identifier: Hesselbarth, Lydia <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Hesselbarth=3ALydia=3A=3A.html>   (2020) Perspectives of people living with HIV on access to healthcare in Canada: a systematic review and framework analysis.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The infection with HIV requires continuous healthcare. Some people living with HIV / AIDS (PLHA) in Canada enter the healthcare system only sporadically which has a negative effect on health outcomes for this population. To analyse patients’ perspectives on access to healthcare, a systematic review with data synthesis and framework analysis was chosen to review Canadian literature. The “5 A’s” on access to healthcare were used for synthesis and modified to fit our research question. Domains and Concepts on access to healthcare were developed, analyzed, and categorized into enablers, barriers, and suggestions from PLHA. From 26,190 articles, 334 met the inclusion criteria, leaving 11 relevant articles. The modified framework contained of 91 concepts in 7 domains: Acceptability, Availability, Accessibility, Affordability, Accommodation, Communication, and Others. Our findings highlight research opportunities and can be used by decision makers and healthcare providers to improve access to healthcare for PLHA in the future.


identifier: Subedi, Sabir <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Subedi=3ASabir=3A=3A.html>   (2020) Investigation of mechanical properties of aluminum: molecular dynamics approach.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

type: Thesis NonPeerReviewed

abstract: In the present study, the mechanical properties of a single crystal and nanocrystalline aluminum were investigated. The systems were deformed under uniaxial loading at atomistic level. First, the investigation was performed to predict the accuracy of various many-body interatomic potentials available on estimating the mechanical properties of single crystal aluminum. As such, results from the current simulations were compared with available experimental data from references. From the study, it was demonstrated that potentials which were parameterized for the elastic constants at room temperature showed high accuracy with the experimental data. Out of fourteen potentials tested in the current research, the Mishin et al. EAM potential predicted the most accurate mechanical properties for single crystal aluminum. Next, this potential was used to simulate uniaxial deformation for nanocrystalline aluminum. Results showed good agreement with available experimental data for nanocrystalline aluminum. The effects of various grain sizes, strain rates, and temperatures were investigated. It was observed that the stacking faults, sliding of the grain boundaries, and nucleation of atoms near grain boundaries during deformation hardened the nanocrystalline material as the grain diameter increased, which is reverse Hall-Petch relationship.


identifier: Greene, Alison <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Greene=3AAlison=3A=3A.html>   (2020) A randomized controlled trial comparing right lateral decubitus and left lateral decubitus starting position on outcomes in colonoscopy.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Patient positioning in colonoscopy has been proposed as a simple and inexpensive technique to increase luminal distention and improve navigation through the large bowel. We sought to determine if right lateral (RL) starting position compared to the standard left lateral (LL) starting position could improve outcomes in colonoscopy. Patients presenting for their scheduled colonoscopy were consented for the trial and randomized to RL or LL starting position. Variables including age, sex, BMI, time to cecal intubation, adenoma detection rate (ADR), NAPCOMs pain score, amount of sedation administered, and quality of bowel preparation were collected during their colonoscopy. The primary outcome was time to cecal intubation. All colonoscopists who had successfully completed upskilling courses were included in the trial.
A total of 185 patients were included in the analysis - 94 patients were randomized to RL and 91 patients were randomized to LL. No difference was found in time to cecal intubation comparing the starting position of RL (542.6s) to LL (497.85s) (p=0.354). There was also no difference in cecal intubation rate (RL - 94.9%, LL – 94.8%, p=0.960), ADR (RL – 56.3%, LL – 64.8%, p=0.240), or patient comfort (p=0.078) comparing the starting position.
In conclusion, no difference was found for outcomes in colonoscopy comparing the RL and LL starting position.


identifier: Wilson, Taylor <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Wilson=3ATaylor=3A=3A.html>   (2020) Exploring the barriers and facilitators of following a meal plan for Type 2 Diabetes: a survey using the theoretical domains framework.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a critical health topic in Newfoundland and
Labrador (NL). In 2016, the Canadian Diabetes Association estimates that 179,000 residents in
NL are living with diabetes or pre-diabetes, which is approximately 35% of our population and
the highest prevalence within Canada. Patients with this disease find it challenging to make
health-related choices to reduce the negative impacts associated with diabetes on their long-term
well-being and to improve their lifestyles. Using a Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF), we
will identify what domains play a significant role in creating barriers and facilitators for the self-management
of T2DM. As the global prevalence of diabetes continues to grow and technology
continues to develop, there is an obvious potential for technology to help support individuals
self-manage T2DM.
Purpose: The primary objective of the study is to identify which behavioral domains of the TDF
(e.g., knowledge, social influence, skills) will predict the intention to follow a meal plan for the
self-management of diabetes for subsequent intervention development. The secondary objective
is to explore if patients in a Remote Monitoring Program (RMP) for diabetes would use
technology to help manage their diabetes and whether they perceive technology as an effective
tool for self-management.
Methods: Patients enrolled in the RMP for T2DM through the Eastern Regional Health
Authority, NL (n=300) received a questionnaire via mail as part of a cross-sectional study to
assess their experience with following a meal plan for diabetes self-management. The
questionnaire also included an open-ended question to evaluate the attitudes of NL residents
regarding the effectiveness of technology as a self-management tool.
Results: The Regression model (n=54) indicated only two significant predictors of meal plan
intention, Emotions (b=-0.648, p=0.003) and Social Influences (b=0.475, p=0.0026), accounting
for three quarters of the variance.
Conclusions: Now that the influence of others in one’s social environment and one’s emotional
health have been identified as the significant predictors of the self-management of T2DM, these
domains will be the focus for the creation of intervention content in a subsequent project.


identifier: Wiseman, Hailey <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Wiseman=3AHailey=3A=3A.html>   (2020) Using measures of corticospinal excitability to map symptom severity in multiple sclerosis.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Background: Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a tool used to measure corticospinal excitability. To evaluate the usefulness of TMS as a biomarker in multiple sclerosis (MS), the first step is to examine how well variables derived using TMS align with clinical symptoms of MS.
Methods: Participants with MS (n=38) were assigned to motor, cognitive, sensory, or asymptomatic clinical group based on their Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) assessment. Following recording of demographic information, subjective health and scoring of walking and cognition, TMS measures were collected from each brain hemisphere. We first examined whether TMS parameters (resting motor threshold (RMT), active motor threshold (AMT), and cortical silent period (CSP)) would differ among clinical groups. Next, we examined whether TMS parameters predicted severity of symptoms.
Results: CSP and AMT in the hemisphere corresponding to the weaker hand predicted measures of symptom severity among people with MS in the motor and cognitive profile groups. Longer CSP was the strongest predictor of slower walking speed (F(1,17)=22.82, p<0.001). Higher AMT was the strongest predictor of cognitive impairment using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (F(1,17)==25.29, p=0.001) and perceived physical impact of MS using the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale-29 (F(1,17)=30.63, p<0.001).
Conclusions: CSP and AMT in the hemisphere corresponding to the weaker hand predicted severity of symptoms among people with MS in the motor and cognitive groups. In these cases, TMS variables provided greater predictive value than the traditional EDSS, supporting the use of TMS outcomes as biomarkers in MS.


identifier: Brennan, Timothy <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Brennan=3ATimothy=3A=3A.html>   (2020) Determining medical decision-making capacity for patients with dissociative identity disorder: a patient-centered approach.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Patients with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) pose ethical challenges for clinicians regarding capacity for medical decisions. If such a patient possesses various personality states with potentially different values, opinions, and preferences, this can lead to conflicting choices regarding medical treatments. Yet, only one decision can be carried out, which might lead some clinicians to believe that DID patients cannot possess capacity. In this thesis, I argue against this presumption by demonstrating that there are clinical contexts and situations where, ethically, patients with DID should (and, in some cases, should not) possess capacity. To accomplish this, a patient-centered approach to determining capacity for DID patients is introduced. Such an approach is rooted in the attributes of patient-centered care and the current bioethical consensus that psychiatric patients should not be deemed to lack capacity for treatment decisions solely due to their diagnosis. It also implores clinicians to consider the degree of value-sharing and awareness among a patients' personality states, as well as the decision at hand and the level of risk associated with the decision when making determinations of capacity for DID patients.


identifier: Wright-Brown, Tanisha <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Wright-Brown=3ATanisha=3A=3A.html>   (2020) An assessment of the influence of a country's level of empowerment on its resilience to maintain health and well-being after the impact of a natural disaster.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Natural disasters are happening more frequently and more intensely around the world, potentially exacerbated by climate change. There is an increasing concern to strengthen resilience in countries from the impact of these disasters. This thesis assessed the influence of empowerment on resilience using a quantitative approach, including descriptive, interrupted time series and ordinary least square regression analyses. Using data from 177 countries spanning over 16 years from 2000 to 2015, our results demonstrated that countries with a higher level of freedom in terms of political rights or civil liberties have greater resilience to maintain health and well-being after the impact of a natural disaster and that these countries have a higher GDP, lower infant mortality, longer life expectancy, and low corruption. These results provide further insights into the factors that influence resilience and suggest that empowerment may be used as a tool for disaster resilience and better health outcomes.


