Innovative Projects Realized

Prolonged Rat Heart Storage Using Sub-Zero Temperatures and AntifreezeProteins: Feasibility Assessments

Heart transplantation depends on being able to move a donor heart from the location of harvest to the
hospital where it will be implanted, and having the heart work once it is implanted. The time between
excision and implantation is called the ischemic time. The safe ischemic time is about 4 to 6 hrs;
hearts implanted after this interval have much less chance of survival. This safe ischemic time has not
changed in > 30 years. Extending this ischemic time would allow transportation of donor hearts from
longer distances, potentially increasing the number of matches between donors and recipients, thus
increasing the number of transplants. In this experiment, we propose to test a novel method of storing
hearts at sub-zero temperatures, which should extend the time dramatically. Preliminary studies with
a variety of tissues and cell lines have been very promising. This series of experiments to be
supported by this grant will use a standard isolated rat heart preparation. If it proves successful, we
will then test it in subsequent studies of more complex systems. The method involves the use of
antifreeze proteins and other additives in a solution, which will be flushed into the hearts of rats. TOBECONT’D

Étude géologique, métallurgique et environnementale d’un gisement de pegmatite lithinifère

Le lithium et le tantale fait partie des minéraux critiques (MC) identifiés par le Canada. De nombreux gîtes à Li-Ta ont été répertoriés au Québec et afin de promouvoir l’exploitation responsable de ceux-ci, il est impératif de réaliser une caractérisation détaillée qui déterminera le modèle d’exploration, la ressource exploitable ainsi que les risques environnementaux. L’identification de ces deux derniers points tôt dans l’exploration d’un gisement permet de réduire les risques liés à un projet minier. Les minéralisations en Li-Ta de la propriété Corvette de Patriot Battery Metals sont situées en Eeyou Istchee Baie-James. L’exploration jusqu’à présent indique la présence de plusieurs pegmatites aux caractéristiques variables. Ce projet constitue une opportunité unique d’augmenter les connaissances quant à la géologie, la géochimie et la minéralogie des gisements de Li-Ta en climat nordique. L’objectif général de ce projet est de caractériser la zonation géospatiale de ces différentes pegmatites dans le but de déterminer la pétrogenèse des pegmatites afin d’identifier les paramètres de mise en place, d’optimiser la récupération des MC disponibles et d’évaluer les risques de contamination des effluents. Les retombées escomptées sont une exploration mieux ciblée, une récupération de tous les MC possibles et une réduction des risques environnementaux.

Mise au point d’un protocole d’impression 3D de comprimés d’hydroxyurée

L’hydroxyurée est un médicament utilisé pour prévenir les complications de l’anémie falciforme ainsi qu’en chimiothérapie d’appoint pour certaines leucémies. En pédiatrie, l’hydroxyurée doit toutefois être ajustée selon le poids de l’enfant, ses prises de sang et la toxicité perçue. Or, au Canada, seule la formulation de 500 milligrammes est disponible. Ainsi, nos hôpitaux et nos pharmacies préparent l’hydroxyurée sous forme de magistrale liquide orale, où les capsules sont manuellement ouvertes une par une et mélangées à un véhicule liquide. Cette pratique n’est pas optimale considérant que ces manipulations sont coûteuses, complexes et risquées. En effet, l’hydroxyurée figurant sur la liste des NIOSH, sa manipulation met à risque ses préparateurs. Nous chercherons donc à mettre au point, à optimiser et à caractériser une formulation solide orale d’hydroxyurée par impression 3D. Ce projet a non seulement le potentiel de répondre à un besoin important en matière de qualité et de sécurité de certaines préparations magistrales, mais aussi de faire considérablement progresser le domaine de la médecine personnalisée au Canada.

Electrochemical exfoliation of transition metal dichalcogenides for improved photodetection

Transition metal dichalcogenides, such as molybdenum disulfide, can be thinned down from bulk crystals into few or single atomic layers that exhibit unique optoelectronic properties due to quantum confinement. The proposed work aims to exfoliate these materials into single to few layers using a new electrochemical exfoliation technique and to study their optoelectronic properties when deposited as single layers using a technique where these materials are floated on water to create large area films. Their response to light will be evaluated to determine their effectiveness as potential device candidates and bottlenecks to electron/hole transport will be determined using various state-of-the-art characterization facilities.

Towards Inclusive Mobility: Designing Augmented Reality Interaction with Autonomous Vehicles for Older Adults

Autonomous vehicles (AVs) represent an emerging technology, and initially, individuals may feel less confident in autonomous driving systems without human drivers. A proper communication medium between passengers and AVs can facilitate a safe and reliable experience. Older adults are expected to be one of the largest user cohorts of AVs as they support aging in place and independent mobility.
Our research will explore accessible interface solutions for older adults through interviews and co-design sessions, allowing them to quickly locate and ride autonomous vehicles without experiencing anxiety and frustration. Based on the findings, we will design an augmented reality application with verbal commands and multi-sensory notifications (visual, auditory, tactile), which will function as a ‘training wheel’ to promote their confidence and adaptability. Overall, the research outcome will bring inclusion to advance this AV technology and allow elderly Canadians to travel independently to meet their doctor’s appointments, socialize, and age in place.

