Innovative Projects Realized

The Development of a Hemocompatible Protein-Capturing Filter Materials for the Efficient Production of Universal Blood – Year two

Objective 1. Generation and testing of blood converting enzyme retention device for the universal conversion blood collection bag.

Objective 2. Optimization of blood conversion in the blood bag, and enzyme removal, under different conditions.

For a more elaborate description of the project overview please see the research proposal document.

The Development of a Hemocompatible Protein-Capturing Filter Materials for the Efficient Production of Universal Blood

Recent scientific findings identified a set of enzymes in the human gut that can selectively convert blood group antigens to universal blood type O, by cleaving off the sugar chains present on the surface of red blood cells (RBCs). The increased availability of universal donor blood decrease the shortage of such precious product and will save patients in emergency. However, the application of these new enzymes currently requires a centrifugation step to remove the enzymes from the blood prior to transfusion. As a result, the upscaling of this technique is very challenging. In this proposal, we are developing a novel device that can capture enzymes prior to transfusion. For that purpose, the blood group-cleaving enzymes will be genetically modified with different kinds of capture-tags and complementary tag immobilized blood compatible matrix/filter will be developed to capture the enzymes. The goals of this project are to investigate the capture concept, optimize the capture-tag and complimentary tag, enzyme capture efficiency and blood compatibility of the filter matrix, and the generation of universal blood without unwanted side reactions.

Improving the tools for assessment and analysis of energy losses through building envelopes using Infrared Thermography (IRT), Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAV), and Artificial Intelligence (AI)

IR imaging presents the temperature distribution of the exterior surface of a wall and is typically assessed through visual inspection by building science experts. A specialist must review numerous images one by one which is inefficient and inaccurate. The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) with IR camera attachments has become a method of faster and more accessible on-site building envelope evaluation. The proposed research aims to develop a machine learning framework to improve the evaluation of energy loss through the envelope, using UAV and IR thermography. An artificial intelligence algorithm will help significantly cut down assessment times and make the process more advanced. Understanding the heat transfer process within the wall system without a need for intrusive openings will allow for representative and more applicable retrofit intervention strategies. This research and development will drive the building rehabilitation industry to be more practical and effective.

Test d’acceptation de la démarche technologique Plan Monark et validation de son indicateur de convergence en contexte de gestion de projet

Plan Monark est une démarche technologique de type SAAS sur le point d’être commercialisée. Afin de s’assurer que la démarche technologique réponde aux besoins des chargés de projet ou intervenants conseil qui l’utiliseront, Plan Monark désire soumettre sa démarche technologique à un test d’acceptation en plus de valider l’utilité de son indicateur de convergence (entre le chargé de projet et les parties prenantes) pour la conduite d’un projet. Au terme de la recherche, le stagiaire aura procédé à l’analyse fonctionnelle de la démarche technologique, à l’analyse du comportement et des commentaires de ses utilisateurs et à la comparaison de neuf projets réalisés avec le Plan Monark pour déterminer l’incidence de l’indice de convergence sur la conduite desdits projets. Plan Monark pourra ensuite commercialiser sa démarche technologique et produire le matériel de formation et d’accompagnement. Quant au stagiaire, il pourra déposer son rapport ou mémoire de recherche requis par son programme d’études.

Understanding the threats: plastic pollution and migrating shorebirds – Year two

Discarded plastic is a significant environmental contaminant. Plastic pollution is found in marine and freshwater systems and affects a substantial number of aquatic species around the world, either by entanglement or ingestion of small pieces (i.e. microplastics). These plastic debris release dangerous chemicals with unknown toxic effects for species that rely on marine environments to survive. Estuarine mudflats are critical feeding habitats for migratory shorebirds and are also the last stop for high levels of microplastics coming from populated areas via freshwater rivers. This combination of food resources and plastic load make shorebirds highly susceptible to microplastic ingestion and plastic-derived chemical consequences. Studies reporting microplastics in shorebirds are limited and information to evaluate non-lethal effects on behavior or physiology are non-existent. This study looks to fill these knowledge gaps by using non-lethal sampling methods of live birds on two migratory flyways (Pacific and Atlantic) where we expect differences in plastics exposure. Given that shorebirds mostly use estuarine habitats to rest and prepare for long-distance migrations, we will test for relationships between microplastic load, chemical burden, and migratory performance. We will use automatic tracking devices and will examine migratory indices such as migration timing and body condition for relationships with level of plastic debris exposure. This applied study will enhance the intern’s research skills and it complies under several conservation purposes of the partner organization.

