Innovative Projects Realized

Integrated Real-time Monitoring and Control for Advanced Extraction Optimization

This project aims to develop an integrated software and control system solution to tackle the challenges posed by high variability, nonlinear dynamics, and real-time monitoring in bio-processes, specifically within laboratory-scale bioreactors. Employing a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) framework with open hardware and software platforms, the project aims to automate processes, enhance monitoring/control capabilities, and integrate advanced analytics for real-time decision-making. The primary objective is to implement advanced control strategies such as model predictive control (MPC) and adaptive control. These strategies utilize mathematical models and real-time data to optimize process performance and proactively respond to deviations, thereby improving productivity and ensuring consistency in product quality. Addressing the complexities of scaling up bioreactor processes from laboratory to commercial production is critical, particularly in managing differences in mixing, mass transfer, and heat transfer that impact cell growth and yield.

Highlighting Commonalities and Distinctiveness Amongst Colleagues to Build Bonds in Visually Diverse Work Environments

Friendships between colleagues with different visual abilities might promote organizational harmony. However, people lacking experience with visually diverse peers may feel apprehensive about forming such bonds. Studies suggest common interests and values facilitate friendship. Thus, emphasizing what colleagues have in common may improve teamwork. But recognizing the unique experiences of those with sight loss is important too. We think balancing commonalities with the unique experiences that make people distinct could strengthen collegial ties and boost productivity. This study will test these ideas by having participants imagine collaborating with a colleague who has different visual ability than they do. Participants will consider a scenario where this person is either similar or different to them in personality and interests and where their experiences as people with different visual abilities are either similar or distinct. Participants will then reflect on their imagined interaction with this colleague and share their feelings and attitudes about the experience. Results will help us to identify the optimal mix of similarity and distinctiveness, at interpersonal and group identity levels, to foster more positive interactions in diverse work environments. CNIB will leverage this research to address stigma, promote inclusion, and create more equitable workplaces for people with sight loss.

Quantum spin microscopy of atomically defined qubits.

The ability to isolate, control, and characterize individual spin states of qubits/quantum dots is crucial for quantum sensing and quantum computing. Achieving control over such quantum systems requires a fundamental understanding of materials at the atomic level. The best tool to access this information is scanning probe microscopy (SPM), which enables atomic-scale fabrication, and characterization of local electronic, vibrational, and magnetic properties of atomic-scale structures. This project aims to combine QSi’s atomic-scale fabrication expertise with recently published state-of-the-art SPM spin resolution to achieve ultimate control over well-isolated electron spins of tailored quantum systems. Our strategic partnership with QSi will ensure efficient technology transfer from academia to industry, accelerating the practical implementation of our findings. The outcomes of this project will solidify Canada’s leadership in quantum technology, provide training opportunities, and drive innovation and progress in this cutting-edge field.

Automated Cyber Threat Variants Generation

This project is meant to address one of the real-life challenges faced by network enterprises and telecom operators to maintain secure and reliable networks and systems. As a major player in 5G mobile networks and services, the partner organization will support the intern in his research by first, providing him with real-life challenges and industrial needs, and will direct the research activities in order to make the right impact in the academic but also in the industrial. More precisely, the partner will benefit from this project by leveraging the innovative ideas and the outcome of this research such as proof of concept tool, which can be used to directly contribute to the partner’s business. The research results will be disseminated internationally (e.g., academic publications) to further enhance Canada’s and Quebec’s image, increase their visibility and expand their research capacity and leadership in cutting-edge research and technologies. In longer term, this research work will help in improving the security of such telecom critical infrastructures and consequently have positive impact on both the economy and national security of Canada.

Mieux comprendre la prise de décision clinique pour la lombalgie en première ligne de soins : une approche par méthodes mixtes.

L’un des plus grands défis pour le système de soins de santé québécois est l’augmentation des coûts et du fardeau social associés aux maladies chroniques. Parmi celles-ci, les maux de dos sont responsables de la majeure partie des coûts engendrés par les conditions qui touchent le système musculosquelettique.

Nombreux sont les patients qui consultent en milieux de soins primaires pour des maux de dos. L’utilisation d’approches systématiques pour l’évaluation et la prise en charge des patients atteints de maux de dos permet notamment de réduire l’utilisation des ressources médicales, les références inutiles ou prématurées vers des soins de santé spécialisés et, de façon générale, les temps d’attente pour obtenir des services et soins de santé. Malheureusement, plusieurs défis, en lien avec ces approches systématiques, sont rencontrés par les intervenants de soins primaires, menant à une utilisation sous-optimale des recommandations issues des guides de bonnes pratiques cliniques.

L’objectif général du projet proposé est d’explorer les différents facteurs qui sous-tendent la prise de décision clinique, à savoir le diagnostic et la prise en charge, des patients qui souffrent de lombalgie, des intervenants de soins primaires.

