identifier: Kingsley, Enemuo Nnamdi <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Kingsley=3AEnemuo_Nnamdi=3A=3A.html>   (2018) The perceptions of international students about academic bullying.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Many international students enter Canada every year to pursue their educational careers. This academic journey is mostly a positive one, rich in various experiences but not without challenges from present and previous academic interactions. This thesis research explored the impact of teacher bullying from an international student perspective. Data were collected from over 50 international students from Memorial university of Newfoundland through online survey and in-depth interview which found out that developed countries have in place; working strategies which help their educational institutions control and manage academic bullying unlike developing countries’ where those strategies do not work effectively.
Study identified that academic bullying affects an international student’s social confidence, academic input and performance and demoralizes students. Also that there are evidence that academic bullying still exists in Newfoundland and Labrador as suggested by the online survey. Other very important revelations include critical patterns of academic bullying such as sorting (paying an academic facilitator for marks), compromised evaluation, and compromised evaluation process, emotional and social stigmatization which has a part to play at the long run in the economic sustainability of a country.


identifier: Winsor, Katharine J. Dunbar <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Winsor=3AKatharine_J=2E_Dunbar=3A=3A.html>   (2018) "If we get beyond the stereotype": professionals' experiences attending to FASD, social supports and stigma in Newfoundland and Labrador.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

type: Thesis NonPeerReviewed

abstract: Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a complex and lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder that affects individuals’ need for support in daily living. A multitude of factors, such as adverse early life experiences may impact the need and type of support(s) required. In this thesis, I explore forms of support, stigma, and professionals’ experiences working in the healthcare and justice fields with individuals diagnosed with FASD in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL). Drawing on case reports of an FASD specialist, three case studies are presented that focus on the impact of FASD diagnosis, and forms of support and intervention throughout these individuals’ lives. These are complemented by seven semi-structured interviews with justice and health professionals. Findings illustrate issues of visibility of FASD and stigma, the need for life-long support, and for increased early formal supports and interventions. I discuss implications for justice-involved individuals with FASD and the necessity for long-term supportive interventions from health and justice systems.


identifier: Wigle, Rachel Dawn <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Wigle=3ARachel_Dawn=3A=3A.html>   (2018) Arboreal lichen community structure and diversity on yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis) and balsam fir (Abies balsamea) in the Avalon forest ecoregion in Newfoundland, Canada.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Lichens are present in virtually all terrestrial ecosystems. However, the mechanisms driving lichen community structure are not well understood. I compared lichen community composition on yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis) and balsam fir (Abies balsamea) in the Avalon Forest Ecoregion in Newfoundland, Canada. I examined that the tree-level and stand-level habitat variables that influence lichen community structure varies between these two tree species. To evaluate how survey methods can affect community inventory data, I compared small subplot richness values for a subset of yellow birch trees to larger tree plot richness values. Currently, on the Avalon, yellow birch populations are under threat due to moose over browsing and illegal harvest. These results will be able to direct management efforts to identify areas of high conservation value.


identifier: Snow, John Charles <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Snow=3AJohn_Charles=3A=3A.html>   (2018) Can tri-axial accelerometers be used to improve current clinical measures of spinal mobility in patients with axial spondyloarthritis?  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Background: Spinal mobility limitation is a characteristic feature in Axial Spondyloarthritis (AxSpA). Current clinical measurements of spinal mobility have shown low criterion-concurrent validity. This thesis sought to determine criterion-concurrent validity for a new, and clinically feasible, measurement of spinal mobility in AxSpA patients using tri-axial accelerometers.
Methods: Two perpendicular upright reference radiographs were taken followed by three flexion trials. For all postures, three measurements were taken: clinical tape, followed immediately by synchronized radiograph and accelerometer at the end ranges of forward and bilateral flexion.
Results: In forward bending, accelerometers (r=0.590, p=0.010) had a stronger correlation to radiographs than all three tape measures. In lateral bending, the Lateral Spinal Flexion (r=0.743, p=0.001) and Domjan tape measure (r=0.708, p=0.002) correlated stronger with radiograph than the accelerometer method (r=0.556, p=0.016).
Conclusion: The accelerometer measure is superior to current tape measures of spinal mobility in forward bending; but is outperformed in that respect by the LSF and Domjan clinical tests. Further evaluation of accelerometer and tape methods in early stage spinal mobility assessment is warranted.


identifier: Amani, Meisam <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Amani=3AMeisam=3A=3A.html>   (2018) Combination of optical and SAR remote sensing data for wetland mapping and monitoring.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Wetlands provide many services to the environment and humans. They play a pivotal role in water quality, climate change, as well as carbon and hydrological cycles. Wetlands are environmental health indicators because of their contributions to plant and animal habitats. While a large portion of Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) is covered by wetlands, no significant efforts had been conducted to identify and monitor these valuable environments when I initiated this project. At that time, there were only two small areas in NL that had been classified using basic Remote Sensing (RS) methods with low accuracies. There was an immediate need to develop new methods for conserving and managing these vital resources using up-to-date maps of wetland distributions. In this thesis, object- and pixel-based classification methods were compared to show the high potential of the former method when medium or high spatial resolution imagery were used to classify wetlands. The maps produced using several classification algorithms were also compared to select the optimum classifier for future experiments. Moreover, a novel Multiple Classifier System (MCS), which combined several algorithms, was proposed to increase the classification accuracy of complex and similar land covers, such as wetlands. Landsat-8 images captured in different months were also investigated to select the time, for which wetlands had the highest separability using the Random Forest (RF) algorithm. Additionally, various spectral, polarimetric, texture, and ratio features extracted from multi-source optical and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data were assessed to select the most effective features for discriminating wetland classes. The methods developed during this dissertation were validated in five study areas to show their effectiveness. Finally, in collaboration with a team, a website (http://nlwetlands.ca/) and a software package were developed (named the Advanced Remote Sensing Lab (ARSeL)) to automatically preprocess optical/SAR data and classify wetlands using advanced algorithms. In summary, the outputs of this work are promising and can be incorporated into future studies related to wetlands. The province can also benefit from the results in many ways.


identifier: Kuksal, Nidhi <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Kuksal=3ANidhi=3A=3A.html>   (2018) Examination of the importance of reactive oxygen species release from complex I in ischemia-reperfusion injury.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Recent work has indicated that respiratory Complex I may be the sole source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during ischemic-reperfusion (IR) injury. However, evidence collected by several groups, including ours, has demonstrated that Complex III and Krebs cycle enzymes are also high capacity sites for ROS production. Here, the ROS producing capacity of Complex I was examined in hearts subjected to IR injury. Using mice deficient in Complex I (NDUFS4⁺/⁻), the respiratory chain was found to be the main source of ROS in cardiac and liver mitochondria. However, Complex III was found to be the major source, producing ~50% of the total ROS, while Complex I accounted for ~30%. Partial deletion of Complex I sensitized hearts towards reperfusion injury, increasing infarct size, which correlated with higher ROS production. Collectively, these results refute the claim that Complex I is the sole source of ROS following IR injury.


identifier: Mahdavi, Sahel <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Mahdavi=3ASahel=3A=3A.html>   (2018) Object based wetland mapping in Newfoundland and Labrador using synthetic aperture RADAR (SAR) and optical data.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Wetlands are amongst the most valuable natural resources that provide many advantages
to the ecosystem and humans. Therefore, their mapping and monitoring is
crucial. In today’s dynamic world, where vast areas require observation with increasing
frequency, remote sensing is an accessible, cost effective way of environmental
monitoring.
This thesis proposes novel remote sensing methods for mapping and monitoring
wetlands and other complicated land covers and facilitates this by proposing alternative
pre-processing or post-processing techniques. In Chapter 2, a comprehensive
literature review was conducted that elaborates on different aspects of wetland studies.
Various methods for wetland classification, along with the benefits and limitations
of each, were provided, and areas which could be improved were highlighted.
In Chapter 3, an innovative filter was proposed for reducing speckle in Synthetic
Aperture RADAR (SAR) images, which is considered an important pre-processing
step for land cover classification using SAR data. The proposed filter applies window
sizes to each pixel based on the size of the object in which the pixel is placed. The
filter was applied to two simulated and two real SAR images in both single-channel
and full-polarimetric cases, and the filter results were comparable to several state-of-the-
art filters. In Chapter 4, wetlands in four pilot sites within Newfoundland and
Labrador were classified using multi-temporal RADARSAT-2 imagery by applying
the proposed method for segmentation of SAR images. The covariance matrix was
found to be a valuable feature, although textural and ratio features slightly increased
the overall accuracy of wetland mapping. Furthermore, August was determined to be the best month for wetland classification. In Chapter 5, an innovative dynamic classification
scheme was proposed for mapping complicated land covers. In this method,
objects are not assigned labels simultaneously, but different classes are mapped using
a separate feature selection and classification. The proposed method was applied
to wetlands in NL and increased the wetland accuracy by up to 25% compared to
the classic mapping scheme. Finally, in Chapter 6, a change detection scheme was
presented using full-polarimetric SAR data by considering neighbourhood information,
which proved effective in detecting changes in land covers and, therefore, can be
applied to various environments including wetlands.
Overall, the methods proposed herein offer novel and accurate techniques for the
classification of complex land cover types, such as wetlands in NL, Canada that may
be applied in other areas of the world in future studies.


