Projets novateurs réalisés

Production of renewable fuels from biomass pyrolysis using a dual spinning-disc reactor

Biomass is a key feedstock for the production of renewable fuels and chemicals with potential zero carbon emissions and at low cost. State of the art conversion of biomass to bio-fuels focuses on the pyrolysis of the feedstock at high temperature in conventional reactors. However, current technologies face many challenges to achieve lower costs than fossil fuels, higher yields, improved energy efficiency and product quality. This project aims to evaluate the production of renewable fuels from biomass using a dual spinning-disc reactor. With this technology, a combination of frictional pyrolysis and vortex mixing/separation offers the possibility to achieve high temperatures, shorter reactor residence and controlled operating conditions resulting in higher yield and selectivity towards the desired products. This project will build from proprietary knowledge of Vorsana Environmental Inc. and will set the grounds for use of novel reactor configurations for production of renewable fuels with higher efficiency and lower costs than conventional technologies.

Development of a Comprehensive HIV Management System

While at the University of Bath, the project that I will be working on focuses on the development of an all-in-one electrochemical Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) management system. The goal of this project is to develop a device that is capable of actively counting Helper T cells in the human body. Since HIV infects and subsequently kills Helper T cells, this device can be used to diagnose HIV. In addition to detecting T cells, we aim to construct the device such that it can simultaneously diagnose other co-infections like tuberculosis and hepatitis that commonly accompany HIV. Finally, we also aim to design the device in such a way that it can monitor kidney function in order to help inform treatment plans for infected individuals. The successful development of a comprehensive HIV management system would provide a low-cost and easily-implementable solution for diagnosing and treating HIV.

Identification des éléments nécessaires à l’instrumentation de l’évaluation de la fidélité de l’implantation du volet primaire (6 à 12 ans) du curriculum Montessori

e curriculum Montessori se démarque par sa longévité et sa large diffusion à l’international. Les études portant sur ses retombées suggèrent des effets positifs en ce qui a trait aux performances scolaires, aux habiletés sociales et au développement de l’autonomie des élèves. Cela dit, la fidélité de l’implantation est l’une des plus importantes limites de ces études; le nom « Montessori » n’étant pas légalement protégé, toute école peut l’adopter, peu importe les pratiques pédagogiques en place. Ce projet de recherche vise donc à identifier les éléments nécessaires au développement d’instruments permettant d’évaluer la fidélité de l’implantation du volet primaire du curriculum Montessori (VPCM). Plus précisément, cette étude vise à :

• identifier les composantes essentielles du VPCM à travers la formation initiale des enseignants offerte par un centre de formation agréé par l’Association Montessori Internationale (France);

• identifier les facteurs modérateurs susceptibles d’affecter le processus d’implantation du VPCM;

• élaborer un modèle logique mettant en relation les composantes essentielles du VPCM et les facteurs modérateurs avec ses objectifs et ses finalités.

Effect of Convective vs. Freeze Drying on the Hemp Bioactive Compounds

Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) and its fibres being durable are used in fabrics, sail making and papermaking. Its seed is a rich source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3, 6) and its oil is used for cooking and for medicinal purposes. Cannabis contains cannabinoids, of which, ?9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) have been identified as the most active and responsible for psychotic and medicinal properties. In hemp, high levels of CBD is accumulated in the female inflorescences.
In order to extract and develop the product, drying is carried out which involves decrease in the moisture content of a material. A lower moisture leads to a decrease in the free water available for microbial activity. Consequently, spoilage micro-organisms are inactivated. Industries are adopting ancient drying methods to dry cannabis which are facing many problems including longer drying periods (5- 6 days), mold contamination and poor quality. Hence, the objective of the project is to reduce the drying time with maximum quality retention to the selected products used. Freeze drying is one of recent developed technology which dries the frozen product by sublimation under vacuum. Freeze drying is operated at low temperatures which reduces the volatile losses producing premium quality product.

Privacy in Machine Learning Systems with Data/Model Sharing via Information Theoretic Analysis

Privacy and Security are key considerations in any machine learning system. The proposed research will develop net methods for preserving privacy when training data and/or model parameters are released in the public domain. We will use methods from information theory to develop quantitative measures for privacy and security in machine learning systems. Using this framework we will study the performance of commonly used machine learning algorithms and develop new methods that enhance privacy and security while providing negligible loss in the accuracy of these systems. The research will be conducted in collaboration with Ericsson Research and will focus on both theoretical and practical topics.

