Projets novateurs réalisés

Conception d’un protocole de laboratoire pour l’obtention de données hématologiques d’espèces non mammaliennes

Des bilans sanguins sont régulièrement réalisés en médecine vétérinaire. Ces analyses peuvent également être utilisées pour les espèces fauniques, dans diverses situations. Ces bilans présentent deux volets : la biochimie et l’hématologie. Le deuxième volet permet d’obtenir de nombreuses données sur le sang et sur toutes ses composantes. Pour effectuer ces analyses, les vétérinaires ont le choix entre envoyer le sang en laboratoire externe ou faire eux-mêmes les analyses. Un des appareils pouvant être utilisé est le ProCyte Dx, comme celui que possède le laboratoire d’écophysiologie de l’UQAR. Ces appareils sont calibrés et conçus pour le sang de mammifères, mais le sang d’oiseaux, de reptiles ou d’amphibiens pose problème à cause de la présence de noyaux dans leurs globules rouges. Cette caractéristique cellulaire peut biaiser de nombreux résultats. Le présent projet vise donc à (1) déterminer quels résultats obtenus avec le ProCyte Dx sont utilisables et (2) quantifier le niveau d’erreur dans les résultats. Puis, en fonction des résultats, pour pallier ce problème, un protocole d’analyse spécifique et validé sera développé pour optimiser l’utilisation de l’appareil par les cliniques vétérinaires.

Investigating cathode materials and alloying impact on Li-mediated nitrogen reduction reaction

The project studies the green production of ammonia (NH3) for use in fertilizers and as a green fuel. In the method we are studying, connecting an electrochemical cell to a power source allows nitrogen (N2) gas to react with electrons (e-) and protons (H+) on the negative electrode (cathode) to produce NH3. To increase the efficiency of this reaction, lithium (Li) can be used in the solution to help break the N2 bonds on the cathode surface. We aim to comprehensively study the effect of the cathode material on the performance of this Li-mediated reaction for the first time. The host institute will benefit from the novel information obtained, and for the home institute, the intern will share experiences and help set up a system for studying Li-mediated NH3 production for the first time in Canada.

Adjusting Cognitive Loads of Operators from Visual Inputs

Simulation-based training is an critical supplement to current clinical training. However, implementing simulation technology into a curriculum to maximize training outcomes still presents a significant challenge. It is important to consider multiple factors and their impact on trainee cognitive load. In the past, we have adjusted the target stability to manage the cognitive load of surgical trainees. This study aims to regulate cognitive load by adjusting target visual conditions. Participants will perform a thread ring passing task under three visual conditions: high, neutral, and low resolution views. The study investigates how changes in visual conditions can affect cognitive load and training outcome. This research may lead to more effective simulation curriculum design. The task will be performed in collaboration with scientists at the National Taiwan University of Science and Technology. One intern (Yun Wu, a PhD student), will be supported by GRA funds for 12 weeks.

Experimental investigation of the icing of a drone rotor in wind tunnel

A collaboration between experts in the domain of drone icing. A drone rotor will be installed in an icing wind tunnel to simulate flying under different atmospheric icing conditions. The resulting ice accumulation on the rotating blades will be studied as well as its effect on the drone performances and ability to fly. Scans of the ice shapes will be done as well as an investigation of the type of ice obtained and its corresponding properties. The research will allow to improve the testing capabilities of the University in that very novel and important domain. It will also allow the publications of research papers in peer reviewed journal and increase the visibility of the researchers and inform the scientific communitee of the testing potential and expertise of the University.

Accelerating Climate Action in the Bow Valley – UofC Capstone Project 2024

Amid the ongoing climate crisis, there’s a surging demand for initiatives that prioritize climate action. Communities are seeking solutions to their environmental challenges that not only allow them to adapt and thrive but also position them as catalysts for change. Non-profit organizations, such as the Biosphere Institute of Bow Valley, play a pivotal role in providing these communities with the means to achieve their environmental aspirations and inspire the development of innovative, community-driven projects. However, determining the success and impact of these initiatives raises a crucial question: How can communities and organizations assess whether their goals have been met and their projects have yielded the intended outcomes? This is where the role of evaluation becomes indispensable. Given the wide variety of evaluation methods, tools, and frameworks available, selecting the most suitable approach can be challenging. This project is dedicated to creating an evaluation framework specifically tailored to the unique needs of the Biosphere Institute of Bow Valley initiatives.

Artur.Asie

L‘art asiatique et canadien connaissent un intérêt grandissant auprès des consommateurs et, malgré les sources variées, il est difficile d’acquérir une œuvre. Acquérir une œuvre en provenance d’Asie pour les Canadiens est complexe en raison de nombreuses barrières comme la langue, la crainte de fraude ou de contrefaçon. L’acheteur n’est pas en confiance. Il en va de même pour les asiatiques qui souhaiteraient acquérir des œuvres canadiennes.

Le but principal de cette recherche est de trouver un moyen pour permettre aux amateurs d’art d’être en contact direct avec des artistes asiatiques ou canadiens, afin de leur permettre d’avoir des œuvres personnalisées et de les acquérir en toute confiance. Ce projet pourra faciliter l’accès aux œuvres canadiennes pour les asiatiques et faciliter l’accès aux œuvres asiatiques pour les canadiennes.