identifier: Basafa, Mahsan <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Basafa=3AMahsan=3A=3A.html>   (2018) Reservoir souring: sulfur chemistry in reservoir.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Reservoir souring is a widespread phenomenon in reservoirs undergoing seawater
injection. During this process, the sulfate in the seawater promotes the growth of sulfate
reducing bacteria and archaea generating hydrogen sulfide. However, other reactions
involving formation of different sulfur species with intermediate valence states such as
elemental sulfur, sulfite, polysulfide ions, and polythionates can occur. These sulfur
species have implications in both chemical and microbial processes and impact the
treatment approaches for soured reservoirs. A predictive reactive model was developed in
this study to investigate the chemical reactivity of sulfur species and their partitioning
behaviour as a function of temperature, pressure, and pH in a seawater-flooded reservoir.
The presence of sulfur species with different oxidation states impacts the amount and
partitioning behaviour of H₂S. The model predicts at pH values less than 5, sulfur is
predominantly in the form of sulfate, polysulfide, hydrogen sulfide and approximately
10% of the total sulfur is thiosalts. There is also elemental sulfur precipitation. At pH
above neutral, the bulk of the sulfur is sulfate and thiosalts and less than 10% polysulfide
is formed. The amount of sulfur deposited as elemental sulfur is also less compared to pH
lower than 5. Without considering sulfur speciation and assuming that all the initial
sulfate in the injected seawater (2454 mg/L) is converted to H₂S microbially and the
formed H₂S partitions between phases, the gas phase under test separator conditions on
the surface contains 1080 ppm H₂S which is in equilibrium with the oil phase containing
295.7 ppm H₂S and water phase with H₂S content of 8.8 ppm. These values are higher
than those obtained from reactivity analysis (i.e., H₂S content of the gas, oil, and aqueous phases are 487 ppm, 134 ppm, and 4 ppm, respectively). Therefore, ignoring sulfur
speciation in investigating reservoir souring leads to over-prediction of H₂S content of
reservoir fluid. The developed reactivity model enables one the investigation of sulfur
chemistry when injection of sulfate-containing seawater is used in recovery processes.
This model can be used as a tool to study sulfur speciation and H₂S amounts as a function
of reservoir temperature, pressure and pH and therefore, could be used in developing
souring mitigation measures.


identifier: Cumming, Emily <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Cumming=3AEmily=3A=3A.html>   (2018) Quantifying carbon dioxide sequestration and constraining the potential sources of dissolved methane at the Tablelands, Gros Morne National Park, NL, Canada; a site of continental serpentinization.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Sites of continental serpentinization demonstrate natural carbon sequestration, which could be enhanced via the injection of atmospheric gas in order to offset anthropogenic greenhouse gas production.. Establishing the baseline geochemical properties of the Tablelands Ophiolite with respect to greenhouse gases (CH₄ and CO₂) required investigation into the production pathway or pathways of CH₄, and the sequestration rates of atmospheric CO₂. This thesis has constrained the source of methane emitted at the Tablelands to low-temperature (<100˚C) abiogenic or thermogenic synthesis, and was the first to quantify natural CO₂ sequestration for an actively serpentinizing ophiolite complex as a whole based on measurements made at multiple discrete sites within the ophiolite. Further characterization of the Tablelands Ophiolite is necessary in order to validate Global Carbon Storage (GCS) at this site as a means of mitigating anthropomorphic greenhouse gas contributions to the atmosphere.


identifier: Campbell, Roderick William <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Campbell=3ARoderick_William=3A=3A.html>   (2018) Early Paleozoic post-breakup magmatism along the Cordilleran margin of western North America: new geochronological and geochemical results from the Kechika Group, Yukon, Canada.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Lower Paleozoic igneous rocks were emplaced along the Cordilleran margin of
western North America following lithospheric breakup. Several competing rift models have
been proposed to explain the significance of this magmatism to Cordilleran passive margin
evolution. New field and laboratory studies of the Kechika group, south-central Yukon, were
conducted to test these rift models and constrain the timing and tectonic setting of postbreakup
magmatism. The Kechika group contains vent-proximal and sediment-sill facies that
developed outboard of continental margin shelf and trough basins. Zircon U-Pb dates indicate
that Kechika group rocks crystallized during the late Cambrian (488-483 Ma) and Early
Ordovician (473 Ma). Whole-rock trace element and Nd-Hf isotope results are consistent
with the low-degree partial melting of a lithospheric mantle source during margin-scale
extension. Post-breakup rocks emplaced along the magma-poor North Atlantic margins,
including the Orphan Knoll and Galicia Bank crustal blocks, are likely modern analogues for
the Kechika group.


identifier: Hogan, Jessica L. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Hogan=3AJessica_L=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2018) Understanding ATV use: perceptions of impact and actual impact on dune systems in New Brunswick, Canada.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Increases in illegal all-terrain vehicle (ATV) in New Brunswick (NB), Canada, causes concern for the integrity of beaches and dune systems. Using self-administered questionnaires (n=289), we compared three NB communities: Pointe-Sapin, Escuminac, and Miscou Island. Findings show that Miscou residents perceived impacts upon dune photographs as higher than Pointe-Sapin and were more accepting of ATV management than Pointe-Sapin. In concert, we compared plant community characteristics between ATV trails on Miscou Island and non-ATV use dunes in Kouchibouguac National Park and found that where ATV trail ruts were greatest, measures of species richness increased with distance from the trail. Based on residents perceived main threat to dunes, residents may have ranked the dune photographs by vegetation cover which was seen to decrease due to rut depth on direct plots. Few studies link human dimensions with recreation ecology on coastal sand dunes, and these findings provide direction for managers in NB.


identifier: Cominelli, Simone <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Cominelli=3ASimone=3A=3A.html>   (2018) A framework to estimate the risk of noise exposure from vessels for endangered cetacean species.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This thesis proposes a framework for assessing and visualizing exposure of the Southern Resident Killer Whale (SRKW) population to vessels’ noise. First, SRKW distribution was mapped and the risk for this population to be exposed to vessel-noise was estimated. The study identified six vessel classes as being the main contributors to noise exposure for SRKW. Building on this result, the second study presents an analytical framework focused on exposure hotspot mapping, the computation of probabilistic levels of exposure, and the identification of shipping routes minimizing exposure for SRKW. The framework was tested in the Salish Sea, leading to the identification of four hotspots of exposure for SRKW. Small spatial changes in the current shipping lanes could lead to a large reduction of the overlap between vessel traffic and sensitive areas for SRKW. The results highlight how effectively addressing vessel noise requires the implementation of adaptive management strategies.


identifier: Sajadi, Fatemehsadat <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Sajadi=3AFatemehsadat=3A=3A.html>   (2018) Simulations of gasotransmitter permeation through lipid bilayers.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The permeation of gasotransmitter molecules, NO, CO and H₂S, through phospholipid
bilayers were studied using molecular dynamics simulations in order to gain insight
into the process by which these solutes cross biological membranes. These simulations
require accurate representations of both lipids and water components of the simulation.
The CHARMM36 lipid model is generally effective at predicting the properties
of lipid bilayers, but this model was developed for use with CHARMM TIP3P water
model. This water model overestimates the dielectric constant and diffusion coefficient
of water, which introduces error into the permeability calculations. The TIP3P-FB
and TIP4P-FB water models are more accurate in predicting the dielectric constant
and transport properties of water, which could allow for more realistic simulations
of membrane permeation. To validate whether these water models are compatible
with the CHARMM36 lipid model, the lipid headgroup area, compressibility, order
parameters, and scattering form factors were calculated using these models and were
generally found to be in good agreement with the experimental values. This indicates
that the CHARMM36 model can be used with either of these water models
without modification. Using the TIP4P-FB water model and the CHARMM36 lipid
force field, the permeation of NO, CO, and H₂S through a POPC lipid bilayer was
simulated. These simulations show that the Gibbs energy barriers to permeation are
modest for all three gasotransmitters, allowing them to permeate membranes readily.
High rates of permeation for NO and H₂S were calculated using the inhomogeneous
solubility-diffusion model, in good agreement with experiments. Although no experimental
value has been reported, the rate of CO permeation was found to be similar
to that of NO. The effect of cholesterol content in the bilayer was also investigated
and was found to lower the rates of permeation modestly.


identifier: Oh, Won Young <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Oh=3AWon_Young=3A=3A.html>   (2018) Preparation of resveratrol and quercetin derivatives and their effects on antioxidant and biological activities.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Resveratrol and quercetin, two representative polyphenolics found in red wine, onions,
and many other sources, have been well documented for having numerous health benefits
such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, and anticancer effects. Despite
their health-related beneficial properties, their widespread use in lipophilic media such as
lipid-based foods and cosmetic formulations is restricted due to their hydrophilicity.
Moreover, phenolic compounds, including flavonoids, generally undergo extensive
metabolism after consumption, thus they have low bioavailabilities. Even if these
compounds can survive from metabolism, they can hardly penetrate lipophilic cell
membrane bilayers. One possible solution to this problem is to modify their structures
which can be carried out simply as a first approach via esterification. Esterification with
fatty acids can enhance lipophilicity that would improve their use in different lipophilic
media. Moreover, in the case of esterification with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA),
potential health benefits may be enhanced due to the presence of both phenolics and
certain healthful PUFA such as those of the omega-3 family. For this reason, fatty acids
of different chain length and degree of unsaturation (C3:0-C22:6) were employed as acyl
donors. The resveratrol and quercetin derivatives so prepared were evaluated for their
antioxidant activities in different systems, such as the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl
(DPPH) radical scavenging assay; the 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic
acid) (ABTS) radical cation scavenging assay; a bulk oil system; β-carotene bleaching
assay; a hydroxyl radical-induced DNA scission assay, and the copper-induced lowdensity
lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation assay. Selected resveratrol derivatives were further
evaluated for their antioxidant activity and cell viabilities (A431, MCF7, HT-29, and
AGS cells). All test compounds showed antioxidant activity in a system-dependent
manner. The resveratrol and quercetin derivatives showed a decreased radical scavenging
activity compared to their parent molecules. However, some derivatives exhibited a
similar and/or a better antioxidant activity than resveratrol and quercetin themselves in
different systems, such as in the bulk oil assay and copper-induced low-density
lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation assays. In this work, both resveratrol and quercetin
derivatives showed potential use in lipophilic systems, therefore they might serve as
possible functional food ingredients as well as health promoting supplements.