Modeling Ultrasound-Pore Interactions in Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Composites to Enhance Porosity Assessment Accuracy

Carbon fiber-reinforced composites (CFRC) are frequently used in the aerospace and automobile industries due to their high mechanical properties and lightweight. CFRC is typically made by impregnating layers of carbon fiber fabrics with liquid polymer precursors. The impregnated fabrics are shaped into a mold and the precursors are heat-converted, that is, cured into a solid polymer encapsulating the carbon fabric. The impregnation and curing process can be imperfect and lead to a porous CFRC. Porosity significantly compromises the mechanical properties of materials. Ultrasonic inspection is used to detect critical levels of porosity in CFRC to certify components. In ultrasonic testing, porosity can be estimated by measuring the acoustic attenuation in the material. Limitations of this technique are its inability to provide precise information on the morphology and distribution of porosity, and its reliance on a skilled operator and precise calibration procedures to obtain precise measurements. Tecscan, a leader in ultrasonic inspection, and Polytechnique Montreal, are joining to improve the shortcomings of current ultrasonic inspection techniques. The objective of this project is to develop a novel modeling approach of ultrasound-to-pore interaction in CFRC, improving the accuracy of the porosity assessment. This research project promises to be highly innovative in the field of NDT in Canada. In addition to enhancing the capabilities and applications of ultrasonic testing, it will increase the efficiency of maintaining and health-monitoring composite components, which is crucial in the aerospace industry. For Tecscan, this project will create opportunities to replace traditional ultrasonic test equipment with next-generation technology.

Determining controls on critical metal mineralization in the Silvertip deposit, northern British Columbia

Finding new resources of critical metals will be critical to enable a transition to a low-carbon electrical energy economy. Carbonate rocks such as limestones and dolomites may contain rich deposits of critical and precious metals including copper, zinc, silver, gold and a range of critical metals which occur mainly as byproducts of other metals such as indium. This project will help identify the best way to identify and discover critical mineral resources in the Silvertip carbonate-replacement deposit in northern British Columbia, using a range of innovative methods.

Efficient and robust large pre-trained language-vision models for continual learning on dense tasks

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In vitro development of LNP-mRNA as a treatment for neurological dysfunction in Gaucher Disease

Brain disorders affect 10% of Canadians, however few treatment options exist for these devastating
diseases. We have extensive understanding of what causes many of them, but current medical technology
has yet to translate this knowledge into effective treatments. For example, many natural proteins have been
identified to hold significant therapeutic promise, but getting these proteins to the brain has been a
longstanding challenge. Our group has developed a technology that empowers the brain to produce its own
therapeutic proteins to treat brain disorders. Using a technology similar to the COVID vaccine that combines
lipid nanoparticles (LNP) and messenger RNA (mRNA), we can transform brain cells into protein factories
that continually produce these therapeutics proteins over days to weeks. We have proof of concept data in
mice demonstrating this strategy is tunable and achieves long lasting brain-wide biodistribution of desired
proteins, requiring fewer infusions compared to existing treatments.

Drainage Design Parameters to Reduce Soil Compaction

Heavier, more efficient farm machinery is needed to produce cereals and grains for the growing population. The weight of this heavy machinery reduces the air space between soil particles causing soil compaction. This is particularly damaging on heavier soils that are intensively cultivated without rotations. Soil compaction impedes the flow of water through the soil profile, thus resulting in surface ponding of water in the field. Plants also cannot uptake water easily in compacted soils, thereby slowing their growth and development. Subsurface tile drains are linstalled below ground to facilitate the movement of water through the soil, therefore creating a healthier soil-root environment. We are partnering with the Land Improvement Contractors of Ontario (LICO) to study the relationship between soil compaction and drainage performance, and to determine the ideal drainage design by observing how far apart and how deep underground drains should be placed to prevent compaction. This project will benefit LICO because it will provide them with better information about drainage designs and installation, which could increase their pipe sales to farmers. This project will benefit Canada by improving agricultural productivity and food security while protecting our land.

Understanding the Role of Self-care in a Community Mental Health Recovery College

As Hamilton, Ontario endures a proliferating mental health crisis, community mental health agencies are struggling to deliver care to everyone who needs it. This project involves intern Loa Gordon partnering with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Hamilton branch to develop, implement, and assess an evidence-based self-care curriculum that will be offered to CMHA Hamilton clients and staff. The curriculum will help advance the agency’s new Recovery College, which provides self-directed, resilience building educational curriculum offerings to the community. This self-care course will be generated through co-design alongside peer support workers as well as people with lived and living mental health experience. Date collection methods will involve a blend of ethnographic fieldwork and open-ended interviewing, both one-on-one and in focus groups. This study seeks to narrow the gap between mental health care needs and services for Canadians, while increasing the capacity for community mental health agencies like CMHA Hamilton to deliver critical care to those who need it most. Moreover, the study will elucidate new insights on how self-directed forms of care operate within people’s lives and their journeys toward recovery.

Développement et validation de méthode pour l’évaluation de la pipérazine et ses sels dans l’air selon la notation IFV

La pipérazine est un contaminant chimique dont une valeur limite d’exposition professionnelle (VLEP) est inscrite au Règlement sur la Santé et Sécurité du Travail (RSST). Récemment, les valeurs inscrites au RSST ont été revues pour une grande quantité de contaminants chimiques. Ainsi, la VLEP de la pipérazine et ses sels sera inscrite avec la notation IFV (inhalable fraction and vapor). Cette notation IFV oblige une adaptation de la façon d’échantillonner le contaminant en milieu de travail ainsi qu’une façon d’analyser par la suite l’échantillon en laboratoire. À terme, l’exposition des travailleurs en milieu de travail pourra être suivi par la nouvelle méthode et une comparaison à la valeur de référence exprimée selon la notation IFV sera possible.