Innovative Projects Realized

Exploring the role of the gut microbiome and lifestyle in breast cancer

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide. Current prevention strategies are generalized and have shown limited effect on reducing the burden of breast cancer on a population level; therefore, there is a critical need for more targeted and personalized prevention strategies. As estrogen is a causal factor in breast cancer development, our current case-control study explores the role of the gut microbiome, diet and lifestyle factors on estrogen levels in the body. Our aim is to target microbiome-based pathways, possibly through a dietary intervention, as a novel prevention strategy for breast cancer; however, to achieve this, the findings need to be validated and we need to understand generalizability to the broader population. This GRA project will validate the findings in a larger population cohort in France who have different geography and demographics to increase the robustness and generazability of our findings and to amplify the impact to a global level.

Development of Floating-gate based Stable Organic N-type Optical Memory Transistor

Optical memory, one of the foundations of an image sensor, is a device that integrates the functions of a photodetector that detects light and a flash memory that stores information. When the device is exposed to light, the number of optical carriers generated in the floating gate increases. The memory status is determined accordingly. In the case of existing diode-type photodetectors, there is a signal delay in transmitting the detected signal to the flash memory along the metal line, and if the dark current of the diode is not clearly lowered, there are problems with low detection signal levels. In addition, although many reliable organic P-type materials have been reported, research and development are still needed for organic N-type semiconductors to maintain stable operation. When the above-mentioned optical memory is operated as a transistor type, the threshold voltage is adjusted according to the memory state. This makes it easy to distinguish multiple memory states using the on-current and off-current ratio of the transistor. Accordingly, this research team seeks to implement floating-gate-based stable organic N-type transistor-type optical memory by introducing each technology through collaborative research between Korea and Canada.

Sans tabous : S’unir pour l’inclusion du vécu et des besoins sexuels des adultes avec incapacités motrices en sexologie et réadaptation

Les expériences sexuelles des adultes avec incapacités physiques (AIM) sont compliquées par la présence de perceptions sociales négatives quant à leur sexualité. De plus, ces croyances sont souvent adoptées par les professionnel·le·s de la santé, menant à une invisibilisation de leurs besoins d’intervention en santé sexuelle et reproductive. Selon un devis qualitatif basé sur la méthode photovoix, cette étude mobilisera 20 à 24 AIM pour documenter leur vécu sexuel à l’aide de photographies, dégager le sens associé à ces vécus et identifier les besoins d’intervention qui en découlent. Les résultats seront diffusés à l’aide d’une exposition numérique auprès du grand public, des professionnel·le·s en sexologie et réadaptation et des chercheur·e·s. L’étude mettra ainsi de l’avant une représentation plus juste, sans tabous, par et pour les AIM de leur sexualité et contribuera à faire reconnaître leur droit d’obtenir le soutien nécessaire pour leurs besoins sexuels.

Vestibular Response Pattern Recognition in Relation to Concussion

This proposal presents research projects to evaluate a new technology, Electrovestibulography (EVestGTM) that holds potential to objectively, quickly and quantitatively measure the severity of concussion, thus aiding in its diagnosis. EVestG signals are recorded painlessly and non-invasively from the external ear in response to a vestibular stimulus; they are the brain signals modulated by the vestibular response. When concussed, people commonly experience balance (vestibular) problems and dizziness, as well as confused thinking. Considering the well-known bidirectional anatomical links of the vestibular system, following an impact concussion the EVestG signals will change, and should be indicative of a concussion. Data will be collected from referred patients, who have had concussion, as well as age and gender-matched controls. Two different signal processing will be used to derive characteristic features specific to concussion. Expert diagnostic classifiers will be developed using the statistically significant features of the two groups of participants, and the results will be compared with clinical diagnoses. The proposed research may lead to a technology that can be used for both objective diagnosis and recovery monitoring of concussion.

AI-Powered Realtor Assistant: MLS Data and Insights for Peak Efficiency via Chat Interface

Our project aims to revolutionize the way real estate professionals interact with market data and client information through the development of an advanced AI-driven chat interface. This single, cohesive system is designed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of realtors by integrating live MLS data, market reports, BASL internal data such as goals, tasks, CRM, and required courses, providing a comprehensive toolkit for real estate agents.

Transforming Real Estate Marketing with AI: Integrating MLS Data and Professional Insights for Optimal Realtor Efficiency in a Chat Interface

In the competitive landscape of real estate in the United States and Canada, standing out requires not just hard work but smart work. Our project is at the forefront of this transformation, leveraging artificial intelligence to automate and enhance every facet of real estate marketing. From creating stunning visual content for social media to executing intricate email campaigns, our initiative is about crafting a virtual assistant that possesses unparalleled expertise in real estate marketing.

Today’s realtors navigate a maze of marketing platforms and strategies, all while managing their core responsibilities of hosting open houses and meeting clients. Our AI-driven solution aims to streamline this process, offering a comprehensive tool that automates marketing tasks from A to Z. This not only simplifies the marketing process but also opens the door to more efficient sales, satisfied clients, and a more accessible real estate market.