identifier: Mondal, Bipul Chandra <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Mondal=3ABipul_Chandra=3A=3A.html>   (2018) Remaining strength assessment of deteriorating energy pipelines.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Pipelines are extensively used as the most economic means of transporting oil and gas. The steel pipelines have been widely used for these applications due to the high strength to weight ratio of the material, resulting in lower material cost. These pipelines are subjected to corrosions during the service life, resulting in the reduction of wall thicknesses. The prediction of the remaining strength of a corroded pipeline is required for fitness-for-purpose assessment. For the prediction of the remaining strength, different models were developed based on simplified results of analysis and/or empirical fits to limited experimental data which are expressed in terms of burst pressure. The established design codes adopt simplified design equations for the burst pressure prediction for corroded pipelines. However, the burst pressures predicted using the simplified equations are not consistent with the burst test results and results obtained from rigorous finite element (FE) analyses. Besides, the pipelines are often subjected to axial force and bending moment. The effects of the axial force and bending moment on the burst pressure are not rationally accounted. In this research, the axial forces and bending moments experience by energy pipelines are first examined considering a case of offshore pipelines. The improved burst pressure models are then developed for pipelines with and without the axial forces and bending moments. The existing models of burst pressures for deteriorated-steel pipelines are investigated to determine the contributing parameters to the burst pressures. The Folias factor and flow stress are identified as the major parameters contributing to the burst pressures of the corroded pipelines. A detailed study, based on FE analysis using Abaqus, has been carried out to develop a new method of defining the Folias factor and to develop an improved model for burst pressure prediction for a corroded pipeline. The finite element analysis is then extended to develop the new interaction rules for the pipelines subjected to multiple patches of the corrosion defects. The FE analysis is used to develop failure loci for burst pressure prediction for pipelines subjected to axial forces and bending moments. Corroded pipelines often suffer from the stress corrosion cracking (SCC) when the pipelines in corrosive environments are subjected to high tensile stresses. The SCC occurs at a stress intensity factor well below the fracture toughness of the material. The effects of the SCC and the crack propagation in the deteriorating pipelines cannot be captured using standard FE modeling techniques. It is proposed to employ fracture mechanics to determine the remaining strengths of pipelines containing corrosion defects or crack-like defects or corrosion with crack-like defects.


identifier: Song, Guozheng <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Song=3AGuozheng=3A=3A.html>   (2018) Dynamic safety and security risk management of hazardous operations.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Hazardous operations, such as the operations in process plants, are confronted by three major risks: occupational, process and intentional damage risks. Previous works have studied these risks independently. Furthermore, these works failed to consider many important elements. For example: 1) Hazardous operations are expanding to remote areas in harsh environments, and thus harsh environmental factors need to be included in the assessment model to deal with this emerging challenge. 2) Scarce prior data can cause uncertainty of assessment results. Conventional assessment methods, such as fault trees, produce static outcomes which neither reduce the uncertainty caused by scarce data nor reflect the latest risks. 3) Variables in the models are considered to be discrete (normally binary). This approximation reduces the accuracy of assessment results. 4) Influence of intrusion scenarios on security risks is not considered. 5) Safety and security have interactions which can influence the real risk level and decision making. Existing works neither conduct a dynamic assessment of integrated risk considering such interaction in a robust framework, nor do they analyze the measure selection for the effective prevention of integrated risks.
To overcome these limitations, this research establishes a dynamic model which includes harsh environmental factors to quantify the occupational risks and identify the critical causal factors. Moreover, a continuous Bayesian network is proposed to represent the continuous variables. Intrusion scenarios have been included in the dynamic assessment model for intrusion risk. The critical intrusion scenarios and weak links of the security system are identified. Then the interaction of safety and security is analyzed in an integrated framework. Its influence on risk level and decision making is studied using a Bayesian network and influence diagram. These methods applied in this research not only reduce the uncertainty of assessment results, but also explore a new area of integrated risk assessment and management.


identifier: Ernst, Linden <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Ernst=3ALinden=3A=3A.html>   (2018) Gravity surveying, potential-field modeling, and structural mapping and analysis of the Howley Basin, western Newfoundland.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The northeast trending Cabot Fault transects western Newfoundland. Early Carboniferous, possibly late Devonian, activation and continued strike-slip movement throughout the late Paleozoic has led to the deposition of non-marine, fluvial and lacustrine facies, in an isolated sedimentary basin in western Newfoundland, the Deer Lake Basin. The Howley Basin is the northeast depocenter within the Deer Lake Basin. It is separated from the Humber Basin depocenter to the west by a northeast trending, elongated ridge of inverted older Carboniferous sedimentary units.
Active oil seeps, bitumen in shallow drill core, organic rich lacustrine shales and mudstones, porous sandstones, and a large negative gravity signal over the Howley Basin make it an attractive hydrocarbon exploration target. Poor exposure, limited shallow drilling along the margins, and a lack of high-resolution geophysics leaves much of the Howley Basin’s internal stratigraphy and structure unknown. Integration of potential-field geophysics and detailed structural mapping and analysis is used to asses the Howley Basin’s structure and hydrocarbon potential.
A large lake overlies most of the Howley Basin. Full coverage of gravity surveying required acquisition of gravity stations over the lake. A Ground Penetrating Radar was used in conjunction with the gravity survey to determine the bathymetry of the lake and was used to remove the anomalous mass of the water column in the complete Bouguer gravity anomaly. Gravity data collected in this study was combined with reprocessed pre-existing gravity datasets. A high-resolution aeromagnetic survey and the gravity data was used to model the Howley Basin. Interpretations show that the basin forms an asymmetric half-graben deepening to the east, reaching a depth of 4.3 km, well into the predicted oil window.
Structural mapping of the Howley Basin revealed that the basin has been affected by episodes of transtension and transpression throughout the Carboniferous and likely continuing into the Permian. Hydrocarbon maturation is predicted to have peaked in the late Pennsylvanian to early Permian. Late-stage transpressional inversion of the Howley Basin is interpreted to have been focused on its margins, potentially creating large wavelength structural traps in the center of the basin.


identifier: Pinky, Nawrin Ferdous <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Pinky=3ANawrin_Ferdous=3A=3A.html>   (2018) Region- and activity-dependent regulation of extracellular glutamate in the brain.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The rapid removal of synaptically-released glutamate is essential to maintain fast excitatory chemical neurotransmission and to prevent NMDA receptors mediated synaptic plasticity impairments and cell death. Here, we used the rapid extracellular fluorescent glutamate sensor, iGluSnFR (intensity-based glutamate sensing fluorescent reporter), and high-speed imaging to quantify relative differences in glutamate clearance rates over a wide range of presynaptic activity in situ in the hippocampus, cortex, striatum and cerebellum of male C57/BL6NCrl mice. We found that the hippocampus was significantly more efficient at clearing synaptically-released glutamate. We also found that pharmacological inhibition of GLT-1, the brain’s most abundant glutamate transporter, slowed clearance rates to only ~ 20-25% of the effect induced by non-selective transporter blockade. In all, our data reveal clear regional differences in glutamate dynamics following neural activity and suggest that non-GLT-1 transporters can make a large contribution to the rate of glutamate clearance when GLT-1 is dysfunctional.


identifier: Mason, Barbara Ellen <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Mason=3ABarbara_Ellen=3A=3A.html>   (2018) Mitigating the impact of structural discrimination for people with dementia residing in long-term care facilities: an ethical framework based in virtue ethics and facilitated using a citizenship lens.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Over the past century dementia has undergone numerous iterations, from being perceived
as part of the aging process to its current perception as a pathology. This thesis presents
evidence that dominant dementia discourse is influenced by ageist and ableist
perspectives, is laden with tones of tragedy and fear, and creates normative assumptions
about the condition and the people who live with it. I argue that such discourse
influences institutional and societal behaviours, and can prevent people with dementia
from achieving the same rights and opportunities that are available to others due to
structural discrimination. This thesis also presents evidence that dementia-specific
practices in long-term care facilities result in restrictions on rights and freedoms. Through
an ethical analysis of these practices, this thesis examines how an ethical response using a
citizenship lens and having human flourishing as its end can help to mitigate the impact
of structural discrimination in dementia care.


