Innovative Projects Realized

Deep Learning Method for Micromotion Detection and Mental Health Disease Diagnosis

Over the past few decades, mental disorders (e.g., depressive and anxiety) have become a significant medical burden for people of all ages. According to the survey performed by the World Health Organization (WHO), at least one out of ten people in the world suffers from mental health diseases (i.e., mental disorders, neurological disorders and addition). Many factors, such as heredity, work pressure and aging, can attribute to these disorders and degradations. However, some of these mental health diseases are preventable and treatable. In this project, we aim to develop a software system, especially a mobile app, for the detection of mental health diseases, in particular depression for now. This app uses facial and audio pattern recognition techniques, GPS and gait to assess mental health conditions for patients which will help with early diagnosis of depression symptom and trigger clinical intervention if necessary.

Development of a miniaturized device for optical reading of the quantum semiconductor biosensor

In our experiments with semiconductor microstructures, such as those used for the fabrication

of light emitting diodes (LED), our team has discovered that popular LED devices could also be used

for the detection of micro-organisms that come in contact with the device. As a result of our almost 5

years of research, we have demonstrated the operation of an LED-like photonic biosensor capable of

rapid (less than 2 hours) detection of E. coli. The significance of this discovery is that we can now

design inexpensive LED-biochips (a standard LED costs less than 1$) that could be used for rapid

detection of a variety of different bacteria or viruses. To take full advantage of this technology, and to

create a portable, self-contained biosensing instrument, we have to miniaturize the LED emissionmonitoring

unit from its current 40 cm x 40 cm foot print to approximately 12 cm x 2.5 cm.

SOCIAL PARTICIPATION OF ELDERLY BRAZILIAN AND CANADIANS: COMPARATIVE STUDY

This research proposal aims to verify the effect of hearing loss on the social participation of Brazilian and Canadian elderly, and, in addition, this study intends to understand which personal and environmental factors influence the social participation of these participants. Will be recruited in a clinical-school of Speech Therapy accredited to SUS, located in the southern region of Brazil and will be divided into 2 groups: Group 1 – elderly with hearing loss not users of individual sound amplification device (AASI); Group 2 – hearing impaired hearing aids users; We will use the same structure for the elderly Canadians who will be chosen according to the guidelines of the Speech Therapy clinic of the Faculty of Montreal in Canada. The differences between the Brazilian and Canadian groups will be examined for each of the variables, as well as the relation between them to verify how the hearing loss and the use of hearing aids can impact the social participation of the subjects.

Rural community sustainability research program at the Applied Research and Innovation Center – Selkirk College

This proposed rural community sustainability research program at the Rural Development Institute (RDI) aims to collectively address and support rural issues through research. The main themes surround sustainable economic development and diversification, climate resiliency, environmental protection, and sustainable community indicators for development and prosperity. Economic development and diversification will entail collaboration between different scales of human organization and stakeholders concerning economic projections, and models to help combat future rural community issues. In addition, applied rural climate adaptation and response may include smaller projects that define community-based strategies, expectations, and required supports in adapting to climate change. Throughout all of these themes, the need for a collective approach and collaborative research in the rural region of the Columbia Basin can be identified. The aim of this research initiative is to create a research program that provides the tools, skills, individuals, and resources required to support these themes for sustainable local communities.

The design and fabrication of a novel pediatric bileaflet mechanical heart valve

To treat infant and toddler patients, a range of over-sized valves are currently used to replace their malfunctioning heart valves. It is well understood that larger valves are not appropriate given the smaller size of children’s hearts, leading to surgical complications and patient prosthesis mismatch. Here we proposed a unique design of our MHV that its performance would be ideal for small applications (<15mm) compared to currently available solutions.

Automated Diagnostic System for Remote Monitoring of a Concrete Dam

Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) has tremendous potential to detect incipient structural failures in various components, e.g., onset of fatigue damage, corrosion, spalling and delamination in the structures during their service life, so that preventive actions can be employed in a timely manner. St. Clair Region Conservation Authority (SCRCA) has felt immediate need for real-time monitoring of W. Darcy McKeough Floodway, one of the flood control dams that has been subjected to fluctuating operational conditions, adverse weather and climate change over many years. The dam is consisted of an earth fill embankment, concrete control structure housing two sluice gates and a diversion channel. Real-time detailed monitoring of the embankment, sluice gates and diversion channel is of paramount importance to avoid water seepage and future flooding issues. Main objective of this project is to develop automated diagnostic system for remote inspection of the concrete dam by harnessing machine learning techniques.

Probiotics Counteract Gut Microbial Dysbiosis and Long-Term Neural degeneration in Male and Female CD1

Women are disproportionately affected by neuro-degenerative disorders compared to men. For years, research has attempted to identify why this phenomenon occurs. The answer may be found in the gut. The intestinal tract contains millions of bacteria that are colonized from birth; These bacteria are essential for keeping the brain and immune system healthy. Changes in the proportions of bacterial species during critical periods of development can have lasting impacts on neuro-inflammation and degradation. Our research delves into understanding how the microbiome impacts the development of neuro-degenerative disorders in women, and if these impacts can be negated through alternative treatments, such as probiotics. This research will provide the medical community with proactive alternative treatments, as well as expand upon the current knowledge of the capacity of probiotics (such as Lallemand Health Solutions, Inc.’s Lacidofil and Probio’stick) to positively influence healthy aging.

