due to the impacts of rapid climate change and existing non-climatic anthropogenic stressors. In response to these threats, freshwater fishes are responding by shifting their distribution range, altering the timing of migration and spawning and through demographic processes. To mitigate the future negative consequences, managers require novel tools that provide useful information on fish vulnerability to climate change to develop appropriate responses. A trait-based vulnerability assessments methodology was applied in this study to assess the vulnerability of 7 freshwater fishes in Newfoundland and Labrador of recreational and ecological importance. Twelve vulnerability indicators were developed and 26 freshwater fish experts were consulted using an online questionnaire survey to assesses each species vulnerability. Analysis of the survey results showed one species to be high/very highly vulnerable, two species were highly vulnerable while four species were moderately vulnerable to future changes with moderate confidence from the experts. Lake trout a native species showed the highest vulnerability while was rainbow trout a non-native species showed the lowest vulnerability to future changes. The results presented in this study are significant to resource managers because findings will allow for adaptive responses targeted at each species unique vulnerability drivers.


identifier: Rahman, Md. Jiaur <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Rahman=3AMd=2E_Jiaur=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Phenolic and polyphenolic profiles of defatted camelina, chia and sophia seeds and their invitro antioxidant and biological activities.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Phenolic compounds in oilseeds occur in the free, esterified and insoluble-bound forms. The phenolics in seeds act as natural antioxidants by preventing deteriorative oxidative processes in foods as well as oxidative stress and various disorders in the human body once consumed. The free, esterified and insoluble-bound phenolics were extracted from defatted camelina (Camelina sativa), chia (Salvia hispanica) and sophia (Descurainia sophia) seeds meals. All samples were evaluated for their total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and total proanthocyanidin (PC) content as well as antioxidant activity of their various phenolic fractions. The TPC in camelina, chia and sophia defatted meal was 11.69 ± 0.44, 14.22 ± 0.44 and 22.40 ± 0.87 mg GAE per gram sample, respectively. The corresponding values for TFC were 6.81 ± 0.68, 8.45 ± 0.80 and 8.59 ± 0.13 mg CE per gram defatted meal, respectively. Meanwhile, the PC in camelina, chia and sophia meals was 3.73 ± 0.03, 0.08 ± 0.02 and 2.23 ± 0.06 mg CE per gram sample, respectively. Several in vitro free radical scavenging assays, namely 2, 2- diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), hydroxyl radical scavenging capacity (HRSC), reducing power (RP), β-carotene/ linoleate model system and metal chelation activity were investigated for all fractions. In addition, inhibition activity against lipase, α-glucosidase, low density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation and DNA strand scission induced by peroxyl and hydroxyl radicals for all fractions was examined in biological systems. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and HPLC-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MSⁿ) led to positive identification of 36 phenolic compounds belonging to simple phenols, phenolic acids and their derivatives, flavonoids and procyanidins in the three phenolic fractions of camelina, chia and sophia. Esterified fraction was the predominant form of phenolics compared to the free and insoluble bound forms of phenolics in both defatted camelina and sophia seeds whereas the free phenolic fraction was the predominant form in defatted chia seed meal. Thus, camelina, chia and sophia seeds may serve as viable functional food ingredients with protective antioxidant potential but further research is required to confirm their cardiovascular diseases (CVD) preventive effects.


identifier: Ings, Danielle P. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Ings=3ADanielle_P=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2017) The role of transforming growth factor-β on the regulation of FoxO group members and p27ᴷᴵᴾ¹ in fibroblast cells.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β) regulates a variety of biological effects,
including cellular proliferation, dependent on the cellular context. There is growing
evidence that TGF-β regulates numerous pathways independent of Smad, including the
PI3K/Akt pathway. Therefore, since FoxO is downstream of PI3K/Akt, we examined the
role of TGF-β on the post-translational regulation of FoxO family members. It was found
that TGF-β increased the phosphorylation of FoxO1, 3a, and 4, as well as the cytoplasmic
localization of FoxO1 in fibroblasts via the PI3K/Akt pathway. In addition, since Akt and
FoxO members can induce phosphorylation and transcription of p27ᵏⁱᵖ¹ (a cyclin
dependent kinase inhibitor), respectively, we examined both the post-translational and
transcriptional regulation of p27ᵏⁱᵖ¹ by TGF-β in fibroblasts. p27ᵏⁱᵖ¹ phosphorylation
increased following TGF-β addition, resulting in cytoplasmic localization in fibroblasts
over time. p27ᵏⁱᵖ¹ mRNA expression decreased following TGF-β treatment in fibroblasts,
however, we were unable to show the decrease was dependent on PI3K or FoxO4.
Therefore, the results demonstrated that TGF-β regulates the FoxO group posttranslationally
via the PI3K/Akt pathway, and FoxO group functionality through
transcription and post-translational modifications of p27ᵏⁱᵖ¹ in fibroblasts.


identifier: Cook, Daniel <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Cook=3ADaniel=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Tractable robot simulation for terrain leveling.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This thesis describes the problem of terrain leveling, in which one or more robots or
vehicles are used to
atten a terrain. The leveling operation is carried out either in
preparation for construction, or for terrain reparation. In order to develop and prototype
such a system, the use of simulation is advantageous. Such a simulation requires
high fidelity to accurately model earth moving robots, which navigate uneven terrain
and potentially manipulate the terrain itself. It has been found that existing tools
for robot simulation typically do not adequately model deformable and/or uneven
terrain. Software which does exist for this purpose, based on a traditional physics
engine, is difficult if not impossible to run in real-time while achieving the desired
accuracy. A number of possible approaches are proposed for a terrain leveling system
using autonomous mobile robots. In order to test these approaches in simulation, a
2D simulator called Alexi has been developed, which uses the predictions of a neural
network rather than physics simulation, to predict the motion of a vehicle and changes
to a terrain. The neural network is trained using data captured from a high-fidelity
non-real-time 3D simulator called Sandbox. Using a trained neural network to drive
the 2D simulation provides considerable speed-up over the high-fidelity 3D simulation,
allowing behaviour to be simulated in real-time while still capturing the physics of
the agents and the environment. Two methods of simulating terrain in Sandbox are
explored with results related to performance given for each. Two variants of Alexi
are also explored, with results related to neural network training and generalization
provided.


identifier: Ayesu, Felix <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Ayesu=3AFelix=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Individual differences in conceptual and procedural knowledge: the case of algebra.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
As children learn algebra, it is not certain whether they are learning both the procedural
and conceptual aspects in a balanced way. Instead, students may be learning one of these
types of knowledge more than the other. Previous research on children’s understanding of
fractions have used cluster analysis to demonstrate that there are some students who rely
more on conceptual knowledge, some who rely more on procedural knowledge, and some
who rely equally on both. Using cluster analysis, the current study found that there are
individual differences in the understanding of algebra in a sample of 104 grade eight
students. Four clusters were found representing students who do relatively poorly on
conceptual and procedural knowledge, those who do well on both types of knowledge,
those who are relatively better conceptual problem solvers, and those who are relatively
better procedural problem solvers. Furthermore, both conceptual and procedural
knowledge are significant contributors to students’ overall performance in algebra, which
suggests that both conceptual and procedural knowledge are important in algebraic
learning.


identifier: Goyal, Amita <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Goyal=3AAmita=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Association and mediators of leisure time physical activity and mental health among people with spinal cord injury.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This cross-sectional survey based study examined the association and mediators of leisure
time physical activity (LTPA) and mental health among people with the spinal cord injury
(SCI) in Canada. Self-esteem, coping self-efficacy, social support and perceived barriers to
LTPA were measured as the potential mediators. Participants (N = 37) Canadians with the
SCI completed the self-administered survey. Data were analyzed using correlation analysis
and bootstrapping for multiple mediation. Data from the present study did not demonstrate
any association between LTPA and mental health among people with SCI. None of the
potential mediators demonstrated the significant mediation, but it was found that coping
self-efficacy and perceived barriers to LTPA significantly predicted anxiety and depression
respectively. The present study addressed the need of future research in the field of LTPA
and mental health in SCI.