identifier: Lanteigne, Isabel <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Lanteigne=3AIsabel=3A=3A.html>   (2018) The international field placement experience: a continuous process with learning moments and outcomes.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
In recent years, student mobility has increased as more students have been taking part in various programs such as a semester abroad, short-term international exchanges, and international field placements (IFP). Studying abroad yields many positive outcomes. This qualitative research borrows from narrative inquiry to gather knowledge from stories told by practitioners who completed an IFP during the last year of their bachelor’s degree program in social work. This study looks at IFP outcomes for the professional practice of 20 social workers, half having completed their IFP within five years or less after graduation from university and half having completed their IFP more than five years after graduation. Questions explored include:
• What do the stories about the personal, professional, and global outcomes gained in an IFP tell us about how participants negotiate the transition between various contexts, and the knowledge, skills, and values transferred from one social practice to another?
• What do these stories reveal about the value of these experiences for their individual social work practice?
• How do these stories contribute to social work education and IFP planning?
This study’s findings reveal two important aspects of the IFPs: first, a seven-step process model that illustrates both the learning moments in each step and the complexity and interconnectedness of events before, during, and after the IFP and second, the personal, professional, and global outcomes of an IFP. Four analytical themes emerge that have implications for social work education and IFP planning. They pertain to expectations, identity, touring when abroad, and students’ identification of personal, professional, and global outcomes. A framework for IFP planning is proposed to avoid some of the pitfalls of IFPs and maximize success for students.


identifier: Ethier, Jeffrey P. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Ethier=3AJeffrey_P=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2018) Using microphone arrays and a new localization workflow to determine critical habitat and microhabitat of landbirds in a boreal forest ecosystem.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Biodiversity is declining rapidly among North American landbirds. While population decreases are most evident in species at risk, steep declines in common avian species have also been observed and shown to have significant economic and ecological impacts. Basic data on distributions and habitat preferences are lacking for many species. Traditional methods used to obtain this information are limited by cost, accuracy, and human resources. Furthermore, traditional methods have a limited capacity to accurately estimate metrics such as population density and microhabitat selectively. Recently, microphone arrays have become a more affordable, portable, and capable method of obtaining this data. I deployed 110 microphone arrays in the Labrador portion of the Boreal Shield Ecozone. My objectives were to (1) demonstrate a new localization workflow using microphone arrays, (2) determine the relationships between habitat characteristics and avian community parameters, and (3) identify microhabitat features associated with two common species in steep decline, the Boreal Chickadee (Poecile hudsonicus) and the Cape May Warbler (Setophaga tigrina).


identifier: Morrissey, Kyle <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Morrissey=3AKyle=3A=3A.html>   (2018) Embodied numeracy: explicating the ongoing relationship between finger counting and numeracy in adults.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Finger counting is a very clear example of embodied cognition, as finger-number
gestures form an external symbolic representation of numbers, while simultaneously existing
as a culturally acquired motor behaviour, and even a type of communicative tool. Finger
counting habits typically assist in the acquisition of early number concepts and in the
development of arithmetic competence. Recent research now also shows that finger-related
processes are longitudinally linked to numerical performance and continue to share overlap in
their neural underpinnings well into adulthood. This work suggests that the mental
representation of number magnitude is not entirely abstract, and is at least partly rooted in
embodied experiences and situational demands, including those posed by culturally-acquired
finger counting habits.
This dissertation is an investigation of individual differences in the cross-cultural,
intra-cultural, and contextual effects of finger counting on mathematical cognition. These
investigations each converge on the idea that finger counting habits do influence cognitive
processes related to numeracy. The starting hand, or hand typically used to start counting,
appears to be a particularly important correlate of numerical performance among Canadians.
However, the effects of finger counting processes on adults’ cognition do appear to vary as a
function of participants’ typical culturally-acquired finger counting habits, as well as through
experimental context.
The ultimate goal of this program of research is to examine how individual differences
in finger counting habits and early cultural experience may be used in order to construct more detailed models of embodied numeracy, which will improve our understanding of the scope of
embodied numeracy.


identifier: Bamzad, Sayyedvahid <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Bamzad=3ASayyedvahid=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Online risk assessment using a bank of Kalman Filters and event tree.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Early detection of faults in a process plant is important in order to prevent of happening
catastrophic events which might cause deaths, economic, and environmental losses.
Recently, on-line calculation of risk and its use for monitoring of process faults were
proposed by [Bao et al., 2011]. In this study, a new methodology is proposed which
brings more clarity in the calculation of risk from online monitoring of process data. In
the proposed methodology, process faults have been classified into two groups: hardware
failure and disturbance type faults. First a “Bank of Kalman Filters” is used to detect and
diagnose possible failures occurred in the system. Based on the fault category, if it is a
disturbance type fault, the estimated states are used directly to calculate the probability of
fault. On the other hand, for hardware failure, residuals obtained from Kalman Filter are
used to update the probabilities of the affected gates of the “Event Tree”, and the
probability of occurrence of a catastrophic event is calculated. Next, the risk of operating
system under the current condition is calculated using the updated probability and
severity. Results show that using the combination of “bank of Kalman Filter” and “Event
Tree Analysis” brings more clarity to risk calculation and improves the detection time of
the failure. Based on the calculated risk, operators can prioritize the faults and take
appropriate action to the most critical one which ensures process safety.


identifier: Izawa, Tatsuo <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Izawa=3ATatsuo=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Multiscale foam dynamics: stability mechanisms in salty solutions.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
An oilfield is a region that is generally part of a sedimentary geological formation,
made up of porous and permeable rocks, and bounded by impermeable barriers. A
fluid is injected to displace the trapped oil. Most fluids are less viscous than the oil,
where they are prone to pierce through the porous rock. When pressurized in an
attempt to displace the oil, they pierce through the oil in an instability known as
viscous fingering. Therefore, identifying appropriate candidate fluids is an essential
step in improving oil recovery rate.
In this thesis work, an aqueous foam is chosen as a candidate fluid for investigation.
A collection of free drainage studies has been conducted to gain deeper understanding
of foams’ ageing processes at different temporal and spatial scales. A commercially
available nonionic surfactant, Triton X-100, has been used to produce foams. First,
container effects are investigated to study how bulk foam dynamics change in differently
shaped and sized containers. Second, an optical imaging system is developed to
study the multi-scale dynamics of aqueous foam. Finally, using the newly developed
optical imaging system, experiments at different salinities are conducted to study
the salinity dependence on foam stability at different temporal and spatial scales.
This information will likely impact the design of foam stability testing methods and
contribute to the understanding of high salinity bubble interactions.


identifier: Webb-Campbell, Shannon <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Webb-Campbell=3AShannon=3A=3A.html>   (2018) We are what claims us: short stories.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

title: We are what claims us: short stories

abstract:
We Are What Claims Us is a short story collection exploring the ways stories are
sacred, how each telling and retelling is an iteration of ceremony and healing. Stories
such as “Notes from Over the Rainbow” and “Swimming Studies” are insights into
intergenerational trauma and how bodies relate to land and water, love and belonging.
“Can You Tell Me a Joke About Your Profession?” explores obsession, creativity and
music as a means to control and overcome pain and isolation. “Ancestral Arguments,”
and “Only Young” navigate the complexities of identity, queerness, and Indigeneity. We
Are What Claims Us translates what it means to find yourself in the thick of or on the
other side of trauma - what parts we own, which parts contain us, and ultimately what we
need to relinquish. These stories are decolonial attempts to name, claim and undo harm.


identifier: Chowdhury, Hasab-Ul Alam <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Chowdhury=3AHasab-Ul_Alam=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Hydrologic modelling of Humber River Basin.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The physiographic features of Newfoundland create many challenges for hydrological analysis of watersheds on the island. The most recent glaciations have deepened valleys and altered drainage networks due to the deposition of glacial drift material. The Humber River Basin (HRB), located on the west coast of Newfoundland, is the second largest river basin (7068 Km²) on the island, and several communities within the basin are subject to flooding due to extreme events. It is expected that the magnitude and frequency of extreme events will increase with climate change, and impact analyses are required to assess vulnerability of communities within the basin to climate change. For proper assessment, a hydrologic model is indispensable for the watershed in this complex terrain. The present study analyzed the streamflow derived from the drainage basin by cold regions hydrological simulation. The Cold Regions Hydrological Modelling platform (CRHM) was used to create a hydrological model for HRB boreal regions with physically-based modules were also sequentially linked in CRHM to simulate snow processes, frozen soils, variable contributing area and wetland storage and runoff generation. Nine “research basins” (RBs) were defined and each was divided into thirteen hydrological response units (HRUs): forest, forest wetland, roads, settlement, cropland, trees, treed wetland, water, grassland unmanaged, other land, wetland, wetland shrub, wetland herb etc. Model observation data such as temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and precipitation were collected from Environment Canada weather stations. Various model parameters were estimated by using SRTM digital elevation model (DEM), the advanced very high-resolution radiometer (AVHRR) land cover data, and stream network and wetland inventory GIS data. Some parameters were collected from Lower Smoky River Basin datasets. Model simulations were conducted for 2001-2010 and calibration was performed. The model performance for streamflow was evaluated against field observations and it could capture the timing and magnitude of basin discharge but underestimated the peak discharge.


