Projets novateurs réalisés

Développement de métamatériaux pour le contrôle du bruit basses fréquences intégrant au mieux le principe d’éco-conception

Leader dans le domaine de l’acoustique et du contrôle du bruit, Mecanum offre depuis plusieurs années une large gamme de produits et services pour l’étude de solutions acoustiques et la détermination des propriétés de différents types de matériaux acoustiques. Fort d’un partenariat entretenu de longue date avec l’université de Sherbrooke, Mecanum a pu continuellement développer et améliorer son offre de services et ses compétences.
À présent, Mecanum souhaite agrandir son expertise en proposant à la vente un matériau acoustique adapté au problème de la réduction du bruit basses fréquences. Celui-ci sera développé et optimisé en utilisant les recherches et les innovations les plus récentes comme le très prometteur concept des métamatériaux acoustiques. Une visée écologique sera aussi apportée à ce projet en incorporant au mieux le principe de développement durable par l’utilisation de matériaux recyclables ou recyclés. TO BE CONT’D

Characterization of cell signaling in response to ultraviolet radiation after treatment with an oral skin-care supplement – Year two

Bend Beauty, Inc. has developed an oral natural health product marketed for use in antiaging and photoprotective skincare. This product, a supplement called Bend Skincare Anti-Aging Formula, is a mixture of six active ingredients: fish oil, borage oil, lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamin D3, which has been clinically demonstrated to increase the skin’s resistance to sunburn. Using human skin cells, we have confirmed in our laboratory the Formula’s ability to protect living tissue from UVA and UVB light; however, the mechanisms responsible for this photoprotective effect remain largely unknown. By studying the biological effects of the Anti-Aging Formula in these cells, such as how it effects the expression of certain genes and proteins, we are working to determine these mechanisms. This information can then be applied towards optimization and evidence-based marketing of Bend Skincare Anti-Aging Formula.

Characterization of cell signaling in response to ultraviolet radiation after treatment with an oral skin-care supplement

Bend Beauty is a Halifax based company involved in the research, development, and marketing of oral natural health products for use in skin-care and anti-aging. Bend’s core product, Anti-Aging Formula, is a mixture of the active ingredients fish oil, borage oil, lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamin D3. An eight-week human clinical study demonstrated this product increases skin’s resistance to sunburn. However, the mechanisms that are responsible for this photo-protective effect at the cellular level remain unknown. Cell based assays make it possible to study the biological effects of these active ingredients in response to ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure. We propose that treatment of human skin cells with Bend’s Anti-Aging Formula prior to UV radiation exposure will impart a photo-protective effect to skin cells by lessening detrimental DNA damage, inflammation, and structural reorganization. This information can be applied towards product optimization as well as future applications in photo-protective skin-care.

Disturbance thresholds and factors influencing community dynamics of epiphytic cyanolichens in Nova Scotia, with an emphasis on rare and at-risk species

The coastal wet mixedwood forests of Nova Scotia are globally important for lichen biodiversity, but several lichen species are now declining or endangered. This is concerning for forest managers, because forest companies may be subject to penalties if they inadvertently destroy the habitat of an endangered species. The causes of lichen declines are not fully understood, but hypotheses include forest harvesting, acid deposition (from SO2 emissions), and grazing pressure from slugs. I will test these hypotheses, to enhance the ability of forest managers to mitigate negative impacts in the future.
First, I will use a comprehensive cyanolichen ecological dataset, from the Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute’s ‘at-risk’ lichen database, to test whether any critical thresholds of lichen community health correlate with clearcutting, acid rain, or gastropod grazing. This will determine which activities have the most negative impacts. TO BE CONT’D

Probabilistic Life Cycle Analysis of Alternative Reinforcement Products in the Design of Concrete Structures — Phase One: Laboratory Durability Testing

Corrosion of internal reinforcement of concrete bridges represents a significant issue. Due to a presence of deicing salts, cycles of freezing and thawing, sustained and repetitive loads, the concrete loses its ability to protect the internal reinforcement. Unprotected reinforcement starts to corrode sooner than anticipated and, therefore, reduces the bridge service life. To avoid shortening of the service life, and safe cost of maintenance, several types of advanced corrosion resistant materials have been developed. We propose to test and analyze the
performance and durability of six types of advanced materials used to reinforce concrete beams in addition to the conventional reinforcing steel for comparison purposes. These beams will be exposed to various load and climate conditions. It is expected that the different types of internal reinforcement will influence the response of the concrete beams when loaded. As a final outcome of the study, a report will be prepared to summarize how the application of the selected materials can extend the service life and reduce the maintenance cost of structures exposed to harsh weather conditions.

