Innovative Projects Realized

Development of digital technologies for wild blueberry cropping system to lower production costs and increase berry quality

Artificial intelligence coupled with machine vision agrochemical sprayers can replace traditional uniform applications. Novel advancements utilizing high resolution images with deep learning techniques are required to develop new algorithms for advanced real-time automated classification. Fields will be surveyed, and a digital library database of images will be acquired for the major target weeds that are spatially variable throughout the fields. Following evaluation of the deep-learning program in the lab and static field environment, the system will be integrated onto a commercial uniform sprayer modified to operate with individual nozzle control for precise weed target detection. An economic analysis will compare the costs of uniform spraying methods to the new spot-application techniques. Deep learning models will also be developed for detecting berry growth and crop diseases. Software will be designed and deployed for use on mobile phones that will process field images to identify weeds, diseases, and plant development in real-time.

Assessing student (dis)engagement: Interrogating how access and equity factor into the university experience

Disengagement is not a “steady state” rather it is better conceptualized on a continuum with engagement in some areas as well as disengagement in others (Christenson and Thurlow 2004). The proposed research will explore how issues of access and equity factor into student engagement within the university setting. In particular, this research explicitly examines “push” and “pull” factors for engagement by drawing on several data sources to assess factors affecting retention rates and the experiences of students who leave post-secondary education. More specifically, this program of research addresses: (i) the experiences of students who leave university without attaining credentials; (ii) food insecurity amongst university students and barriers to food security in one municipality and (iii) the prevalence of sexualized violence on campus, in particular, by analyzing the processes through which women and LGBTQ2+ individuals navigate feeling safe on campus given their increased risk of sexualized violence.

Plant growth response to growth promoting rhizobacteria

Numerous species of soil bacteria flourish in the rhizosphere of plants, which may grow in, on, or around plant tissues and stimulate plant growth by a plethora of mechanisms. These bacteria are collectively known as plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). Bacillus velezensis is a PGPR that promotes plant growth, enhances drought stress tolerance, and suppresses plant pathogens. However, little is known about the interactive effects of exogenous orange peel amendments and B. velezensis PGPR strains on plants growth and productivity. The project aims to (i) identify elite strains of B. velezensis for plant growth promotion, (ii) evaluate the best mode of application of B. velezensis PGPR strains amended with orange peel powder to enhance plant growth and physiological parameters. We will also test the effect of the growth promoting rhizobacteria on seed viability, germinability and seedling vigor and establishment. The test plant will be kale.

Mechanisms involved in triggering the rapid antidepressant effects of ketamine

Currently, the gold standard pharmacological treatment for depression typically take several weeks before becoming effective. This delayed treatment onset can be devastating because of increased rates of suicide during this wait-period. Thus, there is a need for rapid acting antidepressant drug treatments. Strikingly, a single infusion of ketamine can result in alleviation of depressive symptoms within hours. However, the effectiveness of this drug fades away over time. The intern will participate in ground-breaking research focused on understanding the neurobiological mechanisms associated with ketamine’s rapid action of onset, as well as what is occurring in the brain when it stops working. This research will be published in freely accessible journals providing Canadian clinicians with access to this information, providing them with enhanced treatment strategies. Research results can be relevant for the partner organization Janssen Canada by providing further understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the rapid action of onset of novel antidepressants.

Development of Electronically Tunable and Fixed Filters for TVWS and 5G Wireless Systems

TV Whitespace (TVWS) designates the inactive or unused space between TV channels actively used in UHF and VHF spectrum :470 MHz to 700 MHz. The TVWS band performs best in the most rural service areas. This is due to the characteristics of TVWS, and how it’s shared with powerful analog TV stations Such TV transmitters can have up to hundreds of kilowatts of transmit power creating strong interference. Due to spectrum sharing with these powerful analog TV stations the reliability of wireless communications in TVWS is affected. Tunable receive channel filters are needed to provide enough rejection to deal with the interfering signals. The purpose of this project is to develop an electronically tunable band-pass filter that can be inserted between the antenna and the receiver of a TVWS system. The industrial sponsor of this project is Redline Communication. The project will provide training to two PhD graduate students.

Development of an assessment tool for individualization of a smoking cessation protocol using a smart pulmonary inhaler and a mobile self-care application

English //
Despite significant efforts in the area of prevention and treatment, tobacco and e-cigarette addictions remain a recognized public health problem in Canada. Artificial intelligence (AI) in health offers an innovative avenue in tobacco treatment: the combination of an intelligent pulmonary inhaler coupled with a mobile health app would offer a real-time nicotine cessation and self-care personalized protocol aimed at helping the user quit smoking or, at least, reduce the harms associated with tobacco consumption.
In order to individualize the device and calibrate the AI algorithms, a comprehensive initial assessment tool needs to be developed. To do so, the research team will adopt a structured method that respects current scientific, clinical and ethical standards.

