identifier: Sikdar, Arindam <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Sikdar=3AArindam=3A=3A.html>   (2021) Epigenetic variation in lingonberries.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

title: Epigenetic variation in lingonberries

abstract:
Epigenetic variation plays a role in developmental gene regulation, response to the environment,
and in natural variation of gene expression levels. The purpose of the study is to investigate
cytosine methylation and secondary compounds of lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) among
cutting-propagated cultivar Erntedank (ED) and its tissue-culture plants (NC, LC). This was
analyzed by using Methylation Sensitive Amplified Polymorphism (MSAP) where the primers
were cleaved in cytosine residues at 5'-CCGG-3' sites in CpG-islands. In leaf regenerants (LC1),
we observed highest methylated sites from all primer combinations (108 bands), with their highest
variation in secondary metabolites. We measured that tissue-cultured plants showed higher
methylation bands than maternal plants. For instance, we identified the mother plant ED exhibited
79 bands of methylation, which is comparatively low. On the other hand, we observed the highest
total phenolic content in (NC3) but LC1 represents low phenolic content. Our study showed more
methylation in micropropagated plants (NC1, NC2, NC3 and LC1) than those derived from ED
cutting cultivar where methylation was not present. On the contrary, we observed higher
secondary metabolites in cutting cultivar ED but comparatively less in micropropagated plants
(NC1, NC2, NC3 LC1). Hence, our study confirmed that higher methylation sites observed in
micropropagated plants and less amount of secondary metabolites appears.


identifier: Grant, Matthew <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Grant=3AMatthew=3A=3A.html>   (2020) The impact of gamification on the feeling of belonging among members of an online learning community.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

type: Thesis NonPeerReviewed

abstract:
Informal online learning communities exist on some of the world’s most popular websites like Facebook and Reddit. Gamification, the use of game elements in a non-game setting (Deterdings, Dixon, Khaled, & Nacke, 2011), is also present on these two popular websites. This thesis explored how members of an online learning community felt about gamification and if it had any impact on their feelings of belonging.
This thesis employed a qualitative case study methodology to explore the response of participants in two focus groups and in three interviews to gamification in informal online learning communities on Reddit. The data were coded using the method from Miles, Huberman, and Saldana (2013) and analysed using Saturate App. The coding process developed several minor themes and the major theme, “Cognizant of karma”, which illustrated that karma was only a minor motivator to participants. Participants felt receiving “downvotes” carried a sense of “judgment”, but also felt downvotes presented a learning opportunity that reinforced community boundaries.
This data may suggest that participants have internalized extrinsic motivation (Gagné, Deci, Ryan, 2013) and that internalization and gamification may co-exist due to the importance both idea place on creating shared value. If this internalization could be generalized, it could show that gamification and online learning communities can coexist in a way that allows members to retain their sense of belonging.


identifier: Chen, Zhiyu <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Chen=3AZhiyu=3A=3A.html>   (2020) Proof of concept: efficacy of cleaner fish, cultured juvenile cunner (Tautogolabrus adsperus), for sea lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) mitigation and control in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar).  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: A laboratory-based sea lice culture system was established for hatching and rearing Lepeophtheirus salmonis (from egg strings removed from farmed Atlantic salmon) to the copepodid stage of development, and an enumeration method for estimating the number of sea lice copepodids required for artificial sea lice parasitism was developed. Investigation of the delousing efficacy of cultured juvenile cunner against L. salmonis artificially infecting Atlantic salmon smolts under laboratory conditions indicated that there was no significant effect of cunner stocking density on mean sea lice numbers when held in cohabitation for seven days at stocking densities of 0, 4 and 10% (p=0.143) and they did not exhibit delousing activity. Fin condition (as an indicator of fish welfare) of Atlantic salmon smolts was evaluated during this period. There was no significant effect of cultured juvenile cunner stocking density on mean dorsal fin erosion scores (p=0.463) and mean caudal fin erosion scores (p=0.591) for Atlantic salmon. Additionally, there was no effect of high (18°C) and low (2°C) water temperature on the delousing efficacy of cultured juvenile cunner against Lepeophtheirus salmonis infecting Atlantic salmon smolts during a separate seven-day period of cohabitation (p=0.093), and no economically important pathogens or reportable diseases (within the Atlantic Canada region) (e.g., BKD, IPNv, ISAv, VHSv, IHNv and Nodavirus) were detected in either species during this time.


identifier: Gruca, Zachary <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Gruca=3AZachary=3A=3A.html>   (2021) The soul of the world: panpsychism and its relevance for contemporary philosophy.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Panpsychism -- the composite of pan, which means "all," and psyche, the Latinized form of the Greek
psuche, or "soul" -- is the thesis that consciousness is a fundamental and ubiquitous feature of
the universe. Although sometimes met with an incredulous stare, panpsychism is a metaphysical
position which enjoys a long, venerable history that hearkens back to at least the Presocratic
philosophers, but which eventually fell into relative obscurity with the rise of logical positivism
in the 19th century. However, panpsychism is now once again gaining prominence in the contemporary
philosophy of mind in response to the perceived logical and metaphysical insufficiencies of
materialism, referred to as "physicalism" in contemporary literature, and dualism.
Physicalism suffers chiefly from intelligibility problems, by virtue of how it relies on
unintelligible explanations of consciousness, such as brute emergence into the realm of the
physical. Conversely, dualism is threatened mainly by an empirical problem, namely with respect to
how it fails to adequately integrate phenomenal consciousness into the scientific description of
the world, which constitutes the famous "mind-body problem." Accordingly, panpsychism promises to
overcome both sets of problems, first by positing consciousness as intrinsic to physical reality,
and second, by suggesting that such intrinsic mental properties metaphysically ground or
necessitate physical structure itself. As such, mental properties necessarily belong not only to
composite entities such as human beings and other animals but, more controversially, also to the
fundamental building blocks of reality.
This does not, however, mean that panpsychism is immune to its own conceptual stumbling blocks, the
most salient of which is known as the combination problem. The combination problem states that,
given that organismal consciousness, or the kind of complex conscious experience that we have, is
made up of an aggregate of smaller ''microexperiences," it is difficult to make sense of just how
such microexperiences can collectively constitute unified "macroexperience." Although the
combination problem threatens to undermine panpsychism, there are many  proposed solutions and, if
such solutions succeed, panpsychism seems to represent a more parsimonious conception of reality
than either of its traditional alternatives, so it is important to take it seriously.
This master's thesis intends to provide a comprehensive account of contemporary panpsychism as it
exists today, in turn exploring the various solutions to the combination problem and other
conceptual barriers and ultimately arguing for the legitimacy -- if not the preferability -- of a
panpsychist metaphysics. While similar projects have already been done, my thesis will be novel in
that it will provide both a contribution from Continental philosophy (which is normally neglected
in the extant literature), and describe how panpsychism is practically useful for other
philosophically relevant issues, especially regarding the ecological crisis.


identifier: Morrissey, Liam <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Morrissey=3ALiam=3A=3A.html>   (2020) A multiscale analysis on the effect of atomistic processes on mechanical properties.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The purpose of this thesis was to use multiscale testing and simulation methods to better
understand the role various atomistic processes play in the degradation of mechanical properties in
harsh environments. Specifically, two environments were considered: the effect of atomic hydrogen in
harsh offshore oil and gas environments and the effect of atomic oxygen impacts in space. This thesis is
written in a manuscript format with 8 unique chapters all falling under the umbrella of atomistic
processes and macroscale properties. The thesis begins with a detailed literature review of all necessary
background research including a summary of molecular dynamics and a detailed explanation of the
current gaps in knowledge. This is followed by 4 chapters that test various method and multiscale
simulation tools. Finally, findings from these chapters are applied to two specific environments where
multiscale challenges exist: hydrogen in offshore oil and gas, and atomic impacts in space. Each chapter
is written as a standalone paper including separate cover pages, literature reviews and conclusions. The
findings from these case studies are then summarized in a conclusion.


identifier: Ryan, Devonne <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Ryan=3ADevonne=3A=3A.html>   (2021) Improving the transition from pediatric to adult care for survivors of pediatric cancer in Newfoundland, Canada.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Advances in the treatment of childhood cancer have led to improved survival rates. Yet, childhood cancer survivors (CCS) have greater health risks and other health burdens that require appropriate follow-up and surveillance throughout their lives. Higher survival rates mean that significantly more pediatric oncology patients will reach adulthood and will be transitioned into adult care for their continued follow-up or aftercare. The transition from pediatric to adult-centered care is, however, increasingly being recognized as a period during which patients risk become disconnected with the healthcare system and having poorer health outcomes. This situation can be potentially very troubling for patients who require continued, regular surveillance. The focus of this doctoral research is to explore the transition from pediatric care to adult care and aftercare practices for CCS in Newfoundland (NL), Canada.
Guided by the World Health Organization’s Quality of Care: A Process for Making Strategic Choices in Health Systems framework, we first reviewed models of care (MOC) and interventions aimed at improving aftercare that had been evaluated in the academic literature, including those specific to transition. We then conducted a qualitative study to detail the processes and barriers of transition for CCS in NL. Based on this information and discussions with local stakeholders, we identified the need for locally relevant educational resources. We then developed an educational workbook, titled After the Janeway, to be used by CCS in NL during their transition into adult-focused aftercare. Finally, we evaluated the workbook using a validated scale for assessing patient educational materials. The assessments clearly show that the adoption of this workbook into clinical practice should improve the experiences of CCS transitioning into adult care in NL.
Collectively, our studies establish a thesis that is novel and potentially serves as the groundwork for future research related to improving the quality of the transitions and aftercare for CCS.


