Projets novateurs réalisés

Flame spray pyrolysis-induced direct deposition of plasmonic nanoparticles on TFBG optical fiber for sensing applications

The features of optical fibers and the fascinating properties of nanomaterials can be combined to result in an attractive new platform for chemical sensing. Flame Spray Pyrolysis (FSP) has distinct advantages for the assembly of chemoresistive gas sensors compared to their traditional synthesis methods. Modern photonic sensing devices such as tilted fiber Bragg grating (TFBG) optical fibers couple light from the core to multiple cladding modes, each at a different wavelength, thus allowing multiple sensing and light manipulation opportunities. To reach superior performance and results, TFBGs can be combined with flame made nanoparticles obtained from various materials with specific sensitivities to gaseous compounds.

Comparing Georgia and Other Countries: Implementation of Social Media in Journalism Practice

The research project examines the role of social media in journalism practice. This research project can significantly contribute to journalism studies by providing insights into journalism practice in the country of Georgia related to the news production process. Thus, the research project goal is to write an article as part of the PhD dissertation. It aims to expand the literature review and figure out the research questions for the paper in terms of comparative research. This project is an opportunity for home and host supervisors to build new relationships. The host supervisor (Magda Konieczna) and home supervisor (Tinatini Matcharashvili) will discuss possible future joint research ideas that can bridge the two universities, Concordia University and Ivane Javakhishvli Tbilsi State University (TSU). The research project allows the intern to attend the GradProSkills workshops at CU, unavailable at her home university, and share the research findings with the Canadian scholarly community. The research will deepen academic understanding and provide practical applications that can benefit Canadian and Georgian media industries.

On-demand nanozyme system for rapid eradication of multidrug-resistant biofilms

Chronic wounds pose a significant threat to public health. The economic burden of wounds is projected to increase to $18.7 billion by 2027, with an annual growth rate of 6.6% from 2020 to 2027. By providing a fertile ground for the growth of infectious microorganisms, especially in immunocompromised patients, wounds lead to extended hospitalization and morbidity. Even the last-resort antbiotics are becoming ineffective due to the burgeoning antimicrobial resistance. Treatment of wound infections is further complicated by the highly spatiotemporally organized and adherent polymicrobial communities (biofilms) that are remarkably rapidly eradicate biofilms are highly desirable. We have developed a visible light-responsive nanozyme system based on FDA-approved metal oxides and a bioinspired acid. To further develop this on-demand nanozyme treatment for wound infections, the intern will develop biofilms of multidrug resistant bacteria and fungi that are known to infect skin wounds and treat them with the nanozyme. This MITACS Globalink Research Award will endow the intern with opportunities to gain high quality training in a variety of approaches to characterize biofilm viability, composition and biocompatibility to mammalian cells using 2D and organoid models. This will facilitate further development of this novel nanozyme-system for the treatment of recalcitrant wound infections.

Enhancement of MDAO Framework for Evaluating Fuel-Cell Propulsion and Impact on Aircraft ECS

The proposed project focuses on improving the design and analysis of sustainable aviation technologies by enhancing a Multi-disciplinary Design Analysis and Optimization (MDAO) framework. This framework will be used to evaluate alternative propulsion systems, such as hydrogen fuel cells and hybrid-electric solutions, and assess their impact on aircraft subsystems, including environmental control and thermal management systems. The goal is to support the development of greener propulsion technologies by optimizing performance and minimizing environmental impact. This project contributes to the aviation industry’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition towards more sustainable transportation. Through collaboration between Canadian and Italian institutions, the project will foster the exchange of expertise and help both countries advance their aerospace sectors, promoting innovation, cost savings, and a competitive edge in the growing field of sustainable aviation.

RTL Implemetation of an HDC accelerator

This project aims to develop an RTL model for a programmable accelerator for hyperdimensional computing (HDC), a brain-inspired approach that uses high-dimensional vectors for data processing. HDC is particularly suitable for resource-constrained environments because it avoids complex matrix multiplications, relying instead on efficient bitwise operations that can be implemented on hardware like FPGAs or ASICs. By optimizing the encoding process, which transforms input data into high-dimensional vectors, the accelerator will improve accuracy and adaptability across various applications, including image and voice recognition. The project’s benefits for the participating institutions include advancing their expertise in hardware acceleration for AI and embedded systems, and enhancing their capacity for innovative, sustainable computing solutions.

Development of an online rapid cognitive-motor assessment tool to monitor brain health.

This project aims to maximize the accessibility of an existing validated computer tablet-based brain health assessment tool. Specifically, we wish to expand the assessment tool to a web-based platform and improve its ability to rate a user’s performance in a personalized way. Currently, there are few choices for clinicians to test rule-based skilled performance needed to assess daily living function, and even fewer that can be administered rapidly and remotely. The system will provide a quick, accessible means to evaluate the integrity of brain networks associated with cognitive, sensory, and motor integration required for active daily living. This two-phase project will first convert the existing technology into one that can be used remotely with an at-home computer. We will then use anonymized data collected from the past and developed system to accurately classify – using deep learning methods – all aspects of an individual’s performance accounting for factors such as age, gender, physical activity history, and current neurological situation. The project outcome will assist clinicians in making individually-tailored brain health assessments. Importantly, this work will develop a new measurement useful in determining an individual’s risk of complications related to cognitive-motor function in a format that is accessible to remote communities.