identifier: Russell McEvoy, Gaylene M. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Russell_McEvoy=3AGaylene_M=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2020) Development and validation of a novel microfluidic platform for studying local microvascular blood flow regulation in vivo.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Currently, there is no effective way to restrict administration of vasoactive drugs
to capillary networks of skeletal muscle and observe the effects on blood flow. The
purpose of this project was to develop and validate the efficacy of a novel liquid
microfluidic device (LMFD) to manipulate a microscale region of tissue while
simultaneously allowing for visualization and quantification of microvascular blood flow.
The LMFD was developed and fabricated using soft lithographic techniques. Devices
were molded in polydimethylsiloxane and bound to a glass coverslip with a 600 x 300
μm laser cut micro-outlet. Sprague-Dawley rats were anaesthetized with sodium
pentobarbital and instrumented to monitor systemic parameters. The extensor digitorum
longus muscle was dissected, externalized, and reflected across the LMFD on the stage of
an inverted microscope. Doses (10-8 to 10-3 M) of adenosine triphosphate (ATP),
acetylcholine, and phenylephrine (PE) were sequentially administered to the muscle via
perfusion through the LMFD. Videos of microvascular blood flow at multiple focal
planes were recorded directly overlying the micro-outlet. Recordings were analyzed
offline for red blood cell (RBC) velocity, supply rate, and hematocrit. ATP significantly
increased RBC velocity and supply rate. Increasing concentrations of PE caused a
decrease in RBC velocity and supply rate. Changes in perfusion were restricted to areas
directly overlying the micro-outlet and within 500 μm. This novel LMFD allows for a
controlled delivery of dissolved substances to constrained regions of microvasculature
while simultaneously allowing for visualization and measurement of blood flow within
discrete vessels and networks.


identifier: Bruneau, Jill E. E. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Bruneau=3AJill_E=2E_E=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2020) The development and evaluation of the cardiovascular assessment screening program.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
BACKGROUND: An exploratory mixed methods study, with the philosophical basis of pragmatism and interpretive description, was used to develop, implement, and evaluate an intervention called the Cardiovascular Assessment Screening Program (CASP) to address the underutilization of clinical practice guidelines for cardiovascular screening. The Knowledge-to-Action (KTA) Framework with guideline adaptation was used to guide the study.
METHODS: In phase 1, the qualitative study, ten interviews and five focus groups were conducted with healthcare providers (HCPs), managers, and the public to gain different perspectives to inform the development of CASP. In phase 2, the quantitative study, CASP was tested in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) with eight nurse practitioners (NPs) and 167 patients aged 40-74 years without previously diagnosed cardiovascular disease (CVD). The intervention group implemented CASP while the control group provided usual care. Phase 3 integration examined the results from phases 1 and 2.
RESULTS: From the focus groups and interviews conducted in the qualitative phase, themes emerged related to the barriers to, facilitators of, and strategies for CVD screening in the local context. The Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) was applied to the themes to identify relevant behaviour change techniques and modes of delivery, from which specific intervention components for CASP were developed. Findings from Phase 2, the RCT, showed a statistically and clinically significant difference between the NP intervention group compared to the control group in terms of comprehensiveness of screening, RR = 43.9, 95% CI [13.4, 144.2], p < .0001. The NPs in the intervention group were able to identify multiple risk factors; determine their patients’ level of CVD risk; identify NPs’ and patients’ priorities for action; and encourage individualized goal-setting with patients for heart health. In Phase 3, the integration of results from phases 1 and 2 confirmed and refined strategies for knowledge translation. The mixed methods study results are reported in Manuscript 1, while Manuscript 2 focuses primarily on Phase 2, the results from the RCT. Manuscript 3 discusses strategies to address recruitment issues of HCPs such as nurses and NPs, as participants in research studies.
CONCLUSION: CASP was effective and can be used by HCPs and patients for CVD screening and management utilizing current guidelines to identify risk factors and promote relevant actions to reduce CVD risk and promote healthy aging.


identifier: Stevens, Laura Kathleen <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Stevens=3ALaura_Kathleen=3A=3A.html>   (2020) Effectiveness of a foot self-management intervention that utilized commercially available infrared thermometers: a patient-oriented research and mixed methods research study.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Background: Patients with diabetes are at high risk for foot issues such as diabetic foot ulcers
(DFUs). Given the prevalence, health care costs, and implications of DFUs, it is vital to support
effective foot self-management. Education and a commercially available infrared thermometer
(CAIT) are promising strategies. As foot self-management is complex, research that develops and
tests interventions needs to be patient-oriented to ensure contextual issues are addressed.
Methods: A sequential mixed methods research (MMR) study with 3 phases was conducted with
an exploratory and explanatory sequence. Phase 1 to the development of the Phase 2 intervention
comprised the exploratory sequence (N=24): qualitative interviews were completed with 11
patients, 9 health care providers, and 4 support persons to explore foot self-management. Phase 2
and 3 comprised the explanatory sequence. Phase 2: a randomized control trial (RCT) pilot that
tested the intervention was conducted (thermometer and education group, n=34; and an
education-only group, n=26). Phase 3: interviews were conducted with RCT participants to gain
understanding of the Phase 2 findings (N =9).
Results: Phase 1 findings showed that people experienced personal challenges, encountered
system barriers, and utilized resources to support foot self-management (presented in Manuscript
1). These findings helped inform the intervention. The RCT found that the thermometer and
education group had significantly more days with any assessment completed than the education only
group (150.98/180 vs. 119.84/180, p =.02). The study had low power to assess the outcome
of DFU. Phase 3 findings offered further explanation that the CAIT engaged participants,
prompted action, and offered reassurance about foot health. Phases 2 and 3 are presented in
Manuscript 2. This research approach resulted in the testing of a patient-oriented intervention and
provided a greater understanding of intervention effectiveness. The benefit and synergy achieved
when using this approach is presented in Manuscript 3.
iii
Conclusion: The CAIT is an available tool that could support effective foot self-management for
people with diabetes. This tool may offer several benefits such as promoting and providing
structure for a foot assessment and direction for action.


identifier: Umali, Jurgienne Arizza Gomez <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Umali=3AJurgienne_Arizza_Gomez=3A=3A.html>   (2020) Establishing zebrafish, Danio rerio, as a genetic model for glaucoma.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Glaucoma is characterized by retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death, leading to vision loss. The leading risk factor for glaucoma is elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), however 30 percent of patients have IOP within the reference range, suggesting IOP-independent mechanisms underlying disease pathogenesis. Mutations in the forkhead transcription factor FOXC1 cause Axenfeld-Rieger Syndrome with early-onset or congenital glaucoma, however the mechanism by which this occurs is not fully understood. We assessed RGC number and optic nerve width in embryonic zebrafish with inhibition of foxc1a and foxc1b via antisense morpholinos and CRISPR-mediated mutation. At 5 days post fertilization, foxc1b-/- embryos injected with foxc1a morpholinos have decreased cells in the RGC layer and thinner optic nerves. In situ hybridization shows loss of foxc1 results in dysregulation of atonal homolog 7 (atoh7), a gene involved in RGC differentiation. Overall, we propose that altered RGC differentiation interacts with other risk factors to influence FOXC1-associated glaucoma pathogenesis.


identifier: Devasahayam, Augustine Joshua <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Devasahayam=3AAugustine_Joshua=3A=3A.html>   (2020) A novel exercise initiative to improve walking ability in people with multiple sclerosis having higher levels of disability.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an auto-immune mediated inflammatory and degenerative disease of the central nervous system characterized by loss of myelin and axonal integrity. MS often leads to an accrual of walking disability and worsening of fatigue. Exercise-dependent plasticity in the central nervous system, which involves upregulation of growth-promoting neurotrophins and suppression of inflammatory cytokines, may help restore lost ability to walk. Although aerobic training is an intervention that can potentially improve walking disability and reduce fatigue, these factors are also significant barriers to participating in exercise. Furthermore, because of thermal dysregulation, exercise-induced increases in body temperature leads to temporary worsening of symptoms in some MS patients. The purpose of my doctoral work was to develop and determine the feasibility of implementing a progressively intense aerobic treadmill training, in a room cooled to 16°C, for people with MS having walking disability, fatigue, and heat sensitivity.
In the first study, I critically appraised and consolidated the research in animal models and clinical trials in order to determine the optimal training dosage and outcomes for a future exercise trial. The second study showed that people with MS-related disability consumed about three times more oxygen to complete relatively simple mobility activities such as rolling in bed, when compared to age and sex-matched healthy controls. The results of this study supported the importance of testing therapeutic aerobic training for this cohort of patients with barriers to exercise, such as fatigue. The third study outlined the effects of maximal aerobic exercise on neurotrophins and inflammatory cytokines among people with MS and controls. The final study established preliminary evidence for the feasibility of conducting progressively intense aerobic training on a bodyweight supported treadmill in a room cooled to 16°C. The benefits included significant improvements in walking speed, fatigue, aerobic fitness, and quality of life, while simultaneously altering serum levels of blood biomarkers of recovery such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor and interleukin-6, shifting the balance between repair and inflammation. Randomized controlled trials are needed to substantiate these preliminary findings, which in turn could lead to effective training options for people living with MS-related barriers to exercise participation.


