Methods to assess botanical extracts for potential plant growth stimulating or pest growth inhibiting action on crops

Botanical extracts with the potential to stimulate crop plant growth or performance must be rigorous tested as part of new product development. Similarly, botanical extracts that control microbial growth on plant tissues (including plant pathogenic fungi, bacteria, nematodes, etc.) or that control insect or arachnid pests on plants (aphids, whiteflies, mealybugs, mites, etc.) must be […]

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Reddit Community Analysis

People are social creatures and interacting with others is a fundamental human behavior. As people spend more time online, a larger part of their social life also become online. Online Forums such as Reddit have become very popular because of this. In this project, we want to define the what health means with regards to […]

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Assessing soil parameters using reflectance spectroscopy

The goal of the research undertaken as part of this project is to develop a system to measure soil properties in the field based on near infrared light reflectance. Using machine learning, the complex near infrared data can be turned into valuable soil analytical data. By supporting this research, Route 7 Inc. will obtain an […]

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Characterization of graphene-based composites

Blending carbon fillers with thermoplastic materials can lead to a significant improvement of the resulting electrical, mechanical, thermal, and gas barrier properties compared with the unfilled polymer. Graphene, the name given to a material consisting of two-dimension layers of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice, has extraordinary properties which make possible to produce a […]

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Inhibition of the fungal-specific histone deacetylase Hst3: a novel broad spectrum strategy to fight fungal pathogens

A number of fungal pathogens cause life-threatening infections in patients whose immune system is crippled. Among others, these include patients treated with cancer chemotherapy and patients who receive organ or blood cell transportation. Pre-term infants, elderly patients and patients in intensive care units are also at risk of developing life-threatening infections. Moreover, fungi cause very […]

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Detection and characterization of biodegradable polymeric biomaterials

Biodegradable polymeric biomaterials have been used extensively for medical applications such as implants, drug/gene delivery, and scaffolds. To determine the end applications, the molecular characteristics of these polymeric biomaterials are important which must be characterized. The development of reliable and fast analytical tool to detect, separate and characterize polymeric biomaterials in medical devices and drug […]

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Scaling up regional food systems in AB

This project aims to advance local/regional food systems in Alberta, as part of a 5-year SSHRC Partnership titled Food: Locally Embedded, Globally Engaged (FLEdGE). Local food systems generate opportunities to capture economic value (e.g., income and employment) within local communities, and can also result in indirect economic, social and environmental benefits. However, current resources within […]

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Development of wearable device for real time non-contact hydration monitoring

A well-maintained hydration status is important for the well-being of human body. Significant deviation from the proper hydration state, either dehydration or hyper hydration, could lead to neurologic complications or even fatal results. Existing hydration measurement carried out in laboratory settings, such as blood and urine test, though accurate, require both expensive equipment and professional […]

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Deficit Irrigation and Crop Size Adjustment Strategies for Improving the Concentration of Aromatic Compounds in White Grapes in British Columbia Climates

In white wines, the wine aroma plays a major role in determining wine quality and economic value. In many grape varieties cultivated in BC, the aroma makeup is built in the vineyard where key aromatics accumulate in the grapes. Irrigation and crop size adjustments are two main strategies that growers have adopted to manage fruit […]

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Modeling of dynamic seat and backrest adjustments for manual wheelchairs

During an average day, a wheelchair user will be required to undertake a variety of different tasks. However, wheelchairs are usually designed in a fixed configuration and cannot adapt to different situations. Models such as PDG Mobility’s “Elevation” wheelchair address this issue by allowing users to adjust their position while still seated. We aim to […]

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RF Resonant Chemical Sensor System for Biomarker Detection and Biomedical Applications

Sober Steering is developing a wearable alcohol sensor system that communicates with a vehicle to prevent drunk driving. The FitBit-style wearable device will communicate wirelessly with a Sober Steering module located behind the dash of the vehicle to provide interlock functionality and instant alerts. The wearable alcohol sensor system will be monitored and controlled by […]

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