Innovative Projects Realized

Informing Customized Responsible Gambling Messaging

This research will investigate Responsible Gambling (RG) messaging. Specifically, the research will examine which RG messages are more effective and which populations respond better to certain kinds of message. This information will be used to create RG messaging that meets the needs of the diverse casino patronage.

Optimizing a retail point-of-service system for cross referenced inventory

The filter and battery manufacturers do not maintain information for Canadian market specific equipment. This knowledge is continually being lost as more and more catalogues are moving online. After supporting the construction, and agricultural communities for over 50 years we have gained and stored knowledge for much this older Canadian equipment. Especially in Saskatchewan much of this equipment is still being used today. A custom retail management database will enable us to document this information and make it searchable.

Establishing ISO 27001 certification baseline

The main objective of this project is to assist Technology North company and similar ones in managing cybersecurity risks linked with deploying assistive technologies, especially those designed for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). By establishing strong information security controls that conforms with industry standards, this will increase the accessibility and dependability of assistive technologies for ASD-affected individuals, hence improve their overall quality of life and widen their employment prospects nationwide. In this project, we will create an extensive collection of information security controls, tools, and methods that enable firms involved in creating assistive technologies to adhere to the stringent ISO 27001 standards.

A framework for technology integration centered around the concept of Self Actualization

This project aims to enhance and expand a comprehensive framework for holistic technology integration tailored to Indigenous values and needs. The first year will involve developing a detailed research plan, establishing relationships with key community stakeholders, and securing necessary permissions and ethical approvals. The project will then conduct primary consultations and interviews with community members, elders, and leaders to gather qualitative data. This data will be analyzed to refine the existing framework, ensuring it incorporates organizational, cultural, environmental, and community values. The project will produce initial consultation reports and a preliminary research report, laying the groundwork for a sustainable and culturally aligned approach to technology integration. In the second year, we plan to take our findings and apply them to create a graphically enhanced book for publishing, communicating our innovative framework and inspiring a wider audience.

Polymath Global

Revised Public Project Overview

Polymath Global is participating in the MITACS – BSI program to offer valuable internship opportunities in Software Design and Development. These internships aim to bridge the gap between academia and industry, providing students with practical experience and skills in product design and software development. The program will benefit Polymath Global by fostering innovation and introducing fresh perspectives within the organization, enhancing its talent pool, and strengthening its product design systems to produce industry-leading designs. Interns will engage in real-world projects, contributing to product management and strategic planning efforts while addressing current industry challenges. By participating in this program, Polymath Global supports the development of the Canadian workforce and gains access to emerging talent, leading to long-term organizational growth and success.

This engagement underscores Polymath Global’s commitment to a continuous learning environment and academic-industry collaboration, enriching its service offerings and maintaining its competitive edge in the tech industry. By investing in the next generation of professionals, Polymath Global ensures a steady influx of new ideas and approaches that drive innovation and improve service delivery of its products. This strategic involvement aligns with Polymath Global’s goals of expanding its reach and influence in the market, while contributing to the broader educational and professional landscape in Canada.

Functional MRI for post-stroke rehabilitation

Motor impairment is a common symptom after stroke and recovery of motor function is important for regaining the patient’s independence in activities of daily living. Being able to predict motion recovery and outcomes soon after stroke could support clinicians, patients and families to set proper goals for rehabilitation and appropriate plans of time and resource allocation. In this project, multimodal medical imaging data such as MRI and/or CT will be used to predict the recovery of upper limb function after stroke. The deep learning algorithms will be developed to predict the post stroke recovery based on the quantitative imaging biomarkers derived from the multimodal medical images.

The proposed project focuses on using advanced MRI technology and augmented reality (AR) to improve stroke recovery. By analyzing MRI scans, the research aims to predict how well patients will regain motor function after a stroke. The project will also develop and test an AR-based app to help patients with spatial neglect, a common post-stroke condition. This collaboration between Memorial University and the University of Auckland will enhance research capabilities at both institutions, foster international partnerships, and provide valuable insights that could lead to better stroke rehabilitation methods.

Human Mobility, Climate Change, and Human Rights: Addressing the Vulnerability of Environmental Migrants in Latin America

The general goal of this research is to analyze how linked phenomena to climate change are affecting the vulnerable communities in Latin America, what triggers forced migrations, and evaluate violations of human rights faced by environmental migrants in all stages of their movement. We will also examine existing policies and practices aimed at protecting their rights in the region, with the purpose of proposing concrete actions to address the vulnerability of this population in constant movement. This project is designed to enhance international research collaborations by working with the host University ICESI in Columbia and the Canadian institution Thompson Rivers University.

