Innovative Projects Realized

Process evaluation of BCAAN/CDBC Internet Project Portal

The British Columbia Autism Assessment Network (BCAAN) and the Complex Developmental and Behavioural Conditions Program (CDBC) are responsible for the coordination and management of referrals and assessments in BC for children suspected of having Autism Spectrum Disorders and other related spectral disorders. As part of a larger project to perform a comprehensive review and revision to the system for managing referrals and cases (including the deployment of an electronic referral and tracking system), this internship will provide complete and thorough research into developing quality indicators and metrics that will ensure the new system being currently developed delivers safe, relevant and quality service to all that is serves. The project will also work in close collaboration with those developing the new system to integrate these quality indicators and metrics into the new system.

Evaluation of fiber-reinforced polymer composite tubulars for high-temperature environment operation

Fiber-reinforced polymer composites (FRPC) have long been recognized for their high strength-to-mass and stiffness-to-mass ratios and excellent corrosion resistance. Certain emerging technologies in the oil and gas industry do not permit the use of metallic structures, and FRPC are therefore considered as an alternative. Conventional polymer materials are usually not capable of sustaining the environmental conditions that exist for the considered applications, which includes temperatures in excess of the boiling point of water, and exposure to hydrocarbons and water. However, relatively new polymer materials, such as bismaleimide resins (BMI) are available that were synthesized for operation in challenging environments. These materials were developed mostly for aerospace applications, and hence, little information and experience exists with respect to application conditions in the oil and gas industry. In this internship project, procedures for experimental testing and test data evaluation will be performed to investigate the performance of HT-FRPC tubulars under relevant environmental conditions.

Microchannel Simulations with the Lattice Boltzmann Method

The nanofluidics and microfluidics simulations and experiments are becoming more and more popular nowadays. Such devices work on microscale to imitate macroscale operations but on a cheaper and faster basis. The good examples are lab-on-chips which perform DNA tests much faster and much cheaper than their large anologues. Thus, the reliable and robust simulations of micro devices are in high demand. One of such examples is multiphase simulations of fluid flow inside the capillaries. There are certain challenges associated with these simulations as the simulation of the hydrophobic/hydrophilic behavior, complex geometry associated with lab-on-chip deveices. The lattice Botzmann method was chosen as the appropriate simulation tool. We plan to simulate the multiphase flow of binary liquids for a bunch of parameters, as capillaries geometry, the viscosity and density ratios, etc. The results can help to obtain optimal parameters for a lab-on-chip device along with the development of the lattice Botlzmann method.

Probabilistic Description, Modeling and Similarity-Ranking of Mineral Deposit Zones

The project applies two formal mathematical constructs to the similarity ranking of descriptions of mineral deposit zones. In so doing, the project will assist metallurgists to cost-effectively identify the most appropriate metallurgical processes for the extraction of metals from different mineral deposit zones. The two mathematical constructs to be used are those of “prior probability”, which assists with the incorporation of knowledge which may be regarded as “common sense” to an expert (eg: the frequency and level of occurrence of nickel in granite), and “Aristotelian class definitions”, which greatly assist in applying logical reasoning to taxonomic terms (eg: rock names) used in the descriptions which are to be compared. The descriptions to be compared are “ontologically controlled”, meaning that they are created using controlled vocabularies and syntax. This is necessary to eliminate the inconsistencies that can arise between descriptions written by different people of the same mineral deposit zone if the vocabulary or syntax they use to describe the zone is not the same, or is the same but has different meanings to the different people. The application will take the form of a software system written in Java and will be deployable in other domains than extractive metallurgy.

Design of MRI Transmit-Array Coils for Improved Detection & Diagnosis of Breast Cancer

It is estimated that 23,200 women in Canada will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010 and that the disease claims the lives of about 100 Canadian women per week. The use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the detection and diagnosis of breast cancer offers many advantages over conventional X-ray mammography, including increased sensitivity and the absence of ionizing radiation. MRI is achieved through the manipulation, and subsequent detection, of the magnetic properties of the hydrogen atoms in our bodies. The objective of this project is to improve the quality and diagnostic ability of breast MRI through the development of specialized hardware that can more effectively manage these tasks. The results of this project will help Sentinelle Medical Inc., a small Canadian company specializing in MRI hardware, to expand their product line and market profile by bringing to market a novel MRI device that will improve the quality of breast cancer diagnosis.

