Innovative Projects Realized

Realistic Degradation Studies of Platinum-Rare Earth Alloy Fuel Cell Catalysts using Near-Ambient Pressure X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy

This proposed project will investigate the failure modes of platinum-rare earth element alloy catalysts for hydrogen fuel cells. These alloys are the current state-of-the-art catalysts in terms of durability for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), yet due to their recent discovery are lacking important studies to understand their degradation under working conditions. These types of studies are required to understand their failure modes, which will inspire intelligent catalyst design in the future and push forward the field of PEMFCs. The proposed failure analysis studies will be done in collaboration with Dr. Michael Günthel at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy (ISE) in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany. The Fraunhofer ISE has state-of-the-art materials characterization instrumentation, including a near-ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron Spectrometer (NAP-XPS) which will be key to conducting the proposed failure analysis studies. NAP-XPS will allow us to investigate the platinum-rare earth alloy catalysts under near working conditions, as the unique XPS system allows for the study of catalyst surfaces under gases such as hydrogen and oxygen. The usage of these gases allows us to create simulated operational conditions, during which we can observe and characterize the surface species forming while the catalyst degrades.

Advanced Control and Data Analysis in Support of Unmanned Vehicle Operators

Mobile robots equipped with chemical, radiological and explosive detectors are deployed during events where CBRNE materials have been dispersed; sending robots provides key reconnaissance data while reducing personnel exposure. Operators rely on camera views and on-board detectors to drive the robots using joysticks, and they have to control every aspect of the robot operation. Live detector data collected by the robot can be overlaid on maps. However, insufficient situational awareness, sparse and inaccurate data put a significant demand on the operators for navigating the robot, mapping the contamination levels and locating the hazard in time efficient fashion. This proposed research project will develop proof-of-concept advanced robot controls and comprehensive analytical tools that can assist mobile robot operators to make faster and more correct decisions, increase robots’ safety and mobility during a real-time situation in complex environments. Some of these concepts may be adopted in prototypes and products in the future.

Regulation and adaption of adenylyl cyclases and cAMP signaling networks in brown adipose tissue

Driver Behavioural Change Interventions to Improve Fleet Safety

The City of Toronto operates one of the largest and most diverse fleets in North America. Despite City’s commitment to road safety, incidents involving municipal fleet vehicles remain a challenge. This project ultimately aims to reduce incidents and improve fleet safety among light-duty vehicle fleet drivers within the City’s Transportation Services Division by targeting risky driver behaviors. The specific objectives are: (1) to identify the root causes and risk factors contributing to preventable collisions, (2) to pinpoint driver behavior intervention opportunities that align with these causes, and (3) to pilot test a context-specific intervention. The proposed methodology encompasses a mixed-methods approach, beginning with a review of archival data (e.g. incident reports) and policy documents, followed by data collection through qualitative and/or quantitative methods with City personnel. These activities will inform a gap analysis and the development of tailored interventions, which will be evaluated for feasibility and impact. The findings will contribute to the scientific literature on fleet crash causation and behavioral interventions for fleet drivers.

Ara – Optimisation acoustique

The project involves research and development regarding some of the components of the product. The Ara, an educational musical instrument, features a mechanism that creates music based on the positioning of pieces on the tangible user interface of the product. This mechanism comprises various systems that will be mechanically and acoustically optimized by the intern to enhance the quality of the sound produced by the instrument.

Indigenous Food Systems, Nutrition, and Health in the Amazon Rainforest

The proposed project addresses the pressing challenges indigenous communities face in the department of Vaupés, Colombia. These challenges include cultural loss, pollution, mental health issues, and ongoing food insecurity despite the region’s extensive biodiversity. Through a participatory approach, the project seeks to engage indigenous communities in understanding the impact of environmental changes, from climate change and human exploitation, on their food systems, culture, and development. The expected benefits for participating institutions, including local indigenous organizations, government agencies, and non-profit groups, include strengthened partnerships, increased cultural competence through community engagement, and increased understanding of the community’s needs and wants. The project promotes social justice and preserving cultural heritage by empowering indigenous groups to actively participate in decision-making processes concerning their own well-being and environment. Ultimately, the project aims to serve as a catalyst for positive change, driving sustainable development and fostering resilience within the indigenous communities of the Vaupés region.

