Mining operations in the Oil Sands area can affect extensive areas of boreal forest. Those forested areas affected by mining are expected to be reclaimed by mining companies to re-establish their natural conditions after the exploitation ends. The long©term success of reclamation plans can be assessed with ecological models that simulate how different environmental factors […]

In the project, three interns will work intensively with Philip Beesley Architect Inc. on designing and implementing kinetic architectural envelopes. The envelopes will be presented as sculptural installations and as a dynamic shading system for the Canadian North House entry to the 2009 Solar Decathlon. Parametric modeling of components will be used to explore the […]

A “choice model” is a mathematical tool that can be used to anticipate the behaviour of economic agents when they must choose among several options. We will use this technique to predict airline or railway passenger choices as a means of anticipating demand and optimizing supply with regard to availability and ticket prices. As part […]

The objective of this research is to propose and implement a set of new methodologies to create a 3D hazard map that includes models of structures and obstacles in the airport area. The project uses multiple oblique and nadir views high resolution aerial imageries (pictometery images) to reconstruct such models. Various views of an obstacle […]

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles are hybrid vehicles with large batteries that are capable of travelling on electricity but still maintain the reliability of an on‐board internal combustion engine for extended trips. The batteries will typically be recharged from a standard household outlet, thus increasing the demand for electricity. It is important to understand and predict […]

This project calls for the design and implementation of a power source of 20 kW and 600 V. The power source will serve several functions in the labs at Atlantic Hydrogen Inc. (AHI), chief among which is to create thermal CC plasma with current control capability. The source will consist of a static converter that […]

The proposed research initiative consists of on-site and laboratory tests to evaluate the compaction quality of road sub-soils. To that end, we will use a self-boring pressure-meter to determine the on-site resilient modulus and compare it with results obtained by the Quebec transportation department using triaxial equipment for deviatoric loading in accordance with the LC-22-400 […]

The use of plasma torches for the gasification of waste products enables the transformation of waste into clean energy with no residual by-products. As a result of the extremely high temperatures generated by plasma torches (from 5,000°C to 20,000°C depending on the type of gas used), torch and reactor modelling represent a technological challenge for […]

British Columbia's coastline is home to eighteen species of cetaceans and three species of sea turtles. Nine of these are at risk of extinction. To conserve these species, it is crucial to learn more about their distribution/abundance and habitat use. The British Columbia Cetacean Sightings Network (BCCSN) was established to gather sightings of these species […]

The objective of this research project is to locate VIATeC (the Victoria Advanced Technology Council), its member companies, and the Greater Victoria technology sector in general in relation to its current strategic environment. Through a review of the literature, surveys, interviews, and focus groups, the researcher will bring answers to the following questions: (1) What […]

The first year study of the Canadian Diaspora Project (2008-2010) finds that overseas Canadians are important assets for global Canada, specifically in their contribution to Canada's foreign relations with their country of residence. This research continues the Canadian Diaspora Project and further explores ways to foster the political, economic and cultural links of these overseas […]

In this project, 10 older patients who have uncontrolled diabetes will use wireless technology including a blood glucose monitor and a Blackberry or a Tablet PC to transmit their blood glucose readings from home to two nurses working at a private homecare company. These patients will transmit their blood glucose readings approximately three times a […]