PVC composites to enhance dimensional stability and fire resistance

The objective of this research is to develop novel polyvinyl chloride (PVC) composites with enhanced performance attributes intended for exterior cladding in the construction industry. The partner, Cornerstone Building Brands Canada Inc., through this work is continuing their relentless pursuit to align with future construction demands, thereby enhancing the value of polymeric siding in the market. Ultimately, this innovative initiative is strategically aimed at curbing the escalation of residential building material costs, with the intent of benefiting both single and multi-family low-rise housing units.

Constraints Enforcement Using the Lagrange Multipliers Method for Aeriservoelastic Applications

The ever-increasing need for better performing, safer and environmentally friendly aircrafts, necessitates the continuous refinement of the predictive tools that are employed during the design and certification phases. The field of aeroservoelasti city, which encompasses airframe flexibility, control laws and aerodynamics, is of paramount importance in the design of modern aircrafts given their increased airframe flexibility and automation, and it is at the forefront of research interest by aircraft manufacturers.
This proposal aims to refine the aeroservoelastic analysis tools of Bombardier within the industry-accepted aeroelastic modelling environment of MSC. Nastran. The proposal will also explore the nonlinear predictive capabilities of MSC.Nastran in the presence of modelling nonlinearities at the joint interface between the control surface and the main surface. Furthermore, the aeroservoelastic response when utilizing electromechanical actuators in place of the conventional hydraulics ones will be obtained. The completion of the proposed research herein will set the stage for further research in nonlinear aeroservoelasticity for more electric aircrafts.

Health and Climate Benefits of Energy Intervention Programs in Rural China: Ensuring Data Quality and Evaluating Technology Adoption

Household air pollution from combustion of solid fuels (e.g .. biomass and coal) for cooking and heating is the fourth leading contributor to the global burden of disease (Lim et al” 2012), and significantly contributes to regional climate warming. Evidence has pointed to the joint health and environmental benefits of energy intervention programs; however. little about the magnitude of these benefits is known. A joint collaboration led by six principal investigators from four different countries seeks to measure the air quality, climate and cardiovascular benefits of an existing energy intervention program in the Tibetan plateau that replaces traditional biomass cookstoves with improved technologies. The student will ensure data quality during the start of this large-scale study through quality control and assurance procedures. Additionally, the student will

conduct an ancillary study on the factors affecting energy use behavior to evaluate the ability of the improved stove technologies to successfully integrate into rural communities,

Characterization of high-amylose durum wheat starch and flour to promote industrial applications

This project aims to investigate the structural features, functional properties, and nutritional quality of durum wheat flours and respective isolated starches of five different lines varying in amylose contents. Flours of two selected durum wheat lines (one normal and one high-amylose) will also be used to produce high-quality and nutritious pasta products and evaluated to compare their performance. The proposed research will enable our industry collaborator and the agri-food industry in Canada to better utilize high-amylose durum wheat to produce different food products, which will not only generate significant economic returns but also promote the health of consumers in the long term.

Combination of different types of gravity observation for precise geoid determination

The Global Positioning System (GPS) has become an indispensable component of both civil and Geomatics practices. However, the GPS observations provide heights that refer to a reference ellipsoid and are not directly suitable for practical purposes. To transform GPS heights into physical (orthometric) heights referenced to an equipotential surface representing mean sea level on land, a conversion model known as the geoid is essential. With the sub-centimetre accuracy of GPS observations, an accurate geoid model is also required to achieve the same accuracy for the orthometric heights. Geoid models are computed using different resources of the Earth’s gravity field observations including land or airborne gravity surveys and satellite gravity missions. These resources vary in their spatial and spectral resolutions due to their respective distances from the Earth’s surface and the sensors they employ for measurements.
Achieving the desired level of sub-centimetre accuracy in geoid modelling necessitates a combination of a uniform, high-resolution, and accurate gravity dataset. Consequently, determining the optimal combination of gravity observables from each resource is a complex and challenging task.

Application de composés organométalliques pour la production de nanoparticules par décharges plasma à une interface liquide-liquide

La production de nanoparticules métalliques par décharge plasma à une interface liquide-liquide est un procédé présentant à la foi des perspectives de dépollution de milieux naturels et de production de nanomatériaux.
L’objectif du stage sera d’abord de caractériser l’effet de cette décharge sur les propriétés et surtout la composition des milieux liquides sera aussi étudiée par plusieurs techniques spectroscopiques et diagnostics électriques.
Par la suite, la synthèse de nanoparticules à partir de sels métalliques déjà décrite dans la littérature sera reproduite. L’influence de l’introduction de composés organométalliques aux différents liquides sera ensuite étudiée. En effet, ces précurseurs chimiques pourraient intervenir dans la synthèse des nanoparticules et ainsi permettre le contrôle de leurs caractéristiques de composition et de taille. Enfin, des méthodes permettant l’extraction et la purification des nanoparticules via des procédés chimiques et physiques seront étudiées.

Emerging Concepts and Technologies (ECT) Research Program – Reducing Greenhouse Gases and Improving the Carbon Sequestration Potential of Nova Scotia’s Wild Blueberry Industry

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