Innovative Projects Realized

Commissioning a particle detector for the GSI storage rings

The study of radioactive atoms is a crucial component in understanding the origin of the elements that make up our world. By studying the decay properties of extremely rare ions and their exotic decay processes, we clarify the processes that produce the heavy elements by grounding them in observation, and answer mysteries in nuclear structure. To do this, we hold short-lived atoms in the Experimental Storage Ring (ESR) and characterise their decay modes by capturing their decay products with heavy ion detectors. The BEAVERTAIL detector is one such heavy-ion telescope; constructed and built at TRIUMF, Canada’s particle accelerator, it will be instrumental in the ILIMA campaign at FAIR and thus needs to be commissioned at the ESR. For this project, Guy will participate in ESR experiments to gain expertise, and then install and establish BEAVERTAIL in a commissioning experiment to demonstrate its capability.

Cardioprotective effect of a monoclonal anti-glycosaminoglycan antibody following transient myocardial ischemia in mice

Myocardial infarction is among the most prominent causes of death worldwide. Following cardiac injury, changes in the composition of the extracellular matrix trigger inflammatory and fibrotic responses. Particularly, left ventricular remodeling and cardiac fibrosis are characterized by pathological glycosaminoglycan (GAG) production and ECM rearrangement, which contribute to cardiomyocyte death and subsequent heart failure. Additionally, chondroitin sulfate-proteoglycans (CS-PGs) accumulation in pathological cardiac remodeling directly bind inflammatory cytokines on the cell membrane and integrate signals contributing to increased collagen biosynthesis, inflammation and fibrotic processes. Previously, we showed that treatment with a chimeric monoclonal antibody (chP3R99 mAb), which recognizes proatherogenic CS-PGs, reduced atherosclerosis in hypercholesterolemic mice and diminished myocardial infarct areas in mice subjected to transient coronary artery ligation. Reduced ischemia–reperfusion damage to the heart was associated with an attenuation of myocardial inflammation. In this proposal, we will determine if the mAb treatment is able to modulate pathological remodeling and enhance cardiac function which would reinforce its cardioprotective effect.

Payout restrictions and bank lending: evidence from a blanket dividend ban

At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, financial system regulators around the world took an array of policy measures in order to stimulate credit supply from banks to companies that were temporarily suffering from a drop in revenues. Preventing interruptions in the credit supply during crises is crucial in minimizing damage to the economy and facilitating economic recovery. One of such policy measures in some jurisdictions was an introduction of a moratorium on dividend payments from the banks to their shareholders. This measure was intended to preserve bank capital and urge the banks to spend it on additional lending to their borrowers. However, there is evidence suggesting that, because of this measure, the costs of raising new capital in the future are now higher for the banks that were subject to dividend payout restrictions. As a result, the banks might be reluctant to spend their capital on loans that would help otherwise viable firms to survive the crisis. It is important to evaluate the impact of novel policy decisions on bank lending to improve international banking regulation.

Raising Canada: Top threats to children in Canada and the business case to prioritize the needs and rights of children and address these threats

Children and youth flourish in environments that are predictable, safe, and structured. However, this is not the case for many kids in Canada. The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted these protective factors and exacerbated risk factors. Against this background, the first objective of this study is to explore the present threats facing children and youth in Canada and craft effective recommendations that promote greater equity and belonging for ALL children in Canada. This research will conduct comparative analyses to better understand the regional differences within the country. The second objective of this research is to develop the business case for policy makers and funding agencies with the view of influencing government policies and the priorities of national funding agencies. This research will be a practical blend of academic and community research to increase its reach, credibility, use and usefulness to a myriad of key stakeholders

Modélisation de la stabilité du manteau neigeux en tenant compte sa variabilité spatiale

Ce projet de recherche vise à modéliser la stabilité du manteau neigeux en tenant compte de sa variabilité spatiale. Le stage de recherche va permettre de réaliser l’objectif 2 de la thèse de doctorat de l’étudiant qui est d’évaluer l’effet de la variation spatiale des propriétés mécaniques de la neige sur la stabilité d’une pente. Les résultats produit à l’aide de ce stage découleront vers une publication scientifique. L’objectif du stage est donc de précisément déterminer l’influence de la variabilité spatiale des propriétés mécaniques et géophysiques du manteau sur le déclenchement et la taille probable d’une avalanche. Cet objectif se réalisera en utilisant le modèle de déclenchement et d’écoulement d’avalanche développé par le Prof. Johan Gaume et son équipe.

Yooreka

Yooreka is a smart-home, consumer Internet of Things (IoT) device and/or peripheral, system agent and subscription service intended to assist families and parents with early childhood development. It may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) I to gain an advanced understanding of a child’s learning environment to support their socio-emotional development, and assists parents’ decision making while also enhancing children’s learning environments. Yooreka may be described as an amplified parental control with features that give mentors, educators, and family members the opportunity to configure the learning and development environment to the child (on and offline). Yooreka is at the proof-of-concept development stage. The scope of the proposed project will be to undertake market research to better understand the landscape of existing (and potentially competing) products. The outcomes from the proposed project will provide input on certain features for Yooreka that will provide us with a unique value proposition and develop an initial business strategy.Market research and business strategy development will follow an iterative process using a combination of Lean Methodology and framing a structure for innovation. Four key stages are: 1- Business Modelling, 2- Scenario Planning, 3- Hypothesis Testing, 4- Breakthrough Innovation Learning.

