Innovative Projects Realized

Détection par voie optique de cellules immobilisées par diélectrophorèse

L’objectif de ce projet est de développer une biopuce capable de détecter et quantifier des cellules dans un échantillon liquide.
Son ambition est d’améliorer la limite de détection et la facilité d’utilisation actuelle des biopuces en amenant les cellules cibles jusqu’à la partie sensible du capteur, sans marquage préalable. L’effet utilisé pour concentrer les cellules autour du détecteur est la diélectrophorèse (DEP). La DEP permet de déplacer des cellules sans contact grâce à un champ électrique produit par une matrice d’électrodes. Ces mêmes électrodes serviront de détecteur optique par SPR (Surface Plasmon Résonance). En effet, en contact avec l’électrode, les cellules modifient localement son indice de réfraction, ce qui se traduit par une modification de l’angle de résonance plasmon mesurable par imagerie optique. Une application possible de ce biocapteur est la détection précoce de cancer par biopsie liquide et détection des CTC (cancerous tumoral cells).

Elastocapillarity: interactions between droplets and thin fibers

It is well known that fluids can be drawn along a small fibre with a conical shape. This strategy is used in nature, for example the beaks of some birds, the spines on cacti, and the needles on some carnivorous trees, are shaped so that water can be efficiently transported. Our hope is that the same strategy may be used in fog harvesting in arid coastal regions and as a microfluidic platform. We will start by focussing on a related system that we propose to study: a polymer droplet on a small flexible conical. In such a case, it the change in the curvature along the taper of the cone drives flow. Using liquids that wet or dewet on such elastic tapered fibers will enable a deeper understanding of the role of curvature in the transportation of droplets. TO BE CONT’D

Vers l’alimentation de précision en production porcine: première étape de modélisation des apports optimaux de phosphore et calcium chez le porc en croissance

Les préoccupations environnementales et les législations sur la production porcine ont exercé une énorme pression pour réduire l’excrétion de certains nutriments, en particulier le phosphore (P). Les scientifiques doivent relever le défi de faire un régime approprié en P et calcium (Ca) pour maximiser les performances et la santé de l’animal tout en assurant l’acceptabilité environnementale et sociale et la rentabilité de la production. Pour nourrir les porcs en fonction de leurs besoins, il est d’abord nécessaire de définir les besoins de l’animal à nourrir. Cependant, les animaux d’un troupeau diffèrent les uns des autres et peuvent donc avoir des besoins nutritionnels différents. De telles variations ne sont pas prises en compte dans les systèmes d’alimentation en phase conventionnels, de sorte que les nutriments sont fournis à des niveaux qui dépassent largement les besoins d’une grande partie du troupeau. TO BE CONT’D

Development of an advanced ice dynamics and deterioration model and a DEM flexural ice failure model

Offshore Newfoundland is an ice-prone environment which holds valuable natural resources. Better understanding of the ice environment and ice characteristics in this region is essential for safe and economical offshore activities. In this proposed research, we aim to develop advanced models that provide a deeper understanding of some aspects of ice dynamics and deterioration and ice mechanics to make improved predictions of ice behavior.
The first model aims to evaluate the relative contribution of sea ice forcing to the overall drift of four ice island fragments tracked offshore Newfoundland in the Strait of Belle Isle.
The second model is a discrete element model (DEM) that intends to provide a better understanding of flexural strength of solid ice, rubble ice and ice ridges.

Recycling of Laminated Particleboard

This research will focus on the development of recycling solutions for laminated particleboard after services. To effectively recycle the wood particles from the used particleboard as suitable raw material, it needs to remove the cured adhesives from particleboard, usually urea-formaldehyde (UF) resins. It is well known that cured UF resins are susceptible to hydrolysis so the decomposing particleboard panels will allow to recover particles. In the current research proposal, we are aiming to recycle particleboard via a thermohydrolytic treatment (treated with steam, pressure, and heat), and use the recovered particles as raw materials to manufacture particleboard panels. Several physical and chemical properties of recycled particles will be investigated to evaluate its quality in comparison with the virgin particles. Furthermore, the effect of the weight ratio of recycled and virgin particles on the mechanical properties of particleboard panels will be also evaluated. TO BE CONT’D

Modélisation d’un appareil de radiochirurgie Cyberknife par méthode Monte Carlo

La radiochirurgie stéréotaxique sans cadre est une technique avancée de radiothérapie permettant de localiser très précisément une dose de radiation sans avoir recours à des technique d’immobilisation douloureuses pour le patient. Ses applications principales sont le traitement de tumeurs cancéreuses et la névralgie du nerf trijumeau. De par la recherche et le développement des deux dernières décennies, cette méthode de radiothérapie est à maturité technologique. Par contre, la quantification de la dose de radiation demeure imprécise par rapport aux techniques conventionnelles lorsque les champs de radiation sont de petites tailles, soient inférieurs à environ 4 cm de diamètre. La modélisation précise par méthode Monte Carlo de l’appareil Cyber nife, permettant de produire des champs de radiothérapie stéréotaxique allant jusqu’à 3 mm de diamètre, permettra de comprendre comment calibrer précisément ces appareils dans des conditions cliniques. TO BE CONT’D

