Projets novateurs réalisés

Cortical changes measured with TMS and MEG following 3-weeks of hand movement training using a novel passive device

Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability, with long-term hand function impairments being the most common symptom among stroke survivors. As hand function plays a vital role in performing everyday activities, individuals with stroke face a significant impact in their quality of life including their ability to maintain independence, employment, and socially connectedness. To improve hand function and overcome challenges from this disability, IRegained® has developed the MyHandTM System, a therapy device that promotes various types of hand movements in a gamified environment. An initial 3-week intervention with the MyHandTM System has shown significant improvements in hand function in individuals with chronic stroke. However, it remains unclear what changes in brain activity in response to this therapy correspond with the improved hand function. Most stroke therapies rely on behavioural improvements as the primary outcome measure of recovery. The proposed research project involves a collaboration with IRegained®, where various tools that stimulate and measure brain activity will be used to better understand the effects of hand function therapy on the brain itself.

Development of low-cost and lithium-metal stable halide solid electrolytes for high-performance all-solid-state batteries

Conventional Li-ion batteries using liquid electrolytes (LEs) are suffering from insufficient energy density and safety issues when used for the flourishing market of electric vehicles (EVs). Replacing LEs with solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) to fabricate all-solid-state lithium batteries (ASSLBs) has been regarded as an essential route to improve energy density and safety. Basically, a qualified SSE requires high ionic conductivity and electrode compatibility. Halide SSEs become attractive due to their decent ionic conductivity and good cathode compatibility. However, current halide SSEs depend on expensive earth-rare metal elements and are not stable with Li metal anode. Herein, we propose three main directions to address the challenges of halide SSEs for practical pouch cell applications. Namely: (1) developing high-entropy (HE) halide SSEs with low cost, (2) developing Li-metal stable halide SSEs with non-metal elements and element doping, and (3) fabrication of high-performance halide-based pouch-type ASSLBs. GLABAT solid-state battery Inc., as the partner organization, will support and be involved in this project. The success of conducting the project will accelerate the commercialization of ASSLBs, and bring technological innovations to businesses in GLABAT and in Canada.

Photonic integrated circuits for AR display light engines

Augmented reality (AR) is poised to transform human interactions. This project aims to explore the use of photonic integrated circuits (PICs) for the development of compact and high-performance image projectors, also called “light engines”, for AR glasses. PICs are a type of integrated circuit that uses light instead of electricity to perform various functions, such as signal processing, modulation, and detection. By using PICs, it is possible to overcome the disadvantages of today’s light engine technologies. The main objective of this project is to characterize and design components and circuits for PIC-based light engines. The project will start by characterizing already-fabricated waveguide-coupled silicon (Si) photodetectors and silicon nitride (SiN) waveguide thermo-optic switches. Based on experiments, the next generation of Si photodetectors and SiN waveguide thermo-optic switches will be designed using numerical simulation tools. In addition, photonic switching circuits using the switches and photodetectors will be designed. Then, the most promising structures will be fabricated at a commercial Si photonics foundry. The results of this project will contribute to the development of a new generation of light engines for AR, which will be more compact, efficient, and high-performance than current technologies. This will ultimately lead to a better user experience, and will pave the way for the widespread adoption of AR technology in various fields such as entertainment, education, and healthcare.

Évaluation de la modélisation des crues à grande échelle à l’aide d’une méthode SPH

Investiguer l’utilisation d’une méthode SPH pour la prédiction des crues à grande échelle à partir des données LiDAR. Les données LiDAR sont rendues disponible par le ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs du Québec. Plus spécifiquement : 1) générer des domaines de calcul compatible avec la méthode de calcul SPH Open Source (DualSPHysics) à partir des données LiDAR des certains bassins versants du Québec; 2) vérifier et valider les performances de la méthode SPH par comparaison avec des résultats de la littérature obtenus par une méthode Eulérienne; 3) Produire des visualisations 3D réalistes pour la communication grand publique.

