Projets novateurs réalisés

Determination of postharvest practices that impact the physicochemical properties cannabis biomass ash

This academic-industry collaboration aims to determine postharvest storage methods, combustion
parameters and consumer behaviour for dried cannabis products that influence the physicochemical properties of
cannabis ash, of which appearance (colour and integrity) has become an inadvertent dried cannabis product attribute
that may drive consumer decisions towards legal distribution in a highly competitive market. Data generated from this
work will provide valuable information for postharvest practices, product maintenance/storage and shelf life that
ensure quality and safety, as well as offering a baseline of biomass ash properties for cannabis product intended for
inhalation, or for future work on industrial cannabis or hemp waste valorization. Together, findings will provide
scientific evidence and highlight Canada’s expertise for consumers while improving legal product trust, license
producers, and regulatory bodies invested in evolving cannabis and hemp industries on a global stage.

ESG-washing Detection using NLP

“THIS IS A GENERIC TEXT PUT IN PLACE AS THERE WAS NO PROJECT OVERVIEW”

The Effects of Sex Differences on Acute Muscle Protein Synthesis Responses following High-Intensity Interval Training

Musculoskeletal conditions, such as sarcopenia and frailty, have been documented to affect over one billion individuals globally. To address the escalating issues of muscle atrophy, resistance training (RE) has been widely recognized for preserving and enhancing muscle mass. However, individuals nowadays often face time constraints, making it challenging to consistently engage in RE. Considering this, High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), a time-efficient exercise regimen, is an attractive alternative for those with demanding schedules. Although emerging evidence indicates that HIIT can modulate muscle protein synthesis (MPS) pathway, research on MPS responses has primarily focused on resistance training, leaving the effects of HIIT on MPS yet to be fully determined. In addition, due to the underrepresentation of females in muscle physiology studies, the effects of HIIT on MPS in women remain poorly understood. Physiological differences in females may influence the dynamics of MPS responses, making it crucial to account for the menstrual cycle when examining post-exercise MPS responses in females. Therefore, the purpose of this project is to determine whether there are sex differences in MPS responses following HIIE. The findings will not only deepen the understanding of HIIT, but also to potentially contribute to the development of sex-specific protein requirements for HIIT.

Urban Cycling as a Pathway to Gender Equity and LGBTQ+ Rights in Japan: A Policy and Practice Analysis

In 2022, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution 76/255, hailing the bicycle as a form of sustainable transportation, recognizing “that the bicycle can serve as a tool for development and as a means not just of transportation but also of access to education, health care and sport” (UN General Assembly, 2022, p. 2). Indeed, access to bicycles for women, girls, and gender diverse individuals can address gender inequities in patriarchal societies (Hayhurst et al., 2022). What remains understudied with respect to gender inequity and cycling is the experience of bicycling for LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, plus) Japanese people. The current landscape of Japanese LGBTQ+ advocacy presents a timely opportunity to build on work that advocates for the rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ people in Japan (Tamagawa, 2023). To investigate how urban bicycling policies and practices in Japan intersect with gender inequity and LGBTQ+ rights, this project will involve a literature review of LGBTQ+ bicycling and related research, an analysis of government-issued bicycling policies in Japan, and case studies of community-based bicycling initiatives. The findings from this project will provide valuable insights for urban planners and key decision-makers on building more equitable mobility networks in Japan.

Modeling and Simulation of Novel Bioplastics Materials with Natural Fibers

This collaborative project, involving the University of Saskatchewan and Université de Lorraine in France, seeks to advance our understanding of bioplastics—environmentally-friendly materials made by combining polymers with natural fibers like flax or hemp. Our aim is to develop models that can predict how these materials behave under different conditions. By studying the small-scale structures of the fibers and their interactions within the bioplastic, we will build a model that captures how these materials respond to forces, stretching, and other changes. The results will be verified through experiments that help fine-tune the model’s accuracy. This research not only sheds light on the properties of bioplastics but also supports the development of new, sustainable materials with potential applications across various industries. The intern will receive training in theoretical mechanics and nonlinear elasticity at the Université de Lorraine, required for his successful participation in the project.

Robotic Assistance for Soft Tissue Surgery

Cooperative robotics in soft tissue surgery represents an innovative approach aimed at improving surgical precision, control, and safety. Soft tissue procedures are challenging due to the delicate, deformable nature of tissues and the close proximity to critical structures, requiring exceptional accuracy to avoid complications. Cooperative robotic systems are designed to work directly alongside surgeons, amplifying their capabilities by providing enhanced control, real-time imaging, and advanced haptic feedback. These systems integrate AI-driven guidance, which can assist in navigating complex anatomy and executing precise, minimally invasive maneuvers, compensating for human limitations such as hand tremors. The goal of this approach is to reduce variability in surgical outcomes, enhance precision in delicate procedures, and mitigate risks associated with manual techniques. By blending robotic precision with human expertise, cooperative robotics offers a promising path toward safer, more effective soft tissue surgeries, potentially setting a new standard in surgical technology.

Applications of Homological Algebra to Toplogical Data Analysis

The use of large data sets in today’s world necessitates robust methods for classifying data. Topological data analysis (TDA) studies the shape of data collected in a geometric space. It has been applied to numerous data analysis problems, from glass manufacturing to cancer research.

