Optical Tracking of Log Rotation with Bulk Motion and Skewing

This project will focus on using cameras to measure the rotation angle of a wood log in a sawmill production line. This work will involve updating a cart to move and rotate a wood log, setting up a camera to see the full path of the wood log, and writing a computer code to find […]

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In-silico identification of driver alterations and prediction of therapeutics targeting actionable drivers in prostate cancer

Cancer arises as a result of deleterious aberrations in the DNA, RNA and proteins of cells. The accumulation of genetic abnormalities, over lifetime, perturbs critical functions of cells, which may ultimately give rise to tumor. However, vast majority of these aberrations are not essential and only small fractions, known as “driver” genes, are critical for […]

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Improving optics and illumination for smartphone-attached magnifier

The objective of this project is to design and build a new prototype device attachable to a smartphone camera employing a novel method of illumination to enable acquiring high quality images of the skin without surface contact. By replacing the precise optical and lighting components currently used in the company’s existing product MoleScope, this design […]

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Glutamate-induced allosteric potentiation of GABAA receptor: a novel mechanism of Purkinje cells inhibitory plasticity

Our brain is controlled by two systems: excitatory systems and inhibitory systems. The balance between these two systems is essential for normal brain functions. Our lab has found that glutamate, a key neurotransmitter in excitatory systems, can act at GABAAR, a key receptor in inhibitory system, and improve GABAAR’s function. This is a novel form […]

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Multi-dimensional wellbeing: Examining how financial, social, health, and environmental factors interactively determine subjective wellbeing

Maintaining a high level of subjective wellbeing (SWB) is critical to a happy and productive life. To achieve happiness, it is important to know what factors determine SWB. So far, a number of factors have been identified, including income, social relationships, physical health, and the environment. However, it is currently unknown how these factors interact […]

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Heap leaching of refractory gold ore by integrating enhanced bio-oxidation of pyrite and chloride-based gold leaching

Gold occurs in association with pyrite and arsenopyrite in the Carlin-type gold deposit, with little gold being contained in carbonaceous materials. Extracting this gold requires pretreatment, such as pressure oxidation or roasting, to remove carbonaceous materials and sulphides, followed by the application of alkali cyanide or thiosulphate solution to leach gold. These processes are energy-intensive […]

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Assessing the spatial and temporal distribution of snow for climate change impacts and its influence on wildlife habitat selection

Annual snowpack data is typically summarized at a regional scale and used to make forecasts for spring melt conditions and flooding. However the spatial pattern of snow, its accumulation and melting across the land base, also directly influences the movement and habitat selection for many wildlife species which in turn impacts forest harvesting and resource […]

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Challenges for drug-using mothers with children in the care of family members

The purpose of the study is to identify and respond to experiences of and potential challenges faced by drug-using mothers when their children are placed in the care of family members (otherwise known as “kinship care”) as an alternative to a formal foster care placement. As an outcome, we will develop an information package for […]

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Computer Assisted Drug Design of Therapeutic Hydroxyarylmethane Derivatives

Aurin Biotech has demonstrated that aurintricarboxylic acid (ATA) and related hydroxyarylmethane derivatives are potent inhibitors of the terminal complement cascade. The complement cascade is a potent initiator and enhancer of the inflammatory response which leads to pathophysiological consequences including cell death and tissue remodeling in a range of chronic diseases. This project uses two distinct […]

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Relationships between parental self-efficacy, parent training instructional practices and models of parent professional interaction

Research has shown that parents of children with autism have lower levels of self-efficacy (i.e., self-perceptions of their ability to nurture their children’s growth and development) when compared to other parents. This is problematic, as parents who feel more confident and effective when implementing intervention strategies and who believe that their involvement has a positive […]

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Blood flow within microfluidic conduits

A current area of focus at SMT Americas is to develop injection-moulding methods for medical lab-on-chip (LOC) devices, particularly to transport and process blood and plasma while eliminating conduits clogging and reducing sample loss. This project will evaluate the effect of flow conditions on viscosity of samples, and the adequacy of conduit structures achieved with […]

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