identifier: Bult, Tammo Peter <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Bult=3ATammo_Peter=3A=3A.html>   (1999) Distribution and habitat use by juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) at multiple spatial scales, and implications for habitat modelling and fish-habitat management.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Implicit assumptions of micro-habitat models are that (1) habitat limits population levels and small-scale information on habitat selection behaviours of individuals can be used to manage populations at large spatio-temporal scales (scale-up); (2) the single or few measurement scales used in habitat models are appropriate for identifying important habitats; and (3) better habitats are characterised by a higher density or frequency-of-use, i.e. density can be used as an indicator of habitat quality. -- (1) Based on scope- and rate-diagrams from field-data and theoretical scenarios of movement and mortality, I concluded that salmonid habitat models operate in the context of processes that may not be important to the problems we would like to address.  I suggested survey designs that allow problems associated with scale-up to be overcome. -- (2) I evaluated distributions of juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) over a range of spatial scales based on a stream-tank study (spatial scales 1 cm to 3 m) and field data (spatial scales 1 cm to 15 m), to determine whether patchiness of fish distributions or associations with depth, water velocity and substrate depended on spatial scale, to determine scales most appropriate to habitat models, and to compare multi-scale versus single-scale habitat modelling approaches.  Results indicated associations with conspecifics, substrate, water velocity and depth changed with spatial scale and direction relative to water flow.  Associations were most different from random at small spatial scales (ambit radius < 50 cm).  Both studies indicated that single- and multi-scale habitat selection models were equally able to describe fish densities at small spatial scales (ambit radius < 4 m).  The field-based study indicated that single- and multi-scale models often failed to describe fish densities at scales larger than used in the model (scale-up). -- (3) I studied density-dependent habitat use by Atlantic salmon parr based on experimental riverine enclosures and field data.  Results from the experimental study indicated that habitat use changed with population density.  Results from the field-based study were less clear with some of the results suggesting density-dependent distribution processes.  I concluded that habitat selection by salmon parr was density-dependent and highly variable.  Changes in habitat use with density were most likely due to small-scale spacing behaviour or territoriality. -- I concluded that quantitative multi-scale approaches are important to habitat modelling, identified important research questions, presented some novel techniques for scaling analyses and made suggestions to improve habitat modelling and resource management.


identifier: Subramanian, Jayaram <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Subramanian=3AJayaram=3A=3A.html>   (1991) Oleosomes (lipid bodies) in N₂-fixing peanut root nodules.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

type: Thesis NonPeerReviewed

abstract: Nitrogen-fixing peanut root nodules have oleosomes (lipid bodies) in infected and uninfected cells. The oleosomes were characterized and compared with their counterparts in the seed tissue. Measurements made from scanning electron micrographs of isolated oleosomes revealed that eighty percent of the nodule oleosomes were of smaller size (0.16-1.0 µm in diameter [dia.]) while in the seeds the larger size (1.0-5.5 µm dia.) dominated. The larger oleosomes in the nodules were exclusively found in the uninfected three layers of cortical cells adjacent to the infected zone.  Morphometric analyses have shown significantly higher numbers of oleosomes covering about 8% of the infected cell area in immature (white) nodules, whereas the mature/old (pink) nodules had lesser numbers occupying about 4-5% of the cell area. The decrease in the number of oleosomes possibly reflects their utilization in mature/old nodules which effectively fix nitrogen. The oleosomes were distinctly stained by p-phenylenediamine (pPD) at both light and electron microscopic levels. Oleosomes are osmiophilic and spherical in structure. An electron-dense rim was observed around the nodule oleosomes, where lipolytic activity was also demonstrated using cytochemical methods. The rim was absent in the seed oleosomes. The defatted oleosomes were found to be surrounded by a 'half-unit membrane' and a non-extractable rim of possible proteinaceous substance. Gas chromatographic analyses of the lipid from the isolated oleosomes indicated the presence of higher amounts of saturated fatty acids in the nodule oleosomes than in the seed. This study indicates that the nodule oleosomes differ from the seed oleosomes, with respect to the presence of (1) an electron-dense rim (2) showing lipolytic activity and (3) higher amounts of saturated fatty acids. Nodule oleosomes seem to be transient storage organelles to be metabolized, while in the seed they are meant for long term storage.


identifier: Walsh, Maureen <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Walsh=3AMaureen=3A=3A.html>   (2000) Recognizing the expertise of the uncertified self-directed learner.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This study comprises a phenomenological analysis of self-described personal experiences of learning undertaken outside the structure of formal schooling.  The purpose of this research is to increase understanding of the contributions of self-directed informal initiatives in learning toward educational and community capacity building.  This study adds to Merriam and Caffarella's (1991) and Candy's (1991) analysis of self-directed learning concepts by researching within the lived context of the learner and giving precedence to the learner's experience over teaching models and principles. -- In-depth, phenomenological interviews were conducted with six men and two women, ranging in age from 45 to 90, living on the south coast of Newfoundland. Access to the participants was achieved through network or snowball sampling, based on the question, "Do you know anybody who taught themselves "from scratch?" The findings, written in narrative form, provide rich description concerning participants' learning experiences.  The analysis indicates that self-directed, uncertified learners have certain characteristics i.e., ability/willingness to set goals, positive attitude, internal locus of control, an appreciation of the value of work and a willingness to take risks. Particular learning strategies employed include trial and error, networking, observation, mentally preparing for work, organized thinking, trusting and using instinct and positive self-affirmation.  Learners believe in themselves, are satisfied with life overall, remember significant mentors, are curious, use positive self-talk and take on challenges readily, all within a social context of life and learning in small, rural communities.


identifier: Chisholm, Judith <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Chisholm=3AJudith=3A=3A.html>   (2000) The role of weak fisheries science in the northern cod stock collapse off Newfoundland and its usefulness in legitimizing federal government policy objectives.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The July 2, 1992 announcement of a cod moratorium signaled the end of a long history of the commercial cod fishery in Newfoundland.  The burden of blame for the collapse of the Northern cod stock was placed on the fishery science division of the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans.  This blame, however, was misplaced.  This report analyzes how the inherent weakness in fisheries science and its subsequent strategic failures, facilitated the promotion of economic and political policies that led to overexploitation of the Northern cod resource.  Further to this, the report examines the view that globally there is a common pattern of marine exploitation that inevitably leads to stock collapse.  The Newfoundland fishery of the late 1990s adheres to such a pattern where the social and economic value of the resource subordinates the interests of science.


identifier: Todd, Sean Kevin <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Todd=3ASean_Kevin=3A=3A.html>   (1997) Dietary patterns of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in the Northwest Atlantic : evidence from 13C and 15N stable isotopes.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Previous dietary assessments of the northwest Atlantic humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), mainly based on analysis of gut contents, may now be outdated because of recent substantial biological and oceanographic changes in the northwest Atlantic ecosystem. Within ecological studies, newer techniques are being developed that examine diet non-lethally. Stable isotope analysis (SIA), for example, utilizes prey-specific signatures preserved in the tissues of a consumer, and holds several advantages over traditional techniques of prey determination, including examination of longitudinal variation in diet. This thesis used SIA to assess diet in the Newfoundland and Labrador feeding substock of humpback whales. Two stable-isotope indicators—δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N—were used to interpret types of diet and trophic feeding level. -- Previous SIA studies used muscle tissue from dead, stranded cetaceans. However, recent advances in biopsy technique have provided a method to collect skin and blubber samples from free-ranging animals in a non-lethal manner. This study calibrated the two techniques using tissues from dead and live animals. Analyses demonstrated that isotopic ratios estimated for either tissue were statistically indistinguishable. Levels of δ¹⁵N and δ¹³C were measured with high accuracy and precision (± 02‰). -- A second part of this study is based on a collection of biopsied samples (n = 130) taken in 1988-1994 from humpback whales on their feeding grounds in the northwest Atlantic Isotopic ratios varied among regions, probably because of large scale oceanographic differences affecting phytoplankton isotopic composition, and because of differences in prey distribution. Isotopic ratios did not vary by sex. -- Examination of monthly data, correlated with prey availability, provided a first estimation of the integration time for skin tissue (~7-14 days). These data support the hypothesis that skin is a short-turnover tissue, and its isotopic composition reflects short-term diet (< 30 days). Large isotopic variations within and between years are attributed to differences in diet and large-scale oceanographic changes. Possible decreases in primary productivity in the early 1990s due to the North Atlantic Oscillation were correlated with increases in δ¹⁵N values. This finding suggested changes in humpback diet as prey species changed in distribution, availability and abundance in response to colder, less saline waters. -- In 1994, an opportunistic collection of biopsies from finback whales (Balaenoptera physalus) feeding in the same area as humpback whales confirmed that finback whales fed at lower trophic levels. Comparison of the isotopic values for humpback whales with other mysticete species suggests that the humpbacks whale is piscivorous. -- In summary, biopsy samples may provide useful indicators of diet using stable-isotope methods. Stable-isotopic analysis provides researchers with a relatively non-intrusive and non-lethal method that, if used in conjunction with other techniques, can provide an accurate assessment of diet.


