Projets novateurs réalisés

Assessing the acoustic and physical disturbances of marine traffic on the Northern Resident Killer Whales in the Robson Bight Michael Bigg Ecological Reserve

The northern resident killer whale (NRKW) population off British Columbia’s coast is considered ‘threatened’ within Canada. Recent studies have shown that NRKWs face many threats, with a key stressor being the negative interaction with commercial and recreational vessel traffic. The Robson Bight Michael Bigg Ecological Reserve is a marine protected area in Johnstone Strait, east of Northern Vancouver Island. NRKWs migrate here in the summer to hunt, mate, and perform their unique “rubbing behaviour”. This ecological reserve has been the focus of a “voluntary” no-entry protected area to reduce physical disturbance to whales from boats. However, the Robson Bight Warden Program implemented through the Cetus Research and Conservation Society continuously observes vessels within its boundaries. To support this warden program, two MSc students will be stationed during the summer of 2021 at West Cracroft Island to collect daily visual and acoustic observations of commercial and recreational vessels along with all cetaceans in the region within and adjacent to the Ecological Reserve. Students aim to compare the level of anthropogenic disturbance from boat traffic, and focus efforts on determining why, when and how long NRKW choose to rub.

Microwave decomposition of Magnesium Hydroxide to MgO

Sea spray icing and its Impacts on assets operating in harsh environments

Sea spraying icing is one of the ongoing problems in offshore operations. It may cause hazards and operational problems for both supply vessels and offshore drilling units. It is well known that spray icing leads to instant heat loss, sudden temperature drop, and rapid ice accumulation. However, there is lack of knowledge about the mechanism of this effect. The intern will undertake a detailed study on spray icing mechanism and its effects based on historical record, past field experience, and laboratory tests. This work aims to develop a protocol to further test and validate sea spray icing mechanism and its effects on assets operating in cold regions. This project is valuable to improvement of understanding of sea spray icing and will be help for American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) to develop effective strategies for prevention and mitigation of icing in their future practices.

Investigating the molecular mechanism of an anaesthetic?s antidepressant effect in an animal model

Control of shock-induced turbulent boundary layer separation using air jet vortex generators

Soutien à l’apprentissage grandeur nature

L’éducation par la nature renvoie à la fréquentation régulière (p. ex., 2 jours/semaine) d’un milieu naturel (p. ex., boisé) en CPE. Elle constitue une solution innovante pour favoriser le soutien à l’apprentissage (SA) des enfants, déterminant pour leur réussite éducative. Or, le niveau de qualité du SA en milieu éducatif traditionnel est tel qu’il ne permet pas d’exercer une influence favorable sur la réussite éducative des jeunes enfants. De telle sorte que la bonification du niveau de SA transite par un accompagnement des éducatrices en CPE. L’objectif de ce projet vise à codévelopper et mettre en place un accompagnement en matière de SA en ÉN auprès de 10 éducatrices. L’analyse des observations et des échanges réalisés avec elles permettra de dégager des ingrédients clés de l’accompagnement déployé. Un guide pédagogique sera ensuite rédigé et diffusé, ce qui est susceptible de contribuer au rehaussement du SA offert à plusieurs milliers d’enfants.

Spectral Computed Tomography Imaging for Ion Beam Therapy Planning

Analyses et modèles d’affaire dans le prêt numérique en bibliothèque

Depuis 2012, Bibliopresto.ca chapeaute le développement et l’accès aux ressources numériques en bibliothèques publiques, et notamment la plateforme Pretnumerique.ca. Les données de prêt numérique de cet organisme ne font cependant pas l’objet d’analyses statistiques spécifiquement adaptées à ce secteur et ne permettent pas de questionner la réalité et la pertinence de la reproduction du modèle d’affaire du livre imprimé au livre numérique pour les bibliothèques et leurs publics. Ce projet de recherche en 2 phases consécutives, de 2 volets chacune, est proposé afin d’obtenir un portrait du phénomène du livre numérique. Une première phase permettra une analyse critique du modèle économique du livre numérique en bibliothèque publique au Québec et une comparaison avec d’autres modèles. La seconde phase en sera une d’intégration des travaux précédents et de mise en perspective des opportunités d’adaptation et d’analyses statistiques du modèle.

Deep Learning Enabled Joint Sensor Localization and Automatic ID Assignment Methodology for Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems

Due to the rapidly increasing demand for road safety and improved driving experiences, as well as the more recent introduction of self-driving cars into the automotive industry, the global market for tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) is set to hit 24 Billion USD by 2027. However, one of the major challenges with tire pressure monitoring systems is the limited capability of the system to provide the relative positioning of individual tires on demand, particularly, in the case where frequent shuffling of tires happen, either within the same vehicle, or between multiple vehicles. This challenge becomes exacerbated for vehicle fleet managers, like bus rapid transit operators, who require to shuffle tires, more often than not. This project, therefore, seeks to develop new deep learning methodologies for enabling joint localization and automatic ID assignment of TPMS sensors, within tires, for accurate prediction of the relative position of tires, on demand.

Regeneration dynamics of white and red pine forests following surface fire: developing an ecosystem-based sustainable forest management strategy (PINEFIRE).

The cover and extent of pure and mixed pine forests in northeastern North America has significantly declined across their historic range, primarily as a result of changes in fire regime, unsustainable forest management practices, and increased tree mortality due to introduced pathogens. To address the decline of these ecologically, socially, and economically important ecosystems we propose a comprehensive research program aimed at developing an ecosystem-based sustainable forest management strategy to preserve mixed, and pure white and red pine forests at the northern limit of their distribution. The findings of this project will contribute to environmental, economic, social, and cultural well-being of the region, and improve the management of Canada’s pine forests resources. The partner organizations will therefore benefit from the research directly and indirectly. For example, through the elaboration and application of new management strategies and silvicultural treatments (CERFO), and tourism and conservation opportunities (SÉPAQ).

“Audio Tours” Pilot Project

This proposal is aimed at researching, developing and producing a pilot audio tour recording for chART Projects, as a prototype for future audio projects that will eventually be distributed via an online platform. The audio tour will be an immersive artist-commissioned experience based in the Vancouver neighbourhood of Marpole. The research project aims to identify and troubleshoot issues related to the production of a single work, in order to understand how a larger volume of engaging and unique audio projects could be efficiently implemented by chART projects. This prototyping process will give chART Projects a means to consider their potential market and to refine their business model. The finished audio project will be a key component in the development of their website, and will be featured in the launch of the website.

Development of Stable and Sustainable Saffron Extracts for Commercialization

Saffron (Crocus sativus) is considered the most expensive spice in the world, costing between $500 and $5000 USD per pound. It is one of the most highly regarded and highest value botanical plants in the world and is a recognized natural health product. It is traditionally used for different health conditions, including sexual dysfunction, depression and mood disorders, cancer, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), baldness, asthma cough, and weight loss.
The main objective of this project is to develop a sustainable line of saffron products to ensure limited waste and maximum health benefits. This project will focus on identifying the optimum techniques, from farming to extraction and final product manufacturing, so as to promote health of the earth, as well as health of the Canadian public.