Maximizing Intrinsic Learning in an App-Based Approach to Language Learning

This research is focused on optimizing the language learning that occurs when students are allowed to practice English by conversing with native English speakers via a smartphone app, specifically Goji. Learning is best when the student maximizes the density of their practice, returning to practice often. This research will focus on the characteristics of the […]

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Enabling next generation cardiac therapeutics with genetic engineering and novel in vivo models for cardiomyocyte transplantation – Year two

The development of cellular therapeutics is acutely dependent on the ability to evaluate the functional characteristics of the cells in predictive animal models. This forms the basis of key pre-clinical data packages that are key for regulatory submissions preceding human clinical trials. The development of appropriate model systems, the execution of the surgical techniques to […]

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Electricity Trade with Quebec to Integrate Renewable Energy in Ontario: An Integrated Investment Appraisal Analysis

This research effort will measure the impacts on Ontario’s electricity sector of an increased level of imports from Quebec and its reliability to balance the renewable electricity generation facilities in Ontario. For this analysis, the historical operating information from both Quebec and Ontario’s electricity systems will be used. A comprehensive analysis will be carried out […]

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Intelligent Orchards: Redefining the Production and Management of Tree Fruits

One of the main challenges in tree fruit orchards is to accurately predict apple yield and identify the health of individual trees (e.g., healthy foliage, fruit development, detecting and identifying diseased trees). Manual performance of these tasks is labour intensive and costly. Therefore, automated processes provide novel solutions with enhanced accuracy, efficiency, and productivity. The […]

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Bioprocessing strategies for enhanced production of heme in Escherichia coli

Ardra Inc. has sustainably produced many high-purity chemicals that are used for various flavor, perfume, and cosmetic applications. Combining industrial/business expertise provided by Ardra with academic/research skills provided by Dr. C. Perry Chou’s lab, we are aiming to effectively produce high-value heme compound using engineered E. coli host organism. Major efforts will be dedicated toward […]

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Efficacy and feasibility of online cognitive training platforms for older adults with subjective cognitive complaints: A randomized controlled trial

With an aging population on the rise, the prevalence of cognitive decline is expected to increase substantially. Goal Management Training® (GMT) and the Memory and Aging Program® (MAP) are cognitive interventions that have been studied extensively and applied clinically to address these needs. Although previous research has demonstrated efficacy of the in-person versions of both […]

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Biphasic CO2 extraction/stripping of bioactive compounds from fermentation overlays

Recent studies have shown that cannabinoids can control chronic pain and muscle spasms as well as other diseases related to chemotherapy, AIDS and epilepsy, therefore it is very important to investigate about cannabinoids. However, it is very difficult to strip it out cheaply from the triglyceride oil while securing high purity and high concentration level; […]

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Caring for the caregiver: Exploring the “lived” caregiving and self-care experiences of family caregivers of persons with scleroderma during COVID-19

Scleroderma is a rare autoimmune connective tissue disease that damages skin and internal organs. Although many Canadians with scleroderma live at home with supported care from family, seeing their loved ones struggle with reduced participation in activities of daily living caused by disease symptoms often causes caregivers emotional distress in their caregiving role. Given the […]

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Methodology development and implementation of a platform for non-destructive evaluation of both butt-fused and electrofused polyethylene pipe joints using ultrasound and deep learning

The infrastructure industry needs a way to non-destructively assess plastic pipe joints. We aim to research, design, and develop methodologies and a prototype device that allow automated inspection of these joints (made with the two most common joining methods) using ultrasound and artificial intelligence (AI). We propose a novel method that uses a two-element ultrasonic […]

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Improved data driven sgRNA design for use in bacteria

CRISPR/Cas9 is a promising tool for genome engineering in bacteria, but it’s limited by inconsistent accuracy. Though some studies have been conducted to understand why this inconsistency occurs, many important biological features have not been explored. Moreover, computer based attempts to predict accuracy have suffered from these knowledge gaps. This is due mainly to the […]

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Mobilizing the beneficial microbiome of Ontario wheat against Fusarium

Scientists have been interested in the effects that microorganisms have on their host plants for over a century, however, recently researchers have been able to better tackle these questions with the advent of new technology. In particular, beneficial microorganisms associated with roots can increase crop resiliency against disease, pests and extreme weather events, making this […]

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Abolitionist Dream-Mapping

We live in a world where prisons are seen as a necessary condition for public safety and accountability. But there were no prisons on Turtle Island prior to colonization! The abolitionist dr eam of a world without prisons is grounded in a concrete historical context. This project both recovers and invents decolonial abolitionist methods for […]

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