Teneurs en métaux dans les liquides de cigarettes électroniques et détermination de leur potentiel oxydatif

Les laboratoires Vaporus, une compagnie québécoise reconnue dans le marché des e-liquides et détentrice d’une certification ISO 9001 :2015, possède un strict contrôle de qualité sur les e-liquides qu’elle fabrique et commercialise. Cependant, la compagnie n’a aucun contrôle sur la fabrication des cigarettes électroniques qui se trouvent sur le marché et voudrait savoir si les atomiseurs de ces dernieres affectent la qualité des e-liquides. Afin de préserver la qualité de ses produits et d’évaluer les effets potentiels sur la santé des consommateurs, le projet a comme principaux objectifs: (1) évaluer les teneurs en métaux des e-liquides disponibles sur le marché québécois (2) évaluer le relargage des métaux vers les e-liquides à partir des éléments chauffants couramment utilisés dans les cigarettes électroniques (3) quantifier le stress oxydatif qui pourrait être induit par les métaux relargués dans les e-liquides, (4) analyser l’exposition aux métaux contenus dans les e-liquides par inhalation et discuter de leurs effets potentiels sur la santé et enfin (5) proposer des améliorations pour le choix des éléments chauffants de manière à réduire le relargage des métaux et les risques sur la santé des utilisateurs.

Arsenic release from arsenic-bearing minerals

When waste rocks generated by mining activities are exposed to the air and water, various toxic elements may be released to receiving waters and soils. Arsenic (As) is known as one of the most toxic pollutants which can cause damage to the environment and human health. To implement effective source control, it is essential to identify key factors that control the leaching process. The main objective of this research is to determine the rate-controlling steps in the release of toxic elements, with the initial focus on arsenic release. Leaching experiments will be performed to obtain the release stoichiometry.

Analytics on 5G – Topology through PM correlation

As the 5G Network will be capable of being reconfigured and optimized on-the-fly, they will also be more automated, requiring less manual effort to provision resources and make the most efficient use of bandwidth. The Ciena Analytics as a Service is a suite of tools to assist network operator in pro-active discovery on their network operations. This project will look at integrating new advanced intrepretable Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning techniques to tackle different challenging networking tasks (e.g. traffic prediction, anomaly detection, topology discovery, etc.). All layers of the ENCQOR Network will be looked at over the 2 year program.

Simulation-Enabled Intelligent Decision Support for Planning Precast Concrete Production Operations

Advances in engineering technology and requirements for sustainable development are main drivers for changes and innovations in the current construction industry. The paradigm shift to precast construction moves conventional field construction efforts into the controlled environment of an offsite manufacturing facility. These precast concrete products lend a significant advantage in execution of fast-paced construction projects, making construction schedules better organized, shorter, and less susceptible to environmental factors, while substantially reducing the number of skilled craft workers onsite and improving quality and safety performances. Despite all the advantages of offsite construction, planning and scheduling operations at precast production facilities still present distinctive challenges due to bespoke engineering design, variations in ingredient materials, concurrent execution of multiple projects, and finite limits of skilled trades and space available in a production plant. Thus, a well-formulated production plan for a precast operation plant is vital to deliver made-to-order structural components on site by respective deadlines while keeping production costs within budget limits. This research project is to adapt new planning and scheduling methodologies resulting from latest research and deliver practically feasible solutions with respect to achieving integrated project delivery in a typical precast concrete plant.

Prise en compte des savoirs autochtones dans l’aménagement durable des paysages boréaux (partie 2)

L’aménagement du territoire en zone boréale pose des défis environnementaux importants. Le maintien de la conservation d’écosystèmes sains et résilients dans un contexte d’aménagement de la forêt pour des fins commerciales requiert un effort de coordination entre les parties-prenantes de la gestion du territoire. Les compagnies forestières qui planifient l’aménagement du territoire, les communautés autochtones, dont l’approvisionnement, la culture et l’identité sont rattachés de près au territoire, et les chercheurs scientifiques qui colligent des données sur l’état des écosystèmes doivent travailler ensemble pour trouver des solutions satisfaisantes et durables à des enjeux sensibles. Le projet propose une collaboration entre les chercheurs de l’Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue, l’entreprise RYAM Gestion forestière et la Première Nation Abitibiwinni. L’objectif est de faire un inventaire des savoirs autochtones sur le caribou forestier afin qu’ils soient mis à contribution dans son plan de gestion. Un tel partenariat est une rare occasion de collaboration entre l’industrie forestière, les communautés autochtones et l’Université. Les résultats attendus trouveront une légitimité à la fois dans les univers de l’entreprise privée, des savoirs traditionnels autochtones et de la recherche scientifique.