Innovative Projects Realized

Control of shock-induced turbulent boundary layer separation using air jet vortex generators

Soutien à l’apprentissage grandeur nature

L’éducation par la nature renvoie à la fréquentation régulière (p. ex., 2 jours/semaine) d’un milieu naturel (p. ex., boisé) en CPE. Elle constitue une solution innovante pour favoriser le soutien à l’apprentissage (SA) des enfants, déterminant pour leur réussite éducative. Or, le niveau de qualité du SA en milieu éducatif traditionnel est tel qu’il ne permet pas d’exercer une influence favorable sur la réussite éducative des jeunes enfants. De telle sorte que la bonification du niveau de SA transite par un accompagnement des éducatrices en CPE. L’objectif de ce projet vise à codévelopper et mettre en place un accompagnement en matière de SA en ÉN auprès de 10 éducatrices. L’analyse des observations et des échanges réalisés avec elles permettra de dégager des ingrédients clés de l’accompagnement déployé. Un guide pédagogique sera ensuite rédigé et diffusé, ce qui est susceptible de contribuer au rehaussement du SA offert à plusieurs milliers d’enfants.

Spectral Computed Tomography Imaging for Ion Beam Therapy Planning

Analyses et modèles d’affaire dans le prêt numérique en bibliothèque

Depuis 2012, Bibliopresto.ca chapeaute le développement et l’accès aux ressources numériques en bibliothèques publiques, et notamment la plateforme Pretnumerique.ca. Les données de prêt numérique de cet organisme ne font cependant pas l’objet d’analyses statistiques spécifiquement adaptées à ce secteur et ne permettent pas de questionner la réalité et la pertinence de la reproduction du modèle d’affaire du livre imprimé au livre numérique pour les bibliothèques et leurs publics. Ce projet de recherche en 2 phases consécutives, de 2 volets chacune, est proposé afin d’obtenir un portrait du phénomène du livre numérique. Une première phase permettra une analyse critique du modèle économique du livre numérique en bibliothèque publique au Québec et une comparaison avec d’autres modèles. La seconde phase en sera une d’intégration des travaux précédents et de mise en perspective des opportunités d’adaptation et d’analyses statistiques du modèle.

Deep Learning Enabled Joint Sensor Localization and Automatic ID Assignment Methodology for Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems

Due to the rapidly increasing demand for road safety and improved driving experiences, as well as the more recent introduction of self-driving cars into the automotive industry, the global market for tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) is set to hit 24 Billion USD by 2027. However, one of the major challenges with tire pressure monitoring systems is the limited capability of the system to provide the relative positioning of individual tires on demand, particularly, in the case where frequent shuffling of tires happen, either within the same vehicle, or between multiple vehicles. This challenge becomes exacerbated for vehicle fleet managers, like bus rapid transit operators, who require to shuffle tires, more often than not. This project, therefore, seeks to develop new deep learning methodologies for enabling joint localization and automatic ID assignment of TPMS sensors, within tires, for accurate prediction of the relative position of tires, on demand.

Regeneration dynamics of white and red pine forests following surface fire: developing an ecosystem-based sustainable forest management strategy (PINEFIRE).

The cover and extent of pure and mixed pine forests in northeastern North America has significantly declined across their historic range, primarily as a result of changes in fire regime, unsustainable forest management practices, and increased tree mortality due to introduced pathogens. To address the decline of these ecologically, socially, and economically important ecosystems we propose a comprehensive research program aimed at developing an ecosystem-based sustainable forest management strategy to preserve mixed, and pure white and red pine forests at the northern limit of their distribution. The findings of this project will contribute to environmental, economic, social, and cultural well-being of the region, and improve the management of Canada’s pine forests resources. The partner organizations will therefore benefit from the research directly and indirectly. For example, through the elaboration and application of new management strategies and silvicultural treatments (CERFO), and tourism and conservation opportunities (SÉPAQ).

