Innovative Projects Realized

Channel Propagation Study

The goal of the project is to use the data collected by Ericsson field tests to gain a better understanding of the wireless medium through which the signal travels. Such information will include physical parameters, and the direction for which the users’ signals arriver, their locations and velocities. The study will enable Ericsson to build better, more efficient, more reliable and more economic transmission and reception equipment for 5G cellular syste

Photonic Cognitive Processor for Next Generation Artificial Intelligence Hardware

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming our lives in the same way as the advent of the Internet and cellular phones has done. However, it takes thousands of CPUs and GPUs, and many weeks to train the neural networks in AI hardware. Traditional CPUs, GPUs, and brain-inspired electronics will not be powerful enough to train the neural networks of the near future. To radically impact the next generation of AI hardware, I propose to develop a fundamental technology: a photonic cognitive processor that uses light (instead of electrons). By employing photonic networks, I will test my processor with standard benchmark tasks on pattern recognition such as MNIST. I propose to use a special purpose GEMM compiler that will efficiently perform small matrix multiplications on enormous matrices. Results will be compared to electronic counterparts in terms of speed, precision, and energy efficiency.

Interrogation of small RNAs in MSC chondrogenic potency

Injuries involving joint cartilage such as osteoarthritis (OA) are some of the most common causes of lameness and pain in equine. Sophisticated means of monitoring joint health status are needed to allow early detection and intervention as well as monitoring the effect of interventions. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of short non-coding RNAs, participate in various biological processes including cartilage development and homeostasis. miRNAs have been measured at the tissue level, in synovial fluid and serum, and may reflect some aspects of the health status of the animal. In this research we aim to identify novel miRNAs which can be used as “non-invasive” markers to monitor chondrogenic potency as well as cytogenetic stability of stromal cells in equine.
This research may identify unique biomarkers of joint health that could be evaluated through frequent blood and/or joint fluid sampling and analysis. The results of this project in long-term, may pave the way in providing new and innovative treatment options for patients with cartilage deficiencies.

Modelling of Compaction Profiles and Slurry Sliding Velocities Inside High Density Thickeners

Investigation of the influence of floor angle on sliding velocities of slurry, containing finely ground solids and water, in a submerged environment, by identifying variables that influence “Dynamic Sliding Fluidity”, “Bed Compaction Rates”, and “Natural Slump Angles” for high yield stress, paste like slurries. These variables can be used to model slurry movement within, and out of, a sedimentation thickener, with the aim that stakeholders can better define thickener geometry, floor slopes, rake blade configuration for a High-density thickener and therefore the product it delivers to the tailings storage facilities. This model is to be made available to stakeholders on a commercial basis, so that risks associated with High Density Thickener design and selection are more clearly defined and capital expenditure risk is reduced.

Surveillance of therapeutic control and prevalence of Nosema apis and Nosema ceranae in the Saskatchewan beekeeping industry

The beekeeping industry in Canada has endured often unsustainable high colony losses during the past two decades which, if it continues, could have negative consequences for the entire Canadian agriculture industry. Increasing evidence indicates that infectious diseases, including Nosemosis, play a significant role in high colony mortality. In spite of the significant negative impact of Nosema infection on honey bee health and production, there is only one antibiotic, Fumagilin-B, available for control of Nosemosis as well as several commercial probiotics and feed supplements claimed to increase overall health and allegedly to prevent diseases such as Nosemosis.
Nosemosis in western honey bees (Apis mellifera) is caused by two microsporidian species (recently reclassified as fungi), N. apis and N. ceranae. The co-infection by both species is common in North America and Europe and it seems that the spread and prevalence of N. ceranae is increasing at the population level. At the same time, limited studies demonstrated that N. ceranae does not seem to have a competitive advantage over N. apis in individual bees co-infected with known amounts of spores of both Nosema species under laboratory conditions.

Development of Computational Tools for Multiphysics Analysis of Small Modular Reactors

Canada is committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are expected to play a crucial role in meeting this goal. SMRs are smaller than traditional nuclear power plants, which reduces their construction costs and make them a viable solution for deployment in distant regions of the country. Kinectrics, our partner organization in this project, has identified the High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor design using spherical fuel elements as an attractive candidate due to its inherent safety features. However, Canada’s nuclear regulators require safety analyses that explore the robustness of these features for very low probability accidents. Hence, this research aims to develop and test new computational tools that will be needed for the operational and safety assessments of gas-cooled SMR designs. Kinectrics will benefit from the development of these new methods and their application to better understand gas-cooled SMR operation and safety.