Optimizing rheological and mechanical properties of ultra-high performance glass concrete (UHPGC) for different infrastructure applications

A new type of ecologic ultra-High-performance glass concrete (UHPGC) has been developed at University of Sherbrooke through the use of waste glass materials of different particle-size distributions derived from glass culets. The developed UHPGC proved to give several technological, economical, and environmental advantages compared to the conventional ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC). Producing UHPGC mixtures fitting the requirements of infrastructure market has not yet been investigated. This project is to produce optimized UHPGC mixtures in terms of their rheological properties that could be suitable for various infrastructure applications. The research will also evaluate the mechanical and durability properties of the optimized UHPGC mixtures.

ADAJ- Justice sans papier

Le retard de la justice en matière d’intégration des outils numériques constitue un des constats les plus souvent rappelés du monde judiciaire. Ce retard est notamment perceptible au niveau du Tribunal des professions et des conseils de discipline des différents ordres professionnels québécois. Afin de corriger ce retard, le Projet vise à favoriser le passage au numérique de différentes juridictions oeuvrant dans le champ du droit professionnel – du dépôt des plaintes jusqu’à la publication des décisions disciplinaires, en passant par la transmission de la preuve.

Using mathematical methods to set payout profiles and develop viralmarketing models for lottery games.

The purpose of the project is to provide the partner with a detailed understanding of a strategy to set

payout profiles within a model where the expected payout of the game is tied to the level of skill

reached in the game. Additionally, the project will create a strategy for viral marketing of the product

through the application of cutting edge research. The project will outline detailed descriptions of

solutions to identified challenges. The research results will benefit the partner organization in efforts to

develop an industry-unique product and prepare the company to commercialize the concept.

Assessing the effectiveness of plain packaging in reducing smoking rates: A mixed method approach – Year two

Tobacco is the number one cause of lung disease and death in Canada, and Nova Scotia in particular. For this reason, tobacco control is the number one priority for the Lung Association of Nova Scotia. To maximize the impact of its initiatives, the Lung Association of Nova Scotia is interested in collaborating with the post-doctoral fellow through the Elevate fellowship.
The engagement of the Lung Association of Nova Scotia with the proposed plain packaging project means that they are supporting local and innovative research. They are also enhancing their advocacy for plain packaging by potentially using the results of the proposed project to validate their initiatives. Plain packaging is an emerging topic with great attention from the media. Increased media coverage has historically been associated with higher website visits and financial well-being for the Lung Association. By capitalizing on the academic resources of the post-doctoral fellow and his supervisor, Dr. Stewart, the Lung Association will support a project that is meaningful to their mandate. Working with the post-doctoral fellow, the staff at the Lung Association will actively engage in report preparation, workshop planning, and media components of the project. Project deliverables can then be used in their advocacy and research mandates.

Assessing the effectiveness of plain packaging in reducing smoking rates: A mixed method approach

Plain packaging refers to standardizing cigarette pack font/color, and removing logos. This form of packaging lowers intention to smoke. However, there is a dearth of research on the direct effects of plain packaging on actual smoking behaviour and the mediation of those effects through increased attention to graphic warnings. The proposed project addresses these two gaps. First, smokers will wear eye-tracking glasses in a lab to determine if plain (vs. branded) packaging increases attention to warnings. Second, smoking behaviour for the same smokers will be examined in a lab when they smoke cigarettes from plain (vs. branded) packages. Finally, smokers will receive graphic warning stickers, in a randomly assigned plain or branded format, to attach to each of their purchased packs for two weeks. Smokers will also be provided with smart watches to measure their smoking behaviour. TO BE CONT’D

Effective knowledge translation of evidence-based best practice for healthy lifestyle behaviours – Year two

The research supports the effective knowledge translation of evidence-based best practice information related to healthy lifestyle behaviours. Over a two-year period, the post-doctoral fellow will create a series of knowledge translation tools that can be used in the effective primary and secondary prevention of chronic disease through lifestyle behaviour modification. Our proposed initiative will capitalize on the best of the existing models of health promotion. We believe that the proposed development of knowledge translation tools has the potential to affect positively the health and wellbeing of thousands of Canadians. It is anticipated that through this initiative we will be able to improve the dissemination of information regarding the most effective primary and secondary preventative strategies for prominent medical conditions and obesity a key priority of the Health and Fitness Society of BC.

Effective knowledge translation of evidence-based best practice for healthy lifestyle behaviours

The proposed research will support the effective knowledge translation of evidence-based best practice information related to healthy lifestyle behaviours (such as physical activity, healthy eating, smoking cessation, stress management, and alcohol moderation). Over a two-year period, the post-doctoral fellow will create a series of knowledge translation tools (including web- and smartphone-based applications) that can be used in the effective primary and secondary prevention of chronic disease through lifestyle behaviour modification. Our proposed initiative will capitalize on the best of the existing models of health promotion. We believe that the proposed development of knowledge translation tools has the potential to affect positively the health and well-being of thousands of Canadians. TO BE CONT’D