Detection of Listeria by nanoparticle-based technology coupled with a novel fluorescence device

Listeria monocytogenes is a common food-borne pathogen that is the causative agent of listeriosis, a severe and potentially fatal condition. Current methods for detection of L. monocytogenes in food samples require multiple days due to lengthy amplification steps to aid in microbe detection. Due to the recent emergence of nanoparticle technology, however, new options are emerging for removing and concentrating microbes from complex samples and providing extremely sensitive detection. This project aims to make use of nanoparticle technology in combination with a customized fluorescence reader, to provide a rapid (<8 hours), cost-effective method to detect L. monocytogenes that can be applied in a routine manner to samples from food sources. Specifically, L. monocytogenes will be targeted with both magnetic nanoparticles, to separate and concentrate them from food samples, as well as fluorescent nanoparticles for sensitive detection of single L. monocytogenes with a fluorescence reader equipped with customized image analysis software. This novel assay and customized fluorescent reader will represent a significant advancement in L. monocytogenes detection for real world applications. 

Developing a reliable model of biochar behavior in northern forest soils

Understanding the fate of biochar in boreal soils is critical in order to develop appropriate application rates and carbon credits. Accurate models of biochar stability and carbon density are required for proper carbon accounting. The intent of this study is to model the long term stability of charcoal in northern forest soils. We will utilize a combination of existing and new trials to develop Boreal specific turnover rates and an existing 200 year post-fire chronosequence of forest stands to calibrate and validate the model outcomes. Development of the model will form the basis of early carbon credit estimates for our partners and aid in the development of a carbon sequestration market.

Using Inuvialuit Observations to Monitor Environmental Conditions in the Mackenzie Delta Region of the Northwest Territories

In collaboration with the Nigaluk, the intern will engage in the first phase of a 2-year project that will use Inuvialuit observations to monitor environmental change in the Mackenzie Delta Region of the Northwest Territories. Activities completed during the internship will help lay the groundwork for HTC and University of Victoria research initiatives to document local observations of environmental change grounded in MITACS Template Version- March 2010 15 Inuvialuit traditional knowledge. A review of relevant literature on photo mapping, computer mapping, and monitoring related to traditional knowledge will be completed. The PPM protocol will be tested as a means to record, document, and communicate Inuvialuit observations of environmental change and to network this knowledge with the Mackenzie Delta CIMP project. Once the PPM protocol has been tested, a report will be written that will outline PPM protocol recommendations for the CIMP. The ultimate objective of this project is to monitor and communicate the impacts of multiple stressors on the regional environmental conditions. The results of this research will improve the understanding of northern environmental change and ecosystem management, and contribute to the development of a long-term strategy for adapting to the impacts of a changing climate.

Do adequate access to Certified Respiratory Educators with spirometry in family physician offices create reduction in health care expenditures?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is frequently under-diagnosed until it becomes severe. Studies show that the failure of diagnosis can severely hamper or postpone effective treatment of COPD. Early detention also plays an important role in the treatment of asthma. The Lung Association of Saskatchewan aims to improve the timely diagnosis of asthma and COPD by providing access to effective, high-quality asthma and COPD education for people with these conditions, educating family physicians about asthma and COPD management, and increasing access to spirometry in family physician offices. For this purpose, the Association has implemented an intervention by placing Certified Respiratory Educators (CRE) with spirometry in family physician offices in Regina and Prince Albert. This proposed project will examine whether placing Certified Respiratory Educators (CRE) with spirometry in family physician offices reduces overall healthcare expenditures for COPD and asthma patients. It will also evaluate if the reduction in healthcare expenditures is substantial enough to provide wider access to CREs and spirometry in family physician offices in Saskatchewan.

Modular and Affordable: Exploring the Successes, Challenges, and Lessons Learned in Using Modular Housing for Affordable Housing Projects

In January 2009, the federal government of Canada proposed to invest $400 million nationally over two years as a one‐time economic stimulus measure to address the issue of affordable housing. In certain situations multi‐storey wood frame housing forms may be used where land value requires a higher density to achieve an economically viable project and community planning objectives; however, new single storey modular housing construction will be used wherever possible, dependent on specific community needs, conditions, partnerships and resources. This study will examine the use of modular housing to address affordable housing needs in British Columbia to inform policy in BC and so that other jurisdictions may learn from the BC experience. It will do so by interviewing key informants who worked in the planning and production phases of the project to understand the strengths and weaknesses different stakeholder groups perceive in using modular housing for large scale affordable housing projects.

Adaptation of Harvested Wood Products from Climate Action Reserve’s Forest Project Protocol v.3.2 to Canadian forest types

Study of effect of therapeutic ultrasound device on dentoalveolar structure in dogs

The proposed project will research the therapeutic effects of low intensity pulsed ultrasound on dentoalveolar structure on dogs.  The main research problems to be addressed by this project are: (1) study the effects of LIPUS (Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound) on the tooth root tissues (cementum and pulp) when moved orthodontically, and (2) study the effects of LIPUS on the alveolar bone and periodontal ligaments when moved orthodontically. For this research, custom manufactured LIPUS dental devices will be utilized on dogs for 20 minutes daily over a two-month period. The results will then be analyzed and interpreted.  The expected outcomes will assist the sponsor organization to guide its product development and market strategy.