Innovative Projects Realized

Majorana fermions in Josephson Junction

It has been theoretically demonstrated that Majorana fermions in superconducting system obey non-Abelian statistics, which is the most promising platform for topological quantum computing. The success in this search might ultimately prove essential to overcoming one of the grand challenges in the field—the synthesis of a scalable quantum computer.In this project, we aim to generate Majorana Fermions at the interface between a topological insulator and a superconductor. First, we will create bijunctions and realize phase control in Josephson Junction. The outcome of his step is to observe Fraunhofer diffraction in transportation measurement (current vs voltage measurement) . Second, we will create Y-shape trijunctions and vitrify the existence of Majorana fermions at the joints. The Majorana bound state will reveal itself as a zero-energy excitation on the tunneling spectrum, and it can be annihilated with modulating the phase selections. TO BE CONT’D

Neural oscillations underlying perceptual grouping in the auditory domain

Recent neurophysiological studies using the so-called frequency tagging methodology have shown that the human brain is able to track the grammatical structure of spoken sentences even if low-level acoustic (intonational) cues marking phrase boundaries are removed from the speech signal. These results opened a window towards naturalistic investigation of grammar processing and learning. However, currently it remains unclear to which extent the findings in the original studies have been influenced by the processing of covert (i.e., imagined by participants) intonation. Testing the relative role of intonational and grammatical processing on the neurophysiological correlates of sentence processing in frequency tagging experiments is the main aim of the present project. We have collected data from over 40 healthy adults. Having confirmed the prominent role of intonational processing in frequency tagging sentence processing studies, we now are performing advanced statistical analyses to develop a reliable algorithm for testing language learning in naturalistic settings.

Analyse structurale prédictive des pegmatites aurifères, projet Cheechoo, Baie James

Un nouveau gisement d’or est en cours de découverte à Cheechoo, à la Baie James. Il s’agit de filons à caractère magmatique, des pegmatites, enrichies en or, le tout encaissé dans une lame de granite. Le projet vise à déterminer d’abord les différents types de filons, puis, pour chaque famille, de mesurer la distribution spatiale de ces filons. On utilise pour cela des mesures systématiques de la largeur des filons et de leurs écartements. On dispose ensuite de modèles mécanique et géo-mathématiques qui permettent de modéliser la distribution. On peut en extraire des éléments sur la genèse de la minéralisation, et on peut calculer un potentiel en or. Le projet de recherche permettra de mieux connaître ce nouveau style de minéralisation, d’aider la compagnie à orienter son exploration et l’éventuelle mode de production.

Contrôle de la croissance des arbres en milieu urbain et péri-urbain

Le contrôle de la croissance des arbres est une activité très importante pour Hydro-Québec puisqu’il assure la qualité et l’efficience de son réseau de distribution d’électricité. Ce projet de recherche vise à (1) améliorer nos connaissances sur les mécanismes de base régissant la croissance des arbres, (2) développer de nouvelles techniques et approches pour émonder et élaguer la couronne des arbres, (3) développer de nouveaux indicateurs de probabilité de bris de branches ou chute d’arbres, (4) mettre au point un modèle interactif en 3D de croissance des arbres qui nous permet de simuler toutes sortes de conditions de croissance et d’émondage afin de tester nos hypothèses et faciliter les travaux sur le terrain, (5) mettre au point un modèle de prédiction de la croissance des arbres en fonction de paramètres biophysiques à l’échelle du Québec, TO BE CONT’D

Leaching of chemical elements from Canadian Natural Oceanic Clay

This objective of this research is to investigate the properties of Oceanic Natural Oceanic Clay harvested by the Iron wood Clay Company in British Columbia, Canada. When the clay is applied to the skin, various cations and positively charged impurities on the skin can be removed by ion exchange mechanism. However, the clay materials can be both collectors and donors. It is likely that various elements are leached out from the clay material surfaces under different conditions that may interact with skin surfaces and cause irritation. For the subsequent fully understanding of the interactions of the clay with skin surfaces, it is critical to firstly assess what elements can be leached out and under what conditions they can be leached out, which is the focus of the current study.

CRISPR-Cas9-based screening and engineering of novel biologics to target the vulnerabilities of primary and recurrent glioblastoma

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary adult brain tumor. Even with surgery, standard chemotherapy, and radiation, tumor recurrence and patient relapse are inevitable with a median survival rate of <15 months. The overall goal of this proposal is to identify new targets for treatment by using cutting edge CRISPR technology to screen for molecular interactions in GBM. Identification of new therapeutic targets that drive GBM that is resistant to current treatment will allow us to continue our work toward developing novel immunotherapies that harness the immune system and target specific cell surface receptors on GBM cells. Our ultimate goal is to undertake preclinical evaluation of novel potential therapeutic antibodies using our unique animal model of human GBM recurrence. Promising lead targets and novel therapeutics will be translated into early clinical development at the partner organization, CCAB, and its network of industry partners and start up companies with the hope of generating novel targeted therapies to GBM

