Innovations Realized

Case Study Scenarios and Videos for Intercultural Competence Acquisition

To develop intercultural competence and further manage potential cultural-related challenges for international students and trainees, the intercultural competence acquisition experiences are explored in this study. The objective of this Mitacs project is to design and analyze users’ experience with six case study scenarios (Scaffolds, Scripts, & Videos) for training in intercultural competence. The scenarios correspond to Bennett’s Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity, which promotes a movement from Denial –> Defense –> Minimization –> Acceptance –> Adaptation –> Integration. Scenario methodologies are adopted to reflect DMIS framework; User Experience (UX) methodology is adopted to understand the experiences of the students’ or trainees’ interaction with the case study scenarios. ToE established by Coxon guides interview data collection in this study. The ADDIE model is adopted for instructional design and Agile development is used for production.

Characterization and Techno-economic Feasibility of Physical Separation of Rare Earth Elements in Coals from East Kootenay Coalfields, British Columbia

Rare Earth Elements (REE) are a group of 17 elements in the periodic table including 15 lanthanides and two transition metals: Scandium and Yttrium. These elements are used in a wide variety of products including light-emitting diodes, wind turbines, fiber optics, lasers, batteries, guidance systems, and superconductors. Due to supply restrictions, the elements are classified as critical elements. Coal deposits with enriched concentrations of valuable trace elements are referred to as metalliferous coals or coal-hosted metal deposits. These metalliferous coal deposits or coal-hosted metal deposits are viewed as a potential source of metals, and attempts have been made to extract aluminum, gold, platinum group metals, vanadium, and zinc. Further, coal deposits with enriched concentrations of REE are identified across the world. With critical supplies of REE, these coal deposits are currently being assessed as secondary sources for exploitation. This study focuses on understanding the presence of REE in BC coalfields and study the potential enrichment using physical separation processes.

Development of the Metaplex Immuno-Oncology Platform – Immuno-Oncology Component

Current cancer immunotherapies, although highly successful, are complex to implement, costly, and only effective in small patient populations with specific cancer types. We propose to overcome these problems by developing small molecules to induce immunogenic cell death (ICD), a cancer cell death process that engages the immune system to recognize and eliminate cancer cells and to generate immunological memory. Cuprous Pharmaceuticals Inc. (CPI) has identified ICD-inducing compounds that are enhanced by copper (Cu) as an adjuvant. Using CPI’s Metaplex technology, Cu and small molecules are co-delivered in nanoparticles to overcome solubility and drug delivery barriers. This research will evaluate how ICD-inducing nanoformulations engage the immune system in animal models and identify lead candidates. Two Elevate Fellows with expertise in immuno-oncology and nanoformulations will contribute to the proposed research, which is anticipated to generate data packages needed to establish strategic partnerships with pharmaceutical partners, ultimately translating the technology to the clinic.

This application describes both projects generally, and the objectives to be completed by Brian Hsu (Immuno-Oncology component)

Imaging MAO-B in Cannabis Use and Cannabis Use Disorder with Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

Cannabis is the most commonly used drug worldwide. However, there is limited understanding of factors supporting cannabis use (CU) and the development of cannabis use disorder (CUD). There is also a clear association between mood disorders and CUD, but the mechanism underlying this relationship is unclear. There is evidence that major depression is associated with elevated monoamine oxidases (MAO). Tobacco use is also associated with an inhibition of MAOs (both subtype A and B). Our hypothesis is that the same inhibition is happening in the brain of people exposed to cannabis. However, no data is currently available on MAO-B activity in subjects with CUD. We aim to investigate this question by measuring MAO-B in the brain of participants with CUD, cannabis users without CUD and non-cannabis users using Positron Emission Tomography (PET). Results of this investigation may potentially drive the development of novel pharmacological treatments for CUD.

Optical Fiber Communications Systems

Optical fiber communications systems are used throughout the global communications network to transmit information over distances ranging from several kilometers to thousands of kilometers. This infrastructure is the backbone of the Internet that is used on a daily basis worldwide. Applications driving demand for increased capacity include (i) video streaming services, (ii) cloud based storage and services, and (iii) machine-to-machine applications. The demand for bandwidth generated by these applications is driving the expansion of this network at dramatic rates (40% per year) and therefore the need for increased optical fiber communications systems capacities across a range of distances.
A simplified representation of an optical network shown in Fig. 1 (please see separate file for figures and tables) provides context for the proposed research, and Table 1 summarizes the applications, reach, and transmission systems to be researched.
The long term objective of the Mitacs program is to generate original solutions to the problem of capacity and bandwidth exhaustion in optical fiber communications systems. The proposed research program fuses concepts of digital signal processing and optical system optimization, thereby advancing the fundamental science of optical fiber communications system design. The work will also produce innovative techniques that will impact Ericsson’s product development.

