identifier: Wang, Su <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Wang=3ASu=3A=3A.html>   (1997) Transdermal delivery of cyclosporin A by electrically enhanced permeation techniques.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Transdermal drug delivery has recently received increasing attention in the face
of growing challenges to deliver peptide and protein drugs. Controlled transdermal
delivery is an important route for the delivery of peptides and proteins that can
maintain the therapeutic effectiveness of the drug by minimizing enzymatic
degradation which is a major concern in other noninvasive routes of delivery such
as the oral route. Although the advantages of transdermal delivery are very
desirable, the natural obstacle to drug entry imposed by the skin's barrier function
makes it one of the most difficult route of administration.
Iontophoresis and electroporation have been reported to be useful as permeation
enhancing techniques in the transdermal delivery of protein and peptide drugs. The
objective of present study is to use the above enhancement techniques to deliver
cyclosporin A (CSA) to treat psoriasis.
The in vitro experiments were performed using hairless rat skin as the model with
Franz diffusion cells for iontophoresis and custom made diffusion cells for
electroporation. The donor drug solution of CSA consisted of an aqueous solution
of CSA - polymer solid dispersion, coevaporate, and/or a hydroethanolic solution
of CSA PBS was used as the receiver solution. ³H labelled CSA and ¹⁴C labelled
ethanol were used to facilitate analysis using a liquid scintillation counter. The
control experiment consisted of passive diffusion study. Silver/silver chloride electrodes were used in all studies. In the iontophoresis experiments a constant
DC current (0.5 mA/cm²) was used. In the electroporation experiments different
delivery parameters were studied: (1) applied electrode voltage (Uelectrode), (2) decay
time constant (τ), (3) the number of pulses delivered - single or multiple, and { 4) the
time of diffusive contact with drug after electroporation ('contact duration').
Compared to the passive diffusion, iontophoresis did not result in a significant
increase in the amount of CSA delivered transdermally with both the CSA-polymer
donor and hydroethanolic drug solutions.
With the use of electroporation there was a significant increase in the
transdermal delivery, compared to passive transport. With the CSA-polymer
coevaporate donor solution the increase in delivery was only about 6 fold higher
whereas with the hydroethanolic solution the increase was about 60 times higher
compared to passive diffusion. The 'contact duration• was an important fader and
a 4-hour 'contact duration' was found to be the optimum time period required for
effective transdermal delivery. Use of single pulse (τ=5.6 ms) electroporation
resulted in a significant increase {p<0.05) in the delivery of CSA in skin {CSA.n)
and EtOH in receiver (EtOHreceiver). With multiple pulse (τ=10 ms. 25 pulses) the
increase in CSAskin was more pronounced with a 60 fold increase than compared
to the passive delivery. However there was no significant increase in the other two
quantities viz. CSAreceiver, and EtCHreceiver.


identifier: Warren, Chesley B. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Warren=3AChesley_B=2E=3A=3A.html>   (1977) The effects of early-grade immersion in French on the development of English language receptive skills and reading readiness: an evaluation of the kindergarten year in the Port au Port immersion project, 1975-76.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

type: Thesis NonPeerReviewed

abstract:
Purpose of the Study
In September 1975, early-grade immersion made its
debut in Newfoundland with the establishment of an immersion
French Kindergarten at Cape St. George, Port au Port District.
The purpose of this study was to determine to what extent
their being taught in French during the Kindergarten year
would affect the students' development of English language
receptive skills and reading readiness. Relationships were
also sought between reading readiness and the variables of
IQ, sex, occupation of parents, and language spoken in the
home.
Procedure
The sample for the study consisted of 55 Kindergarten
students (the total Kindergarten population of Our Lady of
the Cape Primary School). The students were assigned to two
Kindergarten groups, 28 students in the Immersion French
group and 27 students in the Regular English group. The
groups were similar in terms of background. Both groups had
similar instructional goals for the Kindergarten program.
The Immersion French group was taught in French by a native
French teacher and the Regular English group was taught in
English by a native English-speaking teacher. With regard
to instructional materials, the groups were similarly equipped.
The instruments used in evaluating the students' English
language development and reading readiness were the Gates
MacGinitie Readiness Skills Test, the Peabody Picture Vocabulary
Test, and the Assessment of Children's Language
Comprehension. In May 1976, all students in the sample were
given this battery of tests. An IQ measure was taken from
scores obtained on the Ravens Progressive Matrices which
had been administered earlier in the school term. All testing
was done in English by native speakers of English. Data
obtained from the tests was analysed using a t-test with
significance set at 0.25. Data pertaining to the relationship
between reading readiness and the variables of IQ, sex,
occupation of parents, and language spoken in the home was
examined using an analysis of variance with level of significance
set at .05.
Conclusions
1. With regard to reading readiness as measured by the
Gates MacGinitie Readiness Skills Test, the children
in the Immersion French group performed similarly to
their peers in the Regular English group.
2. With regard to receptive vocabulary development as
measured by the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test, the
children in the Immersion French group performed
similarly to their peers in the Regular English group.
3. With regard to English language comprehension as measured by the Assessment of Children's Language Comprehension, children in the Immersion French
group performed similarly to their peers in the
Regular English group.
4. With regard to the relationship between IQ and reading
readiness, a correlation was found to exist between
the IQ level of the student and his/her level of
reading readiness.
5. With regard to the relationship between occupation
of parents and reading readiness level of the student,
there was a significant relationship for the student
representing the professional category, but no such
relationship for the other occupations selected.
6. With regard to the relationship between sex of the
student and his/her reading readiness level, girls
were superior to boys in terms of mean scores
obtained on the Gates MacGinitie Readiness Skills
Test. Boys in the Immersion French group performed
better than the boys in the Regular English group.
7. With regard to the relationship between language spoken
in the home and the reading readiness level of the
student, it was found that children who came from
homes where French was spoken scored lower than those
who came from homes where no French was spoken. In the
Immersion French group, children who came from homes
where French was spoken scored considerably lower.


identifier: Wellon, Oliver Keith <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Wellon=3AOliver_Keith=3A=3A.html>   (1979) The alpha-modified quasi-second order Newton-Raphson method for load flow solutions in rectangular form.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
In this thesis a new class of methods for solving power system
load flows is developed, which is called the alpha-modified quasi-second
order Newton-Raphson (alpha - M.Q.S.O.N.R.) class. ·
The theory is derived from the Taylor expansion for multivariable
functions and is developed using rectangular coordinates. The first
part of the theory is actually the Newton-Raphson algorithm. This is
expanded by including the second order terms from the Taylor expansion
to produce a quasi-second order Newton-Rahpson solution method. The
theory is then further modified to yield the more general alpha-modified
method.
Extensive testing is performed using the new method for seven different
power systems. The same systems are rerun with the Newton-Raphson
so that a comparison can be made and the new method's relative merit
judged. The rate of convergence is studied, as well as the mismatch
values which occur during the load flows. This is done for many different
values of alpha and for the different systems. The results are analysed
and discussed in detail with the main result being that the alpha
M.Q.S.O.N.R. method tested, with alpha equal to zero, is superior to the
Newton-Raphson.


identifier: Wishahy, Momen Abdel-Magid <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Wishahy=3AMomen_Abdel-Magid=3A=3A.html>   (1988) Time-domain numerical simulation of the motion of small floating bodies drifting in waves.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Theoretical and experimental investigations have been
conducted to examine the behaviour of small icebergs and
bergy bits in unidirectional regular waves. A nonlinear
time-domain method based on the equivalent motion concept
and a corresponding computational algorithm are presented
for predicting the motion and trajectory of small ice masses
drifting in an open seaway and near a gravity base platform.
The general equations of motion of a rigid body are applied,
and the wave forces are determined as the sum of the
resultant of wave-induced pressures integrated over the
instantaneous wetted surface of the body (the Froude-Krylov
forces) and the flow disturbance induced by the presence of
the body as determined by the equivalent motion method. The
algorithm is used to predict the motion and trajectories of
free drifting and towed spherical models in small and large
amplitude waves. The computed values are found to be in
good qualitative and quantitative agreement with the
experimental measurements outside the heave resonance range
where the motions are over-predicted. The motions of the
ice mass are also simulated near a cylindrical gravity
platform taking into account the effect of the waves
diffracted by the structure. Large heave motions are
predicted in close vicinity of the platform. In addition to instances where collisions were predicted, the ice drifted
around or maintained a stationary position in front of the
structure. It is concluded that the method can be applied
to provide predictions of the kinematic parameters of motion
of small bodies drifting in waves.


identifier: Xu, He <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Xu=3AHe=3A=3A.html>   (1993) Texture identification using artificial neural networks and 2D-Autoregressive Model.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
As an important aspect of image analysis, texture identification has been pursued by many researchers. Among techniques developed, the approach of modeling texture images through a 2-D Autoregressive (AR) Model is of special interest. The major problem with the modeling methods is the estimation of parameters due to the intensive amount of computation involved. From a parallel computing perspective, parameter estimation can be implemented by learning procedure of a neural network, and texture classification can be mapped into a neural computation. A multilayer network is proposed which consists of three subnets, namely the input subnet (ISN), the analysis subnet (ASN) and the classification subnet (CSN). The network obtains the classification capability through an adaptive learning proceedure. In the processing phase, images proceed through the network without the preprocessing and feature extraction required by many other techniques.
An integrated texture segmentation technique is proposed to segment textured images. The technique is implemented by comparing local region properties, which are represented by a 2-D AR model, in a hierarchical manner. It is able to grow all regions in a textured image simultaneously starting from initially decided internal regions until smooth boundaries are formed between all adjacent regions. The performances of the classification and segmentation techniques are shown by experiments on natural textured images.


