Projets novateurs réalisés

Development of a novel IPM strategy for brown marmorated stink bugs (Halyomorpha halys) using RNA interference (RNAi) technology – Year two

Brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) (Halyomorpha halys (Stål)) is an invasive pest with a large host range that includes many economically important fruits, vegetables, and row crops. Native to Asia, BMSB was first detected in North America in 1998 and since has become established in British Columbia, Quebec, and Ontario; and 44 American states.
In order to develop efficient BMSB focused integrated pest management program (IPM), it is critical that novel alternative control tactics are investigated primarily because there are no effective insecticides available. RNA interference (RNAi) is a form of genetic control that has shown promise as a management tactic for BMSB. In this context, we aim to investigate RNAi for BMSB management. We will use genetic and proteomic tools to design new dsRNA (n = 10) in order to affect all BMSB life stages. We will test the effects of dsRNA, first independently then in multiple combinations, on BMSB populations raised in the laboratory. The most efficient combinations (n = 3) will finally be tested in the field to assess their efficiency under natural conditions. Our project will be the first step in the development and potential commercialization of a control of BMSB, efficient in the long term.

Development of a novel IPM strategy for brown marmorated stink bugs (Halyomorpha halys) using RNA interference (RNAi) technology

Brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) (Halyomorpha halys (Stål)) is an invasive pest with a large host range that includes many economically important fruits, vegetables, and row crops. Native to Asia, BMSB was first detected in North America in 1998 and since has become established in British Columbia, Quebec, and Ontario; and 44 American states.
In order to develop efficient BMSB focused integrated pest management program (IPM), it is critical that novel alternative control tactics are investigated primarily because there are no effective insecticides available. RNA interference (RNAi) is a form of genetic control that has shown promise as a management tactic for BMSB. In this context, we aim to investigate RNAi for BMSB management. We will use genetic and proteomic tools to design new dsRNA (n = 10) in order to affect all BMSB life stages. We will test the effects of dsRNA, first independently then in multiple combinations, on BMSB populations raised in the laboratory. The most efficient combinations (n = 3) will finally be tested in the field to assess their efficiency under natural conditions. Our project will be the first step in the development and potential commercialization of a control of BMSB, efficient in the long term.

Characterization of Active Ingredient in Buckwheat

Buckwheat contains an active ingredient that lowers blood glucose in diabetic rats. The active ingredient is not a known compound such as chiro-inositol or rutin. The goal of this project is to fractionate buckwheat by a technique known as countercurrent chromatography (CCC) and determine the presence of a biological activity. This is important for setting the foundation to 1) monitor the levels of the active ingredient in buckwheat (as affected by variety, growing conditions and season), 2) determine how levels of active ingredient are affected by processing, 3) standardize the amount of active ingredient in functional food products and thus meet Health Canada requirements, and 4) provide a screening tool for further enhancement of buckwheat varieties by plant breeding.

Classification of human emotions from physiological signals using machine learning techniques

The project goal is to develop a system to classify the emotions of individuals with dementia. To achieve this goal, the applicant will have to design and test a machine learning algorithm that will extract important features from physiological signals such as heart-rate, skin conductance and skin temperature. Then, the algorithm will be trained using labels and insights generated by primary caregivers to automatically classify significant emotional states. Finally, the applicant will also work in the integration of the whole acquisition and processing systems through an app designed to work in any Android or iOS smartphone. This guarantees the versatility and portability of the system as a whole, and it will allow the users to use this system in any setting, where the caregivers will be able to identify, assess, and control the situations and places that cause distress in the users.

A mass balance modelling framework for chemicals and their primary metabolites for ecological and human health assessment – Year two

Chemicals manufactured and used in society degrade through physical and biological processes (e.g., photolysis, biotransformation) into break-down products (e.g., metabolites). Most “parent” chemicals can breakdown relatively quickly so that they are not persistent or bioaccumulative; however, some metabolites formed during the degradation processes can persist in the environment thus requiring consideration for ecological and human health assessment. The environmental fate, bioaccumulation, exposure and associated risks of these formed metabolites are largely unknown. The proposed research includes the development and testing of an exposure modelling framework for the holistic assessment of parent chemicals and their primary metabolites formed during degradation processes in the environment (e.g., air, water) and in biota. This research will combine Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (QSAR) methods and mechanistic, multi-media environmental fate and exposure models. QSAR models will be developed to estimate degradation properties (e.g., reaction rates, half-lives) and databases and models will be used to estimate metabolite formation pathways. The Risk Assessment IDentification And Ranking (RAIDAR) multi-media mass balance model will be revised to incorporate this information and quantify the fate and exposure of parent chemicals and selected metabolites to humans and ecological receptors. Case studies will be performed to evaluate the performance of the new modelling framework.

A feasibility study on semi-solid casting for aluminum metal matrix composites

The purpose of this project is to study the feasibility of using SEED process to produce

aluminum metal matrix composite (MMC) slugs with high quality, which will be formed to the

net shape cast parts using a high pressure die casting machine. The study includes

understanding rheological behaviors of the semi-solid MMC slugs, the effects of different

SEED parameters on the slug quality, and the relationship between the microstructure of the

MMC slugs and the castability of final castings. This project will be benefit to the industrial

partner for a better understanding the SEED process for semi-solid MMCs casting.

