Innovative Projects Realized

Electrolyte Optimization for the ElectroKinetic Soil Treatment (EKST) Process

Soil contaminated with organic and inorganic contaminants represents the largest waste stream in Alberta’s landfills. Electro-Kinetic Solutions Inc. (EKS) has developed the Electrokinetic Soil Treatment (EKST) Process to cost-effectively decontaminate soils onsite, instead of disposing them in a landfill. This innovative technology, based on the proven physics of electrokinetics, is effective even for fine-grained soils which are difficult to decontaminate with other technologies. The EKST Process involves mixing a customised electrolyte with the soil to facilitate the removal of the contaminants. The electrolyte “recipe” varies with the nature of the soil and contaminants to be removed. This research will develop a “catalogue of electrolyte recipes” for common soil types and contaminants, a key step in commercializing the EKST Process. Once commercialized, the EKST Process will reduce the cost to treat contaminated sites, such as abandoned oil and gas wells, and will reduce the volume soil disposed in Canadian landfills.

Evaluation of anticancer activity of Shogun black maitake mushroom extract and it’s interaction with chemotherapeutic drugs in in vitro and in vivo models of human cancers.

Natural extracts have potential as anti-cancer therapeutics. Black Maitake mushroom extract (BME) is well tolerated, safe to be given as supplements over long period of time and has been approved from Health Canada for human consumption with NPN number. BME treatment has beneficial effect in patients as immunomodulator. We aim to provide scientific and preclinical validation of Black Maitake mushroom extract for its anticancer effects and sensitization of cancer cells to standard chemo regiment. Shogun Maitake Canada Co., a well-established corporation in Canada, will partner with the academic collaborator to develop BME as supplemental therapeutics for cancer patients. This project will provide opportunity for one graduate student to be trained and have industrial experience in this area of research. We will also find out if these extracts could decrease the toxicity of chemotherapies on vital tissues. These results will help Shogun Canada to apply for supplementary trial of BME and develop it as a supplemental therapy for cancer patients to improve quality of life and overall survival.

Prescription de l’entraînement par intervalles de haute-intensité : une étude de portée pour mieux décrire les différences entre les hommes et les femmes selon les disciplines sportives.

L’entraînement par intervalles de haute intensité (HIIT) permet d’améliorer les facteurs déterminants de la performance sportive. Toutefois, la prescription des HIIT est souvent basée sur des études dans lesquelles les femmes sont sous représentées ou même absentes. Pourtant, une compréhension des réponses physiologiques en fonction du sexe est cruciale pour permettre l’individualisation de la prescription et l’optimisation des adaptations, particulièrement chez les athlètes dont les gains sont parfois difficiles à obtenir. L’objectif de ce stage est d’effectuer une étude de portée pour mieux décrire l’état actuel des connaissances sur les différences entre les hommes et les femmes à la suite de séances HIIT afin de suggérer des lignes directrices pouvant guider la prescription de l’entraînement chez les athlètes et identifier les prochaines pistes expérimentales. Cette étape est primordiale pour mettre en place des projets de recherche pertinents et ainsi parer aux lacunes et aux besoins des équipes sportives.

Production de fractions protéiques de chanvre par ultrafiltration et diafiltration et détermination de leurs propriétés techno-fonctionnelles

Les isolats protéiques d’origine végétales sont très plébiscités par le secteur bioalimentaire car largement utilisés comme ingrédients dans diverses formulations alimentaires. Dans une optique de valorisation des coproduits et d’économie circulaire, il devient d’intérêt de générer ces ingrédients protéiques à partir de coproduits alimentaires. Par conséquent, plusieurs travaux ont porté sur l’extraction et la concentration des protéines à partir de tourteaux, coproduits issus de l’extraction des huiles végétales par pressage. Plus spécifiquement, de récentes études ont été réalisées sur l’optimisation des étapes d’extraction et de concentration des protéines des tourteaux déshuilés de chanvre. Les isolats générés présentés une forte concentration en protéines ayant des propriétés technofonctionnelles d’intérêt permettant d’envisager leur utilisation dans le secteur bioalimentaire. Parmi ces protéines, les fractions globulines et albumines présentent des propriétés nutritionnelles et techno-fonctionnelles distinctes. Il devient donc d’intérêt de séparer ces deux fractions à l’aide de procédés éco-efficients, matures et disponible à l’échelle commerciale. Par conséquent, ce projet vise à utiliser et optimiser le procédé d’ultrafiltration-diafiltration pour la production de fractions globulines et albumines purifiées ayant des propriétés

Artificial intelligence methods to better understand and face sanitary challenges in pigs and poultry

The current proposal includes analysis of a large set composed of different variables in order to a better understanding the factors that best explain the variability of pig and poultry responses exposed to environmental challenges. To achieve the initial goals, the present project includes an international partnership to analyze three databases (two of pigs and one of poultry) using artificial intelligence approaches as a promising tool capable of assisting in solving problems of intensive livestock systems (support in decision making, monitoring of animals and event predictions). The execution of this project could improve animal health and support the reduction of antibiotic use, contributing to the sustainability of poultry and pig production.