identifier: Taylor-Myles, Jacqueline <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Taylor-Myles=3AJacqueline=3A=3A.html>   (1998) The development and implementation of a victim empathy program for use with young offenders and at-risk youth.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This project represents a rehabilitative program that would be suitable for use with juvenile offenders or at-risk youth.  One of the aims of individuals working with young offenders is to see them rehabilitated and leading productive lives.  There are a number of programs available for offender rehabilitation, but few that attempt to foster a sense of empathy in the young offender.  This 16 session program was developed and revised after a pilot was conducted with a group of offenders at the Newfoundland and Labrador Youth Center.  Both residents and a co-facilitator contributed critical comments that were incorporated into this program.  The program reflects the belief that if youthful offenders recognize the pain and suffering they have caused others then they are less likely to re-offend.  The project attempts to teach the meaning of "victim", "victim empathy" and "victimization", and requires participants to apply this knowledge to common everyday victimizing situations.


identifier: Gunaratne, D. M. Anil <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Gunaratne=3AD=2E_M=2E_Anil=3A=3A.html>   (2001) The effect of heat-moisture treatment on the structure and physicochemical properties of tuber and root starches.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Starch from the tubers potato (Solanum tuberosum), taro (Alocassia indica), new cocoyam (Xanthosoma sagitifolium), true yam (Dioscorea alata), and root cassava,(Manihot esculenta) crops was isolated and its morphology, composition and physicochemical properties were investigated before and after heat-moisture treatment (HMT) [100°C, for 10h at a moisture content of 30%). Native starch granules ranged in diameter from 3.0-110 μm and were round to oval to polygonal with smooth surfaces. The total amylose content ranged from 22.4 - 29.3%, of which 10.1 - 15.5% was complexed by native lipid. The phosphorus content ranged from 0.01 - 0.1%. The X-ray pattern of potato and true yam was of the "B " type. Whereas, that of new cocoyam and taro was of the "A" type. Cassava exhibited a mixed "A+B" type X-ray pattern. The relative crystallinity, swelling factor, amylose leaching, gelatinization temperature range and the enthalpy of gelatinization of the native starches ranged from 30-46%, 22-54%, 5-23%, 13-19°C and 12-18 J/g, respectively. Susceptibility of native starches towards hydrolysis by 2.2N HCI and porcine pancreatic ∝-amylase were 60-86% (after 12 days), and 4-62% (after 72h), respectively. Retrogradation was most pronounced in the "B" type starches. Granule morphology remained unchanged after HMT. The X-ray pattern of the "B" type starches was altered ("B"→ "A+B") on HMT. However, that of the other starches remained unchanged. HMT decreased swelling factor, amylose leaching, gelatinization enthalpy and susceptibility towards acid hydrolysis, but increased gelatinization temperatures and enzyme susceptibility. Extent of retrogradation and relative crystallinity decreased on HMT of true yam and potato starches, but remained unchanged in the other starches. The foregoing data showed that changes in physicochemical properties on HMT are influenced by the interplay of crystallite disruption, starch chain associations and disruption of double helices in the amorphous regions.


identifier: Pan, Wenbo <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Pan=3AWenbo=3A=3A.html>   (2000) Real-time human face tracking.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

title: Real-time human face tracking

abstract: A real-time human face tracking system has been developed at the Multimedia Communication Laboratory of Memorial University of Newfoundland to investigate fast, efficient, reliable and flexible face finding and tracking techniques. By subtracting a well-maintained background from an incoming image, an object and background segmentation map can be constructed. The foreground object is outlined by a "draping" operation on the segmentation map. Once the drape is settled, an innovative head identification method consisting of exhausting head searching followed by head merging achieves accurate head extraction and identification. In order to tackle the problems associated with variations in lighting, local and global background movements and shadows in the background scenes, a multi-state background self-generating/adjusting method is applied. This allows the system to switch automatically between background formation and simple face tracking. The draping is applied on the inter-frame variance of incoming images to identify moving areas and thus to generate the background. Median filtering, multiple direction draping and polynomial interpolation are developed and incorporated into this system to overcome the possible pitfalls in the resultant drape. The background is updated automatically in real time once the changes in the background are detected to exceed a given threshold. Experiments show that the new real-time system is a robust and effective tool for extracting human heads from a very complex non-stationary background.


identifier: Sun, Zhuoyu <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Sun=3AZhuoyu=3A=3A.html>   (2010) Association of dietary intakes with risk of colorectal cancer : results from a population-based case-control study in Newfoundland and Labrador and Ontario.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of death from cancer in men and women combined in Canada. Research to date suggests that CRC is a result of complex genetic-environmental interactions and diet has long been regarded as the most important environmental factor. Yet epidemiologic studies have been inconclusive in demonstrating the role of dietary factors in the etiology  of CRC. This thesis examined the effects of dietary factors on CRC risk using data from a large population-based case-control study conducted in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) and Ontario (ON) through three coherent papers. The first two papers were based on pooled data from the two provinces assessing the effects of total energy/macronutrients and selected micronutrients on CRC, respectively. Overall, findings from these two parts of the thesis suggested that diets high in energy increased the risk, whereas diets high in fibre, carbohydrate and protein reduced the risk of CRC. Significant protective effects on CRC were also observed for calcium, vitamin D, vitamin C, riboflavin and folate. Stratified analyses by supplement intake status further indicated that the protective effects varied according to nutrients intake levels from foods. In addition, among individual supplement users, the protective effects were more pronounced in people with lower nutrients intake from foods. Based on the findings from the first two papers, this thesis further compared the effects of calcium, vitamin D and dairy products on the occurrence of CRC risk between two provinces. While the results were consistent in both provinces, statistical associations were only observed in the ON population. Additionally, this study also found significant synergistic effects between calcium and vitamin D intake. In summary, based on a large population case-control study, this thesis comprehensively evaluates various micronutrients and macronutrients in relation to CRC. This work corroborates and adds to the existing literature in many aspects. Findings from this thesis may have important public health implications, particularly for those with lower intakes for a number of selected nutrients, who can benefit greatly from supplement intakes.


identifier: Green, Jane Stuart <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Green=3AJane_Stuart=3A=3A.html>   (1995) Development, implementation and evaluation of clinical and genetic screening programs for hereditary tumour syndromes.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
Families with an autosomal dominant predisposition to benign or malignant tumours were identified in Newfoundland in the 1980s, including families with von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL), the multiple endocrine neoplasias, type 1 (MEN-1), and type 2 (MEN-2), and the hereditary colon cancers, familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), and hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer (HNPCC). Each family was identified because of an excess of early deaths and disabilities in family members who had presented with symptomatic disease, and an increased anxiety in affected and unaffected family members. -- The medical team recognized that a multidisciplinary approach to the disease in each family was necessary to improve the prognosis, and that a screening program might be central to this type of care. -- Successful genetic screening programs had been developed since the 1960s for severe or lethal hereditary diseases with neonatal or early childhood onset: for early identification and treatment of affected infants, or for identification of those at risk of having an affected child with provision of counselling to allow informed reproductive decisions. Subsequently predictive testing for incurable late-onset diseases, such as Huntington disease, was introduced to reduce uncertainty. Many lessons were learned from these early screening programs, about the ethical requirements of screening for hereditary disease, and the need for coordination with pre-screening and post-screening education, counselling, and follow-up. -- In the 1980s there were recommendations for screening programs for hereditary tumour syndromes, for early identification of gene carriers to provide reproductive counselling, and for early identification and treatment of tumours to improve the prognosis. At the same time there were concerns that more harm than good might result from this type of program. The large Newfoundland families with VHL, MEN-1, MEN-2, FAP and HNPCC provided an opportunity to develop, implement, and then evaluate clinical and genetic screening programs for these hereditary tumour syndromes. -- For each "hereditary cancer" an extended pedigree was documented and medical records reviewed. A clinical screening protocol was developed based on the type of tumours and ages at which they occurred. Educational materials were prepared, counselling was provided, and clinical screening was offered to affected and at-risk family members. Medical and psychosocial results of screening were documented. Genetic testing by linkage analysis or mutation detection was developed in collaboration with molecular geneticists in Newfoundland and elsewhere, and predictive testing was offered to at-risk family members. Affected and unaffected members of the VHL family were interviewed to assess the psychosocial implications of the disease and the screening program, and a formal health care evaluation was completed for the VHL screening program, including a cost-benefit analysis. -- For VHL, an earlier age at diagnosis, an improved prognosis (reduced morbidity and mortality), and a better quality of life (reduced anxiety, and more informed reproductive decisions) were demonstrated for those identified by screening, compared with those presenting symptomatically. The overall cost
to society of screening and management of presymptomatic disease was less than the combined costs of treatment of symptomatic disease and the costs related to early deaths and disabilities. Screening programs for the other hereditary tumour syndromes were less formally reviewed, but provided similar results. -- As a group these hereditary cancers differed from untreatable adult-onset disorders because the harmful effects of the disease genes could be mitigated. At the same time, important differences were identified within this group of diseases (the age at onset, severity of disease, the spectrum of disease expression, the potential for treatment, and the state of genetic knowledge) which influenced the development of specific screening programs, and the attitudes of family members towards participation in the clinical and genetic components of screening. -- It was concluded that screening programs combining clinical and genetic testing methods to identify and provide reproductive counselling for gene carriers, and to identify and treat presymptomatic tumours, provide appropriate management for hereditary tumour syndromes, and that this approach reduces monetary costs to the health care system, as well as monetary and psychosocial costs to individual family members.