identifier: Xu, Jie <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Xu=3AJie=3A=3A.html>   (2006) Particle image velocimetry investigation of the wake fields of a long flexible riser.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Vortex-Induced Vibration of marine risers has been receiving increasing interest from both
industry and academics as offshore oil and gas exploration moves into deeper water
regions. A regular vortex pattern is formed in the wake of cylindrical risers that interacts
with the cylinder motion and is the main source that causes elastically mounted cylinders
to vibrate. Wake field studies of Vortex-Induced Vibration (VIV) for a long flexible
cylinder can help to better understand the physical mechanisms of the interaction between
the body response and the wake vortex.
The presented work consists of two major parts: some preliminary tests for the Digital
Particle Image Velocimetry (DPIV) system of the Memorial University of Newfoundland
(MUN) and the Vortex-Induced Vibration (VIV) wake field research using DPIV. These
preliminary tests were conducted in small water tanks and the MUN towing tank. Some
essential parameters and techniques using PIV were also investigated through these
preliminary tests. The VIV wake field measurement experiments were performed in the ice
tank, Institute for Ocean Technology (IOT). Vibration responses in both in-line and
cross-flow directions of a long flexible cylinder, with a diameter of 47mm and length to
diameter ratio of 181, in a free stream, were investigated at moderate Reynolds number in
the range of 9400-47000. The DPIV system was employed to measure the wake velocity
field and vorticity field behind the cylinder, simultaneously with acceleration
measurements of the cylinder.
The experimental results show VIV responses in both in-line and cross-flow directions at
the span location z/L=0.43, and with a mix of vibration frequencies and amplitudes. With
the increase of the flow speeds, vibration frequencies became higher in both in-line and cross-flow directions. The vibration frequencies of the cylinder were in a range of 0.64 Hz
to 10.38 Hz over the range of Reynolds numbers. The amplitude did not obviously
increase with an increase of Reynolds number. The amplitude to diameter ratio in the
in-line and cross-flow directions covered a range of 0.10 - 0.41 and 0.24-0.95,
respectively.
The flow field measurement results reveal that for a certain value of the vibration
frequency, f, the Reynolds number, Re, and the amplitude to diameter ratio, AID, three
vortex modes '2S', '2P' and 'P+S' are observed in the near wake of the cylinder. At the
lower Reynolds number, Re=9400, and with lower response frequencies from 0.61 Hz to
1.28 Hz, only '2S' vortex modes were observed in the experiments, and the '2S' vortex
modes presented were stable. With an increase of the Reynolds number, at Re= 141 00 and
with frequencies from 0.95 Hz to 2.74 Hz, two vortex modes, '2P' and 'P+S', were
observed in the near wake at different times. The '2P' mode was dominant at this
Reynolds number. Vortex modes '2S' and '2P' were observed at different times when the
Reynolds number further increased, to Re=18800 and 23500 and with frequencies from
1.34 Hz to 4. 79 Hz. The vortex pattern '2S' played a main role in the wake at the two
speeds. At higher Reynolds number, Re>23500, and with frequencies from 1.86 Hz to
10.38 Hz, '2S' and '2P' vortex modes were also observed at different times and the vortex
patterns presented were unstable due to velocity fluctuation and quick diffusion of vortices
in the wake. The percentage of the vortex pattern '2P' increases at higher speeds. The
results also showed that the vortex modes '2S' and '2P' were repeatable with the same
vibration responses of displacements and accelerations.


identifier: Yang, Boting <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Yang=3ABoting=3A=3A.html>   (2002) Studies of several tetrahedralization problems.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The main purpose of decomposing an object into simpler components is to simplify a
problem involving the complex object into a number of subproblems having simpler
components. In particular, a tetrahedralization is a partition of the input domain in
R3 into a number of tetrahedra that meet only at shared faces. Tetrahedralizations
have applications in the finite element method, mesh generation, computer graphics,
and robotics.
This thesis investigates four problems in tetrahedralizations and triangulations.
The first problem is on the computational complexity of tetrahedralization detections.
We present an O(nm log n) algorithm to determine whether a set of line segments .C
is the edge set of a tetrahedralization, where m is the number of segments and n is
the number of endpoints in .C. We show that it is NP-complete to decide whether .C
contains the edge set of a tetrahedralization. We also show that it is NP-complete to
decide whether .C is tetrahedralizable. The second problem is on minimal tetrahedralizations.
After deriving some properties of the graph of polyhedra, we identify a class of polyhedra and show that this class of polyhedra can be minimally tetrahedralized
in O(n²) time. The third problem is on the tetrahedralization of two nested convex
polyhedra. We give a method to tetrahedralize the region between two nested convex
polyhedra into a linear number of tetrahedra without introducing Steiner points.
This result answers an open problem raised by Bern [16]. The fourth problem is on
the lower bound for β-skeletons belonging to minimum weight triangulations. We
prove a lower bound on β (β = [one sixth times the square root of two times the square root of 3] + 45 such that if β is less than this value,
the β-skeleton of a point set may not always be a subgraph of the minimum weight
triangulation of this point set. This result settles Keil's conjecture [62].


identifier: Yang, Xiande <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Yang=3AXiande=3A=3A.html>   (2007) Strongly clean rings and g(x)-clean rings.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Let R be an associative ring with identity 1 ≠ 0. An element a ∈ R is called clean
if there exists an idempotent e and a unit u in R such that a = e + u, and a is called
strongly clean if, in addition, eu = ue. The ring R is called clean (resp., strongly clean)
if every element of R is clean (resp., strongly clean). The notion of a clean ring was given
by Nicholson in 1977 in a study of exchange rings and that of a strongly clean ring was
introduced also by Nicholson in 1999 as a natural generalization of strongly π-regular
rings. Besides strongly π-regular rings, local rings give another family of strongly clean
rings.
The main part of this thesis deals with the question of when a matrix ring is strongly
clean. This is motivated by a counter-example discovered by Sanchez Campos and Wang-Chen
respectively to a question of Nicholson whether a matrix ring over a strongly clean
ring is again strongly clean. They both proved that the 2 x 2 matrix ring M₂(Z₍₂₎) is not
strongly clean, where Z₍₂₎ is the localization of Z at the prime ideal (2). The following
results are obtained regarding this question:
• Various examples of non-strongly clean matrix rings over strongly clean rings.
• Completely determining the local rings R (commutative or noncommutative) for
which M₂ (R) is strongly clean.
• A necessary condition for M₂(R) over an arbitrary ring R to be strongly clean.
• A criterion for a single matrix in Mn(R) to be strongly clean when R has IBN and every finitely generated projective R-module is free.
• A sufficient condition for the matrix ring Mn(R) over a commutative ring R to be
strongly clean.
• Necessary and sufficient conditions for Mn(R) over a commutative local ring R to
be strongly clean.
• A family of strongly clean triangular matrix rings.
• New families of strongly π-regular (of course strongly clean) matrix rings over noncommutative
local rings or strongly π-regular rings.
Another part of this thesis is about the so-called g(x)-clean rings. Let C(R) be the
center of R and let g(x) be a polynomial in C(R)[x]. An element a ∈ R is called g(x)clean
if a == e + u where g(e) == 0 and u is a unit of R. The ring R is g(x)-clean if
every element of R is g(x)-clean. The (x² - x )-clean rings are precisely the clean rings.
The notation of a g(x)-clean ring was introduced by Camillo and Simon in 2002. The
relationship between clean rings and g(x)-clean rings is discussed here.


identifier: Zhong, Ying <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Zhong=3AYing=3A=3A.html>   (2006) Effect of oxidized dietary lipid on growth, muscle and liver quality of juvenile Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua), and the protective role of vitamin E.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The effects of oxidized dietary lipid and the role of vitamin E on growth performance,
health status, and muscle and liver quality of juvenile Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) were
evaluated over a 9-week feeding period. Four isonitrogenous experimental diets
containing fresh or oxidized fish oil with or without added vitamin E (a-tocopherol or
mixed tocopherols) were fed to juvenile cod in duplicate tanks. The highly oxidized lipid
used had a peroxide value of 94 meq/kg oil.
No significant change (P>0.05) on growth performance or feed utilization was observed
when oxidized dietary lipid was used. The erythrocyte osmotic fragility (EOF), referred
to as susceptibility to hemolysis, of fish fed oxidized oil without added vitamin E was
high in comparison with those fed unoxidized oil. Supplementation of δ-tocopherol
appeared to decrease the hemolysis, but mixed tocopherols had no significant effect
(P>0.05) on EOF.
The proximate composition of fish whole body was also affected by oxidized oil and
vitamin E. Fatty acid composition of liver total lipid reflected that of dietary lipid.
However, muscle lipid contained high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA)
compared to that of liver lipid, as expected. Both muscle and liver fatty acid composition
followed the same trend among the treatments as those of dietary fatty acids. Fish fed
fresh oil had a higher proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in muscle and
liver lipid than those fed oxidized oil. Fatty acid composition of neutral lipids and
phospholipids in fish muscle tissue was also analyzed. A larger quantity of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) was present in neutral lipid fraction, while phospholipids
contained a higher amount of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
Oxidized oil significantly (P<0.05) decreased the deposition of α-tocopherol in liver but
not in muscle. Gamma- and δ-tocopherols from dietary tocopherols mixture were retained
at very low levels in liver but higher retention was observed in muscle. The oxidative
state of both liver and muscle, as measured by the 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive
substances (TBARS) and headspace propanal, negatively correlated with tissue vitamin E
levels.
It is suggested that oxidized oil affected juvenile Atlantic cod by causing vitamin E
deficiency in certain tissues and that these effects could be alleviated by supplementation
of a sufficient amount of vitamin E through diet. It is also indicated that mixed
tocopherols were good antioxidants for Atlantic cod, although less effective than α-tocopherol
alone in many tissues with the exception of muscle, where γ-. and δ-tocopherols were deposited at considerably high levels. Due to the fact that muscles are
the major edible part of fish, these results may be useful to fish farmers for producing fish
with better oxidative stability and hence extended shelf life during storage.


