Innovative Projects Realized

La protection du territoire agricole au Québec à la croisée des chemins

Cette recherche se concentre sur l’analyse des fondements politiques et de la mise en œuvre initiale de la Loi québécoise sur la protection du territoire agricole de 1978, dans le but de saisir pleinement l’esprit de cette réforme dans le cadre de la révision actuelle de la loi. En premier lieu, une enquête socio-historique examinera l’évolution de la perspective québécoise sur l’aménagement du territoire agricole, soulignant l’importance des mobilisations civiles et des actions gouvernementales antérieures. Ensuite, une analyse approfondie de la mise en pratique de cette réforme sera menée, incluant l’examen de sa conception, du mode de régulation de l’activité agricole qu’elle a instauré, et des représentations qu’elle en a véhiculées. Le projet comprendra la construction d’un corpus de documents significatifs qui sera composé notamment d’archives des travaux parlementaires et de mémoires des parties prenantes. On procédera à une analyse qualitative des discours sur l’aménagement du territoire agricole ayant concourus à la réforme. En conclusion, une analyse de ce processus d’institutionnalisation mettra en lumière la transformation de la conception du territoire agricole en tant que bien commun, conception qu’a en quelque sorte consacrée la loi qui est en ce moment débattue.

The development of psychological assessments using robot-based tools to improve characterization of psychological function

The proposed research project will focus on the development of novel techniques to improve the assessment of psychological functions. Current psychological tests are limited in their ability to provide quantitative information on an individual’s ability to move and interact with their environment. Many psychological tests are computer-based systems that have been developed to assess psychological function using simple button presses quantifying measures such as reaction time. However, these tests are not able to accurately capture the wealth of kinematic information that is generated for even the simplest motor actions such as reaching. Crucial measures such as hand speed and accuracy are critical for understanding psychological function as abnormality in these measures have been linked to psychological disorders such as depression and ADHD. The proposed research project will adapt commonly used psychological tests as a suite of tasks developed on a robotic system that can provide objective and highly quantitative measures of upper limb movement. The developed tasks will then be disseminated through multidisciplinary open access journals and online repositories to improve assessment techniques in the field of psychology.

Hybridization of quantum and classical methods for network security

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Accounting for policy transfer in Canadian asylum policy, 1999-2012

In the context of the intern’s postdoctoral project, the research project aims to examine the correlation between the restrictiveness of a reform and the likeliness of its transfer using the IMPALA database. To this aim, the intern, after having received appropriate training, will incorporate the relevant regulatory framework in the International Migration Policy and Law Analysis (IMPALA) database. The IMPALA database includes a wider range of regulatory documents than existing databases, with primary and secondary legislation, administrative directives and relevant case law. It also includes a questionnaire aiming to weight the restrictiveness of the incorporated regulatory framework. With respect to the partner, he will gain a better understanding of the roots of restrictive legislative and regulatory changes in immigration which is useful for the purpose of lobbying the government and to support administrative or constitutional cases for judicial review.

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.