identifier: Opanasenko, Stanislav <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Opanasenko=3AStanislav=3A=3A.html>   (2021) Symmetry analysis of hydrodynamic-type systems.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Using advantages of nonstandard computational techniques based on the light-cone variables,
we explicitly find the algebra of generalized symmetries of the (1+1)-dimensional
Klein{Gordon equation. This allows us to describe this algebra in terms of the universal
enveloping algebra of the essential Lie invariance algebra of the Klein{Gordon equation.
Then we single out variational symmetries of the corresponding Lagrangian and compute
the space of local conservation laws of this equation, which turns out to be generated, up
to the action of generalized symmetries, by a single first-order conservation law.
We study the hydrodynamic-type system of differential equations modeling isothermal
no-slip drift
ux. Using the facts that the system is partially coupled and its essential
subsystem reduces to the (1+1)-dimensional Klein{Gordon equation, we exhaustively
describe generalized symmetries, cosymmetries and local conservation laws of this system.
A generating set of local conservation laws under the action of generalized symmetries
is proved to consist of two zeroth-order conservation laws. The subspace of translationinvariant
conservation laws is singled out from the entire space of local conservation
laws. The essential subsystem possesses three first-order hydrodynamic-type Hamiltonian
operators, two of which are prolonged nonlocally to the entire system.
The (1+2)-dimensional hydrodynamic-type system governing the shallow water model
is studied from the symmetry-analysis point of view. Its complete point symmetry group
is found with the help of the automorphism-based algebraic method. Lie reductions of
both codimensions one and two are classified. We exhaustively describe the algebra of
differential invariants of the point symmetry group of the system using the method of
moving frames.
We construct for the first time classes of differential equations with nontrivial generalized
equivalence groups, i.e. whose equivalence-transformation components corresponding
to independent and dependent variables locally depend on nonconstant arbitrary elements
of the class. We rigourously construct extended generalized equivalence groups of several
classes of differential equations as well. The new notion of effective generalized equivalence
group is introduced.


identifier: Do, Thi Mai Hanh <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Do=3AThi_Mai_Hanh=3A=3A.html>   (2021) An investigation and development of policies to improve institutional autonomy in Vietnamese universities.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
University autonomy (UA) or institutional autonomy (IA) is a new issue in Vietnam. Legislation relating to university autonomy has been recently passed under Law No. 34 and Decree No. 99 and became valid in July 2019 and February 2020, respectively. Currently, Vietnam has many problems in the content of the laws on university autonomy, which are almost subjectively formulated without much research on university autonomy in its literature, its practice, and regulations of this issue from developed countries.
The present research applies knowledge of UA literature, Berdahl’s viewpoint on UA, and the Memorial University Act (MUN Act) to review and improve current Vietnamese laws. The research question was: What can we learn from the MUN Act to amend and supplement UA regulations in Vietnam?
Based on research results, suggestions are made to improve the provisions of Law No. 34, Decree No. 99, and their relevant provisions. Then, recommendations are given on factors influencing the UA policy, the autonomy in the academic field, the organization and human resources, finance and property, and public universities' accountability. Limitations and implications for further research on UA are also confirmed.


identifier: Abu-Saleh, Abd Al-Aziz Ahmad <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Abu-Saleh=3AAbd_Al-Aziz_Ahmad=3A=3A.html>   (2021) Computer modeling and simulations of biological systems.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Computational chemistry plays a central role in chemistry and biophysics. By leveraging
supercomputers, theoretical chemists can elucidate the atomic resolution of
biological systems and solve chemical problems. This thesis consists of two parts:
First, I worked on the challenging problem of understanding the enzymatic modification
cation of aminoglycoside antibiotics by means of molecular modeling and simulation
techniques. Aminoglycoside antibiotics were among the first tools of bacterial warfare
found and used clinically and still have a central role in the treatment of acute
bacterial infections. However, aminoglycoside modifying enzymes such as aminoglycoside
phosphotransferases alter aminoglycoside antibiotics and, therefore, inactivate
the drug. I elucidated the phosphorylation mechanism using quantum mechanical
methods and molecular dynamics simulations. The results provide a new understanding
of the aminoglycoside phosphotransferase catalytic function, which agrees with
the available experimental data. Second, due to the emergence of the severe acute
repository syndrome coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 in late 2019, I pivoted my efforts to
try to gain insight into the rational design of potent inhibitors that target key proteins
(e.g., the spike protein and the main protease) of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. The
structure-based and ligand-based drug design were used to find effective therapeutics
of SARS-CoV-2 disease. Interestingly, our results suggest several promising approved
and bioactive inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 main protease. Moreover, a comprehensive
protocol including molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, standard binding
energy calculations, and steered molecular dynamics simulations was performed to
accelerate the discovery of compounds that would strongly bind to SARS-CoV-2 spike
receptor binding domain (RBD), therefore, blocking viral attachment to the host cell.
The discovered top hits identify critical interactions associated with the spike RBD
protein, which in turn disrupt binding of the RBD protein to the host cell.


identifier: Rahoma, Abdalhamid Ahmad <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Rahoma=3AAbdalhamid_Ahmad=3A=3A.html>   (2021) Fault detection and root cause diagnosis using sparse principal component analysis (SPCA).  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Data based methods are widely used in process industries for fault detection and
diagnosis. Among the data-based methods multivariate statistical methods, for example,
Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Projection to Latent Squares (PLS), and
Independent Component Analysis (ICA) are most widely used methods. These methods
in general are successful in detecting process fault, however, diagnosis of the root cause
is always not very accurate. The primary goal of the thesis is to improve the fault
diagnosis ability of PCA based methods. In PCA, each Principal Component (PC) is a
linear combination of all the variables, therefore makes it difficult to identify the root
cause from the violation of a PC. Sparse Principal Component Analysis (SPCA) is one
version of PCA that gets a sparse description of the PCA loading matrix making it more
suitable for fault diagnosis. The present research aims to devise novel strategies to find
the sparse description of loading matrix, more aligned with process fault detection and
diagnosis. The thesis also looks into improving the fault diagnosis of PCA using
clustering methods. The entire thesis can be divided into three major tasks.
First, a novel fault detection and diagnosis method is proposed based on the Sparse
Principal Component Analysis (SPCA) approach. This approach incorporates a new
criterion based on the Fault Detection Rates (FDRs) and False Alarm Rates (FARs) into
Zou et al.’s (2006) SPCA algorithms. The objective here is to find appropriate the
(Number of Non-Zero Loadings) NNZLs for SPCs that can result in low FARs and high
FDRs. A comparison between PCA and four SPCA-based methods for FDD using a continuous stirred tank heater (CSTH) as a benchmark system is also carried out. The
results indicate that shortcomings of the PCA can be overcome using the Sparse Principal
Component Analysis (SPCA) that uses the novel NNZL criterion. The FDR-FAR SPCA
approach gives the highest FDRs for the SPE statistic (93.8%).
The second task focuses on developing statistical methods to decide on the non-zero
elements of the loading elements of SPCA. Rather than using heuristics, the proposed
methods use the distribution of the loading elements to decide if an element should be set
to zero. Two SPCA algorithms are proposed to find the NNZL and its position of each
PC. The first algorithm is based on bootstrapping of the data, and the second approach is
based Iterative Principal Component Analysis (IPCA). The proposed methods are
implemented on a CSTH process to test the performance with PCA- and other SPCA-based
methods for fault detection and diagnosis. The results reveal that the approaches
have superior performance in fault detection, as well as diagnosis of the root cause of
fault. Both the Bootstrap-SPCA and Sparse-IPCA methods give the highest FDRs for
fault 1 for the SPE statistic (99.3% and 95.76%, respectively)
As the third task, this research combines the clustering (k-means) algorithm and PCA
algorithm to improve the detection and diagnosis of the fault. PCA has the advantage of
detecting the fault without the need for data labelling, while clustering is able to
distinguish data from different fault groups into separate clusters. By combining these
two algorithms we are able to have better detection and diagnosis of fault and eliminate the need for data labelling. The performance of the proposed method is demonstrated in
simulated and large-scale industrial case studies.


identifier: Crocker, Abigail <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Crocker=3AAbigail=3A=3A.html>   (2021) "He stuns yer arse": Jack tales in contemporary Newfoundland and Labrador.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This thesis interrogates and describes the purpose of Jack tales in Newfoundland, Jack’s
identity, and why understanding and interpreting differing, contemporary views of the character
is meaningful when the theoretical framework of Functionalism is applied. This research
focusses on the three central themes of home, genre, and gender and discusses the relevance of
Jack in contemporary Newfoundland traditions, ideologies, and narratives following interviews
with community members, oral narratives, and published texts. Ultimately, this research
concludes that Jack is a dynamic character who is capable of influencing the way people reconstruct,
de-construct, and maintain both personal and provincial identity.