identifier: Zhu, Nianqiang <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Zhu=3ANianqiang=3A=3A.html>   (1991) Told by the Newfoundland Chinese: a translation, contextual description and analysis of the jokes collected from two groups in the St. John's Chinese community.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This thesis has as its chief aim the presentation of a corpus of jokes or humorous
anecdotes collected from a sample of ethnic Chinese living in St. John's, Newfoundland.
The corpus can be considered representative of that segment of the general repertoire of
jokes, perceived by their narrators as 'Chinese' jokes (as opposed to Canadian or western
jokes) circulating in the diverse Chinese milieus of St. John's.
The existence of different groups of Chinese in St. John's, as has been established
both by library and field research, is presented with reference to the history of the
Chinese in North America in general and in Newfoundland in particular. Given the
existence of different groups of Chinese in St. John's, we are led to pose the following
questions: to what extent, if any, do the joke repertoires of the respective groups differ,
and if differences exist, what is the significance of such differences? What are the
characteristics of the joke repertoire as a whole which allow it to be distinguished as
'Chinese'? What functions are served by the telling of 'Chinese' jokes by the different
groups?
The main body of the thesis marshals the evidence, in the form of biographical notes
on each informant together with his or her repertoire. The narrative and performance
style of each narrator is noted, in the hope that meaningful distinctions may appear.
Following this section, the general repertoire is analysed with a view to revealing
differences of world view between the chief groups. A concluding section raises
questions of continuity or retention and innovation deriving from these foundations, with
speculation on the potential utility of such research.


identifier: Yu, Xiao <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Yu=3AXiao=3A=3A.html>   (2015) Global dynamics of some reaction and diffusion population models in heterogeneous environments.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This thesis is devoted to the study of the global dynamics of some reaction and
diffusion models incorporating with spatial and/or temporal heterogeneities. We
first investigate the spatial dynamics of a reaction-advection-diffusion model for a
stream population in a time-periodic environment. Then we explore the propagation
phenomena for a Lotka-Volterra reaction-advection-diffusion competition model in a
periodic habitat. Moreover, we establish the theory of traveling waves and spreading
speeds for time-space periodic monotone semiflows with monostable structure and
apply it to a time-space version of the two-species competition model. To understand
the effects of the spatial heterogeneity on the spread of Lyme disease, we propose a
nonlocal and time-delayed reaction-diffusion model and obtain the global stability in
terms of the basic reproduction ratio and the spreading speed of the disease. At the
end of this thesis, some interesting problems are presented for further investigation.


identifier: Li, Yuzhu <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Li=3AYuzhu=3A=3A.html>   (2016) Hydrodynamic analysis and optimization of a hinged type wave energy converter.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
SeaWEED(Sea Wave Energy Extraction Device) is a multi-body floating wave energy
converter (WEC) with hinged joints developed by Grey Island Energy Inc.(GIE) in
Canada. Initial conceptual studies have been carried out to evaluate the performance
of the first generation device by testing an 1:16 scale model in a wave basin. The
experimental results were compared with the numerical solutions. Based on the experimental
studies, improvements were made and a second generation model with a
new geometry of the hull and a new connection structure was developed. This thesis
is mainly focused on the numerical analysis and optimization of the second generation
SeaWEED model. In the numerical studies, the hydraulic power take-off (PTO) system
was simulated by a linear spring damper system coupled with the motion of the
hinged bodies. The vertical hinge motion was computed at a series of wave periods
using WAMIT. Optimization was focused on the PTO damping and the geometrical
parameters in terms of the draft and the length of the truss structure between hinged
bodies by using the response surface method. The optimization was conducted in
regular waves and in irregular sea states. An optimal combination of length, draft
and PTO damping was recommended for an intended operation location.


identifier: Dymond, Thomas <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Dymond=3AThomas=3A=3A.html>   (2016) Musculoskeletal fitness and body composition of Newfoundland and Labrador offshore oil and gas workers.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Musculoskeletal fitness and body composition has been well studied as it relates to an individual’s overall health in relation to non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes (World Health Organization, 2015). The objectives of this research were to investigate the current musculoskeletal fitness and body composition of the Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) Offshore Workforce and to determine how this population compares to the Canadian population. Eighty-nine men from the NL offshore workforce (mean ± standard deviation; height: 177.13 ± 6.77 cm, mass: 92.02 ± 16.07 kg, age: 42 ± 9.76 years) were included for analysis in this study. Data was collected offshore by a Definitions® wellness representative from five offshore industry companies. All measures were collected in accordance with the Canadian Physical Activity, Fitness & Lifestyle Approach Manual (Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology, 2004), the Physical Activity Training for Health manual (Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology, 2013) or Advanced Fitness Assessment And Exercise Prescription (Heyward & Gibson, 2010). Body composition measures included body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and skin-folds. Musculoskeletal measures included push-ups, partial curl-ups, back extension, sit-and-reach, and grip strength. Participants were divided into two age groups: 20 – 39 and 40 – 59. Results from both groups showed that offshore workers have poor body composition, but have generally good musculoskeletal fitness compared to Canadian norms. However, both groups performed similarly on the musculoskeletal fitness tests. This means that a younger population has the physical strength and endurance of a population that is on average 14 years older. Overall, the results indicated the need to improve the overall body composition of the offshore workforce with ongoing development to maintain, or improve in some instances, musculoskeletal health. These results are an important starting point, whereby the Canadian Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board can investigate the feasibility of offshore specific health and wellness programming that aims to improve the physical fitness of all offshore workers.


identifier: Bertrand, Valérie <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Bertrand=3AVal=E9rie=3A=3A.html>   (2016) Finding happiness through globetrotting: push factors of long-term travellers.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This qualitative study explored the perspectives of long-term travellers regarding
their motivational factors (i.e. why long-term travel) and subjective wellbeing (i.e. how
long-term travel enhances happiness). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22
participants using a purposive sample. Interview transcripts were triangulated to external
sources such as participants’ websites and blogs. Data were coded and analyzed in the
NVivo qualitative software program using a mixture of intuitive and methodological
(constant comparison) processes. Findings revealed that old misconceptions (i.e. dated
definitions, best suited for single men, journey as an escape and as a way to achieve fame
and glory) still exist, as well as new insights about what long-term travel is, why people
travel long-term and how long-term travel enhances happiness.


identifier: Lawrence, Chelsey <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Lawrence=3AChelsey=3A=3A.html>   (2016) Patterns of northern river otter (Longra canadensis) habitat selection, diel activity, group size and activity at latrine sites in Newfoundland, Canada.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: I investigated the presence and activity of northern river otters (Lontra canadensis) at latrines in relation to anthropogenic disturbances. I examined the validity of spraints as an index for latrine use and determined if diel activity or group size was related to anthropogenic disturbance. Latrine data were collected using boat surveys, and motion-activated camera traps were used to observe otter activity and group size. I found that disturbances such as logging, cabins or roads, did not differ between the locations of northern river otter latrine sites. However, the level of activity was higher at latrines that were distant from them. I found that spraint counts are not a good index for latrine use intensity, but there is potential for them to be useful when investigating otter abundance within a large landscape. Diel patterns of otters were not influenced by disturbances, but overall amount of activity was low in areas with disturbances meaning otters tend to avoid latrines in such areas.


identifier: Withers, George <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Withers=3AGeorge=3A=3A.html>   (2016) Reconstituting rural communities and economies: the Newfoundland fisheries household resettlement program, 1965-1970.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: In Newfoundland, the word 'resettlement' evokes strong emotions decades after the program was abandoned. Many people feel that a heartless government uprooted families who were living an idyllic lifestyle in remote communities scattered along the coast. My thesis is that households were not forced into slums by the state. Although they did not resort to violence, coastal people were not as apathetic or powerless as the literature on resettlement suggests. Although it was more coercive than the preceding provincial Centralization Plan, the notoriety of Newfoundland Fisheries Household Resettlement Program (FHRP) is due, in part to the dearth of historical studies of resettlement. Historians have left the field to social scientists and the artistic community to write the narrative that laments a lost heritage. The archival record is replete with evidence that coastal people redefined the objectives of the FHRP and pressured governments to amend the Resettlement Agreement. Through appeals to church leaders, provincial and national politicians, and the media they persuaded the Fisheries Household Resettlement Committee (FHRC) to approve moves that planners considered irrational, but which made perfect sense to the relocatees. When the FHRC agreed to concentrate a large number of fishers into a receiving community with scarce resources and employment opportunities, charges of coercion were heard in the capitals where lack of planning turned relocation into a debacle.