Machining effects on part integrity and life of aircraft materials

Design, manufacturing and maintenance of aerospace products are cornerstones of the
economy and social development of Quebec and Canada. In 2009, more than 78 000 Canadian
jobs were related to the aerospace industry from which 45 % are in Quebec. These high
technology jobs contribute to the quality of life and the economic growth of our province and our
country. To maintain and increase these valued jobs, it is necessary to develop Canadian
technologies and know-how in this field. The goal of this research project is to contribute to the
development of effective and reliable manufacturing methods leading to the weight reduction of
aircraft without compromising their performance. The project will address improvement of
machining processes and of the quality of machined aerospace components, including parts for
gas turbines and landing gears. The research efforts involve a close examination of the manufacturing process and of the mechanical behavior of materials. Two main topics will be
studie…..TOBECONTINUED

Stress-Activated MicroRNAs by Biomechanical Assay for Diagnosing and Prognosing Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Cette étude vise à développer et valider un panel de petites molécules circulantes d’acide ribonucléique (ARN) non codantes appelées microARN (miRNAs) qui peuvent être utilisées pour prédire le risque de développer une scoliose sévère chez les enfants symptomatiques le plus tôt possible.
Cela permettrait, une fois commercialisé, d’identifier les enfants à risque de développer une scoliose sévère qui pourrait alors bénéficier d’une procédure chirurgicale minimalement invasive avec de nouveaux dispositifs sans fusion développés par Medtronic.
Par conséquent, la détection précoce du risque de progression de la maladie avec le test SAMBA changera la donne dans le domaine de l’orthopédie et élargira la gamme des options de traitement tout en augmentant l’efficacité globale et les résultats rentables.
De plus, l’amélioration de la stratification des patients à un stade précoce, en combinaison avec de nouveaux outils et algorithmes de prise de décisions cliniques, devrait également réduire les effets psychologiques graves des interventions; diminuer le fardeau de la scoliose en évitant les traitements lourds inutiles (ex. porter un corset) chez les patients qui ne répondront pas à ces traitements en raison de leur prédisposition génétique ainsi que de réduire les visites à l’hôpital et les interventions chirurgicales et non chirurgicales coûteuses.

Effets du temps de sevrage sur la santé, le comportement et le développement du rumen et son microbiote chez les chevreaux de race alpine

Même si une forte croissance de la production laitière caprine au Canada est observée au cours des 20 dernières années, la productivité des fermes laitières caprines dépend de plusieurs facteurs liés à la génétique et à la régie de troupeau. La nutrition des chevrettes laitières et des méthodes d’élevage des chevrettes ont été identifiées comme étant des domaines d’intervention prioritaire en recherche caprine. Ce projet de recherche vise à déterminer l’effet du temps de sevrage sur le développement du rumen et de la population microbienne de ce dernier. Soixante-douze chevreaux (36 mâles et 36 femelles) sont assignés à l’un des trois temps de sevrage, à savoir un sevrage à 6, 8 ou 10 semaines d’âge. Les mesures de consommation, de croissance, et de développement du rumen permettront de répondre aux objectifs de l’étude. Globalement, les résultats de cette étude permettront de déterminer l’âge optimal de sevrage des chevrettes, et d’offrir des outils de sélection tangibles pour les producteurs.

Carbon Footprints of Agriculture Production in Atlantic Canada

The proposed research investigates an opportunity of monitor, measure, and model the role of carbon sequestration and emission of carbon dioxide from agricultural soils of Atlantic Canada. Precision agricultural practices will be designed to promote sustainable agriculture in Atlantic Canada.

Data-driven Assessment of Suicide Risk for Treatment Seeking Population

As part of this proposal the intern will be working with DME to develop and examine the viability of data-driven point-of-care system for the assessment of suicide risk. DME is a Canadian start-up company in the business of developing cloud-based point-of-care monitoring systems for the management of psychiatric illnesses. DME has developed algorithms to diagnose and predict optimal treatment for major depression disorder and schizophrenia, and has been allowed patents describing its technology in Canada, the USA, and Australia. If found acceptable the algorithms

Breeding and migratory habitat use in Eastern Whip-poor-will in relation to forest management

Understanding how managed and harvested forests can still provide high-quality habitat for forest birds is key to ensuring both productive forestry operations and sustainable bird populations. We propose to use GPS-tracking technology to study how the Eastern Whip-poor-will (Antrostomus vociferus) uses habitat on its Canadian breeding grounds, during migration, and on the wintering grounds. The Whip-poor-will is designated as Threatened in Canada, and the forestry industry is expected to manage operations to protect Whip-poor-will and its habitat. Forest harvest can maintain the mosaic of open spaces and closed forests that Whip-poor-wills prefer, but detailed information about how these birds use the managed landscape is lacking. The GPS data will allow us to determine timing of use, home range sizes, and how breeding site selection connects to habitat use across the annual cycle. Our results will provide information for more nuanced protection of Whip-poor-will habitat while facilitating productive forestry operations.

Geometric Control Methodology for Modular Residential Construction Systems

As the use of modular construction grows as a favorable affordable housing solution, there is a need to determine which parts of the building are most critical to manufacture with a high degree of precision. Producing a whole building to the same level of precision as an automotive or aerospace assembly for instance, is costly, inefficient and waste of resources (if the goal is to ensure the building functions properly and can be assembled without issues). This project develops an overall strategy for addressing level of precision and optimal geometric control. Part of this is a novel tool to provide stakeholders with feedback on acceptable manufacturing precision during manufacturing. This project will help modular fabricators improve their profit margins, translating into lower overall costs for the industry. This is especially important for not-for-profit stakeholders (like the client in this project) in their ability to provide affordable housing solutions.