Projets novateurs réalisés

Exploring ERP capabilities to maximize ROI which focuses on efficient and effective methods

Natik Projects (2007) Inc. is a complete mechanical systems contractor, actively working in Nunavut. Natik not only holds a strong safety, production, and quality culture but is a strong believer in Safe Production. This allows us to stand out as a Mechanical Contractor due to our high standards for being and maintaining efficient and effective construction execution.

Natik is growing exponentially and in order to keep up with the demands, we need to find ways to simplify the business process by eliminating nonvalue-added activities like bottlenecks to save time and maximize productivity. With this challenge, Natik invested in a new ERP, Sage 100, which is specifically focused on construction. To maximize the investment, Natik needs to identify and assess which features the ERP has that can contribute to the company’s efficiency and effectiveness.

The accounting team needs support from an intern, an outsider and unbiased participant, for data gathering, analysis and can recommend solutions that are practical and actionable. This will be an opportunity for the student to test his skill sets learned from school and transferable skills from his past work experiences.

Understanding the changes in functionality and mechanical properties of cold plasma-activated edible coatings and its impact on quality and safety of pears

Edible coatings have emerged as a promising alternative to traditional plastic packaging due to their biodegradability, minimal environmental impact, and ability to incorporate functional ingredients. Despite these advantages, most existing edible coatings suffer from poor mechanical properties and limited surface functionality, which constrain their industrial use and commercialization. Cold plasma (CP) has shown significant interest for its potential to enhance the surface properties of coatings and offer additional phyto-sanitary benefits. Cold plasma is a partially ionized gas that produces reactive species such as electrons, ions, and free radicals. These species interact with polymer materials, leading to changes in morphology, functionality, and surface chemistry. Research has demonstrated that CP treatment can modify biopolymer surfaces through processes like crosslinking, surface etching, and plasma oxidation. Additionally, CP treatment has been shown to enhance the adhesion, wettability, hydrophilicity, and hydrophobicity of biopolymer materials. However, there exist a lack of studies focusing on the effect of CP-activation on surface
functionality, mechanical and barrier properties of edible coatings. As a result, this project aims to investigate the effects of CP-activation on the chemical structure, chemical backbone, as well as the changes in micro/nanostructure of sodium alginate edible coating.

Anion exchange membrane for water electrolysis for hydrogen production

The proposed research project aims to develop next-generation materials for sustainable hydrogen production through water electrolysis. Hydrogen is a key energy carrier in the transition to a clean, carbon-neutral future, and this project focuses on improving the efficiency and durability of anion exchange membranes (AEMs), which are critical components of water electrolyzers. The research will explore the synthesis of hyperbranched polymers with stable cationic groups to enhance ion conductivity and mechanical stability in alkaline environments. Additionally, the project will investigate the incorporation of biopolymers, such as cellulose and chitosan, to reduce the environmental impact of membrane production. This work will contribute to the development of more cost-effective, durable, and environmentally friendly materials for green hydrogen production, supporting global efforts to combat climate change and promote clean energy technologies.

The effect of glacial minerals on skin cells

The overarching goal of this project is to determine whether glacial mineral extract improves the overall health of skin cells. To do this, we will test the extract on human epithelial cells in petri dishes. More specifically, we will test whether the glacial mineral extracts help the cells to grow and study how the cells use energy to survive and thrive.

The BIOmonitoring of the OMega-3 IndeX (BIO-OMIX) Pilot Study

EPA and DHA are two important omega-3 fats that people mostly get from their diet or dietary supplements. The Omega-3 Index (O3I) reflects the amount of EPA and DHA found in red blood cells. A high O3I is linked with good health, while a low O3I is linked with higher risk of heart disease. Importantly, most Canadians have a low O3I. Measuring the O3I requires a blood sample; however, many people are anxious to give blood because of a fear of needles, especially children. We therefore began to explore if small molecules (also called metabolites) in urine could be used to non-invasively assess a person’s omega-3 status. We identified a panel of urine metabolites (also called biomarkers) in men and women that were linked with the O3I. To validate these biomarkers, we conducted a time-response trial in 24 individuals. Matched blood and urine samples were collected from these individuals at numerous time points before and after receiving omega-3s. The specific goal of this project is to measure fatty acids in red blood cells in partnership with Lipid Labs. This will help us achieve our overall goal to determine the accuracy of urinary metabolites as markers of omega-3 status.

Enquête sur la pérennisation de modèles agricoles alternatifs via un projet pilote de ferme soutenue par la communauté

Le système agricole industriel est insoutenable, tant sur le plan social qu’écologique. Pour étudier des modèles
agricoles alternatifs, nous étudierons les apports et les limites de l’agroécologie via le projet pilote de ferme
soutenue par la communauté des Bontés de la Vallée, situé au Québec. Cette ferme innovante est portée par
des producteurs maraîchers engagés à pratiquer une agriculture régénératrice. Dans cette recherche, nous
désirons comprendre comment cette ferme tente de relever les défis de soutenabilité, de démocratie et de
justice sociale via la perspective des communs. L’analyse des apports et limites de cette approche permettra de
formuler des recommandations pour assurer la pérennité de la ferme. Nous contribuerons à la réflexion sur des
modèles d’agriculture plus soutenables, tout en explorant les conditions d’une mise à l’échelle d’un tel projet.

