Innovative Projects Realized

Towards patient-centered and patient-managed access to health information

The TAMOVES electronic health management web platform and app provide a secure and efficient means to store and send health information between the provider, patient and patient’s family. The TAMVOES platform is focused on creating a more empowered patient through patient-centred care and access to holistic health information. In Ontario and many other parts of Canada, patients often do not have rapid access to their medical information. Medical information is often only verbally explained to patients, with results solely in the possession of the provider.

We are evaluating our application and platform to determine its feasibility, usability, benefits and challenges in improving access to health information in clinical settings. We have begun work on a project with Grand River Hospital. When an individual logs into the wifi system they will be prompted to download the TAMVOES application on their device. The project will involve the research student working with patients and hospital volunteers to help teach and facilitate the use of TAMVOES with patients. Through structured interviews, surveys and observation, the student will collect data from patients. The information they gather will be invaluable in determining usability, patient satisfaction and ways we can improve the application. Collaboration with Ontario Health Care Team professionals will also be utilized to ensure TAMVOES use is continued in outpatient care. After the student has gathered information working in the hospital they will be responsible for writing a manuscript to be published in a Canadian health journal.

Optimization and field testing of a molecular test for seawater adaptability in Chinook Salmon.

Chinook salmon are anadromous fish, with juveniles spending 1-2 years in freshwater before migrating to sea to mature for 2-5 years and returning to freshwater to spawn and die. ‘Smoltification’ is the physiological, morphological, and behavioural transition of freshwater stream-dwelling ‘parr’ to downstream migrating ‘smolts’ and, eventually, saltwater marine ‘post-smolts’. If the salmon do not complete the smoltification process or spend prolonged time in freshwater, the introduction to saltwater results in reduced growth, impaired health, immediate or prolonged death, and the potential for maladjusted fish to become vectors for disease. The goal of this project is to validate and incorporate a molecular genetic test for smoltification for Chinook salmon hatchery production in BC. This work will provide BC Chinook salmon production companies and salmon enhancement programs a straight-forward molecular method to measure smoltification via gene expression and determine the adaptive ability for smoltification in a population of fish.

Autonomous Soaring and Thermal Mapping with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

The research proposed here aims to develop methods to increase the flight time of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) using atmospheric energy in the form of rising air thermals, as is often done by glider pilots. This would allow UAVs to rely less on their onboard motor and reduce the amount of energy consumed during flight. We will further develop onboard control algorithms that are able to (a) detect rising air thermals, and (b) to develop onboard maps of these thermals, that allow ongoing tracking of these thermals. Based on our prior work in this area, we will implement our algorithms on various small off-the-shelf radio-controlled platforms retrofitted with an off-the-shelf flight controller. We will test the algorithms in various wind conditions, to evaluate the portability and performance of the algorithm on conventional fixed-wing platforms. Based on the results of these tests, the algorithms and the implemented code will be revised and improved to simplify implementation and enhance flight endurance.

Scale-up and field-testing of graphene-based end-of-life sensors for fire-protective fabrics

Firefighters risk their lives every day to protect ours. Their protective clothing is critical to allow them performing their duties while remaining safe. Unfortunately, the performance of their protective clothing degrades over time as it is exposed to high heat, UV light, moisture, launderings, etc., which raises serious safety concerns for firefighters and other people exposed to heat and flame. A graphene-based end-of-life sensor for fire-protective fabrics has been developed to solve this issue. It includes a conductive track deposited on a sacrificial polymer. The firefighter can monitor the condition of their garment using a simple multimeter. This project will see the scale-up of the sensor manufacturing process and its field-testing at a firefighter training center. This sensor is a major breakthrough in terms of safety for workers potentially exposed to heat and flame and an opportunity of new product development for the industry partner.

Injustices et résistances épistémiques : La production des savoirs par les femmes chercheuses et praticiennes racialisées au Québec

Les femmes autochtones, noires et racialisées se retrouvent confrontées, au quotidien, à de nombreux obstacles systémiques et notamment des injustices épistémiques. Dans les milieux communautaires et universitaires plus particulièrement, ces femmes font l’expérience de différents rapports de pouvoir inégalitaires qui les empêchent de participer pleinement à la production des savoirs collectifs. Ce projet a pour objectifs : (1) de documenter la matérialisation des obstacles systémiques et des injustices épistémiques subies par les femmes issues des sphères communautaires et universitaires et qui se trouvent au croisement de différentes formes d’oppression ; (2) d’identifier les stratégies de résistance déployées par différentes femmes pour contrer ces injustices ; et (3) de proposer la mise en place de différents outils et espaces proposés par et pour ces femmes. Pour atteindre ces objectifs, il sera privilégié une approche méthodologique se déclinant par (a) la mise en place et l’animation de différents groupes de discussion avec des femmes des milieux académique et communautaire, ainsi que par (b) la tenue d’entrevues semi-dirigées avec ces femmes.

Investigate the effectiveness of various designs of inspection ports for CMLs (Corrosion monitoring locations) on thermally insulated pipes/ equipment

Thermally insulated systems (pipeline, process piping and process equipment) in the hydrocarbon industry require frequent assessment using various non-destructive examination. To access the surface underneath thermal insulations, inspection ports are widely used which have advantages of facilitating the high confidence data. The downside of inspection ports is when these allow moisture seepage which causes corrosion underneath insulations along with skewing the quality of the data collection from inspection ports. This project aims to test partner organization’s novel inspection port (Canadian patent No. CA 2,782,882) via scientific methods. The data acquired from the tests (once published) will help the asset owners make informed decisions about selection and implementation of inspection ports. From partner organization and Canadian economy stand points, it will eventually enhance the sales and undoubtedly Canadian exports.