identifier: Jamaly, Abdullah <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Jamaly=3AAbdullah=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Fracture analysis in a steel plate.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

title: Fracture analysis in a steel plate

abstract: This research study is carried out to investigate the ultimate strength of a steel plate under the effect of an ice load. Fracture onset is predicted by numerical and analytical analyses, and compared with experimental results. The test setup is designed based on theoretical and FEA models. In the theoretical solution, a model is developed to predict fracture onset in a steel plate. LS-DYNA is used in simulating the fracture onset. The numerical and theoretical results are compared with experimental results. It has been shown that the theoretical solution provides an accurate prediction of fracture onset with a critical strain level of 20% for mild steel plate and that FEA provides more accurate results in comparison to the theoretical solution for high tensile strength steel plates.


identifier: Callahan Fagan, V. Renee <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Callahan_Fagan=3AV=2E_Renee=3A=3A.html>   (2019) The lived experience of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion in adults with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: a phenomenological inquiry.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) is a complex, medical device for the management of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) that has gained popularity due to reported improvements in metabolic control and flexibility. Despite the growing number of CSII users, there is limited research exploring the everyday experiences living with this device.
The purpose of my study was to understand the lived experience of adults using CSII therapy to manage T1DM. Accounts of lived experiences from eight individuals were collected through semi-structured interviews and then analysed using Max van Manen’s (1990) hermeneutic approach to phenomenology. Four substantive themes with supporting subthemes were identified including transitioning: not a quick fix; CSII: making an invisible illness visible; the internal struggle and impact on mental health; and, the impact on relationships and the meaning of support. Viewed together, these themes and subthemes represent the essence of participant experiences; that is, living with CSII eventually took ascendancy over managing T1DM. This research is one of few qualitative studies that explores the lived experience of CSII and has significant implications for healthcare professional practice, education, research, and policy and administration.


identifier: Fitzsimmons, Michelle Grace <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Fitzsimmons=3AMichelle_Grace=3A=3A.html>   (2018) Sex-specific behavioural and physiological responses of breeding Atlantic puffins Fratercula arctica and their chicks to fluctuating prey abundance.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The Witless Bay Ecological Reserve in Newfoundland and Labrador is home to the largest breeding colony of Atlantic puffins Fratercula arctica in North America. Studying parental investment over several years of fluctuating prey abundance, in combination with experimental food supplementation studies, can help determine how puffins are adjusting to ecosystem changes and can reveal the potential consequences of these changes for long-term survival and reproductive success.
Puffins adopt a conservative breeding strategy such that parents need to balance their own survival and self-maintenance with parental investment, which is more challenging when food resources are low. First, how variation in resources affects chick growth and physiology was investigated. Food supplemented chicks had higher mass gain than controls, as well as higher rates of structural growth, a result previously seen only under the poorest feeding conditions. Second, audiovisual recordings and Passive Integrated Transponder tags were used to identify sex differences in parental provisioning effort, revealing that females provisioned chicks more frequently than males when food resources were low. Third, several physiological measurements were taken to determine the potential fitness consequences of parents to changing food availability. Female parents with chicks that were not food supplemented had higher beta-hydroxybutyrate levels, and indication of fasting, than both control males and adults with food supplemented chicks. These findings support the hypothesis that females invest more effort in provisioning and indicating that energetic demands of chick rearing may be greater for females than for males. Fourth, whether chick behaviour can influence parental provisioning was investigated. Chicks produced screech calls to inform parents of their hunger levels and screech calls were reduced after food supplementation. Parents did not return to the burrow with food quicker when screech calls were produced during the previous visit, as a parent’s response was limited by food availability.
The behavioural and physiological responses to variations in food availability have demonstrated the ability of parents to adjust to changing environmental conditions while balancing self-maintenance and reproductive success. Puffins in this study population have successfully endured deteriorating foraging conditions; however, long-term shortages and mismatches in prey availability during chick rearing could potentially impact future populations, as observed in declining European colonies.


identifier: Sultana, Mahbuba <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Sultana=3AMahbuba=3A=3A.html>   (2018) On the Bayesian estimator of interaction models with measurement error and misclassification in covariates.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Measurement error and misclassification in covariates are commonly arising problems
in statistical models. They have negative impacts on statistical inference about the
outcome, including bias and large variability in estimators. Furthermore, in a statistical
model, two or more covariates can interact, which in practice is quite challenging
to deal with. One of the recent techniques is Bayesian method that incorporates the
prior knowledge about parameters. In this research, Bayesian techniques are applied to
the models with interaction terms, while addressing measurement error and misclassification.
Moreover, through extensive simulation studies, Markov Chain Monte Carlo
algorithms are used to implement the Bayesian methods.


identifier: Ryan, Brittany <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Ryan=3ABrittany=3A=3A.html>   (2019) The role of calcitriol in regulating fetal bone and mineral metabolism, as elucidated through study of Cyp28b1 null fetal mice.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Does calcitriol play any role in regulating mineral metabolism or skeletal development in utero? Studies of Boston and Leuven vitamin D receptor (VDR) ablation models reported that Vdr null fetuses have normal serum minerals, parathyroid hormone (PTH), skeletal morphology and mineralization. However, Vdr null fetuses also have increased serum calcitriol, placental calcium transport, and placental expression of Pthrp and Trpv6. In the present study, we examined Cyp27b1 null fetal mice, which do not make calcitriol, to determine if loss of calcitriol has the same consequences as loss of VDR. Cyp27b1 null and WT females were mated to Cyp27b1⁺/⁻ males, which generated Cyp27b1 null and Cyp27b1⁺/⁻ fetuses from Cyp27b1 null mothers, and Cyp27b1⁺/⁻ and WT fetuses from WT mothers. We confirmed that calcitriol was undetectable in Cyp27b1 null fetuses; therefore, they truly lacked calcitriol and were a useful model to address the research question. Cyp27b1 null fetuses had normal serum calcium, serum phosphorus, PTH, skeletal ash weight, ash mineral content, tibial length and morphology. Placental calcium transport was normal in Cyp27b1 null fetuses, while qPCR of placental mRNA confirmed loss of Cyp27b1 expression but no change in expression of key genes involved in placental mineral transport, including transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 6 (Trpv6) and parathyroid hormone related protein (Pthrp). In summary, loss of calcitriol in Cyp27b1 null fetuses borne of Cyp27b1 null mothers did not significantly alter any measured parameter of mineral or bone homeostasis.


identifier: Gianasi, Bruno L. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Gianasi=3ABruno_L=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2018) Exploring the potential of the sea cucumber Cucumaria frondosa as an aquaculture species.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Sea cucumbers are a luxury seafood in China and the increasing demand is driving aquaculture initiatives towards new species worldwide. Cucumaria frondosa has been commercially harvested for decades in North America and has also been identified as a potential candidate for aquaculture. So far, captive-breeding methods have focused on tropical/temperate deposit-feeding species with planktotrophic development (small eggs, feeding larvae); however, C. frondosa is a cold-water suspension-feeder with lecithotrophic development (large yolky eggs, non-feeding larvae). The aim of this study was to explore the reproductive biology, larval development, and juvenile ecology of C. frondosa to identify optimum conditions for culture. In an experimental study, adults kept in ambient environmental conditions showed the best reproductive output and embryo survival relative to those in warmer water, advanced photoperiod, and constant light or dark conditions. An increase in food concentration did not enhance the reproductive output. When methods used to trigger spawning and artificially induce oocyte maturation were investigated, live phytoplankton at 1 x 10⁵ cell ml⁻¹ was the most successful technique; moreover, among a handful of chemicals tested, only Dithiothreitol (DTT) at 10⁻¹ M induced significantly more oocytes to ovulate than the control (seawater), although eggs remained unfertilizable. These experiments led to the discovery of embryonic fusion and the formation of chimaeras (individuals composed of genetically distinct types of cells). Fusion occurred only among hatched blastulae and occurred in a maximum of 9% of the propagule population, generating individuals up to 5 times larger than singletons. Finally, development and behaviour of juveniles assessed from settlement to 21 months of age revealed that newly-settled juveniles had low tolerance to light and water flow, fed on deposited material, and preferred rocky substrates and black or red backgrounds. With age, juveniles grew ramified tentacles, shifted to suspension feeding, developed greater tolerance to light and water flow, and showed a preference for coralline algae and red backgrounds. The findings presented here provide important advances to optimize gonad development and egg quality in captive broodstock of C. frondosa, to induce or enhance spawning and fertilization, as well as to elucidate the optimal conditions for embryos and juveniles. This work presents a pilot-scale assessment of commercial production in C. frondosa, with potential applicability to similar cold-water suspension-feeding species.


identifier: MacMahon, Heide M. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/MacMahon=3AHeide_M=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Understanding the tectonic evolution of the West Orphan Basin, offshore Canada, and the conjugate Rockall Basin, offshore Ireland, using a seismic megatransect.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The Orphan Basin, offshore Newfoundland, Canada, is approximately conjugate to the rifted margin basins on the Irish Atlantic margin. At the onset of seafloor spreading, plate reconstructions, based solely on oceanic magnetic anomalies, show the Rockall Basin, west of Ireland, forming a continuous Mesozoic basin with the West Orphan Basin. Here, the nature of this potentially continuous basin is examined through the development of a Newfoundland-Ireland conjugate basins model.
2D and 3D reconstructions of the West Orphan and Rockall basins yielded the thickness of the post-rift and syn-rift sedimentary packages, as well as the pre-rift crust. A discrepancy inspired additional analysis of the East Orphan Basin to aid in the reconstruction of the continuous Mesozoic basins. Based on the results of the reconstruction of the East Orphan Basin, it is possible that the Rockall Basin was originally conjugate to, and continuous with, the East Orphan Basin.


