The project aims to improve disease prevention and control by including cognitive variables in dynamic models of disease epidemic. Classical compartmental models of disease dynamics are typically used to explore the extent to which an infectious disease propagates through the population, while cognitive factors such as misinformation and degree of compliance with public health measures […]

The increasing reliance on protein sources alternatives to meat-based products includes insects, which have not been extensively monitored or analyzed so far. Yet, there is evidence that insect may contain potentially toxic elements (PTEs), such as arsenic, mercury, cadmium and lead. The development of reliable analysis methods is required to monitor the levels of PTEs, […]

The project will manufacture new coatings that will repel ice. These coatings can be applied onto metal, wood, glass, etc, and in particular can aid in the prevention of ice build-up on wind-power turbines. The coatings will be comprised of new materials that have not been applied as ice-repellent (or water repellent) coatings before. In […]

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a very large family of persistent anthropogenic chemicals utilized in the manufacturing of industrial materials with non-stick and oil/water repellent properties, Teflon, and fire-fighting foams. Their use has resulted in their final dispersion in soil, groundwater, and surface water, causing adverse environmental and health effects. They are responsible for […]

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) can present in different ways. The relationships between the symptoms and their causes are mostly unknown, making it difficult to choose the best course of action. Being able to identify various contributor to symptoms would be extremely beneficial to determining the optimal course of treatment. We will develop a system that accounts […]

The proposed project aims to apply artificial intelligence methods to augment in-place non-destructive testing technologies in order to reduce or eliminate the need for intrusive methods (i.e. concrete core extraction) for concrete strength estimation. The proposed approach is based on the SonReb method, which combines two non-destructive testing technologies, namely ultrasonic pulse velocity and rebound […]

In multiple sclerosis, the protective coating around nerve cells called myelin and the brain cells that make myelin, called oligodendrocytes, are lost. In addition, research has shown that astrocytes, another type of brain cell, may have a negative impact on recovery in MS. Our project takes on a two-birds-with-one-stone approach to combat MS by delivering […]

Mining has been a major, invaluable source of wealth and employment for Canada. However, mining activities involve the release of heavy metals into the environment through its process tailings. These metals are highly toxic to the environment, but they are also recoverable and have high market value for other applications. There are various treatments to […]

Robotic sensor networks (RSN) are increasingly applied to Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP). In such an application, a RSN is deployed to safe-guard some critical infrastructure (e.g., building, pipeline, etc.) in a secure and reliable fashion. By actively considering risk as a major driving force, this project aims at deciding on the optimal configuration of an […]

This research project centres on a new recovery centre for vulnerable adults with complex mental health and addictions issues in Toronto. Recovery is an approach to mental health that values personcentred care and self-direction. Recovery centres are educational centres, based in the community, that provide programs that help people live normal, meaningful lives in their […]

The oncogenic kinase AKT1 is a prime therapeutic target, but its function cannot be easily researched as AKT activation in cells requires stimulation of cells with an unspecific growth factor that alters all cellular signaling. I designed a new method to deliver an already activated, phosphorylated AKT1 protein to cells that do not require the […]

Over the last five years, it has become possible to estimate the capacity of existing, sometimes damaged, utilities and other infrastructure systems to support the local population in war zones. This estimation currently relies on satellite data to provide a basic map of what infrastructure is where. However, it is often difficult o get access […]