Innovative Projects Realized

Using genotyping by sequencing to detect introgressed regions of genomic DNA in two Fundulus species

Species are delimited by barriers to reproduction, which can be caused by genetic incompatibilities that arise when isolated populations become two distinct species. Nevertheless, hybridization can occur when species are genetically similar enough to have few barriers to reproduction. If the hybrid offspring is viable and fertile, it can mate with either of the parental species, resulting in introgression (i.e., the incorporation of genetic material from one parental species into the other). Previous work has reported that two species of killifish, the mummichog and the banded killifish, are able to hybridize in brackish waters and produce viable, fertile offspring. We have recently documented, for the first time, mummichog mtDNA introgression in banded killifish populations in New Brunswick estuaries. This project aims to determine whether introgression is occurring by identifying which parts of the banded killifish genomes contain alleles usually found in the mummichog genome and vice versa using the genotyping by sequencing method. Once genotyping is done, we hope to determine, if present, whether the introgression is adaptative, neutral or harmful using population genetic methods. This will allow us to detect if the hybridization process allows one or both species to better adapt to a rapidly changing coastal environment.

System and algorithm development of ballistocardiograph-based remote monitoring system for heart failure patients

Remotely monitoring the heart is crucial for reducing the hospital readmission rate of heart failure (HF) patients. However, for aging populations with physical and cognitive limitations, existing monitoring techniques such as self-management or CardioMEMS remain demanding or invasive. There is a growing need for easy-to-use and non-invasive remote monitoring. Ballistocardiograph (BCG) measures the mechanical vibration arising from heart contractions during the cardiac cycle. Our sensors enable BCG collection through clothes and without skin contact. Our objective is to develop an automated algorithm to extract physiological parameters and indicate key symptoms of heart failure, such as congestion, from BCG. We also want to communicate the relevant monitoring findings to the stakeholders such as clinicians and caregivers. To do so requires the development of a communication protocol to deliver the information reliably and economically. The results of the proposed project will form core components of the final product of the partner organization and are important stepping stones to regulatory approval, market-entry, and business model development.

Intégration de l’intelligence artificielle dans la Ville de Lévis pour améliorer la qualité des services

Ce projet vise à explorer le potentiel des outils l’IA afin d’accompagner la ville de Lévis pour améliorer la qualité de ses services aux citoyens et atteindre l’excellence opérationnelle. Pour ce faire, le projet va suivre la démarche d’excellence opérationnelle DMAIC (Définir, Mesurer, Analyser, Améliorer, Contrôler) en intégrant les outils de l’IA afin de mieux comprendre les processus dans le cas du centre d’appel de la ville de Lévis et d’identifier les pistes qui pourront aider à maximiser sa productivité.

The Future of Work and Policy under Artificial General Intelligence

THIS IS A GENERIC TEXT PUT IN PLACE AS THERE WAS NO PROJECT OVERVIEW.

Conflict over noise in the city: the issue of motor vehicle noise in the city

The proposed research project focuses on investigating the growing problem of motor vehicle noise in urban environments, particularly how it affects residents’ physical and mental health, overall well-being, and willingness to live in densely populated areas. Through a combination of analysis methods involving interviews and fieldwork observations, the project will explore how residents experience and respond to noise from cars, motorcycles, and modified vehicles. It will also include the study of car and motorcycle enthusiasts’ behavior and their perception of the noise they generate, as well as the examination of existing motor vehicle noise regulations and policies in the Toronto Metropolitan Area. The project will provide a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted issue of motor vehicle noise in the city and its multidimensional impacts. It also aims to improve the quality of life in urban centers by offering evidence-based recommendations to address noise problems. The research will contribute to academic discourse, as the findings may serve as a foundation for future research by providing a framework for studying noise pollution across various contexts. The generated knowledge is relevant to Ukraine, considering the persistent problems of noise-related issues associated with warfare, making this project highly valuable for both Canada and Ukraine.

Amélioration des services publics de la Ville de Trois-Rivières

Cinq projets permettant d’optimiser les services de la ville. Par exemple, le projet d’assistant virtuel permettra de décupler la réponse aux incidents TI par l’intégration de réponses automatisée lors des requêtes de premier niveau, favorisant aussi la satisfaction des utilisateurs interne de la Ville et en diminuant le temps de réponse. La direction des technologies de l’information de la ville de Trois-Rivières répond aux besoins des autres directions de la Ville, que ce soit des projets en lien avec la gestion du transport intelligent pour les travaux publics (déneigement, fluidité de la circulation, réseau cyclable, etc), de la sécurité publique (police et incendie), des activités administratives de taxation et d’évaluation foncière, d’aménagement du territoire et du développement durable pour ne nommer que quelques exemples. Les systèmes d’information et géospatiaux sont au coeur des activités d’une ville afin d’offrir des services de qualité aux citoyens, en ce contexte de
pénurie de main-d’oeuvre TI, plusieurs activités d’avant-projet ou de preuve de concept sont en attente dans l’organisation.