Designing and assessing the next generation of eco-efficient concrete towards net zero carbon emissions by 2050

CAC recently announced a partnership with the Federal Government of Canada towards achieving Net Zero Concrete by 2050, enabling policy and investments. The industry has been vigorously
provided low-carbon concrete solutions accepted in the relevant CSA standards. It is currently providing data for more technologies that offer deeper carbon cuts to reach the 2030 carbon reduction targets. Furthermore, many countries around the globe are now looking for low-carbon building materials solutions, which will help position Canada as a leader. This research program aims to assess the potential use of eco-efficient concrete made of Portland-Limestone Cement (PLC) with higher than 15% limestone combined with supplementary cementing materials, to build low-embodied energy critical infrastructure in Canada. It will help develop the knowledge for novel guidelines to design eco-efficient concrete mixtures with suitable fresh and hardened state properties and appropriate durability and long-term performance.

Operational framework and application prototype for integrating DfMA and BIM

Built environments have been experiencing low productivity issues for a long time due to poor collaborative processes, inefficient information exchange, and discontinuity between design and construction. With more and more construction projects moving towards off-site construction, the concept of Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA) is gaining momentum. This strategy is expected to be adopted in the construction industry ecosystem to improve the efficiency of project delivery. This project proposes the implementation of DfMA at the Partner’s company based on new digital delivery methods and technologies like Building Information Modeling – BIM. The interns will analyse two newly developed building systems by the industrial partner (cast-in-place concrete sandwich façade wall system and a precast component solution using blocks and joists/spacings), with the objective to develop an operational framework and a functional prototype of a BIM-integrated DfMA system to be deployed in the company.

Automated carbohydrate counting and machine learning could improve glycemic control in youth living with type 1 diabetes

People with type 1 diabetes (T1D) treated with a basal bolus insulin regimen need to match their insulin bolus calculation with the estimated carbohydrate content of food to maintain glucose control. We want to provide them with a more flexible approach and give them the opportunity to quickly adapt mealtime insulin using automated carbohydrate counting technology. Considering that such application does not exist yet in Quebec, we aim to develop an application that would simplify food journaling through a Quebec-specific food database and a machine learning food recognition algorithm that would automate carbohydrate counting. This research spanning over the course of 3 years is three-fold; a co-design phase will integrate the perspective of youth and healthcare professionals in the field. It will then be tested in a proof-of-concept study before larger implantation across three healthcare sites to validate its impact on glycemic control in youth with T1D treated with basal bolus insulin regimen.

Integrating aboriginal perspectives into health, safety and environmental compliance systems

Many Aboriginal peoples want to participate in economic development on their territories. They want to be treated with respect and have their cultural heritage recognized. They also want to ensure that resource development on their territories is safe, healthy and does not degrade the natural environment. There are business and IT solutions that exist that could help fill that gap, ensuring that aboriginal peoples are able to monitor business activities on their land. The use of natural resources or access to traditional territory needs a solution that works for existing industry and for Aboriginal peoples in Canada. Software systems, informed by a comprehensive review of compliance management and the unique needs of aboriginal peoples, can be developed. These systems will help encourage economic activity that respects Aboriginal title and rights while also being efficient in its delivery to industry (and to some extent government regulators as well).

Analyse biomécanique des charges appliquées sur la colonne vertébrale des porteurs de barre russe

La barre russe est une discipline de cirque dans laquelle deux porteurs se tiennent à chaque extrémité d’une barre, tandis qu’un voltigeur debout sur la barre se propulse dans les airs. Le port de la barre sur une épaule génère une charge asymétrique sur le dos des porteurs. La fabrication d’une barre ergonomique est nécessaire pour diminuer le risque de blessures au dos. L’objectif du projet consistera à évaluer les charges appliquées sur le dos des porteurs par une barre russe existante afin de guider la conception d’un nouveau prototype de barre russe. Des mesures du mouvement des porteurs et de la force entre l’épaule et la barre seront réalisées et un modèle numérique du dos sera développé. Les résultats de cette recherche permettront de mieux comprendre les charges appliquées au dos des porteurs et ainsi orienter la conception d’une barre ergonomique.

Éléments à considérer pour faciliter l’inclusion et le bien-être des immigrants par le loisir dans les villes moyennes en région

La pratique de différentes formes de loisir permet aux personnes immigrantes de s’intégrer dans la société québécoise en côtoyant d’autres individus d’origines diverses. Toutefois, nous connaissons peu de choses sur ce que représente vraiment le loisir pour les immigrants et comment il participe au processus d’acculturation dans les régions du Québec. Afin de mieux penser l’accueil des immigrants par le loisir, le Conseil québécois du loisir souhaite documenter et analyser les obstacles et les facilitateurs à l’inclusion des immigrants dans les régions du Québec par le biais du loisir et en particulier les espaces de plein air de proximité. Pour y parvenir, on procédera (1) à établir un portait des actions menées auprès des immigrants en matière de loisir.; (2) à faire une mise à jour de la recension des écrits scientifiques sur le sujet et (3) à établir des recommandations pour le Conseil Québécois du Loisir, en effectuant des entretiens exploratoires avec des immigrants (économiques, familiaux, et réfugiés) de première génération afin de mieux cerner les besoins et les attentes des immigrants en matière de loisir.