Generative AI for Dynamic Environment Creation in VR & AR

This project will use state-of-the-art advancements in artificial intelligence in order to automate and enhance the creation of virtual environments in virtual and augmented reality. By building upon previous successes incorporating artificial intelligence into the creation of 2D environments to enhance and guide the algorithmic generation process.

Automatically adjusting prosthetic socket for individuals with below-knee amputations

Over half of all below-knee amputees deal with sores due to an ill-fitting prosthetic socket, the deep cup that holds the limb and connects it to the rest of the prosthesis. Current sockets are bulky, complicated and rely on frequent manual adjustments based on feel. These factors lead to socket over-tightening, pain, and wound formation. Vessl aims to design an automatically adjusting prosthetic socket to free amputees from socket adjustments.

Optimizing Exploration Success at the Iska Iska Polymetallic Project

Mining employs ~400,000 Canadians and generates billions of dollars for the Canadian economy. Western University and Eloro Resources Ltd. recognize that innovation is central to responsible resource exploration and extraction. Canada is a world leader in mineral exploration and mining technology, but discovery of new mineral resources has declined, despite increasing exploration expenditures.

The Innovation North Compass: A Made-In-Canada Approach to Innovation

Traditionally, firms approach their innovation agenda focused on profits. Conventional innovation processes, such as stage-gate and design approaches, can create harm for the world by ignoring the wider ecological, social, and economic systems in which a firm is embedded. There is a better way. This project will develop an innovation tool that creates prosperity and well-being for everyone by applying systems thinking to the innovation process. This requires creativity, teamwork, the inclusion of diverse stakeholders, and a commitment to a better future for all.

Characterization of the behavioural and neurological effects of psychedelic drugs in rats

Psychedelics are hallucinogenic drugs that have been used in healing traditions for millennia and they are known to induce an altered state of mind, and affect emotional and cognitive processes. However, the precise mechanism by which these psychedelic drugs function neuropharmacologically, and how they affect perception and neural circuits is not well known. The aims of this study are: 1. To characterize the behavioural phenotypes for various psychedelic drugs, as well as their potential pharmacotherapeutic effect; and 2.

Additive manufacturing of a nickel supper alloy: The micromechanics of plasticity and fracture.

To reduce the emission of greenhouse gases, significant efforts have been made to increase the efficiency of gas turbines. Likewise, the use of hydrogen is suggested to replace hydro-carbon-based fuels. To achieve these goals, it is mandatory to use advanced manufacturing techniques to produce the key components of turbines. Laser power bed fusion additive manufacturing (LPBF-AM) is one of those techniques that can be used for 3D printing of Inconel supperalloys, however, the development of microcracks reduce the lifetime of the components.

The use of interdialytic Peritoneal Ultrafiltration Hemodialysis (iPUF-HD) to manage volume status in hemodialysis patients

Patients with end stage kidney disease require regular intermittent dialysis treatments to remove fluid and sodium. During hemodialysis, blood is pumped through a dialyzer containing semipermeable microfibers, while clean dialysate flowing along the outside these fibers removes waste products and fluid.
However, sometimes hemodialysis cannot effectively remove all sodium and fluid, resulting in a deposition in tissues and bone and a higher risk of cardiovascular complications.
This project investigates the efficiency of a combination of hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.

Experimental and modelling investigation on the impact of engineered biochars on the abiotic and biotic removal of hydrogen sulfide in sewer systems

Several problems are associated with the emission of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) from wastewaters including its toxicity, causing corrosion, and the release of odors. Different strategies have been applied for the reduction or removal of hydrogen sulfides, such as the use of air or oxygen, nitrates, metal salts (iron salt), and biological agents for the oxidation of sulfides. Since the costs associated with the current solutions are extremely high, the development of more efficient and economical methods is critical for small to large municipalities.

Statistical and Ethical Implications of Pimavanserin Drug Trials Published with Unexplained or Missing Datasets on Parkinson’s Disease

This project looks to examine the safety of the medication Pimavanserin, marketed under the brand name Nuplazid. Pimavanserin is prescribed to manage Parkinson’s Disease Psychosis, a common side effect of Parkinson Disease medications. This medication has already received regulatory approval in the United Stated by the Food and Drug Administration under a special program called the “Breakthrough therapy program”. Although it initially showed promising results, concerns have been raised regarding its safety and efficacy.

Bioprospecting in mushroom fungi: mushroom metabolites with antimicrobial, antihelminth and neuro-regenerative potentials

We propose to collect and grow varied mushrooms found in Ontario in order to bioprospect for compounds of medical or health benefits in their fruiting bodies and cultures. The industrial partner is a mushroom grower and the academic partners have many years of experience in the study of mushroom fungi and analyses of plant chemistry. We propose to bring these skill sets together to research bioactive compounds produced by some of the many species of mushrooms whose potential has not been fully explored.

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