Innovative Projects Realized

Integrated Document Management and Retrieval System for infrastructure digital twins

The proposed research project aims to improve how information is managed for bridge construction and maintenance using advanced technology. The intern will create a system that combines Microsoft Power Apps, Power BI, and Autodesk Forge’s digital twin environment. This system will make it easier for engineers to input, store, and access important information related to different parts, assemblies, or elements of a bridge, including documents, spreadsheets, databases, photos and other relevant data types. When engineers interact with the digital twin model, they will be able to access all related information displayed in a user-friendly format, integrated into Power BI visualizations. This project will help the partner organization by making information management more efficient, reducing manual work, and ensuring that important data is secure, reliable and easy to find.

Magnetic field characterization of the Queen’s rotamak

Magnetic confinement of the extremely hot plasma necessary to achieve controlled nuclear fusion has made tremendous progress in recent years towards the ultimate goal of operating as a commercially viable long-term source of energy that can greatly facilitate the decarbonization of our energy system. As part of this research effort a fusion reactor prototype is being designed and constructed at Queen’s University. The project being supported involves the development of an array of magnetic probes capable of mapping both the internal and external magnetic field structure of the reactor device and will help to ensure that it operates as efficiently as possible.

Design a quantum-safe blockchain using post-quantum cryptography.

Blockchain technology consists of a distributed ledger that operates through a decentralized network of data blocks, sequentially connected and regulated by consensus mechanisms. Initially developed to underpin cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, broader business and technological sectors now recognize blockchains’ potential applicability across various fields, including healthcare, communication, and smart grids. Blockchains currently rely on established cryptographic techniques to maintain security. However, the emergence of quantum computing is shifting the security landscape, as some of the current encryption methods may be compromised by the power of quantum processors. Therefore, the adoption of advanced encryption protocols within the realm of post-quantum cryptography is becoming imperative. This project will delve into the latest advancements in blockchain methods that are fortified by post-quantum cryptography. The candidate will perform a review to highlight quantum-proof blockchain models tailored for diverse platforms and use-cases, addressing security challenges. Specifically, the candidate needs to design a quantum safe blockchain using standard platform (Ethereum/Hyperledger) to address security issues using post quantum cryptography.

Statistical methods for data generated by biotechnologies

Biotechnological advancements are opening new doors in clinical and biological sciences by enabling in-depth exploration of disease markers and pathways that were previously unimaginable. However, these advancements bring data challenges due to the complexity and vast amount of information involved. Traditional analysis methods often fall short in capturing the dynamic nature of biological processes, usually simplifying gene expression into static views. We propose a new statistical approach to identify key genes affected by a condition, which could lead to better treatments and medications by revealing the molecular mechanisms behind diseases and how they respond to treatment. Our method will improve an existing robust gene set analysis technique called the linear combination test by including gene regulatory networks. These networks are essential for controlling basic biological processes, and understanding them is crucial for grasping the complex and dynamic mechanisms of living organisms. We will validate this enhanced method using publicly available real-world data and develop an easy-to-use R-based software package. This bioinformatics tool could speed up drug discovery and development, moving us closer to more personalized and targeted treatment strategies. Our method will also help other research groups use biotechnological data to tackle innovative biomedical research questions.

Évaluation des nouveaux traitements sylvicoles en forêt boréale

Comme alternative aux coupes totales, les coupes partielles sont utilisées pour assurer la conservation de la biodiversité tout en fournissant les ressources ligneuses nécessaires de manière durable. Aujourd’hui de nombreuses études scientifiques ont démontré l’efficience des coupes partielles pour la préservation d’espèces forestières animales et végétales et leur potentiel pour la production de bois. Cependant, comme leur utilisation reste marginale, ces études se sont concentrées sur les impacts à court terme de la récolte (<10 ans). Des suivis à plus long terme sont donc nécessaires pour examiner le potentiel des coupes partielles. C’est l’objectif de ce projet de recherche. Nous allons étudiés les impacts des coupes partielles sur des sujets variés tels que la végétation de sous-bois, les insectes, le stockage de carbone et la ressource ligneuse grâce à des projets expérimentaux innovateurs au Québec, développés il y a plus de 20 ans pour tester les impacts de coupes forestières variées en intensité et modèle de récolte. Nos résultats auront des implications importantes pour l’aménagement forestier en apportant aux aménagistes une vision écosystémique des impacts des coupes partielles, leur permettant de parvenir à un aménagement durable de la forêt.

L’impact de la densification sur les infrastructures municipales

La recherche vise à explorer des solutions pour augmenter la capacité et la résilience des infrastructures urbaines en eau face à la densification urbaine et aux changements climatiques.
La densification urbaine, bien que bénéfique sur le plan environnemental, exerce une pression sur les infrastructures vieillissantes, augmentant la demande en eau potable, les rejets d’eaux usées et le ruissellement des eaux pluviales. Les changements climatiques aggravent cette situation en réduisant la disponibilité de l’eau potable et en intensifiant les pluies extrêmes, causant des refoulements d’égouts et des inondations de surface.

Cette recherche se déroulera en trois parties. La première définira la densification, identifiera ses impacts et explorera des solutions potentielles via une revue de la littérature et des entrevues auprès des municipalités. La deuxième élaborera une méthodologie pour cartographier les risques, évaluer leur importance et établir des priorités d’intervention. Enfin, la troisième appliquera cette méthodologie à deux municipalités québécoises de petite et moyenne taille, avec pour objectif de proposer des plans d’intervention adaptés.