Français //
Malgré des efforts importants dans le champ de la prévention et du traitement, la dépendance au tabac et à la cigarette électronique demeure un problème de santé publique reconnu au Canada.

Development of Novel Aluminum Alloys and Metal Matrix Composites Strengthened with Rare Earth Elements and Nano Ceramic and Carbon Particles

This purpose of the proposed project is to comprehensively study the effects that nickel (Ni), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) and nano-scale particles have on the microstructure and high temperature mechanical properties of aluminum-cerium (Al-Ce) based alloys. This research will use conventional sintering and casting processes to determine how varying the cooling rate during casting and material composition affects the microstructure and mechanical properties. For the first time, composite nano-sized particles will be introduced to the Al-Ce-Ni/Fe/Mn alloys and the resulting material will be examined thoroughly using state of the art microscopes and material testing and analyzing equipment. The new alloys will be subjected to a wide variety of mechanical tests at elevated temperatures (250-350°C). The development of a new temperature resistant Al alloy, with improved properties, will enable the transportation industry to reduce material consumption, improve operating efficiency of engines and reduce harmful green house gas emissions.

Environmental DNA samplers for aquaculture decision making

We propose a research project that explores lab-on-chip microfluidic technology for transformative gains in wet-chemistry handling for environmental DNA samplers applied to the aquaculture space. We anticipate that our lab-on-chip sampler will reduce instrument size and cost, while improving sample integrity through automation and fluidic integration. We believe that such an eDNA sampler would find broad applicability beyond our initial use case of aquaculture.

Facilitating Indigenous co-management of wildlife in Manitoba through collaboration on sustainable camera trap monitoring

This project aims to build strong collaborations with Indigenous communities across Manitoba to monitor large mammals using camera traps. The goals of this study are to facilitate Indigenous co-management of wildlife with the provincial government in Manitoba and to inform management of declining species, especially moose, with regards to the factors which are driving decreasing population sizes and distributions.

Longitudinal effects of aripiprazole on enhancing memory and brain connectivity in first-episode psychosis

Schizophrenia is a debilitating psychiatric disorder characterized by positive (hallucinations, delusions), negative (lack of motivation, flat affect), and cognitive (impaired memory and attention) symptoms. Aripiprazole, a dual-action antipsychotic, shows promise in enhancing brain structure and memory in schizophrenia, which may have downstream positive effects on negative symptoms and outcome. However, the mechanisms and timing underlying these potential effects have yet to be determined. This research aims to assess the effects of aripiprazole on brain structure, memory, negative symptoms, and functioning over a 15-month period following a first episode of psychosis. This work could identify both direct (positive, cognitive) and indirect (negative, outcome) effects of aripiprazole and highlight early treatment targets for schizophrenia. The partner organization will benefit from this project as they will be provided with scientific evidence on the potential benefits of their medication, particularly in areas that have traditionally not been targeted by pharmaceuticals. Identifying medications that target multiple symptoms of psychosis will benefit patients directly by promoting more comprehensive treatments and potentially better recovery and would benefit the larger community by reducing the burden on caregivers and the strain on the healthcare system.

Design of biodegradable bioplastics utilizing hemp

In last few year, due to bad impression, single used plastics has received huge attention from scientist, environmentalist and attentive people from different part of the world. Since only a fraction of these plastics are recycled or repurposed, due to numerous reasons, municipal and industrial waste contain a large portion as plastics. As Canada is planning to put a ban on single used plastics by the end of 2021, putting an effort to replace these plastics with bio-based, compostable, and biodegradable plastics could be a potential solution. Proposed work targets to develop a bio-derived, cost effective, and biodegradable packaging and containment material by incorporating waste hemp residues in a co-blend polymer derived from agriculture and microorganism. By this work, our industry partner CTK is aiming to extend its influence on the beauty industry by publishing papers in collaboration with universities, and to expand its business in Canada.

Electronic Data Capture in the Care of Chronic Pain: Identifying Barriers and Improving Usability

Chronic pain is a widespread disorder, leading to devastating personal and financial costs for patients and the Canadian healthcare system. As such, there is a need to identify factors associated with improved pain care. Previous research suggests that, although limited in practice, the use of technology to electronically collect patient data may allow for more effective and complete patient care. The purpose of this project is to evaluate a newly developed electronic platform (i.e., Thrive Health) for the assessment of chronic pain. Specifically, Study 1 will use a detailed survey to assess barriers perceived by physicians in the care of chronic pain, as well as their perceptions of electronic platforms used to collect patient-data. Study 2 will pilot the platform at a local pain clinic and evaluate patient feedback. Findings from these studies will be used to optimize the Thrive Health platform and improve chronic pain care.