identifier: Young, Adrian <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Young=3AAdrian=3A=3A.html>   (2019) The role of glutaredoxin-2 in the modulation of fat metabolism and ROS production in skeletal muscle mitochondria.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Protein S-glutathionylation (PGLU) reactions in mitochondria, catalyzed by glutaredoxin-2 (Grx2), have been shown to regulate carbon catabolism, oxidative phosphorylation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in response to changes in redox balance. In addition, deletion of the Grx2 gene increases phosphorylating respiration and proton leaks in muscle tissue which correlates with decreased fat mass and body weight. However, whether or not manipulation of Grx2 levels protects from diet-induced obesity (DIO) has never been investigated. Our objective was to examine the potential anti-obesity effect associated with the absence of the Grx2 gene in C57BL/6N mice. Here, we demonstrate that Grx2⁺/⁻ mice were protected from diet-induced weight gain and obesity-related disorders associated with increases in mitochondrial respiration attributed, in part, to increased leaks through uncoupling protein-3. Collectively, our results demonstrate that S-glutathionylation reactions are integral for regulating muscle metabolism and fat combustion and reveal that manipulation of Grx2 signaling may serve as an exercise mimetic that can be employed to treat/prevent DIO.


identifier: Laprise, Courtney M. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Laprise=3ACourtney_M=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Synthesis of non-isocyanate polyurethanes from waste-derived fish oil.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

type: Thesis NonPeerReviewed

abstract: Waste-derived fish oil (FO) can be epoxidized, reacted with CO₂ to produce cyclic carbonates, then reacted with an amine to form non-isocyanate polyurethane materials. The FO used was previously extracted from the by-products produced at fish processing plants, including heads, bones, skin and viscera. Extracting oil from these waste products and using it as a feedstock reduces the amount of waste generated by fish processing plants. Three different methods were used for the epoxidation of the FO: (i) oxidation by 3-chloroperoxybenzoic acid, (ii) oxidation by hydrogen peroxide and acetic acid, catalyzed by sulfuric acid, and (iii) oxidation by hydrogen peroxide catalyzed by formic acid. A gate-to-gate life cycle assessment of the epoxidation methods was performed, showing the formic acid reaction is the greenest route to the formation of FO epoxides. Synthesized FO epoxides were reacted with CO₂ to yield FO cyclic carbonates. The optimum conditions used 3.9 mol% tetrabutylammonium bromide and 2.0 mol% ascorbic acid (vitamin C) with respect to epoxy-groups in the starting material to form cyclic carbonates with a conversion of 90%. The products were characterized by ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, and TGA. The FO carbonates were used to produce sustainable, bio-sourced polyurethanes. Using a biomass-derived amine, non-isocyanate polyurethane materials were synthesized and preliminary studies towards their degradation in aqueous solutions was performed. This process could lead to new opportunities in waste management, producing valuable materials from a resource that is otherwise underutilized.


identifier: Ali, Md. Hossen <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Ali=3AMd=2E_Hossen=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Use of nanotechnology to improve plant performance in boreal forest ecosystem.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Nano-priming has been shown to significantly improve the total germination percentage and seedling vigor of different plant seeds including agricultural crops. In these applications, seeds primed with Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) exhibited dramatic improvements in germination rate and seedling vigor (root and stem lengths). Herein, we applied this technique to non-agriculture crop species in an attempt to resolve several different seeds dormancies hindering their propagation and field establishment. Specifically, the seeds of boreal forest plant species with embryo and seed coat dormancy were nano-primed with several carbon-based nanoparticles, as part of a strategy to overcome seed dormancy. Carboxylic acid functionalized multi-walled carbon nanoparticle (-COOH biomolecule coated) was the most effective in breaking physical (seed coat) and morphological dormancy (embryo), as well as increase the germination rate in combination with stratification in green alder (Alnus viridis L.), bog birch (Betula pumila), and labrador tea (Rhododendron groenlandicum). Conversely, a combination of carbon nanoparticles (CNPs), especially the multiwall carbon nanoparticles functionalized with carboxylic acid (MWCNT-COOH), cold stratification, mechanical scarification and hormonal priming (gibberellic acid) was effective in overcoming embryo and hard seed coat dormancy present in buffalo berry seeds (Shepherdia canadensis L.). A concomitant increase in the seedling vigor index and the number of normal seedlings was observed in the nano-primed germinated seedlings, indicating its superior ability to be established across a range of environmental sites. The improvement in germination rate and resolution of both embryo and seed coat dormancy appears to be associated with the remodeling of several membrane lipids as indicated by the segregation of these molecular species in the same quadrant of the biplot as germination rate (GR) and seedling vigor index (SVI), following redundancy analysis. Phosphatidylcholine (PC) (18:1/18:3), phosphatidylglycerol (PG) (16:1/18:3), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) (18:3/18:2), and digalactosyldiacylglycerol (DGDG) (18:3/18:3) lipids classes were observed to be highly correlated with increased seed germination percentages and the enhanced seedling vigor observed in this study for the evaluated species. Mechanistically, it appears that carbon nano-primed seeds following stratification is effective in mediating seed dormancy by remodeling the seed membrane lipids {Phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), phosphatidylinositol (PI), phosphatidylserine (PS), phosphatidic acid (PA) and digalactosylglycerol (DG)} in both peatland and upland boreal forest species. These findings suggest that nanopriming (20 μgmL⁻¹ or 40 μgmL⁻¹) may be a useful approach to resolve seed dormancy issues and improve seed germination in non-resource boreal forest species ideally suited for forest reclamation following resource mining.


identifier: Winters, Emily <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Winters=3AEmily=3A=3A.html>   (2019) The impact of indigenous identity and treatment seeking intention on the stigmatization of substance use.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Substance use disorders are one of the most stigmatized mental health issues. There is a
disproportionate burden of substance use disorders (SUDs) and related harms on
Indigenous peoples in Canada. The current study examined the public stigma associated
with substance use and how that stigma intersects with Indigenous identity and treatment
seeking intention. Participants (N = 711) were randomly assigned to read one of four
vignettes depicting a person living with a SUD and then complete an online survey.
Vignettes differed on the character’s ethnicity (Caucasian vs. First Nations) and their
treatment seeking intention (seeking treatment vs. not seeking treatment). Participants
then completed a series of questionnaires to assess stigma, including measures of
perceived unpredictability and incompetence, desired social distance, and emotional
response. Significant main effects of both ethnicity and treatment seeking were found on
all three outcome measures of stigma. Specifically, participants assigned a vignette
depicting a First Nations person responded with more stigmatizing attitudes than
participants assigned a vignette of a Caucasian person. Additionally, participants assigned
a vignette of a person not seeking treatment responded with more stigmatizing attitudes
than participants assigned a vignette of a person who sought treatment. These findings
highlight the need for future anti-stigma interventions and educational programming for
substance use in general and within an Indigenous context. Furthermore, documenting
and addressing prejudice towards Indigenous populations is a crucial step in working
towards reconciliation.


identifier: Browne, Violet <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Browne=3AViolet=3A=3A.html>   (2019) This is the house that Luke built.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

title: This is the house that Luke built

abstract: This Is the House that Luke Built is an exploration of grief and its aftermath, with underlying themes of love, aging, memory, sacrifice, and reconciliation. The story is set in Newfoundland and spans the twenty-five years following the death of a fisherman, Luke, and the resulting grief and how it impacts his wife Rose and daughter Emily, as well as Rose’s other children and family. It will explore the premise that love never dies, through annual visits between Rose and Luke, in the house that Luke was building for Rose when he died, and raise questions about the assumption that unending love is only good. As the story moves around in time, reflecting the disjointed nature that Rose’s life has taken on, we watch as she reconciles herself, not only to her own grief, but to the damage it has inflicted on Emily. In recognizing herself in Emily’s longing for her father, Rose realizes the impact, not just of Luke’s death, but of her own grief. Ultimately, Rose’s love for Emily—and her wish to spare her daughter the inheritance of the burden of mourning—forces Rose to come to terms with her grief and its aftermath and, finally, to let go.


identifier: King-Campbell, Sharon <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/King-Campbell=3ASharon=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Factory girls.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

title: Factory girls

abstract: In 1916, a representative from the Imperial Munitions Board announced to a gathering of women at Massey Hall in downtown Toronto that women were to be recruited to munitions factories. The intention from the Board and from the Canadian government was to dilute the masculine labour force with unskilled female labourers in order to allow the largest possible number of able-bodied men to enlist for deployment overseas. Hundreds of women from a wide array of backgrounds answered the call, efficiently and effectively building weapons, aircraft and ships for the war effort. Factory Girls explores the lives and motives of ten such women who take up employment in a fictional factory in Toronto. Members of the leisure class join working girls as they navigate a newfound sense of freedom and agency against a background of increasingly violent nationalism, imperialism and xenophobia. As the pressures of war build and what is normal becomes increasingly strange, aspects of absurdity pop up in both the lives of these women and in the telling of their stories. Factory Girls explores the question of what it means to make a bomb in the context of these women’s diverse economic, social and ideological backgrounds.


