Innovative Projects Realized

Requirements for emulating inertia with voltage-source converters

The research in this proposal examines the growing concern of frequency swings in modern power systems. With the increasing penetration of generation from renewable resources, the share of conventional modes of generation will be diluted and as a result the system’s natural ability to maintain its frequency is diminished. Advanced converter systems may be able to help; however, their ability to do so is limited by several factors such as converter topology and device ratings, among other things. The objective of this research is to quantify these limitations using mathematical modeling and detailed computer simulations, and prepare for development of advanced mitigating solutions.

Prédiction de maladies génétiques à partir des forêts aléatoires et régressions logistiques

Le projet consistera a développer des modèles prédictifs utilisant les données de tests médicaux de patients. Quatre algorithmes en utilisant les méthodes de régression logistique et de forêt aléatoire seront utilisés prédire le diabète, l’hémoglobinopathies, le beta thalassémie, le niveau élevé de LDL-C. Les algorithmes permettront de classer divers résultats et d’en déduire un recommandation textuelle transmise au médecin. En cas de besoin, le patient sera encouragé à passer des tests médicaux supplémentaires pour valider l’hypothèse du modèle.
Le défi de recherche sera centré sur l’analyse exploratoire d’un vaste jeu données afin de sélectionner les variables explicatives pertinentes. De plus, les modèles proposés devront limiter les faux positifs afin de limiter des recommandations inutiles, tout en maximisant la sensitivité afin de justifier leur mise en production. Évidemment, ces outils pourront ultimement donner plus d’information au patient, sans pour autant augmenter leur nombre de tests.

Development and application of molecular tools to assess the acute and chronic impacts of petroleum hydrocarbons on birds

The Northern Gateway Pipeline and similar projects propose to transport oil from Alberta to tidewater terminals in British Columbia and eastern Canada. Accidental release of petroleum distillates and related by-products would have consequences on the marine ecosystem. To evaluate spill implications for seabirds, we propose to develop and apply molecular tools to assess toxicological and health endpoints in selected seabird monitoring species, using a combination of laboratory and field research. This study will inform regulators about baseline molecular responses in seabirds to current levels of petroleum hydrocarbons in proposed shipping channels and to those anticipated in the unlikelihood of a spill. Results from this study will provide insight into the toxicology of oil in seabirds, will advance our ability to evaluate a change in the health of seabirds due to a spill and will enable our partner organization as they conduct risk assessments for proposed oil transportation.

Defining and Improving Accuracy, Precision, and Minimum Detection Levels, of Truck-based Gas Leak Surveys

Canada has set a goal to reduce methane emissions in the upstream oil and gas sector by 45%. An updated regulation, proposed to implement on January 1st, 2020, will require triannual leak inspections of upstream infrastructure. Traditional leak inspection methods have a high cost per inspection and require unfeasible man-hours in the field. Alternative LDAR method Emissions Attribution via Computational Techniques (ExACT), is a currently accepted truck-based leak inspection technology that can inspect hundreds of pieces of infrastructure daily, over large areas. The objective of this research is to improve the accuracy, precision, and minimum detection levels of the ExACT leak inspection technology. Improving these metrics will solidify ExACT as a leading LDAR alternative and provide industry with a realistic LDAR tool to implement their emissions reduction plan. This research will combine existing real-world data, controlled experiments, and computational analysis to verify current ExACT parameters and develop opportunities within ExACT to improve product quality and efficiency. Improving the quality and efficiency of inspection technologies like ExACT will bring Canada closer to a feasible methane emissions reduction plan and allow industry to lead the way.

An investigation into the motivations of individuals who volunteer and work at charitable and not-for-profit organizations

The goals of this research proposal, therefore, are to: 1) conduct a publishable review of the psychological literature to further understand the motivations of the unique group of individuals who choose to volunteer or work with charitable or not-for-profit organizations; and 2) develop an employee survey that will provide further insight into the motivations of this group of individuals. Taken together, these two products will provide a solid foundation for other human resources documents and practices at charitable and not-for-profit organizations. These documents will also help leaders and human resource practitioners better understand, manage and motivate their volunteers and workers.

Predicting Scleral Lens Rotation Based on Corneoscleral Toricity

Patients with corneal disease often require treatment with scleral lenses. Unlike regular soft contact lenses, these lenses are much larger and have a space between the cornea and the lens that is filled with fluid before lens application. These lenses are extremely useful in cases of extremely ocular dryness and in patients with irregular corneas. Adjusting these lenses to perfectly mold the surface of the eye is of the utmost importance to ensure that the patient is comfortable and sees well with their lenses. Current techniques to adjust scleral lenses involve a “trial and error” fitting technique, which takes a lot of chair time for both the patient and the practitioner. This study aims to evaluate the ways to fit lenses empirically using two topographers, instruments that provide information on the shape of the eye, ultimately improving lens fittings for practitioners, patients and contact lens manufacturers.