Town of Stephenville Community Compost Initiative

Project objectives and approach:

1. Develop an innovative strategy for developing and helping them launch the Town of Stephenville’s composting program
2. Launch the composting program in the Town of Stephenville for their Phase 1 run this summer.
3. This phase is planned to start with 25-50 homes in Stephenville (composter has capacity for waste from ~100 people).

Housing in Mature Urban Neighborhoods – a Design and Business Model for Gentle Densification

The interns are students in an online university programme in architecture. They will contribute to the research, development and presentation of a study by the partner organisation architecture firm, addressing the housing crisis in Canada through an initiative that explores gentle densification of mature urban neighborhoods through a design tool-kit of recommendations and a new business model that mitigates the cost of land in the development. This initiative is scalable across various cities in the country. Its completion will result in a broad dissemination of the work products via various publications to a wide variety of user groups, architecture programmes, the profession and the housing industry itself; thus exposing, crediting and enhancing the interns portfolio of work as integral components of the overall study.

Sustainable Geothermal Reservoir Energy Production, Conversion, Utilization and Energy System Integration in Saskatchewan Province

Our research aims at developing efficient and cost-effective solutions for sustainable geothermal energy
production, conversion, utilization and energy system integration. A practical geothermal energy production study
will be conducted to explore medium to high temperature geothermal reservoirs in Saskatchewan with careful
engineering design planning, and implementation to secure a long-term sustainable energy development process.
A tool to assist in decision making for which geothermal energy conversion and delivery configurations should be
implemented to maximize energy efficiency will be offered. In addition, cost-effective, resilient, and integrated
energy systems to utilize geothermal, solar, wind, battery energy storage, and demand response will be provided.

Effect of a topical magnesium gel on exercise recovery.

This project will examine the effects of a topical magnesium gel on exercise recovery. Eccentric exercise, including downhill running, is known to cause muscle damage, soreness, and inflammation. Oral magnesium supplements have been shown to protect against some of the muscle damage and soreness. Petra has developed a topical magnesium gel that they believe will be able to reduce muscle soreness, damage, and inflammation in a similar fashion to oral-supplements, and will be easy to use after a workout. The intern will examine how well the magnesium gel reduces soreness, muscle damage, and inflammation following 40min of downhill treadmill running compared to a placebo gel. The benefits to the partner organization will be to determine whether the magnesium gel will be useful for improving recovery in recreational athletes.

Optimization of a weld overlay procedure using Inconel 686 for corrosion-resistance in mineral processing infrastructure

The mining sector is vital to the Canadian economy, contributing $71B towards the GDP and providing 392,000 jobs. Canada is the 4th and 8th largest global producer of refined zinc and lead, respectively, and as one of the world’s largest zinc and lead refining facilities, Teck Resources’ operation in Trail, BC, is an important part of our economy. A critical aspect for the integrity of mining infrastructure is the use of materials that can withstand the harsh conditions associated with mineral processing (i.e., high temperatures, corrosive chemicals). Layers of nickel superalloys have previously been used on the surface of mining equipment for this purpose. In this project, we will investigate the effect of different weld settings on the properties of these nickel superalloy ‘weld overlays’. We will study the weld overlay thickness and surface roughness, the weld overlay microstructure, and the residual stress after welding. Our research will result in tools (e.g., models) that can be used by industry practitioners such as Teck to predict the properties and performance of nickel superalloys weld overlays during the repair of existing equipment or in the design of new equipment.

Développement d’une méthode d’extraction et de purification de l’acide hyaluronique et du collagène dans les résidus de coquille d’œuf.

La gestion des résidus de coquilles d’oeufs est un enjeu important pour tous les producteurs avicoles. Cette matière à l’état brute possède peu de valeur ajoutée et est sous-exploitée alors que cette dernière renferment plusieurs composés d’intérêts pour les marchés alimentaires, cosmétiques et thérapeutiques. Le projet collaboratif entre le Couvoir Jolibec (1994) Inc. et l’Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR) vise à contribuer à l’émergence d’une voie de valorisation de ces coquilles, une filière encore absente au Québec. Ce projet, qui sera mené par une stagiaire universitaire, permettra de développer des méthodes d’extraction et de purification des biopolymères d’intérêts contenus dans les coquilles d’œuf afin d’obtenir des ingrédients biosourcés en forte demande, pouvant être inclus dans la formulation de produits de soins corporels, produits cosmétiques ou encore comme additifs alimentaires. Ce projet permettra d’une part de valoriser des «déchets» de l’industrie et d’autre part d’offrir un avantage économique aux acteurs de la filière. Finalement, ce projet contribuera significativement à la formation de main d’œuvre qualifiée grâce au stage en recherche appliquée qui se déroulera à la fois en industrie et dans les laboratoires de l’UQTR.