identifier: Xing, Sudan <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Xing=3ASudan=3A=3A.html>   (2019) General volumes in the Orlicz-Brunn-Minkowski theory and related Minkowski problems.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The Minkowski problem is one of the core problems in convex geometry, which aims to
characterize the surface area measures of convex bodies in Rn. Various extensions and
their dual have been introduced in recent years, among which the newly proposed dual
Minkowski problem for the qth dual curvature measure is one of the most important.
This thesis deals with the general (dual) volumes, the general dual Orlicz curvature
measure e CG,ψ, and related Minkowski type problems.
A typical problem we investigate in this thesis is the following general dual Orlicz-
Minkowski problem: under what conditions on a given measure μ defined on the unit
sphere, a two-variable function G(·, ·) and a one-variable function ψ(·), does there
exist a convex body K such that μ equals to the general dual Orlicz curvature measure
of K up to a constant τ , i.e., μ = τ e CG,ψ(K, ·)? In particular, we will study the
existence, continuity, and uniqueness of the solutions to the above general dual Orlicz-
Minkowski problem. These will be done in Chapters 3-5, where Chapter 3 deals with
the special case of e CG,ψ obtained from Vφ, Chapter 4 studies the case e CG,ψ with G(t, ·)
decreasing on t, and Chapter 5 concentrates on the case e CG,ψ with G(t, ·) increasing
on t. Techniques used in Chapters 3 and 4 are the Blaschke selection theorem and
the method of Lagrange multipliers, whereas in Chapter 5 we use the approximation
arguments from discrete measures to general measures. In Chapter 6, we investigate
the “polar” of the general dual Orlicz-Minkowski problem. This type of problem is
a typical extension of many fundamental geometric invariants, such as the Lp/Orlicz
geominimal surface areas and the Lp/Orlicz-Petty bodies. The existence, continuity,
and uniqueness of the solutions to the general dual-polar Orlicz-Minkowski problem
are provided in Chapter 6. Our techniques also follow the approximation arguments
from discrete measures to general measures.


identifier: Mardones, Vanessa <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Mardones=3AVanessa=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Ethnobotanical entrepreneurship for indigenous biocultural resilience: Rhodiola rosea in Nunatsiavut.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Rhodiola rosea (L.) (syn. Sedum rosea (L.); Crassulaceae; rhodiola, roseroot) is
an amphi-Atlantic, Arctic-alpine plant with considerable value in both traditional
pharmacopeias and the commercial natural products industry. Global market demand for
rhodiola as a natural health product with potent antioxidant and adaptogenic properties
has resulted in unsustainable wild harvesting in Eurasia. However, rhodiola is not
commercially sourced in eastern Canada, where it grows prolifically along the coast of
Nunatsiavut, Labrador. Nunatsiavut Inuit have traditionally used rhodiola, locally known
as tulligunak, as food and medicine; however, due to globalization and significant socialecological
changes, these Inuit communities are beginning to explore ethnobotanical
innovation and entrepreneurship.
Cultivation of rhodiola in Nunatsiavut for natural health products presents an
opportunity for a sustainable, community-based enterprise that integrates ancestral
knowledge with biocultural innovation, bringing both socioeconomic benefits that align
with community priorities and renewed connection to ancestral practices. Given the
extensive range of this plant, the geographical variability in growth and phytochemistry
of Labrador rhodiola populations must be addressed in order to inform ecotype selection
and cultivation conditions. Further, because cultural context is a key factor influencing
success of community-based enterprises, it is critical to consider the unique biocultural
context when developing an enterprise intended to build capacity in participating
communities. This thesis will explore the biology, biocultural context, and business opportunity for Nunatsiavut rhodiola, to inform development of a community-based
enterprise in Nunatsiavut, cultivating local ecotypes of rhodiola for a natural health
product, bringing benefits to a remote Indigenous community, and helping mitigate
pressure on wild populations of rhodiola due to commercial harvest activities.
The results showed that Nunatsiavut Inuit Elders and community report both
medicinal and food uses of the local rhodiola, and they are enthusiastic at the prospective
social, economic, and health benefits of a community-based enterprise centered around
cultivation and marketing of local rhodiola. Coastal Labrador rhodiola was found to
contain known medicinal marker compounds, and environmental factors were found to
have a significant effect upon rhizome biomass and phytochemistry.


identifier: Abdelaleem, Basem Hassan Abdelbaset <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Abdelaleem=3ABasem_Hassan_Abdelbaset=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Structural behavior of rubberized concrete containing synthetic fibers.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This research program aims to investigate the combining effect of crumb rubber (CR) and synthetic/metal fibers (SFs/MFs) in the development of concrete suitable for structural applications subjected to monotonic and cyclic loading. The research also aims to overcome the challenge of optimizing the strength and stability of self-consolidating concrete (SCC) containing CR and SFs/MFs. Five comprehensive experimental studies were conducted on both small-scale and large-scale concrete samples to meet the research objectives. The first study aimed to develop and optimize a number of successful self-consolidating rubberized concrete (SCRC) and synthetic fiber SCRC (SFSCRC) mixtures with a maximized percentage of CR and minimized reduction in strength. The variables in this study included various supplementary cementing materials (SCMs) specifically metakaolin (MK), silica fume (SLF), fly ash (FA), and ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS), different binder contents (500, 550, and 600 kg/m³), varying percentages of CR (0% to 30%), different types of SFs specifically micro-synthetic fibers (MISFs), and macro-synthetic fibers (MASFs), different lengths of SFs (19mm, 27mm, 38mm, 50mm, and 54mm), and different SFs volume fractions (0%, 0.2%, and 1%).
The second and third studies evaluated the flexural and shear behavior of large-scale reinforced concrete beams made with SCRC, vibrated rubberized concrete (VRC), SFSCRC, and synthetic fiber VRC (SFVRC).
The fourth study investigated the structural performance of rubberized beam-column joints reinforced with SFs/MFs under reverse cyclic loading. This study consisted of three stages: the first stage contained a total of six SCRC mixtures selected to cast six beam-column joints with varied percentages of CR (0-25%). The second stage included eight rubberized concrete mixtures with different coarse aggregate sizes and different MFs lengths and volumes selected to pour eight beam-column joints to be tested under cyclic loading. The third stage contained seven rubberized concrete beam-column joints reinforced with different types, lengths, and volumes of SFs to be tested under cyclic loading.
The fifth study evaluated the cyclic behavior of engineering cementitious composite (ECC) beam-column joints made with different percentages of CR, different SCMs, and different sand types. In this study a total of eight beam-column joints were cast and tested under reverse cyclic loading.
The main results drawn from the first study indicated that the addition of SFs reduced the fresh properties, which limited the maximum percentage of CR that could be used in SCRC mixtures to 20%, compared to a 30% maximum percentage of CR used in developing successful SCRC mixtures without SFs. However, using SFs in SCRC mixtures increased the impact resistance and appeared to alleviate the reduction in splitting tensile strength (STS) and flexural strength (FS) that resulted from adding CR.
The main results of the flexural testing conducted in study 2 indicated that using MISFs slightly enhanced the deformability, flexural stiffness, ductility, energy absorption, first cracking moment, and bending moment capacity, while this enhancement significantly increased when MASFs were used. Combining high percentage of MASFs (1%) with high percentage of CR (30%) compensated for the reduction in the bending moment capacity that resulted from using high percentage of CR, and helped to develop semi-lightweight concrete beams.
The inclusion of CR in study 3 negatively affected the ultimate shear load, post-diagonal cracking resistance, and first cracking moment of the tested beams while it improved the deformation capacity, self-weight, and cracking pattern. Combining CR with MISFs or MASFs, further improved the deformation capacity, self-weight, and narrowed the crack widths of the tested beams. The results of this study also indicated that the use of a relatively higher percentage of fibers (1% compared to 0.2%) in VRC beams significantly compensated for the reduction in shear strength resulting from a high CR percentage (30%).
The results of the fourth study revealed that the optimum percentage of CR to be used in beam-column joint mixtures is 15%. Although using this percentage slightly reduced the load carrying capacity, it greatly enhanced the ductility, brittleness index, deformability, and energy dissipation. The results also revealed that using MISFs slightly improved the structural performance of beam-column joints, while using MASFs had a significant effect on enhancing the load carrying capacity, ductility, stiffness, and energy dissipation of tested joints.
The main results of the fifth study reported that increasing the percentage of CR up to 15% significantly increased the deformability, cracking behavior, ductility, and energy dissipation of ECC joints, while the initial stiffness, first crack load, and ultimate load were decreased.


identifier: Atamanchuk-Anhel, Lada <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Atamanchuk-Anhel=3ALada=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Classification of conservation laws of shallow-water equations.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
We carry out the complete classification of zero-order conservation laws of the classes
of one- and two-dimensional shallow-water equations with variable bottom topography.
We also find the complete equivalence group for the one-dimensional case, using
the direct method, and for the two-dimensional case, using the algebraic method.
Using conservation-law characteristics, we find all inequivalent cases of bottom topographies
(up to the equivalence group), which give different spaces of conservation
laws. Analogously, using additionally the method of furcate splitting, we solve the
classification problem for conservation laws for the two-dimensional case.


identifier: Wang, Dawei <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Wang=3ADawei=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Positivity-preserving multigrid and multilevel methods.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Multigrids methods are extremely effective algorithms for solving the linear systems
that arise from discretization of many differential equations in computational mathematics.
A multigrid method uses a hierarchy of representations of the problem to
achieve its efficiency and fast convergence. Originally inspired by a problem in adaptive
mesh generation, this thesis focuses on the application of multigrid methods to a
range of problems where the solution is required to preserve some additional properties
during the iteration process. The major contribution of this thesis is the development
of multigrid methods with the additional feature of preserving solution positivity: We
have formulated both a multiplicative form multigrid method and a modified unigrid
algorithm with constraints that are able to preserve positivity of the approximate
solution at every iteration while maintaining convergence properties typical of normal
multigrid methods. We have applied these algorithms to the 1D adaptive mesh generation
problem to guarantee mesh nonsingularity, to singularly perturbed semilinear
reaction-diffusion equations to compute unstable solutions, and to nonlinear diffusion
equations. Numerical results show that our algorithms are effective and also possess
good convergence properties.