identifier: Hopkins, Sylvia E. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Hopkins=3ASylvia_E=2E=3A=3A.html>   (1998) The role of families in children's schooling : "hard-to-reach" parents and the significance of home-school partnerships.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Current home-school partnership literature reveals that parents who are perceived by teachers as being "hard to reach" do care about their children's education, and want specific information about how they can help them with schoolwork at home. However, the school's adherence to conventional home-school relations, including traditional communication methods, remains a barrier to parents feeling welcome at the school. -- The present study investigated the views of nine families with children in grade eight at an inner city junior high school in Newfoundland, and the views of four school personnel. The specific focus is the parents' emerging stories about their children's schooling experiences, and their opinions about helping their children with homework. The study also examined the reasons why parents were perceived as hard to reach, what issues affected their children's schooling; and how parents could contribute to a collaborative process. The majority of families were in low-income, working-class situations, with mothers as the primary caregivers and coordinators of the home-school relationship. These included single-parent, step-parent, and dual-income families. -- The findings reveal caring but frustrated parents whose dismay about the school's lack of comprehension and response to their children's circumstances can be attributed to the following sources: 1. the school's communication patterns mainly involved contacting them when problems arose; 2. the school's adherence to traditional parental involvement, such as the Parent-Teacher Association, contributed to parents' feelings of alienation and severely limited their participation; 3. insufficient and inadequate programs and support systems, along with lack of homework information created confusion and stress; 4. structured on-going practices to keep parents informed were nonexistent, although parents clearly preferred this type of involvement; 5. the traditional value-system of the school suggests that, in challenging the school, some parents were considered as problems themselves, without being given respect and legitimatization for their concerns. Such findings appear to have implications for The 1992 Royal Commission Report on Education in Newfoundland which promotes the closer linking of home and school, and developing strategies that encourage parents' involvement both in school and in learning activities at home. -- Most significant, however, was that the majority of children had learning problems, including some with medical, behavioural, and learning disabilities. Their negative schooling experiences were intensified by the lack of early assessment, the trauma of moving from the elementary to the junior high level, and particularly their not being identified as "non-categorical special needs students" leading to some being stigmatized as troublemakers. Thus, more importantly for students' self-esteem and well being, the findings again point to the Royal Commission which advocates the rights of the child and equality of educational opportunity in order to cultivate "the intellectual, physical, emotional, social and spiritual development of students."


identifier: Richoux, Nicole Bertine <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Richoux=3ANicole_Bertine=3A=3A.html>   (1997) The regulation of particle transport within the ventral groove of the mussel gill (Mytilus edulis) in response to variations in envrionmental conditions.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: In order to understand thoroughly the feeding processes of the blue mussel, Mytilus edulis, in response to the variable environmental conditions it experiences in nature, it is important to examine individually the different components that comprise its feeding system. The ciliated ventral food groove represents one of these primary components, within which the majority of food particles trapped by the gill are transported to the labial palps and gut. The ability of mussels to adjust food transport rates within this groove could serve as an important feeding regulatory mechanism in response to variations in the environment. -- Using video endoscopy, mucous strand velocities in the ventral groove of mussels Mytilus edulis were determined over variable time periods and in response to short-term manipulations of ambient particle concentration, temperature and particle type. Mucous strand velocities decreased with increasing ambient particle concentration and particle load on the gill, and also when particle type was switched from algae to sediment. This evidence supports the hypothesis that M. edulis possesses compensation mechanisms involving particle transport at the level of the ventral groove cilia to deal with short-term changes in the environment. Furthermore, mucous strand velocity in the ventral groove increased when the ambient temperature of mussels acclimated to 4.5ﾟC was increased to 15ﾟC. This response is consistent with standard physiological responses of ciliary systems to changes in temperature. Changes in velocity over time were also observed, but there was no consistent pattern.


identifier: Clarke, Stephen J. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Clarke=3AStephen_J=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2000) The dynamics of Catholic voting behaviour surrounding denominational education reform in Newfoundland.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract:
This thesis seeks to reveal factors which accounted for the variance in vote among the Catholic electorate of St. John's during the 1995 and 1997 Newfoundland referenda
on education reform. It is based primarily on two surveys conducted in St. John's after each referendum. Previous research on this topic has demonstrated that religious affiliation was an important factor in predicting voting behaviour surrounding the question of education reform. In particular, Catholic voters tended to vote against the reforms more than did non-Catholics. Preliminary multivariate analysis of the survey data has identified key factors which strongly influence Catholic voters. Voting patterns exhibited differed substantially when issues of the degree of religiosity and fear of loss of denominational rights are considered. Religiosity was considered both in terms of objective and subjective measures. Fear of loss of rights was manifest among these voters as a perceived attack on Catholics and the church by the government. The attempt to uncover the motivations of the Catholic voters during the two referenda requires a careful investigation of past and recent trends in social behaviour. Further validation of the observed trends can be accomplished if an historical basis for the Irish-Catholic identity demonstrated by the local Catholic population can be shown. This research is premised on the theory that Catholic voters who still possessed a strong sense of "Catholic identity," feelings of belonging to a "Catholic population," and believed that the reforms were a threat to "Catholic rights," were most likely to oppose the reforms to the education system.


identifier: Burke, Gladys Mary <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Burke=3AGladys_Mary=3A=3A.html>   (2001) Managing a learning disability at the post-secondary level : a qualitative study.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Students living with learning disabilities often face a host of problems that complicate the school environment for them. Given the academic concerns of such students and their high risk for dropping out of school, this study set out to determine how post-secondary students manage their disabilities. The study utilized a qualitative research methodology of conducting open-ended, semi-structured interviews with six learning-disabled students attending a post-secondary institution. Noteworthy themes included: self-awareness, public awareness, self-advocacy, support from significant others, support from faculty members, support from the Center for Students with Disabilities, hard work and determination, and ability to take control. Students articulated the struggles they encountered throughout their school lives but they now feel stronger for having had to struggle. At the post-secondary level, they continue to struggle and to feel misunderstood. They feel that people pejoratively categorize them as learning disabled rather than accepting them as people with distinct learning needs.


identifier: Wareham, Vonda E. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Wareham=3AVonda_E=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2010) Indentification, distribution and conservation of deep-sea corals in Canada's northwest Atlantic.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Deep-sea corals are long-lived, slow-growing benthic animals and are generally considered important for deep-sea biodiversity. Deep-sea corals in Newfoundland, Labrador, and eastern Canadian Arctic waters were mapped using incidental by-catch from multispecies scientific surveys and fisheries observations. To date (2004-2009), 44 deep-sea coral species have been documented, including 33 octocorals, eight scleractinians and three antipatharians. Coral distributions were highly clustered, with most species co-occurring in fishing sets. Five coral species diversity and abundance hotspots were delineated: Hudson Strait region, Labrador shelf edge and slope, Orphan Spur - Tobin's Point, Flemish Pass and southwest Grand Banks shelf edge and slope. Corals are under threat from bottom tending fishing. Impacts from mobile and fixed gears can include dislodgement, breakage, and complete removal. Although several protected areas have been established and other candidates have been identified, protective measures for deep-sea coral in Newfoundland and Labrador are insufficient.


identifier: Pegg, Ronald Bruce <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Pegg=3ARonald_Bruce=3A=3A.html>   (1993) Development of nitrite-free meat curing systems.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The pigment responsible for the colour of cooked cured-meats has been synthesized from bovine red blood cells directly, or indirectly through a haemin intermediate using sodium nitrite and nitric oxide, respectively. The preformed cooked cured-meat pigment (CCMP) so obtained exhibited absorption characteristics similar to those of pigments extracted from a nitrite-cured sample of ham. Since the CCMP is sensitive to light and oxygen and ultimately decomposes in their presence over a short period of time, the pigment was encapsulated in carbohydrate-based wall materials in an effort to extend its shelf-life and for its easy handling. The resultant powdered cooked cured-meat pigment (PCCMP) remained stable during 18 months of refrigerated storage in some preparations. Application of CCMP or PCCMP to comminuted meat systems produced upon thermal processing the typical pink colour of nitrite-cured products. The colour characteristics of pigment-treated meats depended on both the myoglobin content of muscles from the various species used as well as the level of pigment added. Presence of some myoglobin was deemed necessary in order for the pigment to impart a cured colour to meats. No detrimental effects on the colour or oxidative stability of CCMP-treated pork systems were noted after radiation processing at levels of 5 and 10 kGy. The absence of N-nitrosamines in cooked nitrite-free meat and fish systems containing CCMP was confirmed using a gas chromatography-thermal energy analyzer (GC-TEA) methodology. -- Pilot-scale preparation of CCMP-treated frankfurter and salami products was successful, and the flavour characteristics were indistinguishable from their nitrite-cured counterparts even after 30 days of refrigerated storage. Application of nitrite-free curing pickle containing CCMP to solid cuts of pork conferred the characteristic cured-meat colour throughout the muscles after thermal processing. The concentration of CCMP in pickle had a more pronounced effect on the extent and rate of the pigment's penetration throughout the meat than did the effect of temperature of the pickle. -- The oxidative stability of cured-pork meat and the methodology of the modified 2-thiobarbituric acid (TBA) test were examined. Addition of sulphanilamide played a beneficial role in evaluating the oxidative state of cured meats prepared with the addition of ≥ 100 ppm of sodium nitrite. In the absence of nitrite, sulphanilamide reacted with malonaldehyde forming a 1-amino-3-iminopropene complex. Multiple interactions between malonaldehyde and sulphanilamide, TBA or their combinations were examined. The structures of the above complexes were elucidated using ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS), infrared (IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectroscopic (MS) techniques. -- Pentanal and hexanal were the dominant volatile aldehydes generated from cooked pork during storage as determined by a rapid headspace-gas chromatographic (HS-GC) methodology. The concentration of hexanal increased faster than any other aldehyde and it has been suggested to serve as an index of meat flavour deterioration (MFD). Hexanal levels of cooked pork increased during the first 6 days of storage and then declined quite markedly. Caution should be exercised when using hexanal as an indicator of lipid oxidation because a given hexanal level may correspond with two points during the storage period of cooked meats. The hexanal and pentanal concentrations of CCMP-treated and nitrite-cured pork systems were depressed even after 4 weeks of refrigerated storage.