identifier: Walsh, Janna K. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Walsh=3AJanna_K=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2018) Recreation through the eyes of trans men in NL.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
There is limited research available for researchers and recreation practitioners
surrounding the needs of those who identify as transgender (Lewis & Johnson, 2011). The
purpose of the current study was designed to describe the recreational experiences of
trans men in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL). Qualitative methods were employed and
the findings are based on the stories of six trans men living in NL. The findings suggest
that providing equal, inclusive recreation opportunities and spaces for transgender men in
the province of NL is an area that requires greater awareness and further research
attention. Specifically, it is critical that additional attention be paid to the ways in which
recreation programs, clubs, or spaces register and group participants, how changing areas
are designed, and how the attitudes of desk staff can all act as barriers and facilitators for
transgender men. Three main themes emerged: gender expression, recreation constraints
and facilitators, and cisnormative privilege. All participants emphasized the importance of
educating recreation practitioners and providers on ways to build gender inclusive
environments.


identifier: Garcia, David <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Garcia=3ADavid=3A=3A.html>   (2019) A randomized controlled trial of modified reporting of urine cultures to reduce inappropriate treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
45%-65% of patients with asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) are inappropriately treated with antimicrobials, leading to an increase in bacterial resistance, cost, and adverse health events. Positive urine culture seems to remarkably influence antimicrobial use in ASB. The purpose of this project is to answer the question of whether among inpatients with positive urine cultures, would modified reporting lead to a reduction in inappropriate therapy.
The study was a randomized, parallel group, superiority trial, comparing two different ways to report positive urine cultures.
In the intention-to-treat analysis, the proportion of appropriate treatment (UTI treated plus ASB not treated) in the modified arm was 44/55 (80.0%) vs. 29/55 (52.7%) in the standard arm, absolute difference= 27.3%, RR=0.42, p=0.002. Number needed to report for benefit=3.7. The overall difference in proportion of appropriate treatment was produced by a decrease in the number of ASB treated. Modified reporting did not increase the occurrence of adverse events.


identifier: Oake, Justin D. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Oake=3AJustin_D=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Dyslipidemia in Newfoundland: findings from Canadian primary care sentinel surveillance network in Newfoundland and Labrador.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) has a higher level of cardiovascular disease (CVD)
mortality than any other Canadian province. One factor which may explain this trend is
the lipid profile pattern in this province. Given the limited lipid profile data which has
been reported from NL, we organized three studies in this thesis to describe the lipid
profile of Newfoundlanders. The first study was a secondary analysis of Canadian
Primary Care Sentinel Surveillance Network (CPCSSN) data to document single and
mixed dyslipidemia in NL. The second study compared lipid profiles and the prevalence
of dyslipidemia between NL CPCSSN data and the Canadian Health Measures Survey
(CHMS). The third study used electronic medical record (EMR) data in assessing the
validity of ICD codes for identifying patients with dyslipidemia. This was a secondary
analysis of EMR data in NL. Most recent lipid profile scores, co-morbidities, and
demographic information were extracted from the CPCSSN database. We demonstrated
that single and mixed dyslipidemia are quite prevalent in the NL population. Unhealthy
levels of HDL were also more prevalent in NL men, compared to the Canadian sample.
Of importance, the use of the ICD coding, either alone or in combination with laboratory
data or lipid-lowering medication records, was an inaccurate indicator in identifying
dyslipidemia.


identifier: Foley, Jessica E. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Foley=3AJessica_E=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2018) Diets of gray (Halichoerus grypus) and harp (Pagophilus groenlandicus) seals in Newfoundland waters using hard-part and molecular analyses.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
I examined the diet of gray (Halichoerus grypus) and harp (Pagophilus groenlandicus) seals using: hard-part analysis (HPA; subdivided into stomach and intestine) and a multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique. Through these methods, I looked at harp and gray seal diet in Newfoundland waters, investigated otolith passage rates within the digestive tract, and developed a multiplex PCR technique to compare with HPA to further investigate biases associated with diet reconstruction based on HPA.
Both techniques provided evidence for retention of large prey and faster passage of smaller pray. I conclude that otoliths of different sizes and thicknesses are affected by digestion differently; I suggest that HPA should be conducted using samples from both the stomach and intestine, and that it should be used in conjunction with other methods of diet analysis like PCR as this may give a better idea of the diet, and prey sizes consumed.


identifier: Drapac, Stefan Bogdan <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Drapac=3AStefan_Bogdan=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Psychoanalysis of nature: the mutual transference between the body and the world.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The purpose of this thesis is to pursue the posthumous conversation started by Jacques Lacan and Maurice Merleau-Ponty during the last century. We are entitled to think that the friendly and critical exchange between psychoanalysis and phenomenology has not reached a climax point in which it can be asserted that there is no place for further research in this field. The legitimacy of our project is proven by the common preoccupation of Lacan and Merleau-Ponty, namely, the human enigma and the relation with the other. The investigation of the human leads Lacan to elaborate a topology that will help us to grasp the spatial structure of being, and which Merleau-Ponty will investigate, at the end of his work, as the ontology of the flesh. Conversely, thanks to Merleau-Ponty’s phenomenology, Lacan’s psychoanalysis sees itself stripped of mathematic dogmatism.
For Merleau-Ponty, renewal of philosophy cannot be achieved without the contribution of psychoanalysis. The new approach will lead to a new elucidation of the notion of being in nature. Returning to the things themselves, Merleau-Ponty shows that Nature is not an object of knowledge or a positive science, but an original dimension of Being from where we emerged. In his last work, Merleau-Ponty is inspired by Freud’s psychoanalysis; he is immediately interested in the chiasm that exists between spirit and body, flesh and language and human and nature. The concept of chiasm and the related concept of flesh, allow Merleau-Ponty to think the openness of being as a movement of the seeing-seen. Flesh is another notion for the unconscious. The unconscious will change the conception of the human being. Freud argues that there is an unconscious determinism that organises our life. This determinism is revealed, later, by Lacan, as the function of language.
The apparent obvious function of language is, for Lacan and Merleau-Ponty, the notion that describes the way in which we house the world, namely, chiasmatically, through transferral. I will show that the psychoanalysis of nature denotes the ‘tangled’ connection between human and nature, spirit and body, a connection that is intrinsically supported by language.


identifier: Ridgley, Katherine E. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Ridgley=3AKatherine_E=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2018) Classification and quantification of damage due to abrasion in various self-consolidating concrete mixtures using acoustic emission monitoring.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The purpose of this thesis was to evaluate and compare the abrasion resistance of various self-consolidating concrete types by means of acoustic emission (AE) analysis. The variables adjusted throughout the study were the type of concrete (normal concrete and self-consolidating concrete), the type of supplementary cementing materials (SCM), the crumb rubber (CR) content and the inclusion of synthetic fibers (SF) of varying lengths and types (flexible and semi-rigid). The abrasion test was performed on cubic concrete specimens in accordance with the rotating-cutter method. Results from the three abrasion tests showed that metakaolin (MK) had the highest abrasion resistance among the mixtures which incorporated SCMs, CR was found to negatively affect the abrasion resistance of the tested samples and flexible SFs exhibited better abrasion resistance compared to their semi-rigid fiber counterparts. Also, the shorter fibers had more resistance capacity against abrasion than the longer fibers of the same type. The effect of changing the aforementioned variables on the abrasion behaviour was evaluated based on the abrasion data and with the assistance of AE analysis. AE signal characteristics such as amplitude, number of hits, and cumulative signal strength were gathered during the test period for each sample. Three additional parameters were determined through b-value analysis and intensity analysis which produced severity (Sr), and historic index (H (t)). The results from the entire study showed a direct correlation between the previously mentioned AE parameters and the abrasion damage in all tested mixtures. The results also allowed for damage classification charts to be developed using the AE intensity parameters [H(t) and Sr] to determine the ranges that indicate the extent of damage due to the abrasion of the tested specimens.