Smarter Microelectronics Packaging for Performance Scaling

This research project will investigate materials and process behaviors in microelectronic packages that are become increasingly dense and explore novel alternatives to accommodate such densities. When more components are placed and interconnected with each other in smaller and smaller spaces, traditional materials and methods for package assembly become difficult, if not impossible, to replicate. By characterizing and understanding the changes that occur at these reduced dimensions, the interns will work to propose smarter approaches to using existing and replacement materials and processes in order to produce next generation packaging solutions with higher performance, higher reliability, lower energy consumption and more competitive costs, thus positioning the industrial partner IBM Canada, as well as other players in the Canadian microelectronics eco-system, to maintain or grow their global presence in the microelectronics field, a field which the world is becoming increasingly dependent upon in our day to day lives, be it for better smartphones, improved healthcare or analyzing massive amounts of information.

Implantation d’un programme de prévention précoce des cancers professionnels auprès des jeunes.

Le stage contribuera à un projet de recherche visant à développer un programme de prévention précoce des cancers professionnels auprès d’une population d’adolescents faiblement scolarisés empruntant le Parcours de formation axée sur l’emploi au Québec. Ce programme vise à préparer ces jeunes au marché du travail en proposant des stages de pré emploi dans un métier semi-spécialisé durant toute l’année scolaire. Le programme de prévention consistera en une intervention multidimensionnelle et différenciée tenant compte de l’hétérogénéité de la population et des relations entre les acteurs et actrices. Le stage permettra d’atteindre les objectifs suivants :
1. Identifier les besoins et les capacités d’action des parties prenantes concernant la mise en place d’un programme de prévention des cancers professionnels auprès de cette population
2. Élaborer un répertoire de ressources et outils qui composeront le programme de prévention
3. Contribuer à la création de matériel pédagogique ou de prévention à être intégrer au programme de prévention
4. Concevoir du matériel pour l’appropriation et la familiarisation des outils développés (tutoriels, guides pédagogiques, etc.) destinés aux différentes catégories d’utilisateurs ciblés (enseignants, élèves, milieux de travail, organismes de défense des droits dans le domaine du cancer)

Application for 5-axis 3D printing project at Concordia University under the supervision of Dr. Tsz Ho Kwok

We aim to develop new techniques in 5-axis Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining and 5-axis 3D printing, which are advanced methods used in modern manufacturing. Our project focuses on creating collision detection algorithms to prevent accidents with expensive machinery, ensuring safety remains a top priority. We also plan to develop tool path planning algorithms to make manufacturing processes more precise and time-efficient—both crucial aspects in production. To achieve these goals, we’ll explore the geometric properties of the machines and the parts being made, potentially using Machine Learning methods to assist professionals in their work. This collaboration between BCAM and Concordia University is expected to benefit both institutions by fostering new partnerships for future projects and producing high-quality, impactful research publications in this field.

Study of environmental impact of activity recognition systems

This research project aims to analyze and compare the environmental impact of various architectures used in activity recognition systems, with a focus optimizing the balance between (enough) quality of service (QoS) and sustainability. Specifically, the project will focus on the data life-cycle that flows through the three
distinct architectural approaches—device-based, edge-based, and cloud-based— considering the physical devices that support them, the data transferred, the data processing algorithms, and data storage.

Sharing small spaces: Social tolerance and conservation in capuchin monkeys living in rescue centers and a forest fragment

Habitat loss and fragmentation is occurring rapidly throughout nonhuman primate ranges around the globe. Advancing knowledge on how capuchin monkeys (_Sapajus libidnosus_ and _Sapajus flavius_) respond to living in smaller spaces, particularly in relation to the role of social tolerance in feeding and foraging, will provide critical information on the adaptive capacity and resilience of these species in the face of environmental change, and help shape conservation strategies for them and the endangered ecosystems they inhabit. This proposed Globalink Project would create international research experiences for five young scholars, conducting field work in northeastern Brazil with analysis and science communication training in Canada. The study sites include a fragment of the Atlantic Forest, while the research on the captive capuchins will take place at wildlife rescue centers in Brazil. This project will build on existing connections to help establish a solid, long-term collaboration between supervisors and research groups. This project will contribute to advanced degree requirements for all student participants, and we also expect to produce 3-4 scientific publications and 5 conference presentations to share our findings and help spread conservation knowledge and techniques internationally.

A Bot for Patch Linkage Detection In Modern Code Review Platforms

Code review tools are essential in software quality assurance for projects like Android and OpenStack, and companies such as Google and Microsoft. OpenStack alone has over 100,000 contributors and 600+ repositories, where parallel patch submissions often lead to redundant work. Studies indicate that identifying duplicate patches takes, on average, 2.5 reviewers and 5.2 comments per review, delaying processes and raising maintenance costs.

Detecting and linking patches early helps highlight dependencies, broader context, or alternative solutions, reducing redundant efforts and streamlining reviews. This capstone project aims to develop a tool that automates the detection of patch linkages using advanced machine learning techniques. It will evaluate the performance of large language models (LLMs), pre-trained transformers, and basic ML models in detecting patch linkages in real-world open-source projects like OpenStack and Eclipse, which use Gerrit for code review.