This research explores ghost-cities in Hanoi, Vietnam, built mostly for speculative reasons, often lingering uninhabited for a prolonged period of economic uncertainty. The dive of Vietnam in market economy in the 90’s called for a large scale restructuration of what has previously been uncontrolled rapid urbanization processes. At the beginning of the 2000s, at least […]

The effects of temperature on the mechanical properties of geomaterials (e.g. soils, rocks) are important for the safety and life cycle of any infrastructures. The research activities in the field suggest that there is a lack of understanding due to limited experimental data. The seasonal climate change causes the variations in temperatures which may pose […]

Using quantum mechanics to improve information technology has been an interdisciplinary exercise. The challenge in implementing quantum information technology arises primarily from the fragile nature of quantum systems under various noises. We focus on the problem of correcting such errors that occur in the superconducting quantum circuits, which is a promising candidate for realizing a […]

This research will explore factors contributing to the adoption rate of big data sports analytics in Brazils’ soccer industry. The participating student will conduct interviews with major Brazilian soccer clubs and sport statistic companies to assess the root problems, perform secondary research to support analysis, and explore potential alternatives to enable Brazilian soccer clubs to implement […]

Most studies on violence employed by criminal groups are based upon the idea that illegal business, much like legal companies, benefit from the stability, certainty, and freedom that can be found in peaceful locations. Because violence generates mistrust, makes trade more costly, and draws the attention of the police, it is usually assumed that criminals […]

Using the case of Chengdu, this research is about neighbourhood redevelopment and residential relocation in post-reform cities of China. In this project, the key process is defined as state-facilitated, new-build gentrification. The thesis attempts to understand why politicaleconomic actors initiate gentrification in the inner city, how consensus building is achieved, conflicts are mediated, and what […]

There are a number of factors that can impact ones level of physical activity. Interpersonal, intrapersonal, and environmental factors are all important when looking at how active or sedentary an individual can be. For schoolchildren, it is important to promote active behaviors that will lead to a healthy lifestyle. By creating a tool to identify […]

The project focuses on the design and development of a wearable electric field sensor. Mathematical simulation, mechanical design, optical system built-up and signal processing will be involved. The project will be conducted in the Laboratory of Ultra High Precision Mechatronics at Beihang University (BUAA), Beijing. The student will need to analyze and simulate the relation […]

Currently in North America, biodiesel is mainly produced from vegetable oils such as soybean and canola using a homogenous catalyst, KOH or NaOH. Two associated challenges are: 1) using edible oils as feedstock may impact food and feed supply adversely; 2) a great amount of water is needed to wash off the homogeneous catalysts dissolved […]

Minimally invasive interventions are becoming increasingly common as they improve patient outcomes such as recovery time and infection risk; however, these procedures can be difficult for operators to learn. To improve surgical training efficacy, computer-assisted training, which must provide feedback in the form of instruction and skill evaluation, can be used. The training system must […]

Why some states publicly announce one type of exchange rate regime but in fact adopt another? Do states try to manipulate their currencies by creating discrepancies between words and deeds? My research intends to provide an ideational explanation to the gaps between de jure and de facto exchange rate regimes. More specifically, I argue that […]

Commercial phenol formaldehyde (PF) foams are produced from petroleum-based phenol and formaldehyde. Depletion of the non-renewable petroleum and environmental concerns have intensified a global interest in producing bio-based PF (BPF) foams using bio-phenols from lignin or lignocellulosic biomass to replace petroleum-based phenol. This Mitacs Globalink proposal aims to produce open-cell BPF floral foams, building upon […]