identifier: Galego, Carol-Ann <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Galego=3ACarol-Ann=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Immunizing communities: the biopolitics of vaccination and its historical alternative.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
In Immunizing Communities: The Biopolitics of Vaccination and its Historical
Alternative, Carol-Ann Galego turns to the history of medicine in response to one of
the most pertinent questions in the contemporary study of biopolitics: is it possible to
promote life without inadvertently undermining it? She traces the development of two
alternative methods of preventing epidemics: vaccination and the prophylactic use of
homeopathy. Although both methods were developed in the same year and advanced
with the common goal of mitigating the effects of infectious disease, vaccination and
homeoprophylaxis are nevertheless worlds apart. While vaccination was ushered into
mainstream practice through risk analysis and retroactively validated by later
developments in modern immunology, homeopathy was motivated by the medical
maxim to “first do no harm” and rendered meaningful by a romantic conception of
disease as a dynamic interaction between an organism and its environment. Galego
argues that the differences between these two preventative strategies signal nothing
less than a fundamental difference in our understanding of how we, as living
organisms, live in and interact with the world and, no less radically, of how we should
best navigate our limited capacity to understand these complex interactions. She
finds in the history of homeopathy and its roots in German romantic medicine an
alternative trajectory to modern developments in immunology and risk analysis, which
have come to define our relations with others—indeed our very existence—as an
inevitable negotiation of risk. Uniquely positioned to expose the limitations of the
modern effort to immunize ourselves against the world, this untold chapter in the
history of medicine considers alternative ways of living in and fostering healthy
community.


identifier: Saeed, Angham H. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Saeed=3AAngham_H=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Analysis of sulfide and sulfur oxyanions in water and wastewater using capillary zone electrophoresis with detection by indirect and direct UV-Vis spectrophotometry.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Sulfides and sulfur oxyanions, including thiosulfate, sulfate, and polythionates, can impact environmental quality and have negative economic consequences for industrial processes. For example, anaerobic reduction can produce toxic corrosive hydrogen sulfide, and oxidation can lead to environmental acidification accompanied with mobilization of toxic metals. Understanding the chemistry of various systems so that the reductive or oxidative processes can be curtailed requires methods to quantify key sulfur species. Accurate quantitation requires baseline separation and accommodation for co-migrating interferents, such as thiosulfate which co-migrates with chloride, found in abundance in briny waters. A strategy was developed using two capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) methods, one with direct detection and the other with indirect detection, for speciation analysis of charged sulfur species (sulfate (SO42-), thiosulfate (S2O32-), tetrathionate (S4O62-), sulfite (SO32-), and sulfide (S2-)) in saline water. Both CZE methods were developed with reverse-polarity in which the anions migrate toward the detector. Hexamethonium hydroxide (HMOH) was added to modify the capillary surface chemistry and reduce EOF toward the inlet, affording methods with shorter time of analysis and better peak resolution. The composition of the background electrolyte (e.g. pH (buffers), flow modifiers, chromophoric probes, etc.) were considered for each method. Also, a chromophoric probe is needed for indirect detection of non-absorbing or weakly absorbing anions. Pyromellitic acid (PMA) was selected because it is non-oxidizing, has high molar absorptivity (high sensitivity), and is a good mobility match for thiosalts. Other factors taken into consideration include capillary length, separation temperature, potential applied, and use of a stabilizing agent to limit spontaneous oxidation of some of the sulfur-containing compounds.


identifier: Chaytor, Lori <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Chaytor=3ALori=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Parents' rolein supporting children's literacy development: perceptions of parents in Newfoundland and Labrador.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This study examines parents’ perceptions of their role in supporting their children’s
literacy development. Data were collected through phone interviews using the Parent
Reading Belief Inventory adapted from DeBaryshe (1994). This qualitative study consists
of eight female participants with children aged four to six. The results provide a basis for
understanding parents’ perceptions and their rationales for parenting practices. All the
participating parents believe they play an important role in their children’s early learning.
The majority of participants replicated their own childhood experiences with reading.
Overall, the findings suggest that parents evaluate their child’s level of readiness when
determining their reading support strategies, and that literacy development is unique to
each child. These findings contribute to an understanding of both the importance of
researching parents’ perceptions and also the way in which such perceptions may
influence their child’s literacy development.


identifier: Lacy, Robyn S. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Lacy=3ARobyn_S=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2017) 'Here lieth interr'd': an examination of 17th-century British burial landscapes in eastern North America.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: An archaeological, historical, and geographical survey-based examination, this research focuses on the first organized 17th-century British colonial burial grounds in 43 sites in New England and a further 20 in eastern Newfoundland, and how religious, socio-political, and cultural backgrounds may have influenced the placement of these spaces in relation to their associated settlements. In an attempt to locate the earliest 17th-century burial ground at Ferryland, Newfoundland, this research focuses on statistical analysis, and identifying potential patterns in burial ground placement. The statistical results will serve as a frequency model to suggest common placement and patterns in spatial organization of 17th-century British burial grounds along the eastern seaboard of North America. In addition, text-based and geochemical analyses were conducted on the Ferryland gravestones to aid in determining age and origin.


identifier: Steadman, Jamie Robert <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Steadman=3AJamie_Robert=3A=3A.html>   (2017) The effects of over-indebtedness on interpersonal relationships.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This thesis examines the effects that living with unmanageable levels of debt has upon the borrower’s interpersonal relationships. In recent years, Canadian individuals and households have accumulated record levels of consumer debt and consumer bankruptcies are on the rise. While the material reality of problematic debt and the economic deprivation that invariably accompany it have received significant attention from researchers, the interpersonal consequences of living with unmanageable debt remain relatively neglected. Numerous sociological and psychological studies demonstrate how important healthy interpersonal relationships are in maintaining subjective well-being and mental health. In this dissertation, I utilize in-depth interviews to uncover detailed descriptions of how living with problematic levels of indebtedness can have a negative impact on these important interpersonal relationships. Data generated from these interviews reveal novel insights not yet described in the sociological literature. They describe the manner in which heavily indebted individuals often struggle to maintain healthy familial, friendship, and romantic relationships. These data also reveal the difficulties that debtors experience in trying to form new relationships – especially romantic ones. In revealing how over-indebtedness places the ability to form and maintain relationships in jeopardy, this research brings to light an under-appreciated social problem. I argue that the ubiquity of consumer debt in our contemporary neoliberal economy makes this research particularly salient, not only in understanding the scope of the problem, but also by informing social policy that is designed to mitigate it.


identifier: Dong, Zhe <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Dong=3AZhe=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Collagen matrices: biomaterials for selective cell response.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This thesis covers two types of biomaterials: collagen matrices for cell culture and
segmental-long-spacing (SLS) collagen. They are both based on type I collagen, yet
have distinct configurations.
Cells are supported by extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins which can actively influence
differentiation, growth, and function of cells. We used type-I collagen, which is
the most abundant fibrous protein in the ECM, to establish a model physical context
for cell-cell interaction suitable to study the impacts of fat cells (adipocytes) on breast
cancer cells. This model system incorporates interactions with the collagen matrix to
selectively manipulate adipocyte development or function as defined by triglyceride
accumulation as well as leptin and adiponectin secretion. The morphology and elasticity
of collagen matrices in the presence and absence of adipocytes, as measured by
atomic force microscopy (AFM), indicates that adipocytes altered collagen elasticity
in a manner dependent both on adipocyte developmental stage and the collagen
preparation.
Overall, it is feasible to selectively manipulate the physiology and functionality
of adipocytes by timing the addition of specific collagen overlays in combination
with specific tissue-culture plates. These findings have implications for analysis of
adipocyte development in vitro as well as potential therapeutic implications to specifically
alter adipocyte functionality, which is reported to have impacts on regulating the proliferation of breast cancer cells.
As to the SLS collagen, we prepared the samples in different pH environments to
seek the influence of pH on the formation of SLS collagen. The result reveals that the
less acidic environment (pH=4) favours the formation of long fibers, which is more
similar to the native-type configuration of type I collagen aggregation. On the contrary,
in the more acidic environment (pH=2), the individual block-like SLS collagen
is the major product. Yet, the specific mechanism of the synthesis of SLS collagen still
requires more investigation. This work provides the basis for further study to synthesize
SLS collagen with tunable length, thickness, and/or surface banding distance,
with various applications such as matrices for the cell culture.