identifier: Crant, Robert A. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Crant=3ARobert_A=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2020) The combined effect of hypoxia and cold on substrate metabolism in men at rest.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This study was designed to examine the acute metabolic response of men to the combined exposure to cold and hypoxia at rest. As the individual effects of both conditions have been extensively studied, our research focused on their combined effects in an effort to develop a better understanding of a lesser known topic. Eight participants (age:28.9±11.8 y; weight:80.7±11.5 kg; height:175.8±0.067 m; BMI:29±11 kg∙m⁻²) were recruited to participate in three experimental sessions for two hours on separate days. The experiment conditions included cold (C), hypoxia (H), and both cold and hypoxia combined (CH). Participants were asked to fast for 12 hours prior to beginning each experimental session. Once they arrived at the laboratory, the participants were instructed to lay in a supine position on a bed and were placed underneath a canopy for 30 minutes to measure their basal metabolic rate (BMR). Once the BMR protocol was complete, participants were then fitted with 4 wireless Electromyography (EMG) electrodes [trapezius (TR), pectoralis major (PE), rectus abdominis (RA), and rectus femoris (RF)] and were instructed to complete a maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) protocol for all four muscles. Shivering activity throughout the experimental sessions was expressed as percentage of the MVC values for each muscle group. Upon the completion of the MVC protocol, participants were asked to self-insert a rectal thermocouple, used to monitor core-body temperature throughout the sessions. Next, 11 skin thermo-sensors, using a modified Hardy and Dubois 12-point system, were applied directly to their skin, before they were finally fitted with a liquid conditioned suit. Once all initial procedures were complete, they were then transferred to an enclosed chamber to be exposed, in a random order while in a seated position, to C (FIO2=0.2093, 10°C), H (FᵢO₂=0.135 or ~2500m), or CH (10°C + FᵢO₂=0.135). Mean skin temperature significantly dropped over time during exposure in the climatic chamber from 31.9±0.9°C to 26.9±0.9°C and from 32.6±0.8°C to 26.4±1.0°C for C and C+H respectively, with no change in H, from 32.5±0.7°C to 33.1±0.7°C. Energy production (EP) responded accordingly, as it significantly increased over time from 5.8±0.6kcal·min⁻¹ to 10.6±1.9 kcal·min⁻¹ and from 6.0±0.9 kcal·min⁻¹ to 10.6±1.4 kcal·min⁻¹ for C and CH, respectively. A slight non-significant effect was observed in H, from 5.8±0.4 kcal·min⁻¹ to 6.7±0.7 kcal·min⁻¹. This effect was attributed to the seated position of the participants during exposure. The individual contributions of substrates to EP significantly differed between conditions over time, as glucose oxidation was higher during C when compared to H and CH, while lipid oxidation was higher during CH compared to C and H. To conclude, while the combination of CH did not impact energy production when compared to the other conditions, it did alter the contribution of individual substrates to energy production.


identifier: Khaled, Mohammad Shaluddin <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Khaled=3AMohammad_Shaluddin=3A=3A.html>   (2020) Plantwide simulation and monitoring of offshore oil and gas production facility.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Monitoring is one of the major concerns in offshore oil and gas production platform since the access to the offshore facilities is difficult. Also, it is quite challenging to extract oil and gas safely in such a harsh environment, and any abnormalities may lead to a catastrophic event. The process data, including all possible faulty scenarios, is required to build an appropriate monitoring system. Since the plant wide process data is not available in the literature, a dynamic model and simulation of an offshore oil and gas production platform is developed by using Aspen HYSYS. Modeling and simulations are handy tools for designing and predicting the accurate behavior of a production plant. The model was built based on the gas processing plant at the North Sea platform reported in Voldsund et al. (2013). Several common faults from different fault categories were simulated in the dynamic system, and their impacts on the overall hydrocarbon production were analyzed. The simulated data are then used to build a monitoring system for each of the faulty states. A new monitoring method has been proposed by combining Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Dynamic PCA (DPCA) with Artificial Neural Network (ANN). The application of ANN to process systems is quite difficult as it involves a very large number of input neurons to model the system. Training of such large scale network is time-consuming and provides poor accuracy with a high error rate. In PCA-ANN and DPCA-ANN monitoring system, PCA and DPCA are used to reduce the dimension of the training data set and extract the main features of measured variables. Subsequently ANN uses this lower-dimensional score vectors to build a training model and classify the abnormalities. It is found that the proposed approach reduces the time to train ANN and successfully diagnose, detects and classifies the faults with a high accuracy rate.


identifier: Wang, Chen <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Wang=3AChen=3A=3A.html>   (2020) Numerical study of large deformation retrogressive landslides in sensitive clay triggered by toe erosion and earthquake.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Landslides in sensitive clays represent a severe geohazard in eastern Canada and Scandinavia. Triggered by various factors, such as toe erosion, earthquake, and human activities, a sensitive clay landslide can affect a large area and cause damage to infrastructure. The evaluation of risk associated with sensitive clay landslides is an important but challenging task because the failure mechanisms are not well understood. Different types of landslide (e.g. flowslide, monolithic slide, and spread) occur through significantly different failure processes that affect both retrogression and run-out. Full-scale modeling of such large-scale landslides is not practically feasible. On the other hand, real-time monitoring of the failure in the field is not possible. Therefore, the characteristics of the landslides are generally evaluated by comparing post-slide field investigations with available information on the site before the landslide. Numerical modeling could be an alternative tool to obtain further insights into the failure mechanisms. The failure occurs by progressive formation of shear bands where extremely large plastic shear strain generates, and the failed soil displaces over a large distance. Consequently, the methods commonly used for slope stability analysis, such as limit equilibrium (LE) methods and Lagrangian-based finite element (FE) methods, cannot be used to model the whole process of a sensitive clay landslide.
The main objective of the present study is to analyze the factors affecting the failure pattern and extent of sensitive clay landslides triggered by toe erosion and seismic loading. A large deformation finite element (LDFE) method based on Eulerian approach is used to simulate the triggering of the landslide, subsequent failure of soil blocks and run-out of the debris. The landslide generally occurs rapidly in a matter of few minutes; therefore, the simulation is performed for the undrained condition. The strain-softening behavior of sensitive clay is defined as a function of plastic shear displacement that reduces the undrained shear strength to a very low value at a large strain. A strain-rate dependent undrained shear strength model is used, which can model the behavior of soil and remolded clay that flows at a high speed as a fluid-like material.
The formation of a slope generally occurs due to the removal of the materials in drained condition. Moreover, groundwater seepage might dominate the failure of a slope. Numerical simulation techniques for the Eulerian based LDFE method are developed to simulate in-situ effective stresses, which can be used for the cases of widely varying earth pressure coefficient at rest, even greater than unity. Based on the thermal-hydraulic analogy, a numerical modeling technique is developed for seepage analysis. The above-mentioned methods can successfully simulate the initial stress condition in the soil that affects the failure mechanisms significantly.
Many failures of sensitive clay slope are initiated by toe erosion. Conducting LDFE simulations, the potential conditions required for a flowslide and a spread are identified. The type and extent (retrogression and run-out) of a landslide depend on a combination of several factors related to geometry and soil properties. A single parameter, such as stability number, remolded shear strength, liquidity index or remolded energy, may not always be suitable to categorize failure type. Increasing lateral earth pressure coefficient at-rest shows a trend of occurring spreads, while a low remolded shear strength and favorable conditions for rapid displacement of debris result in flowslides. The comparison of LDFE simulations and post-slide investigations of the 2010 Saint-Jude landslide show that the present numerical simulations can explain several features of the landslide, including the effects of seepage and an opposite riverbank on progressive failure.
Finally, pseudostatic and dynamic analyses are performed using the developed LDFE method to study the progressive formation of failure planes in clay slopes subjected to earthquake loading. The LDFE modeling in Eulerian approach can simulate the large displacement of the failed soil blocks, considering the reduction of shear strength due to strain-softening.


identifier: Smith, Jordan <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Smith=3AJordan=3A=3A.html>   (2020) Vision-based estimation of volume status in ultrasound.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This thesis provides a proof-of-concept approach to the analysis of ultrasound imagery using machine learning and computer vision for the purposes of tracking relative changes in apparent circulating blood volume.
Data for the models was collected from a simulation which involved having healthy subjects recline at angles between 0 and 90 degrees to induce changes in the size of the internal jugular vein (IJV) resulting from gravity. Ultrasound video clips were then captured of the IJV. The clips were segmented, followed by feature generation, feature selection and training of predictive models to determine the angle of inclination. This research provides insight into the feasibility of using automated analysis techniques to enhance portable ultrasound as a monitoring tool.
In a dataset of 34 subjects the angle was predicted within 11 degrees. An accuracy of 89% was achieved for high/low classification.


identifier: De Paola, Lisa <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/De_Paola=3ALisa=3A=3A.html>   (2020) Attitudes towards online and face-to-face counselling among university students in Newfoundland.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This study investigated student attitudes towards online and face-to-face counselling at a university in Newfoundland. In addition, the variables ‘self-stigma’, ‘perceived stigma from others’ and ‘practical barriers to treatment’ were examined for their relationship with attitudes towards counselling. There were 166 students that participated in the study that included an online survey. While participants’ attitudes towards online counselling were favourable (M=39.34), students still significantly preferred face-to-face counselling (M=44.18). Students did not associate discomfort with either mode of delivery. Relationships were also found between the variables tested. Students who reported practical barriers to treatment had more negative attitudes towards face-to-face counselling (r=-0.167, p=0.038) but neither positive or negative attitudes towards online counselling. Self-stigma was negatively associated with face-to-face counselling (r=-0.526, p<0.001), but not online counselling. Perceived stigma from others was negatively associated with face-to-face counselling (r=-0.330, p<0.001), and to a lesser extent, online counselling (r=-0.0158, p<0.01). Participants in the study reported facing multiple barriers to treatment, as well as, reported medium to high levels of stigma associated with seeking mental health services. Based on the findings, it is recommended that university counselling centres find ways of increasing access to face-to-face counselling as its students’ preferred method of treatment. In addition, universities should provide outreach to decrease mental health stigma on campus. Since attitudes towards online counselling are favourable, introducing this service could be beneficial, but not with the intention that it will remove barriers to treatment. The implications of stigma and barriers to mental health treatment in these findings in light of students’ attitudes towards counselling is addressed.


