Developing statistical methods to discover genetic variants underlying longitudinal decline in lung function

COPD is a common inflammatory lung condition that is characterized by airflow limitation and symptoms of cough and shortness of breath. Globally, it affects 384 million people and is responsible for ~4-7% of all deaths. Longitudinal genome-wide association studies (GWAS) are needed to unravel the molecular determinants of dynamic quantitative traits underlying COPD, such as […]

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Detection, characterization and analysis of unsafe video content on YouTube

A safe video platform can provide a healthy and suitable environment for users in general and children in particular. This project aims to utilize machine learning and deep learning techniques to identify and flag sensitive and questionable content (e.g., content related to violence, sexuality, etc.). The algorithm will leverage video frames extracted from the database […]

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Human kinematic optimal control learning and wearable inertial measurement unit alignment for rehabilitation

Physiotherapy is a type of rehabilitation that aims to restore a patient’s quality of life after an injury, surgery, or stroke by improving their mobility. Through prescribed exercises and specialized equipment, physiotherapy helps the patient to regain their muscle strength, range of motion, and natural movement. Unfortunately, only rudimentary tools are available to the therapists […]

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Understanding the effect of the oral microbiome on the performance of dental implant crown materials

We are at the era of precision medicine and dentistry; however, currently there have been no attempts for personalized dental implant design and material selection that take into account variations in individuals’ anatomy, oral microbiome, saliva properties, and mechanical requirements. The overall objective of this MITACS project is to utilize a multidisciplinary approach to explore […]

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Damage Detection by Acoustic Emission in Hybrid Thermoset/ Thermoplastic Fiber-reinforced Polymer Composites

words) The industrial partner is fabricating fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composite polymer pipe products for use primarily in the oil and gas sector. This research project explores methods for damage and leakage detection for these piping systems. Of primary interest is Acoustic Emission (AE) testing to isolate, localize and identify damage effects. In this context, the design […]

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Seismic performance assessment of smart highway bridges using life-cycle costing

Bridge infrastructure constitutes a substantial portion of the national wealth of Canada, whose performance during earthquake events has a significant impact on the public safety. How to enhance the seismic performance of bridge structures is a huge big challenge in civil engineering. And how to promote the application of advanced technique in civil engineering is […]

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A Feasibility Study of a Measure of Resiliency in a Vulnerable Population

Managing daily life can be overwhelming when living with low income, mental illness, addiction, and social isolation/discrimination. When crises occur, intergenerational cycles of trauma can result. Social support and strength can be found in families and support systems, but these are often not ideal. This research project will result in a measurement of resiliency in […]

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Advanced machine learning techniques for ore body modelling

Geostatistical techniques offer a means of mathematically approximating the spatial patterns of geological parameters. The geostatistical interpolation and simulation methods are commonly used for modeling ore bodies. The accuracy of these models has significant impacts on the reliability of mine planning and design. The proposed research project aims to apply advanced machine learning methods, geared […]

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The potential effects of a carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX) inhibitor, SLC-0149, on AD pathogenesis

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder. SignalChem LifeSciences Corp. recently developed a potent small molecule inhibitor (SLC-0149) for targeting CAIX, a hypoxia inducible gene, in the application of treating cancers. Since hypoxia has been implicated as a factor to facilitate AD development, this study aims to explore the potentiality of applying SLC-0149 […]

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Applying complex systems theory and transition management to sustainable agriculture: a case study of Mount Wolfe Farm

Repercussions of conventional large-scale agriculture have been seen in the form of environmental damage and biodiversity loss. There are sustainable alternatives; however, due to the current agricultural system there are barriers to scaling them out. By utilizing aspects of transition management, these limitations can be identified and frameworks can be built to address them. This […]

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Voice pitch control in cochlear implant users

This proposal aims to investigate vocal production by users of Med-El cochlear implants (CI), in response to feedback alteration of their voice pitch. The originality of this proposal is to shift the usual focus of CI research from perception to production. We feel that the history of Med-El research on pitch coding would strongly benefit […]

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Evaluation of Phytosanitary Measure Efficacy Using Genomics

In recent years, globalization and increasing international traffic have allowed tree infecting micro-organisms and pests to colonize new forests and plantations. These invasions are a threat to global trade and the delicate ecological balance of our forests. Good examples are the Sudden Oak Death (SOD) outbreak caused by Phytophthora ramorum in California and the emerald […]

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