identifier: Aziz, Abdul <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Aziz=3AAbdul=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Introducing an ontology based framework for dynamic hazard identification.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
An automated hazard identification technique can substantially contribute to risk assessment
efficiency. This work presents an effort to introduce a dynamic hazard identification
technique, which can translate the event propagation scenario into a graphical
representation with probabilistic interpretation of hazards. Expert knowledge based
database structure and probabilistic data driven dynamics were implemented on an
ontology-based intelligent platform. A simple demonstration utilizing semantic webbased
Web Ontology Language (OWL) was transformed into the Probabilistic-OWL
(PR-OWL) based Multi Entity Bayesian Network (MEBN), which was incorporated
with prior probabilities, to produce Situation Specific Bayesian Networks (SSBN) referring
to hazard probabilities. A generalized and detailed dynamic hazard scenario
model was then developed based on this same framework following the proposed
methodology. Two open-source software, Protégé and UnBBayes, were used to develop
the models. Case studies with different operational and environmental scenarios
were presented to demonstrate the applicability of the generic model. To verify the
application, the ontology based hazard scenario model was implemented on 45 individual
accidents (from the CSB Database) with different operational aspects. This
model was further used for causality studies and hazard mitigation measures.


identifier: Lajoie, Marie-Ève <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Lajoie=3AMarie-=C8ve=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Genesis of barite associated with the Lemarchant Zn-Pb-Cu-Ag-Au-rich volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposit: implications for the genesis of VMS-related barite, Cambrian seawater chemistry, and the origin of barite-rich VMS deposits.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The Cambrian Tally Pond group hosts the Zn-Pb-Cu-Ag-Au-Ba Lemarchant VMS deposit. Despite the presence of barite in the deposit, the detailed relationships to mineralization, textural variations, and genesis are not well understood. Barite in the Lemarchant deposit is generally massive and locally bladed. Trace element as well as stable and radiogenic isotopic signatures of barite crystals are remarkably homogeneous regardless of texture. The results presented herein reveal a complex origin for the barite indicating input from Cambrian seawater and mixing with VMS-related hydrothermal fluids. Fluid inclusion studies of bladed barite show three types of fluid inclusions. Low-salinity carbonic-rich inclusions are the most abundant, but these inclusions are interpreted to be secondary in origin. These results illustrate that barite in VMS deposits is useful for recording physical and chemical processes associated with the formation of VMS deposits. In addition, the study of barite is useful for identifying potential sources of hydrothermal fluids responsible for the formation of barite and associated mineralization in the Lemarchant deposit and in other barite-rich VMS globally.


identifier: Desai, Amit Prabhakar <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Desai=3AAmit_Prabhakar=3A=3A.html>   (2017) A window to your smartphone: exploring interaction and communication in immersive VR with augmented virtuality.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
A major drawback of most Head Mounted Displays (HMDs) used in immersive
Virtual Reality (VR) is the visual and social isolation of users from their real-world
surroundings while wearing these headsets. This partial isolation of users from the
real-world might hinder social interactions with friends and family. To address this
issue, we present a new method to allow people wearing VR HMDs to use their
smartphones without removing their HMDs. To do this, we augment the scene inside
the VR HMD with a view of the user's device so that the user can interact with
the device without removing the headset. The idea involves the use of additional
cameras, such as the Leap Motion device or a high-resolution RGB camera to capture
the user's real-world surrounding and augment the virtual world with the content
displayed on the smartphone screen. This setup allows VR users to have a window to
their smartphone from within the virtual world and a�ord much of the functionality
provided by their smartphones, with the potential to reduce undesirable visual and
social isolation users may experience when using immersive VR HMDs.
This work has been successfully submitted for presentation as a poster in the
Computer and Robot Vision Conference 2017 in Edmonton, Alberta, and is scheduled
to appear in the conference proceedings at the IEEE Xplore digital library later this
year.


identifier: Pearce, Emma <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Pearce=3AEmma=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Nature and physis: highlighting the significance of understanding the ontological primacy of nature in post-metaphysical thought.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.


identifier: Castro, Mariana Muner Kroll Dantas de <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Castro=3AMariana_Muner_Kroll_Dantas_de=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Assessing the social organization of multi-dog households: dog behaviour, hormones, personality, and demographics.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Domestic dogs and grey wolves, although related species, display differences in social organization. As has been shown in captive vs. free-living wolves, context differences affecting social organization are likely to exist in domestic dogs. Social status has been investigated in free-ranging domestic dogs, among dogs living in kennel environments, and among pet dogs at a day-care facility, but not among cohabiting pet dogs. This study examines whether three methods (a toy possession test (TPT), behavioural characteristics, and owner-reported dominance) for evaluating dominance among dogs living in multi-dog homes yield convergent results. There were no significant relationships among the outcomes of the three methods, indicating they are likely measuring different constructs. Higher TPT scores were related to higher baseline testosterone, an interaction between baseline cortisol and testosterone characterized by low cortisol/high testosterone levels, relative age, Extraversion and Motivation. Behaviours previously associated with dominance were not consistent in their relationships with dog demographics (sex, age), hormones, and personality traits, as measured by the Monash Canine Personality Questionnaire-Revised (MCPQ-R). Owner-reported dominant dogs had higher relative Motivation and Training Focus and lower Amicability. Cohabiting pet dog social organization is probably different from that found in other dog groups, perhaps due to owner behaviour. Assumptions derived from wolf and feral dog studies about the concept of dominance must be evaluated carefully before being accepted as valid for pet dogs.


identifier: Wang, Mei <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Wang=3AMei=3A=3A.html>   (2017) From a boreal bog to an abandoned peatland pasture: the effect of agricultural management and abandonment on the greenhouse gas fluxes, carbon balance and radiative forcing of a boreal bog in western Newfoundland, Canada.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Undisturbed peatlands generally act as a long-term carbon (C) sink and climate cooling. Agriculturally managed peatlands have been identified as hotspots for C and greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions. However, the increased magnitude of C and GHGs emissions following agriculture management was found to be significantly variable, dependent on the management intensity, peatland initial conditions, cultivation species, time for plant regeneration and fertilization amount. Moreover, the knowledge of how agricultural management and abandonment affects GHGs fluxes is limited by insufficient direct comparisons of GHGs fluxes between undisturbed peatlands and agriculturally managed ones and failure to consider all three GHGs species. To bridge this gap, I conducted a study measuring the landscape-scale carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄) fluxes by eddy covariance and plot-scale N2O fluxes using static chamber technique in a boreal bog and an adjacent abandoned peatland pasture to determine and compare the controls on the temporal patterns of all GHGs fluxes and the effect of agricultural conversion and abandonment on the GHGs fluxes, the C balance and radiative forcing of a boreal bog in western Newfoundland, Canada.
This study showed that the gross primary productivity (GPP) and ecosystem respiration (ER) of the abandoned peatland pasture was significantly higher than the counterparts at the bog. The between-site difference in GPP was mainly related to their different vegetation conditions, and the between-site ER difference was linked to different conditions of water table, substrate availability and autotrophic respiration. Overall, the abandoned peatland pasture was a stronger CO₂ sink than the bog.
The abandoned peatland pasture was a smaller CH₄ source than the bog. CH₄ flux showed distinct diel and seasonal patterns at the bog but not at the abandoned peatland pasture. Subsurface soil temperature was the main control on CH₄ flux during the growing season but friction velocity became important in the non-growing season at the bog, while no variable was found to be significantly related to the seasonal variation in CH₄ flux at the abandoned peatland pasture.
N₂O flux did not show any significant temporal and spatial pattern and the fluxes were very low at both the bog and abandoned peatland pasture. The C and GHGs balance were mainly determined by the magnitude and direction of CO₂ at the pasture, but the GHGs balance was determined by CH₄ flux at the bog. The abandoned peatland pasture acted as a stronger C and GHGs sink than the bog. Therefore, results in this study suggest that the C sequestration capacity and climate cooling function of agriculturally managed peatlands can become stronger than the undisturbed peatlands after long-term abandonment.
Research in the thesis contributes new understanding of how agricultural management and abandonment affects the controls on GHGs fluxes and the C balance and climate regulation of peatlands. The work also shows the controls on C fluxes vary over different time-scales and different periods and pose difficulty for incorporation into ecosystem models.