identifier: Habib, M. Musab <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Habib=3AM=2E_Musab=3A=3A.html>   (2020) Real time kick estimation and monitoring in managed pressure drilling system.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The influx of reservoir fluid (kick) has a significant impact on drilling operations. Unmitigated kick can lead to a blowout causing financial losses and impacting human lives on the rig. Kick is an unmeasured disturbance in the system, and so detection, estimation, and mitigation are essential for the safety and efficiency of the drilling operation. Our main objective is to develop a real time warning system for a managed pressure drilling (MPD) system. In the first part of the research, an unscented Kalman filter (UKF) based estimator was implemented to simultaneously estimate the bit flow-rate, and kick. The estimated kick is further used to predict the impact of the kick. Optimal control theory is used to calculate the time to mitigate the kick in the best case scenario. An alarm system is developed based on total predicted influx and pressure rise in the system and compared with actual well operation control matrix. Thus, the proposed method can estimate, monitor, and manage kick in real time, enhancing the safety and efficiency of the MPD operation. So, a robust warning framework for the operators based on real life operational conditions is created in the second part of the research. Proposed frameworks are successfully validated by applying to several case studies.


identifier: Fu, Jinjie <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Fu=3AJinjie=3A=3A.html>   (2020) Dynamic risk analysis of offshore facilities in harsh environments.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
With the frequent occurrence of extreme weather conditions, the safe operation of offshore facilities has been seriously challenged. Previous research attempted to simulate hydrodynamic performance or structure dynamic analysis to single environmental load. The present thesis proposes two methodologies to assess the operational risk quantitatively with combined wind and wave loads in a harsh environment considering the dependence structure between the real-time environmental parameters.
The first developed model calculates the environmental loads using wind load response modeling, the Morison model and the ultimate limit states method. Then physical reliability models and joint probability functions derive the probabilities of failure at the level of structural components corresponding to combined loads. BN integrates the root probabilities according to the unit configuration to calculate the failure probability of the Semi-submersible Mobile Unit (SMU). The model is examined with a case study of the Ocean Ranger capsizing accident on Feb 15, 1982. The model uses the prevailing weather conditions and calculates a very high probability of failure 0.7812, which proves the robustness and effectiveness of the proposed model.
The second proposed model is the copula-based bivariate operational failure assessment function, which assesses the dependencies among the real-time environmental parameters. Dependence function is described by the parameter δ from the wave data and concurrent meteorological observation data which are obtained from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). Then, the true model is selected with the help of Akaike’s information criterion (AIC) differences and Akaike weight. Comparing the results from the proposed approach and the traditional approach, it is shown that operational failure probabilities considering dependence are noteworthy higher and deserve attention. In other words, the traditional approach underestimates the operational risk of offshore facilities, especially in harsh environments.


identifier: Ryan, Jared <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Ryan=3AJared=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Using a socioecologial approach to explore the integration of exercise physiologists into primary healthcare teams in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Limited research has explored the integration of Clinical Exercise Physiologists (CEPs) into primary healthcare in Canada. As part of a clinical exercise referral program at Memorial University, graduate students recognized as CEPs participated in four month placements at local family medicine clinics. This thesis aims to explore the experiences of CEPs and physicians during the integration of CEPs into healthcare teams and identify challenges and opportunities that could impact broader implementation of this referral program. In this qualitative study, four CEPs and five physicians participated in semi-structured individual interviews designed to explore their experiences with the referral program using a Socio-Ecological Model. Four main themes emerged from the data: (1) CEP-led advocacy for exercise referral in healthcare, (2) gaps in training and regulation of CEPs, (3) unclear role for exercise professionals within healthcare, and (4) policy and organizational changes to improve exercise referral. The findings of this study provide an understanding of the current challenges and opportunities of integrating CEPs into a primary healthcare team, and will help to guide efforts to expand multidisciplinary healthcare in Newfoundland and Labrador.


identifier: Bennett, Jonathan R. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Bennett=3AJonathan_R=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2020) Experimental study of ice accumulation on Arctic vessels and offshore structures.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The arctic landscape has slowly been warming over the course of the 20th century resulting in a recession of ice coverage presenting ships with access and opportunity to regions previously blocked by heavy ice coverage and difficult weather conditions. A rise in global temperatures has accelerated the reduction of arctic sea ice coverage providing fishing and ships the ability to venture further north. Weather systems and frigid temperatures have historically overwhelmed ships traversing the arctic with heavy onboard ice accumulation risking the stability of the vessel and ultimately the safety of the crew. This onboard ice accretion is a combination of both ocean sea spray and freshwater precipitation and can additionally reduce the accessibility and functionality of essential mechanical and emergency equipment. The walkways, stairs and ladders can quickly become layered with ice making work and onboard navigation increasingly hazardous for the crew. While there are several methods to either prevent or remove accumulated ice, each is limited by either high costs, reductive efficiency or additional environmental concerns. Ship operators have traditionally relied on their crew to manually remove accumulated ice with shovels, baseball bats and sledgehammers putting the safety of the crew at risk as they work to remove ice on an already unsteady ocean surface. Additionally, they have generally avoided the thicker ice and colder environment of the winter choosing to work within the warmer summer months. However, with each passing year the ice coverage continues to shrink opening the arctic to more vessels and extending the shipping season further into the winter. This threat of marine icing is only going to become more extensive as the evolving arctic draws both the fishing and shipping industries further north in the pursuit of new opportunities. While there have been great advancements over the last half century in understanding the cause of marine icing there lacks insight and practical research into mitigating its onboard presence. The exposed stairways of ships are particularly dangerous as the increased slipping hazard is worsened with the risk of falling from a height or potentially overboard into the freezing arctic waters.
This thesis gives a detailed look at the history of marine icing and the environmental properties which perpetuate its onboard growth. The research examines the effect of various stair design characteristics on reducing ice accumulation through a set of experiments conducted in the climate controlled cold room located at Memorial University. An open cell tread design resulted in the least amount of ice accretion when compared to the diamond plated aluminum, steel and rubber treads. Due to its hydrophobic properties the rubber tread accrued the most ice while simultaneously demonstrating the greatest ease of removal from impact testing. Thermal conductivity appears to have no correlation with ice accumulation or adhesion as both the steel and aluminum tests attained similar results with drastically different conductivities.


identifier: Pawlukiewicz, Maciej <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Pawlukiewicz=3AMaciej=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Hydrothermal reconstruction and lithogeochemistry of the Argyle orogenic gold deposit, Baie Verte, Newfoundland.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The Argyle orogenic gold deposit (543,000 t @2.19 g/t Au indicated, and 517,000 t @1.82 g/t Au inferred resources) is located within Lower Ordovician Snooks Arm Group, Baie Verte Peninsula, Newfoundland. Gold mineralization is hosted as inclusions in secondary pyrite and at pyrite crystal boundaries in a ~50 m thick E-W striking, gently N-dipping tholeiitic gabbro sill. The short distance (200-300 m) from the Scrape thrust, rheological contrast within the heterogenous gabbro and a high content of coarse, reactive ilmenomagnetite were critical to the localization of gold mineralization. Two hydrothermal alteration events affected the gabbro: 1) early, pre-mineralization epidote-albite alteration; and 2) later, mineralization-related sericite-quartz-ankerite-(albite-chlorite-rutile-pyrite-gold) alteration. Within the mineralization-related alteration there are three assemblages: 1) distal chlorite-calcite-rutile ± epidote-albite (30-70 m); 2) intermediate chlorite-epidote-albite-calcite ± ankerite-rutile-hematite-sericite-pyrite (5-30 m); and 3) proximal sericite-quartz-ankerite ± albite-chlorite-rutile-sooty pyrite-gold (2-25 m). Lithogeochemistry, mineral chemistry and short-wave infrared (SWIR) spectroscopy were used to identify mineralogical, geochemical and spectral vectors to alteration and mineralization, which may aid in future mineral exploration.


identifier: Su, Haipeng <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Su=3AHaipeng=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Studies on marginally trapped tubes with positive Cosmological Constant Λ.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
In general relativity, the cosmological constantΛ is a special term in the Einstein
field equations. Many observational clues suggest that Λ is positive. In this thesis,
we investigate the behavior of quasilocal horizons of black holes under the condition
of positive Λ. We modify the Λ = 0 condition in [10] and recalculate the evolution of
marginally trapped tube in Tolman-Bondi spacetime with non-vanishing Λ. Then, we
apply the obtained results to some examples of the gravitational collapse of spherical
dust clouds to investigate the influence of positive Λ on marginally trapped tube
during the formation or growth of black hole. By analysis and comparison, we have
found that there are significant effects of positive cosmological constant Λ on the
behavior of marginally trapped tube evolutions in dust clouds collapse.


identifier: Kielley, Evan <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Kielley=3AEvan=3A=3A.html>   (2020) Iceberg drift ensemble forecasting.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

title: Iceberg drift ensemble forecasting

abstract:
The goal of this thesis is to investigate whether ensemble modeling in iceberg drift
forecasting improves predictions of an iceberg's trajectory. To do this, we have used
a dynamic iceberg drift model and created an ensemble of realizations by applying
stochastic perturbations to ocean current and wind reanalysis data, drawing from
distributions of the ocean current and wind measured with ship-based instruments.
In this study, we focus on simulating trajectories for two icebergs observed during
the 2015 Statoil-ArcticNet research expedition. To conduct simulations, we initialized
our model with observations of each iceberg at a particular time and location, then
simulated a day of drift for each iceberg and compared the ensemble of simulation
results to their actual known trajectories. In this comparison, we found inconsistent
results. For one iceberg, the mean of the modelled trajectories was consistent with
the observations but, for the other, none of the modelled trajectories were close.
Overall, we conclude that ensemble modelling for iceberg drift forecasting is a useful
technique only when the wind and current data driving the prediction is sufficiently
accurate.