Le problème du mal et l’éthique dans la philosophie de Leibniz

La présente étude vise à montrer la configuration du problème du mal, pour ensuite analyser la solution proposée par Leibniz, en présentant la théorie du meilleur des mondes possibles et en examinant comment ce choix se fait effectivement (cherchant à répondre aux débats interprétatifs des commentateurs sur la possibilité d’analyser les mondes infinis), ainsi qu’en mettant en avant l’explication innovante de la subsomption du mal moral et du mal physique dans le mal métaphysique. Enfin, à partir de la réponse au problème du mal, la recherche tente d’articuler une éthique leibnizienne, rendue possible grâce à des textes épars, car elle n’a pas été systématisée par le philosophe. Pour ce faire, les principales œuvres travaillées seront les Essais de Théodicée : sur la bonté de Dieu, la liberté de l’homme et l’origine du mal, le Discours de Métaphysique, les Principes de la Nature et de la Grâce Fondés en Raison, la Monadologie et l’ensemble des textes connus sous le nom de Political Writings .

Development of surrogate model platform to quantify the impact of design decisions on energy consumption, peak demand, and greenhouse gas emissions for buildings in North America

Canada aims to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Buildings play a big role in this effort, so this research focuses on developing a tool to design and retrofit buildings for greater energy efficiency and sustainability. Using advanced computer models and data from building simulations, this tool predicts how different design choices impact energy use, peak power demand, and emissions in minutes instead of weeks. By simplifying the process, architects and builders can more easily design eco-friendly buildings, quantifying their carbon footprint and ensuring they are in line with Canada’s climate targets. Adaptis, known for its expertise in building performance software, enhances this tool by integrating it into their software, ensuring accuracy and user-friendliness, while enhancing Adaptis’ capability to deliver precise and efficient building solutions. This collaboration advances sustainable building practices, potentially reducing energy consumption and operational costs for building owners and occupants, in line with Canada’s national climate goals.

Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli – HTO Research

Abnormal knee loading is known to contribute towards knee osteoarthritis, causing tissue damage and pain. High tibial osteotomy is a surgical procedure that corrects abnormal knee loading conditions and alleviates osteoarthritis symptoms. However, we don’t fully understand how different surgical procedures affect joint tissues. Establishing the relationship between joint structure and joint surgery presents an opportunity to understand the trajectory of osteoarthritis and how it can be managed.

The Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute (IOR) in Bologna (Italy) is a hospital and research facility with an ongoing clinical trial (Clinical Trial Gov Number NCT05865899) assessing the impact of high tibial osteotomy for knee osteoarthritis. In collaboration with IOR, we will use novel medical imaging tools to assess bone and joint changes in osteoarthritis patients undergoing high tibial osteotomy. Through this collaboration, we will share our expertise in image analysis with IOR, whilst also gaining access to a unique image dataset where we can apply, assess and enhance the analysis tools that we have recently implemented.

This clinical trial will explore the underlying mechanisms that can delay osteoarthritis development and will facilitate informed and shared decision-making between patients and physicians, which will aid in maintaining long-term joint health and quality of life.

Optimization of heat pump water heaters operating at extreme cold temperatures

The extreme cold weather of Canada requires innovative solutions to provide efficient options to for heating of water domestically, industrially and commercially. Heat pump water heaters might be the answer as efficient heating systems and cost-effective on the long term. Hence, this project studies heat pump water heaters as a potential efficient and environmentally-friendly substitution to gas boilers and electric water heaters. The aim is to have an efficient system operating at different Canadian weathers and at a wide range of ambient conditions, especially the cold conditions.

Optimisation des Chaînes d’Approvisionnement pour la Décarbonisation du Transport Lourds sur les Circuits Courts

Dans un monde où la lutte contre le changement climatique devient une priorité, ce projet vise à réduire les émissions de carbone du transport lourd sur des circuits courts. Imaginez des camions, essentiels à notre économie, devenant plus propres et plus efficaces. Ce projet explore des méthodes novatrices pour rendre cela possible en optimisant les chaînes d’approvisionnement.
L’équipe analysera les trajets des camions pour identifier les points où l’énergie est gaspillée. Grâce à des outils de modélisation et de simulation avancés, elle testera diverses stratégies pour réduire les émissions, comme l’optimisation des itinéraires, l’introduction de véhicules à faible émission et l’amélioration de l’efficacité des entrepôts.
L’objectif est de mettre en place des solutions pratiques adoptables par les entreprises de transport pour réduire leur empreinte carbone tout en maintenant leur efficacité. Il s’agit de rendre les chaînes d’approvisionnement plus respectueuses de l’environnement et plus rentables. Ce projet est une étape cruciale vers un avenir où le transport lourd, indispensable à notre mode de vie, devient plus durable et respectueux de notre planète.