identifier: Costa, Jose Augusto Martini <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Costa=3AJose_Augusto_Martini=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Chilean blue revolution: the rise of salmon aquaculture and the state.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: In less than two decades, Chile moved from a nonexistent salmon aquaculture production to become a world leader. This research examines the role of state institutions in fostering a non-traditional export-led industry in Chile from 1969 to 2016. During this period, Chile experienced a forced transition towards a neoliberal economic model imposed by General Pinochet’s brutal dictatorship and maintained by subsequent democratic governments. The institutional framework set during the dictatorship of the 1970s and 1980s shaped actors and processes related to salmon aquaculture and continue to structure the industry. The history of salmon aquaculture development in Chile is marked by a paradox in which the Chilean state, the same that advocates for a neoliberal economy with a minimum state presence, continues to support, promote, finance and define the salmon aquaculture industry direct and indirectly.


identifier: Kondori, Javad <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Kondori=3AJavad=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Modeling investigation of gas hydrate decomposition: thermodynamic approach and molecular dynamic simulations.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
In the last few decades, there has been a great interest in the hydrate reservoirs for energy storage and source purposes. It has been proven that hydrates can contribute to ocean carbon cycling, global climate change, and coastal sediment stability. The permafrost and offshore environments contain enormous quantities of methane in the form of gas hydrates. In addition, the natural gas has been recently produced worldwide including in Alaska, Siberia, Japan, and North West Territories of Canada. However, the gas hydrates formation may lead to various forms of blockages in oil/gas production and transportation processes, resulting in high capital and operating costs.
Detailed experimental and modeling investigations of hydrate formation and decomposition can assist to better understand the mechanisms involved in gas production from hydrates. Thus, it is important to determine the equilibrium hydrate-forming conditions so that a systematic parametric sensitivity analysis is conducted to identify the vital process and thermodynamic parameters affecting this occurrence. This project focuses on the hydrate formation/dissociation conditions where equations of state and molecular dynamic (MD) simulations are used. Giving further information, this study provides a reliable model to determine the gas hydrate formation and decomposition conditions of pure, binary, and ternary systems of hydrate gases where the van der Waals Platteuw model is utilized by combining with extended UNIQUAC model and PC-SAFT equation of state. In addition, MD simulations are conducted to investigate the microscopic mechanisms/phenomena and intermolecular forces involved in gas (pure and mixture) hydrate decomposition, where the molecular interactions, structures, and behaviours of hydrate systems need to be appropriately explored. Through a systematic design of simulation runs, the impacts of temperature, pressure, cage occupancy, and inhibitors on the hydrate dissociation are studied. Furthermore, the diffusion coefficient, density, and heat capacity of gas hydrates with different structures and compositions of methane, carbon dioxide, propane, and isobutane are determined through employing MD strategy. A very good agreement is noticed between the modeling results and the experimental data so that the value of AADT% for PC-SAFT equation of state is lower, compared to the previous EOS/thermodynamic models. The binary interaction parameters for different binary components are investigated by using experimental hydrate data, leading to better outcome compared with results obtained through fitting the VLE data. The trend of the heat capacity and density of methane hydrate obtained from the MD simulations shows a good match with the real data. The hydrate decomposition is not achieved at the equilibrium temperature at 100% cage occupancy; however, the decomposition of the methane hydrate lattice is observed when the cage occupancy reduces from 100% to 87.5% or 75% because of low stability and high diffusion coefficient of the methane molecules at low cage occupancies where the temperature and pressure are constant. The lattice parameter for the methane/water and methane/isobutane systems is calculated at a variety of pressures and temperatures. A good agreement between the experimental data and simulation results is noticed. The relative importance of inhibitors in terms of gas hydrate decomposition duration is assessed. Based on this criterion, the inhibitors are ordered as follows: methanol > ethanol >glycerol. The physical properties such as density and lattice parameter for different compositions of methane + carbon dioxide are obtained which are in agreement with those determined by experimental and theoretical techniques. According to the MD results, the structure with methane (25%) + carbon dioxide (75%) composition is almost stable under 300 K at 5 MPa; it means the best configuration to have a stable structure is when carbon dioxide and methane molecules are in large and small cavities, respectively. MD technique is used to investigate the bubble formation and evolution of carbon dioxide and methane after dissociation. Analysing the outcome of the present and previous works, the current study provides new reliable/useful information and data on the thermodynamic behaviours and molecular level of the hydrate dissociation process. It is expected that such a research investigation offers effective tips/guidelines to deal with hydrate formation and dissociation in terms of utilization, prevention, and processing.


identifier: Shihadeh, Abdallah A. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Shihadeh=3AAbdallah_A=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Graded modules over the simple Lie algebra sl2(C).  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This thesis provides a contribution to the area of group gradings on the simple
modules over simple Lie algebras. A complete classification of gradings on finite-dimensional
simple modules over arbitrary finite-dimensional simple Lie algebras over
algebraically closed fields of characteristic zero, in terms of graded Brauer groups, has
been recently given in the papers of A. Elduque and M. Kochetov. Here we concentrate
on infinite-dimensional modules. A complete classification by R. Block of all
simple modules over a simple Lie algebra is known only in the case of sl2(C). Thus,
we restrict ourselves to the gradings on simple sl2(C)-modules. We first give a full
description for the Z- and Z₂²
-gradings of all weight modules over sl₂(C). Then we
show that Z-gradings do not exist on any torsion-free sl₂(C)-modules of finite rank.
After this, we treat Z₂²
-gradings on torsion-free modules of various ranks. A construction
for these modules was given by V. Bavula, and J. Nilson gave a classification of
the torsion-free sl₂(C)-modules of rank 1. After giving some, mostly negative, results
about the gradings on these latter modules, we construct the first family of simple
Z₂²
-graded sl₂(C)-modules (of rank 2). We also construct a family of graded-simple
torsion-free modules of rank 2. For each of the modules in these families, we give a
complete description of their tensor products with simple graded finite-dimensional
modules.
we restrict ourselves to the gradings on simple sl₂(C)-modules. We first give a full
description for the Z- and Z₂²
-gradings of all weight modules over sl₂(C). Then we
show that Z-gradings do not exist on any torsion-free sl₂(C)-modules of finite rank.
After this, we treat Z₂²
-gradings on torsion-free modules of various ranks. A construction
for these modules was given by V. Bavula, and J. Nilson gave a classification of
the torsion-free sl₂(C)-modules of rank 1. After giving some, mostly negative, results
about the gradings on these latter modules, we construct the first family of simple
Z₂²
-graded sl₂(C)-modules (of rank 2). We also construct a family of graded-simple
torsion-free modules of rank 2. For each of the modules in these families, we give a
complete description of their tensor products with simple graded finite-dimensional
modules.


identifier: Barbour, Kyle <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Barbour=3AKyle=3A=3A.html>   (2019) The experience of the absolute: a defense of F.H. Bradley's philosophy of experience against William James' criticisms.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This thesis addresses the debate between two of the most important philosophers at the turn of the 20th century: F.H. Bradley and William James. Their debate centered around the priority that each philosopher assigned to experience in terms of a starting point for metaphysical inquiry and the subsequent understanding of logical relations which each philosopher developed based upon their conception of experience. This thesis will consider James’ “radical empiricism” as a response and critique of Bradley’s philosophy. As such, through an investigation of each philosopher, this thesis will argue that James’ critique of Bradley is flawed due to his misreading of Bradley’s philosophy and will conclude that Bradley’s philosophy holds the potential to answer the difficulties found within James’ radical empiricism and, though it contains undeniable flaws of its own, holds within it the seeds for future philosophical development that exceeds Bradley and James’ debate.


identifier: Harris-Lane, Laura <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Harris-Lane=3ALaura=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Young adult perceptions of cannabis use.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

title: Young adult perceptions of cannabis use

abstract: In Canada, adolescents and young adults consume more cannabis than any other age group. Despite adolescents and young adults being particularly vulnerable to cannabis use related harms, research suggests that this age group often holds misconceptions about possible harms associated with cannabis use. The primary purpose of this study was to examine young adults’ perceived dangerousness of regular cannabis use and the extent to which perceptions of dangerousness differs depending on the age (14, 21, or 28 years) and sex (male or female) of the cannabis user. Participants (N = 656) between the ages of 18 to 25 years completed an online survey that utilized an experimental vignette design whereby participants were randomly assigned one of six vignettes depicting a character who used cannabis regularly and based on their assigned vignette were asked to rate seven items of perceived dangerousness. A series of ANOVAs showed a significant main effect of age on six of seven items. Post hoc tests revealed that cannabis use by a 14-year-old was viewed as significantly more dangerous than cannabis use by a 21 and 28-year-old. However, cannabis use by a 21-year-old was not viewed as significantly more dangerous than cannabis use by a 28-year-old. Female cannabis use was perceived as more dangerous than male cannabis use in respect to social well-being. An inverse relationship between Cannabis Use Disorder Identification Test (CUDIT) score and perceived dangerousness was also found. Overall, these findings suggest that young adults may not fully appreciate the potential harms associated with regular cannabis use in their age cohort and that this may be particularly true of those having experienced adverse consequences associated with their own cannabis use.