identifier: Ali, Waqas <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Ali=3AWaqas=3A=3A.html>   (2018) Effects of organic and inorganic phosphorus sources on agronomic performance, microbial communities and forage quality of silage corn cultivated under cool climatic conditions.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Phosphorus (P) is a limiting nutrient for crop growth and yield on more than 30% of the world’s arable land, and by some assessments, global resources of mineral P might be depleted by 2050. Additionally, P fertilizer application to soil is predominantly bound to Al⁺³ and Fe⁺² in acidic soils or with Ca⁺² in alkaline soils, thereby reducing its availability to agricultural crop. Therefore, P availability in soil rhizosphere and efficient utilization by agricultural crops is vital for economic and environmental reasons. Dairy manure (DM) is an important source of macro and micro nutrients, and organic matter which can affect minerals solubility and plant nutrients availability by improving soil physiochemical properties, enzymes activities and soil microbial communities. To further enhance our understanding about the effects of organic and inorganic P fertilizer sources on growth, forage yield and quality of silage corn, soil biochemical attributes and microbial communities, a field experiment was carried out at Pynn’s Brook Research Station (PBRS) for two years (2016 and 2017). Experimental treatments were four P sources: [P₁: manure with high P conc.; P₂: manure with low P conc.; P₃: inorganic P and P₀ (control)] and five silage corn genotypes laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Agronomic performance (leaf area, chlorophyll contents, photosynthesis, shoot dry weight, root shoot ratio and dry matter yield), rhizosphere soil biochemical attributes (pH, phosphatase activity and soil available P), and microbial community composition and forage quality parameters [(minerals, protein, sugar, fibers, non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC), total digestible nutrients (TDN) and energy] were measured. Yukon R and DKC26-28RIB showed superior agronomic performance and produced higher dry matter yield compared to other genotypes. High P manure application increased the dry matter yield by 28% and 33%, acid phosphatase activity by 29% and 44%, soil available P by 60% and 39% compared to control in 2016 and 2017 respectively. High P manure application significantly increased active Gram negative (G-) bacteria, active fungi, total active bacterial phospholipids fatty acids (PLFAs), and active soil microbial biomass (total amount of PLFAs) compared to inorganic P and control treatments. Yukon R and DKC26-28RIB showed higher active fungal biomass, bacteria as well as total microbial activities in their root rhizospheres regardless of P sources compared to the other genotypes evaluated. Pearson correlation analysis demonstrated a positive and strong relationship between the active microbial community structure and the agronomic performance of the silage corn genotypes amended with P sources. The results indicate that DM application significantly enhanced agronomic performance, soil biochemical attributes and microbial communities compared to inorganic P fertilizer. Silage corn genotypes had significant effects on forage quality indices. Yukon-R and DKC26-28RIB showed superior agronomic performance and produced higher forage production of 16.43 and 15.47 Mg ha⁻¹ respectively. Contrarily, A4177G3RIB produced higher minerals, protein, total digestible nutrients (TDN), net energy for maintenance (NEM) and net energy for gain (NEG) compared to other genotypes, and proved high quality forage. However, it was statistically at par with DKC26-28RIB in producing minerals and ranked 2nd in protein synthesis. Yukon R was also statistically at par with A4177G3RIB genotype in few quality indices and produced similar TDN, NEM and NEG. Overall, Yukon‒R produced high forage and was either at par or ranked at 2nd position in most of the quality forage indicators. Phosphorus sources had significant effects on crude protein (CP), available protein (AP), sugars, and non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC) contents of silage corn but not significantly higher with each other. Inorganic P fertilizer source enhanced CP, AP, simple sugars and NFC contents but statistically at par either with manure with high or low P. Phosphorus sources had non-significant effects on energy parameters, which are important indicator of high forage quality, however NEL, NEM and NEG values were slightly higher with DM application compared to inorganic P and control. Dairy manure application significantly improve the agronomic performance, silage corn quality, soil physiochemical properties and soil microbial communities. Future studies needed to investigate the effects of organic and inorganic P amendments on soil phenolics and root exudates on P availability and microbial community structure.


identifier: Zhu, Zhiwen <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Zhu=3AZhiwen=3A=3A.html>   (2018) Advancement of biosurfactant production and biosurfactant-aided pollution remediation.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Biosurfactant enhanced soil washing and/or bioremediation have been proven as promising technologies for cleaning up petroleum hydrocarbon contaminants (PHCs)- and heavy metals- contaminated soil and groundwater. As environmentally friendly amphiphiles, biosurfactants display promising wetting, solubilization, and emulsification properties. Biosurfactant addition can enhance the mobility and bioavailability of entrapped PHCs in porous media, and finally improve their removal. Biosurfactants can also reduce the heavy metal toxicity and assist their removal through acting as metal complexing agents. The availability of economic biosurfactants, however, has become a major obstacle to their applications. In addition, little research has been conducted to investigate the role of biosurfactants, especially lipopeptides, in contaminated subsurface cleanup process and their impacts on oil degrading microbes.
To fill the knowledge gaps, a number of methodologies and mechanisms aimed at economical biosurfactant production and advanced biosurfactant enhanced subsurface co-contamination control have been investigated. Economical lipopeptide production by Bacillus Substilis N3-1P using fish waste as an unconventional medium was achieved. The lipopeptide production was further enhanced using immobilized robust biocatalysts on porous fly ash by Bacillus Substilis N3-1P, and the associated mechanisms were explored. The lipopeptide production by Bacillus Substilis N3-4P was optimized and its application for crude oil removal was examined. The impact of the generated biosurfactant on the biodegradation of PHCs in presence of heavy metals was finally evaluated.
The newly developed lipopeptide production methodologies and the associated mechanisms helped to break down the barriers impeding economical biosurfactant production. The research outcomes (e.g., fish-waste-based hydrolysate, fly ash (FA) - based robust biocatalyst and optimized growth medium) could contribute to a cost-efficient biosurfactant production through proper selection of waste materials, advanced bioreactor design and medium optimization. This dissertation research was also a first attempt to identify the role of lipopeptides in cell surface associated biodegradation mechanisms in a co-contaminated environment. This research could help implement effective soil and groundwater remediation practices and bring short/long-term benefits to the governments, industries and communities at regional, national and international levels.


identifier: Richárd, Natalie <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Rich=E1rd=3ANatalie=3A=3A.html>   (2019) An analysis of ingested microplastics found in offshore Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) and inshore capelin (Mallotus villosus) using scientific and citizen science methods.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Analyzing plastic ingestion rates in fish and other marine organisms is an effective tool to understand the impacts of marine plastic pollution worldwide. As more and more marine organisms ingest plastic pollution, more attention has focused on the ability of local citizens to locate and identify plastics in their food fish. In this study, I expanded the list of species examined for plastic ingestion by adding inshore capelin (Mallotus villosus) and offshore Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) from Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization Division 3 of Newfoundland, Canada. The frequency of occurrence of plastic ingestion in Atlantic cod and capelin was 1.1%, and 0, respectively. I also examined the success rate of citizens locating and identifying ingested microplastics in fish without the use of scientific tools. I found that citizen scientists can be successfully organised to monitor microplastic in fish.


identifier: Wang, Teng <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Wang=3ATeng=3A=3A.html>   (2017) Development of an FPGA and MCU based Stack-able Processing platform incorporated with on-board compute module for Real-time processing applications.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The focus of this thesis is to develop an FPGA and MCU-based stackable processing
platform incorporated with an on-board computer module for real-time processing applications.
The goal is to deliver a compact-sized hardware platform with extensible
capabilities to provide high-speed, parallel computing with low power consumption.
This hardware platform is named ioNeurons and consists of three module types: processing
modules, sensing modules, and interface modules. The ioNeurons ecosystem
design is based on combining individual strengths into highly adaptable and powerful
solutions. The processing modules are stackable in no particular order, allowing
the ability to match multiple modules’ individual capabilities to the project’s needs.
Developers can assign tasks to multiple processing modules according to the different
real-time requirements. The implementation of a small-scale quadrotor helicopter is
introduced as an application of this hardware platform.


identifier: Nekouie, Hashem <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Nekouie=3AHashem=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Mathematical and experimental investigation of multi-component gas/oil displacements with constant pressure boundaries.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
In this research, for the first time, multi-component gas/oil displacements with con-
stant pressure boundaries are investigated mathematically and experimentally. Math-
ematically, the minimum miscibility pressure (MMP) is first calculated through an
analytical method. Then, a novel extension of the classic Buckley-Leverett theory is
applied to solve gas/oil displacement problems under constant pressure boundaries
in a one-dimensional, dispersion-free medium. The developed analytical technique is
applied to four and five-component systems, where the four-component system is a
hypothetical case and the five-component system is a realistic and practical case. Ex-
perimentally, the five-component, N₂/CO₂/C₆/C₁₀/C₁₆, gas/oil displacement tests
are designed and conducted in a slim tube set up. The MMP is first determined
through common constant flux slim tube tests. Then, the analytical solution of sys-
tems with constant pressure boundaries is confirmed through corresponding slim tube
experiments. However, unlike gas/oil displacements with constant flux boundaries in
which the total flux is fixed both in space and time, the total flux varies with time in problems with constant pressure boundaries. Using the analytical technique, the
breakthrough time of different waves are determined and the total flux is obtained
as a function of time. The results indicate that the analytical solution matches with
the experimental results if an appropriate relative permeability model is selected for
the gas/oil flow in the slim tube. Finally, a new interpretation method, based on
the constant pressure boundary experiments, is applied to obtain the gas/oil relative
permeability curves. These independently obtained relative permeabilities are then
employed in the analytical simulation and acceptable solutions are achieved.


identifier: Browne, Jaclyn <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Browne=3AJaclyn=3A=3A.html>   (2018) Perceptions of pre-service teachers', guidance counsellors' and school administrators' towards youth who participate in video game play.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This study explores the perceptions and attitudes held towards youth who play video games by
pre-service educators (n=61) enrolled in a teacher preparation program at a large Atlantic
Canadian University. The need for potential interventions, via curriculum development amongst
pre-service school personnel is also examined. To complete this work, surveys were distributed
to undergraduate (i.e., Primary/Elementary or Intermediate/Secondary) and graduate students
(i.e., Counselling Psychology or Educational Leadership) of the Faculty of Education. Findings
indicate that while a majority of pre-service educators possess experience with gaming- albeit
not necessarily within an educational context- they also hold moderately critical perceptions and
attitudes towards youth video gaming. Variation between participants does exist. Further, this
study finds there is currently little opportunity for pre-service educators to explore the topic of
youth gaming as part of course-work in teacher preparation programming, but they view it as an
important topic, which ought to be included in their pre-service education. Significant findings
are discussed in relation to other scholarly research. In addition, implications for training and
future research are discussed.