identifier: Schillinger, Douglas J. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Schillinger=3ADouglas_J=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2000) Wind speed estimates and precipitation detection using ambient sound in the ocean.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This thesis explores the relationship between ocean ambient sound levels, wind speed and rain. It has long been known that these surface processes generate sound in the ocean, but the development of accurate algorithms has been complicated by the difficulty in obtaining location independent sound levels. Here, absolute source level estimates are achieved by modelling the sources as an infinite field of dipoles at the surface, and accounting for acoustic absorption and reflection from the ocean floor. It is shown that bottom reflections are an important component in elevating sound levels at frequencies below 35 kHz. Knowing absolute source levels, these sound levels can be used to estimate both wind speed and detect the occurrence of precipitation. It is shown that the wind-only generated ambient sound spectrum has a mean slope of -18 dB/decade and ranges from -16 to -20 dB/decade corresponding to wind speeds from 0 to 20 ms⁻¹ for frequencies from 1 to 10 kHz. The spectral slope at frequencies greater than 10 kHz depends upon wind speed. Existing estimation algorithms are shown to overestimate the speed for wind speeds below 10 ms⁻¹ but underestimate wind speeds above 10 ms⁻¹ and that there is a maximum sound level which limits wind speed estimation for frequencies above 10 kHz. A wind speed dependent correction for the existing algorithms is proposed which gives accuracies ±1.3 - 2 ms⁻¹ depending on deployment characteristics and sampling parameters. The accuracy of precipitation identification is limited by the wind speed and the precipitation type. Precipitation classified as Rain by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is detectable via acoustic means. Sub-division of the classification of the WMO categories shows that 50% ± 10% of 'Continuous Rain' and 25% ± 12.5% of 'Intermittent Rain' are detectable using the ambient sound spectra.


identifier: Oo, Aung Naing <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Oo=3AAung_Naing=3A=3A.html>   (2002) Effect of freestream vortical structures and vorticity on stagnation region heat transfer.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: An experimental study was performed to investigate the influence of freestream turbulence with coherent vortical structures on stagnation region heat transfer.  A heat transfer model with a cylindrical leading edge was tested in a low speed wind tunnel at Reynolds numbers ranging from 67,750 to 142,250 based on leading edge diameter of the model.  Grids of parallel rods with diameters 2.86 cm, 1.59 cm and 0.95 cm were used to generate the freestream turbulence with well-defined primary vortex lines.  The grids were placed at several locations upstream of the heat transfer model in orientations where the rods were perpendicular and parallel to the stagnation line.  Hot-wire anemometry was used to measure the turbulence characteristics of the freestream turbulence.  The freestream turbulence was characterized using the turbulence intensity, integral length scale, lateral velocity and vorticity fluctuating component.  The turbulence intensity and the ratio of integral length scale to leading edge diameter were in the range of 3.93 to 11.78% and 0.07 to 0.7, respectively.  Characteristics of coherent vortical structures downstream of the grids were examined by analyzing the isotropy of turbulence, lateral velocity and vorticity fluctuating components and the wavelet energy spectra of the lateral fluctuating velocity components downstream of the turbulence grids.  Heat transfer coefficients were estimated by measuring the temperature distribution and the heat flux.  The grids with rods perpendicular to the stagnation line, where the primary vortical structures are expected to be perpendicular to the stagnation line, result in higher heat transfer than those with rods parallel to the stagnation line.  The difference between the two grid orientations was more pronounced for the bigger rod-grids.  The measured heat transfer data and freestream turbulence characteristics were compared with existing correlation models.  An attempt to predict the heat transfer augmentation at the stagnation line due to the turbulence with coherent vortical structures using a neural network was made.  A new correlation for the stagnation line heat transfer, which includes the spanwise fluctuating vorticity components, has been developed.


identifier: Clews, Rosemary A. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Clews=3ARosemary_A=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2000) Enriching anti-racist social work curriculum: sensitizing concepts from New Brunswick.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This dissertation describes a process that aims to enrich anti-racist social work curriculum by contributing to the foundational/anti-foundational debate in anti-racist social work theory.  Anti-racist social work theory is foundational because it is based on the clear notion that social work should confront racism.  In contrast anti-foundational social work theories deny foundations, (including anti-racist foundations), but value diversity and call for unique responses to unique situations.  Foundational and anti-foundational social work theories inform different social work curriculum content and teaching and learning methods.  I claim that a foundational/anti-foundational dichotomy impoverishes anti-racist social work theory.  My research explores the potential of "sensitizing concepts" to link foundational and anti-foundational theories and thereby enrich anti-racist social work curriculum.  According to van den Hoonaard sensitizing concepts are constructs drawn from the perspectives of others that alert researchers to particular lines of thinking that may differ from their own thinking. -- In this study I identified foundational ideas that formed the bedrock of my thinking about curriculum content and teaching and learning methods for anti-racist social work.  I decided which of these foundational ideas I was willing to change and which were uncontestable foundations of my thinking.  Then I explored sensitizing concepts about appropriate anti-racist social work curriculum in New Brunswick with stakeholders in the anti-racist focus of the School of Social Work at St. Thomas University, Fredericton.  Questionnaires and qualitative interviews were employed as research methods.  Participants reported that racism exists in New Brunswick and advised social workers to respond to local need rather than apply social work knowledge developed elsewhere. -- This study has significance at three levels.  At a curriculum level, teaching and learning methods to promote anti-racist social work practice is provided.  Sensitizing concepts can directly become curriculum content and illuminate for students different local realities, as well as suggest ways to help students to learn about these realities.  At a theoretical level a process is described for reconciling elements of foundational anti-racism with anti-foundational valuing of diversity.  At a political level, a process for stakeholders in social work education to influence social work curriculum development is proposed.


identifier: Xu, Zhiqiang <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Xu=3AZhiqiang=3A=3A.html>   (1998) The magnetism and coordination chemistry of mononuclear and polynuclear complexes of copper(II) and other first row transition metal ions derived from open-chain diazine (N-N) Ligands.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This thesis describes the structures and the magnetic properties of the first row transition metal complexes containing open-chain diazine (N-N) moieties. The purpose of the research is to establish a magnetostructural correlation involving the N-N single bond bridge and to investigate the coordination chemistry of open-chain diazine ligands to the first row transition metal ions. A relevant literature search is presented in Chapter 1. -- Chapter 1 describes a general introduction to magnetic exchange in polynuclear copper complexes and a general review of the coordination chemistry of diazine (N₂) bridged complexes. In Chapter 2, seventeen dicopper(II) complexes with five open-chain diazine ligands (PAHAP, PMHAP, PHMAP, PHAAP and PYPZ) are reported, in which the two copper(II) centers are bridged by a single N-N bond only. The X-ray structures of one ligand and twelve dinuclear copper(II) complexes were determined. Changing the ligands, together with varying the coligands leads to a situation where the dihedral angle between the copper planes can be varied from 75° to 168.5°. For small angles (less than 80°) ferromagnetic coupling prevails, whereas at larger angles antiferromagnetic exchange is observed between the copper(II) centers. The exchange integrals (-2J) vary from -24.4 to 210 cm⁻¹. This is associated with the degree of alignment of the nitrogen p orbitals in the diazine bridge, and is supported by molecular orbital calculations on the complexes and appropriate models. Chapter 3 deals mainly with dinuclear copper(II) complexes containing two ligands bridging two metal centers. The dinuclear copper(II) complexes containing two N-N single bonds have no or very weak coupling because of orbital orthogonality and the twisting of the two copper planes around these two N-N single bonds. A dicopper complex containing mixed diazine bridges (pyridazine/N-N) shows weak antiferromagnetic coupling, and since the diazine unit in the aromatic ring system bridges two copper centers in an orthogonal manner, this net antiferromagnetic coupling occurs only through the open-chain diazine bridge. A tetranuclear copper complex contains two pairs of dicopper(II) centers bridged orthogonally by two µ₂-1,1-azide anions with each pair of copper(II) centers bridged by one N-N single bond and one µ₂-1,1-azide with a 119° azide bridge angle. The dihedral angle about the N-N single bond is 54°, which indicates either no coupling or weak ferromagnetic coupling via such a bridge. Therefore, the strong antiferromagnetic coupling (-2J = 246 cm⁻¹ ) occurs only through the µ₂-1,1-azide bridges between each pair of copper(II) centers, giving the first genuine example contradicting the spin polarization mechanism associated with azide bridges. In Chapter 4, a series of spiral-like dinuclear complexes of Mn(II), Fe(II), Fe(III), Co(II), Co(III) and Ni(II) ions containing three N-N single bonds with a formula [L₃M₂].(X)n.mH₂O (L = PAHAP, PZHPZ; X = CIO₄ or NO₃; n = 4, 6) and a seven-coordinate Fe(III) complex are discussed. The X-ray structures of six of these complexes have been determined.  Variable-temperature magnetic properties, electrochemistry and spectra are discussed. Chapter 5 discusses the synthesis, structural and magnetic properties of some mononuclear and polynuclear first row transition metal complexes of the open-chain diazine ligands. The X-ray structures of eight complexes were determined. Two new coordination modes for open-chain diazine ligands have been found.  In the last chapter, a general conclusion about coordination modes, magnetostructural correlations, etc. of the open-chain diazine complexes is made.


