Innovative Projects Realized

A hyperspectral image simulator to train AI processing systems

Hyperspectral imaging is among the most promising earth observation technologies today. Hyperspectral Imaging (HSI) from satellites and uncrewed aerial systems is now feasible and enables the monitoring of new earth systems at unprecedented spatio-temporal scales. Applications of HSI include agriculture, natural resources and environmental monitoring, to name a few. Simulation of the hyperspectral imaging process allows the user to assess if a certain imaging solution would lead to the expected target knowledge.

Hume and the Principle of Sufficient Reason

This project aims to show that Hume does not reject the principle of sufficient reason (PSR), but rather proposes an understanding of it. Some scholars, such as Della Rocca (2018, 2021), Schrenk (2010), and Pruss (2006), have argued that Hume rejects the PSR when he discusses the causal maxim: “whatever begins to exist, must have a cause of existence” (T 1.3.3.1). These scholars have assumed that Hume rejects the necessary connection between cause and effect and accepts the existence of brute facts, i.e., facts for which no explanation can be given. Additionally, Hume rejects the conceivability of the notion of “efficient cause” (T 1.3.14.27). It seems, then, that Hume rejects the PSR. However, Hume rejects the existence of brute facts because he denies that “any thing might arise without a Cause” and claims that the causal maxim is an empirical truth.  These commitments raise a problem: How does Hume understand the PSR such that necessary connection and efficient power are not part of it? I aim to answer this question, showing that Hume develops a positive understanding of the PSR, such as the necessary connection and the notion that an efficient cause cannot be part of it.

La construction du phénomène des gangs de rue : études de cas de la ville de Québec, de 2002 à 2022

L’histoire moderne du crime organisé au Québec est marquée d’actions politiques, notamment le travail de construction du phénomène des gangs de rue en tant que problème social. Après le démantèlement du Wolf Pack – un réseau de prostitution juvénile- par l’opération scorpion en 2002, de nombreuses
voix se sont élevées pour dénoncer le caractère dangereux de la sous-culture hip-hop, tandis que d’autres ont dénoncé les actions de profilage racial de la part des policiers surtout dans la communauté noire adepte du hip-hop. Notre projet de thèse, qui retrace l’histoire de la construction sociale du phénomène des gangs de rue dans la ville de Québec, propose une étude compréhensive de cet enjeu.

Effets des biopesticides à base d’huiles essentielles sur les communautés microbiennes du sol.

À mesure que la population mondiale et la demande en denrée alimentaire augmentent, il est primordial de maintenir des sols en bonne santé et productifs. L’agriculture doit donc se réinviter et trouver des solutions pour limiter l’utilisation de pesticides conventionnels. L’utilisation de substances naturelles pour développer des bio-pesticides est une alternative novatrice aux pesticides conventionnels. C’est la mission dans laquelle s’est lancé l’entreprise APEO (Agronomical Plant Extracts & Essential Oils), en développant des herbicides biologiques efficaces à base d’huiles essentielles pour les usages des professionnels et des particuliers. Cependant, aujourd’hui, il n’existe que peu d’études décrivant le devenir environnemental et l’impact environnemental de biopesticides sur les organismes non cibles. En effet, malgré leur origine naturelle, les biopesticides, une fois dans le sol, peuvent subir une série de processus, qui peuvent modifier leur devenir dans l’environnement et entrainer des effets secondaires sur les organismes non cibles, comme les micro-oragnismes présent dans le sol. Les huiles essentielles sont connues pour leurs effets phytotoxiques mais aussi sur l’activité des micro-organismes du sol. C’est pourquoi il est nécessaire d’effectuer davantage d’études écotoxicologiques sur l’impact des bio-pesticides à base d’huiles essentielles sur les micro-organismes du sol afin de s’assurer le maintien d’un sol en santé.

Developing a prognostic model of freezing of gait in Parkinson’s disease

As you’re walking, suddenly, your feet become glued to the floor, unable to move. This is what people with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) often experience, a symptom called Freezing of Gait (FOG). Despite how common it is and its impact on daily life, finding effective treatments has been challenging because we don’t fully understand why it happens. In this project, we use brain scans (MRI) and computer algorithms to predict who might develop this symptom. To create a model that can predict the onset of FOG, we look at changes in the brain’s structure and connections, especially in areas controlling movement. This research could help doctors better manage PD, leading to more targeted clinical trials and potentially sparking the development of new treatments to prevent or lessen the effects of FOG.
Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario (PSSO) offers a variety of Programs and Services to support people affected by Parkinson’s throughout the region. The research findings and resulting articles and newsletters from this project will help PSSO communicate results to the community and attract new donors (e.g., for directed donations).

Metadata Commons

A large number of biological samples have been collected from research participants and are stored in freezers. In addition, huge volume of omics datasets exist. However, currently there is no place where all these resources are listed thus the research community is not aware of the existence of most of these samples and data. To solve this challenge, as a funding agency focused on applying genomics to pressing societal and economic challenges, Genome British Columbia initiated the Metadata Commons platform to foster a collaborative culture and provide more equitable and integrated information to the research community worldwide. This platform will contain information about both biological samples and omics datasets. This project will focus on improving the platform and engaging the larger user community. The Metadata Commons holds promise for stretching the research funds further, leading to new findings by reusing data beyond its initial purpose, and ultimately improving patient care.