Enhancing Blockchain Security and Performance for Health Records

To prevent and/or recover from pandemics Molecular You plans to use their MyPDx solution that runs over Hyperledger Indy, a self-sovereign identity and health data platform to provide access to researchers, machine learning and analytics applications to data. However, Hyperledger Indy compatible blockchains, such as Sovrin, suffer from scalability limitations. This means when the size of a network grows, message complexity grows exponentially along with memory and processing time, resulting in significant performance degradation. Therefore, inclusion of partners (hospitals, research groups etc.) in the network will not be possible due to scalability limitation. This limits scientific collaboration, diversity and access to data. To prevent this, our proposed project aims to improve the scalability of the underlying blockchain consensus algorithm in Hyperledger Indy compatible blockchains so that the network can accommodate more participants without compromising its performance and security. Hence, providing a high-performance platform for research and collaboration.

Characterization of adverse events, health-care costs and real-world survival outcomes with the introduction of ibrutinib for chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma patients in British Columbia

Ibrutinib has proven to be very effective in newly diagnosed and relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients. However, it can cause certain side effects that can lead to early discontinuation of treatment and worse outcomes for patients. The goal of this study is to determine the frequency of side effects in the “real-world” associated with ibrutinib compared to standard therapy using provincial administrative data. We further aim to assess the impact of ibrutinib dose interruptions and reductions on survival outcomes, as well as the impact and cost of the side effects of therapy on the public health care system. As a subproject, we aim to determine survival outcomes of patients based on predictive markers analyzed at diagnosis and at time of treatment. Results from our study will provide information to health care organizations regarding “real-world” risks of ibrutinib and the value of predictive markers to the health of CLL patients.

Feasibility of physiological assessment for objective confirmation of non-invasive electrical recruitment of the saphenous nerve

Overactive bladder, urinary urgency, affects 14-18% of the Canadian population and costs our health care system over $350,000,000 annually. Most current treatments require ongoing in-person support or have low adherence rates, enhancing greater strain on our healthcare system and economy. Non-invasive saphenous nerve stimulation (nSNS) overcomes these issues however there is currently no objective method of confirming whether patients can activate the saphenous nerve during each treatment session. This research project will investigate the feasibility of measuring electrically evoked neural activity generated by nSNS. . We hypothesize that nSNS in humans can be quantitatively measured in a non-invasive manner. This will be the first-ever human feasibility study aimed at using electrically evoked neural signals to potentially screen OAB patients that can benefit from nSNS therapy.

Prediction of biological age based on DNA-Methylation patterns

DNA methylation is a biological process that involves the chemical modification of DNA with methyl groups at specific regions of a chromosome. DNA methylation and demethylation change the processes associated with turning on and off genes. Changes in DNA methylation patterns can be influences by environmental forces which are recorded at the molecular level and give rise to the “epigenetic clock”. In collaboration with UltraSpec Lab, a Canadian BCbased
company, we propose to develop a new method to predict an individual’s “biological” age based on changes recorded in their epigenetic clock. We hypothesize that a difference between chronological and biological age (determined from the epigentic clock) will be predictive of early onset age-related diseases. Our biological age predictor will be determined using a blood sample and can be incorporated by clinicians as part of a standard annual
checkup. This test in combination, with other health measures can be used to determine an individual’s overall health and will allow clinicians initiate early disease intervention with the goal to reducing death rates and medical costs. Our biological age predictor will be validated by our partner company (UltraSpec Lab) and commercialized in Canada.

Co-creation of a comprehensive support pathway for the learning and mental health needs of youth in care

Research has illustrated the significant challenges that youth in care often face in meeting their education goals and in managing their mental health and well-being. Specifically, a subset of these transitional aged youth, often referenced as “NEET” (youth not in employment, education, or training) often face significant challenges to meeting their subsequent educational or occupational goals in early adulthood.

The current project aims to increase understanding on the current challenges and opportunities in supporting the learning and mental health needs of these youth in care. By engaging youth and stakeholders directly in interviews and focus groups, this project will illustrate possible pathways of collaborative, sensitive, and trauma-informed care that could further support this group of youth.

Exploring Mental Wellness Services: By and For Indigenous Peoples in British Columbia, Canada

The research purpose is to address gaps related mental health services for Indigenous, First Nations, Metis, and Inuit, people in Canada. Current tools used in mental health service delivery within Canada may be considered inappropriate for Indigenous populations due to culturally diversity and lack of cultural safety. Within Canada there is a lack of Indigenous specific mental health resources, services, and interventions. Some examples of Indigenous mental health interventions can include land-based healing approaches, such as sweat ceremonies. Land-based and cultural experiences provide Indigenous therapeutic approaches alongside mainstream mental health approaches connections foster strength in cultural identity by connecting to land, family, and community