identifier: Kopp, Amy Elizabeth <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Kopp=3AAmy_Elizabeth=3A=3A.html>   (2021) Experiences of pregnancy in prison: understanding access to prenatal care in Canadian federal prisons.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Criminalized women represent an acutely marginalized portion of the population with specific healthcare needs that have been overlooked within the Canadian carceral landscape. This thesis aims to focus on the unique experiences and needs of pregnant and incarcerated women in Canadian Federal Prisons with a focus on the prenatal and post-natal care that they receive while incarcerated. This thesis presents an analysis of three qualitative interviews with individuals involved in healthcare and advocacy for pregnant women in prison, by interpreting them in light of the current academic and grey literature. The dominant themes that emerged throughout this thesis include an emphasis on standard of care, community-based programming and supporting mothers and babies as a unit, in order to have the best possible outcome. This project draws on insights from medical anthropology, Foucauldian theory and feminist criminology to frame the discussion of the needs of incarcerated women in Canada. Specifically, it argues that women in Canadian federal prisons should: 1) have access to the same level of care as non-incarcerated women; 2) be empowered to be mothers (should they so desire); and 3) be supported in their return to the community. Through analyzing the interviews, literature, and publicly available grey literature, the thesis focuses heavily on the complex challenges faced by marginalized and incarcerated women, the extent of institutional power to make a difference, and the challenges of early motherhood.


identifier: Mikhael, Abanoub <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Mikhael=3AAbanoub=3A=3A.html>   (2021) Mass spectrometric structural elucidation of sporopollenin and lignin.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Sporopollenin is a natural, highly cross-linked polymer composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, which forms the outer wall of pollen grains. Sporopollenin is highly resilient to mild chemical degradation. Because of this stability, its exact chemical structure and the biochemical pathways involved in its synthesis are not yet clear.
There is no mild degradation method capable of degrading sporopollenin without extreme modification and/or depolymerization. However, several harsh degradation methods were capable of degrading sporopollenin into a mixture of small and modified monomers that provides no clue to the sporopollenin complex native structure. In this thesis, Sporopollenin's molecular structure was demystified and unraveled without any prior degradation and/or modification (Top-down approach). This was accomplished using Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry SIMS-TOF-MS/MS and Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption MALDI-TOF-MS/MS. The latter mass spectrometric techniques allowed us to identify the two major building units of the sporopollenin network. The identified building units were supported by solid-state NMR studies.
Lignin oligomers are an essential source of aromatic compounds; it is composed mainly of three monomers: p-coumaryl (H), coniferyl (G), and sinapyl (S) alcohols which are linked covalently in different fashions. It is well known that various methods for releasing and purifying lignin from wood cellulose lead to a drastic change in lignin chemical structure. In 2015, Banoub et al. introduced a new paradigm that states that accurate structural studies should be done on lignin oligomers released from the polysaccharide without further purification or chemical transformations. This type of lignin is called virgin released lignin (VRL). In the second part of this thesis, different MS ionization methods such as MALDI, APPI (Atmospheric Pressure Photoionization, and ESI (Electrospray ionization) coupled with tandem mass spectrometry was used to investigate the major structural features of the French Oak and Pine VRLs.


identifier: Blagdon, Andrew Gordon <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Blagdon=3AAndrew_Gordon=3A=3A.html>   (2021) Geophysical study of the abandoned Gullbridge Mine Tailings Management Facility, central Newfoundland.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: As part of an ongoing dam monitoring study, this research aims to assist in the closure of the Gullbridge Tailings Facility in Central Newfoundland using geophysical survey methods. Centered over a volcanogenic massive sulfide ore deposit, the Gullbridge mine produced 94,000 tonnes of copper concentrate from 2.8 million tonnes of ore from 1967-1972. The facility deploys an earth-filled dam separating a valley impoundment reservoir containing 1.8 million m3 of subaqueously deposited copper tailings from an adjacent wetland. Historical seepage of tailings water through the embankment is concerning as it poses a risk of seepage related erosion, a likely failure mechanism which, combined with poor dam foundations, contributed to a breach in December 2012. Relevant variations in the material properties of the dam can be detected by geophysical methods. Spontaneous-potential (SP), direct-current resistivity and ground-penetrating radar and magnetics were deployed for surveying the embankment, particularly over a known seepage location. SP data points to irregular seepage of tailings water through the embankment in the known seep area and in the northern part of the dam. DCR surveys indicate there is a 1-2 m thick dry layer, thickening northward, over the main seep. GPR data suggests flow of tailings water through the embankment is constrained to poorly compacted core materials surrounding an historic inlet channel, the location of which is indicated by magnetic data. As a secondary focus, an adjacent wetland was surveyed using an electromagnetic ground conductivity meter. The conductivity data delineate areas of elevated copper resulting from the distribution of tailings sediment along a dammed stream bed and along a discharge channel where water exits the reservoir and into the wetland via a spillway.


identifier: Hajizadeh, Abdollah <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Hajizadeh=3AAbdollah=3A=3A.html>   (2021) Biogas production by psychrophilic anaerobic digestion and biogas-to-hydrogen through methane reforming: experimental study and process simulation.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This research investigated the early stage of the culture’s adaptation during psychrophilic anaerobic digestion (20ﾟC) of complex substrates (dairy manure and grass silage) at increasing organic loading rate (OLR; 1-5 g VS/L.d) and total solids content (TS; 7-10%) in batch reactors. The methane yield from mono-digestion of dairy manure was higher at lower OLRs, while in co-digestion of the dairy manure and grass silage, the trend was the opposite. Similarly, the reactors with lower TS content showed higher methane yield in mono-digestion of dairy manure. Introducing grass silage to the bioreactors enhanced the methane yield in all experiments. The substrate degradation by inoculum was confirmed by three kinetic models (first-order, Cone, and modified-Gompertz). The microbiome analysis revealed that the Bacteroidetes phylum was dominant, indicating the inoculum’s capability to degrade and ferment the organic matter in the complex substrates. An integrated psychrophilic anaerobic digestion with a dry methane reforming plant for green hydrogen production was rigorously simulated using Aspen Plus V11. The results indicated that 48.07 kg/h biogas could produce 8.11 kg/h hydrogen. In addition, the proposed process reduced the CO₂ emission by 398,736 tonnes/year compared to the direct use of biogas for electricity production. The current research provides an assessment of the on-farm biogas plants potential in cold environments. In addition, the developed process simulation platform could be employed to design and optimize the biogas plants.


identifier: Price, Amy <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Price=3AAmy=3A=3A.html>   (2021) Shared-energy prediction model for ship-ice interactions.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: To model the structural response of low- and non-ice-class ships requires both the ice and structural responses to be accounted for. A weakly coupled shared-energy algorithm is presented to model a ship-ice interaction for low- and non-ice-class ships. The algorithm is created to model the ship response within the operational design limits of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) Polar class rules [1], and therefore, employs many similar assumptions and methods as the IACS Polar rules. First, the Popov collision model [2] is implemented to determine the initial kinetic energy of the system. Daley’s energy based ice collision force models [3] are adopted, assuming a pressure-area relationship, to determine the ice-crushing energy. The structural deformation energy is determined by superimposing the frame and plate response. The flexural strain energy of the beam is derived from classical beam theory. The plate deflection energy is modelled with a meta-model created through experiments conducted with finite element analyses and the design of experiments methodology. The algorithm determines the energy distribution through a system of equations that iterates the shared contact force until the internal energy of the system (the ice and structural response) equals the initial kinetic energy of the interaction. Various finite element benchmarking analyses are conducted to assess the prediction capabilities of the individual structural models, the combined structural response, and the algorithm as a whole.


identifier: Rand, Asta Jade <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Rand=3AAsta_Jade=3A=3A.html>   (2021) Prehispanic and colonial Maya subsistence and migration: contributions from stable sulfur isotope analysis.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The Maya who inhabited southeastern Mesoamerica from the Preclassic to Colonial
periods (1000 BCE to 1821 CE) have been the focus of intensive archaeological study for
over a century. Recent theoretical and methodological developments have contributed to
nuanced understandings of Maya migration and subsistence practices. Stable sulfur isotope
(δ³⁴S) analysis of bone collagen is a novel technique that has been applied to Maya skeletal
collections, although the variation in environmental δ³⁴S values throughout the Maya
region has yet to be systematically characterized. This research presents the first Maya
faunal sulfur isotope baseline based on the δ³⁴S values of 148 archaeological faunal remains
from 13 sites in the Northern and Southern Lowlands. As expected, terrestrial animals in
coastal areas had elevated δ³⁴S due to sea spray. However, those from inland sites had
unexpectedly high δ³⁴S values that varied depending on the age of the underlying limestone.
Although the δ³⁴S values of marine animals were lower than expected, similarly low values
in freshwater animals permits the differentiation of freshwater and terrestrial animals at
inland sites. These data demonstrate that sufficient variation in δ³⁴S values exists in the
Maya region to identify sources of protein and nonlocal animals, which speaks to
prehispanic Maya animal exchange and interregional interaction. The δ³⁴S values of 49
humans from seven Maya sites ranging from the Preclassic to Colonial periods were also
interpreted using the faunal baseline. The spatial distribution of human δ³⁴S values differed
from that of the terrestrial fauna, demonstrating sociocultural variation in Maya resource
procurement in addition to underlying environmental influences. A comparison of carbon
and nitrogen data from the same individuals also revealed the consumption of protein from
different catchments. Nonlocal δ³⁴S values show three individuals migrated near the end of their lives, and when integrated with childhood strontium and oxygen isotope data from
tooth enamel, demonstrate a more robust means of investigating the length of residence and
potentially the extent of integration into the receiving community. Finally, a case study of
the prehispanic Maya from Nakum, Guatemala, demonstrates the contributions of stable
sulfur isotope analysis to the interpretation of Maya subsistence strategies and migration
when integrated into a multi-isotopic approach.