identifier: Robinson, Jason Lorne <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Robinson=3AJason_Lorne=3A=3A.html>   (2010) Annual cycle in glycerol production and clearance in the rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax) is partially regulated by cytosolic and mitochondrial glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: In winter, rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax) increase plasma glycerol concentrations to ≥400 mM to prevent freezing. Glycerol levels then decrease in the late winter/early spring. To enhance understanding of the biochemical mechanisms controlling changes in glycerol levels in rainbow smelt I: 1) examined the tissue distribution of cytosolic glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (cytGPDH) in the rainbow smelt, and two species that do not accumulate glycerol in the plasma for colligative freeze avoidance (the Atlantic salmon and capelin) when held at warm (10°C) and cold (~1 °C) temperatures; 2) established which cytGPDH isoforms are present in rainbow smelt liver and white muscle; and 3) examined the potential role of mitochondrial glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (mGPDH) in the late winter/early spring decrease in plasma glycerol levels. The tissue distribution study of cytGPDH confirmed the liver as the primary source of glycerol in the rainbow smelt, and cytGPDH does not respond to cold exposure in the Atlantic salmon and capelin. However, it also raised the possibility that muscle cytGPDH may contribute to glycerol accumulation in the smelt. Zymograms revealed differential cytGPDH regulation, with 4 isozymes in the liver and only 2 in the muscle of rainbow smelt. However, this distribution pattern was not affected by temperature (ie. glycerol production status). Higher activity levels of hepatic mGPDH were measured just before plasma glycerol levels returned to basal levels, and mGPDH mRNA expression was generally higher during the glycerol decrease than during the accumulation phase. Collectively, the results suggest that both cytosolic and mitochondrial GPDH enzymes play important roles in glycerol regulation.


identifier: Weir, Jacqueline N. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Weir=3AJacqueline_N=2E=3A=3A.html>   (1999) The contexts and sound of the squeaking vocalization of wolves (Canis lupus).  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Little is known about squeaking, the most frequent close-range vocalization of wolves. This study was designed to determine diurnal patterns, frequency of occurrence, and range of social contexts of squeaking and to assess the individual and contextual variation in the squeaking vocalization. Squeaking events were identified from the 1995-1997 videotapes of the social behavior of captive wolves at the Canadian Center for Wolf Research (Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia); additional data were obtained from seven 24-hr watches. Wolves squeaked most frequently during dawn and dusk hours, corresponding to the times when they were most often visible in the clearing. Wolves squeaked in seven social contexts, but most frequently when approaching or orienting toward other wolves in prosocial and food contexts. Some individuals squeaked more often than others and in more social contexts, but there was no significant sex or social status difference. Acoustic analysis of squeaking vocalizations revealed that wolves have signature squeaks that vary in form as the context changes. Although a number of acoustic variables were measured at each level of the squeaking vocalization (squeak, phrase, vocalization), a combination of squeak frequency variables was most useful for distinguishing among individuals and among social contexts. The diversity and complexity of this vocalization suggest that it may play an important role in controlling and coordinating social interactions within the pack.


identifier: Smedbol, R. Kent <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Smedbol=3AR=2E_Kent=3A=3A.html>   (1999) A study of northern Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) of eastern Newfoundland and Labrador as a metapopulation.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: I present a model of intrapopulation structure in northern Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) inhabiting the coastal and continental shelf regions off northeast Newfoundland and Labrador based on metapopulation dynamics.  I suggest that the metapopulation concept may best explain the historical patterns and present day observations of northern cod distribution.  Evidence for subpopulation structure is assembled from new and published data sources, including studies of spawning time and location, migration behaviour, and genetic variation.  A theoretical model of northern cod metapopulation dynamics is derived from the simple model of Levins (1970).  I consider the various spawning components of northern cod historically centered on the offshore banks and in coastal bays as subpopulations of a northern cod metapopulation.  I modify the Levins (1970) model by separating the probability of subpopulation extinction into two component probabilities representing: (1) natural processes and (2) the effects of fishing.  Metapopulation theory predicts that fewer suitable areas (spawning grounds) will be occupied as population abundance declines.  The corollary prediction is that as population abundance recovers, spawners will recolonize the currently unoccupied spawning areas.  The agents of colonization may be migratory adult fish and straying larvae.  The model supports the current view that overfishing may have played an important role in the extinction of northern subpopulations off Labrador.


identifier: Perera, Chandani <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Perera=3AChandani=3A=3A.html>   (1998) Effect of hydroxypropylation on the structure and physicochemical properties of native, defatted and heat-moisture treated potato starches.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Native potato starch was physically modified by heat-moisture treatment (100°C, 16h, 30% moisture) and defatting (75%, n-propanol water, 7h). The changes in structure and physicochemical properties on heat-moisture treatment and defatting were monitored by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Brabender viscosities, swelling factor (SF) and amylose leaching (AML). SEM showed that neither defatting nor heat-moisture treatment altered the size, shape or the surface appearance of the native starch granule. Heat-moisture treatment decreased X-ray diffraction intensities and altered the 'B' type X-ray diffraction pattern to 'A+B'. The decrease in X-ray intensities on heat-moisture treatment is indicative of crystallite disruption and/or rearrangement of double helices. The gelatinization enthalpy (∆H), Brabender viscosity (at 95°C), SF and AML decreased on heat-moisture treatment, whereas gelatinization transition temperatures (GTT), and thermal stability increased. Defatting increased the X-ray diffraction intensities and altered the X-ray pattern from 'B' to 'A+B'. The increased X-ray intensities on defatting is indicative of interactions between amylose - amylose (AM-AM), amylopectin - amylopectin (AMP-AMP) and amylose - amylopectin (AM-AMP) chains. These interactions in turn, increased GTT, ∆H and thermal stability. However, SF, AML and Brabender viscosity (at 95°C) decreased on defatting. -- The reagents (NaOH and Na₂SO₄) used during hydroxypropylation did not alter granule morphology and AML in native, defatted and heat-moisture treated starches. X- ray diffraction patterns of native and defatted starches changed on alkaline treatment, whereas that of heat-moisture treated starch remained unaltered. These changes reflected double helical disruption (within the amorphous regions), and altered crystallite orientation. In all three starches, alkaline conditions decreased ∆H and Brabender viscosity (at 95°C), and increased SF. The extent of the above changes followed the order : native > defatted > heat-moisture treated. Gelatinization transition temperatures remained unchanged on alkaline treatment. -- Native, defatted and heat-moisture treated starches were converted to a range of hydroxypropyl derivatives using propylene oxide (at concentrations ranging from 2-25%v/w). At 2%(v/w) propylene oxide, all three starches showed similar molar substitution (MS 0.05). However, at 5-25%(v/w) propylene oxide, the accessibility of hydroxypropyl groups into the starch granule followed the order: heat-moisture treated > native > defatted. This showed that the degree of accessibility of hydroxypropyl groups into the granule interior is dependent upon granule crystallinity. In all three starches, an increase in MS progressively decreased GTT, ∆H and AML . The influence of MS on SF of hydroxypropylated native, defatted and heat-moisture treated starches was due to the interplay that occurs between hydrogen bond disruption (due to hydroxypropyl groups) within the amorphous regions, and the increased interactions that occur between starch chains during defatting and heat-moisture treatment. Pasting temperatures of all starches decreased with increased MS. In defatted starch, Brabender viscosity (at 95°C) progressively increased with increase in MS. However, in native and heat-moisture treated starches, Brabender viscosity (at 95°C) began to decrease (due to granule disruption) at MS levels beyond 0.18 and 0.20, respectively. -- Enzyme digestibility studies showed that both defatting (hot 75% n-propanol, 0-7 h) and heat-moisture treatment (100°C, 30% moisture, 0-16 h) increased the susceptibility of potato starch granules towards hydrolysis by porcine pancreatic α- amylase. These differences were attributed to structural changes that occurred within the amorphous and crystalline regions of the starch granule during defatting and heat-moisture treatment. However, hydrolysis decreased (due to formation of new crystallites) when heat-moisture treatment and defatting were continued beyond 8 h and 9 h, respectively. -- Native, defatted (7 h) and heat-moisture treated (16 h) potato starches were hydroxypropylated (to different levels of MS) with propylene oxide (2 - 20%). The results showed that the reagents (NaOH and Na₂SO₄) used during hydroxypropylation increased the susceptibility of the above starches (native > defatted > heat-moisture treated) towards hydrolysis by α-amylase. Addition of propylene oxide (hydroxypropylation) to alkali treated starches, further enhanced their susceptibility towards α-amylase. However, granule susceptibility towards α-amylase did not increase exponentially with increase in MS. The extent of hydrolysis began to decrease at MS levels of 0.29 (native), 0.28 (heat-moisture treated) and 0.26 (defatted). The decrease in hydrolysis at higher MS levels is indicative of the steric effect imposed by bulky hydroxypropyl groups on the accessibility of α-amylase towards the glycosidic bonds of amylose and amylopectin. -- The retrogradation properties of potato starch gels (stored for 24 h at 4°C and then for 34 days at 40°C) before and after physical (defatting and heat-moisture treatment), and chemical (hydroxypropylation) modification were monitored using turbidity measurements, SEM, DSC, X-ray diffraction and enzyme susceptibility. Turbidity development in native, defatted and heat-moisture treated starch pastes during storage (4°C for 24 h and then at 40°C for 34 days) followed the order : native > defatted > heat-moisture treated. In all three starches, the highest rate of turbidity development was observed during the first 24 h of storage (at 4°C). The above results in conjunction with SEM observations showed that turbidity development is influenced by the interaction between leached starch components (AM-AM, AM-AMP, AMP-AMP), and interaction between granule remnants and leached starch components (amylose and amylopectin). In alkali treated gelatinized native, defatted and heat-moisture treated starch pastes, turbidity development (native > defatted > heat-moisture treated) was influenced by aggregation of granule remnants. In native, defatted and heat-moisture treated starch pastes, both the rate and extent of turbidity development (on storage) decreased after hydroxypropylation. This decrease was due to the interplay of : 1) steric effects imposed by hydroxypropyl groups on chain aggregation, 2) aggregation between small granule remnants, and 3) settling of large granule remnants beneath the path of the spectrophotometer beam. -- The intensity (at 5.2A ) of the 'B' type X-ray pattern of gelatinized pastes of native, defatted and heat-moisture treated starches increased during storage (native > defatted > heat-moisture treated). The same 'B' pattern was also evident (at the end of the storage period) after alkali treatment and hydroxypropylation of the above starches. However, the peak at 5.2A was reduced in intensity after alkaline treatment and hydroxypropylation. The extent of the decrease being greater in the latter. -- Fresh pastes of gelatinized native, defatted and heat-moisture treated potato starches were hydrolyzed by porcine pancreatic α-amylase nearly to the same extent (75.3-77.2%). Storage (at 4°C for 24 h) of the above gelatinized pastes decreased (native > defatted > heat-moisture treated) their susceptibility towards α-amylase. However, storage times longer than 24 h did not seem to have any further influence on the enzyme susceptibility of the starch gels. Alkaline treatment increased the susceptibility of freshly gelatinized starch pastes (native > defatted > heat-moisture treated) towards hydrolysis by α-amylase. However, storage (24 h at 4°C) of alkali treated starch gels, decreased their susceptibility towards hydrolysis by α-amylase. Hydroxypropylation decreased the accessibility of α-amylase towards the glycosidic linkages of freshly gelatinized pastes of native, defatted and heat-moisture treated starches (defatted > native > heat-moisture treated). However, the extent of this decrease was not altered during storage (at 4°C for 24 h). -- The retrogradation endotherm (monitored by DSC) of starch gels (native, defatted and heat-moisture treated) occurred after 2 days of storage (4°C for 1 day and then at 40°C for 1 day). A similar trend was also observed after alkaline treatment. However, hydroxypropylated native, defatted and heat-moisture treated starch gels [at nearly the same MS level (0.10-0.11)], showed a measurable retrogradation endotherm only after 7 days (4°C for 1 day and then at 40°C for 6 days). This showed that hydroxypropyl groups are effective in hindering starch chain realignment during gel storage. Both alkaline treatment and hydroxypropylation decreased the retrogradation enthalpies of native, defatted and heat-moisture treated starch gels.