identifier: Deyab, Samir Massoud <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Deyab=3ASamir_Massoud=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Failure modeling and analysis of offshore process components.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This thesis investigates the risk of offshore oil and gas processing equipment operating in a harsh environment. It comprises of two major studies which form the core of journal papers submitted for publication. The first study presented a new risk assessment methodology with applications to fire scenarios in compressor and heat exchanger units. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to identify the critical components, their interdependence, and importance in causing failure. In the second study, a risk assessment approach is proposed that demonstrates how process system failure risk could be assessed in the absence of complete data. The approach also highlighted the importance of interdependence of the failure causation factors. The Bayesian Network (BN) is used in the study to capture interdependence of and uncertainty the variables. Noisy-OR and Leaky Noisy-OR logics are used to improve uncertainty-handling capacity and overcome the data requirement. Application of the proposed approach is demonstrated on a subsea pipeline failure scenario. As a first step, a Bowtie (BT) was developed which captures all the possible failure causes of a leak and shows the potential consequences of a leak in the subsea pipeline. The BT was then mapped to a BN for OR, Noisy-OR and Leaky Noisy-OR logics. Failure probabilities of Subsea Pipeline and its Safety Barriers were calculated with Bow-tie and Bayesian Network for different Logics. Finally, importance analysis was performed for 21 basic events using OR, Noisy- OR and Leaky Noisy OR Logics to determine safety critical elements.
In Summary, this thesis provides scientifically sound and applied approaches to conduct risk assessment of process components with limited data. Applications of these approaches demonstrated on different case studies. Use of the proposed approaches would help better understanding of failure and hence improving safety of process system.


identifier: Place, Bryan K. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Place=3ABryan_K=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Detection and quantification of reactive atmospheric nitrogen species in remote ecosystems.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Anthropogenic inputs of nitrogen to the environment have increased by over 150 %
in the last 150 years causing concern for vital biophysical processes on Earth. Thus being
able to measure these increased inputs in terrestrial, aquatic and atmospheric
environments is essential to understanding how the global nitrogen cycle has been
impacted since the industrial revolution. With respect to the atmosphere, emissions of
reduced and oxidized forms of nitrogen have increased largely due to the anthropogenic
activities of agriculture and combustion, respectively. Emissions of these nitrogenous
species not only impact regions adjacent to their point sources, but also have the ability to
influence ecosystems hundreds of kilometers away due to the long-range transport of
some of these compounds. This can impact sensitive remote ecosystems positively or
negatively by either stimulating growth or causing acidification, eutrophication and
biodiversity shifts. Therefore developing analytical techniques that are capable of
measuring oxidized and reduced atmospheric inputs to remote ecosystems is of great
importance.
In part I of this work a method employing custom-built physisorption-based passive
samplers coupled with ion chromatography analysis was developed to sample
atmospheric nitric acid (HNO₃(g)) in remote ecosystems. The developed HNO₃(g) sampling
method was able to detect HNO₃(g) mixing ratios as low as 2 parts per trillion by volume
(pptv) over a monthly sampling period, following a rigorous quality assurance and quality
control procedure. The passive samplers were installed across the Newfoundland and
Labrador – Boreal Ecosystem Latitudinal Transect (NL-BELT) in the summer of 2015, and average mixing ratios of HNO₃(g) at the NL-BELT field sites from 2015-16 were
determined to be in the tens of parts per trillion by volume (pptv) range. The dry
deposition flux of HNO₃(g) as nitrogen (N) to the field sites ranged from 3 – 16 mg N yr-1.
Through an air mass back trajectory analysis, coupled with a steady-state chemical box
model approximation, it was determined that the HNO₃(g) quantities observed at a single
NL-BELT site likely originated from local production and regional transport from central
and eastern Newfoundland, with an additional contribution from the down welling of
peroxyacetyl nitrates from the upper troposphere, possibly occurring during the spring
and early summer.
In part II of this work, an ion chromatography method was developed to speciate
and quantify alkylamines (NR₃(g)). NR₃(g) have been shown to influence Earth’s climate
and may be an important source of new nitrogen to remote ecosystems. The developed
method was shown to be sensitive, accurate, and robust in separating and quantifying 11
atmospheric alkylamines, including 3 sets of alkylamine isomers, from 5 common
atmospheric inorganic cations. The method was able to detect NR₃(g) at a picogram per
injection level, and the method performed robustly in the presence of a complex biomassburning
matrix containing amounts of inorganic cations up to 3 orders of magnitude
larger than the NR₃(g) quantified in the samples. Thus the ion chromatography method can
be applied to the remote atmosphere where alkylamine concentrations are often detected
in quantities 1000 times less than other atmospheric cations. In the biomass-burning
particle samples tested using the ion chromatography method unprecedented quantities of
dimethylamine and diethylamine were observed, with the summed molar quantity
exceeding that of ammonium in the 100 – 560 nm particle diameter fraction.
The applicability of these atmospheric measurement techniques to measure and
quantify HNO₃(g) and NR₃(g) has been demonstrated for remote ecosystems and will
hopefully allow for a greater understanding of these two species roles’ in remote
environments.


identifier: Dong, Xuan <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Dong=3AXuan=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Analog design for manufacturability: lithography-aware analog layout retargeting.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: As transistor sizes shrink over time in the advanced nanometer technologies, lithography effects have become a dominant contributor of integrated circuit (IC) yield degradation. Random manufacturing variations, such as photolithographic defect or spot defect, may cause fatal functional failures, while systematic process variations, such as dose fluctuation and defocus, can result in wafer pattern distortions and in turn ruin circuit performance. This dissertation is focused on yield optimization at the circuit design stage or so-called design for manufacturability (DFM) with respect to analog ICs, which has not yet been sufficiently addressed by traditional DFM solutions. On top of a graph-based analog layout retargeting framework, in this dissertation the photolithographic defects and lithography process variations are alleviated by geometrical layout manipulation operations including wire widening, wire shifting, process variation band (PV-band) shifting, and optical proximity correction (OPC). The ultimate objective of this research is to develop efficient algorithms and methodologies in order to achieve lithography-robust analog IC layout design without circuit performance degradation.


identifier: Cadigan, Ted <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Cadigan=3ATed=3A=3A.html>   (2017) A comparison between motor point and transcranial magnetic stimulation for estimating voluntary activation prior to, during and following fatiguing elbow flexor contractions.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The objective of this thesis was to compare changes in voluntary activation (VA) with two different stimulation techniques in non-fatigued and fatigued elbow flexors. Participants completed a single experimental session in which they preformed four sequences of three consecutive fatiguing contractions (fatigue block). Submaximal muscle contractions were performed in sets of four between fatigue blocks. The contractions began with a 100% effort followed by a 25%, 50% and 75% of MVC contraction in random order (VA block). All VA block contractions were sustained for 5 seconds. VA block was completed prior to the first fatigue block, post 5 and 10 minutes. Stimulations were delivered during the final of three successive fatiguing contractions in the fatigue block and during all VA block contractions. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), Erb’s point stimulation, and motor point stimulation were delivered to induce motor evoked potentials (MEP), maximal muscle compound action potential (Mmax), and potentiated twitch, respectively. VA decreased throughout the fatigue protocol with motor point stimulation and TMS but TMS was significantly underestimated because of lower estimated resting twitch forces than motor point stimulation. There was no change in triceps/biceps brachii electromyography, biceps/triceps motor evoked potential (MEP) amplitudes or bicep MEP amplitudes throughout the fatigue protocol. In conclusion motor point stimulation as opposed to TMS led to a higher estimation of VA in non-fatigued elbow flexors, therefore stimulation type has substantial effect on predictive equation validity when fatigue is incorporated. Additionally, as fatigue increased, potentiated twitch, EMG amplitude and force production progressively reduced.


