Innovative Projects Realized

Copsys Intelligent Digital Skin

This project seeks to fully develop Copsys Intelligent Digital Skin (CIDS) technology, elevating it from Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7 to market readiness. CIDS, a novel paint-based digital technology, aims to revolutionize corrosion and asset integrity management across various industries. It integrates impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) within a coating, marking a significant innovation in ICCP technology. This advancement not only enhances ICCP’s performance and applicability but also enables coatings to function as “feeling” skin, remotely monitoring protective barrier integrity.
The project’s journey, fueled by prior MITACS funding, has already advanced CIDS from TRL 4-5 to TRL 7, particularly in addressing Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI) challenges. The current phase includes experimental development to confirm CIDS’s efficacy in marine applications; as well as prepare for a Phase 2 offshore pilot, exploring CIDS applications for varied asset geometries, and assessing its impact on overprotection and hydrogen evolution, compared to traditional ICCP methods.

Spectral analysis of AmFm stars observed with HRS SALT

Chemically peculiar (CP) stars usually show significantly enhanced or depleted abundances of chemical elements compared to solar abundance. In CP stars of AmFm type, an underabundance of Ca and Sc, and an enhanced overabundance of other metals is observed everywhere in the stellar atmosphere. Some known AmFm stars observed by TESS clearly show pulsations that one usually finds in d Scuti stars. High-resolution spectra of some AmFm stars have been recently acquired with ESPaDOnS (CFHT) and HRS (SALT) and will be used to carry out abundance analysis. This research will result in a significant amount of new data on average abundances for AmFm stars. It will help validate the stellar classification of the studied targets and origin of the observed pulsations. This internship is a part of an extensive collaboration of the stellar astrophysics group of Université de Moncton aimed to study stratification of chemical abundance in CP stars and refine their classification. This research will help our group to establish a solid collaboration with the colleagues from Poland and other countries of the European Union.

Modélisation du comportement de réseaux de distribution avec des techniques de logique floue ou autres techniques d’intelligence numérique

La transition énergétique au Canada va nécessiter une augmentation importante de la production électrique en faisant appel notamment aux sources d’énergie renouvelable. Bien que bénéfique, l’introduction à grande échelle de ces nouvelles sources de production compliquera la tâche des planificateurs et opérateurs du réseau électrique. En effet, ces spécialistes doivent réaliser des simulations par ordinateur du réseau électrique (reposant sur la modélisation de chaque composante) afin d’analyser son comportement. Or, les réseaux de distribution dans lesquels seront répartis les sources d’énergie renouvelable ne pourront être représentés comme autrefois puisque leur modélisation nécessitera de nouveaux raffinements afin de représenter la grande variabilité et dispersion des sources d’énergie renouvelables.
Le but principal de projet est le développement de nouveaux modèles de réseaux de distribution contenant des sources d’énergie renouvelable en faisant appel à des techniques d’intelligence artificielle. Ultimement, ces nouveaux modèles seront intégrés à un grand simulateur de réseaux électriques du centre de recherche d’Hydro-Québec.

Addition of vascular normalization therapy to improve the uptake and efficacy of chemotherapy and immunotherapy in advanced ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecologic malignancy and treatment strategies have remained unchanged for decades. A hallmark of tumour progression is the ability to rapidly develop new blood supply; however, aggressive growth signals result in dysfunctional blood vessels that reduce tumour perfusion and promote hypoxia. This tumour microenvironment promotes chemoresistance and suppresses natural and therapy-induced immune responses, resulting in therapy failure. We have developed a novel biologic, Fc3TSR, that attenuates these aggressive vascular growth signals within the tumour. In previous work, Fc3TSR remodelled the tumour microenvironment, improved therapy uptake, and reduced tumour growth. Our goal is to harness the ability of Fc3TSR to re-sensitize cancer cells to chemotherapy, and remodel the tumour microenvironment to enhance the uptake and efficacy of chemo- and immuno-therapies in ovarian cancer. In a murine model of advanced ovarian cancer, Fc3TSR will be administered with chemotherapy or immunotherapy, pembrolizumab. We believe Fc3TSR will remodel tumour vasculature to enhance the efficacy of chemo- and immuno-therapies, leading to tumour regression. This research will address main impediments to therapeutic success, including accessibility of compounds to the tumour and widespread immunosuppression. We will work with NORI to develop novel biologics for ovarian cancer that will be tested in powerful

Mitochondrial function as pharmacological target in Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is neurodegenerative disorders including motor symptoms linked to the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the Substantia Nigra pars compacta. The etiology is still unknow, but data suggest an important role of mitochondrial dysfunction in the onset of this disease. The vulnerability of dopamine neurons seems to be related to their particularly high energy demand due to their very large number of axon terminals. Such morphological and physiological characteristics also cause high levels of mitochondrially-derived oxidative stress. This makes the mitochondria a critical target for potential disease-modifying therapy. The fpresent project aims to investigate whether the use of compounds that improve mitochondrial function while controlling oxidative stress can lead to a neuroprotective effect and increase the survival of vulnerable dopaminergic neurons. Demonstrating this effect could lead to the development of new drugs for the treatment of PD based on the restoration of mitochondrial efficiency.

Research Study into Impact of E-mail on Employees

The proposed research to be undertaken is an investigation into the relationship between electronic communication (E-mail, text messages, and Instant Messages) and key employee/employer outcomes (Employee outcomes include: work-life conflict, perceived stress, depressed mood, and anxiety; Employer outcomes include: engagement, work-role overload, job satisfaction, and work related stress. The research may also look at scales for constructs in the organizations which help moderate the relationship between electronic communication and key employer outcomes in the third phase of the research (Moderators include: supportive manager, perceived organizational support, and organizational culture).