identifier: Tapper, Bryn <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Tapper=3ABryn=3A=3A.html>   (2014) An archaeological analysis of the distribution of French fishing rooms on the Petit Nord, Newfoundland.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The analysis of the spatial distribution of fishing rooms demonstrates that French fishing crews preferentially exploited certain parts of the Petit Nord during their prosecution of the historic cod fishery between 1500 and 1904. This research investigates the environmental and cultural factors that influenced where sites were selected and subsequently established. Fishing harbours were the hubs of wider networks, both physical and cognitive, of resource acquisition and navigation. A system of landmarks, daymarks and anchorages warded a network of sailing routes linking fishing rooms to cod grounds and resource areas. Seasonal occupation led to the intense exploitation of natural resources and necessitated the installation of a landscape-based infrastructure to negotiate the division of shore space and allocation of timber and fresh water. The concept of the maritime cultural landscape is used to link the terrestrial sites of the fishery with the region’s network of marine exploitation, land use and navigation. Effects of cultural processes in the past persist in the patterns and character of land use, both cultural and semi-natural, on land and at sea, that are observable in the region today.


identifier: King, Thomas Samuel <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/King=3AThomas_Samuel=3A=3A.html>   (2016) An examination of how load and impulse generated during the jettisoning of a simulated S-92 push-out window are related to performance success.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Each year worldwide, helicopters transport millions of oil and gas workers to ocean-based oil platforms. While the vast majority of these flights are successful, helicopter ditchings do occur every year. When a helicopter ditches, passengers must egress from the fuselage through either a designated emergency exit or an in-cabin push-out window. Striking the in-cabin push-out window with a hand or elbow requires the generation of sufficient power, impulse, and force to successfully jettison the window. This study undertook an analysis of a secondary dataset to determine how load and impulse, generated during a jettison attempt, influenced the likelihood of successfully jettisoning a simulated in-cabin push-out window. The window simulated the Sikorsky S-92, a transport helicopter used to fly passengers to offshore installations. Participants attempted to jettison the simulated window in three different simulator conditions (in air in normal orientation, in water at 120˚ orientation and in water at 180˚ orientation). During the testing, three independent variables were controlled: seat type (normal [N], stroke [S], or aisle [A]), window strike location (lower near [LN], lower far [LF], upper near [UN] or upper far [UF]), and strike type (static hand [SH], dynamic hand [DH], or dynamic elbow [DE]). A total of six unique combinations were tested in all three conditions. The results indicated that load was significantly different between the dry and wet conditions for the NUFDH, SUNDH, NLFDE, and ALNDH. Impulse data also revealed that there was a significant difference between the dry and wet conditions for the NUFDH, SUNDH, NLFDE, SLNDE, and ALNDH. It was concluded that the magnitude of the load and impulse applied to the simulated window are important determinants of performance success.


identifier: Chen, Yuxi <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Chen=3AYuxi=3A=3A.html>   (2016) Synthesis and characterization of caffeic acid and dihydrocaffeic acid derivatives as antifungal agents.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Invasive fungal infection, a major cause of morbidity and mortality in
immuno-compromised hosts, is of importance and is significantly
increasing in incidence in recent years. Although there are a number of
antifungal agents currently available, they are associated with various
limitations. Being inhibitors of fungal cell wall biosynthesis, the class of
echinocandins is characterized by outstanding safety profiles and great
potential in combination antifungal therapy, but they fall short in oral
bioavailability. A discovery of peptidomimetic analogues of echinocandin
B, with potential inhibitory activity against 1,3-β-D-glucan synthase (an
enzyme essential for the biosynthesis of fungal cell walls), was initiated
by our research group. A series of structurally related derivatives
(chlorogenic, quinic, caffeic and dihydrocaffeic acid derivatives) were
later designed to mimic the backbone of echinocandins.
Further studies have been carried out on optimization of synthesis and
modifications of a caffeic acid derivative. Due to the instability problems
of previously reported compounds, a new molecule, a dihydrocaffeic acid
derivative, has been designed and synthesized. It was found that adopting
a few optimized procedures can not only improve the yield and purity of
the caffeic acid derivatives, but also save a lot of time in synthesis.


identifier: Qashu, Leila <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Qashu=3ALeila=3A=3A.html>   (2016) Toward an understanding of justice, belief, and women's rights: Ateetee, an Arsi Orono women's sung dispute resolution process in Ethiopia.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This dissertation examines ateetee, a sung Arsi Oromo women‘s indigenous dispute resolution in Ethiopia, to demonstrate how music, as an expressive form, enables women to protect, promote and claim their rights, and to resolve disputes peacefully in a rapidly changing social environment. Though Arsi society is socio-politically male dominated, women have their own power through the ateetee ritual, their women‘s institution and the vernacular belief system. Ateetee is a highly political and power laden process, in which women travel to the offender‘s house singing insults, then sing in front of the offender‘s house until a reconciliation ceremony is held. At the ceremony they receive a cow as compensation, then the women finish by blessing the offender. I have demonstrated how this ritual process is a judicial process, through which women actively resolve disputes and uphold rights and respect they hold in Oromo society and under Oromo law. By examining this process from a local perspective, through the perspectives of the different participants, I have been analyzing the factors and circumstances that allow these musical rituals to remain relevant and effective means of dispute resolution, and to draw wider conclusions concerning how to foster restorative justice through the expressive arts. I have also explored some of the dramatic social changes that are affecting this ritual, including mainstream religions, government/political interferences, and urbanization/modernization. I spent cumulatively over two years in the field, with different communities in highland and lowland areas, and in the dissertation I have supplemented thick ethnographic descriptions and the voices of community members with video and audio recordings of interviews and rituals. Theoretically my research engages three main areas: vernacular feminism, indigenous spirituality, and legal pluralism.


identifier: Kelly Davis, Nicole <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Kelly_Davis=3ANicole=3A=3A.html>   (2016) Interprofessional education opportunities and attitudes among counselling psychology students at three Canadian universities.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The purpose of this research was to explore and describe the perceptions and attitudes of graduate counselling students in three universities in Canada regarding interprofessional education (IPE) and collaboration. Understanding how counsellor training programs are preparing students to work collaboratively with other health care professionals was also explored.
The data for this study was collected using the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS) that was created by Parsell and Bligh (1999) and adapted by McFadyen, Webster, Strachan, Figgins, Brown & McKechnie (2005). Demographic questions such as age, sex, educational institution attended, year of program, and previous IP experiences and work in an IP environment were also collected. Three additional questions, developed by the research team, which related to perceptions of IP collaboration, were also included in this survey. Sixty-five graduate students (Masters and Doctoral) in the field of counselling psychology participated in this study.
The results of this thesis indicated that counselling psychology students value IPE and collaboration. Counselling psychology students indicated that they believed that IPE and collaboration is beneficial to clients and is a crucial factor in delivering quality care. Another major finding indicated that students perceived that they had little opportunities during their graduate education to experience interdisciplinary collaboration. Implications for training and future research are discussed.


identifier: Aljabal, Zena <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Aljabal=3AZena=3A=3A.html>   (2016) Dielectric spectroscopy of organic solvents of varying polarity.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The dielectric constant and the conductivity for several organic solvents of varying
polarity and for colloidal suspensions are measured using dielectric spectroscopy as a
function of frequency, over the frequency range 0.1 Hz to 100 kHz. These measurements
are carried out for organic solvents of different polarities: cyclohexyl bromide
(CHB), castor oil, cis+trans-decahydronaphtalene (decalin) and decane. In addition,
dielectric spectroscopy is carried out for polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) colloidal
spheres in the intermediate polar mixture of cyclohexy bromide (C₆ H₁₁ Br,(CHB))
and 20% cis+trans-decalin by volume.
The primary result in this thesis is the examination of electrode polarization effects,
which were observed at low frequency in CHB and CHB-decalin mixtures. A
simple model function for sample impedance coupled with electrode polarization, involving
a power law dependance of the polarization capacitance on frequency, provided
an excellent fit to the dielectric spectra at low and high frequencies. These
measurements provide direction for future measurement on colloidal suspensions in
these solvents.


identifier: Xin, Lili <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Xin=3ALili=3A=3A.html>   (2016) Numerical modeling of tracer tests.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

title: Numerical modeling of tracer tests

abstract:
Tracer tests are widely used in the oil and gas industry. The response curves from tracer tests can provide reservoir engineers with important reservoir information, such as flow direction, presence of faults, reservoir heterogeneities and fluid saturation. As tracer tests provide reservoir engineers representative results from the reservoir, they are very useful for enhanced oil recovery.
This research begins by numerical modeling of one-dimensional single-phase tracer flow and develops to a complete two-phase partitioning tracer flow that includes convection, Langmuir adsorption, partitioning between phases, hydrodynamic dispersion and radioactive decay. This model implemented in Matlab (2014b) is an improvement of previously-used models as it includes radioactive decay and uses Langmuir adsorption instead of linear adsorption. It is also fast and easy to use.
The different tracer models are discussed and compared. A case study reveals that the adsorption model chosen, the partitioning coefficients and the reservoir wetting conditions all have effects on the tracer profiles and breakthrough times. This can be applied to tracer test design and analysis.


