Innovative Projects Realized

Traceability of IoT Data using Blockchain-Based Distributed Ledger Technologies for the Energy Sector

In this project, we propose the use of blockchains to provide reliability, security, and transparency for collecting and querying IoT data in the energy sector. In particular, we will implement and evaluate our blockchain solution for enabling transactions in local energy markets, where homeowners have the capacity to generate energy (through renewables), stock energy (through electrical vehicle batteries), and consume energy. We will investigate various energy-related use cases and assess their relevance for Hydro-Quebec, as well as determine the added value of using a blockchain solution. We will then build a prototype, using open source blockchain software, to realize a studied use case using smart contracts. Finally, we will evaluate our prototype using a combination of public and cloud networks, in order to assess the challenge gaps surrounding the current systems, and further identify further research opportunities to improve the applicability and reliability of blockchain technology.

Examining Water Quality Parameter Testing Processes at Ontario Public Pools and Spas: Opportunities and Barriers

This research project aims to explore the experiences of public pool and spa staff in meeting the regulatory requirements for water parameter testing and understand user behaviours, needs, and attitudes towards pool and spa water testing equipment. Two groups of interest are Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) who are mandated to conduct inspections at public pools and spas and public pool and spa staff. The regulatory changes made in 2018 require pool and spa operators to test water chemistry parameters on a more frequent basis. Knowledge and user comfort when utilizing the water testing equipment are vital in maintaining the pool and spa in a sanitary manner. The research project utilizes a mixed-methods approach using surveys and focus group discussions with PHIs and pool and spa staff in southwestern Ontario.

Steroid biosynthesis in benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH): Effectof Degarelix and relationship to cell growth

Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH) is a progressive condition in the aging male characterized

by increased abnormal prostate growth leading to lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). BPH affects

from 25% of men in their fifties to over 50% of men over 80 years. While surgical intervention

remains the main treatment of BPH, it poses the risk of serious side effects. New compounds under

investigation for BPH treatment include GnRH antagonists used for the treatment of prostate cancer

(PCa). These drugs at low doses induce a transient and moderate reduction of testosterone (T) levels

resulting in reduced LUTS. The studies proposed will elucidate the potential mechanism of action for

this class of drugs as well as critical differences in metabolism between BPH and PCa. The GnRH

antagonist Degarelix developed by the sponsor Ferring has been approved for use in prostate cancer

though a lot of mechanistic effects are to be elucidated. Currently, alternative usage of this drug is…tobecontinued

Preclinical development of monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of AL cardiac amyloidosis

Amyloid cardiomyopathy is an under-recognized cause of heart failure and is caused by normal proteins in the bloodstream going bad (known as amyloid) and accumulating in the heart. This accumulation of amyloid in the heart tissue causes the wall of the heart to become rigid and ineffective at pumping blood to the rest of the body, causing heart failure. We are studying a form of amyloid cardiomyopathy called immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis, caused by the accumulation of light chain proteins. AL amyloidosis can also affect organs other than the heart and cause life-threatening multi-organ failure. We have designed a drug to potentially treat AL amyloidosis. The drug works by tagging these amyloid and harness the power of the immune system to recruit the body’s own immune cells to clear these amyloid from the organs, restoring organ function. This project involves screening our drugs for safety and effectiveness in mice. as well as drug characterization before it can be used in humans.

Probiotics to prevent the Progression of Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis to Cirrhosis

As a result of increasing obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is now the most common chronic liver disease. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the pathogenic form of NAFLD and can progress to cirrhosis and need for liver transplantation. There is currently no Health Canada-approved therapy for the treatment of NASH. The intestinal microbiome has been shown to contribute to the development of NASH. This project aims to understand the impact of alterations in the intestinal microbiome on the development and progression of NASH development, and how probiotics (Lacidofil, Lallemand health solutions Inc.) can inhibit progression to significant scarring of the liver. These results will help to expand the current knowledge on probiotics as a preventive and therapeutic option for NASH.

Applying design thinking to urban planning: A case study of the Red Deer environmental master planning process

Cities are facing amplified change and uncertainty. As a result, the contemporary urban planner is confronted with increasingly complex problems, which shape the need for planning approaches that are adaptable, participatory and responsive. This project will explore the opportunities for improving and expediting planning processes through a design thinking approach. Design thinking is a solution-oriented and human-centred approach used by designers to address complex problems. This mindset holds great potential to expedite the planning process and assist policymakers to create strategies and services that help solve complex problems and enhance public value. This research would help Intelligent Futures refine and update its processes, based on rigorous research and prototyped experiences, which would in turn allow us to further innovate to enhance its impact in communities.