Material Testing of BioWood Gel Composite Interior Veneers

Bio-Brick Labs manufactures concrete and natural stone replacements for veneers and rainscreen applications. The material
is made of 85% recycled material, captures CO2, and requires no heat, high-energy machinery, or exotic materials to make.
This results in a carbon-negative product during the lifespan of the material. This project aims to evaluate the in-service
performance of these materials for construction applications and to verify where they comply with CSA standards.

Design and Development of an Analytics-driven Cloud-based Web and Mobile Application for Inventory Management and Product Information Management for a Retail Store

Dolce & Gourmando Inc., a Toronto-based retail business specializing in unique specialty foods, currently faces challenges in inventory and product information management. It’s reliance on diverse suppliers, absence of an integrated inventory management system, lack of customization options in the existing software, and financial inability to implement cost-intensive alternatives [1,2,3], necessitate the development of a highly customized, analytics-driven and cloud based Product Information System (PIS) and Inventory Management System (IMS). The new solution developed will be largely helpful for enhancing operational efficiency, minimizing losses, and for ensuring customer satisfaction.

The proposed project will bring many advantages for Dolce & Gourmando. Economically, the system will enhance cost efficiency, minimize losses from stock wastage, and offer scalability to adjust to market demands. In terms of productivity, streamlined processes, automation, and access to real-time data will boost efficiency and decision-making. Leveraging the cloud-based system, enabling data-driven decision making, and thereby enhancing supply chain operations, will provide strategic advantages in ensuring customer satisfaction and streamlined market allocation. It will also offer economic recovery support post-Covid-19, enhance competitiveness in the Canadian retail sector, and will facilitate organic growth of the business.

Development of a thermal spray WC/Co coating for abrasive concrete applications

Mechanical wear and chemical corrosion are the two main dominant factors that limit the service life of industrial machinery. Wear and tear of tools and equipment are significantly intensifying due to the increasing demand for superior efficiency, productivity, and throughput of industrial apparatuses. Since the surface of the materials is
more exposed to abrasive wear and erosion, surface protection is considered an effective and economic approach to improve the service life of machinery components. Currently, thermally sprayed WC/Co coatings are the most widely used wear-resistant materials to protect various metallic components. This study aims to develop a wear
resistance coating which is also tough and ductile enough to increase the service life and reduce the disposal of machinery components, used in the manufacturing of concrete products. The pertinent industry will benefit from the research by acquiring the knowledge to produce machinery parts with improved service life and durability. This reduces the repair and maintenance costs of the apparatus and increases production efficiency.

Continual Learning approach for adaptive neural decoders

The proposed project aims to develop neural decoder models that can interpret brain signals in real-time to control stimulation devices, specifically focusing on Epidural Electrical Stimulation (EES) for upper limb rehabilitation. By implementing a continuous learning paradigm in decoders, the project seeks to enable the models to compensate for the effects of stimulation and adapt to different stimulating settings with minimal retraining. The expected benefit of this research is to advance the development of cutting-edge neuroprosthetic devices for rehabilitation, benefiting both the Université de Montreal and EPFL in Lausanne. Additionally, the project has the potential to contribute to the development of multi-subject models and guide the next generation of rehabilitation devices, aligning with the expertise and objectives of the participating institutions.

Natural Heritage Risk and Vulnerability Assessment in the Region of Peel

This project involves better understanding how climate change might affect our natural environment with the Region of Peel located within the Greater Toronto Area. The approach is to consider how vulnerable components of the natural environment, such as streams, forests and the organisms living in these habitats, might be to a new climate or extreme weather. In addition to organisms like fish, wildlife and plants, humans also benefit greatly from nature when it is healthy and functional. Examples of these benefits include clean water and air, shaded streets and park lands, and recreation. Once we understand where and how our natural environment, and the related benefits to humans, needs greatest protection, management actions can be developed on a priority basis. Through this work, the TRCA will continue to foster science-based decision making and ensure that The Living City is built on a natural foundation of healthy rivers and shorelines, greenspace and biodiversity, and sustainable communities.

Reconstruction de la communauté de poissons dans les lacs prioritaires du parc national du Mont-Tremblant à l’aide de la paléolimnologie

Au cours des dernières années, le Parc National du Mont Tremblant (PNMT) se questionne sur le caractère domestique et indigène de certaines communautés de poissons dans ses lacs prioritaires, particulièrement pour les lacs à omble de fontaine (Salvelinus fontinalis) et touladi (Salvelinus namaycush). L’impact humain sur les communautés de poissons semble important (ensemencements, contamination des poissons-appâts) et plusieurs lacs sont maintenant colonisés par le meunier noir (Catastomus commersonii) et plusieurs espèces de cyprins dont le mulet à cornes (Semotilus atromaculatus) qui sont en compétition avec les salmonidés. Le PNMT désire reconstituer les communautés présentes AVANT le développement des impacts humains. Nous allons déterminer la structure de la communauté piscicole AVANT la création du parc à l’aide de la paléolimnologie et la comparer avec la communauté piscicole ACTUELLE. Pour répondre à cet objectif, nous utiliserons la paléolimnologie afin de reconstruire les changements potentiels et non-mesurés dans les communautés dans les lacs sur plusieurs décennies par l’examen des sédiments lacustres. Les sédiments lacustres agissent comme des « archives » qui nous donnent l’historique des lacs.