Electro-bioreactor (EBR) upgrading for high ammonium removal

The objective of this project is to build up an electro-biological system of high potential capacity for the removal of ammonium and phosphorus. Conventional biological treatment methods have limited capacity for removal of ammonia at higher concentrations. However, anammox bacteria have a high capacity to remove ammonium. The electro-biological treatment aims to enhance this capacity by electrically activating anammox bacteria on a fixed media. The work of the intern will be dedicated to study the feasibility of scaling up the compact electro-bioreactor so that the partner organization can use it for commercial applications, particularly where high ammonium concentration is a problem in treated wastewater. Works related to this project will be conducted partially in Environmental Lab and partially at the pilot facilities.

Atlas-based Attenuation Correction for PET/MRI

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) images need correction for the loss of photons. This

loss, or attenuation, is due to interactions with patient tissues. Corrections are currently done

with X-ray Computed Tomography (CT), however we are proposing a method whereby

Magnetic Resonance Images (MRI) are used. This will be done by creating an attenuation

map (?-map). The construction of ?-maps can be divided into two categories, patient specific

?-maps by MRI segmentation, and registration of a predefined atlas to an MRI. Challenges

with the former include object truncation, and reliance upon heuristics to transform an MRI

into a u-map. The latter technique can overcome these challenges, but relies upon the

selection of an atlas that is adaptable to a patient population. We will evaluate three

strategies for constructing an atlas suitable for whole-body PET/MRI. We will then compare

the performance of these methods with MRI segmentation-based and the gold-standard CTbased

methods.

Postprandial zinc isotope effect in human serum

Geologists are accustomed to studying geological processes, often using our knowledge of physics, chemistry, and biology to locate mineral deposits. However, a sub-discipline within geology, isotope geochemistry, is able to apply its expertise to not only locating mineral deposits, but also solving a wide variety of other problems, ranging from detecting doping in sport to diagnosing breast cancer. We do this by studying changes in the distribution of elements and their isotopes that occur due to different physical or chemical processes.

Blood zinc concentrations fall by 15% after eating, but gradually return to normal if no meals are consumed over the following 4-5 hours. This study will determine whether a fasting period is required before drawing blood in studies involving the measurement of Zn isotopes in blood. This research will help ensure the best representative sample is taken in future studies investigating the potential of Zn isotopes to detect diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

Avantage comparatif, libéralisation commerciale de la Chine et émissions de CO2 : Cas du commerce Chine-Afrique

La libéralisation commerciale (réduction des droits de douane) de la Chine, en augmentant les échanges commerciaux entre elle et ses partenaires, a eu certainement un effet sur les émissions de CO2 mondiales. Les échanges sont guidés par les avantages comparatifs. Premièrement, la Chine peut exporter plus de produits les moins polluants parce qu’elle dispose de la main-d’œuvre à moindre coût, facteur le plus demandé dans la production de ces produits. Ainsi, la Chine dispose d’un avantage comparatif traditionnel dans les produits les moins polluants. Deuxièmement, comme la Chine à moins de contraintes de réductions de la pollution, elle devrait exporter plus de produits polluants à la demande des pays ayant des objectifs contraignants de réductions de la pollution. Ainsi, la Chine dispose d’un avantage comparatif environnemental dans les produits polluants. Par conséquent, ce projet analyse la relation entre la libéralisation commerciale et l’impact des exportations chinoises sur les émissions de CO2 mondiales, en considérant l’importance des avantages comparatifs des pays. L’étude se focalisera spécialement sur la relation commerciale entre la Chine et les pays africains.

Metabolic and biochemical characterization of terpenoid profiles in the high-value plants hop (Humulus lupulus), tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), and cannabis (Cannabis sativa)

Despite advances in biotechnology and organic synthesis, plants remain the main source of many of high-value bioactive compounds used in the medical, fragrance and food industries. Increasing demand for bioactive plants (e.g., cannabis and extracts thereof) require robust authentication approaches to verify feedstock, identify product adulteration and ensure product safety for consumers. This research aims to develop such robust testing methods for a wide range of high-value plant materials and related products including tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) oil and hops (Humulus lupulus), as well as cannabis (Cannabis sativa) and edible cannabis products. Our work will focus on terpenoids with conventional and enantiomeric profiling approaches, as enantiomeric terpenoids may exert distinct biological effects separate from and/or in combination with other compounds. We will use state-of-the-art gas chromatography-mass spectrometry coupled with various sampling methods (e.g., high-temperature headspace and vacuum-assisted sample extraction) for phytochemical profiling of commercial hops, tea tree essential oils, and cannabis varieties with a focus on mono- and sesqui-terpenes. High-throughput comparative genomics/transcriptomics, biochemical characterization and synthetic biology will follow to elucidate the biochemical pathways behind any distinct terpene enantiomer profiles, and potentially produce these valuable stereoisomers on scales appropriate for further research and development.

Health care delivery readiness for non-communicable diseases in areas of humanitarian crisis

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of death around the world. Most of these deaths take place in low-and-middle income countries (LMICs). In the event of a humanitarian emergency, people are often forced to flee their homes. These emergencies can last over a long-duration with people needing aid and assistance. When individuals with NCDs are forcibly displaced from their homes, it becomes difficult for them to access the resources they need to manage their condition. This project will look at how prepared LMICs are to deal with NCDs in crisis situations. It will identify what is needed to ensure the continuity of care, what guidelines are already present, and what the ethical issues are in providing such care. This will lead to a more informed approach to managing NCDs in the event of a humanitarian emergency.