Projets novateurs réalisés

Advancement of the Minpraxis Tester using AI Technologies

The proposed project focuses on progressing development of the Minpraxis Tester (MPT), which was developed to revolutionize the characterization of rock masses and improve the likelihood that mines perform as planned. The MPT provides a degree of rock characterization that is unequalled by conventional methods. The technology measures continuously along core samples, providing an unmatched level of characterization that captures subtle differences in veining, alteration, and lithology type. Outputs include geotechnical and geometallurgical indices that can be used to inform mine and mill design.

Self-supervised learning for animation

In response to the dynamic challenges inherent in the gaming industry’s character animation pipelines, characterized by the labor-intensive and error-prone nature of manually labeling frame-by-frame data, this project endeavors to integrate Self-Supervised Learning (SSL) techniques into the animation workflow. SSL offers a compelling solution by enabling the acquisition of efficient and generalizable representations from large sets of unlabeled data, thus mitigating the substantial demand for accurately labeled data. The principal objective is to harness SSL to obtain a robust representation for full-body human motion, subsequently deploying this learned representation across animation-related tasks relevant to the interests of La Forge and Ubisoft. This innovative approach, marked by increased efficiency, accuracy, and versatility, promises to revolutionize character animation pipelines within the gaming industry, ushering in a paradigm shift with a reduced reliance on annotated data.

Observational study exploring the link between cannabis, music, and absorption in a cannabis smoking lounge

The proposed research project is an observational study that aims to explore the relationship between cannabis
use and music enjoyment in a real-world setting, specifically within a cannabis smoking lounge. By studying how
cannabis affects individuals’ absorption in music, we hope to shed light on the mechanisms underlying this
phenomenon. Partnering with Lit Research, we will gather data from participants on their music perception and
subjective experiences while under the influence of cannabis. The findings will not only contribute to our
understanding of cannabis use but also have practical implications, potentially informing public health initiatives
and policies related to cannabis use. Additionally, this research could enhance cultural experiences by
uncovering how cannabis influences music enjoyment, potentially shaping policies for events like concerts and
festivals where cannabis and music intersect.

Understanding the attitudes of volunteer staff who work with individuals with sight loss

The proposed research project will review data from CNIB’s survey of attitudes and beliefs of staff who volunteer in the Vision Mates program. The data will be analyzed for thematic qualities as well as for any correlations between attitudes and individual factors. It is important to understand how volunteers see the people with whom they work so that we can begin to identify ways to foster positive attitudes that will lead to improved experiences for both volunteers and consumers. We know that people’s attitudes will impact the way they behave towards others and CNIB is committed to improving the quality of life for all Canadians with sight loss by improving the way they are treated by their fellows.

Build Cross Platform Mobile application supporting various screen resolutions

Diversity among the mobile platforms requires an application developer to develop separate applications for each platform. Reason for this is the unique technological support and features that each platform comes embedded with. To use the features associated with any particular platform, we need to use the underlying SDK supported by that platform. Major market share (more than 98%) is dominated by three mobile platforms Android, Apple iOS, and Windows phone. For any business application it becomes necessary to have support on all major platforms. A simple approach for having support on all platforms is to develop separate applications for them using underlying SDKs. However it requires a lot of efforts to be put in by the company in form of labor and money. Cross platform mobile application development has emerged a best alternative to this problem that makes development and maintenance of any application easier. It enables the use of a single technological platform to develop application for all major mobile platforms rather than using platform specific SDKs. This approach focuses on the commonality among the features of the targeted platforms rather than diversity.

Evaluating a novel eDNA protocol for starry stonewort (Nitellopsis obtusa) in Ontario lakes

Starry stonewort is a non-native macroalgae that has invaded lakes across eastern North America. In Ontario, there is high potential for starry stonewort to expand its invasion of lakes, but documenting its distribution has been difficult due to a lack of broad-scale monitoring and misidentification by practitioners and the public. Environmental DNA (eDNA) is an emerging genetic tool for detecting organisms in aquatic ecosystems, and may be a promising method for early detection of starry stonewort in lakes where it is expected, but not yet reported. This proposed research project aims to, for the first time, develop and test an eDNA monitoring protocol for starry stonewort in aquatic ecosystems. We will test lakes with known starry stonewort populations (Simcoe and Scugog) as well as perform a survey of 12 lakes in south-central Ontario to validate eDNA as an effective surveillance tool. It is anticipated that the establishment of an eDNA protocol for starry stonewort will help lake managers be proactive in management initiatives, especially when starry stonewort eDNA is detected in lakes where starry stonewort distribution is constrained, abundance is low, and management strategies to stop the invasion are most effective.

