Projets novateurs réalisés

Développement d’un outil d’aide à la décision pour la sélection de sites pour des entreprises manufacturières en Amérique du Nord

Les dépenses d’investissement en capitaux d’une entreprise manufacturière représentent un secteur important du développement industriel : les acquisitions, le développement de marchés, la recherche, ou l’ajout de lignes de production dans une entreprise transnationale, s’accompagnent souvent, en effet, de flux de capitaux et de main d’oeuvre importants. À partir de différentes sources de données démographiques et de marché, publiques et privées, le projet vise à développer un outil d’aide à la décision pour la sélection de sites pour des entreprises manufacturières. Cet outil servira à identifier et à quantifier les paramètres stratégiques capables de guider un processus décisionnel et opérationnel lié à un scénario d’investissement, comme le choix d’un site industriel, en réduisant au minimum le risque lié à cette décision importante.
Basé sur un modèle de simulation et de décision, l’outil développé devra être calibré pour tenir compte de divers paramètres (marché, main d’oeuvre, secteur industriel …). Il devra enfin être capable d’identifier, de reconnaître et de regrouper les investissements historiques relatifs à différents clusters industriels (comme l’industrie du papier, de l’aluminium ou de l’aérospatiale) selon leurs comportements propres, aux États-Unis et au Canada, et à partir de données récentes représentant des projets d’investissements.

Mine Revegetation in the Yukon

The mining industry is one of the leading sectors of the Yukon economy. Mining companies are committed to restoring the land affected by mining activities to meet closure plan requirements. Revegetation of impacted sites is a challenge all mining companies face in sub-arctic regions because: 1- Lack of knowledge regarding which plants to use for revegetation and how to implement them effectively in the field; 2- Lack of commercially available seeds and seedlings.
Applied research using innovative methods is required to provide answers to the unique challenges facing mines operating in Yukon, one of which, is revegetation at mine sites. The objective of this project is to build a Ph.D project with the University of Alberta, the Yukon Research Centre and a mining company: Goldcorp.
Through this Ph.D project, applied research will be conducted, engaging with Yukon First Nation, to expand and disseminate knowledge regarding mining revegetation in the Yukon.

Analysis and Optimization for Industrial Safety and Efficiency: Novel Methods for scheduling Resources under Learning-Forgetting Effects

Irwin’s Industrial Safety, as a leading provider of safety and project management services, has collected safety and efficiency data over a list of projects since 2013. As a part of Mitacs Accelerate project, those data have been analyzed and the results have been visualized to enlighten opportunities for future optimization. This research proposes a framework to integrate the safety and efficiency data of projects in the consulting services that Irwin’s provide for its clients. As a result of the proposed framework, stakeholders (Irwin’s, its clients, contractors) will reduce incidents and accidents in the projects as well as reduce inefficiencies in terms of time and cost. In addition, an optimal resource allocation model that incorporates the unique attributes of this project will be developed. Studies show that learning (the ability to do a job faster due to repeating) and forgetting (increasing the time to finish a job due to interruptions and breaks) significantly affect the duration of activities and the utilization of resources. This project will incorporate learning and forgetting in the scheduling of resources benefits Irwin’s to reduce the delays, financial penalties, and incidents due to congested activities.

Processus, outils et systèmes d’information pour une gestion del’innovation intégrée au sein de PME innovantes

Les projets visent, dans les deux entreprises ciblés, soit des PME, à :

• contribuer par diverses analyses, recommandations et implantations, à améliorer

sensiblement le système de gestion de l’innovation dans ces entreprises,

• et surtout à intégrer le système de gestion de l’innovation à la stratégie d’affaires

et aux activités régulières de l’entreprise (stratégie, marketing, finances, etc.),

• dans le but d’aider ces entreprises, dont l’une est encore émergente (Kinova) et l’autre

est surtout centrée sur les services (Discovery Air une entreprise de services

d’aviation), à capitaliser davantage sur de multiples formes et voies d’innovation

technologique et commerciale (produits, procédés, marchés diversifiés) pour

augmenter leur croissance et compétitivité;

• en particulier, en les aidant à mettre sur pied les diverses innovation

organisationnelles requises, soit les des systèmes d’information et de veille, des

processus de développement de produis et des outils de collaboration

• le tout dans le but ultime de les aider à pratiquer l’innovation collaborative ou…

Automating the Analysis of Fish School Recognition in Echograms in the Bay of Fundy

FORCE uses hydroacoustic echosounder surveys to evaluate the impact of tidal turbines on marine animals in the Bay of Fundy. FORCE use Echoview software to read in the raw sensor data (e.g. voltages) and convert it to a visual representation. Echoview contains some algorithms to detect the bottom of the ocean. However, the FORCE hydroacoustic data is very noisy from several sources including “entrained air” pushed below the surface of the water through turbulence (i.e., eddies, vortices), and irregular surfaces on the bottom of the ocean. In order to analyze the survey data, manual post-processing is currently required to annotate the data. This manual process delays the turnaround to reporting, potential consistency and provides opportunity for inconsistency. Using a newly created automated process, data will be available for reporting in a more timely fashion, allowing for a faster reporting cycle. This project will provide OERA with the ability to automate analysis and reporting of this newly prepared data.
Using a complex series of R scripts initially designed to explore the data, rather than reporting it, the project will adjusted and updated to automate to allow for manual reporting.