identifier: Alloway, Hayley <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Alloway=3AHayley=3A=3A.html>   (2020) Biological correlates of human male reproductive strategies and behavior.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Studies suggest that men’s genotypes and endogenous hormones interact with
their contextual environment to influence mating decisions and paternal behaviors.
Participants, 20-45 year old men, responded to questionnaires and gave blood samples
before and after romantic and paternal caregiving interactions. The romantic setting
included viewing two video clips (with partner, if applicable). The paternal setting
included caring for a RealCare baby doll. Questionnaire data included demographics,
personal history, relationship status, etc. Hormonal data included enzyme immunoassay
of testosterone (T), cortisol (CORT), oxytocin (OT), and vasopressin (AVP). Genotyping
of receptor polymorphisms included sequencing for androgen receptor gene (AR-CAG),
three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of OXTR, one SNP for CD38, and two
microsatellites for AVPR1A. Chapter 1 results support the hypothesized 3-Group model
with men in the Bachelor Group reporting demographic data consistent with short-term
mating strategies and higher baseline T levels than men in the other two groups. Men in
the Provider Group exhibited a mix of short-term and long-term mating strategies,
whereas men in the Direct Father Group generally exhibited long-term mating strategies.
Chapter 2 results indicated that OT levels were higher in men that spent more time with
children and men in the Provider group. Higher OT levels in the Provider group were
specific to particular recessive homozygous genotypes: OXTR 2254298 (GG > AA/AG),
OXTR 53576 (GG > AA/AG) and CD38 (CC > AA/AC). Most interestingly, men in the
Provider group experienced an increase in OT levels following the video session, but a
decrease following the baby doll session. Chapter 3 results showed decreases in CORT
levels during the baby doll session, and men in the low parent group of the RS/RS model experienced greater increase in ratios of OT levels. Although CORT levels declined in the
baby doll session, different groups of men varied in the extent of decrease relative to
other hormones. These study results will help inform public education of parenting
support and potential interventions in instances of pathology, such as paternal abuse or
neglect.


identifier: Oluwalana, Michael <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Oluwalana=3AMichael=3A=3A.html>   (2021) The epidemiology of delayed HIV diagnosis in Ibadan, Nigeria.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Background: Human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV) is one of the major health burdens in Nigeria. Delayed HIV diagnosis remains a significant driver of HIV transmission. The causes of delayed diagnosis are unknown. This observational study investigated demographic risk factors for delayed HIV diagnosis, time from HIV infection to diagnosis and trends in the rate of positive HIV tests and delayed diagnosis in Ibadan, Nigeria.
Methods: The Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) Prevention Initiative (APIN) database provided data on people living with HIV who enrolled for care between October 2013 and December 2018 at the Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) clinic in the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. 3,458 patients aged 15 years or older, diagnosed with HIV for the first time, with available CD4 counts, were included in this study. Delayed HIV diagnosis was defined as the Cluster of Differentiation 4 (CD4) counts less than 350 cells/mm³ at the time of first diagnosis. An assessment of the association between the outcome variable (delayed HIV diagnosis) and the independent variables was conducted using logistic regression analysis to identify the risk factors for delayed HIV diagnosis, and the time interval between HIV infection and diagnosis was calculated based on the average CD4 decline rate.
Results: A total of 3,458 patients were included. The prevalence of delayed HIV diagnosis was 1,993/3,458 (57.6%). Risk factors significantly associated with delayed HIV diagnosis in the multivariate analysis were older age, retiree, marriage separation, never married and widowed females. Risk factors significantly associated with an early HIV diagnosis were student and tertiary education. The mean time from infection to diagnosis was 6.3 years. A progressive decline in the rate of positive HIV tests and delayed HIV diagnosis were observed from 2014 to 2018.
Conclusion: The rate of delayed HIV diagnosis was high but is declining with time. HIV testing implementation should focus on groups at risk of delayed diagnosis.


identifier: Provencher St-Pierre, Anne <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Provencher_St-Pierre=3AAnne=3A=3A.html>   (2020) Kelp-urchin dynamics: stability and thresholds for phase shifts in Newfoundland and the Gulf of St. Lawrence.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: In eastern Canada, studies of kelp-urchin systems have been generally restricted to small spatial (few 100s m²) and temporal (<5 years) extents by the traditional scuba-based monitoring techniques employed. Investigation of the drivers of kelp distribution over multiple spatiotemporal scales (including broad spatial [<km²] and temporal [years] extents) and in regions poorly studied is key to assessing the stability of these systems and understanding regional specificities of kelp dynamics across eastern Canada. This thesis investigates the factors controlling kelp distribution and the stability of kelp-urchin systems in southeastern Newfoundland (SEN) and the northern Gulf of St. Lawrence (nGSL) over multiple spatiotemporal scales by applying traditional and novel techniques. In a scuba-based manipulative field experiment in SEN, no significant effect of urchin density was observed on the rate of kelp bed destruction from urchin grazing, suggesting that the minimal urchin density required to maintain destructive feeding on kelp beds may be equal to the lowest density tested (88 urchins·m⁻²) or lower. The suitability of remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) approaches for mapping kelp in the nGSL was assessed by comparing three image classification methods applied to aerial and satellite imagery. Supervised classification of satellite imagery (89% accuracy) and visual classification of aerial imagery (90% accuracy) were the best methods. Visually classified imagery from the nGSL was used to compute spatial pattern metrics quantifying kelp distribution patterns. These metrics showed that kelp distribution is not uniform, as kelp patches exhibited considerable variation in size and geometric complexity. Kelp presence was negatively correlated with depth, urchin density, and exposure to waves. Investigation of kelp distribution patterns from imagery acquired in six years between 1983 and 2016 in the nGSL revealed an increase in kelp cover since 1999. Harsh oceanographic conditions in late winter and spring were correlated with decreased kelp cover and smaller, more numerous kelp patches. Kelp patches persisting through time were more frequent in shallow areas. Overall, this thesis increases knowledge of scale dependency in the drivers of kelp distribution in eastern Canada. It speaks to the importance of exploring multiple scales to understand, predict, and mitigate changes in in kelp-urchin systems.


identifier: Renouf, Alysha <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Renouf=3AAlysha=3A=3A.html>   (2020) Chronic fatigue syndrome: holistic understanding and the impact of social support on distress.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Background: Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a debilitating illness that results in many functional impairments, with individuals who experience it being unable to work, and even becoming bedridden for years at a time. However, there continues to be confusion regarding the population of individuals with CFS, the etiology, and the treatment options.
Study One: In Study One, I attained a profile of the sociodemographic characteristics of adults with CFS in a Canadian sample using the Canadian Community Health Survey – Mental Health 2012 (Statistics Canada, 2013). Individuals with CFS were more likely to be female, 45-64, living alone, unmarried, unemployed, low income, have psychiatric diagnoses and have a history of childhood maltreatment than people without CFS.
Study Two: I re-examined the data from Study One to determine the level of social support and distress in individuals with CFS. Further, I explored the predictive ability of specific social support domains on distress with individuals with CFS, women with CFS, and men with CFS, and of overall social support after controlling for the significant demographic and mental health variables from Study One. For women with CFS, social integration and guidance support uniquely predicted distress; for men with CFS, social integration uniquely predicted distress. After controlling demographic and mental health variables, social support was found to predict 10.4% of the variance in distress.
Discussion: These findings are integrated to explore the possible etiological implications of childhood maltreatment, the importance of a holistic biopsychosocial approach to illness for this population, and how such an approach may provide greater treatment opportunities for individuals with CFS.


identifier: Dayarathne, Rajith <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Dayarathne=3ARajith=3A=3A.html>   (2021) Finite element and centrifuge modeling of frost heave and thaw consolidation settlement of pipelines in cold regions.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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abstract:
Frost heave and thaw settlement are two main issues that need to be considered in the design of pipelines in cold regions. Operating a chilled gas pipeline in unfrozen ground or a warm oil pipeline in frozen ground could create a frost or thaw bulb in the soils around the pipeline, which could cause significant ground movement that may impose unacceptable loads on the pipeline, especially in the proximity of thermal interfaces. Modelling of such ground movement and corresponding pipeline–soil interaction may become more complex due to seasonal variation of air temperatures and operating conditions of the pipeline (e.g., pressure and temperature at the compressor stations), which may induce freeze-thaw cycles in the soils downstream areas. The frost heave and thaw settlement around the pipeline under constant and cyclic temperatures at the pipeline and ground surfaces are the focus of the present study.
An experimental investigation of displacement of pipelines buried in frost susceptible soils subjected to freeze-thaw cycles is presented first. The effectiveness of cyclic variation of pipeline operating temperatures as a frost heave mitigation measure is evaluated by analyzing 14 model pipes’ tests in a geotechnical centrifuge. Based on the experimental results, five types of possible freeze-thaw induced vertical displacement responses of the pipeline during operation have been identified. The cyclic pipeline operation (sub-zero in the winter and above-zero in the summer months) could reduce the heave rate and total heave compared to those observed in the tests operated under continuous sub-zero pipe temperatures.
Secondly, a two-dimensional fully coupled thermo-mechanical finite element (FE) model is developed using Abaqus FE software for simulating the frost heave around chilled gas pipelines buried in frost susceptible soil. The mechanical behaviour of frozen and unfrozen soils is defined using elastic-plastic models that recognize the key influencing factors, including temperature and volumetric ice content in the frozen soil. The Konrad–Morgenstern segregation potential model and the mechanical behaviour of soil are implemented in Abaqus using user subroutines. The FE calculated results are compared with the Calgary full-scale experimental results of two pipe sections buried at different depths, namely control and deep-burial sections. The FE calculated frost front penetration, frost heave, and moisture growth agree well with the experimental results, which indicates that the present FE model can successfully simulate the frost heave around buried pipelines. The long-term frost heave (up to 20 years) is simulated. The decrease of heave rate after the formation of the final ice lens and associated warming at its leading edge is highlighted. The effects of key factors on frost heave and challenges in FE modelling of such large displacements are evaluated. The factors include the water migration modelling approach, soil properties, seasonal ground surface temperatures and operating conditions.
Finally, a large-strain coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical FE model is developed using Abaqus FE software to simulate thaw consolidation. The variations of hydraulic conductivity, compressibility, and thermal properties of thawed soils during consolidation are implemented. One-dimensional FE simulations are performed first to verify the FE modelling approach and to show the limitations of the existing small-strain linear thaw consolidation model. Nonlinear variation of void ratio–effective stress–hydraulic conductivity is then considered for improved modelling of thaw consolidation. Finally, a two-dimensional FE modelling of thaw consolidation around a warm pipeline buried in permafrost is presented. The highly nonlinear void ratio–effective stress and void ratio–hydraulic conductivity relationships, specifically the high hydraulic conductivity at large void ratios and low effective stresses after thawing, cause pore water flow along the thaw front, instead of vertical flow in simplified one-dimensional thaw consolidation models, as assumed in previous studies.