identifier: Winters, G. H. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Winters=3AG=2E_H=2E=3A=3A.html>   (1969) Back-calculation of the growth of capelin (Mallotus villosus) in the Canadian Northwest Atlantic from measurements of otoliths.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The otolith radius-fish length relationship in capelin is shown to take the form of an heterogonic curve with an inflexion point occurring at the size of maturity for both sexes. This relationship changes with sex, age and maturity. A linear relationship between otolith radius and fish length, as determined by regression analyses, was found to exist only within an age-group. This necessitated the use of separate equations for back-calculating the lengths of each age. -- Growth curves of Trinity Bay capelin, as constructed from back- calculated lengths, indicated that male capelin grow faster than female capelin up to the age at maturity after which the growth rates remain the same. Inferences about age at first maturity of Trinity Bay capelin are made from otolith-age curves which suggest that capelin normally spawn more than once. -- Growth compensation in its typical form and Lee's phenomenon are shown to exist in capelin and reasons are given for their presence. It is suggested that growth compensation in capelin is not only acquired from the growth patterns of the different age-groups but is also an inherent feature of its growth. -- The method of ageing Trinity Bay capelin from otoliths is validated and the embryonic nucleus or larval check ring is described from the otoliths of larval capelin. Comparison of the otoliths of capelin from various regions of the northwest Atlantic indicates that there is a distinct decrease in the size of the first annulus from south to north. -- The otolith radius-fish length relationships of capelin from various regions of the northwest Atlantic are compared by age, sex and maturity. No consistent differences were apparent except those created by local variations in growth rate and maturity. -- Growth rates of capelin from the Bay of Fundy to northern Labrador are compared from otolith radius-age curves and length-at-age curves. The Bay of Fundy capelin are characterized by a fast growth rate, early maturity and small maximum size; the Labrador capelin are slow-growing, mature later and have a large maximum size; Newfoundland capelin are shown to be intermediate in growth rate. Reasons for these differences are discussed in relation to the hydrography of the area under consideration.


identifier: Henderson, Jeremy <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Henderson=3AJeremy=3A=3A.html>   (2006) Epistemic responsibility and the ethics of belief.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The Ethics of Belief is William K. Clifford's attempt to demonstrate that although one may be morally responsible for their actions, one is also morally responsible for the formation of one's beliefs which gives rise to those actions. For Clifford one is morally responsible for one's beliefs due to their universal duty to question all that one believes. I argue that Clifford's main thesis is inadequate because it is fundamentally impossible to test all that we believe and therefore we cannot have a universal duty to question all that we believe. It is my contention that an ethic of belief is saved when we recognize that there is a central moral virtue of trust inherent to belief formation. In Epistemic Responsibility, Lorraine Code argues that one is responsible for the formation of their beliefs. Code's notion is distinct from Clifford's in that responsibility is moral but is also epistemic. I state that Code's main thesis is also inadequate because it overlooks the presupposition of trust inherent to belief formation. Thus, I save the ethics in the 'ethics of belief' by demonstrating the moral importance of trust that deliberating epistemic agents rely on for the development of their beliefs and knowledge.


identifier: Elgar, Frank J. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Elgar=3AFrank_J=2E=3A=3A.html>   (1999) Rural-urban differences in stress, coping styles and behavioural problems in adolescents.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Relationships were examined between self-reported stress, coping and behavioural problems in 100 urban and 146 rural adolescents. Due to social and economic characteristics of rural communities, differences were expected to emerge between the two samples. Urban males reported more stress from social conflict and more externalizing problem behaviours than any other group, and relationships Detween life events and coping were stronger among females. Moderating effects of coping on the relationships between stress and problems were expected; they were tested using hierarchical regression analyses and structural equation modelling. Although stress, coping and problems were highly intercorrelated, the effects of stress on problems were not significantly moderated by coping. The data fit a structural equation model of direct effects of both stress and coping, indicating that stress and coping may have additive but not interactive effects on problems. This result could be due to adolescents' utilization of many coping strategies in response to stress - few of which have any moderating effects, or to a number of methodological and measurement issues. The findings are discussed in the context of adolescent development in rural communities and implications are presented for parents, educators and health professionals.


identifier: Crompton, Amanda J. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Crompton=3AAmanda_J=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2012) The historical archaeology of a French fortification in the colony of Plaisance : the vieux fort site (ChAl-04), Placentia, Newfoundland.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This is an archaeological and historical study of the Vieux Fort archaeological site (ChAl-04) in Placentia (formerly Plaisance), Newfoundland. Plaisance was the location of the only official French colony in Newfoundland. The French held the colony until it was ceded to the English under the terms of the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713. The Vieux Fort was, between 1662 and 1690, the only fortification in Plaisance, and was the first garrisoned fortification in Newfoundland. -- The artifacts and features unearthed at the Vieux Fort site have allowed a reconstruction of the Vieux Fort, which is not well-documented historically. The Vieux Fort was a substantial fortification; it was reasonably large, with some considerable effort expended on constructing stone buildings inside the fort. Four years of archaeological investigation at the barracks building permit a detailed analysis of the daily lives of the soldiers and officers posted to the fort. The half-company of soldiers who lived at the barracks only had their basic needs partially met by the state; soldiers spent a portion of their time working as fishing servants for Plaisance's colonists to augment their pay and their rations. The artifacts from the Vieux Fort are representative of the world of goods that circulated in the early colony. The analysis of the artifacts, coupled with a detailed investigation of archival documents, allows the trade networks that supported the colony to be explored. The colony of Plaisance was firmly embedded in the French Atlantic world; from its earliest years, the colony was well-connected to France and to other settlements in North America. -- The Vieux Fort was occupied only until 1690, when it was destroyed during an English raid on the colony. The fort was never rebuilt, and the land remained largely unoccupied. Unlike the other French forts, dwellings or infrastructure in the colony, the Vieux Fort was never re-used by the English after 1714. The French contexts are thus undisturbed, and date to a period which is relatively poorly understood from historic documents. The Vieux Fort site thus provides an important new perspective on the formative years of the French colony at Plaisance.