“Audio Tours” Pilot Project

This proposal is aimed at researching, developing and producing a pilot audio tour recording for chART Projects, as a prototype for future audio projects that will eventually be distributed via an online platform. The audio tour will be an immersive artist-commissioned experience based in the Vancouver neighbourhood of Marpole. The research project aims to identify and troubleshoot issues related to the production of a single work, in order to understand how a larger volume of engaging and unique audio projects could be efficiently implemented by chART projects. This prototyping process will give chART Projects a means to consider their potential market and to refine their business model. The finished audio project will be a key component in the development of their website, and will be featured in the launch of the website.

Development of Stable and Sustainable Saffron Extracts for Commercialization

Saffron (Crocus sativus) is considered the most expensive spice in the world, costing between $500 and $5000 USD per pound. It is one of the most highly regarded and highest value botanical plants in the world and is a recognized natural health product. It is traditionally used for different health conditions, including sexual dysfunction, depression and mood disorders, cancer, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), baldness, asthma cough, and weight loss.
The main objective of this project is to develop a sustainable line of saffron products to ensure limited waste and maximum health benefits. This project will focus on identifying the optimum techniques, from farming to extraction and final product manufacturing, so as to promote health of the earth, as well as health of the Canadian public.

Towards an Understanding of Best Practices in Goal Attainment Scaling Implementation and Feasibility

When a patient seeks treatment, it is crucial to involve them in the decision-making process. One way to do this is to have a scale/measure that allows for the patient’s input on the goals that are most relevant to them. Goal attainment scaling is one measure that involves patients by including a collaborative goal setting process between the physician and patient. However, this scale is rarely used in clinical practice settings as there are no published clear guidelines to apply the scale. To help with this problem, I will work with the team at Ardea Outcomes, who have advocated for patient’s voices in clinical care for over two decades. I will search for published research studies that used goal attainment scaling to identify the best practices and test the impact of these practices by running computer simulations. By the end of this project, we aim to have a document with clear guidelines on how to use goal attainment scaling for clinicians and researchers.

Evaluating the neurotrophic and anxiolytic effects of dihydrohonokiol-B (DHH-B)

Benzodiazepines (BZs), including drugs such as diazepam, are used in the treatment of chronic anxiety disorders. However, dependence develops with long-term use. Much needed new antidepressant drugs with better safety profile include honokinol (extracted from Magnolia plants) and its derivative dihydrohonokiol-B (DHH-B). While honokinol requires chronic treatment to induce an anxiolytic effect in rodents, DHH-B is effective when administered acutely and at lower doses. We seek to determine whether DHH-B induces anxiolytic effects comparable to acute diazepam administration in rodents. We further seek to investigate the key central nervous system signaling pathways required for DHH-B anxiolytic effects.

Vessels and Whale Behaviour in Boundary Pass

Boundary Pass is a busy boating region of the Salish Sea and is a critical foraging habitat for many cetacean species, specifically Southern Resident killer whales, transient (Bigg’s) and humpback whales. With the shipping lanes passing through this area, whales are at risk of disturbance from underwater noise and, at times, from close vessel proximity. However, DFO has created a seasonal vessel no-go zone (Interim Sanctuary Zone) for whales to reduce acoustic and physical harassment in the region. The first component of this project aims to collect use of visual land-based observation data on occupancy and movement tracks to link these to natural dynamics and anthropogenic sources of disturbance. Humpback whales will be the focus of this work, but all data on whales will be collected. Two hydrophone stations in Boundary Pass will provide acoustic data at key frequency bands known to be important to baleen and toothed whales. We will also monitor the compliance of recreational boats to the no-go zone.

AI powered Traffic Flow Characterization, Monitoring and Prediction

Users and businesses have been relying on internet connectivity more than ever before since the COVID-19 pandemic. It is critical for modern network services to be well-planned, organized and monitored by system administrators and network service providers to ensure the highest possible availability, reliability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Network traffic characterization and pattern prediction in-advance can further empower Ericsson help system administrators, network service providers to plan, design, and optimize networks, and eventually to ensure high quality and cost-effective network services to users. This project aims to design and develop novel and innovative solutions to monitor network traffic, detect existing and discover new patterns, and predict traffic patterns in advance.