Drug Delivery Vehicle for Gene Silencing in the Posterior Segment of the Eye

Retinal diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cause vision blur and distortion, eventually leading to vision loss. AMD is the leading cause of blindness in patients over 60, affecting an estimated 200 million people worldwide. Current treatments require patients to receive monthly injections into the back of the eye, risking adverse effects and placing a tremendous burden on both the patient and healthcare system. RNA interference offers greater potency compared to traditional AMD treatments, with the potential to reduce injection frequency and volume. However, clinical implementation is limited by stability and long-term delivery, and methods for ensuring safe and effective delivery to the target cells are needed. The proposed project is focused on the development of a novel material for RNA encapsulation and delivery for the treatment of AMD. This project has the potential to seed a collaboration between the home and host institutions as we have overlapping research interests and differing areas of expertise.

Développement d’un système informationnel 360 pour l’optimisation des opérations (suite)

Videns Analytics est une compagnie qui approche cinq ans d’existence et qui regroupe une quarantaine de collaborateurs. Pour sa gestion interne, la compagnie utilise plusieurs outils qui touchent différents domaines comme par exemple:
– la gestion des heures des collaborateurs, utile notamment pour la facturation;
– la planification de l’affectation des ressources humaines sur les différents projets;
– les ressources humaines;
– la comptabilité;
– la gestion des clients et prospects (CRM).
L’objectif du projet est de continuer à développer un système d’informations analytique qui permettra de rassembler ces données et de les présenter sous un format qui facilitera la prise de décision et permettra d’optimiser la gestion de la compagnie. Le projet qui est la suite d’une demande Mitacs SSE précédente couvre:
– l’infrastructure cloud qui va héberger le système d’informations;
– le modèle de données;
– la base de données;
– la génération de code ETL en python qui va extraire et transformer les données des systèmes existants pour les intégrer au système informationnel;
– des tableaux de bord qui vont permettre de présenter les données de façon synthétique.

Par rapport à l’année dernière le projet se concentre sur les données de comptabilité et les tableaux de bord afférents

Big Data Analytics for GPS Fleet Management

The project will develop a data mining strategy on how to efficiently use Geotab’s data from multiple sources to isolate network connectivity logs in Geotab’s data, interpolate the GPS coordinates associated with network logs, acquire fuel consumption rates and related opportunities. It will involve a literature survey of the existing algorithms to gain valuable insights. It will also include an important research component to analyze, understand, and develop trends using the available data to compare and corelate the results. The interns shall work toward enriching the data files as required, compare the performance of big data source providers, upload the data to the big data source and use appropriate data visualization tools for the fleet productivity and safety.

Supporting Patients by Family Education in Psychotic Illness

Family caregivers are an essential component of care for young adults with severe mental illness including psychosis. While their involvement improves outcomes in multiple modalities, family caregivers are often overwhelmed with the care of their loved one. Currently, there are not enough resources for family caregivers of young people with severe mental illnesses. The study involves administering a nine-week course on caring for a person with mental illness to family caregivers. Family burden, as well as service user quality life, symptom severity and service used, will be assessed pre- and post-intervention, as well as at a 6 and 24 month follow up. The intern will also assist with program development, including creating a website, online resources for participants, and facilitator’s manual.

Reconciling Measurement-Based Methane Inventories in the Oil and Gas Sector

This research from Arolytics and StFX’s FluxLab, led by Nadia Tarakki, PhD, focuses on accurately calculating methane emissions from Canada’s oil and gas sector, a major contributor to global climate change. The project will develop innovative emissions frameworks for reconciling diverse methane measurement methods and create accurate methane inventories, overcoming current limitations. Emphasizing statistical properties and automation, these frameworks, which will become part of Arolytics’ services, will improve the reliability of emissions reporting. This research will give the oil and gas industry enhanced tools for precise methane measurement, aligning with international standards and regulatory frameworks for effective climate mitigation. The generated technical knowledge will inform regulatory decisions and accelerate progress toward environmental targets. In essence, this project will improve emissions management practices in the oil and gas sector.

McLeod Lake Indian Band Moose Enhancement Project

This project is designed to look at the effects, and potential impacts of various forest harvest treatments on wildlife use, with a focus on moose, within the McLeod Lake Indian Band Traditional Territory, located north of Prince George, BC. This project will examine wildlife species and their use of the various treatments, plant abundance, diversity and nutrient quality, local weather data, and snow depth interception of trees remaining in the treatments. This project will then track the changes of these attributes over time to determine long term use of the areas by wildlife, which can then provide information on other forest treatment practices to benefit similar local wildlife species.