identifier: Taylor, Nathan Gary Arthur <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Taylor=3ANathan_Gary_Arthur=3A=3A.html>   (2016) Development of a robust virus-based assay for determination of 50% effective concentration and analysis of drug resistance in the hepatitis C virus.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Hepatitis C virus affects 170 million people worldwide and until recently, therapeutic options have been limited. Novel and effective protease inhibitors (PI) became available in the clinic in 2011, and a plethora of new compounds and classes of compounds have been developed since. Due to the HCV polymerase lacking a proofreading mechanism, resistance to these compounds arises and decreases the success rate of treatment. Classically, drug resistance has been studied in the context of a system that does not recapitulate the entire HCV life cycle. With an established cell culture model of HCV infection in our lab we developed a novel assay for characterization of mutations conferring resistance to direct-acting antiviral compounds. We designed, improved and validated the assay with compounds stemming from different chemical classes including an NS3/4A inhibitor, NS5A inhibitors and NS5B inhibitors. Herein we present the development and implementation of the assay. With this assay in hand a more comprehensive understanding of HCV drug resistance can be realized and used as a tool for future drug development, both in HCV and in other related viruses.


identifier: Halford, Tom <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Halford=3ATom=3A=3A.html>   (2016) Creative writing and ethics in contemporary Canadian novels: How should an author be?  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
“How Should an Author Be?” is a study of creative writers as characters in contemporary
Canadian novels. The theoretical framework, developed from both the Anglo-American and the
European approaches to ethical criticism, highlights the complexity of discourses on authors, and
it works in three stages. In the first stage, consideration is given to how a text and a hypothetical
reader might interact. Aesthetic strategies that foster open-mindedness are then highlighted and
discussed. In the final stage of this process, the first two stages are re-evaluated and critiqued in
order to consider alternative points of view.
The first chapter considers four contemporary Canadian authors who wrestle with the
motif of the artist as hero. David Adams Richards’ Hope in the Desperate Hour, Lynn Coady’s
Mean Boy, Steven Heighton’s The Shadow Boxer, and Sheila Heti’s How Should a Person Be? all
represent or critique this motif in some way. I read this powerful and intoxicating
characterization of writer-characters as a distraction preventing readers from fully engaging with
these texts. I propose an alternative way that authors “should be”: not as heroes but as restless
questioners. The phrase “restless questioner” is from Wayne C. Booth’s discussion of “restless
questioning” in The Company We Keep: An Ethics of Fiction (478). These individuals are rarely
certain of their role or their function in society, and they do not need to be. Their goal is to write
as well as possible without ignoring the profound importance of the Other. For restless
questioners, writing well tends to mean developing complicated fictional worlds that challenge
simplistic forms of thought.
The second chapter explores the various ways that one author can create a sense of
openness. In this thesis, openness is discussed mainly in relation to the indeterminacy of the
present, and it derives from Mikhail Bakhtin’s description of the novel as “zone of crude
contact” (26). A sense of openness encourages resistance to dogmatism, and it invites complex
interpretations of meaning. Michael Winter’s first four novels, This All Happened, The Big Why,
The Architects Are Here, and The Death of Donna Whalen, represent the writer-character as
capable of challenging certitude and conviction through the complexity of their aesthetic visions.
Authors are not cultural heroes, but they can demonstrate how certain forms of observing and
describing are preferable to others. A sense of openness, for example, invites one to consider the
complexities of other people’s lives.
In chapter three, Edward Riche’s Easy to Like, Russell Smith’s Muriella Pent, Lawrence
Hill’s Any Known Blood, and Lynn Coady’s The Antagonist are discussed as parodic narratives.
Here, “parody” is informed by Linda Hutcheon’s development of the term “as repetition with
critical distance that allows ironic signaling of difference at the very heart of similarity” (185).
These novels add new layers to the argument that is developed in the first two chapters by
exploring the world of authors and writing from critical perspectives that challenge my
arguments from the first two chapters. Ideally, this study invites readers to develop their own
idiosyncratic responses to the titular question, “How should an author be?”


identifier: Stewart, Lucas D. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Stewart=3ALucas_D=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2016) Determining the mechanical properties of Rainbow Smelt (Osmerus mordax) eye tissue using atomic force microscopy (AFM).  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Hyperosmotic stress is the condition of increased cellular osmotic pressure and is linked
to a number of mammalian diseases. One such disease is diabetes mellitus, which is
characterized by a state of elevated blood glucose concentration which eventually can
lead to such issues as a leakage of fluids from the blood vessels into the surrounding
eye tissue. The resulting increase in osmotic pressure of the eye can lead to the
eventual vision loss which is seen in diabetic patients. Other examples of hyperosmotic
condition exist in nature, one such case being found in Rainbow Smelt. In this case,
smelt are capable of surviving in colder water environments by increasing the osmotic
pressure of their bodily fluids, including within the eye. This increase in osmotic
pressure depresses the freezing point of their bodily fluids, allowing for adaptation to
colder climates. However, the fish’s vision isn’t impacted by the hyperosmotic state.
The object of this work is to study the key structural and mechanical properties of
sections of rainbow smelt eye using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Two subgroups
of smelt were studied: ones raised in a warm water environment that show no hyperosmotic
conditioning, and ones raised in a cold water environment which show elevated
osmotic pressures in the eye. Comparisons between the two smelt subgroups were
made in both dry and hydrated environments. By determining any key structural,
mechanical, or chemical changes in the cold smelt eye, we hope to better understand
the hyperosmotic conditioning that takes place within the eye.


identifier: Ping, Jing <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Ping=3AJing=3A=3A.html>   (2016) Development of photolysis enhanced oxidation technologies for the removal of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from offshore produced water.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Offshore Produced Water (OPW) represents the largest volume waste stream from offshore oil and gas (OOG) production activities. It poses major environmental and operational challenges to offshore petroleum industries for requiring more efficient and environmental friendly on-site management. This is true particularly under growing regulatory and economic pressure to reduce the impact of waste discharges. Conventional on-site OPW monitoring and treatment is mainly focused on the oil and grease portion for meeting the regulatory standards, while limited efforts have been given to dissolved compounds especially including Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs). PAHs are proved as one of the most significant contributors to the ecological hazard posed by OPW discharges because of their toxicity, persistency, and potential for bioaccumulation even at a trace level. As a result, effective measurement of PAHs in OPW is imperative, and advanced on-site treatment of the effluent is desired to improve the conventional systems.
This dissertation research focused on the development of new analytical testing methods and photolysis and its enhanced oxidation technologies for treating PAHs in OPW. They are composed of the key tasks including: a) refining of solid-phase extraction (SPE) and liquid-phase microextraction (LPME) pretreatment systems to extract PAHs from OPW; b) enhancement of gas chromotography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analytical methods for background and residual PAHs analysis; c) design and fabrication of photochemical oxidation reactors for batch- and bench-scale experiments; d) systematic one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) analysis of key parameters and factors in the course of direct photolysis and photocatalysis; e) investigation of efficacy, parameters/factors interactions, kinetics and mechanisms of the enhanced hybrid oxidation systems by integrating photolysis and ozonation (O₃) and/or hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂); and f) development of central composite design (CCD) based response surface modeling (RSM) models for process simulation and optimization.
The major contribution of this research is the development of compact, efficient, and eco-friendly technologies for on-site OPW testing and treatment. The developed technologies are proved technically sound by lab experiments with high efficiency in detection and removal of PAHs. The research outcomes bring significant environmental, economic and social benefits to industry, government and academia by providing not only effective but also environmentally benign methods for treating OPW generated from OOG production.


identifier: Dohey, Stephanie <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Dohey=3AStephanie=3A=3A.html>   (2016) Shakespeare's Roman honour: military, morals, and masculinity.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This thesis examines Shakespeare’s concept of Roman honour in Titus Andronicus and Julius Caesar through an analysis of keywords, imagery of the body politic, and source alterations. In the creation of Titus, Shakespeare focuses on medieval ideals of honour, emphasizing the importance of military and monarchal allegiance. However, in the shaping of Brutus’ character, the playwright clearly highlights aspects of Renaissance moral virtue and interpersonal honesty and integrity. In both plays, while the many meanings of honour may change, masculinity remains a constant factor in Roman virtue.