identifier: Nirheche, Ali <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Nirheche=3AAli=3A=3A.html>   (2021) Broken plural formation in Moroccan Arabic: a stratal optimality theory account.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The plurals of Moroccan Arabic in general are divided into two types: sound and broken. The former is formed through a process of suffixation, while the latter usually involves an internal change in the singular stem (Harrel, 1962). Phonological patterning in broken plurals is complex. The only unified account of Moroccan Arabic broken plural formation has been proposed by Al Ghadi (1990) using the framework of Autosegmental Theory. As for Classical Arabic, McCarthy and Prince (1990) proposed a theory of Prosodic Morphology to account for broken plurals. Later, McCarthy (1997) proposed an analysis of this phenomenon using OUTPUT-OUTPUT correspondence in Optimality Theory. While these proposals are successful in accounting for some broken plural patterns in Classical Arabic, this thesis shows that they are insufficient to account for broken plural formation in Moroccan Arabic. A Stratal OT analysis of this phenomenon is proposed as an alternative account. The thesis adopts the representational assumptions made by Al Ghadi (1990) regarding the syllable template of Moroccan Arabic. The analysis proposed assumes that there are two main levels to broken plural formation: the stem level and the word level. At the stem level, the infixation of the broken plural morpheme takes place, while syllabification and epenthesis occur at the word level. Therefore, this thesis provides an attempt to account for the major broken plural patterns in Moroccan Arabic, i.e. CCVC, CCVCa, and CCVCeC, using Stratal OT (Kiparsky, 2000; Bermúdez-Otero, 2003; Rubach, 2003; among others). The analysis proposed makes use of faithfulness constraints that require identity between inputs and outputs of each level (e.g. MAX-IO, DEP-IO, CONTIGUITY, and so on) and markedness constraints that regulate the prosodic well-formedness of Moroccan Arabic broken plural forms (e.g. ONSET, ALIGN, and so on).


identifier: Saif, Abdullah Omar <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Saif=3AAbdullah_Omar=3A=3A.html>   (2021) Barriers & facilitators in accessing child health services and social supports: perceptions of international graduate student parents in Newfoundland & Labrador.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: It is widely acknowledged that access to health services and social supports is one of the determinants of a newcomer population's health status. It has been observed that research studies typically focus on investigating the experiences of immigrants and refugees. Experiences of other sub-groups of newcomers, such as academic sojourners, have remained overlooked and warrant attention from researchers. Using an interpretive phenomenological approach, the aim of my research was to investigate the experiences of international graduate student parents in accessing child health services and social supports. I examined perceived barriers and facilitators when accessing these services in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador (NL). Through eight semi-structured interviews with these international graduate students, I found that key barriers in accessing services and support were the length of wait time, and participants’ negative experiences in navigating the healthcare system. Additionally, language barriers, participants’ limited interactions with the local population, lack of affordable daycare, and difficulties when it came to obtaining accurate healthcare information, added layers of complexity to their experience when accessing healthcare services. Factors that can facilitate access include professionalism of healthcare workers, child-friendly arrangements in patient waiting areas, and cultural sensitivity in healthcare delivery. These findings enhance our understanding of academic sojourners' access to child health services and social supports. They can also inform health promotion programs and activities targeted toward improving access to child health services and social supports for families of international students in Newfoundland and Labrador.


identifier: Quainoo, Alice <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Quainoo=3AAlice=3A=3A.html>   (2021) Factors affecting rural women's involvement in physical activity in Ghana.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: A qualitative study approach was used to explore the factors affecting rural women’s involvement in physical activity in Ghana. Most of the prior research has been done in African urban areas thus, neglecting the rural areas. Purposive sampling and semi-structured interviews were used to gather data from nine women aged 40-60 years living in three rural areas in central region of Ghana. The interviews were conducted by phone, translated and transcribed, and then coded using the NVivo software package. The constant comparative method was used to analyze the data. The data presented eight enablers and five barriers to physical activity involvement for rural Ghanaian women. The study adds to the state of knowledge about rural women’s physical activity across the lifespan from childhood through middle age. Findings revealed that rural women get a fair amount of physical activity from their traditional occupation, household chores, and communal labour but they lack access to and participation in organized sports or physical activity. Finally, recommendations are suggested to remove barriers to women’s participation in organized physical activity and sports in rural settings.


identifier: Latour, Ainsley R. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Latour=3AAinsley_R=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2021) Molecular divergence and gene flow in cold ocean tunicates: insights from cytochrome oxidase 1.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Gaps in our ability to identify species and understand factors influencing the evolution of species ranges, limit the extent to which we can diagnose changes to ocean ecosystems that occur in response to anthropogenic stressors. DNA barcodes offer one method to facilitate our assessment and understanding of diversity. Tunicates are a group of marine invertebrates for which researchers have used the typical animal barcoding region of the cytochrome oxidase 1 (CO1) gene to identify cryptic species complexes and elucidate patterns of gene flow in non-indigenous ascidians. Waters surrounding Newfoundland contain several species of invasive ascidians and native appendicularian tunicates. My research utilized the CO1 animal barcoding region to explore the genetic structure of two cold ocean tunicates in Newfoundland waters, the native appendicularian tunicate, Oikopleura vanhoeffeni and the non-native ascidian Botryllus schlosseri. Specifically, I provide the first report of a partial CO1 sequence for O. vanhoeffeni and report on gene flow of B. schlosseri collected from Newfoundland waters. The CO1 gene proved unsuitable for further evaluation as a marker for species level identification in O. vanhoeffeni, because the presence of tandem repeat regions would require multiple primer pairs to amplify the CO1 barcoding region. Across Newfoundland harbours, considerable genetic structure among the 7 Botryllus schlosseri populations sampled indicates increasing genetic diversity from west to east. All of the B. schlosseri CO1 haplotypes identified in Newfoundland waters were recorded previously in Nova Scotian harbours, and a few in the Mediterranean Sea. Thus, regional boating traffic from mainland Atlantic Canada likely provided an important vector of introduction for this species in Newfoundland, but transoceanic and/or local boating traffic may play a role.


identifier: Beita Jiménez, Andrés <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Beita_Jim=E9nez=3AAndr=E9s=3A=3A.html>   (2021) Spatiotemporal variability in northern shrimp (Pandalus borealis) life-history traits in Newfoundland and Labrador.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: After the collapse of the groundfish stocks in the mid-90’s, northern shrimp has become one of the most economically important fisheries in Newfoundland and Labrador. However, the biomass has drastically decline since 2006 to reach similar low biomass levels as before the mid-90’s. Several reasons have been proposed for that decline including the recovery of predators, high fishing pressure, and changes in water temperature. Collapses and slow recoveries of fisheries have often been associated with life-history changes, but this has not yet been documented for northern shrimp in Newfoundland and Labrador. The goal of this thesis is to determine if there is variability in life-histories of northern shrimp and if it has contributed to the observed decline of the stock. I first used data from onboard observers and scientific surveys to estimate variation in size at sex transition from 1995 to 2016 and evaluate which factors are driving this variation. I found that trends in size at sex transition varied depending on the data source, but a general decline was observed. Fishing and temperature were identified as the main factors driving this decline, but the decline is more likely a consequence than a cause of reduction in abundance by fishing. I suggest that a compensatory response to reduced local abundance caused by fishing is the mechanism explaining observed variation in size at sex transition. In the second part of this thesis, I updated estimation of shrimp fecundity, which has not been done for 40 years. Then, I integrated new fecundity estimates with the size structure and size at sex transition information from the previous chapter to test if the variability in life history is affecting the estimation of indices of stock reproductive potential. I found that the number of eggs at size was 30% lower in 2018 than in 1978. However, the variability in size at sex transition and fecundity had little effect on the estimation of stock reproductive potential and did not cause major changes in the categorization of the stock status within the currently precautionary approach. I suggest that for this stock, the spawning stock biomass can be considered a good, parsimonious index to represent the reproductive potential.