identifier: Zadabedini Masouleh, Tahereh <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Zadabedini_Masouleh=3ATahereh=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Analysis of Ptp10D and Ptp4E during ageing and in Parkinson Disease models in Drosophila melanogaster.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Parkinson Disease (PD) is an age-dependent neurological disease that diminishes locomotory abilities. PD is the second most common neurodegenerative disease, after Alzheimer Disease (AD), with a lifetime risk of approximately one in 40 in human. The symptoms of PD include resting tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia and are caused by a loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra of the midbrain. Based upon a recent study, a group of novel candidate genes was discovered with the potential to influence PD etiology. Protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type H (PTPRH) is one of the candidate genes with an established role in controlling mitochondrial morphology, which is a very important organelle in the development of PD. Importantly, PTPRH protein has roles in many cellular processes, including cell growth, the mitotic cycle, and differentiation.
In the current study, Ptp10D and Ptp4E were identified as potential D. melanogaster homologues of PTPRH that are apparently the products of a gene duplication event. I show that PTPRH homologues in D. melanogaster have been conserved throughout evolution in vertebrates and invertebrates possessing a number of distinct conserved functional domains. Biometric, longevity, and climbing assays were performed to determine if altered expression of these genes could influence neurodevelopment, longevity and quality of life and/or produce novel models of PD. The individual inhibition of either Ptp10D or Ptp4E decreases the lifespan and locomotor ability over time. As well, directed loss of function has deleterious effects on neurodevelopment when inhibited in the compound eye. Interestingly, similar results were observed with regards to longevity, climbing over time, and eye biometric analyses when Ptp4E was overexpressed. In conclusion, altered expression of homologues of PTPRH in D. melanogaster, either ectopic overexpression or inhibition via RNAi, influences overall health and ageing to result in new potential models of PD.


identifier: Deb, Joyshree <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Deb=3AJoyshree=3A=3A.html>   (2020) An exploration of the relationships between students’ listening skills, self-rated academic listening, and their metacognitive awareness.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This empirical study investigated international students’ challenges in listening to academic lectures, and their use of metacognitive listening strategies to overcome their problems. The participants were 46 international students at Memorial University of Newfoundland who were enrolled in various levels of different academic programs. The data were collected using the following instruments: an IELTS listening test, demographic questions, the self-rated academic listening questionnaire (ALSA), the metacognitive awareness listening questionnaire (MALQ), and two open-ended questions. The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, Pearson-product moment correlation coefficients, and linear regressions to measure the relationship between listening skills, self-rated academic listening, and the use of metacognitive strategies while performing academic listening. The results of the study suggest that (1) there is a negative relationship between students’ listening performance and their use of metacognitive strategies, and (2) there is a positive relationship between students’ listening performance and self-rated academic listening skills. ANOVA results show that PhD students perform much lower in listening compared to undergraduate and master’s students. The results of the open-ended questions revealed the major reasons behind listening challenges encountered by the international students and their suggestions on the way of overcoming these challenges. The findings of this study are informative for teachers to understand international students’ listening difficulties and help them improve their pedagogical methods. The study may also be useful for researchers who are interested to work in the field of second language listening.


identifier: Sarwar, Nadia <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Sarwar=3ANadia=3A=3A.html>   (2019) (Re)Historicization of the past at the Royal Newfoundland Regiment gallery of The Rooms.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This thesis investigates the representation of history about Newfoundlanders’ contribution
to the First World War in The Royal Newfoundland Regiment Gallery at The Rooms.
Taking an ethnographic approach and focusing on the representation of war history in a
provincial museum setting, I discuss the museum as an institution of power that functions
through constructing, presenting and circulating certain ideological messages among
visitors, volunteers and staff members. Elaborating on The Royal Newfoundland
Regiment Gallery of The Rooms as a representational space, I demonstrate how the
stories and displays of the exhibit have been placed in provincially legitimized
representations to derive a particular understanding of the past. Finding a relation
between myth and memory, this research further examines The Royal Newfoundland
Regiment Gallery as a site of fabricating public memory, a place of providing history
education as well as a space of constructing national and place identity. Finally,
considering the functioning of the produced ideological messages and identifying
visitors’, volunteers’ and staff members’ perspectives, this thesis asserts the importance
of addressing alternative narratives in addition to producing grand narratives while
representing history in a museum setting.


identifier: Cheng, Ruodi <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Cheng=3ARuodi=3A=3A.html>   (2019) The structures of protonated and alkali metal cationized nucleobase self-assemblies and base pairs by infrared multiphoton dissociation spectroscopy and computational methods.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Nucleobases are the bricks of nucleic acids such as deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)/ribonucleic acid (RNA) molecules. In the current research, ionic nucleobase self-assemblies and base pairs were studied using gas-phase ion techniques in either a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) or ‘paul-type’ quadrupole ion-trap (QIT) mass spectrometers. Sustained off-resonance irradiation collision-induced dissociation (SORI-CID) and infrared multiphoton dissociation (IRMPD) were used to fragment the target ions. IRMPD spectroscopy was employed to collect spectra by using tunable IR lasers, either an optical parametric oscillator or amplifier (OPO/A) or a free-electron laser (FEL). Density functional theory (DFT) was mainly used to study the structural information, calculate thermodynamic results, and perform IR frequency calculations for isomers. Besides, computed IR intensities were compared to experimental IRMPD spectra to explore their consistency.
The study of uracil with Ca²⁺ clusters was presented in Chapter 3. There were agreements between the global minima IR spectra and the experimental results. Uracil tetramer, pentamer and hexamer with Ca²⁺ are composed of both tautomerized and canonical uracils, which were not proposed by previous work. Further research on discovering the structures of 1-methylcytosine dimers with alkali metal cations has revealed two possible structures; a new one which is in planar geometry containing the interbase hydrogen bonding as well as being bound by the metal cation (Chapter 4). There was a conclusion that, as alkali metal cations’ radii increased, the ion-dipole interaction weakened. In Chapter 5 the research dug into the effects of alkali metal cations and proton on guanine:cytosine (G:C) base pair. The heavier metal cations were found less likely to interrupt the hydrogen bonds between Watson-Crick G:C base pairs. Moreover, an unexpected great abundance of protonated cytosine for the dissociation of protonated G:C molecule, termed an anomaly by previous works, was explained because of the high proton transfer barrier but not the proposed thermochemistries. Guanine-involved base pair mismatches with protons were discussed in Chapters 6. For (9eG:1mT)H⁺ and (9eG:9eG)H⁺, the lowest energy structures were sufficient to explain their IRMPD spectra while the global minimum of (9eG:9eG)H⁺ presented only one classical hydrogen bond. For (9eG:9mA)H⁺ the lowest energy structures’ weighted-average spectrum was substantially consistent with its IRMPD spectrum.


identifier: Pratt, Douglas R. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Pratt=3ADouglas_R=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2020) Investigating the mechanical properties of aluminum and epoxy polymer using molecular dynamics simulations.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Molecular Dynamics simulations were used to recreate mechanical testing procedures and to predict the mechanical properties of aluminum and epoxy polymers. In the first study, a procedure for performing nanoindentation on single crystal FCC aluminum was designed and used to test which available force field and parameter sets were best suited for accurately predicting the elastic modulus. The modulus was calculated from the generated force-displacement curve using Oliver & Pharr as well as Hertz indentation theory. The results were compared to literature data of single crystal aluminum and concluded the Embedded-Atom Method force field was the most accurate parameter model. The second study used Molecular Dynamics to simulate the curing of epoxy resins with a hardener to compare the effect of crosslinking reaction completion on the polymer’s predicted mechanical properties obtained from a uniaxial tensile test. Results were compared to experimental results of the same epoxy polymer. The work concluded that the cure rate had a significant influence on the elastic modulus and density, while little effect on Poisson’s ratio.


identifier: Alnofiay, Jamal Najr <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Alnofiay=3AJamal_Najr=3A=3A.html>   (2014) Brillouin light scattering studies of topological insulators Bi₂Se₃, Sb₂Te₃, and Bi₂Te₃.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Brillouin Light Scattering has been used to examine acoustic waves in three different
Topological Insulators: Bismuth Selenide Bi₂Se₃, Antimony Telluride Sb₂Te₃, and
Bismuth Telluride Bi₂Te₃. Two samples of each material were studied to ensure
the accuracy of the results obtained. In general, surface mode, quasi-transverse,
and quasi-longitudinal bulk modes were observed in all these materials. Rayleigh
surface phonon velocities were obtained for the first time from the corresponding
Brillouin peak frequency shifts. Quasi-transverse and quasi-longitudinal bulk mode
velocities were also obtained. Elastic constants C₃₃ and C₄₄ were calculated from the
measured bulk-velocities. Both bulk acoustic phonon velocities and elastic constants
were compared to those obtained in previous studies. All results obtained have been
found to be in good agreement with both experimental and some theoretical available
studies.


identifier: Maheswaran, Gnanakaran <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Maheswaran=3AGnanakaran=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Potential for using paper mill fly-ash as an alternate liming material and mobility and leachability of heavy metals in fly-ash and biochar amended agricultural soil in Western Newfoundland.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Most agricultural soils in Western Newfoundland are acidic and need lime to raise the soil pH to
be productive. Corner Brook Pulp and Paper Ltd produces a substantial amount of fly-ash which
is being disposed at a local landfill. This study was conducted to assess the potential for using fly-ash as a liming material for an agricultural soil (pH:5.5) in Western Newfoundland with the
addition of biochar for heavy metal stabilization. Heavy metal concentration in the soil and fly-ash were analysed and compared with soil and compost guidelines. Lab scale leaching and pot
experiments were conducted to assess the leaching and bioavailability of heavy metals in fly-ash
amended soil with different biochar rates. As per quality guidelines, only part of the lime
requirement can be substituted by fly-ash. Biochar increased the soil pH and biomass production.
Total heavy metal leached from biochar treated soils were low and unlikely to cause groundwater
contamination. In general biochar reduces the leachability and the bio availability of heavy metals.
Application of biochar could provide a sustainable solution for the heavy metal stabilization of
fly-ash treated soil.