TDA involves examining the data at different distances. TDA constructs a geometric space by connecting data points that are at most distance D away from each other. As D changes, topological features of the space appear and disappear. The collection of these features at each D is called a 1-module.

However, 1-modules can be susceptible to outliers. This can be addressed by introducing additional parameters, such as density, creating a 2-module. Representation theorists usually simplify 2-modules into an invariant that captures some features and allows comparison of different 2-modules. Invariants are created by approximating a 2-module by a sequence of simpler modules.

There are many different invariants, each with distinct capabilities and computational efficiencies. This project will develop efficient invariants and create a common framework for invariants. This will provide a method for selecting the appropriate invariant for a given application. We aim to develop new tools and frameworks, making TDA more powerful and widely applicable.

A PROPOSAL FOR CONTINUATION OF A RESEARCH PROGRAM TO INVESTIGATE THE ROLE OF CATHEPSIN K IN OSTEOARTHRITIS (OA) AND CREATE NEW DIAGNOSTIC ASSAYS FOR THE EARLY DETECTION OF OSTEOARTHRITIS

Osteoarthritis is a chronic painful disease of joints that involves the progressive destruction of the articular cartilage and bone and leads to pain. It affects both humans and animals. Animals can serve as models for the human disease and in this case we will study equine OA. There is currently no effective medication that can effectively reverse the cartilage destruction in OA. This is mediated by enzymes. It was believed to be due to MMP enzymes alone until recently we showed that Cathepsin K is also involved. It is currently believed that we should try to identify cartilage degeneration early to attempt to preserve the structure. At this early stage the degeneration is not visible on X rays or MRI. However, when the enzymes break up the cartilage matrix ( collagen in particular), they release signature fragments that can be detected in the body fluids. Our goal is to be able to develop a body fluid test that will allow us to detect the specific breakdown of the articular cartilage in a patient by the enzyme Cathespin K. This would be in the very early molecular phases of the disease.

Preclinical development of long-acting injectable antibiotic gels for the pharmacotherapy of drug-resistant tuberculosis

The project was initiated to tackle the public health crisis posed by the emergence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), which is more challenging to treat than drug-sensitive TB and typically requires longer treatment regimens (i.e., > 18 months). Treating MDR-TB involves daily medication usage (either as oral tablets, capsules, liquids or injections) making adherence to treatment difficult for patients thus leading to a significant reduction in therapeutic success. The study aims to develop a long-acting injectable formulation (LA-IF) containing two leading TB antibiotics — levofloxacin and linezolid. The proposed LA-IF will reduce the burden of daily pills, minimize dosing frequency, decrease administration pain/discomfort to the bare minimum, enhance patient compliance and recovery, augment clinical outcomes and ultimately improve patient wellbeing. The project is expected to foster ongoing collaborations between the home and host institution, paving the way for future joint research initiatives. Additionally, the development of more effective drug products could have substantial economic benefits for Canada through the creation of opportunities for commercialization. It is envisioned that this project will advance expertise, foster interdisciplinary collaborations, promote synergistic knowledge generation, human capacity development and innovation in the Canadian pharmaceutical/biomedical sector. These activities will improve Canada’s stature within the global research community.

A Critical Analysis of the Erba Massacre Case

This project aims to critically analyze the Erba Massacre case, in which an Italian couple, Rosa Bazzi and Olindo Romano, were convicted of murder but may have falsely confessed to the crime. Many experts believe their confessions were influenced by a combination of psychological factors and problematic police interviewing techniques. By examining case materials such as interview transcripts, psychological evaluations, and police reports, the study will analyze how internal factors—like personality disorders—interact with external factors, such as the pressure from law enforcement, to shape false confessions. The expected benefits for participating institutions, including Maastricht University in the Netherlands and Carleton University in Canada, are significant. This research will contribute to a deeper understanding of false confessions by examining a real world case. Additionally, the collaboration with renowned experts in the field, including researchers from the University of Padua in Italy, will elevate the quality and credibility of the research, fostering an exchange of diverse ideas and perspectives. Ultimately, the findings will not only advance academic knowledge but also have the potential for practical implications for improving police interviewing techniques. This collaborative effort will enhance the reputation of the participating institutions as leaders in forensic psychology research.

Dabbawala Kingston: Delivery Stories

Dabbawala Kingston: Delivery Stories explores contemporary challenges around migrant labor and study abroad. This research-creation documentary film shines a light on a recent development in Canada and the world more generally: migrants laboring in service work on student visas. Our investigation of this nexus through documentary film allows Dabbawala Kingston to also tell the multi-faceted tales of the people most impacted: the student/workers themselves.

A Point-of-Care Test for Tick-Borne Diseases

Lyme disease is a tick-borne infection caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi. It requires early detection for effective antibiotic treatment. Unfortunately, Lyme disease is hard to diagnose, and current tests require trained scientists, specialized lab settings, and expensive equipment. Here, the project aims to develop a quick, low-cost, and user-friendly test for Lyme disease that can be used outside of labs. Our approach combines a robust amplification method with the CRISPR-Cas system for detecting Lyme-causing bacteria with high specificity and sensitivity. With this tool, we aim to provide faster and improved diagnostics, enabling timely treatment and improved patient outcomes, especially for people in remote or low resource communities.