identifier: Winsor, Mercy Dhlakama <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Winsor=3AMercy_Dhlakama=3A=3A.html>   (2018) "Newfoundland, Newfoundland...how does your garden grow?" Exploring the impact of gardening on health and food security in the Northeast Avalon region.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore home and community food gardening and its perceived impact on health and food security within the Newfoundland and Labrador context. Objectives: 1) to describe the demographic characteristics of gardeners in the Northeast Avalon region; 2) to explore their key reasons and motivations for gardening; 3) to understand the perceived impacts of gardening on health and food security and; 4) to explore the challenges and barriers to gardening, and subsequently suggestions on how to address these challenges and barriers. Findings: Research participants were mostly young to middle aged, well-educated, mid-to-high income individuals. Almost all participants reported taking part in gardening for enjoyment and self-satisfaction. Most participants were health conscious and gardened to complement other healthy practices. The impact of gardening on food security appeared to be a secondary benefit of the practice. Implications: While acknowledging the limitations of gardening in directly addressing food security, this study highlights the potential role of gardening as a tool for promoting and supporting health. Recommendations on how to enable gardening to become an accessible option for those who wish to engage in the activity are proposed.


identifier: Jones, Drew J. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Jones=3ADrew_J=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2017) 3D geophysical electromagnetic forward modeling of complex graphitic fault zones.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Uranium exploration in the Athabasca Basin, Canada, has been compared to finding a needle in a haystack as the typical targets are thin, near-vertical graphitic faults buried under thick sedimentary cover. Time domain electromagnetic (EM) exploration methods are commonly used in the detection of these conductive graphitic fault zones. A method of using many three-dimensional (3D) frequency-domain EM forward responses, computed over a wide range of frequencies, to construct an accurate 3D time-domain forward response is presented. The application of 3D forward modeling using unstructured tetrahedral meshes provides a more precise means of replicating EM responses of targets like those in the Athabasca Basin with complicated, challenging geometries. Results for synthetic and real-world scenarios demonstrate the ability of the approach in accurately modeling simple or complex conductors and sets of conductors in 3D. Results also demonstrate the application of the method to model realistic geologic situations with many individual model regions based on actual geologic data.


identifier: Debnath-Canning, Michelle <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Debnath-Canning=3AMichelle=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Chemical analysis and neurobiological effects of Newfoundland wild blueberries.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Antioxidants may be beneficial for the treatment of certain neurological diseases since oxidative stress and inflammation are believed to contribute to neurological degenerative disorders. We performed an analysis of the biochemical attributes and neurobiological activity of extracts found in Vaccinium species. Wild blueberries, native to Newfoundland and Labrador (NL), were collected from different locations. Biochemical assays were performed to determine the phenolic content of extracts and antioxidant capacity. To quantify and identify major anthocyanins in extracts, High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Mass-Spectroscopy analysis was performed. Microglial cells isolated from mouse brains were treated with glutamate or α-synuclein to induce inflammatory responses, and treatment with extracts was conducted to assess neuroprotective effects. Results showed that wild blueberry fruits and leaves native to NL are high sources of antioxidants. Leaves have an overall significantly higher level of antioxidants compared to the fruits. Utilizing HPLC-MS, more anthocyanins were identified in blueberry fruit than leaves, but the anthocyanins in leaf extracts were present in higher quantity. Cell culture experiments demonstrated the preventative role blueberry fruits and leaves had on activated microglial cells mimicking conditions in the neurodegenerative conditions. Overall, findings showed that that both fruit and leaf extracts significantly reduced the inflammatory response of brain cells seen in certain neurodegenerative disease.


identifier: Parsons, Jonathan <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Parsons=3AJonathan=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Resistance in contemporary Newfoundland fiction.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
“Resistance in Contemporary Newfoundland Fiction” focuses on writing by four Newfoundland novelists: Michael Crummey, Wayne Johnston, Lisa Moore, and Edward Riche, in particular the ways in which their novels demonstrate resistance through both content and formal construction. The kinds of resistance expressed in the novels in this study are not militant or obviously revolutionary, and they are not necessarily self-aware of their positioning of resistance or the comment they make on cultures of resistance in Newfoundland. The central argument of this dissertation is that forms of resistance expressed in novelistic writing outline the contours of the culture of resistance in Newfoundland; even as specific novels may express cynical or reactionary views on the efficacy of resistance, they nonetheless represent such resistance as an important part of the broader Newfoundland cultural landscape. This dissertation, then, is a very different kind of study of resistance and novelistic writing from those works of literary criticism focused on writings from or about revolutions and military occupations, in which more immediately recognizable forms of insurrectionary or militant resistance is apparent. Rather, “Resistance in Contemporary Newfoundland Fiction” examines the resistance that simmers just below the surface of everyday life, resistance that is sometimes then expressed as an upsurge of anger or a moment of outrage. Forms of resistance represented in these novels that are ultimately most effective are those grounded in grassroots, anarchistic practice, while forms of resistance embedded in traditional, formal political structures, such as unionism and partisan politics, are ultimately shown to be less effective or ineffective.
In each chapter, I focus on specific flashpoints or moments of protest that are central to the texts, such as an act of vigilantism in Crummey’s Galore (2009), an anti-government riot in Johnston’s The Colony of Unrequited Dreams (1998), an armed standoff with government agents in Riche’s Rare Birds (1997), and ecologically-motivated sabotage in Moore’s Alligator (2005). The way each of these novels contextualizes and presents such acts of resistance functions as an entry point for interpretation and critical analysis, directing further close reading of the novels with respect to their own specific content. Some of the broad thematics in these novels that I explore through theories of resistance are capitalism, nationalism, conservatism, and debt.


identifier: Borduas, Chris <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Borduas=3AChris=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Masculinity and health: a critical examination of masculine embodiment in physical education.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This thesis explores how male students aged 12-14, at a middle school in Newfoundland
and Labrador, Canada are embodying fatness and masculinity in a province where
dominant discourses of health are present and influencing the position the boys hold in
the social hierarchy in PE. In this critical ethnographic study, data was collected with 15
male middle school students through semi-structured interviews and class observations
over 9 weeks. Data was analysed through a post-structural lens. Three main findings
emerged. First, male youth are influenced and acting upon dominant discourses of
masculinity and health. Second, alternative approaches by students and teachers are
challenging the notion of dominant discourse to enhance student pleasure and
engagement. Finally, the participants discuss the advancement of student-driven
curriculum for the promotion of positive realities in PE. The results of this study bring
attention to the promise of student-led approaches and teacher pedagogy to promote
body-safe and inclusive classrooms.


identifier: Wang, Haibing <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Wang=3AHaibing=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Development of a low inertia drumless tether management system.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Oceanography winch system is a very important piece of equipment for ocean research.
It is capable of managing cable and towing lines that are connected to the scientific
research equipment. Traditional drummed winch systems exhibits issues such as large
drum inertia that causes slow response, cable kink and high power consumption. In
this thesis, an innovative low inertia drumless winch system that winds cable into a
Figure "1" shape was proposed and prototypes were designed and fabricated to prove
the concept.
To estimate the power requirement for the winch system with regard to sensor towing
applications, a dynamic mathematical model of the tow cable in two dimensions was
developed using lumped parameter modelling. The model was implemented in Matlab,
and simulations were done for different towing speeds. Towing forces including
analysis of drag on cable, and relative sensor position under varying towing conditions
could be estimated from the model.
Two prototypes were designed and built to prove the concept. The first prototype was
designed to be a two module system which was planned to achieve reeling, twisting
and directing the cable separately by the two modules. Dry running tests of the cable
manipulation was performed. Second prototype which consisted of Cable Manipulation
Unit and Cable Storage Unit was also designed and built. All three geared DC
servo motors are feedback loop controlled using PID controllers, and PID parameters were manually tuned. Cable winding tests were performed. Prototype one failed at
twisting and changing the direction of cable.Prototype two successfully reels in and
out the cable and can also change the direction while reeling it, but failed at twisting
the cable while it was being reeled. Test results and problems encountered were discussed,
possible solutions and future work on how to solve the problems and improve
the performance of the system were also discussed.


