Innovative Projects Realized

Solution of complementarity problems arising from rigid body dynamics simulations

Modeling and simulation of realistic motion is one of the important topics in mechanical engineering and related areas. Such simulations become much more challenging when rigid body dynamics with frictional contacts appears. The total number of contact points is very important and is a key element to determine the difficulty level of the simulation, meaning that if the number of contact points increases, the simulation becomes too difficult or even impossible. In this project, we would like to develop algorithms by which we can do the simulation for large number of contact points. The partner organization, CMLabs Simulations Inc., will greatly benefit from this project. The proposed work is of direct relevance to their current work that will open possibilities to broaden the applications of CMLabs’ software.

Assessment of the uncertainty in calculating the wind farm energy production using statistical methodology

Design and validation of an ear canal simulator for EVestG Evaluation

The proposed research is to design, develop and validate an artificial ear-canal that simulates the electrical noise conditions that exist when taking EVestG measurements by associated bio-signal amplifiers. Such a simulator will allow the rapid, rational and accurate refinement of such amplifiers and tympanic electrode; it will also allow improvements to be made to the developed signal extraction software algorithms. Furthermore a more qualitative approach to identifying good from poor recordings when evaluating various operational scenarios will be investigated, which subsequently will be translated to best practices in EVestG Clinical Measurement protocols. Once the artificial ear-canal is constructed, ultra low noise bio-signal amplifiers (made by the industrial partner) tailored for EVestG can be evaluated and qualitative comparisons with the currently used OEM amplifier will be conducted.

Steroid biosynthesis in benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH): Effect of degarelix and relationship to cell growth

Assistive applications for smartphones

The proposal is for two projects designed in conjunction with Nokia and CanAssist in the research theme of assistive applications for smartphones. The first project focuses on support for the growing senior population, designed to help seniors retain independence for as long as safely feasible. The second focuses on support for individuals with visual disabilities, designed to use smartphones to convert the visual information into voice information for way finding and navigation.

Antioxidant properties of indigenous plant species of Newfoundland and Labrador

Developing a strategy for ensuring confidence in drinking water quality for First Nations

A First Nations community in Alberta relies on groundwater aquifers for its water. In the past year, this Nation has faced worsening water quality that has resulted in the issue of more than 65 boil-water advisories to residences, affecting almost ten percent of the wells on the reserve. The source of the problem is unclear, and residents are concerned for their safety. This study aims to 1) determine the source of the well-water contamination, 2) understand water use and the nature of exposure to water-borne pathogens, and 3) develop best management practices to ensure reliable water quality and supply for the Nation. We will use a combination of water tests and meters at individual well-sites, computer simulation models, and geographic visualization tools to understand the problem, develop solutions, and represent our findings in an approachable, user-friendly format. The project team will include students and researchers from the University of Alberta, water quality experts from Health Canada, and health care professionals, engineers, and students from the First Nation, and will involve the participation of residents from a cross-section of households.

Data-driven approach to formulating best practices for mobile games

Implementing a conditional elasticity of variance generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedastic model with foreign exchange data

Estimation of better bid prices in the customer choice-based network revenue management problem

The effect of bovine colostrum supplementation in older adults

AWE Technology Development Project – The virtual history of Fort York