identifier: Osarogiagbon, Augustine Uhunoma <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Osarogiagbon=3AAugustine_Uhunoma=3A=3A.html>   (2021) Exploring parameter interactions and deep learning for modeling pressure related downhole safety conditions during drilling.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Drilling for petroleum is technically engaging, considering the potentially huge risk involved.
Blowout due to uncontrolled kick represents a scenario that is to be avoided due to disastrous
consequences, e.g. huge financial loss, environmental damage, and death of personnel. Kick
occurrence can be prevented if the pore pressure is correctly estimated and the proper drilling
mud weight employed. Pore pressure prediction is done in shale lithology; hence a fast means of
proper lithology identification is important for pore pressure prediction. Monitoring downhole
for pore pressure related hazard therefore includes but is not limited to: monitoring for kick
occurrence, monitoring for abnormal pore pressure, and monitoring for changes in lithology for
adequate pore pressure prediction.
In the field of data science, deep learning is gaining significant interest, which is likely due to its
potentials and successful applications. Researchers have begun to explore deep learning in
several areas with close affinity to drilling engineering, such as lithology identification, drilling
rig state determination, generating logging/other drilling parameters, detecting downhole events,
and detecting abnormality in data. Therefore, this serves as a motivation to take advantage of
deep learning capabilities in monitoring downhole conditions during drilling to prevent pore
pressure based hazardous events.
In this dissertation, a novel methodology for kick detection using drilling parameters is
presented. Likewise, a novel methodology for predicting the shaliness of a rock formation using
drilling parameters is also presented. These methodologies utilized deep learning algorithms in
order to achieve the desired objectives. Results obtained using field data justified the
development of methodologies with the capability to capture sequential dependencies. Cost
represents a significant factor for utilizing drilling parameters in comparison to the use of highly sophisticated/expensive downhole sensors. As part of this dissertation, a novel approach for pore
pressure prediction from porosity and resistivity measurement is presented. The aim of
combining porosity and resistivity is to explore how the interrelationship between them can
enhance pore pressure prediction. The methodology developed for combining porosity and
resistivity performed better than the conventional approach based on field data. Machine learning
was also employed for pore pressure prediction and better result was also achieved in
comparison to conventional approach based on the same field data. In summary, this dissertation
presents several novel methodologies for monitoring different aspects of downhole conditions
from downhole lithology to downhole drilling events which are important for improved drilling
safety.


identifier: Deal, Cole K. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Deal=3ACole_K=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2021) The role of the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis in appetite regulation of goldfish (Carassius auratus).  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This thesis aimed to understand the role that the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis plays in appetite regulation of goldfish (Carassius auratus). I altered nutritional and thyroid statuses to measure the response of thyroid axis components and appetite-regulating peptides. I predicted that fasting would downregulate the thyroid axis and trigger an orexigenic response, while overfeeding would upregulate the thyroid axis and trigger an anorexigenic response. Additionally, I predicted that hyperthyroid conditions would lead to negative feedback of the thyroid axis and an orexigenic response, whilst opposite under hypothyroid conditions. I uncovered for both experiments that the thyroid axis in goldish is most responsive to overfeeding and hyperthyroidism. Overfeeding led to a time-dependent increase in central thyroid transcripts while fasting decreased thyroid hormone degradation peripherally with no central response, no treatment altered levels of thyroid hormone in circulation. Hyperthyroidism resulted in negative feedback to the pituitary, but not hypothalamus, and did not lead to an increase in food intake despite an increase in the levels of thyroxine. The thyroid inhibitor, propylthiouracil, did not induce hypothyroidism or alter the expression of any thyroid axis transcript. Appetite-regulating peptides correlated weakly to changes in the thyroid, suggesting an overall poor association in goldfish between appetite regulation and thyroid status.


identifier: Burt, Taylor <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Burt=3ATaylor=3A=3A.html>   (2019) Listening effort: The impact of simulated hearing loss on cognitive functions in young adults.  Bachelor's thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Previous research has suggested that hearing loss significantly impacts cognition in both school-age children and the elderly (e.g. Hicks & Tharpe, 2002; Lin, 2011). This study is the first to report the potential cognitive impacts of simulated, mild hearing loss for a young adult population. The current study investigated the effect of simulated mild, highfrequency hearing loss on performance and effort in a sample of 43 young adults (aged 18-
23) who claimed to have normal hearing. On a standardized Speech-in-Nosie (SIN) Task, a significant effect of simulated hearing loss was found for both the sentence repetition accuracy, as well as the listening effort necessary to complete the task. Further, to test the
interaction of cognitive load and hearing loss on accuracy and effort, participants completed a Memory Task under single- and dual-task conditions. While question response
accuracy significantly decreased under dual-task conditions, accuracy was not significantly affected across hearing loss conditions. However, task effort was significantly increased in the simulated hearing loss condition. Analysis of order effects also suggested the employment of cognitive strategy, particularly in the SIN Task where the hearing conditions did not facilitate the recruitment of additional cognitive resources. All results are discussed from the standpoint of the Resource Allocation Hypothesis (Rabbitt, 1968).
Overall, results suggested that mild hearing loss does negatively impact cognition and listening effort in young adults. However, young adults may be largely unable to detect this loss by themselves (Le Prell, Hensley, Campbell, Hall, and Guire., 2011; Widen, Holmes, Johnson, Bohlin and Erlandson., 2009). The Canadian healthcare system is also
ill-equipped to detect such an impairment if it is not diagnosed in early childhood. Future research should place the spotlight on young adults to help remedy these problems.


identifier: Bagnall, Benjamin <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Bagnall=3ABenjamin=3A=3A.html>   (2021) From sea to land: characterization and shoreline analysis of an Arctic paraglacial coastal system undergoing forced regression, Arviat, Nunavut.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This study assesses the form, materials, and evolution of a paraglacial Arctic coastline undergoing forced regression. It is based on the analysis of field and remote-sensing data within the municipal boundary of Arviat, Nunavut, western Hudson Bay. Arviat is part of an extensive emergent glacial and marine sedimentary plain. Discrete reaches of the municipal foreshore and backshore are characterized by form and material. Analysis of historical shoreline change confirmed that shoreline advance was more prevalent than retreat within the study area between 1960 and 2011. However, shoreline retreat was also observed despite forced regression conditions, particularly around the east-facing portion of the headland. The principle forcing agent for shoreline change is interpreted as forced regression, but coastal dynamics are also playing a role in shoreline evolution. This study contributes to the understanding of coastal evolution in a forced regression environment and the characterization of an understudied Canadian Arctic coastal environment.


identifier: Danson Faraday, Jacob <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Danson_Faraday=3AJacob=3A=3A.html>   (2021) Buried in the mix: touring sound technicians, sonic control, and emotional labour on Cirque du Soleil's Corteo.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This dissertation investigates the lives and labour of the sound technicians who work on Cirque
du Soleil’s arena show Corteo, a large-scale, highly structured, corporate touring production. On
Corteo, the sound technicians are charged with the faithful recreation of Cirque du Soleil’s
proprietary sonic product, including the music, sound effects, and character dialogue, as
established by the director, composers, sound designer, and other senior members of the creative
hierarchy. The sound technicians manage the constant variations in musical performances and
venue acoustics, interventions that should be largely invisible and inaudible. They also manage
the feelings of the musicians and each other by engaging in diverse modes of emotional labour.
Different groups—sound technicians, musicians, acrobats, and audiences—listen to the show in
an ever-shifting, holistic way. The people in these groups understand that the sounds they make
during a performance—with instruments and speakers or with laughter and applause—are
integral to the show. Sound in the arena becomes an affective web of sources to which each
group simultaneously listens and contributes. Sound technicians are sensitive to emotion and
affect, and this sensitivity is part of the job. I show that the sound technician’s technical work,
emotional labour, and affective sensitivity are vital to the sound design, despite being ‘buried in
the mix.’ Corteo’s mode of touring evinces the underlying privilege and power of even low-level
employees like sound technicians, as well as Cirque du Soleil’s broader capitalistic priorities and
labour practices. Through the case study of Corteo, this dissertation contributes to a growing
body of literature that demonstrates that workers at any level in a corporate hierarchy make
essential contributions to a final product, even if their labour is obscured by neoliberal logics.
Grounded in ethnographic methods and informed by the author’s own experience as a Cirque du
Soleil sound technician, this research includes participant observation and interviews with sound
technicians, musicians, creative production staff, and audiences.