identifier: Waterman, Jillian <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Waterman=3AJillian=3A=3A.html>   (2017) A qualitative description of mothers' experiences breastfeeding a child with tongue-tie.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Tongue-tie is characterized by an abnormally tight, short, and thick lingual
frenulum restricting the tongue’s movement. This functional impairment can hinder a
child’s ability to maintain an effective latch and suckle, and may lead to complex
breastfeeding difficulties.
This qualitative research study focused on exploring the experiences of mothers
who have breastfed or attempted to breastfeed a baby with tongue-tie, including how it
affected their emotional well-being, relationships and future feeding practices, and to
explore their perceptions of the healthcare received and the effect of the tongue-tie
release.
A qualitative description study design was used. Two focus group sessions were
conducted with a total of nine participants. Content analysis using constant comparison
revealed a common story of struggle between the expectations of the mothers and their
actual experiences of feeding a child with tongue-tie. The themes that emerged were
emotional well-being, lack of priority for the breastfeeding relationship, lack of systemic
support for tongue-tie, strain on relationships, and the mothers’ perception of the child’s
experience pre and post tongue-tie release.


identifier: Muchiri, Judyannet Waigwe <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Muchiri=3AJudyannet_Waigwe=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Youth-defined development doing development for, with and by African youth.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Engaging youth is imperative to development because youth are aware of what their communities need and have the capacity to work with other members of the community to meet those needs. Yet, there is minimal meaningful participation of youth in development processes in Africa – especially in projects that are meant for youth. In situations where youth are engaged, they are typically only involved at the very end of the process as passive beneficiaries. Youth are excluded from meaningful participation because they are perceived in society as incapable of reasonable and rational decision-making, as inexperienced, and as a homogenous group of people with these essential characteristics. This exclusion poses a problem to development because without the input of youth, development will benefit only a few and it will not gain acceptance and support from youth.
By failing to engage youth in development, especially in projects that target youth, the development community excludes a substantial part of the population. The African Development Bank Group reports that 75% of Sub-Saharan Africa is below 35 years old.1 Youth are not only Africa’s present, they are its future; failing to invest in youth is failing to invest in the future of Africa. Youth are the custodians of the future; they are the future parents, professionals, farmers, construction workers and traders. As such, their participation in development fosters skills and experience in development activities necessary for young people to take charge of community development initiatives as leaders. Indeed, a significant number of young people are already involved in development activities, indicating the will and initiative of young people as agents of change in the community. Further, when youth are not involved in making decisions and actively taking part in activities that affect their lives they are bound to become indifferent. Many challenges faced by the development community in the course of planning and implementing projects can be avoided if the development community worked with youth.
Development is defined variously as a process that: promotes prosperity and economic opportunity, greater social wellbeing and protection of the environment2; gives people more freedom and opportunity to live the lives they value, develops people’s abilities and gives them a chance to use them;3 or as positive socioeconomic transformation under the African Union’s Agenda 20634. These definitions come from organizations. It is important to consider how youth define development because with this understanding, the development community can create better ways to work with youth in youth-oriented development. Further, understanding development from the point of view of youth enables policy makers to prioritize development practices in ways that address the needs, experiences, and insights of a substantial portion of Africans. That is, it allows the immediate needs of youth, as defined by youth, to be met. Finally, it allows the development community to find out if there is any disconnect between their definition of development and how youth define development and find ways to reconcile the two.
This paper outlines what development means to youth who are members of a networked youth group and what ‘good’ development looks like according to them in the context of youth-oriented development. It provides evidence for the development community to: a) consider what youth think about development, b) invest in youth and their capabilities, and c) forge meaningful partnerships and develop trust with youth in development processes and activities. Further, it shows what youth- and community-centered development looks like when defined by young people who are invested in development in Africa. In this paper youth are defined as people between the ages of 15 and 35. The development community is defined as local and national governments, foreign governments, international and local non-governmental organizations, multilateral government agencies, faith-based organizations, multi-national corporations and local community organizations. It is based on insights from youth in different African countries who are members of a network that uses digital media to bring youth involved in development together. It focuses on youth-targeted development.
The findings of this research lead to the following recommendations.
For participation in development projects to be meaningful:
 Information should be shared and people consulted at all levels5.
 People should be involved in setting priorities and determining how resources will be used in projects in the planning stage.
 People should participate in implementing projects and be encouraged to take initiative independently6.
 Responsibilities and power should be shared among the people involved in projects.
 People should be involved in making decisions which affect the quality of their lives.5
 It should be based on respect and recognition of individual and group differences based on racial, ethnic, cultural, sexual orientations and religious background.7
 People’s local knowledge should be integrated in the design and planning process in development.8
There are various ways through which development actors can achieve this meaningful participation with youth. Below, the Three-lens Model of Participation is discussed.
The Three-lens Participatory Model 4
Given the centrality of youth’s expectation to participate in development projects, people working with youth can adopt the Three-lens Approach to Youth Participation20 This participatory model involves working with youth as beneficiaries, as partners and as leaders. The highest level of participation occurs when youth take leadership roles in projects or when they start their own initiatives. This model of youth participation shows how the development community can work with youth to foster more participation. The very basic form of participation is when youth are engaged as mere beneficiaries or clients in a project. On the other hand, the most effective mode of participation includes youth as leaders in projects. Though situations differ with contexts and countries, development actors can mold their youth participation strategies on this model.
Main Findings Based on the above features of meaningful youth participation and participatory model, it is imperative to find out from young people to what extent this is evident in practice. This research project does this by engaging a group of youth who are involved in development; it focuses on finding out what development means to this particular group of youth. The following are the main findings of this research.
 Young people have a sound understanding of problems in their communities and have the capacity and expertise to contribute to their community’s wellbeing.  Youth participation in development includes taking part in designing, actualizing, and monitoring projects.
 There is a disconnect in how youth and the development community define development; this affects what is prioritized in development and is seen as a problem by youth who already participate in development.
 Information sharing is central to the way youth participate in development projects. Young people want development actors to clearly communicate what is expected of youth in development projects, how projects are executed, what the goals and objectives are in projects, how power and responsibilities are shared and what the scope of work is.
 Youth use informal channels and platforms, such as social media, to organize and share information about development activities they are involved in.
 Young people display a willingness to work collaboratively on projects in adult-youth relationships.
Youth Participants’ definitions of development
 Good development gives people the ability and opportunity to sustainably use available resources;
 access basic needs;
 appreciate intangible things like culture, freedom, education and to enjoy them with family and friends;
 work together as members of a community for socio-economic growth through partnerships;
 identify the needs of different communities and helps fill the gap between those needs and available resources;
 work for positive change in the community in the interest of the local population;  and to improve their livelihood in a way that promotes environmental sustainability.
A Summary of Recommendations
Based on the above findings and existing models of participation, the following recommendations to the development community are targeted to governments, international aid agencies, and other policymakers:
Procedural Recommendations
1. Change from a top-down approach to a more community-centered approach in creation, implementation and evaluation of development projects.
2. Map development projects onto the needs of youth and community.
3. Move beyond a mere inclusion of youth in development projects (e.g. a certain number of youth are consulted or are involved in workshops) to substantial engagement where youth meaningfully participate in decision making processes and tasks throughout projects.
4. Involve youth in evaluating existing policies and programs.
Thematic Development Priority Recommendations
1. Invest more in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) for girls and young women in Africa.
2. Invest in programs that nurture and promote the value of arts in informal and formal learning institutions and allocate more funds for arts.
3. Create legal and policy systems within which youth participation in development is enforced.