identifier: Kotsi, Maria <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Kotsi=3AMaria=3A=3A.html>   (2020) Time-lapse seismic imaging and uncertainty quantification.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Time–lapse (4D) seismic monitoring is to date the most commonly used technique for
estimating changes of a reservoir under production. Full–Waveform Inversion (FWI)
is a high resolution technique that delivers Earth models by iteratively trying to
match synthetic prestack seismic data with the observed data. Over the past decade
the application of FWI on 4D data has been extensively studied, with a variety of
strategies being currently available. However, 4D FWI still has challenges unsolved.
In addition, the standard outcome of a 4D FWI scheme is a single image, without
any measurement of the associated uncertainty. These issues beg the following questions:
(1) Can we go beyond the current FWI limitations and deliver more accurate
4D imaging?, and (2) How well do we know what we think we know? In this thesis,
I take steps to answer both questions. I first compare the performances of three
common 4D FWI approaches in the presence of model uncertainties. These results
provide a preliminary understanding of the underlying uncertainty, but also highlight
some of the limitations of pixel by pixel uncertainty quantification. I then introduce
a hybrid inversion technique that I call Dual–Domain Waveform Inversion (DDWI),
whose objective function joins traditional FWI with Image Domain Wavefield Tomography
(IDWT). The new objective function combines diving wave information in the
data–domain FWI term with reflected wave information in the image–domain IDWT
term, resulting in more accurate 4D model reconstructions. Working with 4D data
provides an ideal situation for testing and developing new algorithms. Since there are
repeated surveys at the same location, not only is the surrounding geology well–known
and the results of interest are localized in small regions, but also they allow for better
error analysis. Uncertainty quantification is very valuable for building knowledge but
is not commonly done due to the computational challenge of exploring the range of
all possible models that could fit the data. I exploit the structure of the 4D problem
and propose the use of a focused modeling technique for a fast Metropolis–Hastings inversion. The proposed framework calculates time–lapse uncertainty quantification
in a targeted way that is computationally feasible. Having the ground truth 4D probability
distributions, I propose a local 4D Hamiltonian Monte Carlo (HMC) — a more
advanced uncertainty quantification technique — that can handle higher dimensionalities
while offering faster convergence.


identifier: Yan, Qingyun <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Yan=3AQingyun=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Sea ice remote sensing using spaceborne global navigation satellite system reflectometry.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
In this research, the application of spaceborne Global Navigation Satellite System-
Reflectometry (GNSS-R) delay-Doppler maps (DDMs) for sea ice remote sensing is
investigated.
Firstly, a scheme is presented for detecting sea ice from TechDemoSat-1 (TDS-1)
DDMs. Less spreading along delay and Doppler axes is observed in the DDMs of sea
ice relative to those of seawater. This enables us to distinguish sea ice from seawater
through studying the values of various DDM observables, which describe the extent
of DDM spreading.
Secondly, three machine learning-based methods, specifically neural networks (NNs),
convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and support vector machine (SVM), are developed
for detecting sea ice and retrieving sea ice concentration (SIC) from TDS-1
data. For these three methods, the architectures with different outputs (i.e. category
labels and SIC values) are separately devised for sea ice detection (classification
problem) and SIC retrieval (regression problem) purposes. In the training phase, different
designs of input that include the cropped DDM (40-by-20), the full-size DDM
(128-by-20), and the feature selection (FS) (1-by-20) are tested. The SIC data obtained
by Nimbus-7 SMMR and DMSP SSM/I-SSMIS sensors are used as the target
data, which are also regarded as ground-truth data in this work. In the experimental
stage, CNN output resulted from inputting full-size DDM data shows better accuracy
than that of the NN-based method. Besides, performance of both CNNs and NNs is
enhanced with the cropped DDMs. It is found that when DDM data are adequately
preprocessed CNNs and NNs share similar accuracy. Further comparison is made between NN and SVM with FS. The SVM algorithm demonstrates improved accuracy
compared with the NN method. In addition, the designed FS is proven to be effective
for both SVM- and NN-based approaches.
Lastly, a reflectivity (


identifier: Wang, Cheng <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Wang=3ACheng=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Polyarene-based π-conjugated systems: synthesis, characterization, and mechanistic studies.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This thesis mainly deals with the synthesis and characterization of arenebased
π-conjugated systems. The content can be divided into three major
parts. In the first section, a series of tetraaryl-anthraquinodimethane derivatives
(Ar₄-AQs) was synthesized via Suzuki coupling reactions, and these compounds
were subjected to intramolecular cyclization reactions under chemical and
photochemical conditions with the aim of making highly π-delocalized polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The Ar₄-AQs and their cyclized products were
investigated by various spectroscopic analyses, including NMR, UV-Vis absorption
spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography to understand their structural, electronic,
and photochemical properties. In the second part, microporous organic cross-linked
polymer networks were successfully prepared from Schiff base condensation of a
tetrabis(carboxaldehyde)-substituted Ar₄-AQ and para-phenylenediamine. Under
optimized conditions, the resulting microporous organic materials showed good
microporosity and crystallinity. In the third section, the detailed reaction mechanisms
of intramolecular alkyne-dithiolium [3+2] cycloaddition reactions were investigated
by a joint experimental and theoretical approach. A number of alkynyl-subsituted
phenyldithiafulvenes was prepared as model compounds. Density functional theory
(DFT) calculations were performed to reveal the effects of pH and degree of π-
conjugation on reactivity.


identifier: Fofana, Abdou Moutalab <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Fofana=3AAbdou_Moutalab=3A=3A.html>   (2020) Spatial extension of the theoretical framework of the adaptive virulence evolution hypothesis.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The adaptive virulence hypothesis states that parasites cause death to their hosts
because virulence is beneficial for the transmission and spread of parasites. A growing
body of empirical evidence supports the adaptive virulence hypothesis but more
examples are needed for its empirical validation. The classic mathematical framework
of the adaptive virulence hypothesis does not account for host population structure
which can have important implications for virulence evolution. The goal of this thesis
is to address the broad applicability problems and extend spatially the mathematical
framework of the adaptive virulence hypothesis by accounting for host movement in
the model. My thesis examines whether virulence is adaptive at the species level by
investigating the relationship between virulence and parasite fitness using simulation
data. I find that virulence and parasite fitness, measured as the basic reproduction
number R0, are correlated at the between-species level and the exact form of the relationship
depends on the selective pressures within each group of parasite species.
Also, I break free from the classic framework of the adaptive virulence hypothesis
to investigate virulence evolution when parasites reduce host movement. The results
explain the transient coexistence of low- and high-virulence strains in Avian influenza
viruses. I reviewed epidemic models with host movement to understand what aspects
of disease spread are important to develop a spatially extended model for virulence
evolution. I find that epidemic models with spatially heterogeneous epidemiological
parameters, like disease transmissibility, are suitable for the spatial extension of the
mathematical framework of the adaptive virulence hypothesis. Finally, I investigated
the relationship between the temporal and the spatial spread of infectious diseases. I show an inverse relationship between the initial epidemic growth rate and the spatial
spread rate which may reflect a trade-off between parasites dispersal and transmission.
Overall my thesis opens interesting research avenues for future works to formulate
spatially explicit models for the evolution of virulence and makes significant contributions
to the empirical investigation of the adaptive virulence hypothesis and the role
of animal movement for disease spread and virulence evolution.


identifier: Sankar, Diana Lakshmi <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Sankar=3ADiana_Lakshmi=3A=3A.html>   (2020) Simulation of hydro-ecological indices in a long-term hydrologic model using downscaled climate data.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The effects of climate change are likely to have a significant impact on
environmental flows, which are often represented by alterations in hydrologic
and ecological indices. Changes in ow regimes caused by climate change have
implications for river ecology, and projections of future ow regimes must be
reliable. In this study, the performance of hydrological models was evaluated with
hydro-ecological indices to determine if stream ow characteristics could be reasonably
modelled with RCM (Regional Climate Model) driven data. In general, it was found
that RCM driven hydrological models could well simulate ecological stream ow
characteristics with seasonal or monthly bias correction. However, characteristics that
represented the frequency and rate of change of stream ow were not well simulated
even with bias correction. RCM data driven models resulted in comparable error to
the simulation of ERSS in a regional analysis. This gave confidence to the use of
RCM driven data to simulate stream ow characteristics.


identifier: Kasravi, Kiana <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Kasravi=3AKiana=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Characterization of Vps13 in Drosophila melanogaster.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Parkinson Disease (PD), the most common movement disorder, is a neurodegenerative disease that affects about 1% of the human population over the age of 65 years, and its prevalence increases with age. PD is clinically characterized by resting tremor, rigidity and bradykinesia as a result of the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta in the mid-brain. Mitochondria play a significant role in PD. The PD candidate gene VPS13C was identified in human using whole-exome sequencing (WES). The VPS13C protein is involved in intracellular trafficking, especially lipid transportation, between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and other organelles, such as the late endosome/lysosome, as well as in the mitophagy pathway. I have successfully characterized the homologue of the human VPS13C gene in flies, Vps13. As a result, I have successfully modelled aspects of PD in Drosophila melanogaster. I found that inhibition of Vps13 improves the longevity and locomotor ability, while overexpression of Vps13 mostly reduced both the survival and locomotor abilities of flies. Furthermore, I have demonstrated that overexpression of Vps13 significantly influences neurodevelopment when expressed in the developing Drosophila melanogaster eye. Our final set of experiments focused upon the consequences of the inhibition and overexpression of Vps13 when expressed with the co-inhibition of parkin, a well-known PD gene. These co-expressions can give valuable insights into the genetic and/or functional connections between the two genes or their protein products. These findings suggest that the inhibition of parkin may improve the effects of Vps13 overexpression.


