Innovative Projects Realized

Water dynamics monitoring in agriculture using compact polarimetry

Water dynamics monitoring in agriculture plays a crucial role in optimizing resource use, maximizing crop productivity, and promoting environmental sustainability in agricultural systems. It provides valuable data for informed decision-making, helping farmers address challenges related to water management and climate variability. Canada’s RADARSAT Constellation Mission Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) continuously monitors the Canadian agriculture. This mission provides compact polarimetric SAR data of high spatio-temporal resolutions. This MITACS Globallink project aims at using RCM data to monitor the water dynamics of agricultural soil and crops. The outcome of this project will be highly benificial for the farmers, agriculture researchers, strategists, and industries in public and private sectors both in the host and home countries to the develop precision agriculture.

Foundational Concepts on Biomedical Commercialization & Innovation

This project will recommend strategies for deploying and scaling a training program to support commercialization skills for biomedical researchers.

Non-Contact condition monitoring system for outdoor ceramic insulators based on their radio frequency signatures

The research centers around the feasibility study of a method to detect faulty outdoor insulators and to classify the type of defects within the insulator. Every different type of defect results in a specific electromagnetic Signature that can be acquired using an antenna and oscilloscope. Using these Signatures some specific features (eg statistical or spectral features) can be extracted which are used to train computer learning algorithms so that they can classify subsequent signatures into their respective classes. At kinectrics, field tests will be performed to obtain this data and to study how this technique could be applied in a real world scenario. This would also allow the study of the various different forms of noise that are known to pollute the measurements. Upon successful development this technology will result in a safe to use, cost effective, accurate and convenient way to test outdoor insulators for defects.

Assistant de Recherche pour Étude de Marché chez HeatConnect

Le ou la stagiaire sélectionné(e) participera à une étude de marché stratégique pour HeatConnect, notre système de chauffage innovant qui utilise la chaleur générée par des serveurs informatiques pour réduire significativement l’empreinte carbone de nos clients tout en augmentant leur valeur économique. Ce stage, effectué en collaboration avec le HEC Montréal, mettra l’accent sur l’analyse des marchés potentiels et existants et sur la mise en évidence de l’impact environnemental positif de notre solution. Les tâches incluront la conception d’études de marché, l’analyse des données, la rédaction de rapports, et la contribution à des publications académiques. Ce rôle offre une occasion exceptionnelle d’acquérir des compétences spécialisées dans les domaines du marketing vert et de l’efficacité énergétique.

Marketing and Sales Coordinator

The Sales and Marketing Coordinator will support the growth of Talent Bureau’s business through supporting marketing campaigns and sales initiatives. This will include working alongside our Marketing Manager to learn and develop campaign material (website, social media, email), supporting our celebrity talent with brand guidance and supporting the sales function of the business

Baseline : Prédire les tendances de la qualité de l’air dans le quartier du Vieux-Limoilou

La qualité de l’air est un enjeu environnemental majeur qui affecte la santé de milliers de citoyens – un enjeu particulièrement marqué dans la Ville de Québec. La mise en place du Groupe de travail sur les contaminants atmosphériques (GTCA) par le Ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs démontre une faveur d’une meilleure qualité de l’air dans nos villes. Dans l’optique de mieux protéger les citoyens, Revolv’Air souhaite prédire la qualité de l’air à partir des données des capteurs dans la Ville de Québec. Ces fonctionnalités permettraient de générer des avertissements en avance, à la fois pour les citoyens et les décideurs politiques.

Urban Fire Risk Assessment

Predictive Fire Incident Risk Scoring System aims to develop a comprehensive risk assessment tool tailored to urban neighborhoods. Utilizing a combination of Census data, historical fire incident records, building structures, and expert knowledge, the project seeks to create a predictive risk scoring system capable of quantifying the overall fire incident risk level for each neighborhood. By analyzing diverse datasets and employing machine learning algorithms, the system aims to provide valuable insights into urban fire risks, enabling proactive measures to enhance public safety. Collaboration with Darkhorse Emergency presents an opportunity to expand expertise in public safety assessment and offer innovative solutions. Integration of the resulting model into Darkhorse’s data analysis software tools will enhance the company’s market presence and benefit fire agencies across North America.

Quantum Computing to enhance Machine Learning Accuracy

in this project, we are exploring the combination of quantum computing with machine learning to ensure a quantum-enhanced machine learning. We are focusing on the improvement of the accuracy and reliability of machine learning algorithms. While quantum improvements in supervised, unsupervised learning, and reinforcement learning have been reported, distributed models of machine learning such as Federated learning have received much less attention. Within our project, we tackle the problem of quantum enhancements in federated learning as well as in a set of specific use cases, and we will propose a systematic scheme for providing accuracy and reliability improvements.

Sea Cucumber as a source of active ingredient for cosmeceutics

The research project involves studying how extracts from sea cucumbers can be used in skin care products. Sea cucumbers are marine animals known for containing natural substances that might be beneficial for skin health, like slowing down skin aging or lightening skin tone. The project has two main goals: first, to make sure these sea cucumber extracts are safe for skin use and to find out what good they can do for the skin; and second, to figure out how to mix these extracts into skin care products effectively.

Pharmacology of GBA1 Chaperones

Mutations in the enzyme glucocerebrosidase (GBA1) are the most common genetic risk factor for development of Parkinson’s disease (PD). PD is characterized by the buildup of abnormal protein deposits in the brain, followed by progressive loss of neurons and behavioural symptoms. Numerous studies have noted a correlation between reduced GBA1 activity and increased levels of these abnormal protein deposits in the brain, but the relationship remains poorly understood. The aim of this project is to investigate whether augmenting levels of GBA1 can prevent the accumulation of abnormal proteins in the brain. The success of this project may lead to a better understanding of the causes of PD and could ultimately result in new strategies to develop disease-modifying therapies for Parkinson’s disease.

Integration of a somatotopic non invasive proprioceptive feedback strategy for robotic hand prosthesis users

The aim of my PhD research project is to provide hand proprioception perception to users of robotic hand prostheses. To do so, we developed a system to convey information about the configuration and movement of artificial limbs via evoked sensations that target specific regions of the phantom hand, while involving no perceptible delay or surgical intervention.

This research internship represents an invaluable opportunity for us to assess the effect of introducing the developed system on users’ technological embodiment of a robotic prosthesis. It is expected that the introduction of this type of proprioceptive feedback will alleviate some of the problems associated with the use of robotic hand prostheses, and thus promote the integration of these devices by the user. The expertise and research interests of Plasticity Lab’s researchers, led by Professor Makin, make them ideal partners with whom to collaborate in this endeavor.

PetDrifts Market Launch

PetDifts is launching smart collars to the market. This project includes refining product application to get ready for customers, spread the word out using digital marketing and partner with retail pet shops.