Conversion of biosolid to value added biochar via pyrolysis technology for PFAS elimination

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 […]

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Development of field-ready AI model for estimation of compressive strength of concrete using non-destructive testing methods

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 […]

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Astrocyte to iOligodendrocyte reprogramming for CNS repair

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 […]

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Selective bio-adsorbent for recovering heavy metals from mine tailings

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 […]

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Risk-Aware Decision Support Systems for Critical Infrastructure Protection and Territorial Security

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 […]

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Developmental Evaluation of the STAR Recovery Centre

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 […]

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TAT-tagged active AKT1 variants for delivery to mammalian cells

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 […]

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Field Assessment of Infrastructure Carrying Capacity

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 […]

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Analysis and optimization of conceptual landing gear designs

This project, sponsored by Safran Landing Systems Canada (SafranLS), involves the development of engineering techniques that enable rapid conceptual design of aircraft landing gear. The goal is to speed the early design of new landing gear to enable SafranLS to produce more, faster bids to manufacture landing gear for new aircraft at their two Canadian […]

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Development of a Multi-User XR-based Ground Control Station

In this project, we would like to develop an enhanced Multi-User Extended Reality Ground Control Station (MXR-GCS) to control an aerial vehicle using a virtual/actual controller defined within the virtual environment. Such an advanced portable MXR-GCS system is important to lower pilot workload and increase situational awareness. In the first place, a virtual ground control […]

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Scaling Up Trauma- and Violence-Informed Physical Activity for Mental Health and Well-being

Despite the overwhelming evidence that physical activity promotes overall positive health, there are limited trauma-and-violence-informed health promotion strategies directed towards equity-owed populations. Women experiencing multiple marginalization’s face numerous barriers to participation in physical activity and are at higher risk for negative health outcomes. Engaging in regular physical activity can have numerous benefits such as improving […]

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