Understanding the threats: plastic pollution and migrating shorebirds

Discarded plastic is a significant environmental contaminant. Plastic pollution is found in marine and freshwater systems and affects a substantial number of aquatic species around the world, either by entanglement or ingestion of small pieces (i.e. microplastics). These plastic debris release dangerous chemicals with unknown toxic effects for species that rely on marine environments to survive. Estuarine mudflats are critical feeding habitats for migratory shorebirds and are also the last stop for high levels of microplastics coming from populated areas via freshwater rivers. This combination of food resources and plastic load make shorebirds highly susceptible to microplastic ingestion and plastic-derived chemical consequences. Studies reporting microplastics in shorebirds are limited and information to evaluate non-lethal effects on behavior or physiology are non-existent. This study looks to fill these knowledge gaps by using non-lethal sampling methods of live birds on two migratory flyways (Pacific and Atlantic) where we expect differences in plastics exposure. Given that shorebirds mostly use estuarine habitats to rest and prepare for long-distance migrations, we will test for relationships between microplastic load, chemical burden, and migratory performance. We will use automatic tracking devices and will examine migratory indices such as migration timing and body condition for relationships with level of plastic debris exposure. This applied study will enhance the intern’s research skills and it complies under several conservation purposes of the partner organization.

Situated Knowledge on Dementia Care Practices: Comparing Israel and Canada

The research project will look at modes and types of localized knowledge on the span of diseases under the umbrella of dementia. The project will try to detect and compare modes of knowledge transition, dispersion, and production about dementia prevention and early detection within and across two different cultural and social settings: the Canadian and the Israeli. Drawing on the anthropological assumption that knowledge is never a pure sphere disconnected from context and local cultures, we will set out to detect and analyze points on the surface of international knowledge (like international health programs, medicine markets, and more) along with cultural specificities of dementia prevention and early detection. We will show how these interactions are reflected in the local enactments of these knowledge types, as they emerge in localities while intersecting with norms, beliefs, and ways of life that are local. We expect to find frictions of the global phenomenon of knowledge dispersion about dementia prevention and early detection within specific locales and enlighten a new side of global health endeavors.

Développement d’une formulation à base d’enzymes efficaces pour la dégradation des hydrocarbures pétroliers dans les sols et les eaux souterraines

La pollution de l’environnement par les hydrocarbures pétroliers (HP) devient une problématique majeure. Plusieurs traitements chimiques, thermiques, biologiques, etc. des eaux et sols contaminés aux HP sont utilisés, in situ ou par excavation. Cependant, pour les applications in situ, les traitements biologiques paraissent comme une meilleure solution, car ils sont plus écologiques et répondent aux principes du développement durable. C’est dans ce contexte qu’Enutech, une entreprise, oeuvrant dans la réhabilitation des sites contaminés aux HP, a approché le professeur Adjallé, de l’INRS-ETE pour un projet de recherche en lien avec la problématique. Le but est de développer une formulation microbienne écologique à faible coût, en utilisant des résidus fermentescibles (à coût zéro) pour une dégradation efficace des HP dans différentes matrices (sol, eau, etc). Les résultats et retombées escomptés vont permettre à une entreprise canadienne d’acquérir des expertises pour produire et formuler ses propres produits microbiens pour la dégradation des HP.

Does investing in transition firms yield a carbon alpha ?

In recent years there has been increased demand for investment solutions that are respectful of the environment. Some firms have answered that demand by committing to reduce their Carbon emissions in order to help with the transition towards a green economy. These firms, to which we refer as “transition firms” are thus natural candidates for fund placements for environmentally-conscious investors. There is a database that gathers information about carbon emissions and carbon targets of firms worldwide. In this research project we aim at presenting the readers with a portrait of these firms that typically commit to carbon targets. Second, we are going to investigate whether financial profit can be attained by investing in those firms.

Identification of sensitive information by natural language processing (NLP)

This project will improve the learning capacities to recognize confidential information in documents of various formats. Thus, our project has to set up a technology (natural language process NLP and others) that emulates the way in which humans read a document and to process this information using inference rules and a master data.

Investigating social-ecological enabling conditions for the revitalization of Indigenous clam management systems in an urban context

The general objective of the proposed activity is to increase the future productivity of Burrard Inlet and the contribution of seafood to the diet of Tsleil-Waututh Nation (TWN) members in support of the TWN Cumulative Effects Monitoring Initiative. Specifically, we propose to identify the primary environmental drivers of clam productivity and species composition in Burrard Inlet (ecological analysis); facilitate a platform for community knowledge exchange and collective visioning (transformation lab/knowledge exchange); as well as identify long-term desired outcomes and associated indicators for TWN clam tending practices in Burrard Inlet (semi-structured interviews).

The Labour Market and Economic Impacts of Mental Health in Huron and Perth Counties

The goal of the project is to contribute to knowledge generation about mental health and addiction in rural Ontario by exploring the impacts of COVID-19 on the supply (employees) and demand (employers) of the labour market.
In partnership with Gateway Rural Health this project will examine Huron and Perth Counties as case studies to explore The Labour Market and Economic Impacts of Mental Health on rural areas since the beginning of Covid-19. This project has three objectives:
1) To identify existing information and resources about both supply (employees) and demand (employees) related to rural labour markets. Particular attention will be given to information from rural Australia, Western Europe, and the United States.
2) To investigate local labour market experiences from across Perth-Huron (survey/interviews).
3) To develop recommendations for relevant organizations related to market experiences, labour decisions, and impact of disruption.
Outcomes from this project will support rural communities to develop effective local policies and planning strategies to respond to the coronavirus pandemic and future disruptive events.