Beyond HIV: Ultra-massive surveillance for retroviruses across all domains of life

Viruses impact almost every aspect of human life, such as in carbon availability oceans impacting climate, food security in agriculture, and importantly in health. Humans are colonized by both benign and disease-causing viruses. Retroviruses, such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), are a class of viruses that use reverse transcriptase (RT) to convert RNA-based genomes to DNA, allowing for exploitation of host cell machinery for replication, which can result in permanent infection if integrated into the host genome. However, very little is known about the diversity of retroviruses, and what is characterized today remains a small portion of retroviruses. Given the impact of known retroviruses, uncovering the full diversity of retroviruses may provide insight into emerging pathogens, informing preventative measures and biological insights in advance of outbreaks. This will also provide information that can be applied in the prevention, treatment and overall control of retrovirus-associated diseases. Given the impact of retroviruses on all aspects of human life and their zoonotic potential, this project holds immense relevance to global one health. Participating institutions will benefit from access to cutting-edge research infrastructure and expertise, strengthening overall scientific capabilities, and positioning them as leaders the field of viral diseases and related public health insights.

Étude des impacts liés à la consommation des drogues sur les travailleurs du secteur de la construction et l’exercice de représentation syndicale afférents: regards croisés France-Québec

Le séjour de recherche de Mme Megan Collins visera, dans un premier temps, à cerner les impacts liés à la prise de drogues stimulantes chez les travailleurs de la construction et les actions déployées par les syndicats du secteur au chapitre de la prévention de cette même problématique. Dans un deuxième temps, ce stage cherchera à comprendre la fatigue militante associée potentiellement à un tel exercice de représentation syndicale chez les dirigeants concernés, dans ce même secteur d’activité. À notre connaissance, aucune étude à ce jour n’a abordé ces questions dans une perspective de relations de travail, propre au champ des relations industrielles.

Rôle de la consommation de café, thé et caféine sur le risque de cancer de la prostate

Le cancer de la prostate est le cancer le plus fréquent au Canada. L’histoire naturelle des cas diagnostiqués et de leur progression demeure inconnue. À date, aucun facteur de risque modifiable a été clairement identifié. Certaines études ont suggéré que la consommation de café et de thé serait protectrice contre le risque du cancer de la prostate. Toutefois, les changements pouvant survenir dans le temps au niveau de la consommation ont rarement été considérés.

Cette étude vise à décrire comment la consommation de café, thé et caféine change au cours de la vie des hommes atteints de cancer de la prostate. Ensuite, nous allons utiliser des méthodes statistiques qui permettent de regrouper les gens selon leur profil de consommation. Enfin, nous allons estimer l’association entre les différents profils identifiés et le risque de cancer de la prostate, globalement et selon le degré d’agressivité.

Pour répondre à ces questions, des données montréalaises comprenant des hommes ayant eu un nouveau diagnostic de cancer de la prostate seront utilisées. Les conclusions de cette étude aideront à produire des évidences scientifiques sur les facteurs de risque modifiables du cancer de la prostate.

Vision AI model generation for broccoli property extraction and health detection

Research Question: How can we optimize the processes of data collection, annotation, and model training to
develop a robust and generalizable AI system that maintains high performance across diverse scenarios?

Challenger des institutions fragiles en Amérique latine. Une politique comparée de l’action des lanceurs d’alerte (Pérou-Brésil)

Le lancement d’une alerte se définit comme la dénonciation d’un acte illégal, immoral ou illégitime, se produisant au sein d’une organisation, afin que des mesures soient prises pour résoudre le fait dénoncé. Cependant, la dénonciation de faits répréhensibles se complique dans des contextes d’institutions clientélistes et de cooptation de la société civile, comme en Amérique latine. Là, les alertes lancées seraient souvent guidées par des intérêts particuliers. Pourtant, il existe en Amérique latine des lanceurs d’alertes engagés pour le bien commun, comme lors de la dénonciation de cas de corruption. Comment les lanceurs d’alerte en Amérique latine adaptent-ils leur action au contexte d’institutions fragiles, et avec quels effets ? Mon argument théorique est qu’une société civile autonome (qui relaie librement les alertes), ainsi que des institutions solides (qui traitent effectivement les alertes), favorisent des mécanismes d’imputabilité sociale effectifs à l’heure de lancer une alerte. Le projet consistera en une analyse par paire entre des cas les plus similaires à partir de ces deux variables. Je comparerai pour ce faire quatre quartiers aux institutions plus ou moins solides, à Lima (où la société civile est plutôt cooptée) et à São Paulo (où la société est plutôt autonome).

Development and manufacturing of solid-state polymer electrolyte for Zinc-Air Battery

We propose developing a new type of solid electrolyte for zinc-air batteries using advanced electrospinning techniques. Traditional electrolytes are challenging to miniaturize and control, limiting the size and efficiency of wearable electronics. Our approach uses a combination of polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylic acid, and potassium hydroxide to create electrolytes with precise thickness control, enhancing the performance of these batteries. By integrating these electrolytes into solid-state zinc-air batteries, we aim to achieve high energy densities and reliable performance even in harsh conditions. This innovation will significantly benefit Pi-Sol Technologies Inc. by improving the integration of rechargeable zinc-air batteries with photovoltaic cells. This will allow for consistent and sustainable energy storage, providing a reliable backup power source for solar energy systems and advancing Pi-Sol’s goal of creating efficient, eco-friendly power solutions.