Interaction between soil residual herbicide and mechanical site preparation treatments on native tree seed germination in post-harvest sites

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

AI-generated Pseudoplanars for Ventilation/Perfusion Scans

The objective of this project is to develop artificial intelligence (AI)-based solutions aimed at denoising ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) planar images for the detection of pulmonary embolism (PE). The denoising algorithm has the potential to solve two major limitations of V/Q scans: long acquisition times and currently insufficient techniques for generating pseudo-planar images from SPECT acquisitions. Our solution aims to reduce acquisition times up to a factor of 10 for planar acquisitions or to produce realistic and diagnostically equivalent pseudo-planar images from SPECT acquisitions. The academic partner, The Ottawa Hospital, is a world-renowned center in PE management with a state-of-the-art nuclear medicine department. The industry partner, Jubilant Radiopharma, develops, manufactures, and markets innovative diagnostic imaging radiopharmaceutical solutions, including those for V/Q scans. The AI solutions developed in this project will increase the intrinsic value of V/Q scans and hopefully stimulate their use over alternative unnecessary imaging studies with higher risks.

Research on anisotropic friction of ferroelectric polymer via atomic force microscopy

This project aims to explore the mechanical behaviors of ferroelectric polymers, focusing on P(VDF-TrFE), through atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques. By investigating the frictional properties of P(VDF-TrFE) and similar materials using AFM-based methods such as transverse shear microscopy (TSM) and friction force microscopy (FFM), the project seeks to uncover the relationship between electrical polarization and frictional anisotropy. The findings from this research are expected to provide valuable insights into the correlation between the electrical and mechanical properties of ferroelectric polymers, which can have significant implications for various applications, including energy harvesting, sensors, and biomedical devices. Through this project, there expect to be an advancement in imaging and characterization for AFM techniques that could contribute to such research fields.

Connecter l’Atlantique : une histoire environnementale de l’Amérique française (1603-1763)

L’histoire de l’Amérique française est, assurément, en plein renouvellement : sous le double coup des avancées de l’histoire globale et de l’histoire impériale, la Nouvelle-France est désormais réinsérée dans un jeu à plusieurs échelles où interagissent les espaces caribéen, nord-américain et européen. Pour autant, si l’histoire sociale et l’histoire urbaine ont déjà bénéficié de l’élargissement de ces horizons, les historiennes et historiens de l’environnement se sont encore peu emparés de l’espace néo-français, privilégiant les XIXe et XXe siècles. À ce titre, alors que l’histoire environnementale de la Nouvelle-France apparaît comme un champ de recherche prometteur, l’intégration de l’espace politique nord-américain dans un espace atlantique qui connecte les territoires plus qu’il ne les sépare paraît stimulante, notamment parce que la circulation atlantique elle-même est un enjeu de la formation et de l’administration des empires coloniaux.
Ce projet de recherche entend ainsi apporter une contribution à l’étude de l’environnement nord-américain et à la compréhension des modalités de la circulation des savoirs sur l’environnement de part et d’autre de l’Atlantique. Il s’intéressera à la construction et aux expériences partagées des connaissances sur l’environnement dans la colonie comme dans la métropole.

Advance directives at the end of life in people with cancer in palliative care

The proposed project aims to explore the significance of advance directives for people with cancer in palliative care in Medellín, Antioquia. This study is crucial for healthcare professionals and institutions involved in end-of-life care. The findings will provide valuable insights for direct caregivers, training programs in healthcare, administrative decisions in palliative care settings, and the development of institutional care strategies. This project will contribute to improving care quality and enhancing the integration of palliative care across different healthcare actors, institutions, care levels, and environments in both Colombia and Canada.

Machine Learning and Software developer interns working within cross-functional teams to develop and commercialize AI-powered solutions in the Public Services sector (1)

AltaML builds artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled solutions to business problems. We work with organisations, bringing together their data and domain expertise with our AI expertise, to develop AI solutions that are deployed in their operations. We also commercialize AI-enabled products business via industry-specific ventures, yielding scalability from our investment in the first solution.

Competition for tech talent is fierce, and our talent strategy includes a talent accelerator program, designed to rapidly equip highly qualified individuals with hands-on work experience in applied AI while providing partners with continuous and cost-effective development of AI solutions. AltaML’s AI Lab for Government, also known as GovLab, is a talent accelerator for public service professionals, post-secondary students and recent graduates. GovLab.ai’s mission is to set a global example of how to transform the public sector through applied AI, and is designed to encourage the growth of technical and business AI skill sets that are in high demand across Alberta and around the world. The project comprises internships in a variety of technical and business roles within our organization and within our GovLab program. Within the organization, roles include associate machine learning developer, business development associate, communications associate and finance associate.