Applications of Picard-Lefschetz theory to Cosmology

Picard-Lefchetz theory is a powerful tool for evaluating highly oscillatory integrals that are difficult or impossible to solve using other integration methods. This theory has numerous applications to lensing, quantum mechanics, and high energy physics. In this project, I will investigate using Picad-Lefchetz theory to solve simple lensing problems with the goal of applying these simple lens cases to coherent radiation passing through the interstellar medium. By approximating the lensing effects of the interstellar medium on radiation, we can take the radiation signals that we get here on earth and predict what kind of initial signal these originated from. Coherent radiation sources are still a big mystery in cosmology. Understanding the form of the original signal could help us understand what these radiation signatures are.

Yahowa Immigration Inc. – Sustainable Planning Intern

In a search for a better life and better education, people from across the globe move to live in Canada and, during this transition, require support at various levels. Rebuilding one’s life from the bottom up is not easy and people who are pursuing this major change are courageous, determined, or sometimes in dire need. Canada is known across the world as a land of opportunities and our country’s diversity, as well as inclusive life style, encourages many to settle here. At Yahowa Immigration, we counsel prospects to migrate to Canada and our work strictly follows Immigrations, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s guidelines. Our aim is to support our clients discover what are the best options for them and their families, what is congruent with their preferences, education, professional experience, and overall life goals. We have a team that works hard to provide unbiased advice and support everyone who seeks our help during their immigration process. Yahowa Canadian Immigration’s team is knowledgeable and experienced with Express Entry, Labor Market Impact Assessments, Work Permits, Study Permits, Provincial Nominee Programs, Permanent Residency, Citizenship Application, Permanent Residency Renewal applications, Visitor Visa applications as well as Family Class applications.

Innovention – Modélisation et optimisation de l’agent virtuel Olivia pour les proches-aidants et les aînés

Amélioration d’un Avatar bienveillant personnalisé pour aider les personnes âgées à rester autonomes à la maison, tout en favorisant la collaboration des différents intervenants avec la personne âgée.

Katrina Tsvetanov — The Interconnection Between Sustainability Process’s and AI Advanced Technology

The intern will be participating a multifaceted projected involving a case study on new technology which is being produced to help prompt sustainability through a multitude of different sectors and industries. The intern will create content and reports which will help educate the youth into thinking long term and innovating new processes. This will be possible through the parter organization (Cansbridge Fellowship) and the academic supervisor (Associate Dean Jeffrey Wood). They will support the intern during the duration of the internship. The partner organization will provide mentorship directly to the intern with a large collective alumni association, that has people leading in fields of study spanning from innovation at google to dozens of startups. The benefit to the partner organization comes from the media marketing content the intern will provide during the duration, to inspire the next generation of Canadian entrepreneurs.

Vanessa Scrimini – Bridging the Gap Between Marketing and Recruiting (Clean Technology Candidate Focus)

The intern will be participating in an internship that seeks to bridge the gap between recruitment and marketing teams as the intern explores and develops strategies to target talented students dedicated to clean technology and sustainability. In partnership with the partner organization and academic supervisor, the intern will launch an updated marketing and recruitment strategy that supports the partner organizations’ long-term initiatives and eventual economic benefit.

Shirley Zhong – Revolutionizing Sustainable Manufacturing in Canada: Market Insights, Tools, and Outreach for a Greener Industry

This project, in collaboration with the Cansbridge Fellowship, a non-profit with a strong history in fostering international trade, innovation, and investment in Canada, aims to promote sustainable manufacturing. By conducting research, identifying inefficiencies, and developing AI-driven tools to measure sustainability, the project will help businesses adopt greener approaches to fashion production. In addition to benefiting from enhanced sustainability and improved production processes, partner organizations will gain positive public perception by promoting ethical and eco-friendly practices. Through the Cansbridge Fellowship’s extensive network of experts, universities, and industry leaders, the intern will receive valuable mentorship, training, and access to resources that will enrich their educational experience and further their career in the innovation economy.

Identité numérique d’une propriété immobilière résidentielle

Notre mission est d’outiller et d’accompagner les propriétaires et aspirant·es propriétaires dans la réalisation de leurs ambitions immobilières.

Ce projet vise à établir les conditions de réalisations nécessaires permettant la création d’un double numérique de propriété dans le plein respect des règles de protection des renseignements personnels.