identifier: Halley, Morgiana P. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Halley=3AMorgiana_P=2E=3A=3A.html>   (1989) Marine disasters in Newfoundland folk balladry including a classificatory system for sea disaster narrative.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This thesis is based on a project whereby a classificatory system for sea disaster narrative was created, using ballads of marine disaster collected from the Newfoundland repertoire as its foundation.  The first chapter discusses the system itself, and contains an outline thereof.  It also deals with the reasoning behind the creation of the system and with its projected use.  The actual system thereafter appears only in appendices. -- The remainder of the thesis involves a discussion of new insights about the ballad repertoire of Newfoundland and Labrador which were revealed through the research by which the system was created.  Chapter Two comprises a diachronic overview of ballad collection and study within the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, and a discussion of past work in the area.  In Chapter Three, the commemorative aspects of locally composed marine disaster ballads of Newfoundland and Labrador are considered.  This chapter also discusses variations in factual accuracy which may occur as a result of varying memorial emphases. -- Chapter Four discusses the differences between locally composed ballads about shipwrecks and drownings and those ballads on similar subjects which have been imported into Newfoundland and Labrador from other areas and traditions.  Locally composed pieces usually appear to be more historically and factually accurate to specific occurrences than do imports.  The fifth and final chapter involves a discussion of the poetic and conventional language employed in the marine disaster ballad and the changes in conventional or formulaic usage which have occurred in such balladry in Newfoundland and Labrador over the past one hundred fifty years. -- Appendix A presents a complete explanation of the classificatory system itself, with an annotation to each category, explaining its projected content.  Appendix B entails the research work on which the system was founded, illustrating how the ballads collected from the Newfoundland repertoire were employed to found the system itself, giving references and cross-references, and annotating the data to published works in which versions of the same ballads appear.


identifier: George, Amanda <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/George=3AAmanda=3A=3A.html>   (2007) Ethical form: representation, identity, and responsibiltiy in A.M. Klein's The Second Scroll and Art Spiegelman's Maus.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The event of the Holocaust persistently defies closure. As the years pass away from that event, Holocaust narratives remain a crucial agent of remembrance. A.M. Klein's novel The Second Scroll (1948) and Art Spiegelman's graphic novel Maus (1980-1991) add to the rich body of Holocaust literature in unique ways. Both writers create hybridized forms of fiction through which to represent the Holocaust and its resultant emotional effects, and both assume a set of ethical responsibilities that are informed by their stylistic choices. Bringing Levinas' theory of ethical obligations to the Other to bear directly on the works of Klein and Spiegelman, this thesis shows that each writer attempts, as much as possible, to write in the service of truth and remembrance. In their prose experiments, Klein and Spiegelman repeatedly come face-to-face with the Other. The dynamic relationship between the formal properties of the texts and the authors' responsibilities to their projects creates an ethical, though not entirely resolved, discourse of meaning around the challenge of representing the Holocaust.


identifier: Busura, Saheed Adekunle <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Busura=3ASaheed_Adekunle=3A=3A.html>   (2011) Quantitative risk assessment of thermal hazardous reactions with case study.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Thermal hazards constitute menace to the exploration, processing and their allied industries. This work presents quantitative risk assessment of these thermal hazards via a simplified model, probability and severity determination with quantitative risk and proposed risk ranking for thermal runaway reactions using a case study of self-heating mineral ores. -- A number of sulphide-containing mineral ores supplied by Vale Inco from Reid deposit were already investigated for self-heating thermal hazardous behaviour on the effect of mineralogy, particle size distribution and moisture contents using combined state-of-the-art instruments like Mineral Liberation Analysis, Thermal Gravimetric Analysis and Differential Scanning Calorimetry. The obtained results are then analyzed using AKTS software with the final data used for the risk assessment by first validating the developed kinetic model. -- A continuous probability function, Gaussian probability distribution, is used to determine the associated chances of occurrence of the thermal hazards having fitted the representative data of thermal hazards into continuous distribution using Matlab. The probability of the hazards is determined under seven major classes of activation energy and Arrhenius’ constant. -- Similarly, severity of the defined thermal hazards is evaluated using the ratio of enthalpy of reaction of the ore under specific investigated effect to a referenced thermally hazardous material under four major categories of low, medium, high and extremely high risk classes using well-studies referenced materials.  The associated risks are then determined as product of probability and consequences. -- Finally, the numerical values of the associated risks are evaluated for consistency on a predefined scale with the risk ranked and coded by means of colour legend. The associated risk with these mineral ores is found to be of medium class category and can be managed effectively. Recommendations are made for further work on the subject and approach for improvements.


identifier: George, Elizabeth Marie <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/George=3AElizabeth_Marie=3A=3A.html>   (2011) Organic footprint and composition of particles from marine finfish aquaculture operations.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Aquaculture provides the means to meet the growing sea food demand, while enriching the local ecosystems through excess feed and faecal matter outputs. Analyzing the quality and quantity of material exiting the farms and its uptake by surrounding invertebrates highlights the effectiveness of muti-trophic, co-culturing systems where waste from one species is recycled as food for adjacent species. This thesis describes organic throughput of juvenile Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) land-based tanks and uptake of organic constituents by invertebrates surrounding Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) farms. -- The land-based tank output showed significant lipid and fatty acid increases in outflow compared to inflow (p<0.020) for the breakdown indicator free fatty acid (FFA), the markers of zooplankton and subsequent indicators of the feed, 20:1ω9 and 22:1ω11, and the essential fatty acid DHA(docosahexaenoic acid, 22:6ω3). Scaling to an 1880 tonne Atlantic cod farm showed 3170±870 kg/day particulate dry weight and 4.7±1.7 kg/day DHA exiting the farms. Based on the amount of DHA required per mussel, the scaled amount of DHA could theoretically support 1400 tonnes of mussels assuming optimal consumption of the available DHA. This relates to mussels' role in multi-tropic co-culturing systems as they could assimilate valuable compounds that would otherwise be lost. -- Regression analysis of particle uptake by invertebrates surrounding multiple aquaculture sites in coastal British Columbia showed a decrease in wet weight for mussels with increasing distance from the farm. There was also an increase in DHA in molluscs combined as well as mussels alone. Principal components analysis showed a similar trend with DHA being higher in molluscs further away from the farm. In addition, bacterial fatty acid markers were higher in molluscs further from the farm except for the individual bacterial fatty acid, 18:1ω7, which remained higher closer to the farm for molluscs combined, mussels and whelks, and mussels alone; however, not for limpets alone. Additionally, a breakpoint was found for DHA in mussels at 339 m with lower DHA proportions closer to the farm. However, of the DHA present, mussels had significantly higher amounts compared to other molluscs again relating to their use in multi-trophic aquaculture.


identifier: Kahlmeyer, Elisabeth <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Kahlmeyer=3AElisabeth=3A=3A.html>   (2011) Marine records of Riverine water and sediment discharge in fjords of Nunatsiavut.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This thesis focuses on the understanding of patterns and variability of sediment and fresh water delivery from land to sea, and sediment dispersal in the marine basins of two fjords in Northern Labrador. Multibeam and sub-bottom acoustic data and sediment cores were collected in Nachvak and Saglek fjords. Sediment cores were sub-sampled for X-radiography, grain size, and radiochemical analysis (based on the particle-bound radioisotopes ²¹⁰Pb and ¹³⁷Cs,), to study sedimentary structures and determine sediment accumulation rates. Results show that the sediments are generally mottled and fine grained. Sediment accumulation rates are on average 0.21 cm/y in Nachvak fjord and 0.26 cm/y in Saglek Fjord with temporal resolutions ranging from 15 - 68 years in Nachvak Fjord and 12 -49 years in Saglek Fjord. Mass accumulation rate values suggest that the majority of the sediment is accumulating in the center of the basins. Further analyses suggest that: postglacial sedimentation was on average constant in Nachvak Fjord; in Saglek Fjord sediment accumulation was more rapid during the last ~ 100 y as compared to post-glacial times; the main sediment source in Saglek fjord is from rivers with extensive catchments that lack glaciers, and in Nachvak fjord from smaller rivers with steep, small and presently glaciated catchments as well as from additional sources such as from the erosion of glaci-marine terraces.


identifier: Alodhayb, Abdullah <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Alodhayb=3AAbdullah=3A=3A.html>   (2011) Towards detecting the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) using microcantilever sensors.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: In this work, attempts have been made to develop an early HIV virus detector through DNA hybridization. The reason for detecting the genetic materials of the HIV rather than the virus is because HIV is asymptomatic during the first weeks (sometimes months) after an infection. Microcantilever sensors were used in this work to detect the hybridization process. The active microcantilever was functionalized with thiol modified single stranded DNA with the sequence (5’-/ThioMC6-D/ TCT GTA TGT CAT TGE CAG TCC AGC T-3)’. The reference microcantilever was exposed to TE buffer solution. Samples containing complementary sequences were introduced into the microcantilever sensor cell in a constant flow. The microcantilever sensors were able to detect concentrations as low as 0.2 nM. Experiments were also conducted by varying the chain length of the target DNA. A sample consisting of 1497 bases produced from actual HIV RNA was successfully detected at a concentration of 0.2 nM. Based on the deflection signal obtained, it should be possible to detect a sample concentration as low as 0.1 nM without having to modify the current system.