identifier: Whitelaw, Keely Elizabeth <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Whitelaw=3AKeely_Elizabeth=3A=3A.html>   (2017) The third kind: an analysis of the receptacle in Plato's Timaeus.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This thesis analyzes the irreducible metaphysical conditions for the generation
and persistence of the cosmos, as described in the cosmology of Plato’s Timaeus. These
metaphysical conditions are the framework on which the cosmos is generated and
sustained. Plato distinguishes between three fundamental kinds of being: 1) the stable,
intelligible model, 2) the fleeting, phenomenal images, and 3) the receptacle, the place in
which sensible things appear in the image of the formal model. An analysis of Plato’s
receptacle (chora) as a distinct metaphysical reality, illuminates the need for this third
kind of being to create a relation between these irreducible and inseparable conditions.
Plato’s third kind reveals the nature of phenomena to be like images reflected in a mirror.
This cosmology of continuity between the second and third kinds of being is in contrast
to Aristotle’s notion of phenomena as discreet, primary substances. Plato’s receptacle
embraces material and efficient causality. This mysterious third kind is the non-nothing,
non-being entity that completes the account of the first two kinds by providing a place for
their relation.


identifier: Foroutani, Maryam Beheshti <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Foroutani=3AMaryam_Beheshti=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Minimizing marine resource utilization in diets of farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar): effects on growth performance and muscle, liver, and head kidney chemical composition.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Due to the limited availability of fish meal and fish oil resources and their high costs in producing aquafeeds for the aquaculture industry, it is important to conduct research on possible replacements that are sustainable sources of protein and lipids. In this study, seven different diets containing various protein and lipid sources were formulated to feed farmed Atlantic salmon, and their effects on growth performance, tissue lipid class, fatty acid, and elemental composition were examined. Growth performance results showed that the diet containing the lowest level of fish meal and fish oil led to the lowest weight gain, followed by the diet with the highest content of animal by-products. The lipid class analysis for the three examined tissues (muscle, liver, and head kidney) showed no statistical difference in the total lipid content using the seven dietary treatments. However, there was a statistical difference between the main lipid classes; triacylglycerols, phospholipids, and sterols. The elemental analysis of the three tissues revealed a higher ratio of carbon to nitrogen (C/N) in head kidney tissues compared to muscle and liver tissues, which consequently resulted in the highest level of total lipids in head kidney tissues. The carbon and nitrogen analysis of the liver tissues showed that diet with 1.4% ω3 long chain fatty acids (ω3LC1.4) resulted in a higher nitrogen concentration and a lower C/N ratio than when other dietary treatments were used. In terms of essential fatty acids, liver and head kidney tissues of fish fed the diet with lowest amount of fish meal and fish oil had the lowest EPA and DHA and the highest ARA levels. Diets with low levels of fish meal and a medium level of fish oil, resulted in as high a level of ω3 fatty acids in the examined tissue as when diets containing high levels of fish meal and fish oil were used.
This study suggests that fish meal can be reduced to 5% without affecting growth as long as there is a minimum of 5% fish oil, and animal by-products do not exceed 26% of diet. It was concluded that reducing fish meal and fish oil to less than 10% in diets of farmed Atlantic salmon affects growth performance, as well as elemental, lipid, and fatty acid compositions of the muscle, liver, and head kidney tissues.


identifier: Kirkland, Megan C. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Kirkland=3AMegan_C=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Bipedal hopping timed with a metronome to detect impairments in anticipatory motor control in people with mild multiple sclerosis.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Background: People with mild multiple sclerosis (MS) often report difficulty in balance
and cognition but display no measurable deficits on many clinical assessments. We examined
whether hopping to a metronome beat has the potential to detect anticipatory motor control
deficits among people with mild MS (Expanded Disease Severity Score ≤ 3.5).
Methods: Participants with MS (n=13), matched controls (n=9), and elderly subjects
(n=13) completed tests of cognition (Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)) and motor
performance (Timed 25 Foot Walk Test (T25FWT)). Participants performed two bipedal
hopping tasks: at 40 beats/minute (bpm) and 60-bpm in random order. Hop characteristics
(length, symmetry, variability) and delay from the metronome beat were extracted from an
instrumented walkway and compared between groups using a one-way ANOVA.
Results: The MS group became more delayed from the metronome beat over time
whereas elderly subjects tended to hop closer to the beat during 40-bpm (F=3.58, p=0.04). Delay
of the first hop during 60-bpm predicted cognition in people with MS (R=0.55, β=4.64 (SD
4.63), F=4.85, p=0.05) but not among control (R=0.07, p=0.86) or elderly subjects (R=0.17,
p=0.57). In terms of hopping characteristics, people with MS performed similarly to the matched
controls during 60-bpm, but shifted towards the elderly subjects’ ability during 40-bpm.
Conclusions: This new timed hopping test may be able to detect both physical ability and
feed-forward anticipatory control impairments in people with mild MS. Hopping at a frequency
of 40-bpm seemed more challenging. Two aspects of anticipatory motor control can be
measured: response time to the first metronome cue and the ability to adapt and anticipate the
beat over time.


identifier: Ehteshum, Mehedi <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Ehteshum=3AMehedi=3A=3A.html>   (2018) Development of a control scheme for a quarter car test rig.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Road holding performance and vibration isolation of an automobile are some of the most important criteria for human perception of ride quality. For this, the accurate estimation of car body vibration is a prerequisite. A 2-DOF quarter car is a simple, but still reasonable approach to study the dynamic behaviour of a car body. This thesis illustrates the development of control scheme hardware for a quarter car model based on an existing test rig. The test rig parameters are estimated using different static and dynamic tests. The parameters are then used to develop a passive nonlinear model for the test rig. A similar linear model is used to develop an idealized controller. The controller is then applied to the nonlinear simulation model to make it active, and its performance is found to be slightly better at low frequencies for the nonlinear model. The actuator dynamics are then included in the active model to make it realistic. A comparative study of the ideal and realistic model shows that the realistic active model generally shows better ride quality, specially at high frequencies. This model will offer the future researchers a realistic control scheme for the quarter car test rig. The thesis shows the implementation of a new software (20-sim 4C) and hardware system to allow control signals to be sent from the simulation software to the physical quarter car, and verification of the software and hardware by controlling a voice coil actuator using pulse-width modulation to follow a position command signal and then a force command signal. It is observed that as the frequency of the command signal increases, the amplitude loss in the response increases. The actuator can generate only about 5 N force when the frequency of the force command signal is above about 10 Hz. A more robust actuator with higher bandwidth will be required for hardware replication of the maximum potential active suspension benefit predicted by the simulation models.


identifier: Sharma, Prafull <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Sharma=3APrafull=3A=3A.html>   (2018) Developing an online predictor to predict product sulfur concentration for HDS unit.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Hydrodesulfurization (HDS) is an important process in refining industries. Advanced control system (e.g. model predictive controller) requires on-line measurement of the product sulfur at the reactor outlet. However, most HDS processes do not have a sulfur analyzer at the reactor outlet. In order to predict product sulfur concentration usually a data based sulfur predictor is developed. Performance of data based predictor is usually poor since some of the input parameters (e.g. feed sulfur concentration) are unknown. The objective of this thesis is to overcome these limitations of data based predictors and develop an online product sulfur predictor for HDS unit. In this thesis, a hybrid model is proposed, developed and validated (using industrial data), which could predict product sulfur concentration for online HDS system. The proposed hybrid structure is a combination of a reaction kinetics based HDS reactor model and an empirical model based on support vector regression (SVR). The mechanistic model runs in off-line mode to estimate the feed sulfur concentration while the data based model uses the estimated feed sulfur concentration and other process variables to predict the product sulfur concentration. The predicted sulfur concentration can be compared with the lab measurements or sulfur analyzer located further downstream of the process at the tankage. In case there is a large discrepancy, the predictor goes to a calibration mode and uses the mechanistic model to re-estimate the feed sulfur concentration. The detailed logic for the online prediction is also developed. Finally a Matlab based Graphical User Interface (GUI) has been developed for the hybrid sulfur predictor for easy implementation to any HDS process.