identifier: Isesele, Peter. O. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Isesele=3APeter=2E_O=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2020) Effects of lipid emulsions used in total parenteral nutrition and breast milk of lean and obese women, on adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The growth of fat tissue in infants depends mainly on the differentiation and hypertrophy of existing adipocytes cells; thus, it is a sensitive period for the development of obesity. The objective of this thesis was to investigate the effects of lipid emulsions (Omegaven, SMOFlipid, and Intralipid) and breast milk (BM) on adipogenesis and lipolysis using 3T3-L1 cells. Intralipid, SMOFlipid, and Omegaven had omega (n)-6:n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) of 7.8:1, 2.72:1 and 0.2:1, respectively. Upon treatment of 3T3-L1 cells with lipid emulsions, Omegaven treatment increased eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, reduced triacylglycerol accumulation and inhibited the mRNA expression of lipogenic and lipolytic genes, compared to control or cells treated with SMOFlipid and Intralipid. BM from obese women (BMO) had higher n-6:n-3 PUFA compared to BM from lean women (BML). Upon treatment of 3T3-L1 cells, BML with high n-6:n-3 PUFA increased the mRNA expression of lipogenic genes; however, there was no effect of BMO lipogenesis. There was no effect of BML and BMO on the mRNA expression of lipolytic genes. Our findings suggest that exposure of preadipocytes to Omegaven prevents lipid accumulation and may be beneficial in the prevention of obesity. BMO had no effect suggesting other factors in BM may interfere with adipogenesis, and/or cause adipocyte dysfunction.


identifier: MacInnis, John J. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/MacInnis=3AJohn_J=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2020) Elucidation of the transport and fate of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in the high Arctic of Canada.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are anthropogenic chemicals that
were manufactured since the 1950s. Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAA) are an important class
of PFAS and are used for a number of industrial and commercial applications related to
fluoropolymer manufacturing and surface treatments imparting stain, oil, and water
repellency. The detection of PFAS in remote environments, such as the Arctic, where
they are neither produced nor used, suggests they undergo long-range transport. It is
suggested the long-range transport of PFAS to the Arctic occurs through the ocean,
atmosphere, or some combination of the two. This thesis demonstrates that remote sample
collection is an effective strategy for understanding the long-range transport of PFAS to
the Arctic of Canada. The analysis of snow, ice, and sediment demonstrates PFAA are
continuously transported to the Arctic of Canada. PFAA deposition is increasing over
time in many Arctic regions in Canada, and their occurrence in these environments is
primarily attributed to the long-range atmospheric transport and oxidation of volatile
precursor chemicals. The results in this thesis support the hypothesis that long-range
atmospheric transport is an important pathway for PFAA to the Arctic, however, they also
provide unique insights into the post-depositional transport and fate of PFAS in the
Arctic, especially in environments that are responding to climate warming. These results
demonstrate for the first time that climate warming is an important vector for PFAS
deposition through the action of enhancing glacier and permafrost ice melting, which
remobilizes historically archived PFAS in glacier and permafrost ice into recipient
freshwater ecosystems in the High Arctic of Canada.


identifier: Lin, Weiyun <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Lin=3AWeiyun=3A=3A.html>   (2020) Micellar- and polymer-enhanced ultrafiltration for heavy metal and sulfate removal from aqueous solutions.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Micellar-enhanced ultrafiltration (MEUF) and polymer-enhanced ultrafiltration (PEUF) show potential as promising techniques to remove dissolved ions from wastewater, but they remain inadequately understood. In this thesis, the MEUF removal of copper, nickel, and cobalt ions from aqueous solutions was investigated. The effect of surfactant-to-metal (S/M) ratio and pH on MEUF performance (i.e., metal rejection rate and permeate flux) were examined to obtain the preferred operational conditions. A resampling-based artificial neural network (ANN) modeling was proposed as a promising tool to predict the MEUF performance and to reveal the importance of process parameters. The model-predicted values showed good agreement with experimental data (R² > 0.99). S/M ratio and pH had relatively greater contributions to the system performance, whereas sampling time contributed less. A high MEUF efficiency (Rejection > 99%) was achieved.
To optimize the system performance and to observe the interactions among operational parameters, the statistical-based response surface methodology (RSM) was used to overcome the drawbacks of the commonly used one-factor-at-a-time method. The thesis is the first study to use an RSM method based on a Box-Behnken design to examine nickel ion removal in a MEUF system while combine with an ANN model. The generated RSM models described the relationship between each performance indicator (nickel rejection rate or permeate flux) and process variables (transmembrane pressure, feed nickel concentration, feed surfactant concentration, and membrane molecular weight cut-off (MWCO) of the membrane). Both RSM and ANN methods adequately described the performance indicators within the examined ranges of the process variables.
Next, the thesis targets on sulfate ions, a dissolved anion of increasing concern but not tackled in the MEUF/PEUF field. The thesis is the first study to use MEUF and PEUF to remove sulfate ions as the target component from aqueous solutions. It is also the first to examine the adsorption mechanism of sulfate to surfactant/polymer in such systems. Both MEUF and PEUF were found technically viable to remove sulfate from aqueous streams, with the highest rejection rate (Rejection > 99%) found in dilute sulfate solutions. Further, adsorption equilibrium and kinetics studies show that Freundlich isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetics can describe the adsorption process.
This thesis adds knowledge to the existing MEUF/PEUF techniques by improving system operation, conducting system optimization, and exploring new components (i.e., sulfate ions) that can be removed. It also provides treatment information and potentially facilitates reservoir souring control and mining wastewater treatment.


identifier: Ybarra, Samuel <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Ybarra=3ASamuel=3A=3A.html>   (2020) Lithogeochemistry and hydrothermal alteration of the Pine Cove orogenic gold deposit, Baie Verte Peninsula, Newfoundland, Canada.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The Pine Cove gold mine is hosted within Ordovician gabbro sills and volcano-sedimentary rocks of the Venam’s Bight and Bobby Cove formations, Snooks Arm
Group, Baie Verte Peninsula, Newfoundland Appalachians, Canada. The deposit is
located approximately 50 to 200 m above the Scrape thrust fault, a brittle-ductile
structure associated with Silurian transpression. Gold mineralization occurs as
microscopic native Au inclusions in pyrite disseminated in the selvages of quartz-calcite-chlorite±albite breccia-veins. Multiple generations of overlapping veins are enveloped
by sericite-rutile-calcite-pyrite alteration selvages.
Mineralized quartz breccia veins are most abundant at the contacts of gabbro sills
and volcano-sedimentary strata. Ore-grade mineralization predominantly occurs within
Fe-rich gabbros and basalts of the Venam’s Bight Formation. These relationships suggest
that there were two fundamental controls on mineralization: 1) hydrofracturing assisted
by anisotropic deformation of rigid gabbro sills within more ductile country rocks; and 2)
sulfidation of the Fe-rich gabbros and basalts. Comparatively, the volcaniclastic rocks of
the Bobby Cove Formation lack abundant gabbro intrusions and are relatively Fe-poor,
and were thus a less receptive host rock to gold mineralization at Pine Cove.
Three distinct alteration assemblages are identified at Pine Cove: proximal
sericite-rutile-chlorite-calcite, intermediate carbonate-chlorite, and distal epidote-titanite-chlorite-calcite. Mass balance calculations for altered wall rock show enrichments in
CO₂, K₂O, S, Rb, W, In, Pb, Bi, Te, Se, Cs, and Ba, and depletions in As, Sb, and Na₂O.
REE, HFSE, Al₂O₃, and most transition metals were generally immobile during alteration. There are distal to proximal elemental variations in relation to gold
mineralization, and the generalized sequence of geochemical variation includes (from
distal to proximal - 50m to 1m): CO₂ enrichment + As-Sb depletion Æ K-Rb enrichment
Æ Na depletion Æ W±Pb±Ba enrichment Æ Au. The alkali-carbonate index K₂O + CO₂
/ K₂O + CO₂ + Na₂O + Al₂O₃ coupled with As-Sb depletion is considered the most
consistent metric of ore-related alteration at Pine Cove.
Combined short wave infrared (SWIR) spectrometry and electron microprobe
analysis (EMPA) of white micas show that Tschermak substitution (AlVI + AlIV l
[Fe²⁺,Mg]VI + SiIV) and K/Na content correlate with AlOH absorption wavelengths.
White mica compositions progress from phengite Æ paragonitic muscovite Æ muscovite
approaching mineralization. A new potential SWIR index for orogenic gold exploration
in greenschist facies rocks is the quantity Fe²⁺ slope/MgOH-depth extracted from
reflectance spectra of altered rock. At Pine Cove, this index measures the relative
proportion of (Fe-carbonate + sericite)/chlorite, and correlates with the alkali-carbonate
alteration index K₂O + CO₂/K₂O + CO₂ + Na₂O + Al₂O₃ and Au mineralization.
Although the physico-chemical conditions during mineralization in orogenic gold
deposits may vary from deposit to deposit, the collective visual, geochemical, and SWIR
indices identified at Pine Cove represent potential vectoring tools for the discovery of
similar deposits in orogenic Au camps globally.


