Search UNB Scholar
About UNB Scholar
UNB Scholar is an institutional repository initiative of UNB Libraries intended to collect, preserve, showcase, and promote the open access scholarly output of the UNB community. Use UNB Scholar to explore specific collections, or search all content in the repository. Material submitted to the repository will also be freely discoverable online through Google and other major search engines.
UNB Libraries welcomes submissions to UNB Scholar. Find out more about depositing your publications!
Communities in DSpace
Select a community to browse its collections.
Recent Submissions
Item type:Item, Characteristics and management of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma cases in New Brunswick(DataNB, 2026-10-30) Stackhouse, Matthew; Folkins, ChrisDiffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) represents a growing clinical and epidemiological concern in New Brunswick, characterized by rising incidence and increasing healthcare resource needs. Using linked administrative health data and clinical chart information, this study provides the first population-level analysis of DLBCL in the province, examining epidemiology, treatment pathways, survival outcomes, and healthcare utilization from 2006 to 2021. The study characterized all DLBCL cases identified in the province from 1992 to 2021 and examined treatment pathways and 5-year outcomes for a cohort diagnosed between 2006 and 2018. Findings show that while there is increasing incidence and prevalence of DLBCL in the province, there is also strong adherence to guideline-recommended R-CHOP therapy, and survival outcomes comparable to international benchmarks. Patients receiving non-R-CHOP regimens exhibited higher mortality risk, likely reflecting underlying disease severity or contraindications to standard treatment. Healthcare utilization was substantial, with high rates of hospitalization and ICU admission. The results establish foundational baseline data to support future real-world evidence studies and to inform policy and practice decisions for DLBCL care in New Brunswick.Item type:Item, Identifying factors related to long-term engagement of volunteer leaders in fall prevention exercise programs: A qualitative study(University of New Brunswick, 2026-08) Ugwuegbulem, Chinasa Obiageri Trinitta; Bouchard, DanielleFalls are a significant cause of injury, hospitalization, and mortality among aging adults. Exercise is a cost-effective, accessible intervention to reduce fall risk, and many community-based exercise programs rely on volunteers whose consistent engagement is necessary for program continuity. However, high volunteer turnover among this aging demographic threatens program sustainability. Guided by the Volunteer Process Model, this qualitative study explored the factors influencing long-term engagement of volunteer leaders in community-based fall-prevention exercise programs. Eleven individuals who had volunteered for at least two years participated in semi-structured interviews, and data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. The results showed enabling factors included organizational support, program benefits, social connection and peer support. While challenges included time and emotional burden, poor communication and inconsistent support from the organization. Within the Volunteer Process Model, findings suggest the model’s stages are iterative, highlighting the need for support, training, resources, and future strategies.Item type:Item, Microplastic in beach sediment from Mary’s Point, Shepody National Wildlife Area, southeastern New Brunswick(University of New Brunswick, 2026-08) Gullison, Claire; Keighley, DaveMicroplastic pollution has become an increasingly pervasive global contaminant, yet protected coastal environments remain insufficiently characterized. A baseline assessment is established here for microplastics within the beach sediments of Mary’s Point, a nationally and internationally protected site of high ecological significance in the upper Bay of Fundy. Fourteen sediment cores collected in 2022 and 2024 were analyzed using a five stage extraction protocol integrating sequential density separations with an oleophilic phase, enabling the recovery of a broad range of polymer densities. A total of 1,806 microplastic particles were identified, with secondary fibres (resulting from the degradation of larger plastic items) more than 90% of all particles. Mean abundances declined significantly from 990.8 microplastics per kilogram of sediment (MP/kg) in 2022 to 343.5 MP/kg in 2024, driven by episodic, high-energy storm reworking. While storm surges scoured upper sediment layers, the macroscopic sand matrix exhibited geomorphic resilience, showing no statistically significant temporal shift in median grain size. Lateral and vertical heterogeneity in microplastic distribution reflects dynamic sedimentary processes. Findings demonstrate that even remote, protected shorelines function as dynamic sinks for long range microplastic contamination modulated by episodic high energy events.Item type:Item, Assessment of ASR-affected concrete specimens via vibration testing and FE model updating(University of New Brunswick, 2026-08) Mathoora, Dikshaiye; Arjomandi, KavehThis exploratory study evaluates the use of experimental and operational modal analysis (EMA and OMA) paired with a finite element modal model updating (FEMU) procedure for the recovery of damage proxy indicators for the Alkali Silica Reaction (ASR) in the form of Young’s Modulus (MOE) values. Laboratory testing performed on reactive and non-reactive ASR blocks yielded modal parameters on the ARTeMIS platform, and cross validated on custom Matlab scripts. The modal data obtained was used as optimisation parameter in an Isight controlled Abaqus finite element model on three different model types. The results indicate that the modal analysis method tested depend heavily on test setup, equipment, and the specimen excitation with respect to both user and environmental sources. While frequency measurements were only reliable for the fundamental mode, the resulting FEMU representative stiffness proved to be a viable basis for comparative testing. Further physical and modal testing is necessary to fully validate these findings.Item type:Item, Surveillance for red pine scale, Matsucoccus matsumurae (Kuwana, 1905) (Hemiptera: Matsucoccidae), using environmental DNA(University of New Brunswick, 2026-08) Stone, Mugdha; Pureswaran, Deepa S.; Williams, MartinThe red pine scale (RPS; Matsucoccus matsumurae) (Kuwana, 1905) is a highly invasive insect native to Asia that is rapidly killing red pine (Pinus resinosa) trees across the northeastern United States. As of 2025, it has never been detected in Canada. However, infestations have alarmingly been detected within 50 miles of southern New Brunswick. To support timely surveillance, I tested three trap types for visual detection and specimen collection. I then developed and validated a species-specific qPCR assay to detect RPS DNA from targeted environmental DNA (eDNA) samples collected from conventional insect traps. The canopy pitfall trap collected the highest number of RPS individuals, making it the most effective option. I developed the assay primers and probe in silico to target a 242-base pair region of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene. In vitro testing showed that the assay reliably differentiated RPS from its main sympatric congener in the study area, the white pine bast scale (WPS; Matsucoccus macrocicatrices), demonstrating high specificity. Using a gBlock-based standard curve, I determined the limit of detection to be one copy per reaction. I validated the assay by molecular testing of eDNA samples collected from two RPS-positive sites in the United States and one RPS-negative control site in Canada. Known RPS infestations consistently corresponded with positive eDNA detections, confirming assay accuracy. Additional testing is required to broaden the assay’s applicability in other geographic regions. The assay successfully detects RPS populations at the tested sites, and the sequenced COI barcodes for both RPS and WPS provide valuable genetic reference data. Overall, this study provides the foundation for an effective and reliable approach for RPS detection and establishes a baseline for future surveillance and management efforts.
