The project concentrates on developing a holistic approach to integrate bio-refinery with multiple feedstocks. The proposal is directed towards the use of all types of renewable raw materials except food. The project examines the possibility of retrofitting an existing petroleum refinery and petro-chemical complex into integrated bio-refinery to emphasize the utilization of existing infrastructure for […]

The lightning return-stroke is the vital component of a lightning flash since it causes most of the lightning-related damages/disturbances to electric power lines and installations. This research emphasizes the development of a lightning return-stroke model in order to analytically correlate the lightning current, usually measured at a tall structure, to its associated lightning electromagnetic pulse […]

The objective of the proposed R & D project is to recommend a methodology for using tuned liquid damper as a passive damper placed in elevated tanks. A portion of contained liquid can be utilized to act as a tuned liquid damper with some modifications. This methodology can be used to control displacements due to […]

The build of an efficient, low cost, and environmentally friendly heat and power generation system for the use in single family detached dwellings, wastewater treatment plants, or landfills, is the objective of this project. This system is based on the solid oxide fuel cell and is designed to operate with biogas. We have successfully proved […]

Recently, a new kind of cell phones known as “smartphones” is introduced and sold to the public in great numbers. A smartphone generally refers to a cell phone that is capable of communicating through the internet (via wireless internet or data network), determining its current positions (with Global Positioning System, GPS), and taking photos (with […]

A novel electrode was developed to measure pelvic  floor muscle activity in women. The novel design addresses several limitations of current technology, which uses large electrodes mounted on vaginal probes. These probes use inappropriate electrode configurations, have large electrodes susceptible to noise from nearby muscles (i.e. crosstalk), and noise from motion of the electrode relative […]

In this project, the research fellow will design and develop scale-up coating processes for the manufacturing of cost-effective nano-engineered functional coatings on industrial web-coating systems. Thin film coatings are often applied to manufactured components to enhance their functional characteristics, for example improving scratch resistance of architectural and automotive metals. Recent advances in nanotechnology have shown […]

The proposed research focuses on innovative exploration methods for high-grade uranium deposits in Guyana, where there are positive indications for uranium mineralization, but relatively little is known about the grade or extent of the mineralization. Specifically, the proposed research will integrate several geological disciplines that allow the evaluation of critical factors required to produce high-grade […]

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a common blood disorder characterized by low platelet counts and an increased risk of bleeding. Many patients with ITP can be maintained with conventional therapies, but when an invasive procedure or surgery is planned, a short course of treatment is needed to rapidly increase platelet counts preoperatively so that dangerous bleeds […]

A simple and facile route for the construction of highly sensitive electrochemical enzyme biosensors has been proposed using carbon nanotube (CNT) complexes with a conducting poly(thiophene) polymer. Glucose oxidase was used as a model enzyme for the construction of the advanced biosensors. Glucose biosensors, exhibiting sensitivity higher than any biosensor based on CNTs and other […]

The proposed research will explore how diverse recent immigrant populations in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) use the transportation system to meet their daily-life needs.  The objectives are to explore how these groups make use of surrounding urban environments, provide a description of the processes used to secure transportation and the barriers faced, and examine […]

Breast cancer (BC) accounts for 15% of all cancer cases in Ontario, affecting 8,700 women in 2009.  Thus, there is a great need for the development of new anti-cancer agents and the identification of patients who are best suited for tailored treatment.  The drug metformin has emerged as a potential therapy for BC.  Metformin is […]