identifier: Ahmad, Raahyma <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Ahmad=3ARaahyma=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Novel characteristics of the cultured lumpfish cyclopterus lumpus eye during post-hatch larval and juvenile developmental stages.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The lumpfish Cyclopterus lumpus (C. lumpus), superorder teleostei, is an ocean
fish that relies on healthy vision in the wild and in culture to see and eat prey or feed.
Although the use of C. lumpus in aquaculture is growing and there is reason to believe
that this fish can be used as a model system for visual research, the visual system of post
hatch developing C. lumpus has not been studied in detail. To that end, we systematically
analyzed the characteristics of the C. lumpus eye and retina during cultured post hatch
developmental stages. Post hatch developing cultured C. lumpus eye and retinal tissues
share a number of features typically conserved in other teleost fish. However, cultured C.
lumpus possess some novel ocular and retinal features different from previous
descriptions of other teleosts, including a prominent retractor lentis pigmented tissue
closely associated with the vascular rete mirabile, peripherally located lobes of separate
retinal tissue containing proliferative cells, extensive tapetum material of varying
thickness, prominent fundus stripes and an elongated rod-shaped optic nerve stalk, all
observed through gross observation, histology, fundus imaging and spectral domain
optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) retinal imaging. . Immunohistochemical
staining using alpha smooth muscle actin and proliferating cell nuclear antigen revealed
that post hatch developing cultured C. lumpus also developmentally regulate a protein
homologous to alpha smooth muscle actin in strikingly dense continuous bands in the
plexiform layers of the retina. The novel features of the eye and retina of cultured C.
lumpus described here could contribute to our understanding of fitness and survival of C.
lumpus in a widely ranging habitat and have implications in human visual health and
disease.


identifier: Charvadeh, Yasin Khadem <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Charvadeh=3AYasin_Khadem=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Propensity score matching methods for the analysis of recurrent events.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Observational studies are often used to investigate the effects of treatments on a specific
outcome. In many observational studies, the event of interest can be of recurrent
type, which means that subjects may experience the event of interest more than one
time during their follow-up. The lack of random allocation of treatments to subjects in
observational studies may induce the selection bias leading to systematic differences
in observed and unobserved baseline characteristics between treated and untreated
subjects. Propensity score matching is a popular technique to address this issue. It
is based on the estimation of conditional probability of treatment assignment given
the measured baseline characteristics. The use of the propensity score in the analysis
of observational studies with recurrent event outcomes has not been well developed.
In this study, we consider three matching methods called propensity score matching,
covariate matching and history matching, and compare the accuracy of them
to estimate the treatment effects in recurrent event rates through Monte Carlo simulation
studies. We consider various scenarios under the settings of time-fixed and
time-dependent treatment indicators. A synthetic data set is analyzed to illustrate
the methods discussed in the thesis.


identifier: Kavanagh, Victoria A. J. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Kavanagh=3AVictoria_A=2E_J=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Pre-learning sleep effects on directed forgetting.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: While it has long been known that many areas of cognition are negatively affected by poor sleep or an absence of sleep, the effect of sleep problems on intentional forgetting has yet to be established. A directed forgetting (DF) paradigm, in which participants are tested on items they were asked to both remember and forget, was used to compare the remembering and forgetting of participants with poor sleep quality and the presence of insomnia symptoms to those with good sleep quality. This study implemented the use of a point system in which participants were told that they would receive various points to incentivize performance in place of remember and forget instructions in a DF task with the goal of computing DF costs and benefits. The relations among memory, sleep, working memory capacity, and other demographic factors were also examined. A DF effect was found when comparing the positive point value to the negative and neutral point values, costs were found for participants without the presence of insomnia symptoms, and working memory capacity was found to only be related to remembering in the DF task. These results suggest that the current DF manipulation is useful in examining benefits but not costs in DF, the presence of insomnia symptoms does not affect performance on a DF task, and that working memory capacity does not differ between those with and without the presence of insomnia symptoms.


identifier: Fahmy, Weyam <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Fahmy=3AWeyam=3A=3A.html>   (2019) A study on the power of stories to persuade suspects to confess.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The effectiveness of an interview tactic, known as the story, at eliciting confessions from suspects of wrongdoing was examined. Participants (N = 60) were asked to complete a series of problems, some alone and some with the help of a confederate. The confederate prompted half of the participants to cheat by asking for the answer to an individual problem, and did not do so for the other half; this allowed for the manipulation of participants’ guilt/ innocence. All participants were then accused of cheating. For half of the participants, the experimenter used a story (adapted from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police’s Phased Interview Model) to persuade the suspect to confess, while the other half were not exposed to the story. The results showed that guilty participants were more likely to confess than innocent participants, but participants who received the story were not more likely to confess than those who were not exposed to the story. Participants exposed to the story were more likely to believe that the consequences would be less severe if they confessed, compared to those who were not exposed to the story. The implications of these findings with relevance to the Confessions Rule and the admissibility of confession evidence in court are discussed.


identifier: Rathnayake, D. G. R. M. Manoj Kaushalya <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Rathnayake=3AD=2E_G=2E_R=2E_M=2E_Manoj_Kaushalya=3A=3A.html>   (2019) The relative importance of olfactory signaling to fly-moss spore dispersal network structure of two sympatric moss species in Newfoundland, Canada.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
In Newfoundland, Splachnum ampullaceum (herbivore dung scent mimic) and S.
pensylvanicum (omnivore dung scent mimic) grow in bogs on summer moose (Alces
alces L.) dung and via olfactory and visual deception have their spores dispersed to
dung by flies. In Chapter 2, the addition of carnivore and herbivore-mimicking scent
increased the number of visiting flies, and the addition of carnivore scent attracted
carrion flies, and this effect was greatest for S. pensylvanicum. In Chapter three
consecutive years of fly trapping data for both species of moss were compared using
Network analyses. Results showed that both mosses attract a generalized fly fauna
(lower network specialization (H₂average) 0.171), most of which are also associated
with summer moose dung (average connectance low 0.799). Also, the fly faunas of S.
ampullaceum and S. pensylvanicum did not differ from each other in all three years.


identifier: Kaffashnia, Amir <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Kaffashnia=3AAmir=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Mass-imbalanced Hubbard model on a 2D square lattice.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The Hubbard model (HM) and the Falicov-Kimball model (FKM), which are two standard
models of strongly correlated electrons, provide an interesting benchmark for the
physics of locally correlated systems. We study the intermediate model, mass-imbalanced
Hubbard model at half-filling on a 2D square lattice which connects continuously the HM to
the FKM.We employ dynamical mean field theory (DMFT) and dynamical cluster approximation
(DCA) using continuous-time auxiliary field method (CT-AUX) as self-consistent
impurity solver to study the single particle spectral function and self-energy allowing us to
map-out the phase diagram of the system. Solutions to the mass-imbalanced model cannot
enforce paramagnetic self-consistency and therefore at low temperature result in paramagnetic
(PM) to antiferromagnetic (AFM) transition. In addition, in the PM state and at
finite temperature, we observed a spin dependent crossover from Fermi liquid (FL) regime
to non-Fermi liquid (nFL) regime in which the FL regime is destroyed, monotonically, induced
not only by the interaction but also by the mass imbalance. We present the results
for small cluster DCA and explore its dependency on cluster size as well.


identifier: Murphy, Jennifer Nicole <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Murphy=3AJennifer_Nicole=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Adding value to waste from the aquaculture industry: the development of green processing technologies, characterization, and applications of waste blue mussel shells.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Mussels (Mytilus edulis) are a high protein food grown using aquacultural methods around the world. By-product streams from this industry include raw discards (small or damaged product) and cooked shells that retain their posterior adductor muscle. The shell by-product streams from aquaculture could be used in a range of applications but shell storage without protein removal is problematic. An environmentally friendly shell cleaning protocol was developed using two industrial available food grade enzymes (Multifect PR 6L and PR 7L) to remove protein from mussel shells and is described in Chapter 2. This process was optimized using a Design of Experiments approach and could be performed in seawater or tap water using raw or cooked mussels. This method provides two product streams: a biorenewable calcium carbonate and protein hydrolysate.
Characterization of the shells, including by ¹H MAS NMR spectroscopy, is described in Chapter 3. Heat treatment of blue mussel shells yields four CaCO₃ materials with differing ratios of aragonite and calcite. Heat treatment (220 °C, 48 h) of the shells caused a large decrease in organic matrix levels as shown by ¹H MAS NMR spectroscopy and this reduction in matrix content leads to a simple way to separate the prismatic calcite layer from the nacreous layer, allowing easy isolation of natural platelets of nacre. Using mussel protein hydrolysate from the shell cleaning protocol as an additive, synthetic nacre was prepared using a CaCl₂ and Na₂CO₃ mixing method.
The preparation of calcium acetate from mussel shell materials and acetic acid is described in Chapter 4. An exploratory central composite design compared the yield of Ca(CH₃COO)₂ with respect to shell material used, concentration of CH₃COOH, and time. The yield of Ca(CH₃COO)₂·H₂O was optimized further using heated, crushed shells using a custom optimal design. A maximum yield of 93% was reached after 32 h using 9% CH₃COOH and food-grade white vinegar gave an 85% yield of Ca(CH₃COO)₂·H₂O after 24 h. De-icing experiments showed that the Ca(CH₃COO)₂·H₂O produced from waste blue mussel shells melted 10-13 wt.% of ice in 15 min at concentrations of 20-30% (m/v) at –16 °C.
During the synthesis of calcium acetate, a new material was discovered (Chapter 5), which was formed by the reassembly of calcite prisms held together by the organic matrix ‘glue’ as evidenced by NMR spectroscopy. This self-assembled calcite (SAC) material has a nest-like morphology and can absorb 10 times its mass in water. This inorganic sponge was used to adsorb dyes from aqueous solution (24 wt% of fabric dye) and absorb crude oil. SAC had an average crude oil absorption capacity of 978% +/- 84.3% with no consequence on crude oil absorption over 10 cycles of re-use. The SAC material was also used as an inorganic filler in ionic liquid gel polymer electrolytes (Chapter 6). The addition of SAC resulted in mechanically and thermally stable films with good conductivity and large electrochemical window. Cell capacitors fabricated using this material had very good capacitance, 110 F/g at a current density of 2 A/g. The maximum energy density and power density of the device containing SAC was 28 Wh/kg and 8.1 kW/kg at 0.5 and 10 A/g, respectively.