L’objectif est de fournir des outils pratiques et des solutions concrètes aux municipalités pour mieux gérer les défis de la densification urbaine, contribuant ainsi à un développement durable et résilien

Integrating digital twins and data-driven predictive models to enhance infrastructure assets safety

This research project aims to improve the safety and maintenance of bridges by using advanced technology and methods to predict how bridges will respond to stress due to temperature fluctuations over time. Several sensors are installed on different elements of the bridge to measure strain and temperature values every second. The data is then analyzed using machine learning models to predict extreme strain values before they become serious problems. This proactive approach allows the partner organization to maintain the bridge more efficiently and cost-effectively, ensuring it remains safe for public use and extends its lifespan. Ultimately, this project helps create safer, more reliable infrastructure while reducing maintenance costs and preventing unexpected bridge closures.

Timed Monitorability in Theory and Practice

We will investigate a decision procedure for the monitorability of timed-properties of software controlled systems. A property defines a behaviour that a system is expected to exhibit, or in some cases, to not exhibit. In Runtime Verification, a property is monitorable if it is possible to construct a monitor that can detect the system’s conformance to the property in finite time.

Real-time software is crucial to the operation of nearly all of today’s safety-critical systems. Aircraft, spacecraft, power plants, cars, trucks, radiology machines, pacemakers, and many more devices run software that must strictly account for timing. Monitoring these devices for correct operation is one way that engineers can increase confidence that they are not failing at their critical tasks, but monitoring is only useful if the properties being monitored are monitorable. If it is not possible to determine in finite time that a property is satisfied or violated, then monitoring it is pointless.

This project will find classes of monitorable timed properties and introduce algorithms and tools for determining them. This program will bring opportunities for additional collaborations with Canadian industry interested in timed monitoring and provide visibility for Canadian research in the wider world of theoretical computer science.

Ecological risk assessment of flocculants for the construction industry in British Columbia

Stormwater consists of a complex mixture of chemicals that is minimally regulated but can be a major source of pollution. Stormwater discharge from construction sites must comply with temperature, turbidity and pH requirements set by local governments in British Columbia. In order to achieve these limits, a treatment process, typically involving the use of chemical flocculants and/or filtration is put in place. The chemicals used in this process are often not strictly regulated and their impacts on receiving water bodies may be poorly understood. This project aims to examine the environmental impacts of one such chemical flocculant, LBP-2101, on microbial communities, invertebrates and fish present in streams in the Metro Vancouver area. The project also aims to work towards the development of an evaluation process for chemicals used in stormwater treatment in the construction industry in the City of Burnaby to minimize the environmental impacts of stormwater discharge on receiving streams in the lower mainland.

Remote sensing of microalgal biofilms on mudflats

Net Zero Atlantic (NZA) is a non-profit organization, based in Halifax, that is seeking to advance a sustainable and inclusive transition to a carbon-neutral Atlantic Canada through the provision of credible and objective data and support services. To do so, NZA leads applied research projects designed to help inform Atlantic Canada’s transition to net zero emissions. There are still significant knowledge and technology gaps that must be identified and addressed and the Emerging Concepts and Technologies (ECT) Research Program makes R&D investments to foster early-stage genesis of novel technologies in the region, and to evaluate the suitability of technologies emerging from other jurisdictions for application in the region. NZA is the umbrella holder for this project. In addition to the project activities and resources listed below in 2.3, NZA will track deliverables and scope changes, review interim and final submissions, attend presentations, disburse and track funding and report Program outcomes and expenditures to funders and NZA’s Board of Directors. The outcomes of the project with be leveraged by NZA ECT program to support Nova Scotia’s and New Brunswick’s net zero emissions goals.

Fostering collaborative concussion management via the Blue Card in Canadian community rugby

The Blue Card was designed to minimize the risk of multiple concussions and encourage a safe return to competition. The Blue Card requires the collaboration of multiple participant groups. However, poor relationships between participant groups can impact the initiative’s success. Concussion training interventions must consider the complex dynamics within sports to facilitate collaboration among participant groups. This research aims to foster collaborative concussion management by supporting the development of a training program that allows rugby participants to share their perspectives on what should be included and how it should be implemented. A collaborative data collection technique will help participants (e.g., athletes, coaches, and match officials) come to an agreement on the content and format of a new concussion training program. This research will support the development of a training program, as informed by the agreement of the on-the-field experts, focusing on fostering positive relationships and collaboration. The involvement of representatives from the partnering organization (Rugby Canada) will help improve initiatives around concussion policy development and implementation within the organization.

Numerical package for characterizing quantum field generated by lossy micro-ring resonator

In this project, the intern will investigate mathematical models for sources of photons (the fundamental particles of light) with quantum properties that are suitable for implementation in computer software for the simulation and analysis of quantum information systems. These models are important for the design of realistic systems for quantum information processing and include the influence of the physical structure that guides the light and the non-linear effects of the materials used to construct the source. When combined with existing purpose-built simulation tools for analyzing the transformation of quantum information in photonic integrated circuits, these new models will support future development of photonic quantum computers and networks.