A mass balance modelling framework for chemicals and their primary metabolites for ecological and human health assessment

Chemicals manufactured and used in society degrade through physical and biological processes (e.g., photolysis, biotransformation) into break-down products (e.g., metabolites). Most “parent” chemicals can breakdown relatively quickly so that they are not persistent or bioaccumulative; however, some metabolites formed during the degradation processes can persist in the environment thus requiring consideration for ecological and human health assessment. The environmental fate, bioaccumulation, exposure and associated risks of these formed metabolites are largely unknown. The proposed research includes the development and testing of an exposure modelling framework for the holistic assessment of parent chemicals and their primary metabolites formed during degradation processes in the environment (e.g., air, water) and in biota. This research will combine Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (QSAR) methods and mechanistic, multi-media environmental fate and exposure models. QSAR models will be developed to estimate degradation properties (e.g., reaction rates, half-lives) and databases and models will be used to estimate metabolite formation pathways. The Risk Assessment IDentification And Ranking (RAIDAR) multi-media mass balance model will be revised to incorporate this information and quantify the fate and exposure of parent chemicals and selected metabolites to humans and ecological receptors. Case studies will be performed to evaluate the performance of the new modelling framework.

Behavioural Economic Interventions to Promote Health and Wellness on a Canadian Mobile Health Application

Behavioural economics demonstrates that people consistently behave in irrational ways that lead to poorer health outcomes. Yet the way in which people behave irrationally is predictable, which governments and organizations around the world have used to design “nudges” to “[alter] people’s behaviour in a predictable way without forbidding any options” (Thaler & Sunstein, 2008). Carrot Rewards is a Canadian mobile health (mHealth) application that serves as a platform for delivering nudges on a mass scale. It incentivizes its 850,000+ users to improve their health and wellness with loyalty reward points redeemable for consumer goods. Since the app was launched in 2016, it has introduced new features designed to leverage behavioural economic principles. While these principles have been found to be effective in other contexts, their effectiveness has yet to be determined in the context of an mHealth app. The objectives of the proposed research is the evaluation and optimization of these features, which will benefit the partner organization by enhancing the impact of their product, while providing an opportunity for the fellow to practice applying his research and statistical expertise in the product development and evaluation processes of the company.

Optimizing the placement of Med-El’s BoneBridge implant: image-guided positioning and biomechanical efficiency – Year two

Med-El’s BoneBridge implant provides the sensation of sound to hearing-impaired persons. The device’s transducer is surgically implanted in the skull. Key surgical problems are to find a location on the individual patient’s skull that is thick enough to house the transducer and to place and configure the transducer to maximize sound energy transfer to the cochlea, the organ of hearing. This project will (1) develop software for patient-specific, image-based BoneBridge placement planning and (2) investigate how BoneBridge placement and configuration affect energy transfer. The software will allow surgical planning by identifying the best position(s) for the implant from clinical images taken preoperatively. Our biomechanical investigations provide guidelines to surgeons on optimizing device performance by providing information on sound energy transfer patterns in various implantation scenarios. Med-El, surgeons and patients will benefit because the software and guidelines we develop will make implantation easier, safer, and optimal.

Optimizing the placement of Med-El’s BoneBridge implant: image-guided positioning and biomechanical efficiency

Med-El’s BoneBridge implant provides the sensation of sound to hearing-impaired persons. The device’s transducer is surgically implanted in the skull. Key surgical problems are to find a location on the individual patient’s skull that is thick enough to house the transducer and to place and configure the transducer to maximize sound energy transfer to the cochlea, the organ of hearing. This project will (1) develop software for patient-specific, image-based BoneBridge placement planning and (2) investigate how BoneBridge placement and configuration affect energy transfer. The software will allow surgical planning by identifying the best position(s) for the implant from clinical images taken preoperatively. Our biomechanical investigations provide guidelines to surgeons on optimizing device performance by providing information on sound energy transfer patterns in various implantation scenarios. Med-El, surgeons and patients will benefit because the software and guidelines we develop will make implantation easier, safer, and optimal.

Employing the use of flexible engineering approaches as a bank erosion mitigation technique on the Nicola River in the Thompson Okanagan region

Rivers naturally shift and move through lateral erosion and deposition, which can cause problems for infrastructure that is built on riverbanks. Traditional engineering solutions have entirely halted lateral movement, which can have negative consequences. This research is investigating an alternative method, which uses grains that are within the grain size distribution of the riverbed, rather than the method known as riprap, which are much larger grains. This research will use a flume to model the Nicola River, alongside computer models. If successful, Kerr Wood Leidal will use the flexible engineering approach to stabilize the channel and minimize further bank erosion.

Formulating a novel goat-whey based drink and studying its nutritional and health functions – Year two

This project will create novel goat milk-based products and test their health effects in healthy adults. Interest in goat milk is increasing, mainly due to two market trends: consumers’ new taste trends for niche/ethnic products, and the perception of goat milk having added health properties. Goat milk is perceived as having intestinal anti-inflammatory effects and improved digestive properties compared to bovine milk, due to the unique functionalities of its oligosaccharides and triglycerides. However, the basis of claims is often founded on anecdotal evidence, and these health effects have not been extensively studied, particularly in adults to whom these products are marketed.
Objectives: To manipulate goat milk fractions to prepare a product matrix with nutritionally significant amounts of oligosaccharides and higher fat. This matrix will need to be acceptable to consumers, so that further studies can evaluate the mechanisms behind the health benefits. Specifically, human intervention trials will investigate physiological and biochemical markers. In particular, the development aims at highlighting the health beneficial effects of oligosaccharides and short and medium chain fatty acids on postprandial satiety and gut health markers. The research findings will be exploited to create highly functional ingredients and new products for the Canadian and export markets.