Prompty – Launch Design and Processes

Prompty is a 100% indigenous owned technology start-up located in Calgary, Alberta. The organization combines modern technologies, gamification, and decades of experience within the conference and events industry to provide connectivity solutions that are authentic, enjoyable, sustainable, and secure. Prompty was founded and incorporated in April 2023 and has a minimum viable product (MVP) that is in beta testing and will launch to the public in April 2024.

The objective of this project is to assist Prompty in establishing a trusted brand identity by providing design, marketing, and client engagement assistance in its initial launch phase.

Dispositifs intelligents de détection à domicile pour la prévention des chutes chez les personnes âgées

Ce projet de recherche vise à étudier l’installation et l’efficacité des dispositifs intelligents de détection à domicile pour prévenir les chutes chez les personnes âgées. Avec l’augmentation de la population âgée, les chutes représentent un risque majeur pour leur santé, leur autonomie et engendrent des coûts significatifs pour le système de santé. En collaboration avec le Groupe Ad Valorem, ce projet explore l’acceptabilité, la faisabilité et la performance des capteurs de chute dans un cadre réel. L’objectif est d’identifier des solutions permettant une détection précise, rapide et non invasive des chutes, contribuant ainsi à améliorer la qualité de vie des personnes âgées tout en réduisant le fardeau économique associé. Pour l’organisme partenaire, ce projet offre l’opportunité de développer et d’optimiser une technologie innovante répondant à un besoin sociétal croissant, tout en collaborant avec des chercheurs experts dans le domaine. Ce partenariat bénéficiera non seulement aux personnes âgées en améliorant leur sécurité et leur indépendance mais aura également un impact positif sur le système de santé en diminuant le nombre d’hospitalisations dues aux chutes.

Automation and AI Updates

The overall objective of this project is to successfully plan and implement an integration system into our manufacturing facility production lines and our prototype machinery. This integration system will include sensors that capture important process information and provide time-sensitive reminders related to the mixing and production of PLAEX products. To accomplish this overall goal, the project will be broken down into 3 smaller objectives (noted in attached proposal)

Kuwentong Pamamahay: Stories and Storytelling of Home and Identity from Filipino Canadian Perspectives

“Kuwentong Pamamahay” (loosely translated as “Stories of Home-Making”) is an oral storytelling project that conveys intangible heritage values that draw on the specific living cultural experience, social histories and conditions of Vancouver’s Filipino Canadian community. Pamamahay is a Tagalog word for making both a physical and social space feel like home. The project presents unique Filipino Canadian modes of community-building around pamamahay through cultural aspects like food, religion, art, and expressions of national and bi-cultural identity. The project will culminate in an online digital exhibit and archive hosted by The Heritage Vancouver Society. This project changes public heritage discourse by relating stories and culture to intangible forms of heritage and addresses The Heritage Vancouver Society’s mandate to amplify diverse voices and help communities tell their own stories.

Modélisation de l’évolution du taux de Guanine-Cytosine des gènes chez les Vertébrés

L’objectif du stage est d’étudier la dynamique évolutive des gènes de Vertébrés à court terme et de la comparer à celle de substitution, afin de comprendre les forces évolutives et non évolutives modulant la structure de ces gènes. En particulier, comprendre les forces modulant le taux de Guanine-Cytosine en amont et en aval dans le corps de ces gènes. Il s’agira d’agréger des données génomiques de populations réparties dans le monde afin d’estimer la dynamique de maintien du pic de GC autour du TSS aux sites polymorphes. Nous utiliserons des sites polymorphes pour différencier les processus mutationnels liés à l’activité de l’ARN polymérase II et les biais de substitution tels que la sélection naturelle et la gBGC. Nous évaluerons la force de la gBGC en amont et en aval du TSS, ainsi que le rôle de la sélection naturelle. J’utiliserai des méthodes statistiques issues de la génétique des populations pour distinguer les rôles des mutations biaisées et de la réparation biaisée des gènes, de la conversion génique biaisée en faveur de G/C, et de la sélection naturelle. Nous développerons aussi un modèle informatique explicatif.

Device classification for telecommunication industry

As information technology (IT) and telecommunication systems continue to grow in size and complexity, the types and the number of telecommunication and networking devices required to support provider’s services have surged. Identifying these devices in a network is a challenging task, since they usually lack proper or accurate documentation describing their operating characteristics. Accurate device identification allows an enterprise to optimize the usage of resources efficiently and to respond quickly to any changes in the observed characteristics especially in cases of device failures or security breaches. This project will focus on the development of machine learning based algorithms for identification or classification of network devices based on their operating characteristics, functionality, connectivity and exposure to different environments for highly complex, poorly characterized and rapidly changing IT systems. Further, determining how inconsistencies or gaps in data will affect the accuracy of a classifier in identifying these devices is also an inherent part of this project.