Investigating methods of long term follow up for patients with Metabolic Syndrome

Providence Healthcare has established a reputation as one of the leading centres for

cardiovascular research and treatment in Canada. Providence Healthcare and AstraZeneca,

a research-based pharrnaceutical company, are interested in furthering science and irnprove

patient outcomes. The purpose of this study is to determine the best method of long term follow up for patients

with Metabolic Syndrome once they have completed an intensive lifestyle modification

program.

LAFORCE: Log Analytics For Operational Intelligence

The goal of this project is to explore the use of log analytics and machine/deep learning techniques to improve Ubisoft operational intelligence. Logs contain a wealth of information, but often hindered by the lack of best practices, tools, and processes. Despite the importance of logging, the area has not evolved much over the years. At Ubisoft, logs are used extensively for various system diagnosis tasks. The analysis of logs, however, is usually performed manually, limiting the full potential of the information contained in logs. In this project, we will explore the use of logs and deep learning to support two Ubisoft priority areas, namely the detection of anomalies and automated load and stress testing. We will also examine the practice of logging at Ubisoft and propose recommendations. TO BE CONT’D

Developing and Understanding Scientific Literacy in Young Children

My doctoral research focuses on developing scientific literacy in young children. Currently, in the field of science education, there are different interpretations of a scientific literate person and this includes being knowledgeable about scientific content and developing an ability to apply this knowledge in meaningful way. Despite the importance of teaching science to young children, the subject of science is taught infrequently in a preschool setting and this is mainly attributed to teacher confidence and lack of resources available for teachers to utilize to teach about science. My research seeks to develop a science curriculum through developing a series of books that can be used as part of an existing science curriculum or as the main curriculum in the classroom. By understanding the different pedagogies that exist in different classrooms such as Brazil, will help to strengthen the curriculum to meet different teachers’ needs.

Développement d’un critère de blessure pour les traumatismes crânio-cérébraux légers lors de la pratique du soccer

La majorité des joueurs de soccer ne soupçonne pas la présence d’une blessure aux conséquences importantes et considérée comme un fléau dans le monde sportif : la commotion cérébrale. C’est pourquoi ce projet de recherche vise à développer un critère de blessure permettant d’identifier le risque de commotion cérébrale chez les joueurs de soccer. Précédemment, les paramètres de la tête de joueurs de soccer ont été mesurés lors de matchs de compétition. Ces paramètres seront combinés à un modèle en trois dimensions (3D) du cerveau. Ce modèle 3D permettra d’étudier les modifications du cerveau lors d’impacts subis à la tête des joueurs. Les paramètres engendrant des modifications au cerveau seront sélectionnés et utilisés pour développer le critère de blessures de commotions cérébrales à l’aide de méthodes statistiques. Ce critère de blessure permettra d’identifier le risque de commotion cérébrale chez les joueurs en temps réel lors des matchs de soccer.

AVIO 1603: Cosmic radiation In-flight Measurement and real-time analysis for Electronic Systems and passenger protection (CIMES)

Due to increasing miniaturization, future systems will be made of components that are more energy efficient and at the same time more sensitive to external radiation. To ensure that future systems remain protected against cosmic radiation and single events, aircraft and flight systems manufacturers must collect in-flight data for cosmic radiations and develop a global strategy for real-time processing of this data to provide pilots, crew and aircraft operations, with appropriate information to help them make the right decisions in case of unusually high cosmic radiation exposure. AVIO-1603 is intended to develop an on-flight response to the challenge of cosmic radiation.

Development of Hydrogen based Integrated hybrid energy systems through Power-to-gas concept for Industrial facilities

Under Ontario’s regulations, facilities generating thousands of tonnes of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per year must report their emissions, and industries are motivated to reduce GHGs through ‘Cap-and-Trade’ regulations. Based on the Power-to-gas concept, this research will develop a techno-economic-environmental model for hydrogen-based energy systems that include electricity from the utility grid and distributed renewable energy such as wind and solar. Toyota’s industrial facilities are used for a case study. Power-to-gas is a promising option for storing intermittent renewables, nuclear baseload power, and distributed energy, and it is a novel concept for the transition to increased renewable content of current fuels with an ultimate goal of transition to a sustainable low-carbon future energy system that interconnect power, transportation sectors, and thermal energy demand. A mathematical model will be developed to simulate the energy hub and consider all its interactions on an hourly basis to determine the energy (electricity, heat, and hydrogen) that is produced, stored, and used. Design and operational variables will be optimized based on the desired objectives including system cost, and environmental impacts […]