identifier: Power, Stephen <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Power=3AStephen=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Digital photos, social media sharing, and the Office of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Social media has given Canadians the opportunity to directly connect and share content with each other. Market trends show that users of new digital media prefer to consume and share visual content with celebrity or human interest themes. Finding such visual content is easier when it has been produced and distributed by others. In particular, both traditional news and social media sometimes reproduce digital photo handouts produced by the Prime Minister‘s Office (PMO). These handouts give the PMO an opportunity to feed a stream of positive visuals of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau into online Canadian media platforms. These campaign-style photos promote the prime minister but do little to educate Canadians on civic issues or government business. This creates a situation where the PMO might be diminishing the independence of social media spaces in the pursuit of political goals by reorienting these handouts towards social media-driven consumption. Where are PMO-produced digital photographs of Prime Minister Trudeau reproduced on social media and other non-social media web sites? By addressing this question, I attempt to demonstrate that by providing social media geared towards content sharing with affordable, in-demand digital photo handouts, political actors such as the Trudeau PMO use these platforms as distribution vehicles for their own positive leader-centric visuals. I hypothesize that almost all PMO digital photo handouts are reproduced by individual citizens on social media. However, significant numbers of reproductions on non-social media web sites were discovered under a specific set of circumstances. I highlight these trends that popular handouts follow and use them to construct a "shareability formula" that I suggest maximizes the spread of handouts online if followed. I then discuss the implications of these trends for public discourse on Canadian digital media and the changing dynamics between the PMO, mainstream news media, and a more responsive public.


identifier: Rabbi, Sheikh Fazle <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Rabbi=3ASheikh_Fazle=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Self-starting interior permanent magnet motor drive for electric submersible pumps.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The interior permanent magnet (IPM) motor drive has evolved as the most energy efficient technology for modern motion control applications. Electric submersible pumps (ESPs) are electric motor driven fluid recovery systems. ESPs are widely used for producing oil and gas from deep downhole reservoirs. Standard ESPs are driven by classical squirrel cage induction motors (IMs) due to its self-starting capability from a balanced 3-phase ac excitation, ruggedness, simplicity, low cost and wide scale availability. Although there has been a tremendous growth in the design and development of highly efficient and reliable IPM motors for traction drive systems, application of the IPM motor technology in ESPs is still in its infancy due to challenges associated with the design and control of IPM motors. In this thesis, a new self-starting, efficient and reliable IPM motor drive technology is proposed for ESP systems to extend their efficiency, longevity and performance.
This thesis investigates two different types of self-starting interior permanent magnet (IPM) motors: cage-equipped IPM motors known as line-start IPM motors and a new type of hybrid self-starting motors called hysteresis IPM motors. The limited synchronization capability of line-start IPM motors for high inertial loads is explained in this thesis. To overcome the starting and synchronization problems associated with line-start IPM motors, a new type of hybrid hysteresis IPM motor is proposed in this thesis. Equivalent circuit modeling and finite element analysis of hysteresis IPM motors are carried out in this thesis. A prototype 2.5 kW hysteresis IPM motor is constructed and experimentally tested in the laboratory. In order to limit the inrush current during starting, a stable soft starter has been designed, simulated and implemented for variable speed operations of the motor. The simulation and experimental results are presented and analyzed in this thesis.
Self-starting IPM motors suffer from hunting induced torsional oscillations. Electric submersible pumps are vulnerable against sustained hunting and can experience premature failures. In this thesis, a novel stator current signature based diagnostic system for detection of torsional oscillations in IPM motor drives is proposed. The diagnostic system is non-intrusive, fast and suitable for remote condition monitoring of an ESP drive system.
Finally, a position sensorless control technique is developed for an IPM motor drive operated from an offshore power supply. The proposed technique can reliably start and stabilize an IPM motor using a back-emf estimation based sensorless controller. The efficacy of the developed sensorless control technique is investigated for a prototype 3-phase, 6-pole, 480V, 10-HP submersible IPM motor drive.
In summary, this thesis carried out modeling, analysis and control of different types of self-starting IPM motors to assess their viability for ESP drive systems. Different designs of self-starting IPM motors are presented in this thesis. In future, a fully scalable self-starting IPM motor drive will be designed and manufactured that can meet the industrial demands for high power, highly reliable and super-efficient ESP systems.


identifier: Akrami, Seyed Mostafa <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Akrami=3ASeyed_Mostafa=3A=3A.html>   (2017) An algorithm for full waveform inversion of vector acoustic data.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
In exploration seismology, constructing an accurate velocity model is imperative. One
of the algorithms which can lead to an accurate velocity model is Full Waveform Inversion
(FWI). FWI takes advantage of full wave information that is, direct, reflection
and refraction waveforms and tries to construct the model parameters that best fit
the data and obtain the best-fit images of the Earth’s subsurface. Depending on the
environment, these parameters could be compressional or shear wave velocities, density,
Lame parameters, etc. Acoustic FWI uses only scalar data such as pressure to
construct a velocity model and does not provide any directivity information about
the wavefields. Mimicking the recent experiments in seismic acquisition, which allow
for recording different types of data (scalar and vector data) in terms of FWI scheme
is crucial for complex imaging problem. This is because, extending FWI to vector
data allows us to use both pressure and velocity components at the same time, giving
directivity information about the wavefields. By extending FWI to vector data
and thus improving the input data to FWI, we obtain both improved resolution and
directivity information. This can be done by employing monopole as well as dipole
sources and regularized joint objective functions. I demonstrate my algorithm with
four models.


identifier: Newcombe, Simon <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Newcombe=3ASimon=3A=3A.html>   (2017) An examination of military life in 18th-century Newfoundland using the archaeological remains of an officers' barracks on Bois Island, Ferryland (CgAf-1).  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Ferryland’s significance as a major fishing port, coupled with the threat of French
aggression, prompted the English Crown to construct a series of fortifications and
buildings on Bois Island in 1743. Situated in Ferryland Harbour with a strategic view of
the Atlantic Ocean, Bois Island was occupied by members of the Royal Regiment of
Artillery, the Royal Marines, and the 45th Regiment of Foot who defended the island and
Ferryland from French raids of the mid to late 18th century. In 1975, Dr. Robert Barakat
of Memorial University conducted a field school on the island centered around one of the
barracks. This investigation produced an assemblage of over 5,000 artifacts that
remained in The Rooms Provincial Museum in St. John’s, Newfoundland. A survey of
Bois Island conducted in 2015 documented the remains of this excavation as well as the
structural remains of the 18th-century fortifications and its risk from erosion. Through the
lens of household archaeology, an analysis of the artifacts revealed details of daily life for
the commissioned officers who occupied this barracks on and off between 1743 and
1784. These officers interacted with both seasonal and permanent residents of Ferryland
and left behind a fascinating variety of 18th-century artifacts including ceramics,
glassware, smoking pipes, decorative pewter spoons, and even an ivory die.


identifier: Butera, Stephanie <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Butera=3AStephanie=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Just revolutionary violence: on the possibility of novelty in political life.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This thesis addresses two interrelated issues. The first is how we come to think and enact
the possibility of overturning the political order in which we find ourselves. This is of particular
issue when we consider that our situations always over-determine our possibilities for thinking
and acting. The second issue involves the question of how revolutionary violence can be said to
be just, or in other words how the act of violence can avoid reinscribing a state of affairs only
superficially different from the violent one it sought to overturn. I address these issues using the
works of Frantz Fanon and Alain Badiou, two figures in the existential-phenomenological
tradition. Fanon’s phenomenological account of oppression gives us a concrete context for
thinking the conditions of revolutionary action as presented by Badiou’s ontology. I argue that
Badiou’s ontology can account for the lived experience of political oppression as well as the
possibility revolutionary violence, despite its “Platonic” idealism.