identifier: Sodero, Stephanie <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Sodero=3AStephanie=3A=3A.html>   (2016) Navigating disruption: mobile society and hurricanes Juan and Igor: a travelogue.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
In the course of a decade, two record-breaking hurricanes made landfall in Atlantic
Canada: Juan (2003) and Igor (2010). During each hurricane, mobility networks central
to the movement of people and goods (i.e. road, marine, air and rail) were disrupted,
interrupting emergency services, commercial operations and personal transport. In some
cases, alternate transport modes and routes emerged, while in other cases people and
goods were rendered immobile.
The anchoring idea for my research is that fossil fuel-powered transport contributes to
climate change and climate change disrupts transport. The energetic boomerang comes
full circle with severe weather events disrupting complex, weather-exposed transport
networks. While linking specific weather events to climate change is tenuous, I explore
these hurricanes as examples of the type of conditions (e.g. high winds, intense
precipitation, storm surges) that are expected under a changing climate. To build societal
resilience to extreme weather events, we need both theoretical and applied approaches to
transport that incorporate recognition of climate change.
Through this project I ask what responses and frames, particularly related to socialecological
interactions, emerge when mobility networks are impacted by hurricanes. I
examine sources of resilience and vulnerability (e.g. social, ecological, infrastructural), as
well as ask how greater social and ecological resilience can be achieved. Using an
inductive case study approach and drawing on media articles, legislative transcripts,
policy documents and semi-structured interviews with key informants, I identify and
analyze the resulting responses and frames as they pertain to social-ecological resilience
and vulnerability.
This research is grounded within the mobilities literature and informed by the disaster
literature to elaborate an ecopolitics of mobility. I complement the applied areas of
sustainable mobility (i.e. climate change mitigation) (Banister 2008) and resilience (i.e.
transport, infrastructure, social-ecological) (Brown 2014; Folke 2010), with the
theoretically oriented mobilities paradigm (Sheller and Urry 2006), including the politics
of mobility (Cresswell 2010). Further, I inflect the politics of mobility, which provides a
nuanced approach to the analysis of power within mobility systems, with Foucault’s work
on governmentality and circulation of societies and ecologies.
In terms of practical contributions, I find that in the aftermath of Hurricanes Juan and Igor,
reinstatement of mobility was an uppermost priority with a dominant tension between the
frame ‘we’ve never seen anything like it’ and ‘we need to get things back to normal as
quickly as possible.’ I develop a list of practices used for managing mobility in the
preparation, response, recovery and mitigation phases of disaster, as well compare the
resiliencies and vulnerabilities of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland’s mobility networks.
In the case of Nova Scotia, a key source of vulnerability in the context of Hurricane Juan
was the entanglement of trees and power lines. Key sources of resilience include the cultural instinct to batten down the hatches, the adaptable role of transit and the
coordination of emergency services. Residents successfully, if somewhat precariously,
governed their own mobility (i.e. governmobility). Further, the experience of successive
intentional, technical and ecological adversities fostered a culture of all-hazards disaster
readiness.
In the case of Newfoundland and Labrador, a key source of vulnerability in the context of
Hurricane Igor was the scale of road washouts combined with limited routes, modes (e.g.
car, truck), fuel types and fuel storage. Key sources of resilience were coordination and
cooperation among different levels of government, the private sector and residents
demonstrating a high capacity to restore the road network to functionality within ten days
and coordination among residents to cope in the interim.
Based on the empirical case studies, I develop and elucidate three ideas that are valuable
in reconceptualizing the social and environmental power dynamics inherent in transport
networks: mobility webs, the ecopolitics of mobility and climate routing. I describe this
set of concepts as an ecopolitical approach to mobility. Borrowing from the ecological
concept of food webs, I use the term mobility webs to reflect the environmentally exposed,
but also diverse and adaptable dimensions of contemporary transport networks arguing
for an approach that cooperates with, rather than dominates, the environment.
To underscore the view that transport networks and ecological flows are interwoven and,
in an anthropogenic age, co-constructed, I forward the concept of an ecopolitics of
mobility. Adapting Cresswell’s (2010) six elements of the politics of mobility – motive
force, velocity, rhythm, route, experience and friction – to the interface of the
environment and contemporary social-technical assemblages of mobility, I analyze socialecological
power dynamics, including related sources of resilience and vulnerability to
disrupt and reframe interactions between mobility and the environment.
Informed by the disaster sociology of Freudenburg (2009), Klinenberg (2004) and
Murphy (2009), I consider the possibilities for an ecologically reflexive modernization in
the field of transport, extending the focus of transport resilience from restoring the status
quo to include reflecting on the role of mobility in contemporary society (Beck 2015). I
adapt the marine navigation concept of weather routing – the practice of altering a ship’s
course to take maximum advantage of tidal, current and wind conditions to reduce the
physical resistance of the ship moving through water – and posit the concept of climate
routing. As conceived, climate routing involves six measures: creating a transport
resilience task force, deliberating decentralization, internalizing externalities, planning for
green and blue flows, rebranding redundancy and thinking flex. Primary considerations
are lessening social-ecological contention, increasing resilience, questioning mobility
practices and maintaining or increasing quality of life.
In sum, my research offers innovative contributions by orienting mobilities research to
social-ecological considerations – extending previous work on sustainable mobility even
further – and orienting disaster sociology to mobility and related transport considerations.


identifier: Oyeniran, Israel Sunday <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Oyeniran=3AIsrael_Sunday=3A=3A.html>   (2016) Information communication technology (ICT) integration into school administration: a case study of secondary schools in Ekiti state.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This research examines information communication technology (ICT) integration into school administration: A case study of secondary schools in Ekiti State, Nigeria. The research uses a cross-sectional design. Purposeful sampling was used to select 62 of 141 administrators in Ekiti South Senatorial District public secondary schools of Ekiti State, Nigeria. The instrument used to collect data for the study was a questionnaire while the data were prepared and analyzed using a statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS 22.0) for frequency counts and percentages. It was found that ICT resources were not adequately provided to the school administrators, and that the low usage of computers for their jobs was a result of lack of training in the use of computer and other ICT resources.
It is concluded that the administrators of the studied schools in Ekiti South Senatorial District of Ekiti State, Nigeria have not really integrated ICT into their administrative jobs. It is recommended that the Ministry of Education, through the State government, should work with the federal government and policy makers to ensure that ICT resources are supplied to the school administrators. Finally, administrators will need to take part in more ICT training, workshops, and seminars to improve their comfort with ICT resources.


identifier: Liu, Yi <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Liu=3AYi=3A=3A.html>   (2015) Synthesis, characterization and catalytic activity study of zinc aminobis(phenolate) complexes towards ring-opening polymerization of rac-lactide.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: A series of bimetallic and trimetallic zinc complexes of amino-bis(phenolato) ligands was synthesized and characterized. Bimetallic complexes (ZnEt)₂[L1] (1a) and (ZnEt)₂[L2] (1b) (where [L1] = n-propylamine-N,N-bis(2-methylene-4,6-di-t-butylphenolate) and [L2] = n-propylamine-N,N-bis(2-methylene-6-t-butyl-4-methylphenolate) were prepared via reaction of the proligands H₂[L1] and H₂[L2] with ZnEt₂ in pentane. A THF adduct (ZnEt)₂[L1]·THF (1a·THF) was obtained by using THF as solvent. Treatment of 1a with one or two equiv. of isopropyl alcohol gave a trimetallic zinc complex Zn₃(i-PrO)₂[L1]₂ (2). The catalytic activities of these complexes towards ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of rac-lactide were studied in the absence and presence of benzyl alcohol or isopropyl alcohol. These complexes exhibit moderate to good activity for ROP of rac-lactide both in the melt phase and solution. The influence of catalyst and co-initiator loading were studied and thermodynamic activation parameters were determined. Characterization of the polymers by GPC and MALDI-TOF MS showed controlled and living polymerizations for rac-lactide in the presence of alcohol.


identifier: Chippett, Jeremy <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Chippett=3AJeremy=3A=3A.html>   (2016) "Expert on drums, could be experter": an ethnographic case study investigating the learning principles displayed in video gaming among Inuit youth.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The aim of this research is to conduct an analysis of a successful learning experience—interactions with video games—among Inuit youth in one Nunavut community to determine what factors help these Inuit learn. Through this analysis, questions relating to whether video games constitute a technology of learning for Inuit as well as what characteristics of digital games lead to increased engagement among the youth were addressed. Using the theoretical framework of cultural studies, the work of James Paul Gee, along with the pillars of isumaqsayuq (Inuit traditional ideas of teaching and learning), this study finds that video games are a technology of learning for Inuit youth and factors such as autonomy, competition, contextualized content, and self-efficacy all contribute to the youth’s continued engagement with video games despite their increasing difficulty.


identifier: Walsh, Joshua C. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Walsh=3AJoshua_C=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2016) Utilization of K-region oxidation for the synthesis of functional materials.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Pyrene with its long fluorescence lifetime, large Stokes shift and proclivity towards excimer formation has become the gold standard in the sensing of microenvironments using fluorescence spectroscopy. Derivatives of pyrene find applications in a broad range of fields. However, the design of more complex systems is hampered by the lack of selectivity one encounters when working with pyrene. Alkylation, halogenation and nitration produce practically inseparable isomers. Methods that desymmetrize pyrene are currently of high value. Known methods have recently been improved and applied to a number of systems within the Bodwell group. The optimization of a K-region oxidation reaction and utilization of desymmetrized pyrene in the synthesis of redox-active molecules and progress towards a 2,7-pyrenylene-ethynylene macrocycle is investigated in this thesis work.
References
[1] R. Rieger, K. Müllen, J. Phys. Org. Chem., 2010, 23, 315-325.
[2] J. Andréasson, U. Pischel, Chem. Soc. Rev., 2015, 44, 1053-1069.
[3] P. Conlon, C. J. Yang, Y. Wu, Y. Chen, K. Martinez, Y. Kim, N. Stevens, A. A. Marti, S. Jockusch, N. J. Turro, W. Tan, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2008, 130, 336-342.


identifier: Hordiyamulla Liyanage, Kasuni Tharuka <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Hordiyamulla_Liyanage=3AKasuni_Tharuka=3A=3A.html>   (2016) Numerical investigation of failure mechanisms of cast iron water mains.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Cast Iron water mains used in potable water transportation systems are facing a rapidly growing rate of failure. The most common failure mode of cast iron water main is circumferential cracking that occurs due to high longitudinal stresses in the pipe wall, when the longitudinal stress exceeds the strength of the pipe material. However, the circumferential failure mechanism of the pipe is not well understood. Conventional methods of pipe analysis predict higher circumferential stresses, which would cause longitudinal cracking in the pipe. The higher longitudinal stress is attributed to a number of factors such as corrosion pits on pipe wall, lack of bedding support due to erosion of bedding soil, and localized concentrated supports (or forces) due to lumps of soil or rock pieces. The failure mechanisms of buried cast iron water mains subjected to three factors such as non-uniform bedding support, pitting corrosion and localized concentrated supports are investigated in this thesis. A detailed numerical investigation is carried out based on three-dimensional finite element analyses using ANSYS software. The non-uniform bedding is found to create high longitudinal stresses for larger void at the pipe invert. Although pitting corrosion alone results in high circumferential stresses, when it occurs simultaneously with a non-uniform bedding condition, the peak stresses result in the longitudinal direction. Longitudinal stress is generally higher than the circumferential stress for the pipes with higher relative stiffness with respect to soil. The presence of localized supports is found to be a critical factor, which leads the stresses to exceed the strength of the cast iron material. This study contributes to the development of a better understanding of the mechanism of cast iron water mains failure.