identifier: Saha, Choyon Kumar <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Saha=3AChoyon_Kumar=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Examining and comparing social dimensions in transnational aquaculture certification programs.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Certification is a market-based governance instrument for promoting the long-term
sustainability of farming fish. While there are dozens of certification programs operating in
the global seafood market, this thesis examines the emergence and evolution of certification
programs that target aquaculture production in multiple jurisdictions, followed by an
examination and comparison of the social principles and criteria in eleven comprehensive
programs that are prominent globally. Drawing on an analysis of scholarly publications, gray
literature, and certification standard documents, this research is designed with two specific
goals: to enhance an understanding of the emergence and evolution of certification schemes
in aquaculture sector and to enhance a comparative understanding of their social, economic
and community-focused principles in a context of wider efforts to promote socially and
ethically responsible aquaculture practices. As very little recent scholarship has focused on
these two areas, this research sheds light on: when, how and why various schemes have
emerged and evolved over time and space, and what factors and actors drive certification
agencies to integrate social, economic and community-oriented principles in to their
certification system. The thesis argues that there have been seven key dynamic forces driving
a plethora of mainly non-state actors, organizations, associations, foundations, corporations,
international networks and alliances to design and develop aquaculture certification
programs. The interaction of these forces, and the underlying interests that have shaped key
actors in supporting aquaculture certification, have played pivotal role in the emergence and
evolution of four organic and seven nonorganic certification schemes during two key periods:
1970-1999 and 2000-2018. The thesis further argues that certification agencies incorporate an
array of complementary and distinct social, economic and community-oriented principles into
their standards and requirements. These principles target the industry’s unresolved problems
and promote socially and ethically responsible aquaculture practices through upholding
justice, fairness, freedom and equality. These principles of aquaculture certification schemes
are also compared with the CFRN framework. The diversity of social, economic and
community principles, criteria and indicators within and across certification programs will
likely create ongoing pressures related to questions of harmonization and fragmentation.


identifier: Irving, Michelle <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Irving=3AMichelle=3A=3A.html>   (2019) How do party leaders present themselves on social media? The race for premiership in Western Canadian elections 2011 - 2017.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Voters have partisan and gendered expectations of candidates, and literature suggests
that candidates will shape their campaigns to have wide appeal. It’s reasonable to expect
that these decisions will extend beyond the “traditional” campaign to their social media
presence, but we really do not know. I ask if candidates conform to traditional gendered
stereotypes and how their self-presentation on social media is influenced by party label,
sex, and electoral timeframe. I assess Twitter feeds of party leaders seeking the
premiership in western Canadian elections. I analyze the use of gendered language in
tweets to determine how, and in what ways, stereotypical norms impact a leaders’ self-presentation.
My findings reveal that sex, party and time have an impact on tweets to
varying degrees; with party label and time having the strongest overall effect. This
analysis breaks down some complexities of self-presentation, furthering the dialogue
around gender presentation in the political arena.


identifier: Duncan, Moira <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Duncan=3AMoira=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Educating a princess: Elizabeth I's Commonplace book.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Elizabeth I (1558-1603) received an exceptional humanist education in a time when female learning primarily meant moral and domestic training. Elizabeth’s instruction combined elements of both the privately oriented domestic education of women and the more public rhetorical training reserved primarily for men. Her educational model is most clearly shown in the commonplace book associated with her, which constituted a vital component and indispensable tool in her training. In 1563 a commonplace book, entitled Precationes Priuate, Regiae E[lizabethae]. R[eginae] (STC 7576.7) was published under Elizabeth’s name by the London printer Thomas Purfoot. Aside from Precationes, or private prayers, the composite volume also includes two other works: Sententiae, a collection of sayings, and Regna Quibis Imperat Elizabeta Regina Angliae, a detailed description of the administrative bodies of her realm. Not only are these elements typically found in both male and female commonplace books, but they also reveal her unique princely education shaped by both feminine and masculine rhetorical instruction. The same gendered duality that is present in her commonplace book is also detectable in her speeches. In fact, Elizabeth applied the same compositional techniques associated with her commonplace book in her speeches written for both her subjects and parliament.


identifier: Van Wijk, Megan <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Van_Wijk=3AMegan=3A=3A.html>   (2019) An examination of the relationship between insomnia symptoms and treatment outcome in binge eating disorder.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Background: Sleep has been shown to be associated with treatment outcome in addictive
disorders, mood disorders and mixed eating disorders samples. To date no research has
examined the relationship between insomnia symptoms and treatment outcome in binge
eating disorder (BED). Method: The present study was a secondary analysis that
evaluated whether insomnia symptoms were associated with Dialectical Behaviour
Therapy (DBT) self-help treatment outcome in a community sample of 71 participants
with BED. Binge eating frequency, eating disorder psychopathology, insomnia
symptoms, as well as anxious and depressive symptoms were assessed at pre- and post-treatment and at 3-month follow-up. Results: Results showed an improvement in
insomnia symptoms from pre- to post-treatment and that baseline clinical levels of
insomnia symptoms were associated with poorer treatment outcome at a trend level.
Conclusion: Results are preliminary and additional research is needed to determine the
prognostic significance of sleep in BED. Clinical implications and future directions are
discussed.


identifier: Ajiboye, Olufemi <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Ajiboye=3AOlufemi=3A=3A.html>   (2019) The impacts of elevated temperature and moderate hypoxia on the production characteristics, cardiac morphology and haematology of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar).  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Salmon in sea cages are exposed to high water temperatures and low dissolved oxygen levels (i.e., hypoxia) that are predicted to worsen with climate change. I examined the impacts of an incremental temperature increase (1⁰C/week to 20⁰C or 23⁰C) and moderate hypoxia (~70% air saturation) on the production characteristics, cardiac morphometrics and haematology of farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) of Saint John River origin under laboratory conditions. While temperatures up to 20⁰C had few negative effects on the salmon, hypoxia significantly reduced feed consumption and growth, and further temperature increases adversely affected the fish. Specific growth rate and feed consumption dropped dramatically after 20⁰C, and mortalities began at 21⁰C and reached ~ 30% by 23⁰C. Salmon exposed to high temperature alone had increased relative ventricular mass (by 21%), whereas those exposed to high temperature and hypoxia had a 15% greater blood oxygen carrying capacity. This research suggests that further increases in coastal ocean temperatures may negatively affect farmed salmon production, especially if combined with hypoxia.


identifier: Waye, Shannon <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Waye=3AShannon=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) reverses the initial paradoxical effects of paroxetine in olfactory bulbectomized adolescent rats.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that sends weak electrical current through the skull, resulting in neuroplastic changes. We examined its antidepressant properties using adolescent rats, as current antidepressant drug treatment during pre-pubescent stages often proves ineffective and may also result in worsening of depressive symptoms. We induced a depressive-like phenotype in adolescent Sprague-Dawley rats using olfactory bulbectomy (OBX), a rodent model of depression that results in behavioural and neurochemical changes that are reversed by antidepressant treatment. We examined if acute (two days) or chronic (two weeks) tDCS treatment resulted in reductions of OBX-induced depressive-like behavioural symptoms, including hyperlocomotion in an open field chamber, latency to feed in a novelty suppressed feeding test, immobility in a forced swim test, and deceased sucrose consumption, and if these effects were achievable with tDCS alone or in combination with paroxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Finally, we examined whether the antidepressant-like activity of tDCS is linked to its capacity to increase the growth-stimulating protein brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) by collecting blood plasma for an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We found that both OBX surgery and paroxetine treatment increased depressive-like behaviours in adolescent rats, and that tDCS reversed these effects. Furthermore, OBX resulted in a decrease in plasma BDNF, an effect that was resistant to both tDCS and paroxetine treatment. Overall, our results suggest that tDCS is an effective adjunct treatment for adolescent depression in combination with antidepressant drugs.


identifier: Singleton, Joseph <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Singleton=3AJoseph=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Design and development of a novel autonomous moored underwater profiler.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The ocean is a dynamic and complex system. Understanding it through observation is critical to predicting and adapting to it. This thesis details a new approach to making vertical profiles at a fixed geographic location. It describes the design of a novel autonomous moored underwater profiler to characterize the water column of the continental shelf. The theory supporting the design is detailed, and the results of laboratory and field tests are presented. The rationale for the system, sub-system, and component design and selection is supported through calculations, and/or validated through bench testing. The resulting prototype is a hybrid of a wire follower type profiler. The profiler is attached to a subsea mooring and it is capable of profiling the entire water column. Using a buoyancy engine and compound pulley system, the unique propulsion system only requires power for the ascent. Performance analysis of the prototype during open water field trials indicated a high potential for the profiler to operate as intended.