Developing an integrated hydrogen bio-methanation process to enhance and upgrade biogas production in an anaerobic digestion process

The increased energy prices and effects of climate change are severely impacting the day-to-day lives of Canadians. Moreover, essential sectors such as agriculture release substantial amounts of greenhouse gases, adding to climate change challenges. Hence, investing in local and sustainable energy sources is more critical now than ever to reduce these burdens. Therefore, biogas generation technology helps resolve these issues by biologically converting organic wastes, such as food waste or animal manure, to biogas and digestate (fertilizer). Biogas typically consists of 50% of methane (CH4) and 50% carbon dioxide (CO2), where the methane can be used to generate electricity and/or heat, and the CO2 is often released into the atmosphere due to its limited applications. The proposed project aims to optimize a biological method called hydrogen (H2) biomethanation, to convert CO2 to CH4 by certain microorganisms that utilize CO2 and externally generated H2. However, challenges to hydrogen biomethanation include the low hydrogen solubility in liquid and finding the optimal hydrogen-to-liquid ratio that maximizes CH4 content in biogas. Therefore, this study will address these shortcomings by conducting a series of experiments and modelling to optimize the process. Moreover, the study will also provide more insights into the environmental and economic benefits of hydrogen biomethanation compared with other conventional approaches to biogas upgrading. Biogas technology companies, such as the partner organization, can benefit from this project because it optimizes an essential process with minimal cost, energy, and chemical requirements to reduce the carbon footprint and maximize the energy output of their plants.

Characterization of PATL2’s role in Human Fertility for the Development of Non-hormonal Contraceptives

Norethindrone, the first oral contraceptive, is noted as one of the most pivotal molecules to be introduced into society. When introduced in 1960, norethindrone caused a societal paradigm shift by allowing for family planning and providing women with more agency over their reproductive system. Unsurprisingly, the women’s liberation movement, rise of feminism, and the increased percentage of women in the workplace have all been attributed to the emergence of the first contraceptive molecule. Contraceptives not only support those who want to avoid pregnancy; in many cases, birth control is prescribed as a method to treat another condition, such as to reduce pain in those with endometriosis, to protect against sexually transmitted infections such as pelvic inflammatory disease, for polycystic ovary syndrome, and to reduce hormonal acne. Birth control also impacts our society, economy, and planet. Despite their significance, in the past 60 years, hormonal contraceptive methods have remained the most effective, impermanent means of birth control despite their extensive side effects. As such, it is of the upmost priority to develop safer and more effective non-hormonal contraceptive methods. The Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC) intends to address this challenge by embarking on its first research project in reproductive biology as a part of the SGC’s new open science Women’s and Children’s Health Program (WCHP). This initiative will focus on drug discovery for reproductive biology, and the proposed research will contribute to this initiative by identifying and characterizing a protein target for non-hormonal contraceptive agents.

Tourisme durable et changements climatiques au Québec : Opérationnalisation du développement durable et d’un système de gestion des gaz à effet de serre

Ce projet vise à poser un diagnostic du tourisme durable dans les régions de la Mauricie, Lanaudière, la Montérégie et des Îles de la Madeleine. Il est aussi question de développer et de mettre en place un système de gestion de gaz à effet de serre (GES) par le biais de calculateurs de GES pour lutter contre les changements climatiques sur le secteur touristique au Québec. Pour traiter cette problématique, ce stage s’articule en deux grandes parties. Dans un premier temps, il est question d’établir un diagnostic du tourisme durable dans les régions mentionnées précédemment et de procéder à une analyse comparative avec les résultats obtenus. Dans un deuxième temps, ce projet a pour ambition de construire des calculateurs de GES en fonction des secteurs d’activités des régions étudiées afin de réduire les émissions à la source et de contribuer à la lutte aux changements climatiques. Il est ainsi important de coordonner les actions en vue d’atténuer les effets des changements climatiques dans ce secteur afin de stimuler la réduction des émissions de GES et de renforcer la capacité d’adaptation des entreprises aux impacts des changements climatiques.