AI-Driven Platform for Streamlined Creation of Interactive Simulation Labs in STEM Education

This project aims to develop an interactive platform with AI capabilities to facilitate the creation of complex simulation labs for STEM education. The significance lies in enabling educators to design and deploy interactive lab environments efficiently, enhancing student engagement and understanding in STEM disciplines. The objectives include exploring generative AI models for lab creation, integrating them into the existing simulation engine, and deploying the solution at scale. Methodologies encompass experimentation with various AI algorithms, rigorous testing in simulation environments, and iterative optimization for seamless integration. This research addresses the pressing need for innovative educational tools by leveraging AI-driven automation to streamline lab development processes.

PetDrifts Digital Marketing

Partner organization is a tech startup that develops smart pet collars, and this project is to support the sale of the product
and the operations needed for product launch in the market. This is the organization’s first product in the market; operations like preparing digital media campaigns, attending local events, signing up new customers are the focus areas of this project.

Global Market Expansion and Process Innovation Initiative

OPAS Mobile is an innovative software made by Mavin Industrial Limited that enhances workplace safety and productivity through AI-powered incident management solutions. To address current challenges and seize growth opportunities, we aim to expand into international markets, improve technical marketing, develop market-specific onboarding processes, craft compelling project proposals, and plan impactful industry events.

The “Global Market Expansion and Innovation Initiative” will strategically position OPAS Mobile for success in new markets. Our intern, a recent business graduate, will conduct market research to identify key international opportunities, analyze competitors, and understand local regulatory requirements. The intern will also develop targeted marketing campaigns, refine messaging, and create region-specific marketing materials to communicate the advantages of our AI-powered software.

In finance, the intern will conduct market entry financial analysis and develop funding leverage plans. They will design culturally appropriate onboarding processes to enhance customer satisfaction and retention. Additionally, the intern will draft and finalize proposals for public and private sector projects and plan industry events to boost OPAS Mobile’s presence.

This project will benefit Canada by contributing to economic growth, creating jobs, and positioning Canada as a leader in innovative technology solutions. It will also reduce workplace injuries and environmental incidents, aligning with Canada’s commitment to health, safety, and environmental sustainability.

Through this initiative, OPAS Mobile aims to drive growth, improve customer satisfaction, and enhance our global presence by leveraging innovative solutions and strategic market positioning for sustainable success.

Automatic transformation of API parameters

Shabodi designs software platforms to empower developers, engineers, and businesses to create and deploy high-performing, network-aware applications. This means that developers can create applications that are not confined to specific platforms or networks. One of the challenges Shabodi faces is the variety of APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) used by different software applications. An API is a set of rules and protocols that allows software applications to communicate with each other. Seamless integration between different systems requires an API router, which is also known as an API gateway or API reverse proxy. An API router transforms an ingress API of a consumer into one or more egress APIs of providers. It consists of a knowledge base (KB) of parameter definitions and transformation rules. Manually building the KB is a time-consuming process that requires extensive domain knowledge. This project proposes to develop a platform to automatically build the transformation rules in the KB using API documentation and provided examples.

Examining neural substrates of freezing of gait with structural MRI in patients with Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common brain disorder affecting movement, with one of its challenging symptoms being freezing of gait (FOG), where a person temporarily feels as though their feet are glued to the ground. Current treatments often fail to help with FOG, highlighting the need for more research. This study uses advanced MRI techniques to examine specific brain regions involved in this gait problem. By studying the responsible brain regions with the novel MRI technique, we hope to uncover the mechanisms behind the freezing of gait to identify new treatment options for this disabling symptom.
The Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario (PSSO) supports those affected by PD through various programs focused on support, education, advocacy, and research. They offer support groups, and educational resources for families and healthcare providers, and publish a bi-annual magazine. The results from our research will be shared with the PSSO community, helping to attract new donors and support ongoing efforts. With the increasing prevalence of PD in Canada, this research will provide essential educational resources and enhance support systems for patients and caregivers.

A multiplex biosensor platform for the detection of breast cancer biomarkers

Our technology utilizes synthetic DNA designed to exclusively bind and sense specific target biomolecules. Our multiplex platform, a unique feature, consists of eight biosensors specifically targeting one breast cancer marker type. These markers, which are stage-dependent, along with diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive markers, represent a significant advancement in breast cancer diagnostics and subsequent care for cancer patients.
AinaTest Diagnostics is a startup created around university-based research assets. Our team is on a mission to develop a minimally invasive diagnostic device that detects several breast cancer markers in blood.
Since its establishment in 2024, AinaTest Diagnostics has been driven by a singular, powerful vision: to create a world with zero preventable deaths due to a lack of affordable and reliable breast cancer diagnostics. This vision is not just a goal, but a commitment that our team is dedicated to fulfilling.