identifier: Squires, Chelsea Lola Woodman <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Squires=3AChelsea_Lola_Woodman=3A=3A.html>   (2016) A synthetic modelling study and assessment of marine electromagnetic data using unstructured tetrahedral meshes with applications to hydrocarbon exploration in the Flemish Pass Basin, offshore Newfoundland.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Marine controlled-source electromagnetic (CSEM) surveying is a geophysical technique
for mapping subsurface electrical resistivity structures in the offshore environment. The
method is highly sensitive to resistivity contrasts, which result in interpretable electric field
responses. This has caused the method to gain attention in recent years concerning its capabilities
as a direct hydrocarbon indicator on a three-dimensional scale. The technique
has a significant advantage in being both an independent and complementary method to
seismic imaging, allowing for considerable opportunities in joint inversion and interpretation
using data that has been previously collected. While raw CSEM data contains rich
information about the subsurface, modelling and inversion are required to convert such
data into interpretable resistivity estimates. To this end, improvement of modelling tools
is integral to the quality and accuracy of interpreted CSEM data.
This study used forward modelling based on the CSEM3DFWD code written by Seyed-
Masoud Ansari at Memorial University. The finite-element method is employed over unstructured,
tetrahedral meshes that allow irregular geological contacts to be accurately
modeled. 1D and 3D models have been built with two main goals: to assess the accuracy
of CSEM3DFWD by comparing results to known analytical methods; and to assess
the thresholds of detection in 3D models that are complete with bathymetry, horizons of
geological contacts, and reservoir geometries that are analogous to those in the Flemish
Pass Basin, ffshore Newfoundland. Matches of these electric field amplitude and phase
results with known semi-analytical methods for 1D models verify the accuracy of the modelling
method, allowing an assessment study of detectability of likely reservoirs offhore
Newfoundland to be carried out. With this ability to generate accurate synthetic CSEM
data for realistic Earth models, more educated decisions can be made concerning marine
exploration scenarios: the results of 3D CSEM surveys can be more accurately interpreted
and more mindful assessments of risk can be made, increasing the likelihood of reaching
successful hydrocarbon plays.


identifier: Ibrahim, Khadija <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Ibrahim=3AKhadija=3A=3A.html>   (2016) Love or hate: differential expression of synaptic receptors following odor preference versus aversive learning in rat pups?  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Odor plus 0.5mA shock conditioning paradoxically induces odor preference in rat pups (≤PD10), while a strong 1.2mA shock results in odor aversion (Sullivan, 2001). Previous research showed that anterior piriform cortex (aPC) is activated following odor preference training with a 0.5mA shock, while posterior piriform cortex (pPC) is activated following odor aversive learning with a 1.2mA shock. The olfactory bulb (OB) is activated by both and serves as a common structure (Raineki, Shionoya, Sander, & Sullivan, 2009a). As a first step to delineate synapses involved in preference and avoidance learning, we measured expressions of glutamatergic AMPA GluR1 and NMDA NR1 receptors in the OB, aPC, & pPC using a synaptoneurosome preparation following odor+shock conditioning.
Our results show that a shock of 0.5mA and 0.1mA, produced preference 24-hours following learning indicating that aversive experiences can produce preference in neonatal rodents as previously reported by Sullivan (2001).. Moreover, our results illustrated that this shock resulted in down-regulation of NMDARs 3-hours following training but not of AMPARs in the OB. Our behavioural results did not produce odor aversion with the strong shock training and likewise there was no change in pPC, suggesting no change in total number of NMDARs and AMPARs perhaps due to an absence of odor aversion learning. Future experiments can delineate whether different paradigms will produce odor aversion to produce synaptic expression in the pPC. Additional experimental protocols can also assess if each region is engaged in synaptic trafficking of NMDAR and AMPARs within the extrasynaptic and synaptic sites.


identifier: Jian, Shengqi <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Jian=3AShengqi=3A=3A.html>   (2016) The research of five-bar robot for pressurized autosampling for enhanced oil recovery research.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Robots have been widely used in industry and are becoming popular in people’s daily lives.
It makes production more efficient and everyday life more convenient. In this research, a
robotic auto-sampler is designed, developed and tested to sample and collect two-phase
fluids from a core flooding.
First of all, this thesis introduces the history of parallel robot industry the state of the art.
Then, based on the problem statement, the most reasonable concept is chosen as the
Five-Bar parallel robot. Theoretical simulations are made including kinematic analysis to
calculate its mechanical dimension and dynamic analysis to calculate the actuator torque.
As a result of that, the theoretical dimensions can be obtained and actuators can be chosen.
In the design and control phase, the entire integrated system is presented in detail.
This thesis researches the design process of an auto-sampler based on a five-bar robot.
From the proposed problem to the robot fabrication and programming, the entire system is
designed, analyzed, built and tested.


identifier: Clarke, Heather M. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Clarke=3AHeather_M=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2016) Gender and organizational citizenship behavior: the performance and evaluation of gender-typed organizational citizenship behaviors.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
A series of three studies examined the role of gender in predicting OCB performance as well as its impact on the appraisal and reward of OCB performance. Study 1 examined gender ideology as both a predictor of gender-congruent OCBs (i.e. helping for women and civic virtue for men) and a moderator of the relationships between attitudinal and dispositional antecedents and gender-congruent OCBs. Survey data from participants across a wide range of jobs and organizations revealed that men with a traditional gender ideology reported more civic virtue performance than women and men with an egalitarian ideology. Contrary to the predicted relationship, traditional women did not report more helping than egalitarian women or men. Consistent with previous research, job satisfaction, organizational justice, and conscientiousness were significantly correlated with OCBs. However, when modeled together, only conscientiousness explained additional variance in both helping and civic virtue. Contrary to predictions, a traditional gender ideology did not moderate the relationship between job attitudes and personality predictors and OCBs.
Studies 2 and 3 examined the impact of gender-congruent OCBs on perceptions of competence, overall performance ratings and reward allocation decisions. In Study 2, students viewed a video of a male or female university instructor that included a brief lecture as well as additional statements, which in the experimental conditions, manipulated OCB performance. It was predicted that the performance of gender-incongruent OCBs (i.e. helping for men and civic virtue for women) would, because it is unexpected, be more likely to be noticed by raters than the performance of gender-congruent OCBs, and therefore cause inflation in competence and overall performance ratings. The hypotheses were not supported.
Study 3 employed a modified design based upon Study 2 and results indicated that the highest competence and overall performance ratings were received when the instructor was female and performed civic virtue. OCB also explained unique variance in overall performance ratings over and above that accounted for by in-role performance. The results of the three studies are discussed along with their theoretical and applied implications, limitations of the studies, and recommendations for future research.


identifier: Tian, David Wenjie <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Tian=3ADavid_Wenjie=3A=3A.html>   (2016) Modified theories of relativistic gravity: theoretical foundations, phenomenology, and applications in physical cosmology.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.


identifier: Gale, Laura <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Gale=3ALaura=3A=3A.html>   (2016) Understanding changes in peripheral and central excitability following submaximal contractions.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The objective of this thesis was to examine the effects of brief (2s), non-fatiguing,
submaximal (50% of MVC) and intermittent (2s on, 2s off) contractions on measures of central
and peripheral excitability. Nine resistance-trained males completed a contraction protocol
consisting of 5 such contractions of the elbow flexors. Pre-, immediately post-, and 5 minutes
post-contractions the participants received transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS),
transmastoid electrical stimulation (TMES), peripheral nerve stimulation, and motor point
stimulation to elicit motor-evoked potentials (MEPs), cervicomedullary-evoked potentials
(CMEPs), maximal muscle compound action potentials (Mmax), and peak twitch force (PT),
respectively. All MEPs and CMEPs were normalized to Mmax. In addition, correlations between
central and peripheral excitability were analyzed in order to determine if the two are separate
entities or related. Finally, all measurements were taken both at rest, as well as during a slight
(5% of MVC) contraction. This allowed us to determine if the changes in central and peripheral
excitability, as well as the correlations between the two, were state-dependent. Results showed
an increase in corticospinal excitability (CSE) that was state-dependent, a decrease in spinal
excitability that was not state-dependent, and an increase in muscle excitability that was not
state-dependent following the contraction protocol. There was a positive correlation between
CSE and peripheral excitability that was state-dependent, and a negative correlation between
spinal excitability and peripheral excitability that was not state-dependent. Since some of the
trends observed were state-dependent, the major finding of this thesis is that results obtained at
rest should not be generalized to movement situations.