identifier: Sharifahmadian, Mahzad <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Sharifahmadian=3AMahzad=3A=3A.html>   (2011) Production and structural studies of lung surfactant protein B (SP-B) peptides.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Lung surfactant is a mixture of lipids and proteins which is critical for normal breathing by lining the air-water interface to reduce the surface tension. Lung surfactant protein B (SP-B) is the only essential protein component of lung surfactant complex due to the lethality of any SP-B deficiency. It is thought that SP-B functions by enhancing lipid rearrangements at various phases of the breathing cycle. However, the high-resolution structure and mechanism of SP-B are not yet understood. In the first part of this research, SP-B and a 7-residue deletion mutant of SP-B were produced recombinantly and partially characterized. In the second part of this research, circular dichroism, solution and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) methods were used to assess the structure of two SP-B-based peptides, Super-Mini-B and N-terminal insertion sequence (SP-B₁₋₇). Super-Mini-B is composed of the N-terminal 7-residue insertion sequence and the N-and C-terminal helices of SP-B. Interestingly, it was observed that Super-Mini-B produces greater lipid membrane perturbation than the peptide which lacks the N-terminal insertion sequence (i.e. Mini-B). Comparing the results of structural studies on Mini-B, SP-B₁₋₇ and Super-Mini-B helps unveil the contribution of the 7-residue insertion sequence to the function of SP-B.


identifier: Whelan, Maria A. (Maria Anne) <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Whelan=3AMaria_A=2E_=28Maria_Anne=29=3A=3A.html>   (2011) The role of Tbdn in retinal endothelial cell permeability and retinal homeostasis.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Tubedown (Tbdn) is a cortactin-binding acetyltransferase subunit which controls retinal endothelial permeability and promotes retinal vascular homeostasis. The Paradis-Gendron laboratory has generated a binary antisense Tbdn (Astbdn) transgenic mouse model (TIE2/rtTA/Enh-TRE/ASTBDN-1) that facilitates the conditional knockdown of Tbdn protein expression in retinal endothelial cells. The suppression of Tbdn expression in mouse retinal endothelium, facilitated by the introduction of doxycycline (Dox) to the binary system, results in several pathologic features that are also observed in human retinopathies. Tbdn protein expression is reestablished once doxycycline is removed from the system. -- In study one, it was hypothesized that reexpression of Tbdn would occur in retinal blood vessels of TIE2/rtTA/Enh-TRE/ASTBDN mice upon Dox withdrawal and that Tbdn reexpression would correlate with decreased retinal pathology. In study one it was found through immunohistochemistry and morphological assessment that reexpression of Tbdn in retinal blood vessels resulted in a reduction of albumin leakage across the retinal blood vessel endothelium, along with a decrease in the extent of retinal vascularization and retinal pathologies compared to Tbdn knockdown mice. These results suggest that restoration of Tbdn protein expression after knockdown reduces retinal pathology at the morphological and functional level. -- In this study it was shown that the proliferative retinal neovascularization and thickening resulting from induction of Tbdn knockdown in endothelium in transgenic mice is associated with a significant increase in extravasation or leakage of albumin from abnormal retinal blood vessels in vivo. These results provide evidence that Tbdn is involved in the regulation of retinal endothelial cell permeability to albumin and implicates a functional role for Tbdn in blood vessel permeability dynamics. Study two explored the relationship between Tbdn and other known regulators of vascular endothelial permeability. Tbdn suppression in endothelial cells correlates with an increase in transcellular permeability pathway. Recent experimental evidence points to the importance of Src family protein tyrosine kinase (SFK) signaling in regulation of microvascular barrier function and vascular endothelial permeability. -- In study two it is hypothesized that Tbdn expression regulates retinal endothelial cell permeability through regulation of the Src pathway. The Paradis-Gendron laboratory have previously generated RF/6A endothelial cell clones in which Tbdn expression had been suppressed by stable expression of the antisense TBDN cDNA construct ASTBDN. Src activation in retinal endothelial cell clones was measured by western blot and immunoprecipitation analysis. It was shown that when Tbdn is suppressed in endothelial cells, there is a higher level of activated Src compared to parental and negative control clones. This high level of activated Src suggests that Tbdn may regulate the transcellular permeability pathway for albumin transport through suppression of the Src pathway. -- Based on the cumulative results of both studies I propose a mechanism whereby Tbdn plays an important role in regulating the permeability of retinal endothelial cells to albumin by interacting with other proteins in the transcellular albumin pathway.


identifier: Parsons, Matthew P.  <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Parsons=3AMatthew_P=2E_=3A=3A.html>   (2011) KATP channel-dependent regulation of orexin neurons.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The hypothalamus performs many functions that are vital to an organism’s survival. These include, but are not limited to, the regulation and coordination of basic functions such as energy metabolism, the sleep-wake cycle and motivation. As obesity sleep disorders and/or addictions can result from the dysfunction of specific neural systems within the hypothalamus, it is important to understand the endogenous factors that regulate their activity. Neurons containing the orexin neuropeptides are located exclusively within the hypothalamus, send excitatory projections to arousal- and reward-related brain regions and have been implicated in numerous physiological and behavioral functions including feeding, sleep-wake regulation and reward and addiction. Neighbouring neurons containing melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) also project throughout much of the neuroaxis and are implicated in similar functions. In the present thesis, I use electrophysiological recordings from acute hypothalamic slices as the main technique to investigate some of the endogenous regulators of orexin and MCH neurons. The present thesis shows that nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ), an endogenous opioid, as well as lactate and temperature all act as regulators of orexin neuron activity. Interestingly, they all share a similar mechanism which involves the ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channel. These channels are metabolically-sensitive, are composed of a unique combination of subunits in orexin neurons and likely represent major contributors to the determination of orexin neuron activity. In contrast, MCH neurons were hyperpolarized by N/OFQ due to the activation of G-protein dependent inwardly rectifying potassium channels, while being insensitive to temperature changes. With regards to behavior, local injection of N/OFQ within the orexin and MCH field in vivo inhibits reward-related feeding whereas the temperature regulation of orexin neurons appears to mediate the hypophagia associated with fever. Through the identification of orexin neurons as both temperature and energy sensors, it is suggested by the present thesis that these neurons can gate brain activity according to energy supply while possessing the ability to adapt to the increased temperatures associated with infection. These data shed new light on the function of these neuronal systems and introduce the KATP channel as a critical regulator of orexin activity.


identifier: Nadarajah, Tharshanna <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Nadarajah=3ATharshanna=3A=3A.html>   (2011) Penalized empirical likelihood based variable selection.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Variable selection is an important topic in high-dimensional statistical modeling, especially in generalized linear models. Several variable selection procedures have been developed in the literature, including the sequential approach, prediction-error approach, and information-theoretic approach. All of these are computationally expensive. A new method based on penalized likelihood has been lauded for its computational efficiency and stability. In this approach the variable selection and the estimation of the coefficients are carried out simultaneously. The parametric likelihood is a crucial component, but in many situations a well-defined parametric likelihood is not easy to construct. To overcome this problem, Variyath (2006) proposed a penalized-empirical-likelihood (PEL) based variable selection where empirical likelihood is constructed based on a set of estimating equations. We investigate the asymptotic properties of the new method, and develop an algorithm for estimating the parameters. Our simulation studies show that when a parametric model is available, PEL-based variable selection gives results similar to those achieved by parametric-likelihood variable selection. The former method outperforms the latter when the parametric model is misspecified. We extend our approach to variable selection in Cox’s proportional hazard model.


identifier: Mintu, Md. Shafiul Azam <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Mintu=3AMd=2E_Shafiul_Azam=3A=3A.html>   (2011) RANS computation of propeller tip vortex flow for steady and unsteady cases.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: CFD simulations were conducted for different marine propellers at steady and unsteady flow conditions using a commercial RANS solver ANSYS ® CFX ®. For steady simulation, a spiral-like domain aligned with the vortex core was generated with structured grids. The simulation was validated with the David Taylor Model Basin DTMB 5168 propeller model at open-water condition. -- Various eddy viscosity turbulence models and Reynolds-stress models were employed in the computations. The effect of the turbulence modeling on the solution was investigated. The blade surface pressure and the propeller performance were also computed. The simulation data were compared with the experimental data. -- The unsteady simulation was conducted for propeller at inclined flow condition. A single domain was generated with structured grids. A simulation technique for inclined flow condition was presented. The simulation was validated with the model test data of DTMB 4718 at design condition. A fully implicit coupled solver was used. A segregated solver with Incomplete Lower Upper (ILU) factorisation technique was employed in the simulation. Algebraic Multi-grid (MG) model was used to accelerate the convergence. Advection terms were descretised by high resolution scheme while the viscous terms were treated by employing central difference scheme. The transient terms were descretised with Second Order Backward Euler scheme. The Shear Stress Turbulence model was employed in the computation. -- The effect of grid sensitivity and domain size were investigated. The periodic loadings on the pressure and suction sides of the blades were compared with the experimental data. Reasonable agreement with the computed amplitude of the pressure variations was found. The predictions of the phase of the pressure variations were less favourable. -- This work is the first attempt of the CFD simulation for unsteady propeller flow investigation using a spiral like computational grid. Further improvements and extensions of this work can be made. Suggestions are made regarding future work on the use of CFD simulations of propeller flow.