identifier: Tremblett, Aidan <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Tremblett=3AAidan=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Systematic coarse-graining in molecular simulations using relative entropy and generalized ensembles.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Computer simulations have become a powerful tool for studying the structure, dynamics,
or other characteristics of a wide variety of physical systems. The goal of
coarse-grained (CG) models is to simplify the representation of the physical system
while still maintaining enough information to capture the desired properties of the
system. A main challenge in the development of CG models is determining the potential
energy function, UCG, which often depends on a large number of unknown model
parameters, λ. Different methods for determining these model parameters have been
proposed, (potential of mean force, multi-scale coarse-graining), but they rely on determining
quantities, such as free energies, that are computationally challenging to
calculate.
Here we develop a systematic method to determine the optimal parameters for
coarse-grained models of molecular systems, using the relative entropy, Srel, as a
metric to compare a target ensemble to an ensemble generated from a CG model. The
relative entropy depends on the free energy, and a novel approach for determining the
free energy was developed, which used a generalized ensemble approach to simulate
the joint probability distribution, p(r, λ), where r is a chain conformation. The
generalized ensemble Monte Carlo simulation allowed the model parameters to be
dynamic, which means they are allowed to change during the simulation. These
simulations allow for the free energies, FCG(λ), to be obtained directly from the marginal probability distribution, p(λ), during the simulation. The relative entropy,
Srel(λ), was calculated and minimized with respect to the CG model parameters in
order to obtain the optimal model parameters.
The systematic method was applied to an existing CG model for protein folding
that was modified to include a new potential energy term that contained either
13 or 91 unknown model parameters. The method was used to systematically determined
the optimal model parameters that allowed a protein to fold to its native
structure. The relative entropy was calculated for two target ensembles, the experimentally
determined single native structure, and the set of configurations from an
all-atom simulation. It was found that the potential energy function with 91 unknown
parameters converged to the optimal parameter set faster than the potential energy
function with 13 unknown parameters. The optimal parameter set for the 13 model
parameters was not able to fully capture the folding of the protein, while the 91 model
parameter set was able to capture the folding behaviour. Furthermore, the optimal
CG model parameter set that was found using the experimentally determined native
structure as a target for the relative entropy minimization gave better results than
the all-atom target ensemble. This is likely due to the set of configurations for the
all-atom target ensemble being dominated by the unfolded state instead of a folded
state.


identifier: Repa, Lily Michelle <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Repa=3ALily_Michelle=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Sleep quality, insomnia symptoms, chronotype, and mental health in young adults.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: There is a bidirectional relationship between sleep and mental health, with deteriorations in one often associated with concomitant decrements in the other. Young adults (YAs) are at an increased risk of experiencing sleep disturbance, as well as anxiety and mood disorders. Individuals at this developmental stage are also more likely to have an evening chronotype, the circadian preference most closely related to poor mental health outcomes. This dissertation comprises two studies that draw from the same data set. Study 1 examined the prevalence rates of, and relationships among, sleep disturbance as measured by three sleep metrics and mental health. Results from this first study demonstrated above average rates of anxiety, depression, and global distress. A dose-response relationship was found between sleep disturbance, as indicated by three separate sleep metrics, and mental health symptoms: the greater the number of sleep measures for which participants met or exceeded clinical cut-offs, the more severe was the mental health symptomology. Study 2 examined the prevalence rates of chronotype among YAs, and the relationship between chronotype and symptoms of anxiety, depression, and global distress, as well as the positive psychological constructs of mindfulness and perceived social support. The second study demonstrated a prevalence rate of evening chronotype that is consistent with other YA populations surveyed elsewhere. Additionally, it was found that chronotype shared a gradient relationship with mental health, with evening types endorsing greater scores on all mental health measures than their intermediate and morning counterparts. In contrast, morning types were more likely to report greater levels of mindfulness and perceived social support. Age had an inconsistent impact on the relationship between chronotype and mental health. This findings of these two studies emphasize the increased risk at which YAs with poor sleep quality and/or evening chronotype are for experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and distress. Study limitations and future directions for knowledge translation are discussed.


identifier: Majumder, Dipika <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Majumder=3ADipika=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Consumers’ perceptions of implementing traceability systems in farm-raised Atlantic salmon in Newfoundland and Labrador.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The occurrences of food safety incidents like polychlorinated biphenyls in farmed Atlantic
salmon in Canada heightened public awareness causing significant reduction in the consumption
of the farm-raised salmon. This has induced policymakers and stakeholders to implement
traceability systems as part of enhancing consumers’ trust and safety in farm-raised salmon. This
thesis aims to provide information on consumers’ awareness about traceability systems of farmraised
Atlantic salmon and their willingness to pay (WTP) for traceable farm-raised salmon in
Newfoundland and Labrador (NL), Canada. The thesis uses a logistic regression model to assess
consumers’ preferences for farm-raised Atlantic salmon. To estimate the parameters of the
model, a telephone survey was carried out in fall 2018 over 200 consumers in the province. The
results of the study show that the gender and age of the respondents, education level, household
size, and household consumptions are significant determinants of NL consumer’s WTP for the
farm-raised traceable salmon. Moreover, a shortage of public knowledge about the traceability
systems was also observed in the empirical evidence. To increase the consumers’ knowledge
about the value of traceability and traceability aspects, public authorities and food companies
need to take further initiatives in NL. Providing detail labeling could be one of the suitable ways
of communicating traceability to consumers. Besides, comprehensive monitoring by the
competent authorities is also required to guarantee the truthfulness of traceable information, to
ensure seafood sustainability and to reveal the food safety problems for enhancing the degree of
consumer confidence in traceability systems.


identifier: Ovi, Mafruha Akhter <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Ovi=3AMafruha_Akhter=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Three-dimensional Prandtl-Tomlinson model of nanoscale friction.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Friction is a complex phenomenon that involves interaction between microsized asperities
on the surfaces of two bodies in contact. Friction force microscopy allows investigating
friction forces that arise at the level of a single asperity, which is the tip of an atomic
force microscope (AFM). In this thesis, the Prandtl-Tomlinson model of single-asperity
friction is developed that fully incorporates the three-dimensional character of the
problem. An algorithm is derived that allows integrating the resulting equations of
motion. Special care is taken to select the model parameters close to the values that can
be deduced from the experimental results published in the literature. The effect of
periodic actuation of the AFM cantilever on the resulting friction forces is studied within
this model. Three actuation modes are considered: transverse, normal, and lateral.
Transverse actuation has no effect whatsoever on the friction force, whereas the effect of
normal actuation is somewhat weaker than the effect of lateral actuation. Due to the finite
mass of the cantilever, its motion may proceed in many different regimes which depend
on the actuation amplitude and frequency. Hence, the dependence of friction force on
actuation frequency at fixed amplitude and on the actuation amplitude at fixed frequency
is obtained numerically. Both dependences are not simple and consist of a series of
irregular peaks. Those peaks are more pronounced at zero temperature than at room
temperature. Finally, the limitations of the model are discussed. It is suggested that two
effects must be incorporated into the model in order to provide a more realistic picture of
the nanoscale friction: the finite elasticity of the apex of the cantilever tip and the aging of
the tip-sample contact.


identifier: Donnan, Jennifer <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Donnan=3AJennifer=3A=3A.html>   (2019) The integration of patient preferences into quantitative risk-benefit assessment of sodium glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors for the management of type 2 diabetes.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Background: The Sodium Glucose Co-Transporter-2 (SLGT2) Inhibitors are the newest class
of antihyperglycemic medications available on the market. These agents have gained quick
popularity due to demonstrated cardiovascular benefits among patients with pre-existing
cardiovascular disease. While we have estimates for the probabilities of benefits and harms
for SGLT2 inhibitors, the overall balance of risk and benefits that reflects the values of
patients is unknown.
Objectives and Methods:
1. To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the current state of knowledge
surrounding post-market safety concerns of the SGLT2 inhibitors, including acute
kidney injury (AKI), diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), urinary tract infection (UTI), bone
fracture and amputation, in patients with type 2 diabetes.
2. To estimate the strength of preferences, relative importance, and trade-offs that
Canadians with type 2 diabetes make between characteristics of glucose-lowering
medications using a discrete choice experiment (DCE).
3. To bring together Canadian patient preferences for attributes of diabetes therapies
with probabilities of efficacy and safety retrieved from the literature, to compare
the SGLT2 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP1) receptor agonists, using
quantitative benefit-risk assessment (BRA) following the incremental net benefit
(INB) framework.
Results: The analysis of the adverse outcomes of the SGLT2 inhibitors, suggested no
significant increase in the risk of AKI, DKA, UTI (exception: high dose dapagliflozin) or bone
fractures. Amputation was poorly reported, however CANVAS trials do show an increased
risk. The DCE showed that all eight examined attributes for diabetes medications, including
cost, risk of macrovascular and microvascular events, risk of minor side effects, severe
hypoglycemia, serious long term consequences, and life expectancy were each shown to
significantly influence choice. Life expectancy and cost were more important to patients.
Finally, the BRA demonstrated that there was a minimal difference in INB between the
SGLT2 inhibitors and the GLP1 receptor agonists, but favored the SGLT2 inhibitors (INB =
0.2) and results were consistent in sensitivity analysis.
Conclusion: This program of research used emerging methods, including a network metaanalysis,
a DCE, and preference-weighted BRA to examine the balance between risks and
benefits of the SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP1 agonists. These studies resulted in a final INB that
favored SGLT2 inhibitors, though magnitude was small. More importantly, this research
identifies several challenges and limitations, including gaps in methodological guidance that
still exist to successfully integrate patient preferences into BRA.