Contribution of Achilles tendon mechanics to torque steadiness of the intact limb of unilateral lower-limb amputees

Torque steadiness (TS) is the ability to maintain torque around a given target torque level and is representative of functional movement control. In unilateral lower-limb amputees, plantarflexor TS is reduced. The Achilles tendon plays a critical role in the required transfer of torque from muscle to bone to maintain TS. To-date, no study has investigated how Achilles tendon properties are altered in the intact limb of amputees who adopt a hopping or swing-style gait, and how tendon mechanics contribute to plantarflexor TS in this population. Thirty unilateral amputees and fifteen non-amputee controls will perform plantarflexion contractions while the Achilles tendon is recorded on ultrasound. It is hypothesized that tendon stiffness will be higher in amputees with hopping gait, reducing torque fluctuations and increasing TS compared to controls and amputees with swing-style gait. This study will help understand how tendon properties are altered in amputees and contribute to reduced control of movement.

Improvement of fluorescent bead detection and classification algorithms for CD4 cell counting in portable flow cytometers

This research project focuses on the development of software for a device that can diagnose HIV and monitor its severity by taking a small sample of the patient’s blood. The software will count the number of immune cells present in the sample by taking images of the patient’s blood as it flows through the device. It will then report the cell count to the medical professional who will be able to make a diagnosis.
This project will ease the process of HIV diagnostics, and make HIV testing more accessible in general. This could greatly improve outcomes for patients in developing countries, where access to healthcare is sub-par and the need for accessible medical equipment is growing.

Exposure to Multiple Pesticides and Risk of Multiple Myeloma in Canadian Men

Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common hematological cancer in Canada, affecting

an estimated 2,300 people in 2011. Farm work is most consistently associated with an increased

risk of MM. Occupational exposure to pesticides has been linked to increased MM risk in

Canadian and European studies. Previous investigations mostly focused on individual pesticide

exposures, however, the effects of the use of multiple pesticides and different combinations of

specific pesticides have not been explored. The objective of this analysis is to examine the impact

of the use of multiple pesticides on MM risk. In addition to evaluating specific pesticide

combinations, an analysis will be carried out to examine the association between the total number

of pesticides used and MM risk. Multiple pesticide exposures more accurately capture how

pesticides are used in agriculture, therefore this analysis will contribute to our understanding of

the role that agricultural exposures and other factors play in the development of MM. Examining

common pesticide combinations and identifying……

Cryptocurrency Index Research

Cryptocurrency markets exhibit highly chaotic behaviour, differing substantially from securities. This research project looks at the cryptocurrency markets for data–aiming to answer if it possible to create mathematical models which track the overall behaviour of the Cryptocurrency Market, while minimizing risks. Through this research we expect to reconcile the theory developed above with the real life cryptocurrency exchanges and coins. We thus intend to go back and forth with the theoretical work developed above, and real-life cryptocurrency data so as to shine some light on interesting further sub-models to create. We finally wish to conclude with a real-time proof of concept for the variety of the indexing questions we are able to solve for by implementing these indices and having them run/update automatically. This project will be significant in its applications in Finance and Economics, serving to decipher many confusing signals ubiquitous in the Cryptocurrency markets via mathematical rigor.

Rotator cuff tears: a covert source of shoulder disability (Prognostic value of patient’s demographic, clinical and genetic factors)

This study aims to develop a scoring system to screen the sub-clinical forms of rotator cuff tears and predict the tear progression. All the medical, genetic, work, and lifestyle backgrounds of individuals with rotator cuff defects (with and without symptoms) will be evaluated and a battery of manual tests and measurements will be performed to understand the predisposing risk factors for both sub-clinical and clinical manifestations. This scoring system can help health professionals to diagnose rotator cuff tears in their early stages, recognize at-risk individuals for symptom progression and implement personalized preventive strategies. As rotator cuff tears are very common in elderly, the population of Schlegel villages has been targeted for recruiting individuals with asymptomatic rotator cuff tears. With collaboration of Holland Shoulder Program in Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center, symptomatic patients with proven rotator cuff tear will also be included in this research. TO BE CONT’D

International Farm Workers in Essex County: Belonging and Socially Inclusive Rural Communities

While agricultural migrant workers provide much needed labour in Canadian agriculture, they feel alienated from the host society. Their alienation and exclusion is related in part to the working and living conditions migrants experience in Canada. In addition, we propose to study how such factors as the architectural designs of the towns where migrant workers reside; availability of spaces for social activities; opportunities for intercultural encounters; cultural awareness and sensitivity among the host population, presence of community organizations and settlement agencies; social networks, and the presence of the infrastructure of ethnic businesses, shape their inclusion and exclusion. Based on a a multi-method qualitative and community-based research methodology, the study will focus on belonging among migrant workers in two rural communities in Essex county: Leamington and Kingsville.