Innovative Projects Realized

Spike sleep state deep learning classifier

Epilepsy is a difficult disorder to assess and even more so automatically. It is observed that in REM sleep epileptiform activity differs from other states of consciousness. REM sleep could hold the key to a better understanding of epilepsy, however robust features that work on different people and types of epilepsies are required. The purpose of using a deep learning model to classify epileptic spikes into designated sleep states can help designate those robust features. Instead of blindly looking for answers the deep learning model can incorporate millions of features where possibly only a handful are representative of why a spike is classified into REM. Through this work the features discovered could lead to a better understanding of epilepsy and hopefully better treatment.

Organometallic chemistry – Illumination through luminescent carbene-complexes

Effects of ionizing radiation on neural differentiation in a 3D in vitro model

Life Cycle Assessment of an additively manufactured component

Quality assurance for stroke decision support software in development (release 2.0)

Acute stroke is a leading cause of global death and disability. Quick access to robust treatments significantly improves patient outcomes, however, accurate interpretation of diagnostic imaging and effective communication of suspected findings remains a serious challenge for all stroke networks. Circle Neurovascular Imaging (Circle NVI), a wholly owned subsidiary of Circle Cardiovascular Imaging (Circle CVI) and a joint venture with the Calgary Stroke Program, is building a software as a service business aimed at providing physicians with an acute stroke decision aid tool, StrokeSENS™ that will leverage artificial intelligence (AI), advanced image-processing, and network connectivity to support physicians and other healthcare team members to simplify stroke care, with a focus on enabling front line stroke centers. Circle NVI’s mission is to simplify stroke care by augmenting front-line physician decision making. The intern will learn to use software tools and programming languages to prepare test datasets for AI algorithm training and validation as well as software validation. The funding provided through this project will enable Circle NVI to continue developing and testing our StrokeSENS software, making improvements to the current product as well as developing new features of interest to clinicians from our beta sites.

Development of an intelligent video technology – iVIDEO

The managers of HIT FILM Inc. believe that iVIDEO, compared to static information websites and those with standard videos, and a chatbot, provides a more interactive, playful, and personalized way of presenting content and information and improves the quality of browsing and navigation experience and users’ engagement, and consequently enhance the conversion rate (e.g., registration, purchase, mail registration for next step, etc.). They are seeking research-based proof for their belief.

Challenges of Scaling Social Enterprise in Canada

Social enterprises are businesses whose primary purpose is to create social and/or environmental impact. This study will seek to understand how to grow these businesses to create more social or environmental impact while being financially sustainable. This study will interview social enterprises to understand how they work, how they are trying to grow and what challenges they encounter while doing so. From the findings of this research, we hope to better understand how to strengthen the social enterprise sector in Canada.

Comment apprivoiser et vivre la transition vers un vieillissement actif et épanoui pour les personnes atteintes de spina-bifida, d’hydrocéphalie et de leurs proches aidants : co-développement d’une boîte à outils

Les personnes vivant avec un spina-bifida et/ou l’hydrocéphalie (SBH) font face aux enjeux du vieillissement pouvant
complexifier les défis de participation sociale. Or, les besoins associés à ces transitions demeurent méconnus et peu de
ressources existent. L’Association de spina-bifida et d’hydrocéphalie du Québec (ASBHQ) souhaite accompagner ses
membres, leurs proches et les intervenants pour promouvoir un vieillissement actif et épanoui. Cette recherche-action
permettra : 1) d’explorer les expériences du vieillissement sous l’angle de la participation sociale des personnes vivant avec
le SBH ; 2) d’identifier les besoins prioritaires et des stratégies porteuses gage d’un vieillissement actif et épanoui en vue de;
3) de co-développer – avec des personnes atteintes, leurs proches et des intervenants – une boîte à outils regroupant ces
stratégies.

The Interplay of Remote Sensing Research and Technology with the Archaeological Record

Archaeology is important in understanding our past cultural heritage. Traditionally, this is accomplished through the excavation of, and the analysis of artifacts discovered at archaeological sites. Excavation, however, is an inherently destructive process, as once a site is excavated, the original state is lost. This has negative impacts on both the cultural significance of the site and the ability to conduct future. It is beneficial to look for additional ways to study sites that are less destructive, and to preserve the archaeological site when possible. Using drones, archaeological survey can be used to gain information about archaeological sites with minimal disturbance to it. Images that are taken from the drone can be studied to gain valuable information about the archaeological site and add to the growing knowledge of Alberta’s rich cultural past.

Momentum – Data Ecosystem

Momentum believes that the data available from wearable technology in today’s market can be harnessed for effective athletic programming. This data can be used to baseline athletes, deliver valuable holistic feedback, and train models that will reduce the amount of time coaches spend programming.

Momentum needs help validating critical hypotheses and assumptions to this belief. Those assumptions are that third-party data from popular wearable devices can:
1. Be ingested, shaped, stored, integrated, and analyzed
2. Be used to train models for athletic programming recommendations

Small Hydro and Pumped Energy Storage – IRRICAN Power

There is a network of reservoirs and canals that are used to irrigate farmland in Southern Alberta. They are already used for some hydropower generation and my research will estimate the run-of-river power generation potential at three newly identified sites in the vicinity of the Chin Reservoir in Southern Alberta. Furthermore, two of these sites also have the potential for pumped energy storage, and the energy storage capacity for this operating mode will also be determined. Next, the environmental impact of the greenhouse gases (GHGs) displaced through the added hydropower generation and energy storage will be calculated, along with any applicable renewable energy credits. Finally, power generation, energy storage modeling, and renewable energy credits will be used to determine the economic feasibility of the project. This multi-disciplinary research will include energy, environmental, and economic analysis of the prospective projects.

ELITE Program Innovation in Digital Technologies and Advanced Manufacturing

The Experiential Learning in Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship (ELITE) Program for Black Youth is a unique program designed to create opportunities for Black Youth to access hands-on learning and work-integrated training in STEM fields, business, and entrepreneurship. The ELITE Program focuses on Black youth between the ages of 15 and 22, who are attending high school or a post-secondary education institution. The learning and training occur through paid internships in an innovation ecosystem. Interns are involved in projects with university researchers, for-profit industry stakeholders, such as Enbridge Canada, and government agencies. All interns participate in our Entrepreneurship Design Series and Wellness and Coaching Series. The ELITE Program includes entrepreneurial, leadership, and well-being components that are integrally woven into the internship experience. This holistic and comprehensive approach ensures that all participants develop technical and leadership skills, experience an inclusive environment that values their unique perspectives, transition to post-secondary studies, develop resiliency, and build a professional network for future employment. Through this MITACS Business Strategy Internship (BSI), we will focus on providing work-integrated training to develop innovative technology- and software-based platforms for human resources operations in a for-profit enterprise.