identifier: Belalov, Nonna <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Belalov=3ANonna=3A=3A.html>   (2016) Understanding the environmental influence of anthropogenic and natural climate forcing on Hamilton Inlet and Lake Melville, Labrador.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Recently, there has been growing interest in the climate variability in Newfoundland
and Labrador and its impact on the environment. The warming temperature
trend in the past two decades has driven changes in the ice thickness and characteristics
of surface inland and coastal ocean waters. In the Hamilton Inlet, these
changes are superimposed on the impact of hydroelectric development in Churchill
River. Studies of the characteristics of regional climate change and anthropogenic factors
are essential for understanding the environmental response. The main objective
of this study is to assess the characteristics of climate variability and anthropogenic
impact of recent hydroelectric development in Labrador.
The method of the study is based on statistical analysis of observations of atmospheric
and river flow characteristics. Decadal shifts in the distributions of the
temperature in Newfoundland and Labrador are determined by using Kernel Density
estimator. The non-parametric Mann-Kendall trend test and Sen’s methods are then
applied then to determine the magnitude and significance of the trends.
The first part of the study is focused on characteristics of seasonal, interannual and
decadal variability of atmospheric temperature, precipitation, rain, snow and wind
speed, and their spatial variations. We found in particular, that the multidecadal
trend of atmospheric temperature was negative between 1970 and 1993 and changed
to positive in the following period. The magnitude of this trend and its spatial
variation across the province is assessed.
The second part of the study presents results from an analysis of extremes of
regional climate characteristics. Climate extremes are identified by calculating the 90th/10th percentiles of minimum and maximum daily temperature, which correspond
to extreme warm/cold events; the 90th percentile was also calculated for total
precipitation, snow and rain, to study extreme precipitation events.
The final part of the study examines the relationship between climate indices
and river discharge in Churchill River in Labrador. Here, river discharge volume is
analyzed in the context of different climate conditions, before and after hydroelectric
development in upper Churchill River.


identifier: Wang, Dan <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Wang=3ADan=3A=3A.html>   (2016) Higher order time discretization of compartmentalized reservoirs.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Reservoir tank modeling has traditionally been employed to simplify complicated reservoir simulation models and to reduce computational time whilst maintaining model accuracy. In this thesis, we refine this concept by replacing a simple tank model with a system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) to model the dynamic changes of well inflow, aquifer influx, fluid compressibility, and pore volume. A dual time step method is used to solve the system of equations, which is not included in the existing model. Well transmissibility and aquifer sizes are kept constant during small time steps in which pressures and flow rates are solved. The new pressure is then used to update the well indices and aquifer size over larger time steps. This new model is transient during a single large time step calculation and hence represents an enhancement over standard finite difference method formulations.
The reservoir is subdivided into a number of subvolumes representing individual reservoir compartments and aquifers, which may or may not be in communication. Using the concepts of transmissibility and compressibility, the complex 3D reservoir system is converted into a model that establishes flow into wells and between compartments. Pressure loss due to friction along the well is also fully integrated in the model. The multiple reservoir compartments and flowing wellbore are coupled to provide influx and inter-compartment fluid transfer. Employing the fourth-order Runge-Kutta Method, the ordinary differential equations generated by the system of reservoir units, are solved accurately and efficiently.
The new method is verified by comparing it with a standard reservoir simulation launcher (Eclipse Trademark of Schlumberger Technology Corporation). Case studies are utilized to illustrate the results of the method which predict oil/gas production with water encroachment from an aquifer. Sensitivity analysis is performed to understand the relationships between input variables and output results in the model. For black oil reservoirs, this model incorporates wellbore friction and up to fifty reservoir compartments, which allows us to more accurately predict the reservoir performance. In addition, this model incorporates and compares the effects of compressibility for gas reservoirs, the results show that for those gas reservoirs with high rock compressibility, the gas reservoir model with water compressibility and pore volume term considered must be used in order to obtain more realistic simulation results.


identifier: Rissanen, Anna <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Rissanen=3AAnna=3A=3A.html>   (2016) The effect of student engagement on final grades, attendance and student experiences in large classroom in an undergraduate biology course at Memorial University.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Especially during the first year in university absenteeism can have detrimental effects on
grades, and I have witnessed this while teaching large undergraduate Biology classes.
According to pedagogical literature altering teaching methods from lecturing toward
engaging teaching, which applies various active teaching methods in the university
classroom, can enhance learning, student participation, decrease absenteeism, and improve
critical thinking and problem solving skills. In this research study, I used a combination of
active learning activities and engaging teaching to prevent absenteeism, in an attempt to
improve grades, and to enhance interest in Biology among students in large first year
Introductory Biology classes. Results show that students were less absent from the class
that used engaging teaching methods. Also, the conceptual understanding test showed a
significant difference in pre- and post-test grades between the classes, the engagement
class having the highest improvement. The student CLASSE survey indicated more
interaction between faculty and students in the section that was taught using engaging
methods. According to student focus group interviews, students in the engagement class
appreciated the class activities and reported benefits for learning.


identifier: Yu, Peng <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Yu=3APeng=3A=3A.html>   (2016) School effectiveness in Jesuit education a Habermasian perspective.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This research aims to explore the extent to which Jesuit education is effective. It uses a qualitative appraisal of data about St. Patrick’s College (St. Pat’s) obtained from one student’s journal, four interviews, and from provincial government publications relevant to the school; it is an independent Jesuit school located in Canada. To ensure a secular standpoint, religiously based claims are discussed in terms of their possible effects on school effectiveness within a Habermasian framework. The perceptions of the participants in this study suggest that Jesuit education promotes the full growth of individuals through a well-rounded education, and the school effectiveness achieved at St. Pat’s is a by-product of Jesuit pedagogical philosophy. In addition, implications for educational reform in China and future research possibilities are presented.


identifier: Spracklin, Kyle <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Spracklin=3AKyle=3A=3A.html>   (2016) Loop band placement on the distal-lateral portion of the thigh increases gluteal activation during high intensity squatting in trained subjects.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Anecdotal accounts and clinical case studies report improved squatting mechanics when using loop bands as a proprioceptive aid by activating the gluteus muscles. The objectives of this thesis were: 1) to describe how the use of band-loops placed around the distal thighs would affect lower body muscle activation and 2) to examine if their use would have a direct effect on performance. Fifteen resistance-trained males completed a 5 repetition free barbell back squat at 80% of 1 repetition maximum (RM) and a maximal repetition until failure test at 60% of 1RM. This protocol was completed on two separate testing days; 1) loop band placement and 2) control. No differences were found in the number of repetitions to failure test between conditions. The gluteus maximus and gluteus medius showed greater activation during the intervention testing days. Placing a band-loop around the knees may be a used as a strategy to increase the contribution of the gluteal muscles during a squat.


identifier: Zhang, Kedong <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Zhang=3AKedong=3A=3A.html>   (2016) Newfoundland shrimp waste utilization and dispersant generation.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This research focused on the utilization of Newfoundland shrimp waste as a premium and low-cost nitrogen source for microbial growth through an enzymatic hydrolysis process. In addition, the enzymatically hydrolyzed shrimp waste was used to generate a green dispersant for crude oil dispersion in seawater. During the enzymatic hydrolysis process, an integration of response surface methodology and artificial neural network was proposed for the first time for modeling and optimization of shrimp waste hydrolysis. The utilization of shrimp waste for microbial growth was also achieved. The hydrolysis process was further optimized using the dispersant effectiveness (DE) as the response to generate a green shrimp waste based dispersant. The functional properties of the hydrolyzed product were examined. The DE and acute toxicity of the generated dispersant were evaluated. A comparison of the generated dispersant with Corexit 9500 on dispersing three types of crude oil was conducted. This research provided a promising methodology of shrimp waste management and a potential option for oil spill response.


identifier: Buote, Richard <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Buote=3ARichard=3A=3A.html>   (2016) Randomized controlled trial of a behaviour change intervention to increase aerobic and resistance exercise and quality of life in older prostate and breast cancer survivors: the OutPACE trial.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Background: Physical activity (PA) has been shown to provide numerous benefits for breast and prostate cancer survivors. Purpose: To test the efficacy of an implementation intention intervention on aerobic and resistance training and improving QoL in older (55+) prostate and breast cancer survivors. Methods: Survivors (N=41) were randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) two-time implementation intention, (2) one-time implementation intention, or (3) control group following baseline assessments. PA, both self-reported and objectively measured, and QoL measures were assessed at baseline, one, and three months post-randomization. Results: Analyses of covariance did not find significant differences in PA behaviours between groups at follow-ups irrespective of PA measure. Breast cancer survivors in the two-time intervention group reported significant improvements on breast cancer subscale at both follow-ups. Conclusion: Although significant differences in PA behaviours were not found, breast cancer survivors reported QoL improvements. The small sample resulted in this study being underpowered to detect small differences in PA behaviour, justifying additional research


identifier: Alsubheen, Sana'a A. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Alsubheen=3ASana=27a_A=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2016) The effect of intermittent fasting during Ramadan on energy expenditure and substrate oxidation in healthy men.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The study aimed to examine the effect of Ramadan fasting (RF) on substrate partitioning, energy production, blood lipids and glucose as well as body composition. Nine healthy Muslim men (FAST group) and eight healthy men (CNT group) were assessed pre- and post-RF. FAST were additionally assessed at 10ᵀᴴ , 20ᵀᴴ and 30ᵀᴴ day of RF in the morning (a.m.) and evening (p.m.). Results showed a significant reduction in body mass and fat mass in FAST with no statistical differences pre- vs. post-RF for all other variables in both groups. A significant daytime fasting effect [a.m. vs. p.m.] on substrates oxidation (fat and carbohydrate) and blood parameters (glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, and triglycerides) was observed. In conclusion, although RF brings about an acute metabolic response that shifts substrate partitioning towards lipids, no chronic metabolic response was observed despite the extended daily fasting period (18.0±0.3 hrs) and changes in body composition.