identifier: Oney, Burak <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Oney=3ABurak=3A=3A.html>   (2021) Patterns of Cree preverb usage in early child language: a longitudinal case study.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This thesis offers a preliminary investigation into the acquisition of a class of morpheme called
“preverb” in Northern East (NE) Cree (Central Algonquian, ISO 639-3 code crl), for one child
code-named “Daisy”, acquiring NE Cree as a first language. Daisy is one of three participants
who were filmed for the Chisasibi Child Language Acquisition Study (CCLAS), which is the first
in-depth longitudinal acquisition project of an Algonquian language. Her language development
was documented for 27 months with 32 sessions (3;08.10 – 5;11.25), and for this research, of 32
sessions present, 11 of them were considered. This is the second study on preverb acquisition in
the literature, and the first in depth case study of Daisy’s acquisition of preverbs.
The first study on preverb acquisition in NE Cree was conducted by Brittain & Rose (2021), in
which they examined a younger child code-named Ani (2;01 to 4;03). They argue that Ani’s
pattern of development suggests a learning path which is driven by grammatical complexity, as
Ani’s preverb inventory consists only of what they refer to as “phonologically stable” forms
(forms which do not alternate for initial change) and “positionally stable” forms (forms which
can only occupy one position in the verb stem). Ani uses preverbs with the potentially more
complex conjunct order seven months later than with the independent. Also, she does not
combine preverbs even though it is quite common in the language, and she used each preverb in
her inventory with one inflection type only, even where a choice of inflections was available. My
research revolves around these findings, and in addition to this, in order to see a sample of
preverb usage in child-directed speech (CDS), one session of the adult input was considered. Findings show Daisy using even the supposedly more challenging forms (as argued for by
Brittain & Rose) from the earliest session (at age 3;08). Moreover, based on the research
questions examined in this thesis, no pattern of acquisitional development emerged in Daisy’s
usage of preverbs, contrasting with findings for Ani. Crucially, Daisy’s pattern of preverb
production resembles more closely that of the adult as represented by the CDS: both speakers pair
preverbs more frequently with the conjunct than with the independent; both frequently use
combinations of two and sometimes three preverbs; and, where a given preverb allows combining
with more than one type of inflection, both Daisy and the adult use varieties of inflection. Brittain
& Rose found that Ani never uses initial change with preverbs, while Daisy and the adult both do,
but with relatively few preverb types. Additionally, the most frequent types of preverbs in Daisy’s
speech are also the most common ones in the adult input, and similarly, the least frequent ones
are not present in the CDS.


identifier: Steinhauer, Brooke <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Steinhauer=3ABrooke=3A=3A.html>   (2021) The impact of gender-neutral pronouns on perceptions of candidates.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This study examines the role of candidate pronouns in the process of candidate
evaluations. The experiment investigates what assumptions voters will make about gender
neutral candidates and how voters will react to candidates who use gender neutral pronouns.
Specifically, it explores candidates with gender neutral pronouns and voter perceptions of these
candidates. Findings suggest that, overall, candidates who use gender neutral pronouns are not at
a disadvantage when it comes to candidate evaluations. Candidates who use they/them pronouns
are more likely to be favoured in comparison to candidates who use he/him pronouns but less
likely to be favoured in comparison to candidates who use she/her pronouns. The results
contradict the widely accepted notion that men are likely to be perceived more positively by
voters than women. Finally, the author considers the ramifications of these results on future
scholarship and what it means for women and gender diverse political candidates.


identifier: Cameron, Blaise W. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Cameron=3ABlaise_W=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2021) Critique and enlightenment: Leonard Nelson on Socratic method and the shared project of Kant and Plato.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
In this thesis I examine Leonard Nelson’s (1882-1927) theory of Socratic method
as a lesser-known contribution to Neo-Kantian literature on the relationship between Kant
and Plato. To do so, I look at Nelson’s 1922 essay on the subject, “The Socratic Method”
– analyzing it within the context of philosophical problems Nelson wanted to solve, and
as an extension of concerns found throughout Nelson’s wider thought. Although the
pedagogical side of Nelson’s Socratic method is familiar to us from its use in various
educational settings – most notably in law school instruction – contemporary practice of
this technique is very far removed from how Nelson himself understood and practiced it
and as such, I argue, cannot satisfy Nelson’s original goal of training a responsible,
philosophically-adept citizenry. I argue instead that the best way to appreciate these aims
is to examine the Kantian and Platonic context Nelson works within, and why he saw
these two philosophies as being in agreement. I organize my thesis around Nelson’s
propositions that Kant and Plato alike are critical philosophers and that both are
concerned with realizing enlightened societies, i.e., societies whose laws and ideals
proceed according to a pure, rational basis reached through the practice of philosophy.
Nelson takes Plato’s use of Socratic dialectic to be the model on which Kant’s project of
enlightenment and moral education can be actualized, and in turn, he views Kant’s theory
of knowledge as the framework within which Socratic method can accomplish the tasks
Socrates and Plato originally set for it. My thesis shows that scholarly inattention to
Nelson’s work not only holds back our understanding Kant and Plato’s relationship, but
our conception of philosophy’s proper aims and priorities.


identifier: Clark, Chris <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Clark=3AChris=3A=3A.html>   (2021) Forgetting as a consequence of retrieval suppression: a meta-analytic review of the think/no-think paradigm.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The present thesis used meta-analytic methods to define the typical magnitude of the suppression induced forgetting (SIF) effect produced by the Think/No-Think paradigm as well as assess several moderators. A literature search was conducted using seven online databases, review papers and discussion with experts in the field to identify 82 relevant studies. Using Bayesian multi-level modelling techniques to provide a synthesis of the existing literature it was determined that the typical Think/No-Think study produced a small SIF effect. This means that the Think/No-Think paradigm decreases recall accuracy for no-think items relative to baseline items, with broad heterogeneity in the observed effect across studies depending on the methods. Additionally, it was determined that the SIF effect was larger (a) in studies using same probe (SP) tests than independent probe (IP) tests; (b) when the data were conditionalized on successful learning of the stimuli pairs during the test-feedback phase; (c) when participants were given more specific instructions on how to avoid thinking of the no-think items, and; (d) at higher numbers of repetitions (for unconditionalized data). Neither stimulus emotional content nor stimuli type impacted the magnitude of SIF. These findings provide strong evidence of the viability of the SIF effect while also informing future theoretical discussions concerning its mechanisms. Several recommendations are made for future Think/No-Think studies concerning sample size and methodological decisions in an effort to improve the precision and reliability of findings.


identifier: Murphy, Christina <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Murphy=3AChristina=3A=3A.html>   (2021) The positive side of things: examining factors that predict positive mental health in individuals with problematic substance use.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Problematic substance use (PSU) is highly prevalent within Canada. Individuals who suffer from PSU face disproportionate amounts of stigmatization. An individual achieves self-directed recovery (SDR) from PSU through a process of change where individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life and strive to reach their full potential. Negative social interactions, social supports, and demographic variables such as income are suggested to predict SDR. This concept of SDR is like the concept of flourishing within positive mental health (PMH). A flourishing individual is mentally healthy, exhibiting high levels of emotional wellbeing and positive functioning. The similarities between SDR and PMH have been noted previously, however research on the relationship is lacking. The current study aims to identify how individuals with PSU differ on PMH, social supports and negative social interactions when compared with the general population, as well as analyze if income, education, sex, age, social supports, and negative social interactions predict PMH in individuals with PSU. The sample was comprised of individuals between the ages of 20 and 64 years and who reported a lifetime history of substance abuse or dependence in the CCHS-MH database (N=956). Participants differed from the general population on measures of PMH, social supports, and negative social interactions. Age, sex, income, social supports, and negative social interactions were found to predict PMH in individuals with PSU. This suggests the same factors that predict SDR in individuals with PSU also predict PMH. Implications of the study’s findings as well as study limitations are discussed.


identifier: Haddad, Christopher <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Haddad=3AChristopher=3A=3A.html>   (2021) Preferences and perceptions on coaching behaviors in relation to performance in university and CEGEP baseball players across Canada.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This cross-sectional survey study examined the congruence of player preferences and
perceptions of leader behaviors on athletic performance among university and CEGEP baseball
athletes across Canada. In accordance with the Multidimensional Model of Leadership,
congruence between preferences and perceptions were hypothesized to positively relate to
individual baseball performance. The Leadership Scale for Sport was used to measure athlete
leadership preferences and perceptions of their coach’s leader behaviors across five behavioral
dimensions (e.g., training and instruction, democratic, autocratic, social support, positive
feedback). Paired t-tests examined differences in athlete preferences and perceptions.
Correlations were computed to evaluate the relationships between perceived coaching behavior
and athlete performance. Participants (n = 51) were instructed to complete a self-administered
survey. Athletes were divided into groups based on their designated baseball position (e.g.,
fielder or pitcher). Hierarchical regressions were used to examine the variance in performance
relating to the interaction leader preferences and perceptions. The results found a significant
interaction effect for social support on performance. Paired samples t-tests revealed differences
in training and instruction behavior mean score. Perceptions of training and instruction and
positive feedback behaviors significantly correlated with fielder and pitcher performance,
respectively.


identifier: Wang, Cuiping <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Wang=3ACuiping=3A=3A.html>   (2021) Dynamic analysis of cancer-immune system with Allee effect.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
There are numbers of mathematical models to describe the relation between immune
effector cells and cancer cells. The purpose of this thesis is to explore the influence of
Allee effect on immune effector cells and cancer cells.
First, we introduce some background information of how the immune system inhibit
and suppress cancer growth and Allee effect.
In Chapter 2, we propose a general model to describe the interaction between
immune effector cells and cancers. We discuss some basic dynamical properties of the
system under strong Allee effect and weak Allee effect with linear functional responses.
For instance, the existence of equilibrium points and their local stabilities.
In Chapter 3, using Matlab code, we do sampling-based sensitive analysis on the
density of cancer cells. Sensitive analysis can narrow down the parameter of interest
and suggest the most significant parameter that affect the density of cancer cells.
In Chapter 4, due to the difficulty of solving the explicit form of positive equilibrium
point. We give numerical simulation to explore the existence of positive
equilibrium points and their stabilities.
At last, in Chapter 5, we summarize the results in this thesis, and indicate some
problems for future work.


