Innovative Projects Realized

Design and Implementation of a Framework for Performance Management in Service Oriented Virtual Organizations (SOVO PM)

In this research, we propose a framework for performance management in virtual organizations (VOs) equipped with service oriented architecture (SOA). This framework enables networks of organizations to evaluate and manage their collaboration performance and also to align and coordinate their various goals and objectives. Distributed management of VO will be enhanced to reduce the necessity of a central authority. In addition providing transparency at an agreed level within VO will facilitate mutual trust among partners. The proposed solution will benefit from SOA infrastructure to form VO collaborative workflows, and to enable more dynamic VO creation and management.

As IBM is one of the major providers of SOA based solutions for B2B interactions, Business Intelligence and Performance Management, the proposed framework in this research will help IBM to extend their B2B solutions to better facilitate automated agile virtual organizations.

Developing durable and electrical conductive concrete composites for Quebec

This project focuses on the development of Electric Conductive Concrete (ECC) pavements which can efficiently reduce the cost of snow removal of Quebec. Recent research has proven that temperature regulated pavements can melt snow and ice. By taking advantage of all latest technology in conductive inclusions, the project aims will develop an optimized ECC mix design and characterize its durability performances. The technology transfer to a local company of such knowledge will foster the implementation of new solutions for heating pavements in Quebec.

Development and Evaluation of Corrosion Behaviour of Co-Based Alloys for Power Generators

With the increased demand for electric power and the need to reduce green house gas emission, newer power plants (fossil fuel or nuclear based) are being designed with elevated turbine inlet temperature to improve thermodynamic efficiencies and achieve other benefits. The much severe operating conditions (than that in the existing power plants) presents great challenges to material selections. In this proposed research, several classes of Co-based alloys will be modified and subsequently evaluated under supercritical and high temperature steam conditions for their potential use in Canadian Supercritical Water Cooled Reactor (SCWR), as out-of-core component, and in the advanced ultra-supercritical (A-USC) fossil fuel fired power plant where metal surface temperature can reach as high as 815C. Kennametal Stellite is one of the largest Co-based component providers and the application of Co-based alloys in SCWR and A-USC will greatly benefit its business. TO BR CONT’D

Multimodal Passenger Interfaces for Next Generation Business Jets

Bombardier Aerospace intends to develop novel human-machine interfaces for their next generation business aircrafts sold to corporations or high-net worth individuals. Intensive research is expected to define, develop, integrate, and evaluate the performance of new interface concepts that will allow the passengers to most comfortably interact with the Cabin Management System (CMS), control their environment and ensure connectivity. The demographics of passengers, their connectivity needs, and their ability to interact with technology are changing, and require new solutions that are seamlessly integrated with the cabin environment. This preliminary research is the first step towards the development of a multimodal human-machine interface with two main objectives of (1) developing a design framework as a guideline towards the development of such interfaces, and (2) Developing a technology demonstration platform integrating some of the key human-machine interfacing modalities such as vision and touch.

Biomechanical Evaluation of the Endolite LiNX Prosthesis

The LiNX prosthetic system combines microprocessors, sensors, and actuators for simultaneous control of the prosthetic foot and knee. Bi-directional electronic communication coordinates responses to variations in terrain and speed, adjusting for a transfemoral amputee’s situational needs. This study will use state-of-the-art virtual reality technology (CAREN-Extended system) to compare how people with transfemoral amputations walk with the LiNX prosthesis as compared with their usual prosthesis and with able-bodied individuals. The virtual reality system will provide a controlled environment so study participants can walk on level-ground, slopes, and multiple uneven ground walking conditions. This evaluation will show how intelligent prostheses can adapt to common environments, thereby improving mobility for end-users.

Development of new methods for metabolomic screens

In this project we aim to generate simple assays similar to commercial pregnancy tests that can detect the presence of specific molecules (metabolites) related to disease conditions. We will use our knowledge and
experience to generate easy-to-use strips that will allow specific detection of health-relevant metabolites that can be used in clinical or at-home settings by patients and physicians; providing for the rapid submission and
analysis of results. If successful, the project will generate tools that can be used for pre-screening and serve as real-time indicators if further, more complex, testing is required. These tools will contribute to the proprietary
patient health profiling platform of the host company, Molecular You. At the same time the intern will gain valuable experience regarding scientific research in an industry setting.