Optimization of Bioink Composition for Efficient Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Chondrogenic Differentiation in an Animal Component-Free Culture

Culture of cells in three-dimension (30) allows cells to interact with their surrounding and grow in all directions and behave in a manner that is more closely associated to how they would in vivo as long as their nutrient and environmental requirements are maintained. In this context, bioprinting offers an advantage over 20 cell cultures as it allows cells to be mixed with growth factors and biomaterials that can be printed into structures that mimics the natural tissue characteristics. Cartilage repair due to trauma or disease has been proven difficult in vivo by traditional methods. Herein, we propose to develop and optimize a 30 system to improve cartilage formation in vitro, and several “bioinks” are commercially available with pro-chondrogenic activity. Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (MSCs) are progenitor cells able to differentiate into cartilage-making cells that can be easily extracted from a variety of tissues in the body. MSCs will be incorporated into bioinks in the presence of factors known to stimulate cartilage formation and printed into a structure that allows for evaluation of cell activity, health and extent of differentiation.

Evidence-informed Planning and Evaluation of Community Transitions: Impact on Health and Quality of Life (Phase II)

Many of St.Amant’s services are shifting to provide the most inclusive, supportive, community-based services with the intention of enhancing health, accessing to healthcare, and improving the quality of life of persons supported and that of their families and caregivers. As part of its vision statement, St.Amant is supporting a number of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout their move from St.Amant Health and Transition Services to a variety of community-based residences. Our research team is conducting a longitudinal evaluation study to assess the process of community transitions as well as the impact that these community transitions have had on the health and quality of life of people who were transitioned. This is Phase II of the study, which involves conducting two annual post-transition follow-up assessments so that the longer-term impact of the community transitions on the health and quality of life of the transitioned persons with disability could be better understood.

Exploring the economic impacts of Human-Centered Design in the context of a non profit organization

This exploratory research will seek to answer the primary question generally asked by many industry professionals- “how to evaluate the economic assessment of projects (using Human Centered Design (HCD) philosophy)”. This research will explore how to create an ROI/cost benefit analysis tool to measure economic impacts of the specific type of projects. This report will highlight the associated challenges and current industry best practices to better understand the framework development. This report will also discuss about different prospective use cases of the tool, so that the client can start using it for multiple purposes (i.e. to evaluate projects, fund raising, benchmarking of a partially completed project, audit a project’s feasibility etc.).

Probiotics in pediatric neurodevelopmental disorders

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a kind of chronic neurodevelopmental disorders that detrimentally affect the behavior and development in children. There is a tight need for efficient treatment. Scientific evidences have shown that the gut microbiota as well as their metabolites may mediate the responsiveness to changes in diet (e.g. ketogenic diet). However, clinically relevant application of microbiota-targeted treatment is limited. Herein, the project aims to test the neurobehavioral and neurometabolic consequences of probiotic using a mice model of ASD. In collaboration with the leading expert in probiotic industry, Lallemand Health Solutions, this project will hopefully identify key probiotic species that contribute to autism treatment and accelerate the development of industry-level probiotic product for clinical practice

Tuning the Front End: Increasing Ion Generation for Enhanced Sensitivity in Mass Spectrometry with Multiple ESI Emitters

Mass spectrometry is a chemical analysis technique for determining the mass/charge ratio of molecules under study. The instruments used for this technique require the compounds be transformed into gas-phase ions. This process is extraordinarily difficult with Nobel prizes awarded for the two most common methods. One of these methods is electrospray ionization where dissolved compounds are pumped through a tapered needle or emitter that is held at an electrical potential difference from the mass spectrometer. This electrospray generates fine droplets that are electrically charged; as the liquid evaporates the charge remains on the molecules of interest for analysis in the mass spectrometer. Recent developments have shown that splitting this flow of droplets can increase the rate of ion generation and hence increase the sensitivity of the instrumentation. This project will involve the fabrication and characterization of a custom electrospray emitter with nine channels resulting in multiple electrosprays. The intern will be looking to improve metrics in standard metabolomics-type experiments commonly used to examine biological problems. Trajan Scientific and Medical will then prepare to commercialize the technology.

OPTIMIZATION OF A HEAT TRANSFER SYSTEM

Heat exchangers, used in building heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to transfer heat from hot to cold fluids, are designed to operate under ideal conditions. However, in practice operating conditions may vary with ambient temperature or humidity. HVAC system efficiency can be improved significantly if fluid flow rates are adjusted in response to such changes. Armstrong Fluid Technology is a Canadian firm that has developed control systems to adjust the flow through building heat exchangers to maximize their efficiency. This project is being undertaken to optimize a heat exchanger system. The feedback control system will reduce the energy required for operating an HVAC system by approximately 30% and have a significant impact on Canada’s energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions.

Exploration of Hybrid Bio-Nanocomposite Materials for Smart Textiles and Wearable Health Technology

Wearable technology is contributing to the movement toward seamless connectivity. In the health industry, applications of wearable technology, and functional ‘smart’ fabrics more generally, are improving lives every day. Merging biotechnology with nanomaterials science is one avenue along which scientists are pursuing advanced materials with enhanced functionalities. From anti-bacterial activity to protection from the sun, the next generation of ‘smart’ textiles will draw upon the synergistic combination of components such as enzymes, nanoparticles and synthetic chemical complexes. This research project is focused on exploring the properties of these hybrid materials, for applications such as anti-infection wound dressings and protective clothing for first-responders and for the general public. This collaboration will improve the performance of the industrial partner’s proof-of-concept material, and move to scaled-up prototyping. Over the long term, insights from this work could lead to new product innovation and an expanded range of applications for this class of materials.