Radar Signal Processing and Machine Learning Methods for Human Activityand Fall Event Detection

Monitoring human activity and fall events is the cornerstone of medical applications. The rising costs of healthcare
and the aging of the population are factors that influence researches in the medical industry, mainly for the
development of assisted living and smart home. Several technologies have been proposed in the literature for
monitoring people and health care. Recently, radar technology for human activity monitoring, fall event and
presence detection is essential need of a patient, and this technology has attracted a lot of attention. With the
radar signal processing, it is also possible to send a rapid emergency alarm in the case of falls of people, and
medical emergency situations. The advancements in field of signal processing, machine learning and deep
learning have led to an evolution of new era for radar in field of medical applications, and the development of new
technological concepts which can alleviate these important health problems. In this context, our future work will
focus on the identification of gaps in existing systems, the analysis and optimization of reliable assistive devices,
for optimal detection of activity monitoring, movements, and falls of people.

Étude des états limites en pression des pompes centrifuges Technojet multistage

Les pompes centrifuges multiétages sont des équipements sous pression travaillant sous des conditions sévères où le débit et la pression de fluides varient d’une façon cyclique. Le fluide est aspiré au niveau du premier étage à une faible pression et est refoulé à haute pression au dernier étage à travers la section dite de décharge. Cette pression varie selon la grandeur de la pompe, le nombre des étages et la hauteur manométrique désirée. Pour assurer un fonctionnement fiable et un rendement acceptable, ces pompes doivent se conformer à des normes d’utilisation strictes. Ces normes fixent les pressions admissibles, les modes d’inspections et les règles de santé et sécurité. Le présent projet porte sur l’étude des pressions limites permises de 4 modèles de pompes centrifuges de type Technojet de l’entreprise Technosub.

Impedimetric Sensor for Detection of ?9 -Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

Although cannabis was legalized in Canada for recreational use in October 2018, there remains no effective method to determine roadside cannabis impairment. The state of the art device for detecting cannabis use roadside is saliva-based which has several flaws, including the fact that THC remains in saliva up to 72 hours after intake. In this project, a sensor will be developed to detect THC in breath, where the compound is present only up to 5 hours after consumption. The intern will research the effect of electrode geometry and fabrication process on the sensitivity of the device, and complete device repeatability tests. This knowledge will be critical for SannTek’s development of an effective device. The device will be marketed to law enforcement officials for roadside testing and employers for workplace testing, providing tangible public safety benefits to all Canadians.

Stability and antioxidant properties of pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products

Nutraceuticals are being used ubiquitously, but seldom undergo rigorous testing. This study is focused on two primary aspects of studying natural health products, specific cannabis and its oils. The first objective is to determine the shelf life (product stability) by performing a series of tests to accelerate the ageing process in order to provide an estimation of shelf life. Currently, cannabis oils have arbitrary assignments of expiry dates, if at all. The other key focus involves studying the antioxidant benefits (or pro-oxidant detriment) imparted by cannabis products. Lastly, studies on white blood cells (leukocytes) will be carried out to determine if there are any detrimental or beneficial effects of cannabis products on these critical immune cells.

Maximizing Plant Production using Light Emitting Diode Arrays

This proposal is for the development and optimization of light emitting diodes (LEDs) for plant

growth. The development of LEDs over the complete range (and beyond) of photosynthetically active

radiation (PAR: 400 – 700nm) now allows focused research into the effect of wavelength on specific

plant responses. The LEDs produce light in a narrow spectrum (+/- 10nm) at intensities approaching

full sunlight. This project consists of characterizing LED arrays developed by our organization

sponsor and other sources to determine the arrays light intensity, spectral quality, energy usage, and

lifespan which will be used to optimize the design of future LED systems. These arrays will be used to

grow plants under both greenhouse and growth chamber conditions (primary lighting and intercanopy

lighting) to maximize production. LEDs have the potential to maximum plant production with reduced

energy costs over existing lighting systems…

Wind Field Estimation, Exploitation and Guidance for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have become increasingly used in the fields of data collection, surveillance, and search and rescue missions. For many UAVs, knowledge of the instantaneous wind speed and direction and overall wind field are of interest, as this knowledge can help better control the position and orientation of the UAV in heavy wind. In addition, knowledge of the wind field can be used to prolong flight times and improve the efficiency of flight of the UAV, by planning paths for the UAV to follow that exploit the wind and harvest energy from it. The proposed research deals with the estimation of the instantaneous wind speed and direction and overall wind field, and the use of these estimates to design guidance laws for the UAV that mitigate the effects of wind. In addition, the proposed research deals with improving energy-efficient path planning algorithms to lead to improved flight performance.