Genetic mapping and characterization of loci controlling resistance to powdery mildew (Golovinomyces cichoracearum) in Cannabis sativa

High quality Cannabis sativa varieties are needed in Canada since the legalization of recreational Cannabis in fall of 2018. Unfortunately, powdery mildew, caused by the fungi Golovinomyces cichoracearum is a major disease of cultivated cannabis. We propose using high-throughput genotyping tools to map new resistance genes to this pathogen. Our approach will include genome wide association (GWA) mapping and map-based cloning strategies, involving phenotyping hundreds of individuals at reproductive maturity and through an in vitro approach. The candidate genes will be characterized for their positive selection patterns, and will be functionally validated using the Arabidopsis thaliana model system. The protein subcellular localization of the candidate genes will be observed in tobacco leaves thanks to a transient expression experiment. This project will help Aurora to create sustainable resistances to powdery mildew in high-quality varieties and will help Pauline to develop her career as a plant molecular geneticist.

Conceptual Study of The Techno-Economic Effects of Deviated versus Straight Drilling in Mining Operations – PHASE II: A Comprehensive Size and Cost Estimation Model

Conventional hard rock mining operations consists of following four steps; drilling, blasting, loading and hauling. In these steps, drilling and blasting is where the breakage of the in-situ, hard-rock formation is achieved. As being the first step of this conventional cycle, drilling plays a prominent role in the success of the other steps. Therefore, hard rock mining companies are highly interested in ensuring the precision of their drilling operations before they commence blasting. Also, haulage step usually ends in a mineral processing (also referred as milling) stage where the liberation of the entrapped valuable mineral is achieved by crushing. Therefore, it would be reasonable to conclude that ensuring high precision rock fragmentation in the pit would be deemed as highly substantial and has a very high impact on the final product. When improved, the impact of drillhole precision usually manifests itself as cost and time savings. Present study aims to develop a comprehensive financial and physical model that identifies the impact of the contributing factors in implementation of high precision drilling in a mine-to-mill scale.

The impact of physical exercise on sleep quality and duration in colorectal cancer patients during prehabilitation period

Sleep disturbance is one of the major complaints in patients after major surgery, which can impair to postoperative recovery. Exercise may be an effective non-pharmacological intervention to improve sleep for patients with advanced cancer. The main objective of this proposal is to evaluate the relationships between physical exercises and sleep parameters before surgical procedures and to determine whether anxiety and depression affect these relationships. I propose a randomized controlled pilot trial of patients with colorectal cancer scheduled for major abdominal surgery undergoing a prehabilitation intervention compared with usual care for an average of 4 weeks before planned surgery. Evaluation of relationships between physical exercise and sleep parameters can be used to improve a multimodal prehabilitation intervention in patients with advanced rectal cancer.

Developing A Framework and Tools for Strategic Management of Invasive Species in Greater Toronto Area, Ontario

With limited funding available, managers must prioritize which invasive species and which areas need to be managed. This project will involve finding out which sites and species need to be prioritized for management within the Greater Toronto Area. Through formal discussions with different stakeholders in the area and by using existing data (e.g. species distribution and city attributes), high priority areas and invasive species can be mapped to help managers know where and which invasive species need to be controlled. The partner organization will benefit from this work by knowing which areas and species need to be prioritized for management to restore ecosystem functioning and service provision, while enhancing human well-being.

Synergistic Ionic Liquids – Chitin Nanowhiskers (CNWs) – Epoxy Nanocomposites for Improved Mechanical Properties

Chitin is an abundant resource in the form of shell waste from food industry in Canada and the world. BOCO Bio-Nanotechnologies has currently the infrastructure in place for scalable extraction of chitin nanowhiskers (CNWs) from crab shells. CNWs are the crystalline form of chitin molecules, possessing high strength, stiffness and aspect ratio, making them an ideal candidate for polymer reinforcement. A significant market opportunity for BOCO is to incorporate CNWs in epoxy to develop epoxy nanocomposites with tremendous mechanical properties. However, the incorporating of CNWs is limited by chitin’s intrinsic self agglomeration thus cannot achieve expected property enhancement and certain loadings. Therefore, the objective of this project is to develop a new nanofiller processing technique for optimal filler loadings and reinforcement in the composites. Parametric study will be performed for quantitative analysis to support the technological and commercial requirements of the company.

Développement des outils en vue d’une preuve de concept de casque intelligent pour pompier

Le sujet de la recherche concerne l’évaluation de l’ergonomie de l’interface graphique et la mesure de la charge cognitive ainsi que l’évaluation des cas d’utilisation du casque intelligent pour pompier en situation d’intervention en vue de proposer des ajustements ou améliorations ou encore de nouveaux cas d’utilisation

Control of MR actuators for the automotive industry

Since 2013, Exonetik has been developing and manufacturing magnetorheological (MR) actuator systems that enable novel functionalities to satisfy unmet customer needs. Exonetik’s patented actuator systems offer a unique combination of force-density, high bandwidth, superior back-drivability, low cost and aerospace-level reliability. Since 2016, Exonetik has been working with major companies in the automotive industry such as Magna International. One field of application of the automotive industry where MR actuators are bringing value is active suspensions.
Since 2016, Magna Corporate has partnered with Exonetik to develop multiple prototypes of active seat suspension which were used for market validation and technical feasibility investigation. Exonetik has proven with these prototypes that MR actuators have exceeded the expected performance and cost targets and that the technology is mature enough to be commercialised within a two-year timeframe. In June 2019, Magna Seating (subdivision of Magna International) officially launched a development program to bring the active seat suspension to production in July 2021.
The purpose of this MITACS research project is to collaborate with Exonetik team’s in the development of a production ready active suspension system for class 8 trucks. The Mitacs intern will be responsible for the refinement of the control algorithms of the active seat suspension system.