Reducing Uncertainty in Causal Discovery by Leveraging Contextual Information

THIS IS A GENERIC TEXT PUT IN PLACE AS THERE WAS NO PROJECT OVERVIEW.

BSI Internship- Bayview Home and Appliances

Bayview Home Appliance Centre is an appliance repair company ready to expand and find more clients. They offer repair services for all major home appliances, including refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, washing machines, and more. Furthermore, they conduct regular maintenance checks, provide customer services to hotels and condos that have hired them, and train technicians on the latest industry trends. Bayview Home and Appliances wants to find more large contracts(hotels/condos) and integrate digital tools and strategies into their business. This will help the organization enhance customer engagement, improve operational efficiency, and help stay competitive in an increasingly digital world. To successfully implement these innovations, the intern(me) will require marketing/sales expertise, data analysis and management skills, and website development/UX design skills

Optimisation des études de stabilité des produits dans une industrie pharmaceutique générique

Ce projet a pour but d’améliorer le processus de suivi des études de stabilité des produits pharmaceutiques, afin de mettre à la disposition des patients des médicaments de haute qualité, mais également d’assurer la durabilité et la performance des services de soutient offert par Sandoz aux différentes parties prenantes.

Comparaison des politiques de substitution des biosimilaires et leur impact sur l’accès au médicament au Canada

Les médicaments biologiques sont de plus en plus prescrits et coutent cher aux régimes d’assurances publics étant donné leur prix relativement élevé. Quand un agent biologique arrive à terme de son brevet, les compétiteurs peuvent sortir des produits d’efficacité et d’innocuité semblable. Ces produits sont appelés biosimilaire. À fin de réduire les coûts relatifs aux médicament biologiques, les gouvernements des différentes provinces ont commencé à appliquer une politique de substitutions qui exige qu’un agent biologique est substitué par son biosimilaire une fois ce dernier devient disponible sur le marché canadien. Ce projet vise à étudier et comparer l’impact de ces politiques sur l’accès au médicament et la réductions des coûts entre les provinces.

embrACEing ACEs

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are traumatic or stressful events occurring in the first 18 years of life.

Persons with =3ACEs are at high risk of developing significant physical and mental health problems (e.g., diabetes, heart disease, depression, alcohol/drug misuse) in adulthood. Research indicates that ACEs associated problems are consequential of the development of maladaptive coping behaviors (e.g., anxiousness, hopelessness, unforgiving, substance misuse). Such behaviours, while potentially beneficial during times of adversity, become detrimental if they persist after adversity passes.

We cannot unlive ACEs, but we can change how we think about our past and how we relate to our body, mind, and relationships. Research suggests that building resilience and mindfulness in adults, may mitigate persistent ACEs associated maladaptive behaviours. The embrACE program, a psychoeducational group-based intervention, focuses on building people’s protective factors (mindfulness and resilience) while concurrently providing skills for overcoming unhealthy lifestyles. By building protective factors, embrACE seeks to eliminate persistent maladaptive behaviours and improve the health span of persons affected by ACEs.

Objectives
To evaluate the effectiveness of embrACE in improving protective factors and diminishing maladaptive behaviors in adults who have experienced =3 ACEs.

Study Design: Pre-test, post-test impact evaluation study with structured equation modeling

Advancing Emergency Services Technology Through AI-Driven Research and Development

EffectiveAI is an Ontario-based company dedicated to revolutionizing the Emergency Services industry through advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Neural Network technology. Founded with a vision to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness in public safety. EffectiveAI has identified a significant inefficiency in how ambulance standby locations are managed. The current approach relies heavily on traditional methods and established procedures rather than data-driven insights. This outdated approach results in inefficiencies and inflated operational costs, impacting the effectiveness of emergency response services. The challenge lies in the absence of a data-informed system to guide ambulance standby placements, leading to sub-optimal decision-making and delayed emergency responses. This situation not only strains resources but also affects societal well-being by potentially delaying critical medical interventions during emergencies. To tackle this challenge, EffectiveAI is partnering with WIMTACH to get crucial expertise in conducting research, analyzing data, and developing and optimizing AI models. This partnership will involve designing and implementing the system, including data preprocessing, model development, and integration with the user interface. This innovative approach will not only enhance operational efficiency but also ensure timely and effective emergency interventions, thereby advancing public safety and setting a precedent for future technological advancements in the field.