identifier: Cleary, Jillian M. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Cleary=3AJillian_M=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2019) The role of endogenous circadian oscillators on hippocampal-dependent learning in an animal model of social jet lag.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Discrepancies between weekday and weekend sleep schedules have led to the concept of
“social jet lag”, which is suggested to negatively impact circadian rhythms via disruption
of the light entrainable oscillator (LEO). The current study used an animal model of
social jet lag, herein coined the social jet lag manipulation (SJM), to examine the effects
of circadian rhythm disruption on hippocampal-dependent memory. Further, it examined
if having access to the food entrainable oscillator (FEO) could counteract any observed
deficits. While receiving one (FEO access) or multiple (no FEO access) meals per day,
rats were exposed to either a 12:12 light-dark cycle or the 32-day SJM. Following the
manipulation schedule, rats were trained on the non-hippocampal dependent stimulus
response (SR) task and the hippocampal-dependent Morris water maze task. There were
no differences observed between group performance on the non-hippocampal SR task.
SJM and control rats also showed equal acquisition and retention of the hippocampaldependent
water maze task, leaving the question of whether FEO can counteract LEO
disrupted circadian rhythms to be further investigated. The current study demonstrates the
importance of further investigation into models of circadian rhythm disruption and the
possible ameliorative effects of access to the FEO.


identifier: Joshua, Kenneth Kevin <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Joshua=3AKenneth_Kevin=3A=3A.html>   (2019) The association between physically active leisure, physical and mental health and life satisfaction among Canadian immigrants.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Immigrants constitute more than one fifth of the Canadian population. Little is known about predictors of immigrant life satisfaction in this country. This cross-sectional study explored the levels and predictors of life satisfaction among immigrants in Canada with respect to their length of stay. Physically active leisure, mental health, physical health, and social factors were evaluated as potential predictors. The study utilized the 2014 Canadian Community Health Survey, with immigrants (N = 8875) between 12 – 80 years old. Data was analyzed using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models between life satisfaction and predictors. High levels of life satisfaction, physical and mental health, and poor levels of physically active leisure were prevalent among immigrants. Sense of belonging and income predicted life satisfaction. While no significant differences were found related to length of their stay sense of belonging and income were stronger predictors among short-term compared to long-term immigrants. No predictors moderated mental health and life satisfaction or physically active leisure and life satisfaction. The present study addressed the need of future research in the field life satisfaction among Canadian immigrants.


identifier: Glavine, Patrick Joseph <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Glavine=3APatrick_Joseph=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Interactive multiple model filtering for robotic navigation and tracking applications.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The work contained in this thesis focuses on two main objectives. The first objective is to evaluate the Interactive Multiple Model (IMM) filter method for robotic applications including inertial navigation systems (INS) and computer vision tracking. The second objective is to design an experimental testbed for multi-model mobile robot state estimation research in the Intelligent Systems Laboratory (ISLAB) at Memorial University.
An IMM estimator uses multiple filters that run simultaneously to produce a combined weighted estimation of an observed system’s states. The weights are functions of the likelihood of how well each individual filter matches the current behaviour exhibited by the system. The performance of IMM filtering is evaluated using two different strategies for augmenting the system’s filter banks. The first method uses multiple kinematic models (constant velocity and constant acceleration models) in a mean-shift-based computer vision tracking application. The results of this experiment indicate that the IMM improves tracking performance due to its ability to adapt to the continuously changing motion characteristics of 2D blobs in videos. The second approach uses the same kinematics for each filter; however, the process and sensor noise parameters are tuned differently for each model. This method is tested in INS applications for both an automobile and a skid-steer mobile robot (Seekur Jr). Results show that the method improves INS tracking over single model Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) designs. Furthermore, an augmented state-space model containing skid-steer instantaneous center of rotation (ICR) kinematics is presented for future testing on the Seekur Jr INS.
The experimental testbed designed in this thesis work is an operational data acquisition system developed for use with the Seekur Jr robot. The Seekur Jr platform has been Robot Operating System (ROS) enabled with access to data streams from 2D Lidar, 3D nodding Lidar, inertial measurement unit, digital compass, wheel encoder, onboard Global Positioning System (GPS), real-time kinematic (RTK) differential global positioning system (DGPS) ground truth, and vision sensors. The physical setup and data networking aspects of the testbed have been used for validation of an IMM filter presented in this thesis and is fully configured for future multi-model localization experiments of the ISLAB.


identifier: Hefferman, Adam <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Hefferman=3AAdam=3A=3A.html>   (2019) The place of food science in Newfoundland's high school curriculum: preparing for local, sustainable food culture and security.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This qualitative study examined the place of a Food Science curriculum in the
Newfoundland and Labrador high school program and the possible effects said curriculum
may have on local food culture and security. First, a scan of curriculum documents of
current provincial high school programming was completed. Afterwards, a survey was
done with seventy-one students at three inner city high schools in St. John’s,
Newfoundland. Next, a smaller group of students at each of the three schools who
completed the survey volunteered to participate in a focus group, in addition to a focus
group of six educators at the three schools surveyed and interviews with several
prominent food experts on the island. Participants, in conjunction with the curriculum
documents, gave their thoughts and opinions on the current presence of food science and
sustainability in the Newfoundland and Labrador high school syllabus, where adolescents
were learning most of their information about food, whether adolescents made food
choices based on criteria for sustainability and whether there is a place for a dedicated
Food Science program in the province.
Responses underwent qualitative analysis and a number of categories emerged. The
study was guided by a general research question and several ancillary research questions.
The principal research question guiding the study was: What do high school students in
Newfoundland learn about food security and sustainability through the current
curriculum? The ancillary research questions were:
1. What do high school students in Newfoundland understand about food from their
current schooling?
2. Does a Newfoundland high school student’s education inform their food
choices?
3. Where do these students currently find most of their information about food
and food culture?
4. What do these students currently understand about food security and
sustainability?
5. Does students’ location effect their food choices?
6. What do local high school educators (administrators and teachers)
understand about the current food presence in Newfoundland school
curriculum?
7. What is the understanding of food experts (chefs etc.) about public
knowledge relating to food culture, security and sustainability?
The study found that the current high school programming in Newfoundland and
Labrador lacks depth in the areas of food sustainability and culture. Results alluded that
the province is in a risky position in terms of food security, that the general public is
blissfully ignorant about the severity of the issue and that adding a Food Science course to
the high school curriculum could add practicality to a modern education system
progressively more focused


identifier: AbuMoise, Abed Alsalam <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/AbuMoise=3AAbed_Alsalam=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Reservoir dynamics induced by coupling to a quantum system.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
We consider the dynamics of fixed size subsystems of an open quantum system, in
which N particles interact via a common quantum noise (reservoir). We show that
correlations among the particles and between the particles and the reservoir, which
are brought about through the interaction for finite N, vanish completely in the high
complexity limit N → ∞. We investigate the effect of the particle system on the
reservoir, which itself is a large quantum system. For each fixed time, we find the
explicit construction of a Hilbert space representation of the asymptotic (N → ∞)
reservoir state and analyze the relation between those representations at different
times.


identifier: Ravalia, Adam Shahim <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Ravalia=3AAdam_Shahim=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Early synaptic hippocampal deficits in the Q175FDN mouse model of Huntington Disease.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Huntington Disease (HD) is an inherited neurodegenerative disease caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the gene encoding the huntingtin protein. The resultant mutant huntingtin triggers numerous and severe neuronal abnormalities. Although motor deficits manifest during midlife, subtle cognitive aberrations can be detected prior to the onset of an overt behavioural phenotype. However, knowledge surrounding the cognitive deficits in the early stages of HD is scarce. Here, we studied hippocampal synaptic properties, including activity-dependent plasticity and nanoscale architecture in a mouse model of HD prior to the onset of motor symptoms. We focused on the hippocampus due to its involvement in cognitive function and the debilitating cognitive symptoms described by HD patients. Multi-electrode array recordings of synaptic activities revealed impairments in plasticity, while super-resolution microscopy elucidated clear alterations in synaptic nanoarchitecture of the hippocampus. Our data demonstrate detrimental effects of mHtt expression on hippocampal structure and function in presymptomatic HD.


identifier: Wolfrum, A. A. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Wolfrum=3AA=2E_A=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Archaeo-geophysical survey on the Ushpitun landform, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Labrador.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This thesis presents the results from a geophysical survey undertaken on the Ushpitun landform, an area of Intermediate period Amerindian occupation This archaeo-geophysical survey intends to test the efficacy of using magnetometry, ground penetrating radar, and magnetic susceptibility/conductivity to locate features on the landform. Additionally, the effectiveness and efficiency of geophysical survey methods will be compared to past non-geophysical methods. The results of this project conclude that magnetometry is the best means of locating features, though this is couched in the failure of the magnetic susceptibility/conductivity instrument and the inability of the ground penetrating radar to identify any near-surface features. Charcoal recovered from three combustion features was analyzed and calibrated radiocarbon dates offer a challenge to previous relative sea level dating in the area. An analysis of surface collected lithic materials supports Neilsen’s (2006) assertion that the landform was likely a limited procurement camp and not a long-term habitation site.


identifier: Wilkie, Crystal M. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Wilkie=3ACrystal_M=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Pharmacological manipulation of the glutamate transporter system in health and disease.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Glutamate transporter-1 (GLT-1) is the main glutamate transporter in the brain. Dysfunctional GLT-1 has been suggested to cause glutamate uptake impairments in Huntington disease (HD). It is thought that simply increasing GLT-1 expression can increase glutamate uptake in the brain. However, the functional effect of increasing GLT-1 expression in HD or the healthy brain has not been studied. We increased GLT-1 expression using two compounds, ceftriaxone and LDN/OSU-0212320 (LDN), and used the iGluSnFR technique to visualize glutamate dynamics in real-time. We found an impairment in glutamate uptake in the HD hippocampus in mice that was surprisingly not alleviated by ceftriaxone treatment. Furthermore, we found that increasing GLT-1 expression through ceftriaxone or LDN treatment in the healthy brain had no effect on glutamate uptake. These results suggest that increasing glutamate uptake is much more complex than just increasing GLT-1 expression.