identifier: Wanniarachchi, Wanniarachchige Dinushika Kumari <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Wanniarachchi=3AWanniarachchige_Dinushika_Kumari=3A=3A.html>   (2018) Impact of biochar and dairy manure on the hydraulic properties and their measurements in boreal agricultural podzols.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Soil hydraulic properties such as hydraulic conductivity and volumetric soil moisture content are the basis for understanding flow and transport processes in the vadose zone. In addition, hydraulic properties of surface soils influence the partition of input water (by precipitation / irrigation) into runoff and soil water storage and are altered with the use of soil amendments in agricultural soils. Therefore, the present study has two different parts i.e. first section looking into hydraulic conductivity and second section into volumetric moisture content measurements. The first study was focused on field unsaturated (Kunsat) and near saturated (near Ksat) hydraulic conductivity of agricultural soil with an emphasis on amending the soil with dairy manure (DM) and biochar (BC). The study was conducted at both field and the laboratory scales using mini disk infiltrometer (a tension infiltrometer). The second study evaluated the effect of BC incorporation on TDR (Time Domain Reflectrometry) based soil moisture measurements. TDR is a well-established method for measuring volumetric soil moisture content (VSMC) at point scales using soil’s dielectric properties. To calculate VSMC from dielectric constant obtained from a TDR cable tester (MOHR CT 100), Topp’s equation–M1, mixing model–M2 and the forest soil model–M3 were used. The three models were compared with a standard (M0) VSMC calculated using gravimetric moisture and soil bulk density. According to the results, there was no significant effect of DM and BC on near Ksat. BC was observed to have no considerable influence, while IN+DM 1, IN+DM 2 and IN+DM 1+BC had significantly lower Kunsat under 2 cm suction (p=0.009, 0.002 and 0.031, respectively) compared to the control. The results from regression analysis showed the M1 and M2 reported significantly lower VSMC values, while M3 reported higher values than M0 for both powdered and granular BC treatments (p<0.001). However, for powdered BC treatment, the relationships between M1, M3 with M0 were not significant (p=0.228, 0.052), while it was significant for M2 with M0 (p=0.028). For granular BC treatments, the M2, M3 with M0 regressions have shown significant similarity (p=0.009 & 0.032); this was not true for the M1 to M0 comparison (p=0.571). These results show that the effects of types and rates of BC on VSMC prediction models based on soil dielectric constant need to be further studied under both laboratory and field conditions. Since these soil amendments can influence soil hydrology such as reduced infiltration and increased surface runoff, carefully monitored agronomic practices are recommended.


identifier: Koleade, Adetola <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Koleade=3AAdetola=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Prevalence of ACO (Asthma COPD Overlap) and associated risk factors in Aboriginal people.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Aboriginal peoples are at a higher risk of many chronic respiratory diseases compared to the general Canadian population. Gender differences in incidence, susceptibility and severity of chronic respiratory diseases have also been long recognized among Aboriginal Peoples. Patients with Asthma-COPD Overlap (ACO), a disease newly described in 2015, are associated with frequent exacerbations, rapid decline in lung function, poor quality of life, high mortality and disproportionate utilization of healthcare resources than patients with asthma and COPD alone. The aim of this analysis is to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of ACO in Aboriginal peoples and to assess their gender-specific risk factors.
The Aboriginal Peoples Survey 2012 (N=28,410) is the fourth cycle of a national cross-sectional survey representative of the First Nations living off reserve, Metis and Inuit. The ACO definition was based on the respondent giving positive responses to both of the following questions “Do you/Does(name) have Asthma diagnosed by a health professional?” and “Do you/Does (name) have chronic bronchitis, emphysema or chronic pulmonary obstructive disease or COPD diagnosed by a health professional?”
The prevalence of ACO was 1.65% and 3.53% in Aboriginal males and females respectively. Aboriginal peoples older than 45 years, having a total personal income below $20,000 were associated with a significant risk of ACO. Residing in Ontario and Quebec, living in a rented dwelling, dwelling in need of major repairs and working more than 40 hrs a week were also significantly associated with increased risk of ACO while female-specific risk factors significantly associated with increased risk of ACO included being widowed, separated or divorced, a current daily smoker and having a diagnosis of diabetes. The results from this study will offer useful evidence for future development of prevention and public health intervention programs in Aboriginal communities to reduce the burden of ACO.


identifier: Ezenwa, Nonso <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Ezenwa=3ANonso=3A=3A.html>   (2018) Modelling of microbiologically influenced corrosion in harsh environments.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) is one of the main causes of internal corrosion in oil pipelines and corrosion in oil wells. While many theories have been proposed to explain MIC, much about this form of corrosion remains poorly understood. At the heart of what is unclear about MIC is the role of surface deposits and biofilms in the process. To understand MIC, it is necessary to understand the changes that occur in surface deposits/biofilms. This can be achieved by two modelling approaches: deterministic modelling and molecular modelling. This thesis work employs the deterministic modelling approach to investigate the changes that occur in the electrochemistry of the biofilm as MIC occurs, which is then used to develop a predictive, time-dependent model of MIC. It also uses molecular modelling to examine the atomistic interactions that occur on the surface of steel materials. Both models are validated using published data from the literature.


identifier: Butler, Emily <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Butler=3AEmily=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Children as researchers: examining children's perceptions of inclusion.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Previous research has indicated that children with exceptionalities who are included in the regular classroom setting are at risk for social exclusion by their peers, but little is known of children’s views on this topic (Nowicki, Brown, & Stepien, 2014a). This study explored both children’s understanding of inclusion as well as their understanding of what it means to be socially excluded. This study used multiple ways to explore children’s understanding including: interviews, focus groups (using semi-structured interviews), and children’s drawings, to begin to explore children’s understanding of these topics. Children in two different grades were used for this study, children in Grade 2 (two groups) and children in Grade 4 (one group). The data collected was analyzed using concept mapping, where the children acted as active participants and were involved in analyzing their own data into themes. Themes that emerged were using play as a means of including children with exceptionalities, normalizing exceptionalities, and celebrating individual differences, and teaching acceptance and inclusion in the school setting. Concept mapping was found to be a successful method when using children as participants.


identifier: Massaeli, Faghihe <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Massaeli=3AFaghihe=3A=3A.html>   (2019) The effect of norepinephrine release on odor discrimination learning in adult rats.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The locus coeruleus is the main source of norepinephrine in the brain with extensive
projections to many areas throughout the cortex including the olfactory bulb and
piriform cortex. It has been shown that noradrenergic receptor blockade in either
olfactory bulb or piriform cortex impairs similar odor discrimination. The goal of
this thesis is to test whether enhancing locus coeruleus activity using optogenetic
stimulation promotes odor discrimination learning.
Adult TH-CRE rats were bilaterally infused with adeno-associated virus containing
light-excitable channels targeting noradrenergic locus coeruleus neurons (AAV8-
Ef1a-DIO-eChR2 (H134R)-EYFP). In vivo electrophysiology revealed neurons transfected
with the viral vector were active when blue light (473 nm) was given at a
frequency of 10Hz of 150mA laser current.
After confirming the excitability response of the neurons, we tested the effect
of light on general locomotor activity. Subsequently, we sought to determine the
role of locus coeruleus activation on odor discrimination learning. Food-deprived
animals were trained to discriminate between two simple odors, one paired with a
food reward. This training was followed by a highly similar odor discrimination
in which animals were optogenetically stimulated with a phasic pattern of blue laser
light. AAV-ChR2 infused rats discriminated the similar odors after 3 days of training,
while non-infused control rats reached the learning criteria in 8 days. The enhanced
LC activity induced by photostimulation during highly similar odor discrimination
training promoted faster learning.


identifier: Hickman, Robert <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Hickman=3ARobert=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Developing behavioural observation scales to effectively help employees reduce interpersonal mistreatment in the workplace.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This study explored the development of behavioural observation scales (BOS) based on
the critical incidents of interpersonal interactions in the workplace. In particular, this
study used a literature review and survey data (n=313) to gather 1126 critical incidents
that detailed effective and ineffective behaviours related to interpersonal interactions
between coworkers and interactions between managers and subordinates in the
workplace. Then, using a coding process adapted from both the works of Brown and
Hanlon (2004) and Latham and Wexley (1981), behavioural items were compiled to
develop two separate BOS; one for interactions between coworkers and the other focusing
on managerial and subordinate interactions. This study also provides insight on how these
two BOS may benefit an organization and their employees and sets the landscape for a
future study that will use these BOS to formulate goal setting interventions aimed at
reducing the prevalence of workplace mistreatment.


identifier: Paul, Subhendu <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Paul=3ASubhendu=3A=3A.html>   (2018) Entanglement in an open Heisenberg spin chain.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
We analyze the time evolution of a spin chain of three qubits with nearest-neighbour Heisenberg
XX interaction, coupled to two thermal reservoirs. We use the ‘reduced density matrix approach’
to calculate the populations and correlations (concurrence) among the spins. The spin-reservoir
interaction is of the energy conserving type. This allows us to analyze the evolution analytically
without approximations – yielding explicit, yet complicated formulas for the spin dynamics. To
analyze the latter and discuss it as a function of the various physical parameters and time (intial
conditions, termperatures, coupling strenghts), we resort to numerical methods.
Our main finding is that the external noise (coupling to reservoirs) causes the appearence of
an asymptotic, stationary (time-periodic) regime for the dynamics of concurrence. We discuss
the dependence of the relaxation time and the characteristics of the regime itself, on the various
parameters.