Innovative Projects Realized

High-Speed Blockchain Project, Phase 2 (2)

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Theoretical study on controlling condensed matter properties by using strong light-matter coupling in cavity

Recent experimental advances have enabled the creation of setups where matter and quantized electromagnetic fields (photons) interact more strongly than the typical energy scale of the matter. Specifically, these strongly coupled light-matter systems have been achieved within the realm of cavity quantum electrodynamic (QED) materials, placing a material of interest inside a cavity of photon modes. The strong interaction between light and matter can significantly modify the material’s properties and even induce a transition to exotic phases, such as superconductors or quantum spin-liquids. These phases exhibit considerable potential for technological applications like quantum computation. However, most theoretical tools, with some exceptions, for studying strong light-matter interactions lack sufficient justification. In this project, we propose further development and application of a rigorous theoretical framework capable of addressing strongly coupled cavity QED materials. Success in this endeavor is anticipated to yield novel insights into exotic phases realized in cavity QED materials.

Cattle Health Management Data and App Strategy Development

The project involves detailed planning and mapping of the Cattle Health Management (CHM) organization’s data systems and designing and planning an application, data portal, and database infrastructure. We will start by analyzing the current data processes to create a structured map that guides the integration of advanced database technologies. This includes the creation of APIs and data marts to facilitate data transfer to analytic tools like PowerBI, ensuring a smooth data analysis process. The project also aims to design a data portal allowing users to access and download data easily in spreadsheet format.

In parallel, we will research and write the specifications for an application to gather information and generate reporting, analysis, and other modules, focusing on necessary features and user interface design.

This project is about laying a solid foundation with clear documentation of the planned systems and infrastructure, which will support efficient development and implementation in later stages. The goal is to establish a functional and user-friendly application with a well-integrated data system that aligns with CHM’s operational requirements.

Exploring Legacies of Injustices and Inequities from Toronto’s Transportation Infrastructure Development

While many Canadian planning practitioners are familiar with the harmful legacies of transportation infrastructure development in the United States, particularly as it relates to the displacement and forced removal of racialized and
low-income communities, there is comparatively little documentation or awareness of this history in Canada. This research project will contribute to filling this knowledge gap by examining the development of transportation
infrastructure throughout Toronto’s history, with the goal of understanding the impact of this legacy on present day urban divides. The project will focus on the development of Toronto major arteries, transit interventions, bridges,
and highways, and will provide recommendations for the City of Toronto transportation planning and community engagement initiatives.

Développement d’une nouvelle génération de composites bois-polymère

Le composite bois-polymère (CBP) est un matériau de construction fait de polymère chargé de particules ou fibres de bois. La popularité de ce matériau est grandissante, mais ses propriétés mécaniques le limite aux applications non-structurales. Le projet propose d’évaluer cinq approches qui permettraient d’élargir le spectre d’utilisation des CBP et d’augmenter significativement leurs propriétés mécaniques: 1) Évaluer le potentiel de différentes matrices pour la production de CBP et en optimiser les paramètres de fabrication; 2) Incorporer les fibres synthétiques haute performance dans la conception des CPB; 3) Ajouter une matrice thermodurcissables dans la formulation des CBP; 4) Ajouter des nanoparticules pour renforcer les CBP; et 5) Modifier la chimie de surface des fibres de bois. Ce projet permettrait à la fois de valoriser les résidus de production des partenaires et de diversifier leurs paniers de produits.

L2M – Targeting several intrinsic regeneration pathways in the context of neurodegenerative diseases

Treatments for neurodegenerative disorders represent an unmet medical need, affecting more than 50 million people worldwide. Through extensive research, we have identified two innovative therapeutic targets that have demonstrated promising effects in enhancing the regeneration and resilience capacities of neurons in animal models of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Huntington’s disease. Our approach not only has the potential to increase life expectancy but also significantly improve the quality of life for patients and their families. What sets us apart is our unique strategy, which targets two distinct pathways, enhancing the likelihood of clinical success and offering new hope to those affected by these devastating diseases.

The mission of Lab2Market is to promote entrepreneurship in Canada by providing researchers with the opportunity to critically test and evaluate the market potential of their innovations. This is achieved through funding, exercises, workshops, and mentorship from industry experts, all centered around exploration. Being the pioneers in describing these mechanisms and targets, these discoveries have the potential to be patented and facilitate the transition from academia to entrepreneurial and clinical settings. Therefore, we believe that we align perfectly with the Lab2Market program, aiming to stimulate innovation, entrepreneurship, and scientific translation toward clinical trials in Canada.