identifier: Thomas, D. Frank <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Thomas=3AD=2E_Frank=3A=3A.html>   (2021) Investigating the effect of porosity on the elastoplastic behavior of powder-based sintered metals through finite element analysis.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The effect of porosity, void shape, and aspect ratio on the mechanical behavior of porous ductile metals was studied. Traditional finite element models were developed to predict the elastic modulus and yield stress of porous representative volume elements as a function of porosity and void aspect ratio. Corresponding models were built and tested in ABAQUS for comparison. The effect of void shape and aspect ratio on effective mechanical properties was observed and the necessity of finite element simulations was confirmed. An algorithm for the generation of realistic porous powder-based sintered representative volume element models was fully developed and implemented. A series of models were generated and simulations were performed to extract the effective stress-strain behavior using continuum mechanics methods. Comparisons to existing experimental data for porous sintered metals determined that the three dimensional models generated by the novel algorithm accurately predict the elastic, yield, and plastic deformation behavior of porous sintered metals.


identifier: Bekin, Ekrem <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Bekin=3AEkrem=3A=3A.html>   (2021) 3D modelling and inversion of audio-magnetotelluric (AMT) data from McArthur River, Athabasca Basin, using unstructured tetrahedral grids.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The main aim of this study is to do trial-and-error 3D forward modelling and inversion for the AMT data collected in the McArthur River area of the Athabasca Basin. For the forward modelling and inversion, the ideas are not new, but the tools used in this study have not been used previously for the corresponding AMT data set. In the McArthur River area, the P2 fault is a thrust fault in the basement formed within pelitic gneiss, and the mineralization of the unconformity-type uranium found in the Athabasca Basin is often related to the P2 fault - which is originally a graphitic unit. Different geophysical and geological surveys have provided information about parts of the substructure; however, none of the studies so far presented have provided a better understanding of the P2 fault of the McArthur River mine area at depth. All previous studies, including electrical and electromagnetic (EM) surveys, had pointed out the increasing need for imaging the deep parts of the P2 fault. Consequently, a natural source method, the Audio-Frequency Magnetotelluric (AMT) method, was performed in 2002 within the scope of EXTECH IV (EXploration science and TECHnology) project by other researchers to image greater depths at low costs.
In this study, a synthetic model is first created by trial and error based on previous studies. The accuracy of the model is checked by comparing the calculated apparent resistivity and phase values with the measurements. According to the results obtained from the forward modelling calculations, the accuracy of the model is satisfactory.
iii
From a data inversion point of view, this study consists of four inversions. The first is the inversion of the synthetic data for the model constructed by the trial-and-error forward modelling. This allows for the capabilities of the inversion process to be assessed. The other three are the inversions of the real data. For the synthetic data inversion, ten frequencies were used, and the data were fit successfully. The real data inversions were performed using three different forms of the data uncertainties. In the first scenario, the variances estimated from the data processing were considered as uncertainties. In the other two real-data inversions, uncertainties of 3% and 5% were used. Results of the real-data inversion were compared to those of previous inversion studies. The results from all three real-data inversions show good consistency with those of earlier studies.


identifier: Banchani, Emmanuel <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Banchani=3AEmmanuel=3A=3A.html>   (2021) Non-communicable diseases in Ghana: risk factors, prevalence and social support systems.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The aim of this thesis is to examine the effects of individual and neighborhood socioeconomic status (SES) on hypertension, establish an association between non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and disability and examine the role of social support systems in management of NCDs in Ghana. Specific focus is given to the burden of hypertension, diabetes, and stroke. The study is motivated by the scarcity of research on NCD-related risks among women in Ghana. Similarly, there is paucity of academic literature on relationships between NCDs, disability, and social support systems available to people living with these chronic conditions. In examining these issues, a mixed methods sequential explanatory research design is adopted using the World Health Organization’s Commission on Social Determinants of Health (CSDH) as a conceptual framework. Specifically, data from the Women’s Health Study of Accra (WHSA-I) and the Ghana Global Ageing on Adult Health Survey (SAGE) are analyzed using multilevel logistic regression and ordinary least squares (OLS) regression respectively. In addition, qualitative interviews were undertaken in two teaching hospitals in Ghana with 33 patients living with NCDs, who were recruited for the study using purposive sampling technique.
Results from the quantitative analyses reveal that wealthy women are more likely to be hypertensive compared to poorer women. However, the effects of neighborhood SES/wealth was attenuated after adjusting for individual-level SES/wealth. In addition, respondents with higher education reported higher levels of disability compared to those with no education, while stroke emerge as the major contributor to disability among Ghanaians. Thematic analysis of the interview data further indicate that the nuclear family is the main source of social support for the self-management of NCDs.

The results suggests that efforts aimed at the prevention, control and management of hypertension should focus on changing individual behavioral lifestyles. Health promotion programs should also focus individual factors (engaging in physical activity and adoption of healthy diet with an emphasis on fruit and vegetable consumption etc) in the prevention, control and management of hypertension in Ghana. This research also offers innovative contributions to the extant literature by confirming that the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) can be effectively used to classify individuals with disabilities living in Ghana not only based on their medical conditions, but also by their functioning level. This research further demonstrates that the ICF framework can be used within the healthcare setting to promote inclusiveness within the broader community. Finally, the study findings demonstrates that social support can be used as a strategy in the promotion of the physical and mental well-being of these NCD patients.


identifier: Drakes, Dalainey H. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Drakes=3ADalainey_H=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2021) The prevalence of comorbid obsessive-compulsive disorder in individuals with eating disorders: an epidemiological meta-analysis.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The present study aimed to provide a meta-analytic estimate of the prevalence of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) amongst those with a current primary eating disorder (ED) diagnosis, and to isolate predictors of comorbid OCD. An online search of PubMed and PsycINFO was conducted with a Boolean search phrase incorporating keywords related to OCD, EDs, comorbidity, prevalence, and epidemiology, complemented by reference review and contact with experts in the field. Articles were included if they (a) reported an observational study examining current ED diagnoses, (b) used a semi-structured or structured diagnostic interview for OCD and ED diagnosis, (c) applied DSM or ICD criteria, (d) included adolescent or adult samples (age > 12), (e) included patient or community samples, and (f) reported lifetime or current OCD comorbidity. From the 846 articles identified, 35 lifetime and 42 current estimates of comorbid OCD were calculated. Analyses revealed an aggregate lifetime OCD prevalence of 13.9% CI₉₅% [10.4 to 18.1] and current OCD prevalence of 8.7% CI₉₅% [5.8 to 11.8] across EDs. Moderator analyses revealed the prevalence of OCD to be greatest in anorexia nervosa binge-eating purging type, in patient versus community samples, among those with an earlier age of ED onset, and those with lower mean BMIs. Awareness of the populations at greatest risk of comorbid OCD in EDs will ensure appropriate diagnosis, while facilitating development of treatments targeting their shared etiology.


identifier: Prado Silva, Eduardo <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Prado_Silva=3AEduardo=3A=3A.html>   (2021) Between dependency and cooperation: what China’s activities in Brazil’s energy sector tell us about the new international economic centre.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: After 2010, there was a spike in China-Brazil (and Latin America) economic relations. The level of trade and investment coming from the Asian country reached unseen levels. Although the two groups of scholars analyzing this new phenomenon – dependency and south-south cooperation – provided a substantial understanding about it, they left some unanswered gaps. The two main gaps this work engages with are: 1) the lack of understanding about the role state-owned enterprises play in creating dependency or cooperation; 2) the lack of a specific analysis about investments in infrastructure, particularly in energy. To cover these gaps, this work provides an analysis of China Three Gorges and State Grid (two Chinese state-owned enterprises) in Brazil’s energy sector, which revealed the possibility of dependency and cooperation to coexist.


identifier: Martin, Yellow H. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Martin=3AYellow_H=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2021) Androgen action within the vomeronasal organ contributes to the sexual differentiation of the brain and behaviour.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
The vomeronasal organ (VNO), situated in the nasal cavity, is responsible for pheromone
processing and plays a critical role in mediating socio-sexual behaviors in mice. Testosterone (T)
masculinizes and defeminizes the brain and socio-sexual behavior during early development by
acting directly on androgen receptors (AR) or indirectly via estrogen receptors (ER), following
aromatization to estradiol. In Experiment 1, we asked whether androgens can act via the VNO in
early development to affect the display of socio-sexual behaviors in adulthood by administering
a microinjection of T locally to the VNO on the day of birth (PND1) in mice. In Experiment 2,
we asked whether T acts on AR or ER by injecting the VNO with a vehicle, estradiol or the nonaromatizable
androgen, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on PND1. In Experiment 3, we took a
complementary approach and assessed the necessity of androgen action by blocking AR and ER
in the VNO with the aromatase inhibitor letrozole and AR antagonist flutamide on PND1. All
three experiments utilized a behavioural battery including a buried food test, olfactory preference
test, a resident intruder paradigm, and a test of sexual behavior. In Experiment 1, we found that a
single microinjection of T on PND1 was sufficient to alter olfactory investigation and increase
territorial aggression in males but did not affect female behavior. In Experiment 2, we found that
a single microinjection of DHT on PND1 was sufficient to increase male territorial aggression
with increases in boxing, biting, and attacking behavior towards males. In Experiment 3, we
found that a single microinjection of letrozole on PND1 was sufficient to increase sexual
behaviour with males displaying increased thrusts per mount towards a female intruder. FOS
analysis, a marker of neural activity, after exposure to opposite sex odors did not yield any
differences between groups in the nucleus accumbens, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis or the
medial preoptic area. Our findings suggest that androgens may be acting both directly on AR and indirectly through ER in critical periods of development within the VNO to affect adult sociosexual
behavior in male mice.