Embedded Philosophy in Near-Living Architecture

The intern will investigate the architectural potential and philosophical merit of Near-Living Architecture, a design that allows environments to be aware and empathetic to their occupants. To do this, the intern will edit and contribute to the upcoming Near-Living Architecture Monograph, a written work describing the vision, execution and future applications of research conducted by PBAI. Furthermore, the intern will lead independent research on the topic of emergence, which reveals itself in this work, to create scholarly contributions to the field. Attempts to understand the phenomena have never been approached using an architectural installation as grounds to model the phenomena. Ultimately, the partner organization will benefit from having an intern highly qualified in science communication and philosophy to produce material on their behalf that otherwise could not be properly contextualized. This mutually beneficial partnership marks a rare collaboration between the humanities and applied sciences with potential to create paradigmatic knowledge

Documentation et valorisation du patrimoine – Centre historique des Sœurs du Bon-Conseil de Chicoutimi

Ce projet consiste à permettre à une étudiante inscrite à la maîtrise en histoire à l’UQAC de réaliser un stage de 4 mois au Centre historique des Soeurs du Bon-Conseil, une institution qui gère une vaste collection, témoin précieux de l’histoire de la Congrégation des Soeurs de Notre-Dame du Bon-Conseil au Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean. Ce stage vise à permettre à l’étudiante de mettre en pratique diverses aptitudes acquises en cours de formation et de vivre une expérience professionnelle concrète dans le champ de l’histoire publique, plus spécifiquement eu égard à la valorisation, la transmission et la préservation du patrimoine religieux. La stagiaire sera notamment appelée à compléter l’inventaire de la collection matérielle du centre, à voir au traitement et au développement de son patrimoine immatériel (notamment via la réalisation d’entrevues avec des Soeurs de la Congrégation) mais aussi à oeuvrer à sa transmission. Ce travail de mémoire et d’archivage s’inscrit dans le contexte d’une transition institutionnelle plus vaste de cette Congrégation qui, confrontée à l’obligation de vendre ses bâtiments dans quelques années, doit réfléchir à son avenir et au futur musée qu’elle deviendra. Ce projet de stage vient donc répondre à un besoin important de soutien pour cet organisme, qui doit voir à la bonne marche de cette transition sur le plan patrimonial, mais aussi, à un besoin important à l’échelle régionale, la mise en valeur du patrimoine religieux étant une dimension significative de l’offre touristique régionale du Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean.

Development of automatic sound-visualized caption across cultural backgrounds

This project aims to benefit society by improving accessibility for viewers who may not be able to receive sound information well from the media content, including DHH viewers. To develop and research for the project, it is necessary to reflect an in-depth and multi-faceted case analysis on the topic of improving sound accessibility. To fulfil these needs, I will collaborate with researchers at the University of Toronto for about 18 weeks on technology development. Furthermore, we can conduct surveys and workshops for various users, such as deaf people in Canada or North America, and have in-depth research discussions with collaborating researchers to successfully carry out the project. The participant researcher will have the opportunity through this project to 1) research and analyze sound-visualized captions to improve and advance user-centred multimodal interaction and accessibility, 2) develop technologies to enhance users’ immersion and viewing experience of media contents, and 3) expand the networking in DGP lab at University of Toronto.

Waste Transfer Station

The project: City of Iqaluit Waste transfer Station. The project includes the installation of a biomass boiler system. It consists of specialty mechanical equipment like biomass boilers, conveyer belts, screw conveyers, duct collector etc.
Opportunities: The Waste transfer Station project is a facility that will help City of Iqaluit to better process the waste and increase the efficiency of waste management. This will also have a biomass boiler system which will utilize waste as fuel. This makes the project one of a kind and we will be able to gain invaluable experience from it. This will help us build similar projects and help Canada achieve a more sustainable future.

Development of EVERYONE Study Patient and Parent/Guardian Recruitment and Information Materials for diabetes care clinics

Despite significant therapeutic advances, the management of type 1 diabetes remains a major challenge, with current modalities unable to achieve, in every patient, optimal blood glucose control, while minimizing complications. Precision Medicine steers away from this ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. Precision Medicine aims to understand each child’s health by integrating all the information they share about themselves, from their genetic code to their postal code, to provide individualized care that attends to each child’s unique characteristics. Precision Medicine is the focus and future for every child and the key pillar of The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) Strategic Plan. The Empowering diVERse Youth with diabetes thrOugh precisioN mEdicine, EVERYONE Study is aligned with this plan in that the project aims to integrate information (i.e., demographic, socioeconomic, genetic, physiologic, and social) from each child with type 1 diabetes and implement a precision medicine-based model or approach in real world pediatric diabetes care practices to deliver individualized treatment and management to each child living with type 1 diabetes. The intern project will focus on the importance of clear messaging and communications of Precision Medicine in the EVERYONE Study through the co-development of information and recruitment materials for patients and their families, and the incorporation of the implementation outcome framework measures in the EVERYONE Study.

MedMe Health – New Product Development Internship (Summer 2024)

MedMe Health is pursuing further growth within Canada, especially in Quebec, and prepares for expansion into new markets such as the United States and the United Kingdom. The company’s customer onboarding process is currently cumbersome and manual, which affects scalability and limits customers’ control over account management. They also face the hurdle of language localization due to the reliance on hardcoded English, creating barriers in French-speaking Quebec and Spanish-speaking areas in the US. Through this project, MedMe Health aims to automate the onboarding process, allowing customers to manage their accounts independently. Additionally, MedMe Health plans to integrate internationalization (i18n) into their frontend to facilitate the addition of new languages, thus improving operational efficiency and market competitiveness while aligning with their strategic objectives of innovation and customer-centricity.