“Complex composite structure multifunction for aerospace” COMP-1601

The new generation of complex composites structures that will be developed by Hutchinson and its partners will integrate several functions, as esthetic interior panel, acoustic, thermal and vibration isolation, in addition to mechanical and robustness contribution brought by the integrated structure. These new technologies will allow to reduce the amount of parts, and also to reduce the amount of operations required to build an assembly, generating an energy saving in the global process. The self-stiffened part that will be developed will also permit to replace traditional metal components in the structure by composite materials. Combined with the optimization of the design, a weight reduction will be achieved, generating a reduction of fuel consumption.

Calibration and characterization of micro-spectrometer

Project will see the calibration and characterization of a next-generation spectrometer for advancing both atmospheric research and the Canadian space community by providing instruments for atmospheric research for UAVs and nanosatellites. Calibrating these spectrometers will give the science community a new way to monitor atmospheric gases such as greenhouse gas or pipeline leaks with the option of a low-mass, low-cost and reliable measurement from an airborne platform. Canadian aerospace firms are already recognized as world leaders in optical technology, and the first development and flight of a micro-sized, temperature-insensitive SHS instrument for both UAV and space platform would extend this competitive advantage both by cementing a Canadian claim to the technology as well as ensuring the continued production of HQP in the field.

Industrial application of Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) for detection and monitoring of water pollutants

When light interacts with matter, different effects may take place, depending on the particular characteristics of both light and matter. The result of this interaction, typically a quantitative change in the characteristics of the light (i.e., intensity, wavelength, phase), can be used to measure the presence of a particular specimen of interest. Specifically, Surface-enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) has demonstrated to be able to detect accurately very low concentrations of chemical species. This optical effect represents a potential solution to the detection of small quantities of pollutants in water. In parallel, many useful configurations have been studied based on fiber optics technologies, with a variety of configurations that improve the light-matter interactions. This project is focused on investigating the combination of SERS with different configurations of optical fiber devices, with the aim of exploiting both the potential of SERS and the versatility of optical fibers to develop a device to efficiently evaluate water quality.

Evaluation of the CACE Homecare Curriculum

In January 2016, the Centre for Ambulatory Care Education (CACE) at Women’s College Hospital completed the Homecare Curriculum. This online, simulation-based program is designed to help personal support workers, nurses, and rehabilitation professionals provide better care for older adults who wish to stay in their homes. The program presents learners with 3 virtual home environments and 3 patient profiles. Alone, or with a team, users navigate these virtual homes, learn about home-based care and complete quizzes that test their comprehension of the material. The proposed research will evaluate the existing curriculum. Results of the study will show opportunities to improve the curriculum and, potentially, evidence to support its expansion. The evaluation will be incorporated into the research work of the intern, as part of a larger study examining the way health professionals learn about old age.

Somatostatin signalling and diabetes

The prevalence of diabetes is growing rapidly and currently, over 60 million people worldwide use insulin treatment to manage their diabetes. However, insulin treatment can result in hypoglycemia or low blood sugar levels. To date only retroactive treatments are available to treat hypoglycemia, which affects an individual’s quality of life and increases the likelihood of recurring bouts of hypoglycemia as well as development of cardiovascular or renal disease. The goal of this project is to test the efficacy of novel therapeutic targets utilizing somatostatin receptor-2 antagonist and agonists to better manage glycemic control in type 1 diabetics. These pre-clinical studies will set the stage for a human Phase 1 clinical trial. This project is an initial step in improving the treatment of diabetes and the quality of life of patients with diabetes. TO BE CONT”D

Ion Mobility Spectrometry for On-Site Detection of Cannabinoids in Oral Fluid

Scintrex Trace Corp. is a company that designs and manufactures systems that detect trace amounts of explosives, narcotics, and other chemicals. Due to upcoming changes to Canadian drug laws, they want to develop a new system that can better detect THC in oral fluid for roadside impairment testing. Scintrex is partnering with Professor Jeffrey Smith at Carleton University, and expert in the field of chemical spectroscopy, to develop a new trace detection system. They will use a new, non-radioactive ion source in this new system and will develop the appropriate chemistry required for the optimal use of this system. This will allow Scintrex to produce a new product for security and law enforcement agencies to detect THC in a mobile setting to assess potential impairment.