identifier: Shi, Yuxi <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Shi=3AYuxi=3A=3A.html>   (2020) Reducing uncertainties in virtual consultation: the impact of media naturalness and mental model alignment on patient satisfaction in doctor-patient communication.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Virtual consultation (VC) can be simply referred to as a
telemedicine service that enables patients to access doctors remotely. It
has been largely used by patients with many potential benefits.
Nevertheless, many patients still have uncertainties regarding the
consultation processes and results, which mostly concern
communication with doctors. This thesis aims to answer the following
two questions:
1) What uncertainties do patients have during VC, and how do
these uncertainties affect patients’ satisfaction towards the
consultation?
2) How does the medium affect patients’ perceived uncertainties
and their satisfaction with VC?
Two studies were conducted to examine the impact of media on
perceived uncertainty and patients’ attitudes in doctor-patient computer-mediated
communication (CMC), based on uncertainty reduction theory,
media naturalness theory, and mental model theory.The first study is a content analysis to analyze why patients are
willing to visit doctors virtually and what uncertainties patients have
about VC. Patients’ online reviews on five famous virtual consultation
systems were collected to do content analysis. The results show that the
uncertainties patients have during patient-doctor communication in VC
are mainly on doctors’ behaviour, describing symptoms, understanding
doctors, doctors’ feelings and emotions, doctors’ attitudes, and VC
process. This study helps to understand patients’ concerns about using
healthcare systems to do VC and reconceptualizes uncertainty in the
context of patient-doctor CMC.
The second study is a field experiment to explore how media
naturalness (selection of media) and mental model alignment (media
content) influence the patients’ perceived uncertainties which then
impact on the patients’ satisfaction with the VC experience. After three
rounds of pre-tests, 327 valid questionnaires were obtained in the main
test and used to do data analysis. The results support the following
hypotheses: a) Higher levels of media naturalness reduce patients’ perceived uncertainty level. b) Higher levels of mental model alignment
(i.e., the alignment of VC design with patients’ mental models) decrease
patients’ perceived uncertainty level. c) Patients’ lower level of perceived
uncertainty increases their level of satisfaction.
This thesis contributes by revealing the meaning of uncertainties in
VC and improving our understanding of how to reduce the patients’
perceived uncertainties by better designing VC system. It provides
empirical evidence on how media naturalness and mental model
alignment increase patients’ satisfaction on VC by reducing their
uncertainties. The results can serve as a basis for further research on how
to enhance the design of VC systems to fit patients’ psychological and
cognitive processes when they use these systems to visit doctors online.
The thesis contributes practically by facilitating healthcare providers to
understand patients’ concerns and uncertainties while partaking in VC,
and by guiding the design of VC systems to enhance communication
between patients and doctors, and thus increase patient satisfaction.


identifier: Alwashmi, Meshari Fahad <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Alwashmi=3AMeshari_Fahad=3A=3A.html>   (2020) The use of mobile health in the management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The prevalence and mortality rates of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are
increasing worldwide. Therefore, COPD remains a major public health problem. Using an
mobile health (mHealth) intervention has the potential to enhance COPD treatment outcomes
while mitigating healthcare costs. However, the complexity of the process of developing an
mHealth intervention for COPD management is poorly understood, and in-depth assessment of
the development process of mHealth interventions for COPD management is currently lacking.
This thesis advances our understanding of how to apply the human-centered design
process when developing an mHealth intervention for COPD management. The thesis is
composed of the following five interconnected journal articles:
1. A systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize and quantify the effect of mHealth
interventions on patients with COPD;
2. A qualitative study to explore the perceptions of healthcare providers regarding an
mHealth intervention for COPD management;
3. A mixed methods study to explore the perceptions of patients with COPD regarding an
mHealth intervention for COPD management;
4. A qualitative study to identify the features of an mHealth intervention for COPD
management; and,
5. A mixed methods approach, the iterative convergent design, to guide the usability testing
process for mHealth interventions.
The outcomes of this research contribute to knowledge about the use of mHealth in
COPD management. Firstly, this thesis provides an overview of the effectiveness of mHealth in
COPD management. Secondly, it provides an understanding of how to actively and efficiently involve users in the design and development of health information technology. Thirdly, it
provides recommendations regarding the features of an mHealth intervention to enhance COPD
management. Lastly, it proposes a mixed methods framework for mHealth usability testing. The
application of the proposed methods is demonstrated using different case studies. This program
of research highlights the process of developing an mHealth intervention for COPD
management. Application of the findings could help others in the field to further investigate the
development of mHealth interventions in this area.


identifier: Danquah, Benjamin <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Danquah=3ABenjamin=3A=3A.html>   (2020) Reliability assessment of microgrid power systems using analytic hierarchy process for distributed generation selection.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The primary aim of many electric utility providers is to provide electric energy to their customers as economical and reliable as possible. One of the ways to achieve this is the integration of distributed generation to form microgrid within the distribution network systems. Integration of microgrid into the distribution network has been on the increase in the past decade because it helps to reducing cost. Higher penetration of renewable energy resources in the microgrid also help to reduce the green house gas (GHG) from fossil fuel- based generation sources and its effect on the environment. It also helps to improve the reliability, as well as the overall efficiency of the distribution network system.
The main drivers for the application of distributed generators has been the cost of the technology, the availability of resource and the environmental effect. Many literature on reliability assessment of microgrid power systems focus on identifying the weak or critical components of the system as the main criteria for choosing distributed generators to be integrated into the network in the context of producing power that is economical to both the customer and the utility provider. Other literatures also consider the availability of the renewable resources of that geographic location.
This study seeks to consider three criteria in selecting the most suitable distributed generator for integration into the microgrid. The criteria include the cost of the technology, the environmental impact, and the reduction in the risk level in the power distribution network containing microgrid. Analytical hierarchy process is implemented to determine which of the distributed generators would be the most suitable with respect to the three criteria. It was determined that the wind turbine generator would be the most suitable DG for the microgrid implementation based on the final average priority ratio after the sensitivity analysis was performed.


identifier: Start, Keegan <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Start=3AKeegan=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Iron-catalyzed cross-coupling of arylboronic acids with unactivated N-heterocycles and quinones under microwave heating.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Traditional C-C cross-coupling reactions generally rely on the use of expensive and sometimes toxic metal catalysts, such as palladium or ruthenium. These methods generally require two functionalized reagents, which can increase reaction cost. In the interests of sustainability and reduced costs there has been considerable interest in catalysis using earth-abundant metals, such as iron, as well as in C-H activation reactions. One example of a C-H activation reaction is the Minisci reaction, which is a radical reaction that couples N-heteroarenes to a variety of organic species. Recently a variation of the Minisci reaction was discovered in which arylboronic acids, which are relatively cheap and easily available, are coupled to N-heteroarenes or quinones using either a silver or iron catalyst. This process occurs under air and at low temperatures, but requires long reaction times, has a somewhat limited scope, and is not regioselective. This thesis concerns the application of microwave heating to this reaction, in an attempt to mitigate these issues. Microwave heating has not been previously applied to the Minisci reaction, and in fact there are relatively few reports on radical reactions under microwave heating.
The reaction between pyrazine and arylboronic acids under microwave heating was first optimized. Ultimately, optimization led to similar product yields, but reactions that previously required 12 — 48 h could be conducted in 25 min. The reaction scope was then examined. The scope of arylboronic acids when reacted with pyrazine was somewhat limited, as strong electron-withdrawing and electron-donating groups were not tolerated. Examination of the reaction mixtures revealed that two previously unobserved side reaction were taking place; first, a reaction in which the boronic acid moiety was replaced by a hydroxyl group, and second, N-heteroarene homo-coupling. The reaction scope with quinones was found to be similar to literature reports, but reactions still occurred at a much higher rate. The reaction was successfully extended to hydroquinones, but attempts to further expand scope to enones, imines, and other conjugated compounds were unsuccessful. Finally, the scope of reactions with N-heteroarenes was examined and was found to be similar to literature reports. The application of microwave heating did not significantly affect the regiochemical outcomes of the reaction.


identifier: O'Keefe, Chelsea <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/O=27Keefe=3AChelsea=3A=3A.html>   (2020) ASD and behavioural interventions: an introduction for school personnel: an external review.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This study encompasses an external program review of ASD and Behavioural
Interventions: An Introduction for School Personnel (ASD & BI), an online course
distributed through the New Brunswick Department of Education and Early Childhood
Development. The course is designed for educational professionals who seek additional
training on autism spectrum disorder and appropriate interventions. This study focuses on
the province of New Brunswick only. Sixty participants were included, and data
collection occurred from November 2017 until April 2018. The participants completed
pre- and post-test survey questionnaires at the start and finish of the course and a brief
post-test short answer questionnaire. This information provided the data necessary to
address the overarching research questions: How effective is ASD & BI perceived to be
by participants? What is perceived as working well and what do participants perceive as
not working? And, what is the typical demographic of participants who enroll in the
course? The Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test showed that there were significant differences
between the pre- and post-test results (p<0.001), indicating a likelihood that completion
of the course had resulted in significant changes in participants’ perceived competency of
ASD.
Five themes emerged through the qualitative short answer responses which were
expanded on and utilized to develop four recommendations for future disseminations of
ASD & BI. The small sample size and homogeneousness of the participant demographics
suggests that the results of this review should not be generalized as the experiences of all
professionals who enroll in the course but is a relevant to the immediate context of the current study. Additional reviews should be considered in the future, specifically those
that include Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.