Modélisation numérique de l’écoulement diphasique au sein d’une turbine hydroélectrique aérante

La simulation numérique d’écoulements diphasiques air-eau au sein de turbines hydroélectriques aérantes sera effectuée. Le premier objectif est de déterminer la distribution de taux de vide dans l’aspirateur afin de qualifier ultérieurement le taux d’oxygénation de l’eau turbinée. Le deuxième objectif est de déterminer le rendement de la turbine après ajout de dispositifs aérants. Les calculs seront validés grâce aux expériences préalablement menées au laboratoire de l’injection d’air en écoulement transverse d’eau à partir de profils hydrodynamiques notamment. Le travail des stagiaires va permettre d’améliorer les qualités des simulations diphasiques au sein des turbines hydroélectriques aérantes. L’organisation partenaire, General Electric, pourra garantir le rendement de ce type de turbines avec plus de précision et gagner en compétitivité.

Field Measurements of Tsunami Evacuation Behaviour in Japan

This research project focuses on studying how a coastal community in Japan responds to a tsunami evacuation drill. The main goal is to understand and improve the community’s preparedness for such emergencies. The study will collect data through questionnaires, GPS tracking devices, and drone footage during a tsunami evacuation drill. The researchers will analyze people’s movement patterns, evacuation routes, and how well participants understand tsunami risks. The project aims to compare these behaviors with those in other countries, like Canada, and use this information to improve computer models of tsunami evacuations. Expected outcomes include a better understanding of evacuation preparedness, optimized evacuation routes, and enhanced emergency response protocols. This study will make help create more resilient communities against tsunami hazards by making tsunami responses faster and safer.

Trust and the Digital Canadian Dollar: Mitigating Democratic Concerns

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Security in Ultra Large Software Systems

Ultra large software systems play an increasing important role in our lives. They are systems such as the world wide banking system, mobile communications systems, social networks, online retailers and online gaming systems. Ultra large software systems are critical and failures in the systems can critically impact the economic health of companies, markets and even countries. Recent data breaches by several retailers have resulted in the disclosure of millions of customer credit cards imposing significant costs on financial institutions to replace the cards and audit the accounts for fraudulent activity. The incredible increase in the power and performance of client systems such as laptops, tablets and mobile phones offer significant advantages in the performance of these large applications, reducing the load on the central servers and increasing the overall performance, availability and reliability of the systems. However, the dependence on client side computation raises issues of fidelity, privacy and security. The research in this project explores issues of security in ultra large software systems, in particular the security issues that arise when significant computation is located on the client systems in the users hands.

Recherche-action : L’autoproduction alimentaire comme outil de mobilisation et d’émancipation dans la lutte contre l’insécurité alimentaire et les changements climatiques

Le principal objectif de ce projet est de contribuer à développer les initiatives d’autoproduction alimentaire, plus précisément de jardins communautaires, par la démonstration des retombées, la sensibilisation et l’éducation. La recherche sera effectuée directement dans le milieu étudié, avec une implication directe au sein des jardins, des entrevues avec les participants ainsi qu’une collecte de données quantitative auprès des organisateurs des jardins. Le but est d’observer comment le jardin communautaire peut permettre une prise de pouvoir pour les citoyens dans la lutte contre les changements climatiques, mais aussi dans les aspects socio-économiques en favorisant l’autonomie alimentaire et la sécurité alimentaire. Le projet recensera également les divers jardins communautaires développés dans la région de l’Outaouais et les retombées observées, notamment en matière de quantité de nourriture et de résilience face aux changements climatiques. Les résultats de la recherche seront utilisés par la suite pour sensibiliser la population à ce type d’initiative, le rôle qu’il peut jouer dans le progrès sociétal et comment les citoyens peuvent eux-mêmes être des acteurs qui favorisent ce progrès.

Collaborative Life Cycle Assessment for British Columbia Pulp Mills to Understand Their Roles in Sustainable Biomaterials Production

Canada’s bioeconomy, utilizing renewable biological resources for producing materials and energy, holds promise for diversifying the nation’s economy. Pulp mills are integral to this shift, transforming wood fibers and residues into various high-value products, fostering innovation and sustainability. Key to this transition is understanding mill sustainability through life cycle assessment (LCA). However, there’s a notable lack of data from British Columbia (BC) pulp mills in major LCA databases. Addressing this, a collaborative project between industry partners and academic researchers aims to fill this data gap. The initiative involves developing a streamlined data collection and curation method, specifically tailored for LCA modeling in pulp mills. This project will also conduct an LCA study on partner mills to assess climate change impacts from different pulp mill products. Additionally, the project’s insights and the developed methods will enable other BC pulp mills to conduct their own LCA studies.