identifier: Karami, Ebrahim <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Karami=3AEbrahim=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Computer-based estimation of circulating blood volume from ultrasound imagery.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Detection of relative changes in circulating blood volume is important to guide resuscitation
and manage a variety of medical conditions including sepsis, trauma, dialysis
and congestive heart failure. In recent years, ultrasound images of inferior vena cava
(IVC) and internal jugular vein (IJV) have been used to assess volume status and
guide fluid administration. This approach has limitations in that a skilled operator
must perform repeated measurements over time.
In this dissertation, we develop semi-automatic image processing algorithms for estimation
and tracking of the IVC anterior-posterior (AP)-diameter and IJV crosssectional
area in ultrasound videos. The proposed algorithms are based on active
contours (ACs), where either the IVC AP-diameter or IJV CSA is estimated by minimization
of an energy functional.
More specifically, in chapter 2, we propose a novel energy functional based on the
third centralized moment and show that it outperforms the functionals that are traditionally
used with active contours (ACs). We combine the proposed functional with
the polar contour representation and use it for segmentation of the IVC.
In chapters 3 and 4, we propose active shape models based on ellipse; circle; and rectangles
fitted inside the IVC as efficient, consistent and novel approaches to tracking
and approximating the anterior-posterior (AP)-diameter even in the context of poor quality images. The proposed algorithms are based on a novel heuristic evolution
functional that works very well with ultrasound images. In chapter 3, we show that
the proposed active circle algorithm accurately, estimates the IVC AP-diameter. Although
the estimated AP-diameter is very close to its actual value, the clinicians define
the IVC AP-diameter as the largest vertical diameter of the IVC contour which deviates
from its actual definition. To solve this problem and estimate the AP-diameter
in the same way as its clinical definition, in chapter 4, we propose the active rectangle
algorithm, where clinically measured AP-diameter is modeled as the height of a vertical
thin rectangle. The results show that the AP-diameter estimated by the active
rectangle algorithm is closer to its clinically measurement than the active circle and
active ellipse algorithms.
In chapter 5, we propose a novel adaptive polar active contour (Ad-PAC) algorithm
for the segmentation and tracking of the IJV in ultrasound videos. In the proposed
algorithm, the parameters of the Ad-PAC algorithm are adapted based on the results
of segmentation in previous frames. The Ad-PAC algorithm has been applied to 65
ultrasound videos and shown to be a significant improvement over existing segmentation
algorithms.
So far, all proposed algorithms are semi-automatic as they need an operator to either
locate the vessel in the first frame, or manually segment the first first and work
automatically for the next frames. In chapter 6, we proposed a novel algorithm to
automatically locate the vessel in ultrasound videos. The proposed algorithm is based
on convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and is trained and applied for IJV videos.
In this chapter we show that although the proposed algorithm is trained for data acquired
from healthy subjects, it works efficiently for the data collected from coronary
heart failure (CHF) patients without additional training.
Finally, conclusions are drawn and possible extensions are discussed in chapter 7.


identifier: Addae, Frederick <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Addae=3AFrederick=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Perceptions of West African teachers toward the role of principals in the prevention of school violence.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: School violence is a global phenomenon that impedes students' academic achievement. Globally, several studies have been conducted on the phenomenon of school violence over the years, describing the devastating effect it has on teaching and learning. Students experience violence at school, especially in the USA and in Asian and African countries (Ncontsa & Shumba, 2013). The rates of physical violence at school are generally higher in low and middle-income countries (Barna & Barna, 2014). The present study was designed to explore teachers' perceptions towards the role that principals can use in the prevention of school violence without the use of punishment in West African schools. A qualitative research design was used, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten teachers from West Africa. This study revealed that school violence is common in West African schools and it negatively impacts students’ academic achievements. The findings of this study also indicated that corporal punishment is still used in preventing school violence. This study revealed that non-punitive ways such as positive reinforcement, restorative justice and mediation, guidance and counselling in preventing school violence are more effective than using corporal punishment. The role of the principal in preventing school violence identified in this study includes effective leadership, distribution of leadership support, appropriate training for teachers, and strategic policies on school violence prevention. Further research needs to be conducted in order to explore the use of non-violent ways for teachers to prevent school violence.


identifier: Dias Bernardino De Oliveira, Guilherme <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Dias_Bernardino_De_Oliveira=3AGuilherme=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Estimation of ecological risk of oil spills in ice-covered waters: a surface slick model coupled with a food-web bioaccumulation model.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The limited knowledge on the Arctic environment and ecology leads to uncertainties in case of oil spills resulting from shipping and oil and gas activities enabled by a more accessible Arctic, as ice retreats due to climate changes. The behavior of oil in ice-covered waters is also not fully understood and, although models have been developed and adapted to ice conditions, gaps in knowledge still exist. The present work aims at the definition of the ecological risk posed by an oil spill in the Arctic by the implementation of two methodologies, introduced on Chapters 3 and 4. On the first part, the fate of surface oil slicks formed after an oil spill in ice-infested waters is examined and improvements are suggested to existing transport and weathering algorithms in order to represent all processes as a function of ice coverage. In addition, a new algorithm is proposed to model the phenomenon of oil entrainment in ice, a process so far neglected in current models. On the second part, a fugacity-based food-web bioaccumulation model is proposed to determine the ecological risk introduced by oil spills to a hypothetical Arctic food web consisting of three species’ representative of the Arctic ecosystem characterizing three trophic levels linearly related. This is done in three steps: first, the model estimates the distribution of a toxic component of oil – namely naphthalene – in the multimedia environment; then, the transfer of contaminant throughout the food web is predicted; lastly, the bioaccumulation potential and the ecological risk profile are defined as a function of respectively the Bioconcentration Potential (BCF) and the Risk Quotient (RQ). The present thesis thus provides a complete picture of an oil spill scenario in ice-covered waters, and emphasis is given in the implications of such events to the unspoiled Arctic ecosystem.


identifier: Dignam, Natalie <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Dignam=3ANatalie=3A=3A.html>   (2019) The craft beer network: inside Newfoundland's craft beer boom.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This thesis a snapshot of the craft beer boom on the island of Newfoundland between 2017 and 2019. I consider the craft beer scene from various angles – from the role of brewery taprooms as tourist destinations, to how craft breweries draw on local culture in their branding, to characteristics of the industry. Using craft beer as a springboard, this thesis examines the different networks of brewers and beer enthusiasts that make Newfoundland a special place to brew and drink beer.


identifier: Groulier, Pierre-Arthur <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Groulier=3APierre-Arthur=3A=3A.html>   (2019) The escoumins supracrustal belt: a record of Mesoproterozoic (Pinwarian) evolution of the Laurentian margin and Grenvillian magmatism, central Grenville Province, Quebec, Canada.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The Mesoproterozoic, Pinwarian-age (1.52 – 1.46 Ga) Escoumins supracrustal belt
(southern central Grenville Province, Quebec) consists of a volcano-sedimentary
sequence (Saint-Siméon Group) and its structural basement (Tadoussac Intrusive Suite),
both deformed and metamorphosed to the amphibolite-facies during the Grenvillian
orogeny (1.09 – 0.98 Ga). It represents preserved parts of an island arc built on crustal
slivers rifted away from the southeastern Laurentian margin during a major Geon 15
extensional event. Change in arc dynamics led to the closure of the previously opened
seaway and back-arc basins and to the final accretion of the island arc at about 1.39 Ga,
as marked by the emplacement of a major 1.43 – 1.37 Ga arc-related plutonic belt. The
Saint-Siméon Group is an oceanic island arc, rifted-arc and back-arc volcano-sedimentary
succession that despite deformation and metamorphism, preserves well original
characteristics of the rocks. Its middle member (Moulin-à-Baude Formation) consists of
highly evolved alkaline felsic to intermediate volcanic rocks and ferrobasalt together with
island arc tholeiite, back-arc basalt and arc basaltic andesite interpreted to reflect the
rifting of the arc. Some rocks were extensively altered by synvolcanic hydrothermal
fluids and show mineral assemblages typical of metamorphosed VMS-type deposits. The
supracrustal belt represents higher crustal levels of the orogenic infrastructure in the
Grenville and was intruded by diverse types of syn-to late-orogenic plutons: (1) ca. 1.08
Ga crust-derived magnesian felsic magmatism at the onset of the continental collision, (2)
ca. 1.06 – 1.04 Ga ferroan and Ba – Sr enriched intermediate to felsic plutons fractionated
from a mafic magma derived from partial melting of a Geon 14 subduction-modified
subcontinental lithospheric mantle coeval with amphibolite-facies metamorphism in the supracrustal rocks, and (3) ca. 0.99 – 0.98 Ga crust-derived peraluminous two-mica
leucogranite bodies and pegmatite coeval with titanite growth and deformation. Despite
the deformation and the metamorphic overprint, primary features are still preserved
providing key information about the evolution of the southeastern Laurentian margin
before the final continental collision. This study represents one of the first complete
investigations of a polydeformed and metamorphosed volcano-sedimentary sequence and
of its hydrothermal alteration assemblages within the Grenville Province.