Analysis and Research on Pile Foundations for Canadian Northern Housing

There is a growing demand for accessible, affordable and high-quality houses in northern communities of Canada.
The intern will study the foundation solutions used to support residential houses and commercial buildings in
northern Canada. The intern will conduct interviews with many stakeholders on the foundation and house
development and then develop a guide to the design of engineered piles based on recent findings from the
UAlberta lab. The project, co-supported by Landmark Group which is a leading provider of residential homes in
Alberta, is anticipated to provide an extensive review of the market and support the expansion of Landmark into
northern Canada. Ultimately the project may assist in alleviating the house shortage and reducing the cost of
houses in the north.

Identifier les freins et leviers pour l’utilisation du génie végétal au Québec : une approche en géographie culturelle et sociale

Les techniques de génie végétal reposent sur l’utilisation de végétaux vivants pour différents usages, notamment la protection des cours d’eau contre l’érosion. Utilisées comme alternative au génie civil, elles offrent de nombreux bénéfices pour l’environnement (maintien ou restauration des habitats, corridor écologique, amélioration de la qualité physico-chimique de l’eau), et pour les sociétés (lutte contre les îlots de chaleur, valeur esthétique, activités récréatives…). Leur utilisation reste cependant marginale au Québec, ce qui peut s’expliquer par des facteurs techniques, mais aussi culturels et sociaux : organisation de la filière, réglementations, représentations des acteurs… L’objectif de ce post-doctorat est d’identifier les freins culturels et sociaux au développement plus large de ces techniques, et de proposer des leviers d’action. Pour cela, nous mettrons en place un protocole de recherche ancré en géographie culturelle et sociale : nous mènerons des entretiens avec les acteurs-clefs de la filière et nous construirons un modèle participatif (sous forme de jeu de rôles). Deux types de résultats sont attendus.

COSMIC – Functional Sizing of Quantum Software

Theoretically sound and industry-robust software measures are necessary to identify and select the most productive software development organizations (internal and external) and avoid significant overspending on software investments. Functional sizing measures, such as COSMIC Function Points – ISO 19761 – are necessary for the quantitative planning, monitoring, control, and objective assessment of software projects. Huge investments are foreseen in the development of quantum software, and the COSMIC Group has recognized the need to adapt its international measurement method and related guidelines to handle the innovative characteristics of quantum software and to facilitate best quantitative management techniques in this emergent software domain.

Optimisation des approches de restauration et de création de milieux humides : comment définir les objectifs et mesurer le taux de succès?

Malgré leur grande serviabilité, les milieux humides sont les écosystèmes les plus détruits et dégradés à travers le monde. C’est pourquoi on tente depuis maintenant plusieurs décennies de restaurer et recréer ces écosystèmes. Toutefois, il s’agit d’une science complexe en plein essor et à ce jour, les taux de succès de ces travaux demeurent faibles. Les causes principales ne sont pourtant pas liées au manque de compétences techniques, mais plutôt à une mauvaise planification et à un mauvais suivi. En effet, les objectifs liés à ces projets sont souvent mal définis, et les critères d’évaluation du succès des travaux sont eux souvent mal identifiés.

L’uniformisation des méthodes en est la principale cause, car elle ne permet pas de tenir compte de la grande diversité écologique des milieux humides.
C’est pourquoi nous avons choisi de nous intéresser au processus d’élaboration de projets de restauration et de création de milieux humides. Notre objectif est d’abord d’identifier les variables clefs qui nous aideront à définir des objectifs de restauration à la fois pertinents et atteignables, puis d’identifier des indicateurs de succès adaptés à différents contextes de restauration.

In Vivo Validation of a Wireless Fiber Photometry System

Fiber photometry is a powerful method for detecting neural activity or neurotransmitter release in specific brain cells. Doric lenses Inc., in collaboration with Benoit Gosselin’s lab, designed a lightweight, wireless optical recording prototype, which allows fiber photometry recordings in freely behaving animals without the constraints of tether. This new technology provides an innovative tool for scientists to record pathway or cell type-specific neuronal activity during natural behavior, with reduced artifacts. In this project, we are aiming to test and improve the prototype through in vivo recordings in laboratory rats performing different motor tasks. We will find and fix any potential functional flaws and validate its efficacy to make it ready for commercialization.